Best Krups Espresso Machine: Top Picks and Reviews

Krups makes many home espresso machines, from affordable entry-level models to more expensive super-automatics. however, upon researching the brand, home grounds found that not all models are worth their money, and some suffer serious drawbacks or user complaints.

Krups’ popularity endures because many of its espresso machines are truly excellent value. and those are the only ones you will find on this list. don’t take chances with your money. follow our expert guide to the best krups espresso machines.

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the 6 best krups espresso machines in 2022

Krups is a German manufacturer of small household appliances for over 150 years. They started by producing precision scales and then developed the first electric coffee grinder. more recently, they have expanded their line to include coffee and espresso machines.

Krups espresso machines are not premium, neither in quality nor in price. If you’re willing to shell out a little more cash, you might want to check out our reviews of the best Breville espresso machine models and the best Jura coffee machines.

The Krups line of coffee makers has chosen to focus on making home espresso affordable and accessible. their models run the gamut from tiny semi-automatic steam brewers to full-size super-automatic pump machines, so there’s something for everyone.

The Krups EA89 was an easy choice because this super-automatic espresso machine does it all. it’s like having a private barista at your fingertips. With the ultra-fast thermoblock heater, 15-bar pump, one-touch operation, and automatic milk froth system, you’ll be within minutes of any espresso drink you desire.

The oled display is easy and intuitive to navigate. There are 15 pre-programmed drinks on the menu, including espresso, coffee, ristretto, Americano, cappuccino, latte, and three types of tea. And each of these can be customized with your desired coffee strength, hot water temperature, and volume, giving you unlimited options.

There are also some unexpected extra features on the menu. my favorite? The “extra shot” allows you to add a shot of espresso to any drink at the touch of a button. Caffeine fans rejoice (1)!

Despite all these features, including a built-in grinder, the ea89 is a relatively compact machine. It has a sleek design, and the brushed stainless steel exterior is beautiful, durable, and blends nicely with other stainless steel appliances.

The first thing you’ll notice about the krups xp100050 is its cool styling. The unique circular design, polished black finish, and chrome accents give it a futuristic vibe that would look right at home on the set of Star Trek.

The second thing you’ll notice is the price. This entry-level model is one of the most affordable ways to get into the world of espresso machines, which is why we’ve given it our Budget Choice award. however, affordability comes at a price (haha).

This Krups espresso machine is powered by steam instead of a pump. while this makes it quiet and economical, it cannot generate the 9 bars of pressure normally needed for an espresso (2). the xp100050 tops out at around 4 bars and produces a stronger coffee. but according to giorgio milos, master barista at illy, a skilled user can do a lot to compensate for a machine’s weaknesses (3).

This machine is equipped with a steam wand, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer milk drinks to straight espresso. the strong coffee it makes pairs very well with creamy milk, and you’re unlikely to notice the lack of crema and body in a true espresso.

The Krups XP3208 Pump Espresso Machine is the smallest and cheapest pump machine on this list. for this reason, it is the perfect introductory model for anyone curious about the world of espresso. use it to learn the ins and outs of making shots of espresso in a semi-automatic machine, then decide if espresso is a hobby worth your time and money.

The 15-bar pump provides plenty of pressure to create a true espresso, complete with the beautiful crema coverage. Since it doesn’t have a built-in grinder, we suggest pairing it with a good burr grinder for the most flavorful brew. however, you’ll still enjoy tasty results using pre-ground coffee thanks to the pressurized filter basket, perfect for espresso beginners.

the krups xp3208 is also equipped with a steam wand. Once you’ve mastered the technique, you’ll have the versatility to create a creamy latte froth or a light cappuccino froth. the top of the machine acts as a passive cup warmer, and accessories include a scoop, tamper, and separate filter baskets for single and double shots.

for a wider selection of entry-level machines in this style, you might be interested in some of our favorite delonghi espresso makers.

Our favorite Krups fully automatic espresso machine, the cappuccino bar, lags behind the top pick, the ea89, in drink selection. but as a trade-off for that, it’s less expensive, more compact, and will still meet the needs of the vast majority of coffee drinkers. in fact, three of the pre-programmed drinks missing from this model aren’t coffee at all; They are green, black and herbal teas.

true to its name, the cappuccino bar includes a built-in grinder, powerful 15-bar pump and milk froth system – everything you need to make a true cappuccino, just like you’d enjoy in your coffee shop local. but of course, it can do much more than that. For example, at the touch of a button, you can also make espresso, lungo, coffee or latte. and for each one, you can customize the strength and temperature of the coffee. The Thermoblock heater ensures ultra-fast heat-up time. pretty impressive for a model barely bigger than a drip coffee maker.

