<p><em>The <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Insider Picks</a> team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.</em></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Breville/Facebook/Business Insider</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>True espresso only comes from high-end machines, but now you can have your very own espresso machine at home.</strong></li><li><strong>The semi-automatic <a href="https://amzn.to/2oQ0wC8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine</a> is the best one you can buy.</strong></li></ul><p>Coffee lovers start out innocently enough with drip filters, French presses, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-milk-frother" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">milk frothers</a>, and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-stovetop-espresso-maker" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">stovetop espresso makers</a>; but then next thing you know, they're browsing Amazon for full-on espresso machines with all the bells and whistles. If you've reached that stage of coffee addiction, don't worry, we're here for you.</p><p>We've researched everything you need to know about buying a shiny new espresso machine for your home and we've combed through the details and reviews for dozens of machines so you don't have to. Before we get into the best espresso machines you can buy for your home, let's take a look at all the key terms and information that you need to know to make an informed purchase.</p><h2>What makes a true espresso?</h2><p>The <a href="http://www.espressoitaliano.org/files/File/istituzionale_inei_hq_en.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Italian Espresso National Institute</a> has very strict standards as to what can be called a true espresso. However, the basic idea is this: Espresso machines force a small amount of nearly boiling water under at least 9 bar of pressure through finely ground coffee to make true espresso.</p><p>The result is a thicker, creamier coffee with more caffeine inside. Pressure seems to be the key defining metric of making real espresso, and that's why stovetop espresso machines don't produce "real" espresso, according to the experts (<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-stovetop-espresso-maker" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">but we still highly recommend them for anyone on a budget</a>).</p><h2>What kind of espresso machines are there?</h2><p>There are two kinds of espresso machines in this world: steam-driven and pump-driven. Steam-driven machines come in two types: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-stovetop-espresso-maker" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">stovetop espresso makers</a> like the Bialetti Moka Express and pump-less electric machines. Neither are featured in this buying guide, but you can <strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-stovetop-espresso-maker" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">read all about our favorite stovetop espresso makers here.</a></strong></p><p>Pump-driven machines are much more common and there are more varieties that fall under that umbrella, according to <a href="http://coffeelounge.net/reviews/best-espresso-machines/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CoffeLounge</a>.</p><ul><li><strong>Manual Lever Pump: </strong>It works just like you'd imagine it would - you manually pump the espresso out by hand with no help from electricity.</li><li><strong>Electronic Pump: </strong>With this kind of machine, you set the right temperature and electricity pumps the espresso out for you.</li><li><strong>Semi-Automatic Pump: </strong>Here, you'll grind the beans and tamp them into the filter before turning on the machine. Then, you pump the button to turn it on until the water turns black, at which point you turn it off.</li><li><strong>Automatic Pump:</strong> This machine also makes you grind the beans and tamp them into the portafilter. The machine will automatically turn on to brew the espresso and go off again when it's done.</li><li><strong>Super Automatic Pump: </strong>Finally, a super automatic machine takes everything out of your hands. It grinds the beans, tamps the grounds into the filter, boils the water, pushes it with lots of pressure, and takes care of the waste for you. It's very easy, but it'll cost you a pretty penny.</li></ul><p>There are also fully automatic pod machines like the Nespresso, which require zero assistance from you beyond popping in a pod and pressing a button. All of the machines in this buying guide are either semi-automatic or pod machines.</p><h2>Here are our top picks for the best espresso machines:</h2><ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>Best overall: <a href="https://amzn.to/2oQ0wC8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine</a> </strong></li><li><strong>Best machine for $400: <a href="https://amzn.to/2pqJxsT" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gaggia Classic Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker</a></strong></li><li><strong>Best machine under $100: <a href="https://amzn.to/2pqHTaT" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">De'Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso Maker</a></strong></li><li><strong>Best pod machine: <a href="https://amzn.to/2lTU1OB" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Maker</a></strong></li><li><strong>Best machine if money is no object: <a href="https://amzn.to/2NunDi3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine</a></strong></li><li><strong><strong>Best manual machine: </strong></strong><a href="https://amzn.to/2qLjpsh" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Flair Espresso maker</a></li><li>Best lever machine: <a href="https://amzn.to/2qOrhcF" target="_blank" rel="noopener">La Pavoni Europiccola</a></li></ul><p><em>Updated on 02/11/18 by Malarie Gokey: Added related links to coffee buying guides. Updated pricing.</em></p><h3>Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks.</h3><p class="tagline"><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a><br><br>Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>.<br><br>Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.</br></br></br></br></p>

