Espresso machine test 2023
The espresso machine is the shining heart of any well-equipped kitchen. But the large selection does not make the decision easy. Which machine is the right one for me and my needs? We have tested 13 machines for you.
12 Espresso machines under test
You only have a minute? Our test winners in brief
Winners for beginners
Quickmill Orione
Our recommendation for all those who don’t want to go without a really good espresso at home. The machine has a robust design and only reaches its limits when foaming milk. If this is not that important to you, the Quickmill is the ideal choice for you.
Winners for advanced users
Bezzera BZ10
The BZ10 is one of the most popular machines for home use. The electrically heated brewing group guarantees a fast heat-up time and a constant extraction. The two-circuit machine also convinces with good milk foam results.
Winner for experts
Quickmill Rubino
We were impressed by the manifacturing and performance of the machine. The Rubino from Quickmill makes exemplary espresso preparation possible, is compactly built and ready to start after only 10 minutes heating time. Our recommendation for all professional home baristas.
Espresso machines for beginners
Espresso machines for beginners are usually smaller and especially suitable for preparing espresso. Since they have only one water boiler with only one water circuit, the machine needs a few minutes to reheat the water between the espresso and steam. Due to the reduced technology, they can be produced more easily and cheaply.
Test winner for beginners: Quickmill Orione 3000
Design: Thermoblock Water tank: 1.8 l Heating time: 2 – 3 min
The thermoblock machine is ready for use after only 2 to 3 minutes, which makes a significant difference compared to the typical 15 minutes. For its price range, it is of very high quality and robust construction and delivers a reasonable espresso. If you want velvety milk foam, you should choose a different machine. The milk dilutes a bit and the procedure takes much longer than with all other machines. We chose this machine as test winner because of its unbeatable value for money. The machine offers an ideal entry into the world of home baristas.
- value for money
- short heating-up time
- high quality processed with copper wires
Alternatives for beginners
Rancilio Silvia
Design: Single-circuit Boiler capacity: 0,3 l Heating time: 12 – 15 min
With the iconic machine you can brew good espresso after only 4:45 minutes heating time. The machine builds up enough pressure to extract an espresso with a stable extraction time. Flaw: It is not possible to check with how much bar the machine pushes the water through, because a manometer is missing. The Rancilio Silvia gathers a large community of handicraft fans behind it, because it is technically very simple and you can repair or modify it yourself. So the Silvia offers a lot of room for later upgrades. Also its robust (but not very shiny) construction speaks for a long lasting companion. Similar to the Quickmill, the Silvia reaches its limits when it comes to milk foam. In comparison, it succeeds qualitatively better, and after some practice it is possible to create fine milk foam.
- value for money
- solid & craft-friendly processing
- volume; the machine was the loudest in the whole test
Sage Bambino Plus
Design: Thermoblock Boiler capacity: 1,9 l Heating time: 3 s
The Sage Bambino Plus is recommended for the first steps into the world of espresso and for all those who do not place high demands on their machine and espresso. It takes some time to set up the machine and grinder correctly, as the volume of the sieve support is very small and the machine can build up only little pressure. Coffee nerds will therefore not be happy with the machine. We were impressed by the automatic milk froth function, which is easy to operate and produces good milk froth that can be used to conjure up latte art. Our conclusion: machines like the Rancilio Silvia or Quickmill Orione are better value for money. The Sage Bambino Plus offers a good start, but after a short time the machine makes you want to have more adjustment possibilities.
- good explanation and easy operation & cleaning of the machine
- automatic milk foaming function
- very short heating time
- no high-quality manufacturing
Espresso machines for advanced users
Dual-circuit systems have two water circuits with different temperatures, which can provide scalding water and steam independently of each other. This eliminates the waiting time between espresso and steam supply.
Test winner for advanced users: Bezzera BZ10
Design: Dual-curcuit Boiler capacity: 1,5 l Heating time: 10 – 15 min
This machine impresses with its noble design and can be immediately assigned to the house of Bezzera due to the typical rocker arms. It works with the electrically heated Bezzera brewing group, which is easier to completely clean and maintain than the E61. This makes for an excellent espresso, with the possibility of frothing milk at the same time. The 1.5 l boiler already offers considerably more volume for the water vapor, which escapes more dryly than with single-circuit brewing units. You have to do without other features, but the price speaks for itself.
