Last Updated on March 26, 2026 by Susanna Zuyeva
I love a great cup of espresso. I mean, really love it. So when I decided to stop paying five dollars a cup at coffee shops, I went on a mission. I spent weeks testing Italian hand press espresso machines at home. I brewed shot after shot. I steamed milk. I cleaned each machine carefully. And now I am ready to share what I found.
This guide covers my top three picks. I will tell you what each machine does well, what I liked, how it performed in my kitchen, and how easy it was to clean. I will also share the testing results so you can make a smart buying decision.
Let me be clear. I am not just copying product descriptions. I actually used these machines. I tasted the espresso. I learned the quirks. And I am going to tell you the truth.
Our Expertise
Before I get into the picks, let me tell you why you should trust this guide.
I have been making espresso at home for over five years. I have tried cheap machines and expensive ones. I know what good crema looks like. I know what a balanced shot tastes like. I have read hundreds of user reviews and studied the specs carefully.
I also follow coffee forums, watch barista tutorials, and keep up with new machines as they come out. This guide blends my real hands on testing with research so you get the most helpful information possible.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Here is a quick look at the three machines I tested and recommend:
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Breville Barista Express BES870XL – Best overall with a built in grinder.
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CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine – Best budget pick under $120.
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Gevi 20 Bar Espresso Machine – Best compact choice with hot water function.
Now let me go deep on each one.
1. Breville Barista Express BES870XL – Best Overall Italian Espresso Machine
Product Features
The Breville Barista Express is the gold standard for home espresso. It has everything you need in one machine. You do not need a separate grinder. You do not need extra gadgets. Just add beans and water and you are ready to brew.
Here are the key specs:
- Brand: Breville
- Color: Brushed Stainless Steel (plus Black Sesame and Black Truffle options)
- Dimensions: 13.8″D x 12.5″W x 15.9″H
- Capacity: 67 oz water tank, 1/2 lb bean hopper
- Power: 1600 Watts
- Warranty: 1 Year Limited
What I Like
I love that this machine grinds the beans right before brewing. Fresh ground coffee makes a huge difference. The flavor is richer. The aroma is stronger. You can taste the difference right away.
The steam wand is powerful. I was able to make real microfoam milk for lattes. The texture was creamy and smooth. My latte art was not perfect (I am still learning!), but the foam was absolutely cafe quality.
The PID temperature control is also a big deal. It keeps the water at exactly the right temperature every single time. This means consistent shots. No guessing. No burning the coffee.
Why It Is Better
Most espresso machines make you buy a separate grinder. That adds cost and counter space. The Breville solves this with its built in conical burr grinder. You get freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter in under 60 seconds.
The grind size dial is also very simple to use. You can adjust it based on the type of bean you are using. This level of control is rare at this price point.
How It Performed
I pulled single and double shots every morning for two weeks. The espresso had a beautiful golden crema on top every time. The flavor was bold but not bitter. I used medium roast beans from a local roaster and the results were outstanding.
The low pressure pre infusion feature gradually builds pressure before full extraction starts. This draws out the flavors evenly. My shots tasted balanced and smooth.
How I Clean It
Cleaning the Breville is straightforward. The machine comes with a cleaning disc, cleaning tablets, and a brush tool. I ran a cleaning cycle every week. It took about ten minutes from start to finish.
The water tank pulls out easily for refilling. The drip tray is simple to empty. The grinder does require occasional cleaning but the included brush makes it easy.
Testing Results
After two weeks of daily use, here is what I found:
- Crema quality: Excellent every time
- Shot consistency: Very high
- Steam power: Strong enough for latte art
- Warmup time: About 3 minutes
- Ease of use: Moderate (small learning curve at first)
- Overall score: 9.5 out of 10
This machine is perfect for people who want a full coffee bar experience at home without needing a lot of separate equipment.
2. CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine – Best Budget Pick Under $120
Product Features
The CASABREWS CM5418 is a beautiful little machine that punches way above its price. It looks sleek on the counter and comes in several fun colors including Baby Blue, Pastel Green, and Sapphire Blue. The Silver version is the most popular.
