The Best Espresso Machines for Enthusiasts
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Enthusiast machines give you more control: stable brew temperature, a commercial-size 58 mm portafilter and powerful steam.
None of them has a grinder. Plan to spend real money on a capable espresso grinder, because these machines show every difference in grind quality.
Our picks at a glance
- Sage Dual Boiler: Brew and steam at once
- Rancilio Silvia: Best built to last
- Gaggia Classic Evo Pro: Best for enthusiasts
The picks
Two boilers, PID temperature control and programmable pre-infusion.
Watch out: Large footprint.
A simple, durable single boiler machine many owners keep for years.
Watch out: You wait between brewing and steaming.
The lowest-cost way into a 58 mm machine, with a huge upgrade community.
Watch out: Temperature varies more without a PID upgrade.
Side by side
| Machine | Type | Grinder | Milk | Price tier* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sage Dual Boiler | Semi-automatic dual boiler (no grinder) | No | Manual steam wand (separate steam boiler) | Premium |
| Rancilio Silvia | Semi-automatic (no grinder) | No | Commercial-style steam wand | Premium |
| Gaggia Classic Evo Pro | Semi-automatic (no grinder) | No | Commercial-style steam wand | Mid-range |
*Price tier is a rough guide. Click through for today's price on Amazon.
Tips before you buy
Budget for the grinder
An enthusiast machine with a weak grinder makes worse coffee than a budget machine with a good one.
Single or dual boiler?
Single boilers are fine for one or two drinks. If you often make several milk drinks in a row, a dual boiler saves a lot of waiting.
How we chose
We compared manufacturer specifications, design features and patterns in published owner feedback. We do not accept payment from brands for placement. More about how we work.
FAQ
What does PID mean?
A PID is an electronic controller that keeps the boiler at a set temperature, which makes shots more consistent.
Why does 58 mm matter?
It is the size used on commercial café machines, so there is a wide choice of baskets, tampers and accessories.
More buying guides
- Best Espresso Machines for Beginners
- Best Espresso Machines with a Built-In Grinder
- Best Budget Espresso Machines
- Best Espresso Machines for Lattes and Cappuccinos
- Best Bean-to-Cup Espresso Machines
- Best Espresso Machines for Small Kitchens
- Best Espresso Machines for Latte Art
- Espresso Machines That Fit Under Kitchen Cabinets
- Best Espresso Machines for Families and Busy Households
- Best Premium Espresso Machines
- Best Mid-Range Espresso Machines
- Espresso Machines That Heat Up in Seconds
- Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines
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