The best espresso machines you can buy

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/biip_081719_hic-milk-frother-review/https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/hic-14-oz-stainless-steel-milk-frother-pitcher-with-handle-and-lid/5050667?skuId=64456508&amp;&amp;mrkgcl=609&amp;mrkgadid=3306250650&amp;enginename=google&amp;mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_coffeetea_online&amp;product_id=64456508&amp;adtype=pla&amp;product_channel=online&amp;adpos=1o1&amp;creative=356296492463&amp;device=c&amp;matchtype=&amp;network=g&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIo7Xvj5z24wIVgpyzCh0-6AN_EAQYASABEgJD8vD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a><p class="source"><span>Guillermo Garzon/Business Insider</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>I love cappuccinos, but they cost a lot of money to buy at my local coffee shops, and I'm nothing if not frugal.</strong></li><li><strong>After testing a bunch of electronic and battery-powered milk frothers, I found <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/biip_081719_hic-milk-frother-review/https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/hic-14-oz-stainless-steel-milk-frother-pitcher-with-handle-and-lid/5050667?skuId=64456508&amp;&amp;mrkgcl=609&amp;mrkgadid=3306250650&amp;enginename=google&amp;mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_coffeetea_online&amp;product_id=64456508&amp;adtype=pla&amp;product_channel=online&amp;adpos=1o1&amp;creative=356296492463&amp;device=c&amp;matchtype=&amp;network=g&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIo7Xvj5z24wIVgpyzCh0-6AN_EAQYASABEgJD8vD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HIC's $25 manual milk frother</a> at a coffee supply store and decided to try it out.</strong></li><li><strong>The stainless steel manual frother is as easy to clean as it is to use, and it makes perfect foamy milk in a matter of minutes.</strong></li><li><strong>I've been using HIC's milk frother every day for the past six years to make milk for my cappuccinos, and I can confidently say it's the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-milk-frother" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best frother you can buy</a>.</strong></li><li><strong>I use a <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/biip_081719_hic-milk-frother-review/https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/bialetti-moka-express-reg-6-cup-model-6800-stovetop-espresso-maker/1010182115?keyword=bialetti" target="_blank" rel="noopener">6-cup Bialetti Stovetop Espresso Maker</a> to brew my espresso (it's the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-stovetop-espresso-maker" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best stovetop espresso maker</a> by far) and a <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/biip_081719_hic-milk-frother-review/https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/pyrex-reg-measuring-cup/5215256?skuId=10162408&amp;&amp;mrkgcl=609&amp;mrkgadid=3253336596&amp;enginename=google&amp;mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_kitchenfoodprep_local&amp;product_id=10162408&amp;adtype=pla&amp;product_channel=local&amp;adpos=1o1&amp;creative=356249224553&amp;device=c&amp;matchtype=&amp;network=g&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMInpnDuZ724wIVBJSzCh3ppAtPEAQYASABEgK20_D_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2-cup Pyrex measuring cup</a> to heat up the milk after frothing so that it develops a rich, creamy texture.</strong></li></ul><p>I don't particularly like regular coffee, but I love a good cappuccino. The only problem is cappuccinos cost $4 to $6 and I'm notoriously frugal.</p><p>I decided to learn how to make my own cappuccinos at home after watching a cooking show where the host made cappuccinos with a <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/biip_081719_hic-milk-frother-review/https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/bialetti-moka-express-reg-6-cup-model-6800-stovetop-espresso-maker/1010182115?keyword=bialetti" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bialetti Stovetop Espresso Maker</a> and a glass mason jar full of milk.</p><p>I did try the mason jar shaking method, and it worked, kind of, but to get that truly rich, creamy, foamy milk texture cappuccinos require, you need a milk frother.</p><p>It turns out that milk frothers are finicky. I tried battery-operated ones and electric ones, ranging in price from $50 to $100, and none of them really worked the way I wanted them to. They usually broke after about a week or two of use, were incredibly frustrating to clean, or were simply too expensive for me to justify the price. I must have returned at least five milk frothers during my quest.</p><p>Then I stumbled upon HIC's $25 manual milk frother at a coffee supply store and decided to try it. After a good bit of trial and error and YouTube videos, I figured out how to use it to make the perfect foamy milk for cappuccinos. Six years later, I'm still using the same milk frother to make cappuccinos every single day.</p><h2>A simple two-part design</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/biip_081719_hic-milk-frother-review/https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/hic-14-oz-stainless-steel-milk-frother-pitcher-with-handle-and-lid/5050667?skuId=64456508&amp;&amp;mrkgcl=609&amp;mrkgadid=3306250650&amp;enginename=google&amp;mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_coffeetea_online&amp;product_id=64456508&amp;adtype=pla&amp;product_channel=online&amp;adpos=1o1&amp;creative=356296492463&amp;device=c&amp;matchtype=&amp;network=g&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIo7Xvj5z24wIVgpyzCh0-6AN_EAQYASABEgJD8vD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a><p class="source"><span>Guillermo Garzon/Business Insider</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>HIC's milk frother is deceptively simple. It's just a simple stainless steel pitcher with a lid and a mesh plunger. It sort of looks like a small French Press coffee maker.