The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Espresso Machine: Reviews, Brands, Cleaning Tips and More

Are you on the hunt for the perfect cup of espresso, but feeling overwhelmed by the countless options out there? Look no further! In this article, we have compiled the ultimate guide to the best espresso machines on the market. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or just want to enjoy a delicious espresso at home, we've got you covered. From a brand overview to our top 10 picks, we'll explore everything you need to know. And that's not all – we'll also reveal the machine Starbucks uses and provide you with essential tips for cleaning and descaling your home espresso machine. So, get ready to dive into the world of espresso with the best espresso machine reviews!

The Best Espresso Machines

What we liked: The Breville products are thoughtfully designed to provide a user-friendly experience. The buttons and knobs offer satisfying functionality and the labeling is clear.

Personally, I found the Bambino Plus to be a better choice than the Barista Pro. It strikes a good balance between an all-in-one experience and allowing coffee enthusiasts to experiment. The built-in grinder on the Barista Pro has limited grind settings, especially for espresso. I often found myself torn between settings and wishing for more options. 

Both machines feature a ThermoJet heating system, ensuring that water heats up quickly and maintains the optimal temperature. The Bambino pulls consistently at 200°F (93°C), making it easy to switch from pulling shots to steaming milk without any delay. 

Setting up the Bambino is simple with its ThermoJet heating system—just plug it in and fill the water tank. It's compact and lightweight, fitting perfectly on any kitchen countertop. When not in use, it can be easily tucked away. 

When we initially ordered machines for this experiment, the Bambino Plus was on backorder, so I borrowed one from a friend. Despite not having the original instructions, the machine came with a detailed illustrated descriptor on the removable water tank, making cleaning a breeze.

Serious Eats / Ashley Rodriguez

Since my borrowed machine didn't come with a manual, I decided to see if I could make great coffee without understanding every function. The machine's front panel is simple with just five buttons: single-shot, double-shot, milk steaming, and two buttons for controlling the temperature and foam level for the automatic milk steaming option. 

I wasn't sure whether I should press the single- or double-shot button multiple times or if the machine would stop automatically. Through trial and error, I discovered that the machine is volumetric, meaning it stops itself once a certain amount of water is dispensed. The presets on the machine are 30g and 60g for single- and double-shot, respectively, but you can easily customize those amounts to suit your taste. 

The Bambino baskets are designed to hold 19 grams of coffee for a double shot, but I found it to be slightly too full and used 18g instead. By programming the double shot button to put out 36g of water, I achieved a 1:2 ratio of coffee to water. Although the baskets that came with the Bambino were pressurized, I swapped them with regular baskets from the Barista Pro for better performance. 

Serious Eats / Ashley Rodriguez

The Bambino consistently pulled delicious shots with a soft and balanced taste. The pre-infusion function ensures even soaking of the coffee, contributing to the espresso's smoothness. Although the shots lacked some nuanced flavors, they were consistently delicious and easy to replicate. 

What sets the Bambino Plus apart is its automatic milk steaming function. You can use the steam wand manually or rely on the machine's automatic milk sensor. The machine allows you to customize the amount of foam and the temperature, resulting in silky and smooth milk. The auto-purge function automatically cleans the steam wand. 

What we didn’t like: One drawback is that the programmable volumetric buttons aren't always consistent, resulting in variations in shot volume. Additionally, the 54 millimeter portafilter makes it challenging to swap in precision espresso filter baskets. The included tamper lacks precision, and finding a higher-quality alternative can be difficult due to the unique portafilter size.

Recommended accessories: Breville provides all the necessary accessories, but we also recommend upgrading to an IMS espresso filter basket for better tasting coffee, a Crema Coffee Tools distribution tool and push tamper for more level espresso pucks, and Cafiza Espresso Cleaning Powder for regular cleaning.

Price at time of publish: $500.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 8 by 13 by 12 inches
• Weight: 11 pounds 
• Portafilter diameter: 54 millimeter 
• Capacity: 1 liter 
• PID: Yes
• Accessories: 54mm tamper, the Razor precision dosing tool, 16-ounce stainless steel milk jug, 1- and 2-cup single wall & dual wall filter baskets, cleaning tool, cleaning disc
• Care instructions: Backflush with coffee detergent according to manufacturer's instructions

What we liked: If I had to choose an espresso machine for myself, it would be the Gaggia Classic Pro. 

Admittedly, it's not the easiest machine to use—it requires some skill to get perfect espresso drinks. However, once dialed in, the quality of the espresso from the Gaggia rivals that of commercial machines. 

