The Best Italian Espresso Machines

Making a first-class espresso requires patience and the willingness to learn. Whether you want a manual espresso maker, a fully-automatic model, or something in between, you will be amazed by these top five Italian espresso machines. In this article, we highlight the best espresso machines in their respective ranges. we’ll also give you plenty of hints to make espresso the Italian way.

Our Top 5 Picks for Italian Espresso Machines

Top Italian Espresso Machine Brands

This review includes machines from the following reputable, Italian brands:

• DeLonghi
• Nuova Simonelli
• Gaggia
• Saeco
• Rancilio
• La Pavoni

DeLonghi

DeLonghi has been in business for well over a century and started out producing portable AC units and heaters. Over the years, the company aggressively expanded into all categories of home appliances. Their gelato makers and espresso machines are among their most popular products

If you’re looking for a precision engineered espresso machine from a company that trades on the Milan stock exchange, DeLonghi will bring the coffee shop into your home at pocket-friendly prices.

Nuova Simonelli

Nuova Simonelli is an Italian firm that’s been making espresso machines since 1936. This company introduced the first espresso machine with a hydraulic pump action. This changed the way in which espresso was poured, and it remains in force today.

Gaggia

The Gaggia company was formed in 1947 and started by producing commercial machines. Gilda was the first Gaggia machine intended for home use, a tradition still fully in force today.

Gaggia now has four core product lines:

• Manual espresso machines
• Automatic espresso machines
• Accessories
• Coffee beans

Saeco

In 1999, Saeco acquired the iconic Gaggia and, a decade later, the company was itself purchased by Dutch giant Philips. In the years between that pioneering fully automatic and being bought out by Philips, Saeco introduced three notable pieces of tech that  changed the game for espresso making:

• The Cappuccinatore for automatic milk frothing
• SBS (automatic brewing pressure adaption)
• Bluetooth-enabled coffee makers

Rancilio

Another key player in the Italian espresso vertical, Rancilio was established in 1927 by Roberto Rancilio. The company’s first espresso machine used a vertical boiler. Shifting focus to horizontal boilers by the 1950s, styling had become more modern but the forced-steam method was dated.

La Pavoni

La Pavoni sprang to life in 1905. Founder Desiderio Pavoni acquired a patent from Luigi Bezzera for the first ever espresso machine. Named Ideale, the early iterations of this machine were vertically developed. A gas stove was employed to keep the boiler under pressure.

The 8 Best Italian Espresso Machines

DeLonghi Super-Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine (Made in Italy)

If you want the ease of a super-automatic espresso machine, this is a versatile option. This intelligent machine will remember your favorite settings, which streamlines the operation. By combining rotary dials with push-button simplicity, making espresso has never been easier.

The grinder has 13 settings, so you’ll get the consistency you need for espresso or any other type of coffee without needing a third-party grinder. The manual frother requires a little effort, but in return, you’ll have the freedom to create longer, milkier coffees just the way you like them.

From espresso to cappuccino, and latte to macchiato, this DeLonghi is capable of making drinks for the whole family at the push of a button.

Bottom Line: This DeLonghi super-automatic is a solid all-rounder capable of making a wide menu of drinks from bean to cup with minimal user input.

Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine (Made in Italy)

Rancilio produces a number of industrial espresso machines. The Silvia borrows from that and brings you a pro-grade machine for home use.

Get your drink started with a single or double shot of espresso. If you prefer your caffeine fix in longer form, use the milk frother and your espresso base to create the latte or cappuccino you prefer. You’ll benefit from a scoop, tamper and a pair of filter baskets bundled giving you great overall value despite the fairly stiff price tag.

A series of simple switches along with a single dial ensures this machine is a breeze to use even if you’re not the greatest tech-lover. If you’re looking to combine build quality, durability, ease of use and a wide choice of coffee at your disposal, you’ll struggle to find a stronger machine than the Rancilio Silvia. Check one out and you’ll never look back.

Bottom Line: With a rock-solid build and a range of commercial components, you’ll get a rugged yet precise espresso maker for short shots like the Italians make them.

Gaggia Classic Pro Espresso Machine (Made in Italy)

Much like the Rancilio above, the Gaggia Classic Pro borrows heavily from the manufacturer’s commercial arm. You’ll get a three-way solenoid valve normally only seen on industrial units. The brew group and wand are also in line with the kit you’d find on a commercial espresso machine.

