8 Best Coffee and Espresso Makers, Tested and Reviewed
After brewing hundreds of cups of coffee and espresso, we’re confident these combo machines will revolutionize your morning routine.
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Coffee makers and espresso machines are more versatile than ever, with brands combining the two into a single appliance that excels at making both coffee and espresso. These machines not only save valuable counter space, they can make a wide range of drinks, from drip coffee to lattes, cappuccinos and more. For added convenience, some models come with built-in coffee grinders, automatic milk frothers and even smart apps for easy brewing control.
For decades, the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab has rigorously tested nearly every type of coffee and espresso maker to find the best ones. We’ve tested over 100 machines in recent years, including drip coffee makers, coffee makers with built-in grinders, single-cup brewers, French presses, Nespresso machines and more. All in, we've brewed more than 1,000 cups of coffee and espresso shots. In our evaluations, we assess performance, ease of use, and, most importantly, taste to ensure each machine delivers the best coffee drinks. When it comes to coffee and espresso makers, these are our top picks.
De'Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine
Pros
- Can make coffee, espresso and frothed milk
- Doesn't take up too much counter space
- Great taste
Cons
- Espresso machine side needs to be primed
De'Longhi’s all-in-one coffee and espresso maker has everything you need to make drip coffee, espresso shots, lattes and more. Its dual heating system lets you brew a pot of coffee and pull an espresso shot simultaneously — plus, with a built-in milk frother, there's no need to buy extra equipment to make your favorite coffeehouse drinks.
Despite packing in so many features, the machine's footprint is only slightly larger than most drip-only models and about the same size as some espresso makers. For a model that offers the functionality of both machines, the fact that it doesn't take up too much counter space is impressive.
The drip coffee side features a reusable filter (sometimes called a permanent filter), which we found easy to change in our Lab testing. The coffee brewed quickly, in about five minutes, and was tasty. The keep-warm setting can be set for up to 11 hours and 59 minutes, with a default of two hours. Not only did it keep our coffee drinkable for the full two hours, but it actually made it warmer.
We found the espresso side to be convenient, thanks to a removable water reservoir and a portafilter that can accommodate pre-ground beans or ESE coffee pods. It also produced a nice, even crema. The only drawback is that it’s recommended to run a cycle of hot water through the espresso side before pulling a shot. However, if you place your mug under the portafilter during this step, the warm water will preheat your mug.
Machine type: Drip coffee maker and semi-automatic espresso machine | Coffee type: Pre-ground (espresso maker is compatible with ESE pods) | Dimensions: 11" x 14.5" x 12.8" | Water tank capacity: 32 ounces | Milk frother: Built-in steam wand
READ MORE: I've Been Using the De'Longhi All-in-One Coffee Maker for a Year, and Here's What I Think
Bialetti Express Moka Pot
Pros
- Makes strong, espresso-like coffee
- Simple to use
- Compact
Cons
- Hand-wash only
Don’t let the simplicity of the Bialetti Moka Pot fool you — it still brews some of the most flavorful and strong coffee around. This no-frills stovetop coffee maker delivers quick results right on your stovetop, and it’s one of the most affordable options on this list, making it a great value.
One former staff member raves about her Bialetti Moka Pot, saying it makes the tastiest coffee and saves her $3,500 a year on coffee shop runs. Plus, it’s easy to use. Just fill the base with water, insert the funnel and add ground coffee. As the water heats up on the stovetop, pressure pushes it through the coffee grounds, brewing your coffee in just minutes. (Just be sure to watch it carefully to avoid burning the coffee.) The result is a strong brew similar to espresso, and if you prefer a more traditional cup, you can make it Americano-style by adding hot water.
The Moka Pot comes in several sizes, from 1-cup to 12-cup capacities. Each size is relatively compact, making it perfect for those with limited storage space. While it’s hand-wash only and should be cleaned without soap, its small size means it takes just a few minutes to rinse out, with a deeper clean needed only occasionally.