The cappuccino bar is easy when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. The milk system is self-cleaning, so you never have to worry about stinky milk buildup (yuck!). Automatic scale detection alerts you when cleaning is needed, and another alert notifies you when the water tank is running low.

this is a foolproof espresso machine and definitely a contender for the best krups coffee maker.

Many people enjoy both coffee and espresso. sometimes you want an easy drinking cuppa joe, other times you prefer a strong espresso hit, and then there are times when just a frothy cappuccino will hit the spot. if you’re like me, it’s possible that all those moments would fall on the same day!

the xp160050 has a 10-cup coffee maker on one side and a 4-cup krups espresso machine (equipped with a steam wand!) on the other, but somehow manages to look sleek and stylish. compact. it’s much smaller and less expensive than having two separate machines, making it a practical choice for lovers of all styles of coffee.

in the center is a set of easy-to-use controls. In addition to being able to turn one side or the other on and off, this Krups coffee maker has all the options you’d expect from a standalone model. you can set it to brew on a timer, choose your coffee strength, and an auto-brew pause feature lets you have a quick cup during the brew cycle.

Do you have a small galley kitchen with limited counter space? Or maybe you want an espresso machine for your bedroom or office? then this little coffee maker from krups is the answer. At just 8.5 inches wide by 9.4 inches high by 11 inches deep, there are few places this little machine can’t go. It’s smaller than most coffee makers, just as easy to use, and even includes a steam wand.

Like other budget Krups espresso machines, this one draws using steam pressure, so don’t expect the same quality espresso you’d get from a pump model. while it won’t make a true espresso, it’s a great way to learn the espresso process and enjoy a strong coffee with or without milk foam, all in a small space.

how to choose the best krups espresso machine

It’s easy to choose the right Krups espresso machine for you because each one has a unique selling point. You can narrow your choice to the perfect model by answering a few simple questions. let’s get started.

prep style: semi-auto or super-auto?

Krups espresso machines can be broadly classified as semi-automatic or super-automatic. the user experience is very different in both cases, so this is an easy first step in narrowing down your options.

semi-automatic espresso machines require the user to do most of the work. You’ll need to grind the coffee, fill the portafilter, tamp down the espresso puck, and start and stop the shot. steaming the milk is also done manually.

The advantages of this system are:

it is less expensive to buy.
there’s less to break, so it’s also cheaper to own and maintain.
it’s more compact (although you’ll still need a grinder).
the user has full control of the process, which leads to better coffee.

super-automatic espresso makers do everything for you, including grinding, tamping and brewing. they are like having a personal barista; press a button or two and wait for your drink to arrive.

The advantages of this system are:

coherence. this is the big one. there is no possibility of user error.
no need for a separate grinder.

the impact of pressure on coffee style

what is the difference between coffee and espresso? Despite what you may think, it’s not the kind of coffee bean; is the pressure used for brewing. drip coffee is brewed at atmospheric pressure and, traditionally, an espresso is brewed at 9 bars of pressure. and there are pseudo-espresso brewing methods that fall somewhere in between, for example, the aeropress and the moka pot. these make strong cups of coffee, according to matt lounsbury of the stumptown roaster, but not quite espresso (4).

Krups espresso machines have several pressure options. its pumping machines use 15-bar pumps, which produce 9 bars of pressure at the brew head. these produce the true espresso you expect, with a heavy body, rich mouthfeel, and a layer of crema (5). other krups models use steam instead of pump pressure which only generates around 4 bar. like a moka pot, they will produce a strong coffee, but will not have the same body as an espresso brewed at higher pressure. these steam machines are a good option if you plan to enjoy primarily latte drinks, where the texture of the espresso is less important.

how much capacity do you need?

Before you buy an espresso machine, think about the amount of espresso you plan to make. Is it just that you enjoy the occasional drink? Do you have a large family of espresso enthusiasts? Do you often entertain guests? the answers to these questions determine which krups espresso maker is right for you.

for one person, all models have a lot of capacity. larger models will likely be overkill: they’ll take up more space and cost more money than necessary. on the other hand, if you plan on making a lot of espresso, the smaller machines won’t be able to keep up. you will get frustrated constantly filling the water tank, emptying the drip tray, etc.

Also, consider the available space in your kitchen when deciding, and measure the area where you plan to place your coffee machine. all krups machines are relatively compact, but the larger super automatic models may not be suitable for small kitchens.

the verdict

Krups espresso machines aren’t the best quality on the market, but they offer excellent value for money in the case of the six mentioned here. our top pick is the ea89, which includes a built-in grinder, 15-bar pump, and 15 pre-programmed specialty drinks. but if you’re more interested in discovering the art of espresso and if it’s right for you, one of the semi-automatic models will be perfect.