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Best Espresso Machines for Every At-Home Barista

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Does the prospect of a perfect shot of espresso entice you to visit your favorite coffee shop day in and day out? Skip the lines and the added costs by making your own specialty java beverages in the comfort of your own home. All you need is the right espresso machine to get the job done.

Like so many other things in life, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to espresso machines. To choose the best one for you, consider the quality of the beans you love to use, the time you have to prepare your coffee beverages, your available space and your planned budget. To help set you on the path to finding your new favorite small appliance, we rounded up 10 of the best espresso machines for every at-home barista.

Best Overall: Breville The Barista Express Espresso Machine

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With more than 1,800 five-star reviews, it's tough to beat the convenience and precision that comes with Breville's The Barista Express espresso machine. It features dose-controlled grinding and precision extraction for the perfect cup every time. It also has a unique grinding cradle for hands-free operation and everything you need to make your favorite espresso-based beverages.

Best Value: Bialetti Moka Stovetop Coffee Maker and Espresso Pot

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Don't let the modest price tag fool you, hundreds of reviewers think that Bialetti's Moka stovetop coffee and espresso maker outperforms some of the pricier automatic espresso machines on the market. Even better, hot, strong espresso is ready within about two minutes for a fraction of what you'd pay otherwise.

Best for Under $100: De'Longhi EC155 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

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Anyone interested in a budget-friendly traditional espresso machine should consider the De'Longhi EC155 espresso machine, which features 15-bar pressure and the ability to brew one or two espresso shots for versatility and professional quality results. The manual frother lets you create your favorite topping while the advanced system maintains brewing temperatures so you can make multiple cups in a row without having to wait in between.

Best Manual: Flair Espresso Machine

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It looks cool and brews one perfectly hot cup of espresso. The Flair espresso maker is lightweight enough to take with you when you travel, but durable enough to use every day. Unlike other manual espresso makers, it features a detachable brewing head for easy cleaning. The Flair allows you to craft reliably thick and creamy espresso shots within two to three minutes.

Best Built-In Grinder: De'Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Espresso Machine

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The De'Longhi ESAM3300 espresso machine offers instant grinding at your fingertips. Its patented "Direct to Brew" system features three grinder settings so you get the freshest cup every time. It also has an intuitive control panel that puts you in charge of everything from brewing temperature to coffee strength to cup size.

Best Splurge: Breville Barista Touch

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For a luxe, splurge-worthy option, consider Breville's Barista Touch espresso maker, which features three-second heat-up time and an integrated grinder that lets you brew cafe quality espresso at home at a fraction of the time. This espresso machine also features a touch screen with pre-programmed espresso beverages and automatic micro-foam texturing for results that make you look like a seasoned barista.

Best Pod: Nespresso by De'Longhi Coffee and Espresso Machine

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Single-serve simplicity is what the Nespresso by De'Longhi coffee and espresso machine promises. With hundreds of five-star reviews, this versatile option is a favorite among coffee aficionados interested in brewing everything from double espressos to traditional coffee from pre-portioned pods, which take the guesswork out of the equation. It features a removable water tank, 15-second heat-up time and an energy saver that turns the machine off after it sits idle for nine minutes.

Best Espresso/Automatic Drip Combo: De'Longhi Combination Pump

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For the ultimate in single appliance versatility, turn to the De'Longhi Combination Pump, which brews a 10-cup pot of automatic drip coffee on one side or your favorite espresso on the other. It features De'Longhi's flavor savor brew system along with a 24-hour programmable timer, 47-ounce water reservoir and a swivel jet frother, which allows you to make all your favorite espresso-based beverages or a regular pot of java all from the same appliance.

Best Iced Espresso: De'Longhi Dinamica Espresso Machine

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If something makes it to Oprah's list of "favorite things," you know it's something to take notice of. Fans of iced espresso beverages (including Lady O herself) are fans of the De'Longhi Dinamica espresso maker. Its lower brewing temperatures are only the beginning. It also pre-infuses and infuses coffee for iced espresso beverages with full flavor that's never watered down. It also has a bean-to-cup brewing system and an adjustable manual frother so you can indulge your steam and foam preferences.

Best Compact: Nespresso by De'Longhi Pixie Espresso Machine

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Short on space? No problem. The Nespresso by De'Longhi Pixie espresso machine takes up minimal space with its compact dimensions measuring a petite 11 centimeters wide. Proof that compact doesn't mean short on features, it delivers a high-pressure pump, two one-touch buttons and a sleek design that looks striking in any kitchen.

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