The Gaggia exudes professionalism with its brushed steel body and knob for controlling the steam wand. It feels like stepping behind a bar. The machine has a solid weight, which keeps it steady on the counter during use. Unlike lighter machines, it doesn't require additional support when inserting the portafilter. The portafilter itself is sturdy and holds a 58mm basket, the same size used in most commercial machines. 

The Gaggia comes with both single- and double-shot pressurized and non-pressurized baskets. I switched to an 18 gram VST basket for better espresso quality.

Serious Eats / Ashley Rodriguez

What we didn’t like: Temperature surfing is required with the Gaggia due to its single boiler design. The first espresso shot pulled was bitter and strange. To achieve the desired temperature, I waited for the machine to fully heat up, purged water until the heating light came on, and then waited 30 seconds. Although it's a finicky process, it resulted in the best espresso out of all the machines. Most machines achieved balance and acidity, but only the Gaggia produced sweetness and nuanced flavors. 

Serious Eats / Ashley Rodriguez

The milk steaming on the Gaggia was disappointing. It took longer to steam the milk compared to other machines, and the texture wasn't as silky as the Bambino's. Additionally, it was challenging to heat the milk to the desired temperature. However, having a knob to control the steam speed was a preferred feature compared to the Bambino's button. 

If you're ready to delve into the world of espresso, the Gaggia Classic Pro offers the best value for the price and capabilities. While the Rancilio Silvia Pro also produces excellent coffee, it comes at a much higher cost, making the Gaggia a more accessible option for aspiring home baristas.

Recommended accessories: The Gaggia Classic Pro doesn't come with many accessories, so you'll need to purchase additional items for espresso-making. We recommend upgrading to an IMS shower screen for more uniform water distribution, a VST 18-gram espresso basket for better-tasting espresso, a push tamper/coffee distributor combo from Crema Coffee Products for improved tamping, and a milk steaming pitcher if you plan on making lattes. Regular cleaning can be done with Cafiza Espresso Cleaning Powder.

Price at time of publish: $450.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 9 by 15 by 9.5 inches
• Weight: 16 pounds 
• Portafilter diameter: 58 millimeter 
• Capacity: 2 liters
• PID: No
• Accessories: Plastic tamper, coffee scoop
• Care instructions: Backflush with coffee detergent according to manufacturer's instructions

What we liked: Most Breville machines in their Barista line share similar internals, so the temperature stability and pressure ramping in the Breville Barista Express Impress are comparable to our top pick, the Bambino Plus. Both machines feature a flash-heating system with a PID for temperature regulation, as well as instant switching to steam temperature. However, what sets this model apart is its intelligent dosing system.

The Barista Express Impress has a built-in tamper that calibrates the exact amount of coffee for an ideal 18-gram dose. The gauge provides immediate feedback, ensuring precise dosing. This technology adjusts itself if the dose needs correction, resulting in consistent and accurate dosing. 

Serious Eats / Jesse Raub

Accurate dosing is crucial for espresso shot times, and even a slight variation can affect the quality of the shot. The intelligent dosing system of the Barista Express Impress outperforms most commercial grinders with auto-dosing features. It consistently doses within half a gram of coffee each time. The auto-tamping feature adds to the consistency, making it accessible to home baristas seeking an easier espresso experience. 

Serious Eats / Jesse Raub

What we didn’t like: We wish the grinder offered more settings; it has 25 options compared to the 270 on the grinder used for testing other machines. However, it still does an admirable job of grinding finely and consistently for most home users. Shot volume with the volumetric water delivery system was not always consistent, varying by around half an ounce each time. For precise results, we recommend manually stopping the shot at the desired volume. 

The Barista Express Impress is considerably more expensive than our other winners, but it does include a built-in grinder. When considering the combined cost of the other recommended machines and a separate grinder used for testing, the Barista Express Impress ends up being similarly priced or even slightly cheaper. 

Recommended accessories: The Barista Express Impress is a comprehensive machine, so there is no need for additional equipment. However, regular cleaning with Cafiza Espresso Cleaning Powder is essential.

Price at time of publish: 0.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 13 by 15 by 16 inches
• Weight: 24 pounds 
• Portafilter diameter: 54 millimeter 
• Capacity: 2 liters 
• PID: Yes
• Accessories: 480ml stainless steel milk jug, 1- and 2-cup single and dual wall filter baskets, water filter holder with filter, the Razor precision trimming tool, cleaning tablets, Allen key, steam wand cleaning tool, cleaning disc, cleaning brush, descaling powder
• Care instructions: Backflush with coffee detergent according to manufacturer's instructions

What we liked: I must admit, I was skeptical about this machine. The Kompresso claims to achieve consistent 9 bars of pressure using hydraulic compression instead of manual pneumatic compression. It is lightweight and easily portable, perfect for on-the-go brewing. The dosing spoon with mL ticks simplifies coffee brewing without the need for a scale. 

