ConsFirst / Espresso machines
Espresso machines: the downsides, first
Home espresso machines have a reputation for breaking and for a steep learning curve, and owner reviews bear that out. Here are the most popular models in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared22 sources readUpdated October 2026
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All 8 espresso machines, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Breville
$$Espresso machine (no grinder)Score 3.7/5
19%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The easiest machine here for café-style milk drinks, with a tiny footprint and automatic steaming that actually works. But Amazon owners often report units failing within months, and Wirecutter found shots harder to dial in than on its top picks.
Top complaints
- Stops working within monthsVery common
Durability is a negative aspect in Amazon's review summary, with multiple owners saying it broke after about 5 months. Reliability gets mixed feedback, with some saying it stopped working after a month.
- Forced cleaning cycles; frother can over-foamMentioned often
Amazon owners give maintenance mixed marks and say they are forced through cleaning cycles. Food Network found the frother can over-foam and the portafilter prone to dripping.
- Light body, limited wand reach, pricey for entry levelOccasional
Walmart reviewers say it is so light you have to hold the machine down to remove the portafilter. Tom's Guide lists the limited steam wand movement and an entry-level price that is still high as its cons.
What owners love
- Excellent automatic milk steaming
Wirecutter says it has a strong steam wand with an impressive automatic function. Food Network calls the frothing very impressive, with adjustable temperature and foam.
- Easy right out of the box
Tom's Guide says it is beyond easy to master; ease of use and compact size are positive aspects on Amazon.
- Great espresso with PID
Tom's Guide credits it with great espresso and PID temperature control; espresso quality is a positive aspect on Amazon.
Skip it if…- You want a built-in grinder
- You want a machine with a strong long-term reliability record
- You want to tinker with every shot variable
Good for- Beginners who want lattes with hands-free milk
- Small kitchens (about 7 inches wide)
- Pairing with a separate grinder
Scores (tap for why)
- Espresso quality3.5
Why 3.5?
Tom's Guide: great espresso with PID. Wirecutter: harder to dial in than its picks, and presets need reprogramming. - Milk frothing4.5
Why 4.5?
Strong wand and an automatic mode that works (Wirecutter, Food Network, Tom's Guide); Food Network notes it can over-foam. - Ease of use4.5
Why 4.5?
Easy out of the box (Tom's Guide, Food Network); ease of use is an Amazon positive. Light body means holding it down when removing the portafilter (Walmart). - Cleaning & upkeep3.5
Why 3.5?
Auto-purging wand and removable tank (Food Network), but maintenance is mixed on Amazon because of forced cleaning cycles. - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Durability is a negative aspect on Amazon (breaking after ~5 months) and reliability is mixed; 19% of Amazon ratings are 1-2 stars.
What experts say
- Food Network: Best overall: an easy milk-sensing frother and a very good cup with little effort; the cons are a portafilter prone to dripping and a frother that can over-foam.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Former top pick, now 'worth considering': strong steam wand and auto-froth, but dialing in a shot was harder than on its current picks and the presets need reprogramming.
- Tom's Guide: One of the best machines for beginners, with great espresso and easy auto-steaming; pricey for entry level and the steam wand has limited movement.
#2
Gaggia
$$Espresso machine (no grinder)Score 3.6/5
13%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The budget enthusiast's pick, and it pulls more nuanced shots than pricier Brevilles. You'll need a separate grinder and a better tamper, plus practice: it has no PID, and testers disagree on how good the steam wand is.
Top complaints
- No PID: inconsistent temperature and shotsVery common
Wirecutter says shot consistency is harder to sustain back to back without PID control, and Tom's Guide says temperatures still aren't properly stable. Consistency is a negative aspect on Amazon.
- Leaks and spitting from the steam wandMentioned often
Leakage is a negative aspect on Amazon, with owners reporting water spitting and dripping from the steam wand. Amazon's summary also says some report it breaking down after 1.5 years.
- Flimsy tamper, few accessories, awkward tankMentioned often
Wirecutter and Tom's Guide both say the plastic tamper needs replacing, and there's no milk pitcher. Wirecutter found reinserting the under-boiler water tank and its tubes tricky.
What owners love
- Complex, nuanced shots
Wirecutter says it was the only machine in its price range to give balanced shots with the depth of much pricier machines. Tom's Guide says it makes great espresso.
