The Best Italian Espresso Machines: Top Brands and Models

No one does espresso like the Italians, and everyone knows that. Once you get a taste of the true Italian espresso, you will want to have that kind of coffee available to you every day. Luckily for you, you can do that if you get one of the eight best Italian espresso machines currently available!

Espresso machines are not the simplest of things – they can come with various features and can have different designs, different sizes, and more. When I wanted to buy my first espresso machine, there were a lot of things that I had to consider. But the one thing that I never had any doubts about was the origin of the machine – it had to be an espresso machine made in Italy!

If you are also looking for an espresso machine to buy, I strongly urge you to get one of the top Italian espresso machines that I have on this list. You can learn more about them in the detailed reviews below. I hope that all the information will help you decide which one is the machine that fits your needs best!

TOP PICK

When it comes to Italian espresso machines, there are quite a lot of great brands that make these amazing machines. Some of them have a lot of features, others look great, and there is a third group that focuses on the taste of the coffee. If you are looking for a machine that has all of these things wrapped with a nice bow, you have to check out the Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Stainless Steel Espresso Machine!

Presenting… The Best Italian Espresso Machines

Product	Key Features
Best Overall	Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Commercial steam wand Commercial solenoid valve Rocket switch controls	Check Amazon
	Rancilio Silvia Ergonomic portafilter Classic linear design Optional capsule adaptor	Check Amazon
	Gaggia Anima Programmable brewing Removable water reservoir Bean hopper included	Check Amazon
	De’Longhi EC9355M La Specialista Prestigio Integrated burr grinder Temperature stability Quality steam wand	Check Amazon
Best Budget	De’Longhi EC155 Professional pressure brewing Three-in-one portafilter Optimal brewing temperature	Check Amazon
	De’Longhi EC680M Automatic flow stop Easy to clean Suitable for taller cups	Check Amazon
	Rocket Espresso Appartamento Nera Espresso Machine Commercial Grade Features Manual Controls Temperature stability	Check Amazon
	Saeco Xelsis Super Automatic Titanium Premier programming Double thermo block Ergonomic design	Check Amazon

1. Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Stainless Steel Espresso Machine – Best Overall

This espresso machine from Gaggia is a semi-automatic espresso machine that comes with a lot of commercial parts. While this might be a turnoff for some people, I consider it to be a great thing since the parts are made from quality materials and are very easy to use. Mastering this machine will be quite easy and will allow you to brew some amazing coffee!

This machine from Gaggia has commercial parts and a compact, durable design that is super easy to use. The machine might not look that modern, but it surely brews some amazing coffee. It also comes at an affordable price compared to some of the other machines on this list, so you should be able to get it for yourself.

I strongly encourage you to look into this machine from Gaggia and consider it for your kitchen. You can’t go wrong with it, trust me. If you want some more information on the build and the features, you can find that in the detailed review further below.

Unlike some other machines that have difficult controls, Gaggia has improved the controls on this machine to make them simple and easy to use for everyone. You do not need to be a professional barista to know how to use these rocker switch controls. Just press the button and the coffee will start dripping into your cup immediately.

Pros

• Various filter baskets are available
• Fast heat-up
• Commercial steam wand

Cons

• Not suitable for taller cups

I love the simplicity and classic style of this espresso maker. If you are ever looking for a quality machine that is not very expensive, I recommend that you look into this one. Gaggia outdid themselves with this machine, but I will also mention another great machine from them a bit later on!

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2. Rancilio Silvia Stainless Steel Espresso Machine

This espresso machine from Rancilio is another great semi-automatic machine with a traditional style. You can use it to brew ground coffee, but you also have the option to use capsules to brew coffee. To do that, you will need the capsule adaptor kit that the company offers.

This machine comes with a large water reservoir that is quite easy to use. You can remove the reservoir whenever you want to clean it or fill it with water. If you do not want to remove it, you can also fill it from the top without any spills or drips!

Pros

• Chrome-plated brass boiler
• Superb extraction
• Classic linear design
• Optional capsule adaptor

Cons

• Machine might not be that durable

If you are a person who leads a busy life, you need this machine to brew your espresso. Not only will it heat up and brew it quickly, but the recovery time between shots will also be very short. You will be surprised by the efficiency of the machine, as well as its ability to work fast.

