Best Espresso Machines According to r/espresso (December 2025)

tldr; Dual boiler E61 machine. German build quality, rotary pump option. Prosumer favorite for serious home baristas.

tldr; The Breville Bambino is considered a good entry-level machine, especially when refurbished, but some users report inconsistency and often upgrade to more advanced models.

tldr; The Profitec Pro 600 is a highly recommended dual boiler E61 machine, considered an "endgame" option for its class, offering a compact design at around $2,400.

tldr; The Olympia Cremina is a highly recommended lever machine, praised for its engaging manual control, personal interaction, and fun, traditional espresso-making experience.

tldr; Produces shots rivaling expensive machines with full pressure control. Time-consuming, needs preheating, steep learning curve. For espresso craft enthusiasts.

tldr; The Breville Barista Pro is considered the best among machines with integrated grinders, offering faster heating and steaming than the Express, but its built-in grinder and tamper are often criticized.

tldr; Pure manual lever - no electricity needed. Full pressure control, easy cleanup, built like a tank. Makes excellent shots once you nail the technique.

tldr; The Profitec Drive is a highly regarded, top-tier E61 dual boiler machine, praised for its quality, features, and considered an "endgame" option.

tldr; The Decent DE1 is a highly praised, compact espresso machine, offering unique features like flow profiling, though its high price and tariffs might impact long-term sales.

tldr; The Lelit Victoria is a well-regarded espresso machine, often recommended as a solid option, especially when found at a good price, offering extra features and a 58mm portafilter.

tldr; Compact dual boiler with great value. PID, pre-infusion, LCC display. Brew and steam simultaneously. Best DB under $2k for many.

tldr; The Ascaso Steel Duo PID is highly praised for its fast heat-up, dual thermoboilers, controllable PID, adjustable OPV, and strong steam, leading to consistent, tastier shots.

tldr; The Rancilio Silvia Pro X is a highly recommended dual boiler machine, considered a strong contender and even a "former GOAT" for those seeking an awesome setup.

tldr; The legendary group head. 1961 design still used today. Temperature stability, pre-infusion built-in. Foundation of prosumer espresso.

tldr; The Wacaco Picopresso is highly praised as the smallest, most convenient, and cheapest portable espresso setup, offering awesome build quality and producing real espresso, though it requires a quality grinder.

tldr; The 'buy once' prosumer flow profiling machine. Paddle gives real control, gorgeous build. Expensive with learning curve. For serious enthusiasts.

tldr; Best entry espresso machine - quick heat-up, auto milk frothing, compact. Limited upgrade path but perfect for starting out. Pressurized baskets included.

tldr; The Breville Dual Boiler is praised for its espresso quality and value, with some considering it an "endgame" machine, though reliability can be inconsistent.

tldr; The moddable workhorse - OPV mod, PID, and 9-bar spring turn it into a capable machine. Stock is mediocre but modded rivals machines 2x the price.

tldr; The La Marzocco Linea Micra is viewed as a highly desirable, premium machine, often considered an aspirational upgrade, known for its quality but also its significant price point and 6-8 minute heat-up time.

tldr; Excellent single-boiler with PID control. Tank-like build quality from ECM's German manufacturing.

tldr; Durable Italian tank that lasts decades. Steams well, consistent once warm. PID mod recommended. Old-school simplicity, no frills.

tldr; The Breville Infuser is a decent starter machine with PID and pre-infusion, but it's often seen as a stepping stone to higher-end machines with better build quality and temperature stability.

tldr; The La Marzocco GS3 is recognized as a high-end, aspirational machine, though some older models reportedly had issues, and it lacks flow control compared to competitors.