- Simple controls, quick heat-up
Three buttons; Wirecutter had it ready in about a minute with a ~30-second wait before steaming.
- Built to last
Tom's Guide calls it very reliable and says it should last over a decade with routine maintenance; the brass boiler and group improve thermal stability.
Skip it if…- You want push-button milk drinks
- You want accessories in the box
- You want consistent temperature without technique
Good for- Learning to pull café-quality shots
- People who already own a good grinder
- Long-term ownership with routine maintenance
Scores (tap for why)
- Espresso quality4.5
Why 4.5?
Wirecutter: complex, balanced shots that beat pricier machines. Tom's Guide: great espresso. No PID hurts back-to-back consistency. - Milk frothing3.5
Why 3.5?
The testers disagree. Wirecutter found the wand weak and fixed at an awkward angle. Tom's Guide found it powerful enough for a flat white in about ten seconds. - Ease of use3.0
Why 3.0?
Simple buttons, but it needs temperature management, a new tamper and practice; Wirecutter says it's harder for beginners than its Breville picks. - Cleaning & upkeep3.0
Why 3.0?
Tom's Guide says the tank is easy to fill, but Wirecutter found removing and refitting the tank tricky. Leakage is an Amazon negative. - Durability4.0
Why 4.0?
Tom's Guide: very reliable, should last a decade or more. Amazon: durability is mixed, with some reports of breakdowns after 1.5 years.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Budget pick: more nuanced shots than its Breville picks, but no PID, a weak and fixed-angle steam wand, and a flimsy tamper you should replace.
- Tom's Guide: Best for enthusiasts: great espresso, quick heat-up, powerful wand and very reliable; no PID and only a poor plastic tamp at about $500.
#3
Ninja
$$With built-in grinderScore 3.5/5
16%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The most beginner-proof machine here. It weighs your dose, suggests a grind size and froths milk hands-free, and it also makes drip coffee and cold brew. Low-star owners, though, report inconsistent extraction, grinder failures and leaks.
Top complaints
- Inconsistent or bad-tasting extractionVery common
Several 1-star Walmart reviews say shots came out over- or under-extracted despite Barista Assist, that grind-size recommendations were off, and that the tamper packed too hard and choked shots.
- Grinder failures, leaks, dead on arrivalMentioned often
Walmart and SharkNinja-syndicated 1-star reviews describe grinders failing (one owner twice in 18 months), water leaking onto the counter after months of use, and units arriving broken. Tom's Guide lists a 1-year warranty.
- Switching beans is a hassle; no single shotMentioned often
Tom's Guide says changing beans means emptying the hopper, purging the grinder and recalibrating, and there's no single-shot basket. Some Walmart owners say it uses a lot of coffee and needs frequent cleaning.
What owners love
- Foolproof hands-free frothing
Tom's Guide says the whisk-equipped jug made milk exactly as wanted every time, including plant milk and cold foam, and the wand auto-purges. Even 1-star Walmart reviewers praise the frother.
- Guided grinding and dosing
Tom's Guide found it intuitive: it weighs the basket, recommends a grind setting, and rarely required the manual.
- Espresso, drip and cold brew in one
Tom's Guide praises the wide range of hot and iced drinks, plus integrated storage for accessories.
Skip it if…- You want full manual control
- You switch beans often
- You want single shots
Good for- Total beginners
- Households that drink espresso, drip and iced drinks
- Hands-free milk and cold foam
Scores (tap for why)
- Espresso quality3.0
Why 3.0?
Tom's Guide found it rich and flavorful every time, but several low-star Walmart owners report inconsistent over- or under-extraction. - Milk frothing4.5
Why 4.5?
Foolproof auto-frothing with plant-milk and cold-foam modes (Tom's Guide), praised even by unhappy owners. - Ease of use4.5
Why 4.5?
Guided dosing and grind suggestions make it the easiest for beginners (Tom's Guide); switching beans is the main hassle. - Cleaning & upkeep3.0
Why 3.0?
The wand auto-purges (Tom's Guide), but low-star Walmart owners say it needs frequent cleaning and the drip tray fills fast. - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Walmart and SharkNinja-syndicated 1-star reviews describe grinder failures, leaks and DOA units; the warranty is 1 year (Tom's Guide).
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: 4.5 stars; the reviewer calls it the best espresso machine for beginners you can buy: rich espresso, foolproof frothing and many drink types; switching beans is complicated and there's no single shot.
