Espresso machines in our range include fully automatic bean-to-cup models, semi-automatic machines with a portafilter and manual machines, for anyone who wants café-style coffee at home. Leading brands include De'Longhi, Philips, Gastroback and Sage.
How to choose an espresso machine
Machine type. A fully automatic machine grinds, tamps, brews and ejects the puck at the touch of a button, and it is the largest group in our range. Semi-automatic machines leave grinding, dosing and tamping to you, which takes practice but gives more control over the shot. Manual and lever-style machines suit people who enjoy the process and accept a learning curve.
Coffee input. Many machines here take coffee beans only, which gives the freshest flavour but means a built-in grinder to clean. Others accept both beans and ground coffee, which is useful if you want decaf alongside your usual blend. Some models work with ground coffee or pods, and a few use capsules, so check what you are happy to buy regularly before you commit.
Pressure and power. Most machines in our range are rated at 15 bar, and this is enough for good espresso because the pump pressure matters less than grind, dose and temperature. Some models are rated at 16 or 19 bar. Power usually sits between 1200 W and 1500 W, which mainly affects how quickly the machine heats up.
Water tank and controls. Tank sizes in our range run from about 1.1 L to 2.5 L, and 1.8 L is common. A larger tank means fewer refills if several people drink coffee each day. Controls are mostly touch panels or buttons, while rotary dials and levers appear on more traditional machines.
Espresso machine brands we carry
- De'Longhi: an Italian maker known for both bean-to-cup machines and traditional pump espresso machines, and the largest brand in this category.
- Philips: known for fully automatic machines with its LatteGo milk system, which has few parts and rinses quickly.
- Gastroback: a German brand with a focus on portafilter machines for people who want hands-on espresso.
- Sage: the Breville brand in the UK and Europe, known for semi-automatic machines with a built-in grinder such as the Barista Express.
- Gaggia: an Italian name with deep roots in espresso, since Achille Gaggia patented the lever machine that produced the first espresso with crema.
- Krups and Siemens: German brands best known for fully automatic bean-to-cup machines with simple one-touch operation.
Also in our range: AmzChef, Fellow, Saeco, Sencor and Melitta.
Espresso machine FAQ
What is the difference between a fully automatic and a semi-automatic espresso machine?
A fully automatic machine does the grinding, tamping and brewing for you, while a semi-automatic machine needs you to prepare the coffee in a portafilter and start the shot. Fully automatic models are faster and more consistent day to day. Semi-automatic machines give you more influence over the taste but need more skill.
Is 15 bar enough for an espresso machine?
Yes, 15 bar is enough for espresso. Most machines are designed to brew at around 9 bar at the coffee, and the higher figure is the pump's maximum rating. Grind size, dose and water temperature affect the result more than a higher bar number.
Can an espresso machine use both beans and ground coffee?
Some can, but not all. Many models take beans only, others accept ground coffee only, and several offer a bean hopper plus a separate chute for ground coffee. Check the coffee input type in the specifications if you want to switch between the two.
How often should I descale an espresso machine?
Follow the schedule in the manufacturer's manual, as it depends on the model and your water hardness. In hard water areas, descaling is needed more often, and many machines show a reminder. Regular descaling protects the heating element and keeps the coffee tasting clean.