RELATED: We Tested Moka Pots to Find the Best Ones
Machine type: Manual | Coffee type: Pre-ground | Dimensions: 4.25" x 8.5" | Water tank capacity: Available in 1-, 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-cup capacities | Milk frother: Not included
De'Longhi Magnifica Start Espresso & Coffee Machine with Automatic Milk Frother
Pros
- Makes cappuccinos and lattes at the push of a button
- Controls are easy to operate
- Compact
Cons
- Espresso was a bit weak
We appreciate this De'Longhi machine's simplicity and ease of use, offering a choice of five popular drinks at the push of a button. You can select from espresso, coffee, cappuccino, latte macchiato and hot water, and the machine handles everything, including frothing the milk.
In our Lab tests, the machine brewed a consistent shot of espresso, though testers found it was slightly on the weak side when using the medium setting. However, there are options for stronger or milder brews. Meanwhile, the frother produced thick froth with very few large bubbles. (It didn’t work as well with almond milk, resulting in larger bubbles, but we find that’s common with plant-based milks.)
The touch panel is straightforward, letting you choose your drink without having to scroll through complicated options. It’s also one of the more compact machines we’ve tested.
Machine type: Automatic | Coffee type: Whole or pre-ground | Dimensions: 17" x 9.25" x 14" | Water tank capacity: 60.8 ounces | Milk frother: Built-in container
Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Maker
Pros
- Barcode system automatically adjusts to capsule type
- Produces well-round espresso with excellent crema
- Water tank is removable and adjustable
Cons
- Can't use your own coffee beans or grounds
The Nespresso Vertuo features a unique barcode system that detects the capsule type and automatically adjusts the size, temperature, pressure and brew time to make the perfect cup of coffee or espresso. That means, unlike other machines, you don’t need to brew multiple pods or manually add water to get the drink you want. The Nespresso offers brew options like espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, mug and alto, allowing you to customize the strength and size of your drink.
In our Lab tests, every cup of coffee and espresso we made with this machine was hot and well-rounded, with the espresso boasting excellent crema. The machine has a relatively small footprint, and we also liked that the water tank is removable and can be positioned in three different ways to fit your available space. Plus, if you're concerned about capsule waste, Nespresso offers a recycling program where you can send the used pods back to the company.
Machine type: Pod | Coffee type: Capsules | Dimensions: 8.7" x 12.7" x 12.8" | Water tank capacity: 40 ounces | Milk frother: Not included
KitchenAid KF8 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
Pros
- Easy to navigate touch screen
- Makes flavorful coffee that's customizable
- Milk frothing container can be stored in the fridge
Cons
- Drip tray needs frequent emptying
- Expensive
This KitchenAid machine impressed us as one of the easiest-to-use fully automatic espresso machines we’ve ever tested. Right from the start, it was intuitive to use without needing to read through the instruction manual. The touch screen was also highly responsive, and navigating through all the coffee options was a breeze. The machine also provides step-by-step instructions for tasks like rinsing the milk hose, which our testers found extremely easy to follow.
In addition to its user-friendliness, the KF8 produced tasty, well-balanced espresso shots, according to our testers. The coffee is highly customizable, with options to adjust the strength, temperature and volume, so you can have it just the way you like it. It also makes a variety of drinks, including lattes, americanos, cortados and more, with just a few taps on the screen.
This fully automatic machine comes with a milk container designed to add the correct amount of milk and froth to your drink. In our tests, the frother produced excellent foam, and we appreciated that the leftover milk could be stored in the fridge. Clean-up was easy, though keep in mind that the machine rinses itself when it shuts off, so you’ll need to empty the drip tray more frequently.