The espresso bed was even, ensuring a balanced extraction. The dosing spoon doubles as a tamper, although its logo can leave a stamp on the dry coffee bed. Overall, the machine is well-designed and convenient for travel. 

Serious Eats / Ashley Rodriguez

What we didn’t like: Temperature control was a challenge with this machine and other manual brewers. Despite pre-heating every component, the coffee tasted slightly under-extracted due to temperature loss. However, the Kompresso allows for flexibility in brewing ratios, and I was able to achieve a beautiful crema and desirable flavors. 

Brand Overview: Home Espresso Machines Categorized by Manufacturer

When it comes to espresso machines, manufacturers often release multiple variations of a similar product. Take DeLonghi, for example. At Coffeeness, I've consistently expressed my frustration with the way this Italian powerhouse adds numerous versions of its super automatics, each with a slightly different and complicated model number.

Even though DeLonghi's home espresso makers are relatively easier to sort through, there are still a lot of machines to consider. Other manufacturers, like Gevi, have also followed suit. Navigating through all the options can quickly become confusing.

In light of this, I've decided to give you a brief overview of each brand. Along with providing some background on each manufacturer, I'll offer tips on which machines to consider and which ones may not be worth your time.

I recently updated my guide to the best DeLonghi espresso machines, which helped put a few things into perspective. Firstly, it reminded me of how successful the Italian manufacturer is in releasing popular, affordable, and awesome fully automatic coffee makers.

DeLonghi has also made its mark in the hybrid espresso machine segment. The La Specialista series, in particular, keeps growing, which indicates the brand's success with machines like the La Specialista Arte. Apart from hybrids, DeLonghi specializes in releasing budget-friendly espresso machines that actually perform well.

One thing I do wish is that DeLonghi would stop referring to these home espresso makers as "manual machines" when they are actually semi-automatic. Nevertheless, here are a few affordable DeLonghi espresso machines I've reviewed:

Let's acknowledge Gaggia's contribution to the espresso machine industry. Without the innovation of the company founder, Achille Gaggia, espresso as we know it might not exist. He revolutionized espresso extraction by introducing water pressure and effectively inventing crema in the process. Gaggia played a significant role in popularizing home espresso machines since the 70s, culminating in the launch of the beloved Gaggia Classic in 1991.

However, it seems that the company's focus on producing revolutionary espresso makers has diminished over time. While the Classic Pro remains a wonderful machine, most of Gaggia's lineup consists of unexciting machines with panarello wands and pressurized filter baskets. They may look good, but there are better options available elsewhere.

On the other hand, Gaggia's super automatics are gaining popularity. I've reviewed several of these machines and have consistently been impressed. For an overview of what Gaggia has to offer, check out my guide to the best Gaggia espresso machines.

If you're interested, you might want to consider the Gaggia Carezza Deluxe.

Breville deserves recognition for dominating a specific niche in the home espresso machine market. They understand that many aspiring home baristas desire more control over their espresso while appreciating a certain degree of automation.

Just visit Breville's website, and you'll see that they cater to a particular type of "third wave" coffee drinker. Personally, I wholeheartedly support it, as evidenced by the number of Breville espresso machines on my list.

What impresses me the most about Breville is their commitment to consistently improving their coffee makers rather than resting on their laurels. You can expect their products to get better with each new release.

I've already mentioned some of the best Breville espresso machines above, but there are plenty of others to consider. However, I strongly advise against the budget-friendly Breville Cafe Roma as it's best to avoid it altogether.

Established in 2017, Gevi may be a relatively new name in the home espresso machine industry. However, this Hong Kong-based manufacturer specializes in producing affordable machines that don't compromise on advanced features and materials.

While you can't expect Gevi espresso makers to deliver top-notch results, I've been pleasantly surprised by their performance. These machines often come with PID temperature control, thermoblock heating, and separate thermostats for espresso and steam.

This just goes to show that we need to revise our ideas about products labeled "Made in China." It no longer automatically implies being cheap and substandard. In my experience with Gevi espresso machines, it represents affordability and quality craftsmanship.