- value for money
- top espresso and milk foam
- easy cleaning/maintenance of the brewing group
- high-quality manufacturing
Alternatives for advanced learners
Rocket Appartamento
Design: Dual-circuit Boiler capacity: 1,8 l Heating time: 15 – 18 min
The Rocket is a dual-circuit device that delivers what it promises. All the espresso shots we pulled were excellent. It was easy for us to quickly find the right grind for optimal extraction. The high-quality manufacturing speaks for itself, with its 20 kg the machine, once assembled, does not move so fast from the place. Every function of the machine was well thought out and kept to a minimum. There is no PID control, no possibility to regulate temperature and pressure. The length of the cover is determined manually via the brewing lever – simple and precise. We recommend it to everyone who is looking for an uncomplicated and durable machine. For coffee nerds who want to experiment with all the factors involved in making espresso, we recommend the ECM, which promises the same espresso quality and more scope for adjustment, but with a slight reduction in milk foam.
- value for money
- intuitive and simple operation
- high-quality and robust manifacturing
STONE espresso machine
2022, the first espresso machine from STONE hit the market. With its stylish and interchangeable side panels, the machine is not only a visual eye-catcher and an alternative to the classic design – it also makes excellent espresso! Once we adjusted our espresso grinder, the portafilter gave us consistently excellent results. The STONE also shone across the board when it came to frothing milk; the milk was not heated too quickly (and yet not watered down), allowing plenty of time to specifically froth the milk to the perfect consistency. Furthermore, by dispensing with the classic brewing lever, the STONE has a particularly slim design and is only 22.5 cm wide. We recommend this machine for all those who can do without a PID and are looking for an alternative to the „classic“ design of many portafilter machines without sacrificing espresso quality.
- Innovative design
- constant quality espresso shots
- Perfect for milk-based drinks
Ascaso Dream PID
Design: Thermoblock Boiler capacity: 1,3 l Heating time: 1 – 2 min
The Ascaso Dream PID is a real gem. The machine is very compact and therefore a good solution for small coffee kitchens. An eye-catcher are the illuminated water tank, the handle of the sieve holder and the wooden steam wheel. The aluminium finish of the Ascaso Dream makes it very light. However, this turned out to be a disadvantage for us, as we had to hold the machine while clamping the sieve carrier to prevent it from slipping. The installed thermoblock is ready for operation after only 1 – 2 minutes. With the Ascaso, reference time, brewing temperature and pump pressure can be set manually. Another positive feature is the steam lance for foaming milk. This has a lot of power and can also be used to froth large quantities of milk without any problems.
- modern and compact machine design
- very good milk foam results
- low stability due to light weight
Bezzera Unica P.I.D.
Design: Single-circuit Boiler capacity: 0,5 l Heating time: 5 – 10 min
With the Bezzera Unica, creamy espresso shots can be prepared at a high level. The single-circuit machine heats up quickly and offers a very good price-performance ratio. Here, brewing and steam temperature can be set individually. Ideal for those who like to experiment with different brewing temperatures. The machine takes only a minute to switch from brew to steam mode. A small display shows the temperature and the current mode. In terms of taste, it makes a very good espresso that runs through evenly. Compared to other machines in this category, the espresso beans can be ground finer here, as the machine builds up enough pressure to push the water through the finely ground espresso. The steam lance has decent power at the beginning, but loses some temperature and pressure when foaming. Nevertheless, a pot of milk for two cappuccinos can be frothed without problems. From the outside, the Bezerra makes a very professional impression. It has a high-quality finish, is small and compact, and we like it very much. Only the cup tray and the drip tray seem a bit wobbly in their construction. Rather negative: When opening the steam cover, it splashes quite a bit and due to the compact design, some spots cannot be easily reached with a damp cloth during cleaning. We recommend replacing the included plastic tamper with a higher quality one.
- Good price-performance ratio
- Fast heating time
- Very good espresso quality
- Individual setting for brewing and steam temperature
ECM Classika mit PID
Design: Single-circuit Boiler capacity: 0,75 l Heating time: 5 min
The ECM makes the heart beat faster for fans of pure espresso. The single-circulator convinces with a very good espresso quality and simple and intuitive operation. The simple design looks good in any kitchen, and the stainless steel housing has a high-quality finish. The water temperature and brewing pressure can be easily adjusted for optimum extraction. The machine is compact and yet offers enough space to fit espresso cups and a scale under the sieve rack. When foaming milk, the ECM performs less well because not enough pressure is built up for this, so that the milk becomes watery when you stop letting the milk nozzle drain. A small shortcoming that can be overcome with practice: Be careful with the outer parts of the machine to avoid burning your fingers.
