The Best Espresso Machines of 2026: We’ve Tested More Than 20 Models
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A good espresso coffee is particularly powerful and tasty. This is the ultimate test for home brewers.
During our initial review process, our reviewers began by hand washing and drying all removable parts and accessories. For most espresso machines, this includes the filter basket, metal portafilter inserts, water tank, etc. It was then time to grind the coffee beans to a fine, consistent grind, which is essential for a good espresso brew.
Then it’s time to shoot. We start with the suggested method described in the product manual for a given machine. Usually, this covers the expected amount of coffee grounds per dose, as well as guidelines for coarseness level. Likewise, we follow the tamping instructions (light, medium or hard tamping) if the manual provides for them.
We make sure to record the weight of the grounds used, as well as the weight of the espresso for each dose drawn. This data, along with readings from a portable refractometer, allows us to calculate two important percentages: total dissolved solids and percentage extraction.
As with any coffee brew, the ideal extraction percentage for espresso is between 18% and 22%. This results in a balanced cup, assuming you perform an even and efficient extraction of the coffee compounds from your grounds (both flavor and caffeine).
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Not all home espresso machines can brew quality shots. This one was taken from the Breville Barista Express.
If you extract too much, you run the risk of letting unpleasant flavors (bitterness) in after the good ones. On the opposite end of the scale, under-extracted beers tend to have underdeveloped flavors. Lacking sugars and other organic caramelized chemicals, these shots will taste sour, weak, and watery.
Unlike a cup of filter coffee, barista-quality espresso needs to be concentrated. A great filter typically has a TDS percentage of 1.3% or 1.4%, a great espresso has a much higher percentage. The Breville Barista Express, for example, produced shots with TDS percentages as high as 12.4%.
The shots we took were balanced, with an extraction of 18.6%. The test coffee beans I use are the same variety I use for standard coffee makers: Costco Kirkland Colombian. This is a medium dark roast that is also suitable for making espresso.
Many espresso machines are equipped with steam wands to froth the milk. The Breville Bambino makes steaming milk particularly easy.
Finally, we try milk foam with each espresso machine equipped with a steam wand. I record the overall experience with the steam wand, whether the process is a breeze, a tricky chore, or somewhere in between.
You can use steamed milk to create cafe-style espresso drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