RELATED: Best High-End Coffee Makers
Machine type: Automatic | Coffee type: Whole or pre-ground | Dimensions: 10.2" x 18.5" x 14.3" | Water tank capacity: 74.3 ounces | Milk frother: Separate container attached with a hose
Bosch 300 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
Pros
- Frothing wand foams milk directly in cup
- Has built-in a cup warmer
- Compact for a fully automatic machine
Cons
- Drip tray needs frequent emptying
This fully automatic espresso machine has a compact design and a narrow profile compared to other automatic machines, making it a great fit for smaller spaces. We appreciated the simple and straightforward control panel, which offers options for coffee, espresso, cappuccinos, latte macchiatos and foamed milk. What sets this machine apart is the frothing wand, which allows you to froth directly into your cup, so multiple users can choose their preferred milk without needing to clean a separate container.
Our testers found the espresso to be flavorful, with a nice layer of dark golden crema. The machine offers six strength options, ranging from very mild to aroma intense, as well as the ability to make a double cup. Additionally, the top of the machine features a cup warmer so you can preheat your cup. Like many fully automatic machines, it rinses itself every time it turns on and off, so the drip tray will need frequent emptying.
Machine type: Automatic | Coffee type: Whole | Dimensions: 14.9" x 9.75" x 16.5" | Water tank capacity: 45 ounces | Milk frother: Built-in wand for individual cups
Miele CM7750 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
Pros
- Ideal for large families with varying coffee preferences
- Makes flavorful espresso, lattes and cappuccinos
- Up to 10 programmable user profiles
Cons
- Drip tray needs frequent emptying
- Expensive
Our testers found this Miele espresso and coffee machine easy to set up and use. Unlike most machines that only have one bean hopper, this one features three, allowing you to store different beans, such as dark roast, light roast and decaf — perfect for households with varying coffee preferences. Coffee aficionados will appreciate the ability to tailor their favorite beans to specific drinks, like using one type for espresso shots and another for a café au lait.
With 22 preset drink options, from simple coffee to flat whites and more, this machine offers plenty of variety. We tested the espresso, cappuccino, and latte settings. The espresso had a thick, tasty crema, the latte had a nice balance of milk and espresso and our tasters praised the cappuccino’s flavor.
In addition to coffee, the machine offers various brew times and temperatures for different teas, such as white, green and herbal. It can create two drinks at once and allows you to program up to 10 user profiles for customized preferences.
With a 74-ounce water tank, one of the largest we've tested, you won't need to refill it often. We also like that the machine automatically cleans itself with a rinse cycle and has a large drip tray to catch the water. However, the large drip tray does mean more frequent emptying, and if left too long, excess water can spill easily.
Machine type: Automatic | Coffee type: Whole beans or pre-ground | Dimensions: 16" x 23" x 22" | Water tank capacity: 74 ounces | Milk frother: Attachable milk container
Pros
- All parts nest neatly into the provided cup and lid
- Makes tasty coffee
- Easy to use
Cons
- Makes a good espresso-like drink, but not true espresso
We've always been impressed with the Aeropress for its smooth, tasty coffee, and its compact size makes it perfect for travel. Aeropress took it a step further with the Go, offering everything you need to brew a delicious cup in a compact setup. (We liked it so much that it was a winner in our recent Kitchen Gear and Coffee Awards!) The Go includes a plunger, filters, cup, lid, scoop and stirrer, and you can brew directly into the provided cup.
Our experts were impressed with how easy it is to make coffee: just add hot water and coffee grounds, let it steep for a minute (depending on your preferred strength), and then plunge it through an airtight chamber with a filter.
When you're done, all the parts neatly nest into the cup and lid, making it easy to pack up and take on the go. When we tested it, we found it brewed a rich, flavorful cup and was incredibly user-friendly. Our testers appreciated that everything stacks together, so you don’t have to worry about losing parts when traveling. It’s also great for the office, as it’s small enough to store on your desk for a fresh cup anytime.
You can even make a tasty espresso-like drink with the Go. One thing to note: while it uses pressure to extract the water through the coffee grounds, it doesn’t generate as much pressure as a true espresso machine. We found that it didn’t taste exactly like traditional espresso. However, when using finely ground coffee and a small amount of water, it’s a great option for an espresso-style drink when an espresso machine isn’t available.
