CoffeeYak!

What the Research Says:

Rancilio Silvia (*est. $550)

Best espresso machine overall.
Expert reviews say this is the best espresso machine for most home espresso enthusiasts. The Silvia gets high marks for its espresso taste, features, ease of use and build quality. The stainless steel-clad Silvia has a forged-brass boiler and a three-way solenoid valve. Some say the Silvia is somewhat sensitive to grind coarseness, and frothing milk properly takes practice, but experts say that the Silvia lives up to her excellent reputation as best in this price class.




Nespresso D290 (*est. $500)

Best pod espresso machine.
Although some experts scoff, owners love the Nespresso D290 pod espresso machine. The Nespresso works like any other high-quality pump-driven home espresso maker, but it takes away the learning curve by using prepackaged coffee pods. Users don’t have to grind beans, measure and tamp the grind, or clean up afterwards. Reviews say that although you are limited to buying the coffee pods (about 50¢ each), the Nespresso D290’s high-quality construction and simplicity is its major strength. Espresso taste is excellent and consistent.




Breville Cafe Roma (*est. $250)

Budget stainless-steel espresso maker.
Although more expensive espresso makers get much better reviews for consistency and long-term durability, reviews say the Breville Café Roma is a good beginner espresso maker, and its stainless steel housing makes this model a little more attractive than some other less expensive machines that are generally encased in plastic. On the downside, reviews say espresso quality from shot to shot can be inconsistent, and that the grouphead can eventually start to leak.




Gaggia Espresso (*est. $200)

Budget espresso maker (plastic housing).
Although its plastic external housing doesn’t make this espresso machine a head-turner, experts say that the Gaggia Espresso has many of the same internal components as more expensive Gaggia espresso machines, so espresso quality is very good, especially in this price range. You can also choose to use pods in the Gaggia Espresso instead of your own grind.




Krups Allegro FND111 (*est. $50)

Steam-driven machine.
Experts say that steam-powered machines can’t produce true espresso because they don’t use enough pressure to force water through grounds. The Allegro is an inexpensive way to get your coffee fix, however, and you can use it to practice your milk foaming technique and experiment with various grinds and tamping pressures. Connoisseurs reserve machines like the Allegro for travel. We read some complaints about durability.