We researched more than 15 products and found the best Italian espresso machine for home use is the DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica (super automatic). If you crave that authentic coffee-shop experience in your home, the De Longi ESAM3300 will not disappoint.
With the touch of a button, the DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica allows you to craft the perfect coffee. Whether you want a rich espresso or a flavorful latte, the Magnifica ESAM3300 machine will deliver.
The DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica is the ideal Italian espresso machine for home use. With that said, every coffee lover has different needs, and this espresso machine may not be for everyone.
Here are our recommendations for the best Italian espresso machines for the home.
6 Best Italian Espresso Machines For Home Use
The market has a ton of Italian espresso machines, so deciding upon the best was no easy task.
We took it upon ourselves to do detailed research, and these are the ones that came out on top:
1. DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica (super automatic)
The ESAM330 Magnifica is a nearly perfect Italian espresso machine. It is a super-automatic compact machine and weighs 23.2 lbs making it heavy but not too big.
The exterior is all plastic and painted silver, which makes it easy to repair at home without extensive bodywork knowledge. We recommend asking a professional to fix it if the machine breaks down.
The machine has a cup warmer on the top, a 60-ounce tank, and an auto-shut-off feature.
You can adjust the shut-off from 15 minutes to three hours. Features like these make coffee-making a breeze.
Your cup stays warm, and you can make beverages like Americanos as you get a lot of hot water. You do not need to worry about coming to turn the Magnifica off after it completes the brewing. The added instant reheat feature ensures you always get hot coffee.
A small detail that is beneficial is the front-access water tank. The tank allows you to store your espresso machine in smaller or tight spaces, plus there are indicator lights that alert you when it is time to refill the tank.
The dual stainless steel thermoblock boilers complement the steam and brew side each having its own. You cannot brew and use the steam wand at the same time.
The grinder impressed us a lot. The De Longhi Magnifica comes with stainless steel conical burrs that offer seven grind settings. The burrs are noisy but get the job done efficiently.
The hopper holds around 8oz of coffee beans allowing you to grind enough for a strong espresso. You can also bypass the grinder if you choose to use pre-ground coffee.
The Magnifica also has a steam wand and a milk frother, ensuring you can make different coffee beverages as you please. They are easy to clean but not fully stainless steel.
Now, we can admit that not everyone loves the frother. The good news is that you can remove the outside sheath and use the inner wand as a steamer. The Magnifica’s brew chamber and drip tray are both removable, making it easy to clean
The De Longhi Magnifica can quickly replace your barista if they are not well-trained. While it is a super-automatic Italian espresso machine, you still need to dial in each time you change the beans.
There are two dials at the front you can use to do this. The volume dial allows you to set the shot volume anywhere from o.5 to 6 oz. The final dial is the brew strength dial that controls how much ground coffee to dispense.
Pros
- An intuitive and easy-to-use espresso machine
- It has a fast heat-up time
- It comes with a built-in, conical steel burr grinder
Cons
- The body is not built from stainless steel which makes it less durable
- The water tank does not have a filter
- It’s quite expensive
Specifications
Machine type: Super-Automatic
Capacity: 60 ounces or 1.7ltrs
Brews with: Ground Coffee or Whole Coffee Beans
Special Feature: Coffee Grinder, Milk Frother, and Auto Clean Function
Dimensions: 11 x 15.3 x 14.4 inches
2. Gaggia Classic Pro (semi-automatic)
Try the Gaggia Classic Pro if you’re looking for a large-capacity classic Italian espresso machine. Gaggia improved the Classic espresso machine by updating the steam wand to commercial grade, allowing you to try your hand at latte art.
The frame is made of stainless steel, making the machine durable. The user interface is intuitive, and while the Classic pro does have a learning arch, it is easy and fun to use. The dual heating elements will have your coffee ready fast.
The Classic Pro also has a 3-way solenoid valve for easier cleaning. They also added rocker switches and temperature-ready lights that make using this machine a breeze.
