8 Best Italian Espresso Machines of 2022

when you think espresso, you think italy. so of course the espresso machines made in italy are simply some of the best around.

but how do you know which ones offer true Italian craftsmanship and which ones just trade their heritage to sell a product? ask us!

Reading: Best italian coffee machine

We’ve done our research and we promise these 8 Best Italian Espresso Machines will make your kitchen feel like a Roman cafe.

the 8 best brands of Italian espresso machines in 2022

Sure, there are lots of great espresso machine models out there. But Italy is the homeland of espresso, so it’s no surprise that there are many great Italian espresso machines on the market (1). Do you want to know which ones are the best?

read on for the 8 best Italian espresso machines this year, whether you want a super-automatic that does it all or a semi-automatic that lets you stay in charge.

Our favorite Italian espresso machine in 2022, and one of our favorite models of delonghi espresso machines, is the latest version of the longhi magnifica super-automatic espresso machine. it’s easy to use as it takes all the guesswork out of making a great espresso. at the same time, it offers enough customizable options to ensure you get exactly what you want.

One way it stands out from some of the less expensive options on this list is its double boiler system. having separate boilers for extracting espresso and steaming milk means you can do both simultaneously, with both boilers coming up to temperature in less than a minute.

Your morning just got a whole lot more efficient!

The professional-grade, built-in conical grinder offers 13 grind settings, more than enough to dial in the perfect shot. if you prefer to use pre-ground coffee, perhaps for a late afternoon decaf, a bypass dispenser is available.

It only takes the press of a button to make a single or double espresso. in fact, the brew head automatically adjusts based on your choice. you can customize the strength and size of your shot, and once you know what you like, the machine will store your preferences for future use.

Frothing milk is done manually with a steam wand. This is the best method for high-quality milk froth and gives you the most control over the texture of your milk. just keep in mind that it may take a bit of practice to get the hang of it.

read our delonghi magnifica review.

at the opposite end of the de longhi lineup from the magnifica is the dedicate.

it’s a much more basic espresso machine, with a low price tag, but don’t let that deter you. This Italian espresso machine may lack some of the bells and whistles, but it has everything you need for amazing espresso.

We love the compact size and fun styling of this little coffeemaker. At less than 6 inches wide, it fits comfortably in any kitchen.

but this is not a flimsy toy.

it is resistant and durable thanks to its stainless steel construction, a pleasant surprise at a low price.

and despite its small size, the dedica has impressive clearance between the brew head and drip tray. this is something that manufacturers often overlook. With a dedicate, you can easily fit a large cup of cappuccino and a digital scale, a clear sign of Delonghi’s years of design expertise.

Not surprisingly, this budget model doesn’t have a built-in grinder, but it does come with a 3-in-1 filter basket. It allows you to have a double or single shot using any freshly ground coffee. or you can use a pod that. these are a bit more expensive, but are a great option to save time and ensure consistency.

It is a fully automatic Italian espresso machine, which means it is equipped with a flow meter to monitor the progression of your drink. You’ll need to grind, dose, and tamp, but getting the shot out is out of your hands. however, you will need a little more experience to froth milk because the steam wand is manual.

gaggia is an iconic name in Italian espresso machines, known for their exceptional quality, classic design and simple operation. in fact, gaggia is credited with ushering in the modern espresso era (1).

Throughout history, they have always emphasized the pursuit of great espresso and it shows in their exceptional machines.

The Gaggia Brera super-automatic espresso machine is blessed with Gaggia’s exclusive Pannarello steam wand, which uses an inlet port to siphon air directly into the milk. this gives an incredibly rich and velvety foam, which is why we love this machine for dairy drinks. it’s simply the best cappuccino system on this list.

although not a double boiler, gaggia uses “rapid steam” technology in the brera to heat up in 10 seconds.

The Gaggia Brera super-automatic espresso machines include a high-end built-in grinder.

but what is even more impressive is the patented fitting system. the grinder actually learns your coffee beans and adjusts the fineness of the grind accordingly. that means you’ll enjoy better espresso with less work. hard to complain about that!

Another example of their smart design strategy? Both the water tank and the grounds tank are accessible from the front. This is especially convenient if you store your machine under a cabinet, which is a popular choice thanks to the Brera’s compact frame.

read our review of gaggia brera.

The rancilio silvia espresso machine has the soul of a commercial model, and that characteristic has made it a consistent bestseller for more than two decades. the rancilio silvia espresso maker is like an italian cousin to the breville espresso maker models.

Want to take shots of espresso like a true pro? this is the machine for you.

The 2020 model has some useful updates. our favorite, given the times, is its improved energy efficiency. the newer brass boiler is 8% more efficient on standby than previous versions. It’s also equipped with a commercial-style 3-way solenoid valve, which relieves excess pressure and makes your espresso puck dry and easy to clean (2).