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3. Gaggia Anima Programmable Espresso Machine

In addition to that first Gaggia machine that I mentioned, I want to tell you more about this Anima espresso machine from Gaggia. This is a super-automatic machine, unlike the previous two that were semi-automatic. What this means is that brewing your espresso with this machine will be even more delightful!

There are quite a lot of great features that this machine comes with. You have a built-in bean hopper, bypass doser, water reservoir, steam wand, and a brew group. Also, you can remove some of the parts to clean them more easily.

Pros

• Adjustable temperature controls
• Manual frothing possible
• Bean hopper included

Cons

• Wrong notifications may pop up

This is the perfect machine for people who do not want to be that involved in the brewing process. The machine can make your coffee with little to no involvement on your part. Just make sure that you adjust everything according to your needs before starting the brew!

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4. De’Longhi EC9355M La Specialista Prestigio Espresso Machine

De’Longhi is one of the most famous coffee machine makers in the world, so I cannot go any further without mentioning their machines. This La Specialista espresso machine is truly amazing – you can grind, measure, tamp the beans, brew your coffee, and prepare your milk all with this one machine!

A lot of espresso machines do not come with a bean hopper and grinder. You need to get a separate one that may or may not grind the beans with the consistency you need. However, this machine comes with sensor grinding technology and six grinding settings that will help you reach the consistency you want with little to no effort.

Pros

• Dual heating system
• Easy maintenance
• Integrated burr grinder

Cons

• Steaming pressure may be a bit too low

Once you start the machine, you will only need to wait one second before you can start using it. That is a great thing for people who have no time to spare. If you are one of those people, I recommend that you invest in this great machine and reap the benefits of it!

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Check out this post if you want to see more De’Longhi Machines.

5. De’Longhi EC155 Stainless Steel Espresso Machine

Unlike the previous De’Longhi machine I discussed, this one has a more classic design and simpler commands. The design is also compact, and it has a narrow footprint, meaning that you can easily fit it even in smaller kitchens.

What I love most about this machine is that you can use it to make one or two cups of espresso at the same time, but you can also use it with ESE pods! The design of the portafilter allows you to insert one of the two filters or a pod in it. The professional pressure pump will have no problem brewing the perfect coffee no matter which filter you go with!

Pros

• Removable water tank
• Professional quality
• Steel drip tray

Cons

• Some parts are made from plastic, not from metal or steel

Even though the design is simpler and some of the parts are made from plastic, this is still a great espresso machine that you need to look into. If you are on a tighter budget, this may be perfect for you. It will brew you some great coffee, it will be easy to maintain, and you will be able to get it at quite an affordable price!

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6. De’Longhi EC680M Stainless Steel Espresso Machine

This De’Longhi EC680M, also called the Dedica machine, is the perfect one for at-home baristas. The controls on it are very simple. You can use it to brew coffee or even steam milk. Thanks to the versatile portafilter, you can make one or two cups of espresso at the same time, and you can also use espresso pods in it.

After using the machine for some time, you will certainly need to clean and descale it. This should not be a problem since most parts on the machine are removable and dishwasher safe. As for the descaling, you will be able to do it in no time and bring your machine to its former glory.

Pros

• Easy to clean
• Accommodates taller cups
• Convenient water tank

Cons

• Machine may start leaking after some time

This is one of the more affordable machines that I have included on my list. Even though it is not expensive, it works just as well as some of the more expensive ones. I recommend that you look into it, especially if you are looking for a machine with a space-saving design!

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7. Rocket Espresso Appartamento Nera Espresso Machine

The design of the Rocket Espresso Appartamento is undeniably attention grabbing, but comes with a significant price tag. This is a high quality semi commercial espresso machine designed to create the most exquisite coffee you’ve ever tasted. For coffee enthusiasts looking to indulge, this could be the perfect self treat.

This machine demands a more involved technique due to its manual controls. It will elevate your espresso making experience, urging you to channel your inner barista. Once you’ve mastered the art of being a barista, your new skills are bound to leave a lasting impression. This machine is unquestionably crafted with genuine coffee aficionados in mind.