- Tom's Guide (best espresso machines): The guide picks the Luxe Café Mini Plus sibling for beginners and notes the Luxe line's whisk-style auto milk is a halfway house rather than true steaming.
#4
Rancilio
$$$Espresso machine (no grinder)Score 3.6/5
13%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (568 ratings). The listing title doesn't name the V6 version; a second Silvia listing (B084RT95LQ, 116 ratings) showed 12%.A tank-like classic that pulls great espresso and has a powerful steam wand. Without PID you have to manage the temperature yourself, and testers say a beginner is better served elsewhere at this price.
Top complaints
- No PID: temperature surfing requiredVery common
Tom's Guide says you must 'temperature surf' for consistent shots and plan ahead for milk drinks. Wirecutter says the lack of PID means practice for consistency and points to the PID-equipped Profitec Go instead.
- Steep learning curve, slow heat-upMentioned often
Tom's Guide lists slow heat-up and fiddly temperature surfing as cons. Amazon owners are mixed on ease of use (some cite a steep learning curve) and on heating time.
- Pricey for what it offersMentioned often
Tom's Guide lists the price as a con; value for money is mixed on Amazon.
What owners love
- Great espresso
Tom's Guide says it pulls great espresso; Wirecutter says it made the best shot of any machine in its 2016 tests.
- Built like a tank
Amazon owners praise the build quality and durability, and Tom's Guide calls it well built with a 58mm commercial portafilter.
- Powerful steam wand
Tom's Guide lists a powerful steam wand; Amazon owners say it makes perfect cappuccinos.
Skip it if…- You're a beginner
- You want quick heat-up
- You want PID temperature control at this price
Good for- Experienced home baristas
- Buyers who want commercial-style parts that last
- Pairing with a quality grinder
Scores (tap for why)
- Espresso quality4.0
Why 4.0?
Great espresso per Tom's Guide and Wirecutter (best shot in 2016), but without PID consistency depends on technique. - Milk frothing4.0
Why 4.0?
Powerful steam wand (Tom's Guide), but the single boiler means planning ahead for milk drinks. - Ease of use2.0
Why 2.0?
Tom's Guide: not for beginners; temperature surfing and slow heat-up. Amazon: ease of use is mixed, with a steep learning curve. - Durability4.5
Why 4.5?
Build quality and durability are positive aspects on Amazon; Tom's Guide calls it well built.
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: 3 stars and 'not for beginners': well built, with great espresso and a powerful wand, but no PID, fiddly temperature surfing, slow heat-up and a high price; get a Breville for an easy life.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Made the best shot in its 2016 testing, but at around $900 without PID you're better off paying a little more for the Profitec Go.
#5
Breville
$$$With built-in grinderScore 3.4/5
12%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)A faster-heating, screen-equipped step up from the Barista Express with a well-liked steam wand. Wirecutter found its shots inconsistent, though, and Amazon owners flag durability.
Top complaints
- Stops working or breaks earlyVery common
Durability is a negative aspect in Amazon's review summary, and reliability is mixed; some owners say it stops working properly or breaks within three months.
- Inconsistent shotsMentioned often
Wirecutter says it didn't pull very consistent shots and offers less guidance and customization than the Barista Touch.
- Not intuitive for newcomers; price debatedMentioned often
Trusted Reviews lists it as un-intuitive for newbie baristas. Value for money is mixed on Amazon, with some saying it isn't worth the high price.
What owners love
- Very fast heat-up
Trusted Reviews says its ThermoJet heating makes it one of the fastest around; Amazon owners cite brew times under 3 minutes.
- Great manual steam wand
Trusted Reviews praises the manual steam wand, and Amazon owners say the frother works like a dream.
- Owners like the coffee and the ease of use
Performance, ease of use, coffee quality and taste are positive aspects on Amazon.
Skip it if…- You want hand-holding as a total beginner
- You want the most consistent shots for the money
- You worry about out-of-warranty repairs
Good for- Fast heat-up on busy mornings
- Manual milk steaming
- A grinder-included setup with a timer display
Scores (tap for why)
- Espresso quality3.0
Why 3.0?
Amazon owners praise the coffee, but Wirecutter found the shots inconsistent. - Milk frothing4.0
Why 4.0?
Great manual steam wand (Trusted Reviews); Amazon owners say the frother works like a dream. No auto-froth. - Ease of use3.5
Why 3.5?
