8 Best Italian Espresso Machines: Brew An Authentic Cup Of Espresso

A mere thought of espresso automatically evokes the idea of Italian coffee-drinking culture. So it is only natural to assume that the Italian espresso machines are the best you can find.

For that reason, we gathered all the information you need to have about the features, functions, and performance of the top-rated machines on the market.

The Rundown

What Is The Most Popular Espresso Machine In Italy?

Both old-fashioned espresso machines and the modern ones we know more about today were invented in Italy. Since brewing and enjoying espresso is such a big part of Italian culture, you can be sure that their brewers offer outstanding quality, efficiency, and performance.

Brands You Can Trust

The top 5 brands you can trust to provide you with a delicious espresso brew with every single use are:

• Gaggia
• De’Longhi
• Rancilio
• Nuova Simonelli
• Quick Mill

Additional brands you can come across are Bialetti, Bezzera, Illy, Lavazza, La Spaziale, La Marzocco, and La Pavoni.

Are They Made In Italy?

Yes, most espresso machines manufactured by Italian brands are made in Italy. This includes Gaggia, Rancilio, Nuova Simonelli, Bezzera, and La Pavoni. De’Longhi splits its manufacturing units between China and its home in Italy. Lavazza has six manufacturing plants, 3 of which are in Italy, one in France, one in Brazil, and one in India.

Why Are They So Desirable?

Italian brewers offer excellent brewing precision that provides great results which is something we all desire when brewing espresso. When compared to the rest of the brewers on the market, they generally provide the same level of user-friendliness and fit at the same price range, depending on the automation level (stovetop models are the cheapest while the super-automatic ones cost the most).

Features & Functions You Should Look Out For

Setting your mind on buying an Italian brewer is fine and justified. However, there are some things you should consider before you decide which model you want to buy.

Voltage Rating

First things first, you are buying an espresso machine from an Italian (European) manufacturer. The first thing you need to do is check the voltage rating of the machine you like and its power socket compatibility. This is because a standard US voltage line is 120 Volts, as opposed to the European 220 Volts. Also, the diversity in power sockets (the US uses type A or B while EU uses a type F) means you will probably need an additional converter, such as shown below.

Wattage Rating

Wattage rating, on the other hand, lets you know how much power an espresso machine uses to pull a perfect espresso shot. 600 to 1200 Watt models are generally good for home use. However, a 1500 Watt (or higher) model will allow you to enjoy the professional-grade performance.

Precision

Italian machines are so desirable and sought for because of their precision. They provide you with temperature control to ensure that you always make the perfect brew, shot after shot. The best temperature for brewing espresso is between 195 and 205°F.

More About The Machines:

Once you cover your basics, there are some general features you should think about to ensure that you make the right decision:

Machine’s Size
Consider the space layout you have available for an espresso machine. A small 6.5 x 4.53 x 8.66-inch brewer is the perfect fit for small spaces as it takes up a minimal amount of sapce and is very easy to store. However, if you have enough room, a somewhat larger 16.8 x 8.4 x 12.9-inch model might be a better choice as it provides you with a bit larger capacity.

Quality & Durability
When it comes to the quality or durability of an espresso brewer, nothing parallels stainless steel models. They easily withstand the high demands and offer exceptional resistance to versatile damages such as rust, corrosion, heat damages, etc. A plastic model can work just fine, it will probably only have a bit shorter lifespan.

Automation Level
You need to think about the automation level you prefer. There are — main types you can choose from:

• Manual lever espresso machines usually use electrical power for the heating system inside the machine but creating the extraction pressure is all up to you.
• Stovetop espresso brewersprovide you with an old-fashioned brewing system. Depending on their compatibility, you can use them on gas, electric, camp stove, or induction cooktops.
• (Super) Automatic espresso makers require you only to program desired dosing settings after the purchase. Once you do that, the machine takes care of the rest.
• Semi-automatic models require the most experience. They do offer versatile options, but you need to know how to program them and adjust all the brewing parameters to achieve the perfect espresso shot.

Although they seem the most complicated, super-automatic models are the best choice for beginners and those who don’t want to waste a lot of time on the brewing process. However, if you enjoy setting versatile brewing parameters, a semi-automatic one is the best way to go.

Built-In Grinder
Consider whether having the option of making your coffee grounds is important to you. Espresso is the best when it is brewed using freshly ground powder. For that reason, having a brewer with a grinder can only be an amazing addition.

Brewing Options
As long as you choose a brewer that comes with a frothing wand or an automatic frothing system, you will be able to make any espresso/milk-based beverages. The addition of a hot water spout allows you to brew americanos, tea, and hot chocolate too.

Group Head Efficiency
If you are buying an Italian machine for yourself, a single group model is a great choice. However, if you like to entertain larger groups of people, consider buying a model with two group heads as they make the brewing efficiency much higher.

Extraction Pressure
To pull the perfect espresso shot, you need a brewer that can generate at least 9 bar extraction pressure. However, models that offer a 15 bar extraction pressure allow you to make barista-style beverages and provide you with much better consistency and flavor.

Plumbing Options
Models with a direct water line are great as you don’t have to worry about refilling their water reservoir. However, they are a bit less flexible as they need to be placed directly next to a water source and you can’t move them around.

Maintenance Level
No one wants to spend too much time cleaning the espresso machine at the end of every day. That is why models with inbuilt cleaning and rinsing programs are so desirable because they require a minimal amount of maintenance.

