7 Best Italian Espresso Machines In 2023
If you've finally decided to invest in an espresso machine, why not buy it from the birthplace of espresso itself? Yes, Italy is the birthplace of espresso. And you're probably here today on the list of the best ITALIAN espresso machines because you're aware of it.
However, for the uninitiated, here's a little history. Coffee beans aren't grown in Italy, yet it dominates the coffee world. Why? Thanks to the invention of the world's first single-serve espresso machine by a Milanese engineer Luigi Bezzera in 1901! This gradually led to the emergence of saloon-style coffee bars, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Today, let’s take a look at the 7 of the best espresso machines from well-known, genuine Italian brands. Be it quality, user-friendly interface, flavor, speed, or a full-fledged Roman café experience- regardless of what you want from an espresso maker, we have a product for every coffee enthusiast.
Let's get started!
Top 7 Italian Espresso Machines: Comprehensive Review
DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica – Best Overall
When you think Italian espresso machines, you think DeLonghi. It is one of the most popular Italian brands with a long-standing reputation for well-built, functional products. Based in Treviso, Italy, DeLonghi espresso machines are known for being sophisticated, easy to use, and stylish. And the ESAM3300 Magnifica is no exception!
Stand-Out Features
Magnifica's double boiler system is one remarkable feature that sets it apart from other budget-friendly models. It means you can pull espresso and steam milk simultaneously. But does that mean it takes more time? Nope. Both boilers heat up in less than a minute. No more getting late for work!
The Magnifica falls in the mid-range category, but nothing about this machine is mediocre. It allows you to choose the size and strength of your brew, and takes care of the rest! Additionally, the Magnifica will store your preferences for future use. Hence, you no longer have to choose your settings whenever you brew coffee.
Moreover, there's an inbuilt conical burr grinder with 13 grind settings. So, nothing is coming between you and a fresh cup of coffee! But if you prefer pre-ground coffee, you can do that too. Just add your coffee grounds to the by-pass chamber and hit the brew button.
As far as convenience goes, the machine has a 60-ounce water reservoir. You can make up to 30 cups of espresso in one refill. Cleaning is a cinch, too; all removable parts are dishwasher-safe.
Pros:
- Extremely customizable
- Super-automatic
- Large water tank
- Very easy to use
- Two boilers that allow you to pull espresso and steam milk at the same time
- All removable parts are dishwasher safe
- Inbuilt coffee bean grinder available
- You can preheat your cup on the warming tray
- The machine stores your preferred settings for future use
Cons:
- You can use only small cups on this machine.
Gaggia Brera – Budget-Friendly
Gaggia Milano, the brand has a rich history dating back to 1930. Giovanni Achille Gaggia, the founder, applied for a patent for his first coffee machine in 1938. A decade later, he launched the brand Gaggia Milano.
More than six decades later, Gaggia remains a top manufacturer of high-quality manual and automatic coffee machines. It has elevated the art of home espresso brewing and brought a new kind of convenience with its machines. Gaggia manufactures all its products in Milan to date, maintaining the trademark of a true "Made In Italy" brand.
Stand-Out Features
At a glance, we weren't expecting much from the Gaggia Brera model, given its affordable price tag. We knew that this machine wouldn't disappoint with its brewing function. And rightly so! But for an affordable model from a world-class brand, we expected most of the advanced settings to be absent.
Surprisingly, the Brera machine has many features you usually don't get at this price range. The most impressive feature was the inbuilt ceramic grinder and a second chamber for pre-ground coffee. Only the geniuses at Gaggia know how they found the space to fit both in such a compact machine.
What's more surprising is the patented Adapting System on this affordable machine. It learns and adjusts grinding time based on how you like your coffee. Hence, no time is lost between the previous and next brewing sessions.
The machine also has a user-friendly interface. You can move the knob to obtain hot water for teas or steam and froth milk. Or, you can easily select the number of coffee beans for your espresso. Plus, the LED icons make it easier for you to keep track of the machine's functioning.
