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Best Espresso Machines September 2026

Explore our independent comparison of top-rated espresso machines to find the right match for your kitchen. Review manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic models across a range of features and price points. Compare key specifications, pros, and cons to make an informed buying decision.

Last updated: 1 September 2026

  • DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM 21.117 climbed 1 position

  • Ninja ES701EU Luxe Café Pro climbed 1 position

  • Sage Appliances Bambino Plus dropped 2 positions

Espresso Machines: Top 5

The DeLonghi Magnifica S is an automatic bean-to-cup machine that grinds fresh beans for every cup. It offers adjustable coffee strength and water volume alongside a traditional steam wand for manual milk frothing. Its compact design fits neatly into most kitchen spaces.

Yes, it has a dedicated bypass compartment for pre-ground coffee in addition to the whole-bean hopper.

Pros

  • Built-in 250 g bean grinder

  • Accepts whole and ground coffee

  • Automatic rinsing programs

  • Brews two cups at once

Cons

  • Grinder runs loudly

  • Manual milk steaming only

The Ninja ES701EU Luxe Café Pro is a versatile semi-automatic machine equipped with a built-in steel grinder and automatic milk system. It supports whole beans, pre-ground coffee, and capsules while offering cold brew and espresso options. App connectivity and customizable user profiles make repeat brewing seamless.

You can brew with whole beans using the integrated steel grinder, pre-ground coffee, or compatible capsules.

Pros

  • Works with beans, grounds, and pods

  • Integrated milk container

  • Large 2.0-litre water tank

  • App control and user profiles

Cons

  • Heavy unit at nearly 11 kg

  • Large countertop footprint

The Sage Bambino Plus delivers cafe-quality espresso in an exceptionally slim footprint. It heats up in just seconds and features an automated steam wand with customizable temperature and foam levels. Since it does not include a grinder, it is designed for ground coffee, ESE pods, or use with a standalone grinder.

Yes, the Bambino Plus does not include an integrated grinder, so you will need pre-ground coffee, ESE pods, or a separate coffee grinder.

Pros

  • Fast 3-second heat-up time

  • Automatic milk texturing

  • Compact 19.5 cm width

  • Generous 1.9-litre water tank

Cons

  • No built-in coffee grinder

  • Requires pre-ground coffee

The Sage Barista Express is an all-in-one semi-automatic machine designed for hands-on espresso preparation. It integrates a steel conical burr grinder, precise temperature control, and a powerful manual steam wand for latte art. It is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to learn authentic barista techniques at home.

Dialing in your grind size, tamping pressure, and milk frothing takes some trial and error, but the manual controls offer great customization.

Pros

  • Integrated steel burr grinder

  • Large 450 g bean hopper

  • Adjustable brew temperature

  • Spacious 2.0-litre water tank

Cons

  • Manual milk frothing takes practice

  • Heavy 11 kg build

The DeLonghi PrimaDonna Aromatic is a premium bean-to-cup machine built for seamless one-touch drinks. It boasts a 19-bar pump, an integrated milk carafe, and generous tank and hopper capacities for busy households. The touchscreen interface and app support make crafting milk drinks and custom recipes simple.

Yes, the integrated milk carafe automatically dispenses frothed milk for drinks like cappuccinos and lattes at the touch of a button.

Pros

  • High 19-bar pump pressure

  • Extra-large 2.2-litre water tank

  • Spacious 500 g bean hopper

  • Touchscreen and app control

Cons

  • Heavy 13 kg total weight

  • Large footprint on countertops

Compare specifications

Installation typeFreestandingFreestandingFreestandingFreestandingFreestanding
TypeAutomatic Coffee MachineSemi-Automatic Espresso MachineSemi-Automatic Espresso MachineSemi-Automatic Espresso MachineAutomatic Coffee Machine
Coffee grinderYesYesNoYesYes
FeaturesMilk steamer, Keep Warm, Automatic shut-off, Cleaning program, Display, 2 cups at once, Adjustable cup height, Detachable water tankMilk steamer, Keep Warm, Automatic shut-off, Cleaning program, Display, 2 cups at once, App control, User profiles, Adjustable cup height, Detachable water tankMilk steamer, Keep Warm, Anti-drip function, Automatic shut-off, Cleaning program, 2 cups at once, ESE podsMilk steamer, Keep Warm, Automatic shut-off, Cleaning program, Display, 2 cups at once, Adjustable cup height, Detachable water tankMilk steamer, Automatic shut-off, Display, App control, 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.