Amazon owners find it super easy, but Trusted Reviews calls it un-intuitive for beginners and Wirecutter says it holds your hand less than the Barista Touch. - Cleaning & upkeep4.0
Why 4.0?
Trusted Reviews lists it as easy to clean. - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Durability is a negative aspect on Amazon (90 mentions) and reliability is mixed, including reports of breaking within three months.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not recommended: a similar grinder to the Barista Touch but fewer features and less customization, and it didn't pull very consistent shots.
- Trusted Reviews (Sage Barista Pro, UK): A stellar manual machine with super-fast heat-up, a great steam wand and easy cleaning; un-intuitive for newbie baristas.
#6
Breville
$$With built-in grinderScore 3.4/5
10%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Amazon's most-rated espresso machine, and a solid all-in-one with a built-in grinder that makes excellent espresso. It has a real learning curve, though, and some owners report grinder or machine failures after a few years.
Top complaints
- Grinder or machine failing after a few yearsVery common
Amazon's summary says some owners report the grinder stopping and the machine breaking after about three years. Reliability and durability are both mixed aspects.
- Learning curve with no guidanceMentioned often
Food Network says beginners face a learning curve because it doesn't walk you through the steps.
- Less power and precision than rivalsMentioned often
Wirecutter calls the grinder adequate but says you get less power and precision than with the Gaggia Classic. Tom's Guide notes there's no low-water warning and the finish picks up fingerprints.
What owners love
- Excellent espresso
Tom's Guide says it consistently produces an excellent cup; Food Network testers said it could rival fancy coffee shops. Espresso quality is a top Amazon positive.
- Built-in grinder saves money
Food Network highlights the integrated grinder; value for money is a positive aspect on Amazon (about 1,700 mentions).
- Good at frothing milk
Tom's Guide calls it great at frothing milk, and it includes four basket options.
Skip it if…- You want step-by-step guidance or auto milk
- You want the most precise grinder
- You have limited counter space
Good for- One appliance that grinds and brews
- Learning manual espresso with some help
- Milk drinks with a manual wand
Scores (tap for why)
- Espresso quality4.0
Why 4.0?
Excellent, coffee-shop-level espresso per Tom's Guide and Food Network, though Wirecutter rates its power and precision below the Gaggia's. - Milk frothing3.5
Why 3.5?
Tom's Guide: great at frothing milk. Wirecutter found the Infuser, which it says shares this machine's base, frothed slower and less creamily than the Bambino Plus. No auto-froth. - Ease of use3.0
Why 3.0?
Quick setup but a learning curve with no guidance (Food Network); no low-water warning (Tom's Guide). - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Reliability and durability are mixed on Amazon; some machines last years, while others see the grinder stop or the machine break around year three. Its 10% low-star share is the lowest here.
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: One of the best around, with excellent espresso and good frothing; no low-water warning, and budget or small-kitchen buyers may prefer the Bambino Plus.
- Food Network: Best splurge: integrated grinder and high-quality espresso; pricey, with a learning curve for beginners.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not recommended: essentially the Infuser plus an adequate grinder, missing the Barista Touch's key features and offering less power and precision than the Gaggia.
#7
Philips
$$Super-automaticScore 3.5/5
21%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Push-button lattes with a milk system that is genuinely easy to clean, but testers call the coffee weak or thin. It is noisy, and it has the highest Amazon 1-2 star share in this group, with durability complaints.
Top complaints
- Breaks or malfunctions within monthsVery common
Durability is a negative aspect in Amazon's review summary (274 mentions) and reliability is mixed, with some owners saying it broke after about seven months.
- Weak or thin coffeeVery common
Tom's Guide calls the coffee kind of weak. Coffeeness found the espresso good but running a bit fast, with black coffee drinks too thin. 'Disappointing' is a negative aspect on Amazon.
- NoisyMentioned often
Noise level is a negative aspect on Amazon, with owners saying it's not suitable for quiet environments. Coffeeness found the grinder and milk system louder than expected.
What owners love
- Easy to clean milk system
LatteGo is two parts with no tubes (Coffeeness); Tom's Guide lists easy cleaning as a pro, and it is an Amazon positive.
- Very simple to operate
Tom's Guide says it makes cappuccinos a cinch; Coffeeness calls it highly intuitive.
