What Espresso Machine Is Right for You?

There’s no doubt that espresso machines are the purest way of brewing a hot cup of caffeinated goodness. There are plenty to choose from, too. But with so many options, which one is right for you? Prices range from under $100 to well over $2,500. With that, what they can accomplish varies dramatically from simply delivering a hot shot of java to serving up ready-to-drink cappuccinos, frappes, mochas, and more.

We’ve whittled down dozens of options to uncover three of 2022’s top-rated espresso machines. Tailored toward both new and more seasoned coffee lovers with varying budgets, prices start at just $99.95. Meanwhile, we’ve also catered to those looking to spend a little more to get barista-standard beverages in the comfort of their own homes.

Accordingly, we’ve further settled on a flagship Breville model that boasts all of the bells and whistles, albeit at a cost. And with an in-between option for beginners to the espresso-making process, we’ve hopefully covered all bases. So, without further ado, let’s start with a closer look at the De’Longhi Stilosa – our best espresso machine on a budget.

The De’Longhi Stilosa would be proof, if anyone needed it, that it’s possible to pick up a great espresso machine for as little as $100. The Stilosa from De’Longhi costs just $99.95.

While there are cheaper options out there, like the $50 Yabano Steam espresso machine, the Stilosa is light-years ahead of this and anything else in the same price bracket. It’s no wonder, of course, with De’Longhi having long been a market leader in the espresso machine and coffee maker sector. That said, the De’Longhi Stilosa isn’t necessarily aimed at first-time espresso machine users.

For example, beginners will need to practice grinding their coffee to a very fine consistency, which the sub-$100 Stilosa calls for specifically. Then there’s the tamping process and getting to grips with the machine’s steam wand. Still, for those keen to learn and looking for an unbeatable proposition for the money, the best-selling Stilosa from De’Longhi is hard to top.

While very focused espresso machines like the De’Longhi Stilosa are great at what they do, they’re not terribly intuitive, especially for newcomers to brewing their own java at home. Instead, options such as the Mr. Coffee Café Barista are often a better idea for those dipping their toes in for the first time.

Thankfully, it’s not necessary to break the bank on such products, either. The Café Barista from Mr. Coffee has an MSRP of $249.99. However, it’s regularly discounted to around $199 by retailers including Amazon and Target. For that, buyers get a semi-automatic machine that quickly makes tasty espressos and other coffee-based drinks.

A series of simple buttons does most of the work, while it’s also possible to override the Mr. Coffee Café Barista’s built-in automation abilities to produce an espresso manually. Features like the Café Barista’s milk reservoir immediately set it apart from more basic options, too. Such features also simultaneously ensure that it’s a more well-rounded solution than De’Longhi’s cheaper but more focused Stilosa.

Easy to use, if a little fiddly to clean, the Mr. Coffee Café Barista is a fine alternative to costlier options. However, those looking for a more well-known brand may also wish to explore the likes of the Philips 2200 Series, albeit at around three times the cost.

Where finances allow, it’s possible to get the full coffee shop experience in the comfort of your own kitchen. And with the Breville Oracle Touch, there’s even an in-built barista of sorts. That’s thanks to Breville’s clever technology-forward approach.

This tech-forward approach and the Oracle Touch’s touch screen operation simplifies making any number of popular coffee shop favorites in just three steps. That includes grinding with 45 different settings, temperature-controlled precision brewing, and even powerful hands-free milk texturing.

Of course, all of this comes at a cost. The Oracle Touch retails for $2,699.95. Yet, with Yahoo having recently revealed the true extent of people’s spending on shop-bought cups of coffee, the flagship Breville espresso machine would have paid for itself in just a little over a year.

At upwards of $2,500, an extended appliance warranty is a must for the Breville Oracle Touch. In fact, the same goes for any espresso machine, especially with Upsie’s coffee maker warranties designed for models across the board. Regardless of cost, an espresso machine is likely to become one of the most used appliances in any home.

As such, protecting it from manufacturing defects, mechanical issues, and other faults is crucial so you never have to go without your espresso drink. Upsie’s extended small appliance warranty solutions provide all of this and more. Comprehensive coverage at a low price, Upsie cuts out the middleman to pass on savings of two-thirds or more (compared to plans sold in stores) to you.

Other benefits include:

Two-year espresso machine warranties start at under $10. So, what are you waiting for? Lock in complete protection now for as little as $0.35 per month, exclusively with Upsie.