The Thermoblock heating gets the Gaggia up to temperature in five minutes. You’ll then be free to pour single or double shots of rich espresso to get your day going. If you prefer milkier coffee, the manual steam wand affords you complete control over your latte art.

Switches are laid out so you have power, steaming, and brewing segregated. Despite such powerful functionality, this espresso machine is a real cakewalk to use.

For a stainless steel gem from an industry heavyweight, the Classic Pro deserves a place on any shortlist of the best Italian espresso machines.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for no-nonsense espresso from a machine that’s a pleasure to use and built to stay the distance, the Classic Pro is a solid choice.

Gaggia Brera Super-Automatic Espresso Machine (Made in Italy)

Another Gaggia up next with the Brera. This super-automatic is priced in line with the Classic Pro and offers a broadly comparable experience in terms of both design and functionality.

Brew using either whole beans with the ceramic burr grinder or hit the bypass doser to use your favorite pre-ground or decaf. You’ll get five settings which could be improved but still covers all main bases.

Cleaning couldn’t be much less hassle. The brew group comes away completely and you’ll also be able to remove the drip tray to simplify clean-up further.

Quick to heat up, you’ll enjoy steam on demand in seconds flat with the Brera.

From basic staples through to custom specialty drinks, nothing is more than a couple of button clicks away.

Bottom Line: Gaggia produce reliable and hard-hitting espresso machines ideal for home or commercial use. The Brera looks great and is capable of delivering your morning shots just like the Italians.

Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Espresso Machine (Made in Italy)

Nuova Simonelli don’t make cheap coffee machines but they do make some of the very best. If you’ve got a more fluid budget and exacting tastes, the Oscar II won’t disappoint.

You’ll benefit from commercial-grade components and an aggressive stainless steel finish that will set off any kitchen counter.

Auto-refill tops up the boiler with more water once it hits a certain level. This is a precious safety feature not available on the competition.

Stash up to 12 cups on top of the machine. The ambient temperature from the boiler will keep them hot and ready to accept your next shot of espresso.

This is a back-to-basics semi-automatic so expect to put in a little effort and be prepared for an espresso-only ride.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for an espresso machine with a difference, the striking Nuova Simonelli borrows heavily from the company’s commercial expertise and brings Italian-grade espresso into your home.

La Pavoni Professional Espresso Machine (Made in Italy)

If you fancy getting back to the roots of making espresso the manual way, this lever machine from the stellar La Pavoni looks amazing and delivers exceptional espresso, too. If you’re looking for push-button simplicity, this is not the model for you. If, however, you’re prepared to invest a little time and trouble into making your morning shot, you’ll be glad you did.

Available in a range of finishes, this elaborate espresso machine comes with a steam jet interchangeable with the automatic cappuccino maker if you prefer your coffee longer and creamier.

Not for the lighthearted and not ideal for beginners, if you take a chance on this classic machine, you’ll end up with espresso the Italians would envy.

Bottom Line: If you’re prepared to dig deep and then put in some time and effort learning the craft of, La Pavoni’s incredible lever machine will make a real conversation piece in the kitchen and the best espresso you’ll drink outside Italy.

DeLonghi Digital Super-Automatic Espresso Machine (Made in Italy)

Another superb bean to cup machine from DeLonghi next with this super-automatic.

There’s a burr grinder onboard so you can get your espresso started on the proper foundation.

Punch in the variables of your drink and the intelligent machine will remember your settings making your life easier.

With a pair of heating elements, you can prepare espresso and milk simultaneously. You’ll have a huge choice of drinks from basic espresso and macchiato through to cappuccino, latte, and Americano. There’s something for all the family here.

The digital interface is easy to navigate even if you’re not the biggest tech-fan. For variety of drinks, quality and affordability in one attractive unit, this DeLonghi super-automatic is well worth a place on your shortlist.

Bottom Line: DeLonghi smashes another home run with this tech-driven super-automatic. For bean to cup just like the Italians drink it, this machine is certainly not cheap but we’d argue still represents awesome overall value.

Saeco PicoBaristo Automatic Espresso Machine (Made in Europe)

A European-made machine from the hard-hitting Saeco, this automatic gem gives you a bean to cup experience second to none. While this model is not cheap, if you act quickly, you can capitalize on a steep discount.

