These espresso machines deliver excellent performance and a high level of convenience, but cost several hundred (or thousand) less than fully automatics. Ideal for home espresso enthusiasts, our top picks offer solid build quality, excellent crema and powerful pumps in a reasonable price range.

This is a heavy-duty machine for serious espresso and serious espresso fans. Full of style and features, expect effortlessly-made perfect crema for many years to come. A 67-oz. water tank makes more coffee in less time, and a spacious warming tray keeps more coffee ready longer. Powerful steam, a 15-bar pump, and an easy-to-use interface smooth the preparation process.

Become your own barista. First-time users and espresso lovers will feel like there’s a professional machine in the kitchen. A 72-oz. water well, stainless steel construction, and a powerful pump help make this unit worth every penny.

One of America’s premier coffee brands brings cafe-quality espresso brewing to home kitchens. This unit is easy to care for and use. It’s powerful enough for perfect crema yet able to offer push-button simplicity.

An affordable, semi-automatic espresso machine that’s almost as easy to use as more fully automatic machines that can cost thousands. The Capresso 121.01 eliminates the hassle of making cappuccino or espresso because it automatically tamps coffee and discards used coffee grounds. Water heats quickly and the powerful 18 bar pump fills cups from 1-1/2 ounces to 12 ounces with ease. Ideally used in a home or office, this unit will help you quickly and easily brew a great-tasting cup of espresso with excellent crema. As a bonus, it even brews regular coffee.

Coffee lovers won’t find a more feature-filled espresso machine at such an attractive price point. Easy-to-clean stainless steel construction includes three stainless steel filters, a warming tray, and a 40-oz. water container. The Italian-made pump and powerful steam unit help get the best crema possible out of a consumer machine.