The Best Espresso Machines America’s Test Kitchen

Many of us love making those routine stops at the local coffee shop, but sometimes these drinks can be expensive. Today, many people are opting to have their own machines instead, so that they get to enjoy their favorite drinks anytime at the comfort of their own home. Come to think of it, this will also save you the time you use for making those trips and lining-up at your favorite joint.

The machines come with instructions, so you don’t need to have special barista skills in order to fix something for yourself. However, the problem usually comes in when looking for a descent Espresso machine ATK as an addition to your home, especially when under a fixed budget.

Before you start having second thoughts, we have several other affordable brands which will still give you everything you need.

Today, we will review the 7 best Espresso Machines America’s Test Kitchen, therefore if that’s your budget, then stay tuned for more greatness.

Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine: Best choice from Americas Test Kitchen

Reviews of the Best Espresso Machines America’s Test Kitchen

Here are top rated Espresso Machines under $300

Cuisinart EM-200 Espresso Maker

This espresso machine is programmable with 15 bars of pressure and has the ability to brew single and double espresso. Depending on how you love your coffee, you can brew up to two cups of coffee using the ground espresso or the one with pods. It takes the experience to another level by featuring a system that allows one to pre-set the cup sizes which come in 1.5 and 3.0 ounces.

For ease of operation, it features a steam nozzle that’s meant for latte and cappuccino and at the same time features a different steam button. To help you dispose of any grounds after use, this machine has a portafilter holder that features a locking mechanism making it easy for such disposal.

Cleaning this item shouldn’t be a problem because it has a removable reservoir that carries up to 69 ounces of water or milk, and also a removable drip cover and tray. Other important features it has are the stainless steel frothing cup and a measuring spoon for accuracy.

Pros

• Removable reservoir
• Control dial for hot water or steam
• Portafilter accommodates both pod and ground espresso
• Cup-warming plates for the espresso cups

Cons

• Weak steam wand

Mr. Coffee Espresso Maker and Cappuccino Machine

This espresso machine features a 19-Bar pump that delivers the ideal pressure needed for extracting robust coffee flavors. It only has an easy one-button interface, and with this you won’t have to make any guesswork when controlling the machine.

With such accuracy, you’reassured of a drink that will have you falling in love with the espresso maker with every sip. By just a single press on the one-button, you can choose your single or double shots, depending on what your preference is.

I’ve had experiences with machines which aren’t effective when making hot drinks, because of uneven heat distribution. But with this product, this shouldn’t be a problem because of its thermocouple heating system.

It features an automated milk frother that whips the milk into a creamy and light froth, and that’s something to die for. It also comes with a removable milk reservoir, making it easy to re-fill, clean after use and can also be used to store the remaining milk for the next session.

It’s fitted with an adjustable cup tray that accommodates both short and tall mugs, irrespective of your pre-set ounces. Something to note is that when using it for the first time, be sure to follow the instructions on the manual.

Pros

• Removable milk reservoir
• Adjustable cup tray
• Thermocouple heating system

Cons

• The machine is loud

EspressoWorks 7 Pc All-In-One

With this machine, all you need to do is set it up and immediately get the brewing started. EspressoWorks has invested in an advanced fast heating system that also maintains the precise temperatures of your choice.

It comes with a removable transparent water tank that lets you monitor the water levels conveniently. The reservoir is also easy to remove, clean and re-fill and this is all thanks to the handle added to it.

It has a 15-Bar pressure system on the pump that produces flavorful Italian espresso, macchiato and Americano. This is yet another easy-to-clean machine because of the removable frothing device and the drip tray.

Included in the set are two portafilter baskets. With these, you can easily pull either a double or single shot any time there’s an extraction.  