Here are the key specs:
- Brand: CASABREWS
- Color: Silver (plus Baby Blue, Creamy, Deep Black, Pastel Green, Sapphire Blue)
- Dimensions: 12.28″D x 5.47″W x 11.97″H
- Water Tank: 34 oz removable
- Pressure: 20 bar Italian pump
- Power: 1350 Watts
What I Like
I was honestly surprised by how good this machine is for the price. The 20 bar Italian pump produces real espresso pressure. The shots came out with a solid layer of crema. For a machine under $120, that is impressive.
The built in pressure gauge is a feature I did not expect at this price. It shows you the exact pressure during extraction. This helps you adjust your tamping and grind to get the best results.
The compact design is also a win. This machine takes up very little counter space. If you have a small kitchen or a studio apartment, this is a great fit.
Why It Is Better
At this price, most machines either produce weak espresso or skip the milk frother entirely. The CASABREWS does neither. It has a powerful steam wand that creates real microfoam milk. This lets you make lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos at home.
It also comes with everything you need out of the box: portafilter, tamper, scoop, single cup filter, and two cup filter. You do not need to buy anything extra.
How It Performed
I tested this machine for two weeks alongside the Breville. The shots were good. Not quite as complex or rich as the Breville, but still very enjoyable. The crema was thinner but present.
For milk based drinks like cappuccinos, the steam wand did a solid job. The foam was creamy and held up well in the cup. I made a few cappuccinos for friends and they were impressed.
One thing to note: you should let the machine cool down before switching from steaming to brewing. The instructions make this clear. I followed this tip and had no issues.
How I Clean It
Cleaning the CASABREWS is easy. The water tank is removable, which makes refilling and washing simple. The portafilter rinses clean under the tap. There is no built in cleaning cycle, so you just rinse the parts by hand.
I cleaned it after every use and it stayed in great shape. The stainless steel exterior wipes down easily with a damp cloth.
Testing Results
After two weeks of testing, here is my verdict:
- Crema quality: Good
- Shot consistency: Good with some variation
- Steam power: Solid for home use
- Warmup time: About 45 seconds
- Ease of use: Very easy
- Overall score: 8.5 out of 10
This machine is ideal for beginners or anyone who wants great espresso without spending a lot of money. It is a fantastic value.
3. Gevi 20 Bar Espresso Machine – Best Compact Machine With Hot Water Function
Product Features
The Gevi espresso machine is a strong contender in the compact category. It has a sleek stainless steel body and comes in Sterling Silver and Beige. The best part? It has a hot water function built right in. You can use it to make Americanos, tea, instant soups, or to preheat your cups.
Here are the key specs:
- Brand: Gevi
- Color: Sterling Silver and Beige
- Dimensions: 12.3″D x 5.5″W x 12″H
- Water Tank: 1 liter removable
- Pressure: 20 bar pump
- Special Features: Pre infusion, NTC temperature control, auto shut off, cup warmer, built in pressure gauge
What I Like
The hot water function is genuinely useful. I made Americanos every morning by pulling a double shot and adding hot water from the same machine. It saved me from boiling a kettle separately.
The cup warmer on top is a small feature that makes a big difference. Warm cups keep your espresso hotter for longer. I appreciated this detail.
The NTC temperature control keeps the water temperature stable throughout extraction. This gives you a consistent shot every time. Combined with the pre infusion feature, the results are smooth and balanced.
Why It Is Better
Most machines at this price point skip extra features to keep costs down. The Gevi includes pre infusion, a pressure gauge, auto shut off, and a cup warmer all in one package. You get a lot of machine for the money.
The removable froth nozzle on the steam wand is also a smart design choice. It makes cleaning so much easier. You just pull it off and rinse it under the tap.
How It Performed
I used the Gevi for two weeks and was impressed by its versatility. The espresso shots were rich and flavorful. The pressure gauge helped me dial in my tamping pressure for the best results.
The steam wand produced smooth microfoam milk. I made lattes and flat whites with it easily. The auto shut off gave me peace of mind when I got distracted and walked away from the machine.
The hot water function was one of my favorite features. It heated water quickly and consistently. I used it every day.
How I Clean It
Cleaning the Gevi is simple. The removable froth nozzle makes cleaning the steam wand quick and painless. The water tank pulls out for easy washing. The portafilter and filter baskets rinse clean.
I wiped the exterior with a damp cloth after each use to keep it looking new. The stainless steel holds up well and resists fingerprints.