It has a pretty large water tank of 40 ounces. The best part? The water tank is front-loading. Meaning, you don’t have to deal with the hassle of turning around the machine every time you need a refill. This is a problem with most traditional or bulky espresso machines.
Pros:
- Very affordable price tag
- User-friendly with push buttons and an LED display
- Compact
- A front-loading water tank of 40 ounces
- An inbuilt grinder and a second chamber for pre-ground coffee are available
- Alerts you when it's time to descale the machine
Cons:
- You'll have to manually descale the machine
DeLonghi Italian Espresso Maker (Dedica) – Compact Espresso Machine
Here's another model from the groundbreaking Italian coffee machine brand DeLonghi. All DeLonghi models, including this Italian Espresso Maker, are high-quality, compact, and designed for easy cleaning.
The DeLonghi Dedica Espresso Maker is one of the latest versions of the brand's entry-level espresso machines. It is affordable, compact, and functional and makes an excellent pick for singles, college students, or people living in tight spaces.
Stand-Out Features
The Dedica's compact dimensions are a huge part of its appeal. It has a height of just 12 inches and weighs less than 10 pounds. Not only that, but its super-quick heating system means you can enjoy your coffee even on rushed mornings. Trust us, this beast takes just 35 seconds to heat up and start brewing!
The most practical feature of this espresso maker is its 15-bar pressure pump and three types of filter holders. Consequently, it brews consistent coffee every time. Plus, you can choose between a single or double-shot espresso. Not to mention, one of the filters is compatible with ESE (Easy Serving Espresso) pods.
As expected from every DeLonghi product, the Dedica is easy to clean with removable dishwasher-safe parts. It also has a descaling process that extends its lifespan.
Last but not least, the DeLonghi Dedica has an auto shut-off system. So, if you forget to turn off the machine before leaving for work, you can be at peace knowing that the Dedica will turn off automatically after 9 minutes and save electricity.
Pros:
- Brews coffee in under a minute
- Very compact
- Comes with a Pannarello-style wand for easy milk frothing
- Dishwasher-safe
- Easy cleaning
- Auto shut-off system
Cons:
- It has a relatively small water tank. So, if you're an avid coffee drinker, you might have to refill it often.
Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Espresso Machine – Most Stylish Espresso Machine
Nuova Simonelli has been around for more than eight decades. It is one of the best Italian coffee machine brands in Italy and 120 other countries worldwide. Besides, Nuova machines cater to both domestic and commercial espresso brewing.
The brand's breakthrough product is the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Espresso Machine. It is a classic example of the company's long-standing tradition of producing innovative and quality espresso machines.
Stand-Out Features
If you're looking for an espresso machine that's a treat to your eyes and tastebuds, look no further than the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II. With its shiny chrome exterior and retro-futuristic design, Oscar II is as much a conversation starter as it is a coffee maker.
Nowadays, the so-called "prosumer" espresso machines are in vogue among home brewers. What are these? Prosumer machines are expresso machines suitable for domestic use but with professional components and features. And Oscar II falls right into this category. In fact, it is one of the most affordable prosumer espresso machines on the market today.
Despite being fully automatic, even a novice can easily use this machine. Just dial in your grind, set the timed dosage, and the Oscar II will do the rest of the work for you! You can also choose between a single or double shot of espresso with just the press of a button.
What we liked best was the extra-long steam wand on this one. It is longer than most machines and uses dry steam. Consequently, it gives the user more control while steaming and makes the whole process much easier!
The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II comes in two types: water reservoir and plumbed-in. You can decide between the two depending on whether you want it for domestic or commercial purposes.
Pros:
- Auto turn-off feature to prevent overheating
- Affordable prosumer machine
- Suitable for both domestic and commercial use
- The dry-puck feature makes for easy cleaning
Cons:
- Takes a long time to heat before brewing, about 30 minutes.
Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine – Most Durable Espresso Machin
Rancilio introduced the first-ever vertical boiler espresso machine to the market. They're the go-to choice for many commercial coffee shops that require a high-quality coffee maker excelling in performance and reliability. That's not to say that Rancilio machines aren't suitable for domestic use.
In fact, Rancilio manufactures industrial-strength machines that you can easily use in the comfort of your own home. And today, we have one such product, the Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine.
Stand-Out Features
Right off the bat, the Rancilio Silvia coffee maker looks and feels extremely durable. After all, the body is made of high-quality stainless-steel panels with an iron frame. That means this espresso machine will last years with proper care and maintenance.
The machine got a big upgrade from its 2020 model. First, it is 8% more energy efficient, thanks to its new brass boiler! Next, it comes with a commercial-grade 3-way solenoid valve. In layman's terms, it means the valve relieves excess pressure and makes your espresso puck dry and easy to clean.
With its 68-ounce water tank and a large warming tray that can warm up to six coffee cups at a time, Rancilio Silvia makes an excellent pick for a large family of coffee drinkers. Or perhaps you can get it for small commercial spaces like a small office or a neighborhood food truck.
Even though the Rancilio Silvia has a commercial soul, it is still an entry-level model. Hence, it has a user-friendly interface with easy-to-use features. Every feature has a dedicated switch: power, steaming, hot water, and shot pulling. If that isn't enough, each switch comes with an indicator that lights up when the machine is ready to use.
All things considered, there's one thing we didn't quite like about the Rancilio Silvia. Not going to lie; refilling this 30-pound machine is a challenge since the water tank is situated at the back. So, keeping the machine on an open countertop is best to make it more accessible.
Pros:
- One of the most durable espresso machines with a stainless steel body and iron frame.
- Large water reservoir
- User-friendly control panel
- Suitable for large families and small commercial spaces
- Large warming tray
Cons:
- Heavy and bulky
- Difficult to refill the water tank
Gaggia Classic Pro – Beginner-friendly
If you're looking for a no-frills espresso machine that gets the job done, your search should end here with the Gaggia Classic Pro. Like all Gaggia products, this one's purely made in Milan too. And though the brand has moved away from manual espresso machines in recent years, the Classic Pro reaffirms that Gaggia still prioritizes espresso quality over everything else.
Stand-Out Features
It doesn't get easier than this. The Classic Pro espresso machine is straightforward, easy to use, and consistently produces delicious espresso. The good news is, even with its entry-level functionality and affordable price, the Classic Pro is still a huge step up from cheap plastic machines.
The machine features three buttons, each with an indicator light. The light turns red whenever each function is ready to use. Besides, this model was revamped in 2020. For example, the Panarello wand was replaced with a commercial-grade steam wand. Consequently, you can now produce tighter microfoam for your lattes and cappuccinos. The pump mounting also seems much quieter now. Plus, the stainless-steel frame was given a more streamlined look, and the user interface was made simpler.
One thing to note here, the Classic Pro is a semi-automatic machine. That means you'll need to steam milk and pull the espresso shot manually. But that's all part of the fun, isn't it? Besides, you can find tons of tutorials online. So, you'll get the hang of it soon.
Another worth-mentioning feature of the Classic Pro is its dual heating elements. Thanks to it, the machine heats up pretty fast. Moreover, like the Rancilio Silvia machine, this one has a commercial-grade 3-way solenoid valve for a mess-free brewing experience.
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly
- Affordable
- Large water tank
- Professional wand with Dry-puck feature
- Durable
- Compatible with coffee grounds and pods
Cons:
- It is semi-automatic. You'll have to pull the shot and steam milk yourself.
- Quite heavy.
DeLonghi ECAM45760B Eletta – Best Espresso Machine for Milk-Based Drinks
Let's come full circle and end our review guide with another excellent espresso machine from DeLonghi. When it comes to price, this product is on the higher side. So, if you're ready to splurge a little extra on a premium espresso machine, this one should be it.