Like the well-known La Marzocco espresso machines, the Rancilio is a popular manufacturer of Italian commercial espresso machines, and they’ve applied some of the same design and construction strategies to the Silvia and even the Pro model. It’s sturdier than most home espresso machines, with stainless steel housing and side panels and brass components, yet it’s still surprisingly compact in its overall dimensions.

Its rugged design keeps it firmly rooted on your counter and means it’s built to last. in fact, many of the original 20-year-old silvias are still producing fantastic espresso.

This is a semi-automatic espresso machine, so it won’t do all the work for you. instead, this is an opportunity to get more involved in the process and master the art of espresso.

There’s an articulated milk froth steam wand so you can froth at any angle and a manually adjustable knob for the perfect milk texture. however, there is no hot water wand (something to keep in mind if you love Americanos or tea).

read our rancilio silvia review to learn more.

The second Gaggia Italian espresso machine on our list, the Professional Classic, is the one I always recommend to friends looking to try their hand at espresso making for the first time.

Its affordability and ease of use are noteworthy. it’s just a big step up from a cheap plastic machine at the local box store.

As with any semi-automatic espresso machine, this one will require a bit of practice before you dial in the perfect grind, dosage, and shot time. but if you’re new to home espresso, that’s part of the fun. and it’s that degree of user control that allows you to make the best espresso.

I’m not the only one raving about the Gaggia Classic Pro Espresso Machine; It has long been one of the favorite Italian espresso machines for home use. now the 2020 model has some great updates.

instead of the panarello wand, it has been fitted with a commercial grade steam wand, which allows it to generate a tighter microfoam, more suitable for lattes. the stainless steel frame and user interface have been updated for a more streamlined appearance and simpler operation.

The pump assembly is also quieter. And who couldn’t use a little more quiet first thing in the morning before the caffeine?

dual heating elements get the kettle up to temperature super fast, perfect for those rushy mornings. You’ll have an espresso in your hands in no time, and you’ll be steaming the milk just seconds later. Like the Silvia, the Classic Pro also features a commercial-style 3-way solenoid valve for less mess after brewing.

read aloud the gaggia classic pro review.

Want to know a great money saving hack? Instead of buying fine art and an espresso machine for your kitchen, simply buy the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Espresso Machine.

It is a high-end Italian espresso machine that works like a modern work of art. its shiny chrome exterior and futuristic styling are as much a talking point as a coffee maker.

The nuova simonelli oscar ii is the updated version of the original oscar model, a very popular espresso machine designed to bring professional quality espresso to home brewers at a very reasonable price. this new model is more durable, lighter and faster to heat than its predecessor.

It’s an easy-to-use, fully automatic espresso machine, so once you dial in your grind, you can set a timed shot and let the nuova simonelli oscar ii do the work for you. The interface is incredibly simple, just two buttons: one for a single shot and one for a double shot of espresso. once you’ve mastered grinding and tamping, there’s just the press of a button for a perfect espresso.

The steam wand is extra long and hinged so it works with any frothing container. What’s more impressive, it’s controlled by a manual steam lever that allows you to regulate the flow of steam. this is a commercial grade machine signature, and latte art lovers will be impressed.

Do you dream of having your home barista waiting in your kitchen every morning? Well, this super-automatic Italian espresso maker is pretty much that. And he doesn’t even expect tips!

Thanks to automatic milk frothing, using de longhi’s patented lattecrema system, you can get a cappuccino or latte just the way you like it at the touch of a button. You can customize the strength, temperature, and milk-to-espresso ratio of your drink, and Eletta will remember your preferences.

it’s like you’re a regular at your own kitchen diner.

Despite all that programmability, which is a plus for ease of use, the eletta is pretty straightforward. all you need to do is make sure there are beans in the hopper and water in the reservoir, and your robot barista will do the rest.

The integrated burr grinder means you get freshly ground beans every time, and it can be adjusted to suit your coffee beans. the eletta has a huge list of 11 different drinks, all customizable. and 7 of these are available at the touch of a button: a single espresso, double espresso, coffee, cappuccino, latte, macchiato and hot water.

The milk jug is detachable so you can store it in the fridge between uses and it self-cleans itself after each use, running hot steam through the pipes to ensure no milk remains. if you’re not a fan of automatic foaming, you’ll be happy to know that you can use a manual steam wand instead.

Like the Eletta, Saeco’s Incanto Super-Automatic Italian Espresso Machine with Milk Jug is a barista robot disguised as an espresso machine.

incanto is about half the price of eletta and lacks some features. still, we love it as a remarkably inexpensive way to get a consistent latte or cappuccino at the touch of a button.