Pros

• Heat exchanger boiler
• Commercial grade features
• Temperature stability

Cons

• Requires routine backwashing and descaling

This exquisite device boasts an array of features that will continuously captivate your interest. Its intricate construction necessitates periodic backwashing and descaling, which is a straightforward process and definitely worthwhile considering the superb quality of espresso it delivers.

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8. Saeco Xelsis Super Automatic Titanium Espresso Machine

Here is the final espresso machine for this list and the second one from Saeco. Unlike the PicoBaristo, this Xelsis espresso machine is a bit more affordable and still comes with a lot of great features. This is another super-automatic machine that is completely programmable and can offer you easy brewing.

The double thermo blocks on this machine serve to give you the best brewing and steaming experience. After you steam the milk, the Hygiesteam system will purge and clean the steamer, preparing it for the next steaming!

Pros

• Refined ergonomics
• Hygiesteam system
• Customizable user profile

Cons

• Coffee it brews might not be very hot

This is a great coffee machine that comes with a lot of great features, including the coffee equalizer, the Hygiesteam, the aqua clean filter, the ceramic grinder, and so on. Even though it is somewhat expensive, I think this machine is completely worth the investment!

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What Espresso Machine Do They Use in Italy?

Even though there are quite a lot of Italian brands that make good espresso machines, Italians like to use De’Longhi machines to brew their coffee. These are quality machines with a lot of features, and they often come at affordable prices.

Since there are a lot of machines from this company, I do not doubt that you will be able to find one that will fit your needs best. Take your time with the search and go through everything before making the final decision!

How to Pick the Best Italian Espresso Machine

As you might have seen so far, there are quite a lot of good espresso machines from Italian brands. One of the biggest differences between them can be the level of involvement you, as a barista, have in the brewing method.

Based on the level of involvement in the brewing method as well as the features and parts they come with, all espresso machines can be divided into three groups: semi-automatic, fully-automatic, and super-automatic machines. Let me tell you more about them and how to decide which one you need to get!

Semi-automatic Espresso Machines

Semi-automatic espresso machines are best for people who like to be involved in the coffee-making process. With this machine, you will need to prepare the beans yourself. That means you can grind, measure, tamp, and put them in the portafilter. Once you do that, you can start the brew and stop it whenever you get the amount of coffee you want.

If you want to be involved in the brewing process, this type of machine is right for you. However, if you want to have fewer obligations in preparing the coffee, you should move on to the next type of machine.

Fully-Automatic Espresso Machines

The fully-automatic or automatic machine is only a little bit different from the semi-automatic one. With this machine, you will be less involved in the brewing process. You will need to prepare the beans just like you would with the semi-automatic machine, but once you start the brew, the machine will automatically stop after about 30 seconds.

If you want a machine that has a consistently timed brewing system, this machine will be perfect for you. If you want to be even less involved in the entire brew, then there is another option for you to look into. Just check out the option below!

Super-Automatic Espresso Machines

This is the most advanced type of espresso machine. It usually comes at a higher price, but you get a machine that has a bean hopper, grinder, steamer, and timed brewing system.

With the super-automatic machine, you only need to put some coffee beans in the hopper and you will be good to go. The machine will grind the beans, set the portafilter, brew the coffee, and even steam the milk for you. This machine can work without your involvement, but that means that you cannot control the variables.

How Much Should I Spend On An Espresso Machine?

How much you should spend on an espresso machine depends on your use. There is a huge difference between the espresso machines made for commercial use and those made for at-home use. For the latter, you can expect to spend anywhere from $400 to $800, depending on the specific machine, its features, the quality of it, as well as the brand.

I would recommend that you invest in a good espresso machine if you like to drink espresso at least two times per day. Get one from a well-known company that you can easily contact in case there is any problem with the machine.

Ciao Bella Espresso!

That’s all I have to say on Italian espresso machines.

Again, I recommend that you look into the Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic if you are looking for a high-quality espresso machine with a classic design and a lot of features. If you are on a tighter budget, you can get the same quality coffee from a more affordable machine with the De’Longhi EC155.

Let me know in the comments if you know any other Italian espresso machines that I should include in the next review. I cannot wait to read all your comments and recommendations!