For a lot of coffee fans, having a professional barista on-call in your kitchen is the definition of a dream come true. However, for most people, that dream is somewhat unrealistic. The next best thing to having a live-in barista is having an electric espresso maker right in your own kitchen.
These convenient espresso machines bring home the taste of your favorite coffee shop. With one of these on your kitchen counter, you won’t have to brave the elements or the coffee shop lineups anymore! Of course, like with many home appliances, choosing the right electric espresso maker can be a daunting task. There is a wide range of options at all different price levels. How do you make the right choice for your taste buds and your budget?
We have you covered! First, we will take a look at some of the essential features to look for in an electric espresso machine and then we will give some of our top picks to help you narrow down your shopping list.
Breville’s Barista Express Coffee Machine
This coffee machine checks off a lot of the boxes above and then some. Yes, the price is higher than a lot of other home electric espresso makers but the upfront cost is worth it. The unit includes an attached burr grinder, removable tank, cleaning reminders, steam wands, and more. Plus, there are essential accessories included in the package. If you are starting from scratch then this unit is a great choice. You will be a pro home barista in no time and, other than the coffee beans, this Breville electric espresso maker includes pretty much everything you need to get the best espresso at home.
Mr. Coffee Automatic Dual Shot Espresso/Cappuccino System
If the price tag on the above unit was a little shocking then perhaps this electric espresso maker from Mr. Coffee is more your style. You lose some features when you opt for this less expensive model but you still check off some of the essential boxes you should be looking for when shopping. One of the best features is the fact that this unit can make two cups at once. Less waiting, more enjoying your fresh espresso. Obviously, with a lower price tag, features like an attached grinder and included accessories are not present. You will have to make those purchases separate which will add some cost to the initial sticker price on the electric espresso maker. However, if you can find some good deals on the essentials then this is a very nice budget-friendly option.
De’Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso And Cappuccino Maker
Much like the Mr. Coffee model above, this De’Longhi electric espresso maker comes with a very nice upfront price tag and some essential features. Brew two cups at once from fresh grounds or convenient pods. Plus, of course, you have the attached frothing wand to ensure your frothed milk is to your specific standards. Again, accessories like grinders are not included and should be considered when looking at the cost unless you own a burr grinder already. This is a budget-friendly model that should still be able to meet all of your needs.