Considering its features, the DeLonghi Eletta is a huge bang for your buck! This one will be even more worthwhile if you're into milk-based espresso drinks like cappuccino, latte, flat white, cortado, macchiato, and the like.
Stand-Out Features
Not many espresso machines can compete with the DeLonghi Eletta in terms of functionality. It sure comes with all the bells and whistles, but it also has many practical features that add up to a flavorful cup of coffee every time.
Why do we recommend this for milk-based drinks? The DeLonghi Eletta is like having a personal barista in your kitchen! Thanks to its automatic milk frothing and patented DeLonghi LatteCrema system, the Eletta espresso machine makes café-worthy lattes and cappuccinos with just the touch of a button. That's not all.
You can even customize your drink's temperature, and strength, all the way up to the milk-to-espresso ratio. That means you can make any kind of milk-based espresso drink right from the comfort of your home!
Like the Magnifica from DeLonghi, the Eletta machine also has an inbuilt burr grinder with 13 grind settings. Plus, there's a second chamber for people who love pre-ground coffee beans.
Furthermore, the Eletta features a massive roster of 11 drinks on an easy-to-use control panel. All 11 drinks are customizable, and you can brew 7 of them with the push of a button: single-shot espresso, double-shot espresso, hot water, latte, cappuccino, coffee, and macchiato.
Pros:
- Tons of customizable options
- Several frothing options available for different types of drinks
- Easy to use
- Removable carafe
- Easy cleaning
- Auto shut-off available
- Descaling reminder available
Cons:
- Expensive
Buying Guide For The Best Italian Espresso Machine
You've gone through the best Italian espresso machines; now you're wondering how to choose the right one for yourself. Don't worry; we'll make your decision-making process easy too.
Here are some things that you should consider while choosing the right Italian espresso machine for you:
Type of The Machine: Semi- or Fully- Automatic
Choosing between a semi-automatic and fully automatic espresso machine boils down to your preference and how much control you want. First, here's a brief description of the two types:
Fully automatic machines do everything from A-Z. From grinding to tampering to pulling the espresso shot, you only have to push a button, and the machine will take care of the rest. In most cases, you'll have to choose your settings, such as the brew time, strength, and temperature. But manually? You wouldn't have to break a sweat.
Semi-automatic machines, on the other hand, give you all the control over your brew. From determining the grind size to starting and stopping the shot, you’re the boss!
There's no such thing as a better machine. As we mentioned, it all comes down to what you want. Use a semi-automatic machine if you're a serious home barista and want to refine your skills. The level of control may seem daunting at first, but with time and practice, you'll get the hang of it.
However, if you want café-worthy beverages with just a push of a button, you can go for automatic espresso machines. There's another type known as super-automatic machines, which takes convenience to the next level by frothing the milk too. An example of a super-automatic machine is the Eletta espresso machine from DeLonghi.
Size and Design
Espresso machines come in all shapes and sizes. While some are large and bulky, others are lean and compact. However, the size of a machine has more to do with its functionality than aesthetics. So, you'll have to consider it carefully.
For instance, large and bulky espresso machines usually have larger water tank capacity, making excellent choices for large families or commercial spaces. Compact espresso machines may save space but have relatively smaller capacities.
Likewise, additional features like a built-in grinder, steam wand, carafe, etc., all add up to the size of a machine. But smaller machines are more budget-friendly. That means you can save money while sizing it down.
The solution? Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you want an espresso machine for personal use?
- Do you want to enjoy the additional features of an advanced espresso machine?
- Is your family a large group of coffee drinkers?
- Do you only want a no-frills machine for the sole purpose of brewing espresso?
- Do you have enough countertop or cabinet space?
- Is refilling the water tank going to be a challenge?