Pros
- Equipped with a commercial-grade steam wand
- Quiet pump
- Dual heating elements
Cons
- Not fully automatic and thus tricky for beginners to espresso brewing to use
- Some customers noted that their machines came with a weak solenoid valve
- The coffee pod holder doesn’t lock sometimes
Specifications
Machine type: Semi-Automatic
Capacity: 72 ounces or 2.1 liters
Brews with: ESE Pods or Ground Coffee Beans
Special Feature: Commercial grade steam wand, 3-way solenoid valve
Dimensions: 14.2 x 8 x 9.5 inches
3. Gaggia Brera (super automatic)
The Gaggia name is renowned for its top-notch Italian espresso machines. The Gaggia Brera is no different and offers a wide array of features you’ll love. Equipped with Gaggia’s one-of-a-kind Pannarello steam wand, which gives a velvety and decadent foam. If you love cappuccinos, you will thank Gaggia for this wand.
Another feature you will enjoy in the Brera is the built-in grinder which allows you to use coffee beans. It also has rapid steam technology that quickly raises the temperature in 10 seconds.
Gaggia’s patented Adapting System allows the grinder to learn your coffee beans and adjust grinding for the perfect grind every time. You don’t have to think about how you want your coffee grounds or finding the perfect setting; the Brera does that for you.
The water tank and the dregs bin are accessible from the front for easy fill-up and cleaning. The compact frame is not that light but allows you to store it in smaller spaces in your kitchen.
Pros
- Well-priced
- Has patented Adapting System for a perfect grind every time
- It comes with a Panarello steam wand
Cons
- Some customers report it wastes beans and dumps them after grinding
- You cannot use all types of coffee beans and must be careful to pick the right one
- It can stop running at times and bring up ambiguous error messages
Specifications
Machine type: Super-Automatic
Capacity: 40 ounces
Brews with: Ground Coffee or Whole Coffee Beans
Special Feature: Coffee Grinder with Adapting System, Rapid Steam technology, and Pannarello steam wand
Dimensions: 12.4 x 10 x 17.5 inches
Rancilio Silvia Pro X Espresso Machine (manual)
Consider the Rancilio Silvia Pro X if you’re willing to spend some money to get a durable Italian espresso machine. It has nearly commercial capabilities, and you may never step foot in a coffee shop again. It’s an energy-efficient and stable espresso pro.
The Pro X is equipped with a brass boiler making it more durable than most. The 3-way solenoid valve relieves excess pressure, making clean-up easier and your espresso drier.
You can expect excellent performance and durability because Rancilio is a trusted manufacturer of Italian espresso machines. Some customers state that they recently bought the Silvia Pro X because their parents had a Rancilio machine that lasted decades.
Although older models may be manual, this machine is not fully manual but semi-automatic. You will need to learn and master the art of making espresso to get the full benefits of the Rancilio Silvia Pro X. However, it isn’t hard to work with this machine. On the contrary, the articulate steam wand has an adjustable knob that gives you full control over your milk texture.
Pros
- Makes a high-quality, rich, and flavorful espresso
- Durable and stable
- Great and consistent steam power
Cons
- Expensive
- No hot water wand
- The iron frame rusts if you keep the machine in a moist area
Specifications
Machine type: Semi-Automatic or Manual
Capacity: 12 ounces
Brews with: Ground Coffee Beans
Special Feature: Coffee Grinder, Milk Frother, and Auto Clean Function
Dimensions: 11.4 x 9.3 x 13.4 inches
De’Longhi EC680M – Best Budget
For those looking for a reliable budget option that makes several cups of coffee, DeLonghi offers the EC680M at a great price. It’s a sleek and inexpensive Italian espresso machine with a compact design, weighing just above 9 pounds. While not very portable, it is lighter than most machines we reviewed.
This fully automatic espresso machine is equipped with pressurized single and double-shot portafilters. This gives a 15-bar professional pressure experience that assures you of barista-quality coffee every time. The EC680M is also programmable and has adjustable controls, giving you the power to brew a cup of coffee you like.
The removable dish-washer safe water tank and drip tray make this an easy-to-clean espresso machine. Additionally, the Automatic Flow Stop feature ensures you always get the right amount of espresso in your coffee while keeping the ideal brewing temperature. The manual frother makes a rich foam, but some customers have noted that it can randomly stop working.
DeLonghi made the EC680M using stainless steel, making this Italian espresso machine durable and rust-proof. Another welcome surprise was the clearance between the brew head and drip tray. You can fit large coffee mugs under there even though the head is not adjustable. A small cup will fit comfortably as well.
