US Best Espresso
De'Longhi
La Specialista Touch
- ✓Best espresso machine — Tom's Guide
- ✓Built-in conical burr grinder
- ✓Auto micro-foam steam wand
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Best Espresso Machine 2026: Top Picks Compared
The best espresso machines of 2026: De'Longhi La Specialista Touch, Breville Bambino Plus and Barista Express Impress compared — with pro tips and FAQ.
Updated: 22 April 2026
Coffee is the flagship category of kitchen electronics — high basket value, long research time, strong brand preferences. What current tests show: Germany buys bean-to-cup, the US buys espresso machines. We’ve assembled the top 3 for each market and explain why the lists barely overlap.
Bean-to-cup (DE) vs. espresso machine (US) — the cultural divide
Germany is bean-to-cup territory: whole beans go in, press a button, done. CHIP’s ranking currently puts the DeLonghi PrimaDonna Aromatic, Saeco Xelsis Suprema, and Jura J8 EA at the top — three machines between €1,200 and €2,500 known for comfort, milk systems, and ease of use. In the US, culture is different: compact portafilter espresso machines are the norm. Tom’s Guide and Serious Eats name the De’Longhi La Specialista Touch and the Breville Bambino Plus as 2026’s most recommended, plus the Breville Barista Express Impress with integrated grinder.
What costs what — and what do you actually get?
Bean-to-cup machines under €800 are usually compromises: small grinder, plastic milk system, short lifespan. The sweet spot starts around €1,000 (DeLonghi Magnifica Evo, Philips LatteGo) and runs to €2,500 (Jura J8). For espresso machines the sweet spot is $400 (Breville Bambino Plus) to $800 (Barista Express Impress with grinder). Above $1,000 only makes sense if you genuinely chase café quality — and then the La Specialista Touch is the default pick.
What to look for
Bean-to-cup: removable brew unit, automatic milk cleaning, separate bean hoppers (for espresso + filter beans), Bluetooth/app only if per-user profiles matter to you. Espresso machines: steam wand, adjustable pressure (9 bar ideally), fast warm-up (under 30 s), and above all a good grinder — built-in or separate. The Bambino Plus without a grinder only makes sense if you already own one.
Top Picks
US Value Pick
Breville
Bambino Plus Espresso
- ✓US value champion — Serious Eats
- ✓3-second heat-up
- ✓Auto milk frothing
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US Beginner Barista
Breville
Barista Express Impress
- ✓Built-in grinder + assisted tamping
- ✓Manual control with auto-help
- ✓Best beginner barista — US tests
Current price & reviews on Amazon
Prices & availability may change.
FAQ
Which coffee machine is best for beginners? +
For beginners, what counts is simple operation, consistent results, and easy cleaning. That's why US tests rate the Breville Bambino Plus and De'Longhi La Specialista Touch so well — both auto-froth and have short learning curves. In Germany the typical first bean-to-cup is a DeLonghi Magnifica or an entry-level Saeco.
Is a bean-to-cup worth it over a traditional espresso machine? +
Depends what you want. Bean-to-cup = maximum convenience, push a button, always the same result. Espresso machine = more control, more learning, often a better cup. That's exactly why Germany tests bean-to-cup more heavily and the US tests portafilters. Both have merit — and their own pricing sweet spot.
Which machine has the best price-to-performance? +
In bean-to-cup, the DeLonghi Magnifica Evo is the recurring pick under $800. In espresso machines, the Breville Bambino Plus has been US critics' value favorite for years. Both stay on the lists year after year — rare in such a fast-moving category.
Which coffee machine is easiest to clean? +
Look for a removable brew unit (Saeco, Jura), automatic milk cleaning, and an easy descaling mode. The Saeco Xelsis Suprema and Jura J8 EA lead tests here. Among espresso machines, the La Specialista Touch is particularly low-maintenance because the brew group and milk system are clearly separated and individually rinsable.