Rancilio has a long history in the espresso machine business, dating back to 1927. This Italian manufacturer primarily focuses on developing high-end commercial espresso machines and also owns Egro, a producer of top-of-the-line super automatics, some costing as much as $20,000.

However, Rancilio has not forgotten about the Silvia espresso machine for home baristas. In fact, the company launched an impressive update called the Rancilio Silvia Pro X in 2021, featured in my guide to the best Italian espresso machines.

The Silvia Pro X boasts two boilers, adjustable PID temperature control, programmable pre-infusion, and even a digital shot timer on the front of the machine. However, it comes with a hefty price tag of $1,940.00.

If that's too expensive, the Rancilio Silvia with PID might be a more reasonable option at $1,195.00. This model is essentially the classic Silvia with a digital PID installed for precise temperature monitoring.

Rocket Espresso, founded in 2007 as a partnership between a New Zealander and an Italian, produces a range of impressive prosumer espresso machines as well as notable commercial models.

All of Rocket Espresso's home espresso machines are meticulously handcrafted in Milan, reflecting their dedication to detail. However, this level of craftsmanship comes with a high price tag.

Since I've set a price cap on the recommended espresso machines, there are only a few additional Rocket models I can mention.

While La Pavoni didn't invent the espresso machine, they capitalized on the opportunity of buying the patent for an early model and commercializing it in Milan in 1905. This demonstrates their deep understanding of espresso.

La Pavoni produces visually stunning semi-professional home espresso machines, albeit at considerable expense. Although they offer more affordable models, these may not be readily available in North America. However, if you're looking for a manual-lever machine, La Pavoni should definitely be on your radar. Aside from the La Pavoni Professional on my list, there are a few other models worth considering.

Our Top 10 Best Home Espresso Machine Picks in Detail

Now that you have a clearer understanding of what you're looking for, let's take a closer look at the features and capabilities of each machine. Feel free to skip ahead to the model that interests you!

Breville Bambino Plus: Best Entry-Level

A great starter machine.

Breville Bambino Plus

With its compact size and affordable price, the Breville Bambino Plus is a practical choice. However, it may not offer the same level of quality as professional-grade machines. It features a beautiful design and an automatic milk frother with a temperature sensor. The espresso it produces is good, and the machine is very easy to operate. While it offers good value for money, the overall material quality is not ideal.

The Breville Bambino Plus has been a long-time favorite here at Coffeeness. In fact, it was recently awarded the "Best Overall" title in the guide to the best small espresso machines.

The Bambino Plus is more than just a compact machine. It features a powerful 54mm portafilter and an automatic pre-infusion function. Although it comes at a higher price, its solid stainless steel construction and ease of operation make it worth the investment. It's an ideal choice for novice baristas looking for an authentic espresso experience.

The Bambino Plus also comes with a fantastic automatic milk frother that has a temperature sensor and allows for milk texture adjustment. It caters to a wide range of home baristas, especially those with limited space and knowledge in the field.

See Also: Breville Bambino Plus Review 2023

Gevi 20 Bar Espresso Machine: Best Budget Buy

A budget-friendly machine with great features.

Gevi 20 Bar Espresso Machine

Compact, lightweight, and affordable, the Gevi 20 Bar Espresso Machine is a great option for those on a budget. It comes with an intuitive user interface and a thermoblock heating system. While it features some stainless steel components, the overall build quality is not as sturdy. Additionally, it comes with a flimsy plastic tamper and few accessories.

In today's market, there are many affordable home espresso machines available. However, not all of them are created equal. That's where the Gevi 20 Bar Espresso Machine comes in. Priced at just $159.99, this machine offers great value for money. It's compact, lightweight, and comes with a thermoblock heating system.

The Gevi 20 Bar Espresso Machine features a prominent LED display, making it easy to prepare a single or double shot of espresso. It's an ideal choice for those on a budget, especially if space is limited.

See Also: Gevi 20 Bar Espresso Machine Review 2023

DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro: Best Performing

A wonderful hybrid espresso machine.

DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro

A solid upgrade, the DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro offers a high-quality appearance and a steam wand with plenty of power. It heats up quickly and produces fantastic milk foam. However, it requires constant cleaning due to splashes when making espresso.

The DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro is a big and bulky hybrid espresso maker. It features a high-quality appearance and a powerful steam wand. It heats up quickly and produces fantastic milk foam. However, it requires constant cleaning as splashes can occur during the espresso making process.