8 Best Italian Espresso Machines

While the first model offers a super-automatic performance, the second one features a traditional design and is made for stovetop use. Read on and find your perfect match!

Saeco PicoBaristo Espresso Machine

This Italian-style machine for espresso & cappuccino features a simple control panel. It comes with versatile pre-programmed brewing options that allow you to make a perfect brew with a push of a finger. Its frothing system is fully automatic, meaning, it froths and dispenses the milk straight into your cup.

Another thing worth mentioning is that this brewer comes equipped with an AquaClean water filter. It removes all the impurities from the water and at the same time preserves its minerals. As a result, your brew has the freshest flavor possible.

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Bialetti Moka Espresso Pot

This is the only old-fashioned stovetop machine. It is made out of high-quality aluminum material and has an ergonomic, heat-resistant handle to ensure that you can use it without suffering an accidental heat burn. It also comes with a built-in safety valve that keeps the pressure inside the chamber from reaching a dangerous point.

Note that you can use this model on all stovetops except for the induction ones. This makes it the perfect choice for everyone who wants the flexibility of brewing espresso at home as well as on camping trips or while hiking.

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La Pavoni Espresso Machine

Not to be confused, this espresso brewer does use electrical power. It is required to power the internal heating system both for the brewing and the steaming process. However, its lever system is manual and it is up to you to create the needed extraction pressure.

Even though this machine does not come with a pump system, it is equipped with a pressure gauge. It allows you to check how much pressure you are creating as you are pulling the lever down. Due to its high-grade design, this brewer works well for home use as well as professional.

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De’Longhi Magnifica Espresso Machine

This is another super-automatic Italian machine for espresso that provides you with versatile features and functions. It comes equipped with a steel burr grinder and an additional bypass doser you can use for pre-ground coffee or for making a decaf brew.

Its dual thermoblock brewing system is very powerful and ensures that you can pul espresso shot after shot without worrying about the quality of the results. It also features a patented milk frothing system that helps you make a perfect cappuccino or a latte when needed.

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Gaggia Pro Espresso Machine

This machine under $500 features simple rocker switch controls and additional light indicators that help you make the desired adjustments. A simple rotating steam control knob is located on the side of the machine to ensure that you can manually control its frothing performance.

It is also worth knowing that it is equipped with a three-way commercial solenoid valve and a commercial-grade chrome-plated 58mm brass portability and brew group. Combined with a commercial frothing wand, this brewer is a great option for use in coffee shops.

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Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine

Even though it comes with a single boiler system, it provides the largest volume capacity from any homebrewer in its class. It creates outstanding steaming power to ensure that you can make perfect froth for espresso and milk-based beverages.

Note that this stainless steel machine for home use comes equipped with a 7-gram coffee scoop, a plastic tamper that will help you apply the perfect amount of pressure, and 2 different filter baskets including a single and a double one.

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Nuova Simonelli Espresso Machine

Out of all listed models, this Italian machine for espresso is the best choice for commercial use. Its semi-automatic performance provides you with enough automated functions and at the same time leaves enough room for manual adjustments you want to make.

It features a professional-sized group head and comes with an additional copper boiler that creates the needed brewing and steaming temperature. Note that you can control how much steam is used during the frothing process to ensure that you get the perfect froth.

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Quick Mill Espresso Maker

Like most of the listed models, this high-end machine is also made out of durable stainless steel material. Its compact design makes it very easy to fit atop most countertop surfaces. All its controls are front-mounted to ensure that you have easy access.

Another thing worth mentioning is that this machine allows you to control its extraction pressure. Its digital temperature control system ensures that your brew is always made at the optimal temperature level thanks to which your espresso shot won’t be watered down or burned.

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Customer Support In The US

Customer support is very important as you are buying a European model. Most Italian brands have offices and repair centers worldwide, including the US so you don’t have to worry about sending your machine to Italy for a quick repair. You can easily contact them over the forms found on the brand’s website and get the answers you need about your specific model.

Brewing Espresso Like A True Italian

Italians are well known for doing everything their way. Brewing coffee, in this case specifically espresso, is no exception. Their coffee culture is very strong and ensures that you get to enjoy every sip of the brew you make.

Why Is Italian Coffee So Good?

The 3 main reasons why Italian coffee is so good are:

• the years of brewing experience and tradition
• use of simple but efficient espresso machines that last a long time
• freshly roasted and ground coffee beans

These features are something that Italians never compromise on and for that reason, you will always get the freshest brew possible while in Italy.

What Does Italian Espresso Taste Like?

Italians prefer their espresso to have a bit smoky, almost burnt-like taste. So, compared to the American brews, which are much milder and have a smoother texture, Italian espresso will be a bit more bitter and have a much thicker, rich consistency.

What Kind Of Coffee Should You Use?

To ensure that you get the best brew possible, dark roast coffee beans are your best option. Keep in mind that they need to be ground into a fine coffee powder to ensure that you get to enjoy all the delicious oils and flavors from the beans. The most important thing is that you grind them freshly before use so you get the optimal flavor of the brew.

What Is The Difference Between Italian Coffee And Espresso?

Italian coffee is espresso. To clarify this a bit further, caffè is an Italian word for coffee, but it is what Italians use to order an espresso in their coffee shops. So, if you are ever in Italy, and don’t want to seem like a “straniero” (foreigner), instead of ordering “un espresso”, order “un caffè” and you will get the most delicious cup of espresso in your life. If you don’t want to drink espresso, you can order other most popular Italian coffee-based drinks such as macchiato, latte, or cappuccino.