If you’re in the market for a professional espresso machine, you probably already know the basics of how it works and how you’ll be operating it – or if it’s for your business, you’ll entrust its operation to someone who does. A professional grade espresso maker is much different from cheaper consumer-grade devices and will create the perfect cuppa, but these devices need to be properly maintained in order to work. Many people can’t really tell the difference between over- and under-extracted espresso no matter how much they think they love coffee, and so the machines on this list definitely won’t appeal to everyone. For the serious enthusiast or professional barista it’s another matter, and if you fall into either of those categories then you’ll probably find this list of the top professional espresso machines.
8. Breville BES920XL
The Breville BES920XL is a professional quality dual-boiler espresso machine, and you have the choice of getting it in silver, black, or cranberry red. The great thing about this machine is that you can extract espresso and foam milk simultaneously, so that both elements of your drink are ready at the same time – which is great for flavour. With 9 bars of pressure and precise temperature control, this is the machine to get for the perfect shot every time and no fuss involved. Because of the consistent temperature and pressure, you won’t have to worry about the bitterness of over-extracted espresso.
Features:
- Choice of cranberry red, black, or silver.
- Low-pressure pre infusion and then 9 bar pressure
- Precise temperature control
7. Saeco Incanto Plus
The Saeco Incanto Plus is an exclusive pick for Seattle Coffee gear, and even comes with a built in grinder for the freshest coffee possible. The water, bean, and ground coffee compartments all come built into the top for quick and easy access, so even the busiest baristas can manage with this machine with ease. With fully automated press-and-hold settings, it’s incredibly effortless to get the shots that you want on the Incanto, and you can even program it to automatically turn off so that you save power also. The Incanto is also a great machine for those who want perfect cappuccinos and lattes, with both a panarello wand and an automatic cappuccinatore attachment. Quite simply, this is a great machine that does everything for you at the push of a button.
Features:
- Includes both panarello wand as well as automatic cappuccinatore attachment
- Built-in grinder
- Top loading for maximum convenience
- Power-saver mode
6. 7-in-1 Barista Bundle Set
This set has all of the things that you need to go with your professional espresso machine, in one convenient package. If you don’t want to order a bunch of things separately, this will be a great option for any serious coffee enthusiast or aspiring barista. You literally get everything that you need except for the coffee beans themselves, so you can unpack everything from the box and immediately set up shop or start making great coffee at home. With a number of glowing reviews, this seems to be the ideal kit for those who want to try making better espresso-based drinks at home than they’d get in the local coffee shop. By simply ordering this machine, you can easily put Starbucks drinks to shame without ever having to step out of the comfort of your home.
Features:
- Includes espresso machine with built-in frother/steamer, grinder, portafilter, milk frothing cup, and spoon/tamper
- 15 bar pump
- Easily removable water tank
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5. Breville Duo Temp Pro
While this espresso machine is much more affordable for the home user than some of the others on this list, you shouldn’t dismiss it right off as not being professional enough for you. With a 15 bar pump and the option to make one or two shots at a time, you can easily learn to make professional quality espresso drinks at home without having to sell your kidneys for the initial investment. Like other Breville machines on this list, this one also comes with precise temperature and pressure controls for perfect shots that won’t be over-extracted. The Duo Temp Pro is great for home users in particular who want professional drinks, but it could suffice even in professional settings as well.
Features:
- Manual control for espresso volume
- 15 bar pump
- Can extract 1 or 2 shots at a time
4. LaPavoni PBB-16
With all of these fancy automated machines on this list, those who are enamoured of traditional manual machines could well be feeling a bit let down by the lack of options. Despair no longer, for if you want a great manual espresso machine that will make professional-quality beverages then the LaPavoni PBB-16 is a great option. Unlike the other machines which you have to fidget with buttons, this lever machine allows you to manually control pressure and thus make espresso exactly to your taste. If you want to alternate between normal shots, ristretti, and lungos without fussing around with a bunch of buttons and settings, then this is still one of the best machines out there.
Features:
- Manual lever mechanism means that you’re fully in control of the pressure.
- Traditional professional machine, without all of the modern bells and whistles.
3. DeLonghi ESAM3300
If you want a fully-automated professional grade espresso machine that will do anything at the push of a button or the turn of a knob rather than relying on programming or brute force, look no further than this option. This machine also comes with a patented “Direct-to-Brew” system that not only ensures the freshest ground coffee feeding directly into the brewing system but is also compact and easy to clean. If you’re running a cafe or want to make professional grade espresso drinks at home without too much effort, this one is the way to go.
Features:
- Patented cappuccino frother system
- Patented “direct-to-brew” system which means that you put beans into the machine and they feed directly into the brewing mechanism so that each shot is freshly ground
- Rotary and push button controls with programmable settings
2. DeLonghi EC702
This offering from DeLonghi is the most affordable option on our list, but still comes with 15 bars of pressure for the perfect shot of espresso every single time you want one. The EC702 works with both espresso pods as well as ground espresso, making it easy and convenient for anyone to make beverages with ease. With glowing reviews comparing it to much more expensive machines, this is a great option if you want a professional machine but don’t really have the budget for one.
Features:
- 15 bar pump
- Patented filter works with both ground coffee as well as espresso pods
- 1.3 liter water tank, which can be removed for easy cleaning
1. Breville BES870XL
With a 15 bar pump and a built-in grinder, the Breville BES870XL is a great professional-grade machine for anyone in the market for one. Like other Breville machines, this one also comes with precise temperature control, and you get all of the features that anyone would want in an automatic machine that’s as suitable for your kitchen counter as it would be for a professional barista. Reviewers love this machine, and it turns out that you can get an excellent professional machine for a mid-range price. It’s easy to clean, relatively affordable, and also simply a great quality machine that will last for years even when you’re using it multiple times per day.
Features:
- Built-in grinder
- 15 bar pump, with low-pressure pre-infusion
- Precise temperature control