Customization Options
An espresso machine's customization features and price go hand in hand. The more the features, the higher the price. That's why most entry-level machines with affordable price tags come with standard features, while higher-end models have all the bells and whistles.
Now, this doesn't mean you should always go for a product that offers the most customizability. Are you still a beginner? Do you like café-styled espresso where you have no control over the brewing process? If yes, you can go for an entry-level model with a few customization options. This way, you can save a lot of money too.
In contrast, if you want to work on your barista skills or want all the control over how your brew tastes, you should get a machine that offers useful customization options like setting your grind size, temperature, brew strength, etc. Some machines could even save your preferences for future brewing sessions for some extra bucks.
Steam Wand
An espresso machine typically has two tasks: brewing espresso and steaming milk. Hence, considering the quality of the steam wand is just as important as the machine itself.
Like the machine, a steam wand comes in automatic and manual. In the former, the machine will steam the milk and produce foam with just the push of a button. In the latter, you'll have ultimate control over how you want to steam or froth your milk.
The result also varies. While automatic milk systems can do a pretty good job at steaming milk (plus, it comes with added convenience), they can't produce the same quality as a manual steam wand.
In Italian espresso machines, manual steam wands come in the form of commercial-grade or Pannarello wands. You can go for a commercial-grade wand if you consider yourself a pro-home barista. However, if you're still a newbie, go for a Pannarello wand.
Grinder Option
You might already know this, grinding your coffee beans right before brewing results in a fresh and flavorful cup of coffee every time. There are two ways to achieve this. One, you can get an espresso machine with an inbuilt grinder. Two, buy a separate burr grinder.
Getting an espresso machine with an inbuilt grinder makes your brewing experience more efficient and could save you money in the long run. But it often comes with a higher price tag. The advantage of buying a separate burr grinder is that you can use it for preparing other coffee styles apart from the espresso machine.
Some high-end Italian espresso machines come with two chambers. One is for grinding and brewing freshly ground coffee beans, and the other is for pre-ground coffee. However, again, this means the machine will be priced higher.
Maintenance
No matter how advanced an espresso machine is, it all comes down to maintenance. If it's not easy to maintain, you might have to spend hours in the kitchen cleaning your machine, let alone spending more money in the long run.
The only way to maintain and extend the lifespan of your espresso machine is to clean it regularly. So, make sure that the machine you choose is easy to clean. In other words, the machine should have easily removable parts. If the removable parts are dishwasher-safe, that's a bonus!
Most mid or high-range machines come with a descaling program. They notify you when it's time to descale. Even better, some even descale automatically. Some models take it up a notch by automatically flushing after every brew. All these features usually add to the product's price, but they're very efficient and useful in the long run.
Wrapping Up
Let's get this straight; when it comes to espresso machines, no one does it better than the Italians. And after going through these seven models above, we bet you agree too!
So, which is the best Italian espresso machine? While the answer is subjective, the DeLonghi Magnifica is a clear winner for us! It offers many customization options while being easy on the pocket. It's a mid-range product that both expert baristas and newbies can appreciate. Price? ✓ Customizability? ✓ Fast Heating System? ✓ User-friendly Interface? ✓ Easy Cleaning? ✓ Large Capacity? ✓.
FAQs
Who makes the best quality espresso machines?
Italian brands such as DeLonghi, Gaggia, and Nuova Simonelli manufacture some of the best quality espresso machines. They're hard to beat in terms of price-to-quality ratio, durability, customizability, functionality, and reliability.
Are Italian coffee machines better?
Yes, Italian coffee machines are much better, considering Italy's rich history of espresso machines.
Is Gaggia better than DeLonghi?
Answering this is quite tricky. Both Gaggia and DeLonghi manufacture high-quality, premium espresso machines on the market. Which one is better? It all depends on your preferences.
Why are Italian espresso machines expensive?
Italian espresso machines are expensive because they use high-quality materials and advanced brewing systems. Most machines are also equipped with many customization features, hence the high price.