Pros
- Affordable with great capacity
- It has three temperature settings
- Slim and compact design
Cons
- It can be hard to insert a portafilter as the machine is quite light
- Manual frother can be inconsistent
- The water tank easily unsettles
Specifications
Machine type: Fully Automatic
Capacity: 34 ounces or 1ltr
Brews with: ESE Pods or Ground Coffee
Special Feature: Milk Frother and Twin Brewing Cycle
Dimensions: 5.9 x 13 x 12 inches
Lavazza BLUE Classy Mini – Best Single-Serve
If you want an efficient, easy-to-use Italian espresso machine, the Lavazza Classy Mini will serve you well. It is a single-serve coffee maker at a reasonable price. It has an elegant dark blue color with chrome detailing.
The Lavazza Mini’s user interface is simple, featuring two touch controls for either espresso or lungo coffee. What we loved about this Italian espresso machine is its compact and lightweight feel. You can carry the Lavazza Blue Classy Mini to the office, different rooms in your house, and on travels.
The catch of this exquisite machine is that it works with Lavazza Expert capsules which are an extra purchase. However, it redeems itself with its standby eco mode and adjustable height to fit different cup lengths.
It comes with a removable and adaptable cup support, allowing you to use any cup you want. The added visual alerts let you know when the water tank is empty or the capsule drawer is full. The water tank is also transparent, so you can easily see water levels.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Compact and efficient
- Easy to clean
Cons
- According to some customers, the machine is not very durable
- The fuse can short-circuit if you run the machine too much
- It’s not easy figuring out the right capsule size
Specifications
Machine type: Automatic
Capacity: 1 cup
Brews with: Lavazza Blue Coffee Pods
Special Feature: Touch Control, Programmable
Dimensions: 5. 3 x 13 x 10. 2 inches
Guide to Buying The Best Espresso Machine
When considering an Italian espresso machine for home use, you need to know two key details: the type of espresso machine you want and what key factors you are looking for.
Types of Espresso Machines
There are three types of espresso machines: super-automatic, semi-automatic, and manual.
Super-Automatic: These are beginner friendly and very easy to use. They have a grinder in the machine and automate coffee making to a one-touch process. Frothing and steaming are usually also automatic.
Semi-Automatic: These machines only automate a part of the espresso-making process, including temperature and pressure. They, however, allow for user input and control and are great for those stepping up in their espresso-brewing game.
Manual: These machines offer you full control over the brewing process. They are operated by pushing and pulling a lever. Pushing the lever draws water from the tank into the brewing chamber, and pulling the lever down creates pressure, pushing the water through the coffee to your cup. Manual machines are great for seasoned brewers or those looking for a more hands-on experience.
There are pros and cons to each type of espresso machine. The automatic ones tend to make the coffee-making process easier and faster, allowing you to perform other tasks and have hot coffee waiting for you. They, however, can have many errors, waste beans, and break down faster.
Manual espresso machines allow you to control your brew. They are fun and ensure an engaged brewing process. They also can last longer. However, they take a lot of your time and don’t always come with bells and whistles.
What to Look for in an Espresso Machines
The type of espresso machine is not everything. Consider the following:
Ease Of Maintenance
An espresso machine should take up a good part of your day or week unless you have the time. For those with busy lives, ensure you find an espresso machine that is easy to maintain and service.
Size
The right size for you will depend on how much space you have. If you have a smaller kitchen or less counter space, look for smaller, more compact espresso machines. Additionally, if you want to travel with your coffee maker, make sure it’s small enough to be portable.
Built-in grinder
If you love having an espresso made of freshly-ground coffee, consider buying a machine that comes with a grinder. However, if you do not mind buying ground coffee beans or grinding the beans yourself, you can save and purchase one without an in-built grinder.
Volume
Espresso machines can be loud; depending on your tolerance, you want to pick the right machine. Ideally, you want a generally quiet machine throughout the process. You can also find one with an adjustable volume for the grinder and the brewing process.
Budget
We all want to splurge on things that make us happy but going into debt for an espresso machine is not entirely wise. The best way to truly enjoy your espresso machine is to find the best one within your budget. Be honest about what you can comfortably afford and look for the most durable machine equipped with most or all the features you need in that range.
Conclusion
After carefully and extensively reviewing the Italian espresso machines for home use in the market, we found the best one to be the DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica (super automatic). It is pricier than most but not too expensive, with features that make it worth the price. It’s an easy-to-use machine that replicates barista coffee at home.