The ceramic burr grinder gives you the grind you need for the drink of your choice. Seven programmed beverages give you much more than espresso so you’re covered for all-day drinking. You can get both hot water on demand and milk to widen your repertoire further.

You can tweak settings with ease using the push-button system so you’ll get top-tier espresso while barely needing to lift a finger. What’s not to love?

Bottom Line: Saeco place build quality and user experience uppermost. This is a powerful and versatile espresso maker built to last.

How To Drink Espresso Like a True Italian

Coffee pouring in blue cups from Italian coffee espresso maker.

Whether you’re heading to Europe on vacation or you simply want to enjoy your espresso as authentically as possible, the more you learn about espresso, the more easily you can see through the myths and drink your short shot as the Italians intended it.

Understand the true essence of espresso

The way in which your coffee is extracted is what makes your espresso an espresso not the bean. Where brewed coffee extracts using gravity, espresso introduced extreme pressure.

While everyone tweaks with the variables, the traditional espresso is made with 7 grams of finely ground coffee and extracted in 25 seconds. Many commercial coffee shops have started to use as much as 20 grams of coffee for espresso while still using the same small quantity of water. The result of this is an espresso that’s over-extracted and resultantly bitter. The espresso will also come with proportionally too much caffeine.

An espresso like the Italians make it should not be bitter and contains less caffeine than regular coffee.

Order your shot standing up at the bar

If you’re holidaying in Italy, you’ll be unlikely to encounter any Italians taking their espresso back to the table. Espresso, by definition, is not the type of drink you sit and linger over, but something to be dispatched quickly at the bar. If your main intention is to replicate the way this classic beverage is consumed, get it down at the counter.

Don’t stand on ceremony

You should finish your espresso while the crema is still on the top. This crema is the coffee’s oils in emulsion form and keeps all the flavors locked in for a short time. As soon as you espresso is drinkable, take the shot.

It’s all about the crema

If you’re offered espresso with no crema, it’s either stale or potentially decaf. This is the driving reason for coffee purists ordering espresso at the bar. The crema is crucial to the best espresso, and by the time it’s been delivered to your table, it’s probably already gone.

Drink espresso throughout the day but keep cappuccino for the morning

If you’re on a trip to Italy, espresso is widely accepted as an all-day drink. Cappuccino, on the other hand, should not be consumed after 11 a.m. As with all milky coffees, Italians consider them best reserved for the morning. We’re not saying here that there’s a hard and fast rule, but if you want to fall in line with the Italians, respect the rule of cappuccino before noon.

Keep milk away from your shot

Add milk and your espresso becomes an espresso macchiato. As a general rule, true espresso is never taken with milk.

Always grind beans directly before brewing

If you’re planning to invest in an espresso machine and you’re making your shots at home, there’s no substitute for grinding your beans directly before brewing. Coffee beans start to degrade shortly after grinding. If you store fresh beans whole and blitz them up just before making your shot, the Italians would be proud.

The choice is yours. Some super-automatic machines come with an integrated grinder which is useful if you have a cramped kitchen or you don’t already own a grinder. You could also invest in a third-party burr grinder. Avoid the cheaper and less effective blade grinders.

Use a scale for measuring out your coffee

If you want consistently great espresso, you need to dial in all the variables so you can replicate them. Coffee beans come in at varying densities so measuring up by eye or by volume doesn’t work so well. Get some digital scales then you can kick things off with the 7 grams of finely ground coffee beans ideal for the best espresso. Consistency is everything, and the last thing you want is a great shot one time then a lousy espresso with your next batch of beans. Consistency is everything.

If you’re using a machine, make sure you choose one in line with your needs

As you’ll have seen clearly from today, you have a wide choice of styles when you’re looking for an espresso machine.

There’s absolutely no right or wrong answer here but, if you want to drink espresso like the Italians, you’ll benefit from getting an appropriate machine. If you’re quite experienced in the art of espresso and you want to enjoy full control over the brewing process, opt for a manual machine or a semi-automatic where you’ll enjoy plenty of leeway. Beginners might prefer the push-button ease of a completely automatic machine. While you’ll be more restricted in terms of variables, making espresso this way requires almost no learning curve.

Conclusion

Think about whether you already have a grinder or whether you’d prefer a super-automatic with an integrated grinder. Several of the machines above have grinders baked in. If not, you’d be well advised to invest in a third-party burr grinder.

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