RELATED: Best Manual Espresso Machines
Machine type: Manual | Coffee type: Pre-ground | Dimensions: 5.3" x 3.9" x 3.9" | Water tank capacity: 8.01 ounces | Milk frother: Not included
How we test coffee and espresso makers
When testing coffee-and-espresso combo machines in our Lab, we begin by researching the top types of coffee makers available in stores and online, focusing on best-sellers, popular brands and new models. Once we’ve selected the models we want to try, we test each one using a standardized methodology just as we would for drip coffee makers and espresso machines.
To test drip coffee makers, we use equipment to continuously measure the water temperature throughout the entire brewing cycle. We also take the temperature of the first cup of freshly brewed coffee and record the initial reading. To test keep-warm settings, we monitor the temperature at various intervals over a two-hour period.
We also assess each coffee maker’s ease of use, including how simple it is to program, access the brew basket, read the control panel, fill the water tank and clean. We note whether it has a keep-warm option and automatic shut-off capabilities. Additionally, we evaluate the clarity and comprehensiveness of the instruction manual.
For espresso makers, we evaluate ease of use, shot-pulling time, consistency, temperature and noise level. We also assess the quality of the crema. If the machine has a milk frother, we test it with skim, whole and oat milk. Finally, for both coffee and espresso makers, we have a group of taste testers sample a fresh cup or shot and rate it on taste.
Finally, we analyze and evaluate our data and testing insights to determine our final list of top picks.
What to look for when shopping
✔️ Coffee type: When choosing a combination coffee and espresso machine, consider your preference for using pre-ground coffee, whole beans or pods. Opting for a machine that uses pre-ground coffee lets you skip the grinding step, but it won’t taste as fresh as grinding whole beans right before you brew. Some machines come with a built-in grinder, allowing you to load whole beans that are freshly ground by the cup.
✔️ Manual or automatic: The biggest difference between manual and automatic machines is how much effort you’ll need to put in to make your coffee or espresso. Manual machines require the most work, as you’ll be doing most of the steps yourself. On the other hand, fully automatic machines can create a coffeehouse-style drink with just the push of a button. There are also semi-automatic machines that automate some parts of the process — like grinding the beans but leaving the milk frothing up to you.
✔️ Space: Check that you have enough counter space and clearance underneath cupboards to fit the machine.
✔️ Water tank capacity: If you have multiple household members using the machine or want to reduce the need for frequent refills, opt for a larger water reservoir. Smaller tanks take up less space and let you change the water more often to keep it fresh.
What coffee works best for espresso?
A darker roast coffee that’s finely ground typically works best for espresso, as it delivers a stronger flavor, but there’s no right or wrong choice. You can use any roast, such as medium or light, depending on your personal taste.
If you’re grinding whole coffee beans, select a setting recommended by the manufacturer for espresso. There’s usually a range of settings available, and adjusting the grind size can bring out different flavor notes in the espresso, so you may need to experiment to find your favorite. Just keep in mind that if the grind size is too coarse, you’ll end up with watery espresso.
When buying pre-ground coffee, make sure it’s labeled for espresso, as espresso requires a finer grind than drip coffee.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Nicole Papantoniou wrote the original version of this guide. She is the director of the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she oversees all testing related to cooking and drinking equipment, including drip coffee makers. With years of experience, she has tested hundreds of coffee makers.
Jamie Ueda most recently updated this guide. Her first role at the Good Housekeeping Institute involved testing a variety of consumer products, including drip coffee makers. Since then, she has tested and written extensively about kitchen tools, particularly drip coffee and espresso makers, as well as coffee accessories. A coffee enthusiast, she has completed rigorous courses from the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) in coffee brewing, barista skills and sensory tasting.
Jamie Ueda is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing. She has held leading roles at both mid-size consumer goods companies and one of the most notable and largest apparel brands in the world. Jamie has contributed to several of the GH Institute Labs, including Kitchen Appliances, Media and Tech, Textiles and Home Appliances. In her free time she enjoys cooking, traveling, and working out.
Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.
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