</p><p>Because it only has two parts, it's very easy to clean. I just wash the stainless steel pitcher and the mesh plunger with soap and water after each use. Occasionally, you may want to unscrew the top of the mesh plunger and separate the parts so you can clean every nook and cranny in the lid.</p><p>The frother is super easy to use - you just put milk in, pop the lid on, and move the mesh plunger up and down to aerate the milk - but making the perfect foamy milk texture is all about the technique.</p><h2>Here's how to use a manual milk frother:</h2><ol><li>Pour cold milk into the frother - fill it about halfway so the milk has room to grow as it aerates.</li><li>Froth it for 1 to 2 minutes by moving the mesh plunger up and down.</li><li>Let it sit for a minute to thicken up.</li><li>Pour it into a<span> <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/biip_081719_hic-milk-frother-review/https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/pyrex-reg-measuring-cup/5215256?skuId=10162408&amp;&amp;mrkgcl=609&amp;mrkgadid=3253336596&amp;enginename=google&amp;mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_kitchenfoodprep_local&amp;product_id=10162408&amp;adtype=pla&amp;product_channel=local&amp;adpos=1o1&amp;creative=356249224553&amp;device=c&amp;matchtype=&amp;network=g&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMInpnDuZ724wIVBJSzCh3ppAtPEAQYASABEgK20_D_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pyrex measuring cup</a></span>, mug, or ceramic pitcher and heat it in the microwave for 45 to 60 seconds.</li><li>That's it! Pour into your mug and enjoy.</li></ol><p>The milk foam grows creamier and frothier as it heats until it's perfect for cappuccinos, chai tea lattes, and hot chocolate. You can use the foamy milk in just about any hot drink that typically calls for milk.</p><p>When the milk is heated for a hot drink, the foam maintains its integrity longer, but you can use it for cold drinks if you don't heat it up. I use my milk frother to make Thai iced tea and iced coffee occasionally, but the foam does gradually disappear as the air bubbles inside the milk dissipate. </p><h2>The bottom line</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/biip_081719_hic-milk-frother-review/https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/hic-14-oz-stainless-steel-milk-frother-pitcher-with-handle-and-lid/5050667?skuId=64456508&amp;&amp;mrkgcl=609&amp;mrkgadid=3306250650&amp;enginename=google&amp;mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_coffeetea_online&amp;product_id=64456508&amp;adtype=pla&amp;product_channel=online&amp;adpos=1o1&amp;creative=356296492463&amp;device=c&amp;matchtype=&amp;network=g&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIo7Xvj5z24wIVgpyzCh0-6AN_EAQYASABEgJD8vD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a><p class="source"><span>Guillermo Garzon/Business Insider</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>The low upfront cost of HIC's milk frother convinced me to give it a try, and I'm so glad I did. It's amazing how much money I've saved by making my own cappuccinos at home over the past six years. It paid for itself in about a week.</p><p>Of course, not everyone is as crazy about foamy milk as I am, but if you want to make cappuccinos, chai lattes, and creamy hot chocolate at home regularly, it's a no-brainer.</p><h3><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/biip_081719_hic-milk-frother-review/https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/hic-14-oz-stainless-steel-milk-frother-pitcher-with-handle-and-lid/5050667?skuId=64456508&amp;&amp;mrkgcl=609&amp;mrkgadid=3306250650&amp;enginename=google&amp;mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_coffeetea_online&amp;product_id=64456508&amp;adtype=pla&amp;product_channel=online&amp;adpos=1o1&amp;creative=356296492463&amp;device=c&amp;matchtype=&amp;network=g&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIo7Xvj5z24wIVgpyzCh0-6AN_EAQYASABEgJD8vD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buy the HIC Milk Frother at Bed Bath &amp; Beyond for $24.99</a></h3><h3><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/biip_081719_hic-milk-frother-review/https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/pyrex-reg-measuring-cup/5215256?skuId=10162408&amp;&amp;mrkgcl=609&amp;mrkgadid=3253336596&amp;enginename=google&amp;mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_kitchenfoodprep_local&amp;product_id=10162408&amp;adtype=pla&amp;product_channel=local&amp;adpos=1o1&amp;creative=356249224553&amp;device=c&amp;matchtype=&amp;network=g&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMInpnDuZ724wIVBJSzCh3ppAtPEAQYASABEgK20_D_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buy a 2-cup Pyrex Measuring Cup at Bed Bath &amp; Beyond for $5.99</a></h3><h3><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/biip_081719_hic-milk-frother-review/https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/bialetti-moka-express-reg-6-cup-model-6800-stovetop-espresso-maker/1010182115?keyword=bialetti" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buy a 6-cup Bialetti Stovetop Espresso Maker at Bed Bath &amp; Beyond for $39.99</a></h3><p class="tagline"><p><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a><br><br>Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>.<br><br>Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.</br></br></br></br></p></p>

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