- intuitive and simple operation
- many manual features like PID and brewing pressure control
- classic and robust workmanship
- little steam power and watery milk foam
Espresso machines for experts
Premium machines are characterized by a consistently high espresso quality. Dual boilers have two boilers, so espresso and steam can be drawn independently and almost endlessly without having to accept fluctuations in pressure or temperature.
Test winner for experts: QuickMill Rubino
Design: Dual-circuit Boiler capacity: 1,8 l Heating time: 10 min
With the Rubino, Quickmill launches its first dual-circuit device. The machine convinces in the test with very good extraction results, simple operation and a high-quality and solid stainless steel housing. Only the steam lance and the hot water spout are not very well insulated, so a little caution is required here to avoid burning your fingers. The machine is easy to operate and ready to start after only 10 minutes heating time. There is nothing more to say about the preparation of espresso, which is very positive. We were very satisfied with the extraction of the espresso, were able to adjust it well and the milk foam result is also impressive.
- fast heating up in 10 minutes
- compact and high-quality manifacturing
- possible energy saving mode
Alternatives for experts
Profitec Pro300
Design: Dual-boiler Boiler capacity: Brew: 0.375 l & Steam: 0.75 l Heating time: 6 – 10 min
The low-cost dual-boiler is characterized by efficiency and functionality. Thanks to the ring brewing group, the small boilers and the relatively strong heating elements, the machine from ECM’s German sister company is ready to start in an incredible 6 minutes. Here too, the PID allows precise control of the brewing temperature and also displays the brewing time in seconds. If there is a lack of water in the tank, the machine switches off automatically and fortunately does not need any tubes that are susceptible to germs. The price is right, performance even more so, only the futuristic design is a matter of taste.
- value for money
- suction valve instead of hoses
- cup tray sensitive to scratches
Ascaso Steel Duo PID
Design: Dual-circuit with two thermoblocks Water tank: 2 l Heating time: 2 – 3 min
Our recommendation for all who attach great importance to the appearance of their machine. The manufacturing and the look of the machine are very high quality and modern. Special eye-catcher: The illuminated work surface. The machine is a dual-circuit and equipped with two thermoblocks, which promise a very fast heating-up time of 2 minutes. The adjustment of the espresso went without any problems and we could achieve very good espresso results. The sieve carriers of the machine are the best that were present in this test. The machine is aimed at all those who enjoy a pure espresso. The frothing of the milk did not convince us compared to the other machines in this category. Those who don’t care about perfect milk froth will be very happy with the machine.
- compact design, fits well in small kitchens
- fast and clean cleaning process
- high quality screen carrier with wooden handle
- not enough pressure when foaming milk
La Marzocco Linea Mini
Design: Dual-boiler Boiler capacity: Brew: 0.17 l; steam: 3 l Heating time: 10 min
The Linea Mini brings your favorite café directly into your own coffee kitchen – at least that’s how it feels. Because the Linea Mini ensures a first-class espresso experience. The Linea Mini is the highest quality machine in this test, and we were not disappointed. The manufacturing and design of the machine are extremely high quality and don’t let anything go missing. Despite its many functions, the machine can be put into operation easily within minutes using the Quick Starter Guide. Numerous functions can be controlled via the accompanying app: Boiler temperature control, pre-infusion settings, stand-by mode, analyses of espresso consumption and much more. With the Linea Mini, espresso can be prepared at a constant professional level and provides an unbeatable overall experience.
- extensive scope of delivery
- very high quality manufacturing
- control options and features via accompanying app
- insulated steam lance
- no automatic stop function during the preparation of espresso
Our Espresso Best-Sellers
Why you can trust us
We love coffee and are busy all day long with nothing else. In 2010 we started our journey into the world of coffee, since then we have learned a lot. From growing and roasting to making really good coffee, we would like to share our knowledge with you. We only recommend products that we would also recommend to our friends.
We have many of the products represented in the test in our assortment. Is the test still objective?
Yes, we only recommend products that we would buy ourselves. For the espresso machine test, we tested many devices against each other. Product tests are also a good way for us to see how well our previous selection performs against other machines. Whenever products convince us in the test, we include them in our range.