- Owners like the coffee quality
Coffee quality is the most-mentioned positive on Amazon (about 1,100 mentions).
Skip it if…- You want strong, café-grade espresso
- You need a quiet machine
- You want latte-art milk
Good for- One-touch cappuccinos and lattes
- Low-effort cleaning
- Households that don't want to learn espresso
Scores (tap for why)
- Espresso quality2.5
Why 2.5?
Tom's Guide: coffee kind of weak. Coffeeness: decent espresso, but fast extraction and thin black coffee. - Milk frothing3.0
Why 3.0?
Push-button foam, but testers disagree: Tom's Guide wanted denser foam, while Coffeeness found it too dense and hot. The Tom's Guide guide says super-automatic milk isn't true steaming. - Ease of use5.0
Why 5.0?
One-touch drinks; simple to use (Tom's Guide), highly intuitive (Coffeeness), and ease of use is an Amazon positive. - Cleaning & upkeep4.5
Why 4.5?
Tubeless two-part LatteGo, front-removable brew group and a water filter that cuts descaling (Coffeeness); cleaning is an Amazon positive. - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Coffeeness found the build high quality, but durability is an Amazon negative and 21% of Amazon ratings are 1-2 stars.
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: 3 stars: easy cappuccinos, thoughtful design and easy cleaning; the coffee is kind of weak and the foam could be denser.
- Coffeeness: Entry-level with minor pitfalls: good value, intuitive and easy to clean; a bit noisy and the milk froth is dense and hot.
- Tom's Guide (best espresso machines): Listed under 'also tested': one of the most affordable super-automatics, but plasticky and its milk dispenser struggles to compete with pricier options.
#8
De'Longhi
$Espresso machine (no grinder)Score 3.0/5
13%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Testers say this very cheap machine pulls surprisingly good shots and has a capable steam wand. It is plasticky, though, and many owners report leaks or a dead unit within the first year.
Top complaints
- Breaks within the first yearVery common
Durability is a negative aspect in Amazon's review summary, with many owners saying it broke down within the first year. Walmart 1-star reviews describe a unit that broke after 4 months and a milk frother that quit after a month.
- Leaks and lukewarm waterVery common
Leakage is a negative aspect on Amazon, especially a dripping wand, and some owners say the water doesn't get hot enough. A Walmart reviewer reports water leaking from crevices and water that wasn't hot even when the machine showed it was ready.
- Plasticky, poor tamper, no shot cut-offMentioned often
Tom's Guide calls the plastic tamper awful and notes there's no milk jug and no single/double shot volume, so you stop the shot yourself. Food Network lists budget construction and a messy process. A Walmart buyer returned it over the lack of an automatic cut-off.
What owners love
- Good espresso for the price
Tom's Guide says a former barista could pull consistently delicious shots with practice; Food Network calls the espresso good for the price.
- Surprisingly capable steam wand
Tom's Guide made fine microfoam and calls it one of the top steam wands its tester has used at this price, though it can over-texture milk if you don't concentrate.
- Easy to use and clean
Ease of use and ease of cleaning are positive aspects in Amazon's review summary; Tom's Guide notes it heats up quickly.
Skip it if…- You want it to last for years
- You want shots that stop automatically
- You dislike plastic builds
Good for- Tight budgets
- Learning espresso by hand
- Very small counters
Scores (tap for why)
- Espresso quality3.5
Why 3.5?
Good shots for the price with practice (Tom's Guide, Food Network), but some Amazon owners say the water isn't hot enough. - Milk frothing3.5
Why 3.5?
Tom's Guide: capable, even overzealous wand that makes fine microfoam. Amazon and Walmart owners report the wand dripping or the frother failing. - Ease of use3.0
Why 3.0?
Simple and easy per Amazon owners, but you stop shots manually and it takes practice (Tom's Guide, Food Network). - Cleaning & upkeep3.0
Why 3.0?
Easy to take apart and clean per Amazon owners, but Food Network calls it messy and leakage is an Amazon negative. - Durability2.0
Why 2.0?
Durability is a negative aspect on Amazon (270 mentions), the body is plastic (Tom's Guide), and Walmart owners report failures within months.
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Best budget pick (4 stars): delicious shots and excellent steaming for the price; cons are an awful plastic tamper, no milk jug and a plasticky look.
- Food Network: Best value: affordable and straightforward, but budget construction, no grinder, and messy.