Priced at 6.24, the La Specialista Maestro is a significant investment. However, considering its capabilities and features, it's worth the money. It's ideal for those who want the benefits of a super automatic machine but with more control over their espresso extraction.

See Also: DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro Hands-On Review 2023

Rocket Appartamento: Best Overall

A gorgeous prosumer machine.

Rocket Appartamento

With its beautiful design and commercial-grade components, the Rocket Appartamento is a standout choice. It features a heat exchanger boiler and produces superb espresso. Despite its compact footprint, it may seem intimidating to some due to its prosumer status. Additionally, its small drip tray may require frequent emptying.

For those new to home espresso machines, the Rocket Appartamento may seem intimidating at first. However, it is actually easy to use. While there is a learning curve, it's a part of the experience with any espresso maker. The Rocket Appartamento uses high-quality commercial-grade components to deliver fantastic results.

Priced at $1,850.00, the Rocket Appartamento is not cheap. However, if you're looking for professional-quality espresso and a machine that enhances your kitchen with its retro-industrial vibe, it's worth the investment. Its powerful copper heat exchanger boiler allows for simultaneous espresso preparation and milk steaming, ensuring consistency.

See Also: Rocket Appartamento Review 2023

Rancilio Silvia: Best Single-Boiler

A cult classic espresso machine.

Rancilio Silvia

An exceptional machine with a high-quality build and a small footprint. It features a sleek, minimalist design and a powerful steam wand. However, it may be slow to heat up, and there is a steep learning curve to get the best results.

The Rancilio Silvia has been a cult classic in the world of espresso machines for years. Its high-quality build and small footprint make it a standout choice. Despite its sleek design, it can be slow to heat up, and mastering its operation requires a steep learning curve. However, once you get the hang of it, the Silvia offers a richly rewarding experience, producing top-notch espresso. Its powerful steam wand is also a great asset.

Priced at 5.00, the Rancilio Silvia offers excellent value for your money. It ranked as the best espresso machine under $1000. It's a durable and hard-working machine that will last for years. In the rare event of a failure, spare parts are readily available and affordable.

See Also: Rancilio Silvia Hands-On Review 2023

Gaggia Classic Pro: Best Value

An Italian classic espresso machine.

Gaggia Classic Pro

Still going strong, the Gaggia Classic Pro offers extreme reliability and durable construction. It's easy to use and comes with tons of adjustable settings. While it provides great value for money and features a stylish design, it has a rather heavy build and an awkward water tank design.

Another single-boiler machine that has been around for years, the Gaggia Classic Pro is a steal at $451.65. It features rugged stainless steel construction and a sleek, minimalist design. Since its introduction in 1991, it has served home baristas well with its reliable performance. Although it may need around 20 minutes to heat up, the improved aluminum boiler reduces wait times to approximately five minutes. It's easy to use, with three chunky buttons with lights and a steam dial. It offers a great value for those looking for an Italian classic espresso machine.

See Also: Gaggia Classic Pro Review 2023

Breville Oracle Touch: Best Hybrid

The best hybrid espresso machine on the market.

Breville Oracle Touch

The Breville Oracle Touch is the machine that converted me to hybrid machines. It strikes a reasonable middle ground between automation and the need to learn the ropes. It allows you to pick up barista tricks without needing to know every little detail. With its built-in grinder and automatic tamping station, it's a sophisticated device. It offers genuine espresso, suits espresso newbies, and provides the option for automatic or manual milk frothing. Additionally, it's easy to clean. However, the Oracle Touch comes with a very high price tag.

The Breville Oracle Touch offers the best of both worlds for those who can't decide between a super automatic and an espresso machine. It features a built-in grinder and automatic tamping station, making the coffee-making process as fast and easy as possible. With its beautiful touchscreen display, it guides you through the steps of crafting specialty coffee drinks. The automatic frothing wand consistently delivers phenomenal results. Priced at $2,489.99, it is the most expensive espresso machine on the list. However, its supreme capabilities justify the investment.

See Also: Breville Oracle Touch Hands-On Review 2023

Breville Barista Express: Best Entry-Level Hybrid

A perfect machine for beginners.

Breville Barista Express

The Breville Barista Express is a solid step in your espresso journey. It's easy to use and comes with tons of adjustable settings. It offers great value for money and features a stylish design. However, its built-in grinder may be limiting, and it doesn't provide as much steam pressure as some other machines.

What Kind Of Espresso Machine Does Starbucks Use?