Much of the cost savings comes from its mostly plastic construction, but this won’t affect the quality of your espresso. and they’ve made the wise decision to keep the front face made of strong stainless steel, ensuring durability and giving it a premium look.

the built-in grinder is a ceramic burr grinder. this is a high-quality option, known for producing a very even ground coffee for the tastiest espresso.

This espresso machine features Saeco’s popular Aquaclean filtration system. This filter not only ensures fresh-tasting water for your brew, but also ensures that you’ll need to decalcify this espresso machine far less than competitive models.

Thanks to automatic frothing, the incanto can deliver one-touch dairy drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, one of the least expensive models with this functionality. If you’re craving a cappuccino in the morning, but not all the steps involved in making it by hand, this easy-to-use espresso maker has you covered. and in the not too long term, it will certainly save you money compared to a daily visit to the coffee shop.

note: in europe, the incanto espresso maker was upgraded to the new philips 5000 series coffee maker. aside from having slightly different dimensions, the main upgrade is the automatic milk frother. the new lattego system foams faster and is easier to clean.

how to choose the best italian espresso machine

Since Italy is the birthplace of espresso, it should come as no surprise that Italian brands make some of the best espresso machines in the world. they have high standards to uphold.

even starbucks founder howard schultz holds the region in high regard (3).

So what’s the best way to bring Italian coffee culture into your home? This buyer’s guide is here to guide you, so you can drink cappuccinos in the morning and espressos in the afternoon like a true Italian.

Speaking of Italian coffee culture, did you know that there is a way to drink coffee like an Italian? oh yeah.

the balance between control, consistency and comfort

Espresso machines can be manual or automatic. The difference between the two is that a manual espresso machine requires you to generate the 9 bars of pressure necessary to make an espresso by hand, using a pump or lever. instead, an automatic espresso machine has a mechanical pump that does the work for you.

We have limited this list to automatic espresso machines, which are much more common and easier to operate and more common for home use. there are three styles of automatic espresso machines for you to choose from.

semi-automatic espresso machines require the most skill and allow the most user control. You’ll grind the beans, fill and tamp the portafilter, and be in charge of timing the shot. these tend to be the least expensive options.
fully automatic espresso machines eliminate the need to time shots. instead, a flow meter monitors the water passing through the espresso puck and stops the shot automatically.
super automatic espresso machines are basically robotic baristas. all you need to do is keep the bean hopper and water tank full, and you can make an espresso at the touch of a button. some even have automatic milk frothers. these tend to be the most expensive options.

As a general rule, less automation and more control by the user means that the coffee machine or espresso machine is more difficult to master. however, it has the potential to produce better results.

That’s why you’ll see super-automatic coffee makers at a Starbucks, but not at your local craft coffee shop.

to grind or not to grind?

A major factor determining the cost of an espresso machine is whether or not it includes a built-in grinder.

we always recommend that you grind your coffee beans just before brewing. this guarantees the freshest, tastiest cup. to do this, you can purchase an espresso machine with a built-in grinder, or purchase a separate grinder to pair with your espresso machine (4).

The advantage of the former is that it saves counter space, makes your espresso preparation more efficient, and could save you some money. the advantage of the latter is that you will have more flexibility. you can use the separate grinder to prepare other styles of coffee, and you can opt for a specialized brand of grinders.

Because they are of Italian origin, the capsules of this (easy-to-serve espresso) are compatible with many espresso machines made in Italy. Conceived by famed Italian coffee brand illy, the pods are designed to make espresso as convenient and consistent as possible, and they succeed on that front.

They don’t compare to freshly ground beans in terms of quality, but they are undeniably convenient. And unlike k-cups or similar single-serving products, they have no negative environmental consequences (5).

does size matter?

Is bigger better when it comes to espresso machines? not necessarily. the best espresso machine size depends on your preference.

yes, a bigger espresso machine tends to have fancier bells and whistles. and some of these can be very useful. for example, two-boiler machines are larger than single-boiler ones, allowing you to steam milk and extract espresso at the same time.

but, as a general rule, the size of an espresso machine is not related to the quality of espresso it can make. Just look at what an experienced barista can do with a La Pavoni small manual espresso machine. so if you don’t have a lot of space in your kitchen, don’t feel like you’re doing yourself a disservice by buying a compact espresso machine.

in fact, much of the volume in most coffee makers comes from the size of the water reservoir. Sure, a large water tank is handy because you won’t have to refill it as often, but as chores come along, pouring some water into the coffee pot isn’t such a bad thing.

so find an espresso machine that suits your kitchen and I promise the quality of your espresso won’t suffer.

the verdict

Italians love espresso, which means Italian brands know a thing or two about building a great espresso machine. in fact, every espresso machine on this list deserves a place in your kitchen.

our top pick is the new and improved delonghi magnifica, a real crowd pleaser. This Italian-made, two-boiler super-automatic espresso machine has everything you need to start your morning off right.

we hope you enjoy making espresso at home!