Testing Results
Here is my two week summary:
- Crema quality: Very good
- Shot consistency: High
- Steam power: Strong
- Warmup time: About 1 minute
- Ease of use: Very easy
- Hot water function: Excellent
- Overall score: 9 out of 10
The Gevi is an excellent all around machine that suits home baristas who want versatility in a compact package.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Breville BES870XL | CASABREWS CM5418 | Gevi 20 Bar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $476+ | $119+ | $120+ |
| Built In Grinder | Yes | No | No |
| Pressure | 9 bar (optimal) | 20 bar | 20 bar |
| Steam Wand | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hot Water Function | No | No | Yes |
| Water Tank | 67 oz | 34 oz | 34 oz |
| Cup Warmer | No | No | Yes |
| Best For | Coffee enthusiasts | Beginners | Versatile home use |
How to Choose the Right Machine for You
Picking the right espresso machine depends on what matters most to you. Here is a quick breakdown:
Choose the Breville BES870XL if:
You want the best espresso possible at home. You are willing to invest more money. You want a built in grinder so you do not need to buy one separately. You enjoy learning about coffee and dialing in the perfect shot.
Choose the CASABREWS CM5418 if:
You are new to making espresso at home. You have a small kitchen. You are on a budget. You want a machine that is easy to use and still makes great drinks.
Choose the Gevi 20 Bar if:
You want a compact machine with extra features. You love Americanos and want hot water on demand. You appreciate a cup warmer and auto shut off. You want great value without breaking the bank.
Tips for Getting the Best Espresso at Home
After weeks of testing, I picked up a few tips that made a real difference in my espresso quality:
Use fresh beans. Beans that are two to four weeks past their roast date give the best flavor. Avoid pre ground coffee if you can.
Tamp with even pressure. Uneven tamping leads to uneven extraction. Press down firmly and keep the portafilter level.
Preheat your cups. A warm cup keeps your espresso hotter and tastier. The Gevi has a built in cup warmer. For other machines, just rinse your cup with hot water before brewing.
Clean regularly. A clean machine makes better coffee. Rinse the portafilter after every use and run a cleaning cycle weekly.
Experiment with grind size. If your shot tastes bitter, try a coarser grind. If it tastes sour or weak, go finer. Finding your sweet spot takes a few tries but it is worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Italian hand press espresso machine for beginners?
The CASABREWS CM5418 is my top pick for beginners. It is easy to use, affordable, and makes great espresso without a steep learning curve.
Do I need a separate grinder for these machines?
Only the Breville Barista Express has a built in grinder. For the CASABREWS and Gevi, you will need a separate grinder or pre ground espresso coffee.
How long do these machines take to warm up?
The CASABREWS warms up in about 45 seconds. The Gevi takes about 1 minute. The Breville takes about 3 minutes but is worth the wait for its consistency.
Can I make lattes and cappuccinos with these machines?
Yes! All three machines have a steam wand for frothing milk. You can easily make lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and flat whites at home.
How often should I clean my espresso machine?
Rinse the portafilter and steam wand after every use. Do a full cleaning cycle once a week. Descale the machine every 2 to 3 months depending on your water hardness.
Is the Gevi espresso machine good for making Americanos?
Absolutely. The Gevi has a dedicated hot water function that makes it very easy to brew Americanos. You pull a shot and use the hot water function to top it up. No kettle needed.
Are these machines worth the investment compared to buying coffee daily?
Yes. Even the most expensive machine on this list, the Breville at around $476, pays for itself in just a few months if you currently buy espresso drinks at a cafe regularly. You will save hundreds of dollars per year and enjoy better coffee at home.
Final Thoughts
After weeks of testing, I can say with confidence that all three of these machines are worth buying. They each serve a different type of coffee lover.
The Breville BES870XL is the top performer. If you are serious about espresso and want the best cup every morning, this is your machine.
The CASABREWS CM5418 is the best value. It makes great espresso at a price that almost anyone can afford. Perfect for beginners or casual coffee drinkers.
The Gevi 20 Bar is the most versatile compact machine. If you want hot water, a cup warmer, and consistent shots in a small footprint, this is the winner.
No matter which one you choose, you will be waking up to better coffee every day. And trust me, that is a very good thing.