Starbucks uses a fancy machine called the Mastrena, which was specifically created for the brand by Thermoplan AG. The Mastrena is a cutting-edge machine that combines built-in grinders and a computerized menu. It was designed to make the coffee-making process fast and easy. While there are some used Mastrenas available for sale on eBay, it's difficult to determine if they offer the same quality as the machines used at Starbucks.

Cleaning and Descaling a Home Espresso Machine: Easy and Essential

Compared to a super-automatic machine, cleaning a semi-automatic espresso machine is much simpler. You don't have to deal with milk hoses, an internal brewing group, or a built-in grinder that needs to be disassembled.

However, many people make the mistake of thinking that a quick flush between shots is enough and neglect the deeper cleaning. They forget about the water that has been used and the need to descale the machine.

Depending on your machine, I recommend performing up to six different cleaning steps with varying frequency and intensity:

Before, between, and after each espresso shot:

• Quickly clean and dry the portafilter handles and baskets.
• Remove any coffee residue from the brew group and shower screen using a special brush if necessary.
• Flush the brew group by letting hot water pass through the machine without attaching the portafilter.

Before, between, and after frothing milk:

• Clean and dry the milk pitchers.
• Quickly purge the wand with steam.
• Remove any milk froth residue from the wand's exterior using a clean, damp cloth designated solely for this purpose.

Every time the reservoir is empty:

• Briefly rinse the tank before refilling it.

At the end of the day's use:

• Flush and brush the brew group.
• Thoroughly clean and dry all removable components, such as baskets, handles, water tank, milk pitcher, drip tray, tamper, and knock box.
• Let the steam wand soak in a glass of water and then wipe it down.

Once a week, depending on frequency of use:

• Backflush the brew group using a blind basket.

Once a month, depending on usage levels:

• Backflush the brew group with a blind basket using a small amount of cleaning solution.
• Rinse the brew group thoroughly until the water runs clear.

The key tool for this cleaning process is the blind basket, which is a filter basket without any holes. In some machines like the Breville Bambino Plus, it is called the backflush disc. Its purpose is to prevent water from flowing out of the portafilter, allowing the dissolved detergent to circulate around the brew group until it's completely clean.

Some people even refer to this process as "letting the machine gargle" in German, which is quite accurate since the dissolved detergent has nowhere else to go.

Don't worry about this process being complicated or time-consuming. It only takes a few seconds, and once it becomes a habit, it will be a seamless part of your routine. Cleaning a home espresso machine is not a big deal at all.

To descale your espresso machine, which should be done less frequently than regular cleaning, consider the hardness of your water and how often you make espresso. Descaling is easier and requires longer intervals compared to super-automatic machines. Generally, descaling is recommended once a month or even once a quarter.

You can assess the need for descaling by keeping an eye on the machine's outward appearance. If you notice mineral buildup in the coffee, on the portafilter handle, or in the brew group, it's a sign that descaling is necessary.

To descale, simply place the descaling solution in the water tank or a bowl and allow all the moving parts to soak for the recommended time. Portafilter baskets and handles should soak for about 30 minutes before being thoroughly washed and dried.

Fill the water reservoir with water and the appropriate amount of descaling solution, and let it stand for a similar duration. The same goes for steam wand tips that can be unscrewed and shower screens.

If you have a manual espresso machine like the La Pavoni Professional, you can use an eco-friendly citric acid descaler. However, be cautious with espresso machines that have aluminum boilers, as citric acid can cause corrosion. In such cases, you can consider using DeLonghi EcoDecalk Descaling Solution, which is a solid eco-friendly alternative.

How to Clean an Espresso Machine

Keeping your espresso machine clean is crucial for optimal performance and ensuring that your beverages taste as they should. Scale can accumulate from water and affect the lifespan of your machine. Here's how you can clean your machine:

1. Scrub the screens on your machine using a brush and microfiber towel.

2. Backflush your machine by running water and sometimes a cleaner into it to clean the internals.

3. Descale your machine every month or as needed to remove built-up scale.

Regularly cleaning and descaling your espresso machine is essential for maintaining its functionality and extending its lifespan.

[Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/article/how-to-clean-a-coffee-maker/]

In conclusion, when it comes to finding the best espresso machine for your home, it's essential to consider the brand manufacturer, explore the top picks in detail, and understand the cleaning and maintenance process. However, if you're wondering what kind of espresso machine Starbucks uses, the answer might surprise you. Ultimately, investing in a high-quality espresso machine will transform your morning routine and allow you to savor the perfect cup of espresso in the comfort of your own home. So whether you're a coffee aficionado or simply want to upgrade your morning ritual, choosing the best espresso machine is a decision worth exploring.