Pros

• Gives both double and single shots
• Parts are easy to clean
• Transparent and detachable reservoir
• Thermoblock fast-heating system  

Cons  

• Effectiveness may not last

Flair Signature Espresso Maker

This is a completely human-powered machine with a manual press. With it, you can enjoy quality espresso shots, similar to that of your favorite barista. With 60ml of water and 18 grams of espresso, you’ll have 40ml shots full of flavor. However, you need to have a burr grinder once you pick on this product.

This manual espresso maker is one of a kind because it’s the only one you’ll find with a removable brewing lid.  This is a design Flair has patented and it allows users to remove the head, separate and rinse the parts.

This version features a custom-made stainless-steel tamper. This feels perfect on the hand, thereby enhancing the manual experience. It also comes with a bottomless portafilter usable for spouted or naked brewing.

And finally one thing I love about this is the portable nature. You wouldn’t want to miss your morning drink, just because you’re away from home. As you take it anywhere you want to, its durability will also ensure that it doesn’t get ruined in the process.

Pros

• It’s portable
• It’s beautifully crafted
• It’s easy to assemble and clean

Cons 

• Requires a separate burr grinder

Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine

This is yet another portable machine with a powerful design. It’s good for the road, and the credit goes to smooth modern line its designed with that allows it to perfectly fit in any given space. With just one touch, the extraction system delivers barista-style shots with up to 19 pressure bars.

The size doesn’t compromise the quality of your drinks, so you’ll still have your memorable espresso and coffee moments. It features a milk frother that ensures that you get the perfect finish for all your beverages. No matter the size, it still has two programmable buttons for different cup sizes of 1.35oz espresso and 5oz Lungo, making it ideal for your everyday coffee needs.

One thing you’ll barley find anywhere is the complimentary gift that’s included in the package. Every machine purchased comes with an original welcome kit from Nespresso that includes a variety of capsules with different aroma profiles

Pros

• Includes a milk frother
• Portable size
• Energy efficient
• Features a complimentary gift

Cons 

• Expensive coupons

Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

For those who love Mr. Coffee brands, this is yet another machine you can try. It’s versatile enough to make cappuccino, espresso and latte. The pump system releases up to 15 bars of pressure that brews the perfect drinks for your taste buds.  It features an automated milk frother that saves you from making any guesswork that may ruin everything.

You’ll do all your selections from the one-touch control panel that also creates double and single shots. Unlike the usual removable reservoirs, the machine come with an easy to fill design that has a programmed cleaning cycle which is one of a kind.

Pros

• Removable reservoir with programed cleaning cycle
• Automated milk frother
• Suitable for double and single shots

Cons

• Not so durable

Nespresso by De’Longhi EN125SAE Original Espresso Machine

Don’t you just love products from De’Longhi? This particular one is a powerful coffee maker with 19 pressure bars that unveils robust coffee favours with each drop. If you’re looking for something that’s energy efficient, look no further. The system only heats-up to the required temperature after which it automatically goes off after a span of 9 minutes.

The espresso maker is programmed and has two different one-touch buttons for creating your desired espresso and coffee recipes. With the buttons, you can also choose whether you want 1.35oz or the Lungo 2.75 oz.

To save you from troubles of having to check the water reservoir, it features red lights that will remind you when to re-fill. The easy-to clean tray also accommodates different cup sizes and recipes. Cleaning after use is made easier because at the end, you’ll have all the used capsules ejected into the internal receptacle. 

Pros

• It’s energy efficient
• Water re-filling alerts
• Lightweight with different colors

Cons

• Doesn’t make cappuccinos

Conclusion

Anytime we’re talking about an electronic, you always have to remember that the work doesn’t stop at owning one of the best brands globally. It stretches to how best you’ll handle that product, and in the end, it’s what dictates the item’s durability.

Our reviews were for the best espresso machines under $300, but this doesn’t mean that their quality is questionable compared to those that are probably highly-priced. Something outstanding about the products highlighted is that most of them are multifunctional, and that’s a great feature to consider when making such an investment.

My tag today goes to the portable Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine that you can have with you anywhere.  Therefore if you want to kick start your days in a special way, this is the way to go.