The Best Premium Espresso Machines
This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Premium machines spend the extra money in one of two directions: more automation and convenience, or more control and stability for enthusiasts.
Decide which direction suits you before comparing models, because the best premium machine for a busy family is very different from the best one for a hobbyist.
Our picks at a glance
- Jura E8: Premium one-touch
- De'Longhi Rivelia: Two bean hoppers
- Sage Barista Touch Impress: Most guided all-in-one
- Sage Dual Boiler: Brew and steam at once
- Sage Barista Pro: Best upgrade all-in-one
The picks
Premium convenience: seventeen one-touch drinks and Swiss build quality.
Watch out: You are tied to Jura filters and cleaning tablets.
Convenience plus two bean containers and a color touchscreen.
Watch out: Smaller water tank.
The most guided semi-automatic: grinder, assisted tamping and automatic milk.
Watch out: A lot of automation if you like manual control.
Control: dual boilers, PID and a 58 mm portafilter.
Watch out: No grinder.
A fast, all-in-one machine with a clear display.
Watch out: Manual steam wand.
Side by side
| Machine | Type | Grinder | Milk | Price tier* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jura E8 | Super-automatic (bean to cup) | Yes, built-in burr grinder | Automatic milk system (milk pipe) | Premium |
| De'Longhi Rivelia | Super-automatic (bean to cup) | Yes, with two swappable bean containers | LatteCrema Hot automatic milk carafe | Premium |
| Sage Barista Touch Impress | Semi-automatic with built-in grinder | Yes, conical burr | Automatic steam wand (set temp and texture) | Premium |
| Sage Dual Boiler | Semi-automatic dual boiler (no grinder) | No | Manual steam wand (separate steam boiler) | Premium |
| Sage Barista Pro | Semi-automatic with built-in grinder | Yes, conical burr | Manual steam wand | Premium |
*Price tier is a rough guide. Click through for today's price on Amazon.
Tips before you buy
Convenience or control?
If you want drinks at a button, look at the bean-to-cup machines. If you want to make espresso yourself, look at the dual boilers.
Check the running costs
Filters, cleaning tablets and descaler add up over the years, especially on bean-to-cup machines.
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
Is a premium machine worth it?
It is worth it if you use it every day and the extra features solve a real problem for you, such as speed, milk drinks for several people or stable temperature.
Do premium machines make better coffee?
They make it more consistently. Fresh beans and a good grind still matter more than the price tag.
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
- Best Espresso Machines for Enthusiasts
- Espresso Machines That Fit Under Kitchen Cabinets
- Best Espresso Machines for Families and Busy Households
- Best Mid-Range Espresso Machines
- Espresso Machines That Heat Up in Seconds
- Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines
- Sage Barista Express vs Sage Barista Pro
- Sage Barista Express vs Sage Bambino Plus
- Gaggia Classic Evo Pro vs Rancilio Silvia
- Sage Barista Express vs Sage Barista Express Impress
- Sage Bambino vs Sage Bambino Plus
- Philips 2200 LatteGo vs Philips 3200 LatteGo