Best espresso machines July 2026
Finding the perfect espresso machine can transform your morning coffee routine. From fully automatic bean-to-cup models for ultimate convenience to semi-automatic machines for the aspiring home barista, this guide will help you compare the top options. We'll break down the key features, pros, and cons to help you find the right fit for your kitchen.
Last updated: 23 June 2026
Ninja ES701EU Luxe Café Pro climbed 1 position
Ninja ES601 Luxe Premier dropped 1 position
Espresso Machines: Top 5
1
DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM 21.117
from £301.322 stores
from £301.32
2 stores
2
Ninja ES701EU Luxe Café Pro
from £549.0010 stores
1
from £549.00
10 stores
3
Ninja ES601 Luxe Premier
from £424.9918 stores
1
from £424.99
18 stores
4
Sage Appliances The Barista Express SES875
from £478.9514 stores
from £478.95
14 stores
5
DeLonghi EC 230
from £82.508 stores
from £82.50
8 stores
The DeLonghi Magnifica S is a long-standing favorite for those wanting a fully automatic bean-to-cup experience without a huge investment. It's a versatile machine that accepts both whole beans and ground coffee, and includes a manual milk frother for cappuccinos. While some users find it noisy, many praise it for its excellent value and the quality of coffee it produces.
Pros
Affordable entry to bean-to-cup coffee
Uses both beans and pre-ground coffee
Compact size for an automatic machine
Proven long-term popularity
Cons
Can be very loud during operation
Some users find cleaning difficult
Durability concerns from some users
The Ninja Luxe Café Pro is a highly versatile semi-automatic machine that aims to cater to every coffee preference. It uniquely handles whole beans, ground coffee, and even coffee capsules. It also boasts modern features like app control and user profiles, which are uncommon in this category.
Pros
Uses beans, ground coffee, or capsules
Smart features like app control & user profiles
Large 2-litre water tank
Includes a dedicated milk container
Cons
No reviews to judge real-world performance
Potentially complex feature set
The Ninja Luxe Premier is a semi-automatic espresso machine with an integrated grinder and milk system. It shares many specifications with the more advanced Pro model, like a large water tank and powerful heating, but focuses on a more traditional bean-to-cup experience without smart features or capsule support.
Pros
Large 2-litre water tank
Integrated grinder and milk container
Makes a variety of coffee drinks
Powerful 1650W heating system
Cons
Only accepts whole beans
No user reviews to assess performance
The Sage Barista Express is an iconic semi-automatic machine for aspiring home baristas. It integrates a grinder, espresso pull, and a manual steam wand in a high-quality stainless steel body. While it has a steeper learning curve, users praise its ability to produce café-quality coffee once you master the settings and technique.
Pros
Excellent for learning home barista skills
High-quality stainless steel construction
Large 450g bean hopper
Highly adjustable for customization
Cons
Steeper learning curve than automatics
Durability issues reported by some users
Integrated grinder isn't top-tier
The DeLonghi EC 230 is a compact and highly affordable semi-automatic espresso machine for those who already own or plan to buy a separate grinder. It heats up quickly and has a capable steam wand for making cappuccinos and lattes. While its lightweight build means you need to steady it during use, it's praised for delivering excellent results for its price tier.
Pros
Very affordable and compact design
Extremely fast heat-up time
Capable manual steam wand for frothing
Uses a non-pressurised basket
Cons
Requires a separate coffee grinder
Lightweight build feels less stable
Small 1-litre water tank
Compare specifications
| Installation type | Freestanding | Freestanding | Freestanding | Freestanding | Freestanding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Automatic Coffee Machine | Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine | Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine | Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine | Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine |
| Coffee grinder | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Features | Milk steamer, Keep Warm, Automatic shut-off, Cleaning program, Display, 2 cups at once, Adjustable cup height, Detachable water tank | Milk steamer, Keep Warm, Automatic shut-off, Cleaning program, Display, 2 cups at once, App control, User profiles, Adjustable cup height, Detachable water tank | Milk steamer, Keep Warm, Automatic shut-off, Cleaning program, Display, Adjustable cup height, Detachable water tank | Milk steamer, Keep Warm, Automatic shut-off, Cleaning program, Display, 2 cups at once, Adjustable cup height, Detachable water tank | Milk steamer, Automatic shut-off, 2 cups at once, Adjustable cup height, Detachable water tank |
How we create the list
The ranking is updated monthly and is based on data we collect from our own platform. Products that rank highly are popular among our users while also maintaining high quality according to editorial expert assessments. Specifically, we weigh how many users follow the product via price alerts or lists, how it is rated by experts and users, as well as how much traffic it generates to stores and how well it is represented in retail. The texts on this page are AI-generated and created to give you a quick and clear overview. No products are paid placements – the ranking is driven solely by data.
