The click of a portafilter, the crunch of the coffee grinder, the hiss of the steam wand… making a cup of coffee with an espresso machine is an experience that wakes up all the senses. Some brew a piping hot shot of espresso, with a foamy golden crema, while others whip up a cappuccino, with a dreamy layer of frothed milk.
However you like your coffee, you’ll find it’s worth picking up a home espresso machine that will make your cuppa customised to your taste. Granted, figuring out how to use some of the more advanced espresso machines requires a learning curve, and needs time and effort on your part. But there are plenty of other options - automatic espresso machines, which use pods, for instance, just need a push of a button to brew the drink of your choice.
So, why travel all the way to the nearest cafe to get your caffeine boost? To get you started on making barista-style coffee in your kitchen, we share our top picks of espresso machines, based on user ratings and reviews on Amazon. Almost all the coffee makers in this list can be delivered to you within a day, if you are an Amazon Prime member, so check them out during the ongoing appliance sale:
1. Best Overall: De’Longhi La Specialista Prestigio Espresso Coffee Machine
Pros
- Built-in grinder
- Includes a mess-free tamping station
- Includes steam wand
Cons
- Involves a steep learning curve
Don’t be intimidated by the bells and whistles of this fancy looking machine by De’Longhi. It’s easy to use and can be customised to your preferences. You can choose from eight grind sizes, and pick from single or double espressos, Americanos or regular coffee. And if a family member prefers tea instead, this device dispenses hot water, too. La Specialista Prestigio has a built-in tamping mechanism, so your grounds are packed perfectly, and a pressure gauge you can monitor to get the perfect shot. A steam wand creates both foamy and flat coffees, and reviewers rave about the full-bodied espressos this device produces, with silky smooth crema. Once you figure out how to use all of its highly efficient parts - and that may take a while, for beginners - it’s going to be an indispensable part of your day.
Bonus: Buy with 0% installments and pay Dh304.84 for 12 months with select banks.
Warranty: Amazon offers 1-year extended warranty for Dh227 and 2-year extended warranty for 323.
2. Best for Small Spaces: Nespresso Mini Essenza C30, Black
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Heats up in under 30 seconds
- Accommodates two cup sizes
- Powerful 19-bar pump pressure
Cons
- Small capacity
- Tight 5-inch cup clearance
- No milk frother included
This machine is perfect for beginners who are still adjusting to the idea of drinking freshly brewed coffee every day. The taste of the machine-brewed coffee is consistent throughout, making it also perfect for people who enjoy a set routine and don’t explore too many varieties of coffee. The minimalist design of the Nespresso Mini Essenza makes it lightweight and ideal for small spaces. The espresso machine requires minimal cleaning and heats up in just 30 seconds. The 19-bar high-pressure pump makes a full-flavoured espresso with crema. There are two buttons to determine the cup size options – espresso and lungo – with the latter providing you with a larger quantity. As icing on the cake, each machine comes with a range of Nespresso capsules to get you started on your coffee journey.
Warranty: Amazon offers a 1-year extended warranty for Dh40 and a 2-year extended warranty for Dh57.
3. Best for Variety: Nescafe Dolce Gusto GENIO S PLUS Coffee Machine
Pros
- Produces over 50 varieties of coffee
- Makes both hot and cold beverages
- Fully customisable
- Easy to use
- Saves space on counter top
Cons
- More expensive than most Dolce Gusto machines
If you are someone who likes to explore different varieties of coffee, this compact coffee machine is going to become your favourite appliance. You can try brewing 50 different kinds of coffee and can customise the temperature for each of them. The automatic espresso machine uses advanced technology to let you enjoy your favourite drink in the comfort of your home. You get to tailor your own coffee based on tastes and preferences. From frothy latte macchiato to smooth americanos, you can customise your drink with the coffee maker’s LED control ring, and select the level of intensity with its espresso boost feature. The 15-bar high-pressure system brews good coffee with a velvety froth.
Warranty: Amazon offers a 1-year extended warranty for Dh23 and a 2-year extended warranty for Dh33.
4. Best Dual Purpose: Ariete 1318 Moderna Espresso Machine with Integrated Coffee Grinder
Pros
- Grind coffee beans, make espressos and froth milk in one machine
- Easy to clean
- Compact
Cons
- Some reviewers complain of malfunctions
Coffee connoisseurs will appreciate the many ways in which Ariete's coffee machine allows them to experience and savour their cuppa. Those who prefer certain types of coffee beans can grind them in this coffee maker, create their espresso, and even use the milk frother to make other varieties, like cappuccinos and lattes. The espresso machine pushes 15-bar pressurised water through ground coffee to produce full-bodied espressos. It looks beautiful on any kitchen counter, and it's easy to clean.
Warranty: Amazon offers a 1-year extended warranty for Dh35 and a 2-year extended warranty for Dh49.
5. Best Budget: Saachi Espresso, Cappuccino and Cafe Latte Maker
Pros
- Allows you to prepare multiple beverages simultaneously
- Affordable price
- Milk frother included
Cons
- Reviewers say the quality of the machine could be improved
If you want to learn the ropes of coffee-making without investing in an expensive espresso machine, then this semi-automatic Saachi coffee maker will fit the bill. The espresso maker is outfitted by a keep-warm tray at the top of the appliance to ensure that your cup of coffee stays warm as you prepare another one. The 3.5-bar pressure steamer makes really good froth and helps brew cappuccino, cafe latte, and many such beverages with ease. The stainless-steel filter and aluminum-alloy filter holder of the espresso maker are easy to clean and maintain.
Warranty: The product comes with one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
6. Best for Beginners: Keurig Smart K-Cafe Coffee Maker
Pros
- Extremely simple operation
- Makes up to four coffee sizes
- Produces both hot and cold frothing options
- Consistent results
Cons
- Cannot use your own coffee beans or grounds
Simple, versatile and with plenty of options to keep any coffee aficionado satisfied, Keurig’s K-Cafe is ideal for beginners. The coffee maker has four coffee size options - from 177ml to 355ml - and even includes a ‘strong’ option so you can get the most out of your K-cup pod. While reviewers say the machine doesn’t quite deliver on crema, it does have a built-in milk brother that allows you to create quick cappuccinos, lattes. A ‘cold’ button even lets you add frothy milk to a blend of coffee and ice. The machine produces consistent results each time, and the milk frothing container is easy to clean. What more could anyone ask for from their first coffee maker?
Bonus: Buy with 0% installments and pay Dh93.85 for 12 months with select banks.
Warranty: Amazon offers a 1-year extended warranty for Dh80 and a 2-year extended warranty for Dh113.
7. Best for Advanced Coffee Drinkers: Ariete Espresso Coffee Maker 1313
Pros
- Makes two cups of coffee at a time
- Has an integrated milk frother
- Includes a hot water dispenser
- Powerful machine with 11 grinding settings
Cons
- Takes up counter space
- Not for beginner coffee drinkers
This machine is a jewel for coffee connoisseurs who take one sip and determine the type of coffee beans used in the concoction, how the beans have been roasted, and how the espresso was brewed. It is said that grinding coffee beans fresh yields a better coffee taste as compared to using already pre-ground coffee. The built-in grinder of the Italian espresso machine, which is a feature for mostly super-automatic espresso machines, is one of the highlights of the Ariete 1313. Having said that, this large machine has a capacity of 2 litres and can also make espresso with ESE pods. You can dispense enough espresso to fill 1 or 2 cups.
Warranty: Amazon offers a 1-year extended warranty for Dh97 and a 2-year extended warranty for Dh138.
Our recommendations are independently chosen by Gulf News editors. If you decide to shop through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, as we are part of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
