6 Top Espresso Machines to Upgrade Your Coffee Ritual This Year

Upgrading your espresso machine transforms daily coffee from a chore into a ritual. Whether you want café‑level espresso, fuss‑free milk drinks or a compact solution for a busy counter, the right machine saves you time and money while improving flavour. This guide helps you find a machine that fits your taste, space and budget so you can enjoy consistently better coffee at home.

Top Picks

How We Picked These Machines

You want a machine that fits your life as well as your taste. We prioritised flavour potential, reliability, ease of cleaning, and the quality of milk systems because these affect everyday enjoyment and maintenance.

We assessed user ratings and reviews to understand real‑world performance—temperature consistency, crema and steam power matter for textured milk drinks. We also weighed features versus price so you can spot good value: dual hoppers, programmable profiles, and automatic cleaning raise the score for convenience, while manual steam wands and grind control boost scores for hands‑on control.

Finally, footprint and build quality were considered so the machine will fit your kitchen and last. The scores reflect a balance of real‑user sentiment, technical features and overall value for typical home use.

De’Longhi Rivelia EXAM440.55.G

If you want café-style drinks at home without faffing about, this De’Longhi makes life easy. You get 16 one-touch recipes, a smart full‑touch colour display that learns your routine, and the LatteCrema Hot system for creamy, long‑lasting milk foam that works well whether you’re making a weekday cappuccino or a relaxed weekend latte for guests.

The twin 250g hoppers let you keep two beans ready (regular and decaf, for example), and the machine guides you through cleaning and occasional maintenance so you’re not guessing. It’s compact enough for most kitchens, stylish enough to sit on show, and flexible enough to cover everyday cups and special‑occasion brews.

If you want consistently good coffee with minimal fuss, it’s a solid pick you’ll use daily.

Long-Term Cost Benefits

Making better coffee at home cuts what you spend on café trips. Using whole beans is usually cheaper per cup than buying coffees out, and the machine’s programmability helps you avoid waste by dosing consistently.

Over time those savings add up if you’re a few café coffees a week.

Time-Saving Benefits

One-touch drinks, automatic milk frothing and guided cleaning cycles speed up your morning routine. The machine remembers preferences, so you don’t have to tweak settings every day — handy when you’re juggling kids, emails or just running late.

Ease Of Use

Versatility

Covers everything from a short espresso to a milky latte and has space for two bean types or ground coffee. Great for single mornings, family brunches or when friends drop by and want different drinks.

Maintenance

You’ll need to empty the grounds and drip tray regularly, run the rinse cycles the machine prompts for, and descale when reminded. The milk carafe is removable and dishwasher-safe which cuts down the fiddly cleaning.

Innovation

Bean Adapt Technology adjusts grind, dose and temperature to suit the bean you choose, and the machine learns your favourites so menus feel personal. The LatteCrema Hot system produces consistently textured milk foam at the right temperature.

Key Benefits

• Barista-style milk foam with LatteCrema Hot
• Two interchangeable 250g bean hoppers for quick swaps
• 16 programmable drinks and up to 4 user profiles
• Bean Adapt Technology tunes grind and infusion per bean
• Compact, tactile design that suits most countertops

Current Price: £649.00

Rating: 4.3 (Total Reviews: 805+)

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Philips 5400 Series

If you want café-style drinks at home but don’t want to faff with steam wands, this Philips 5400 is a sensible middle ground. You get 12 one-touch drinks, a simple touch display and the LatteGo milk system that’s quick to clean — so mornings are less of a chore.

It’s great for your daily coffee routine and flexible enough for weekend brunches or when friends pop round: save profiles for everyone, tweak strength and milk levels, and it remembers your favourites. Expect excellent flavour once you spend a little time dialling in the grind; the ceramic grinder and Aroma Extract system help pull a balanced cup.

The milk frother won’t replace a pro steam wand if you chase barista-level microfoam, but for most home uses it’s perfectly good. If you want consistently tasty cups without a steep learning curve, this is one you’ll reach for every day.

Long-Term Cost Benefits

Switching from pod machines to whole beans usually cuts your per-cup cost significantly. The upfront price is higher, but if you drink a few coffees a week you’ll likely see the savings add up — just factor in occasional descaling parts or replacement water tanks if needed.

Time-Saving Benefits

One-touch recipes, saved user profiles and quick-clean milk parts speed up mornings. The machine’s automatic rinse and guided on-screen prompts mean less guessing when it comes to basic upkeep.

Ease Of Use

Versatility

Covers everything from a short ristretto to a milky latte and iced options. Good for single users who want consistency, families with different tastes, or when you’re entertaining and need a variety of drinks on demand.

Maintenance

You’ll need to empty the grounds and drip tray regularly, rinse or remove the brew group weekly and descale when prompted. The LatteGo parts are dishwasher-safe and quick to rinse, but the brew group needs occasional manual cleaning and periodic lubrication.

Innovation

LatteGo’s tube-free milk system for fast cleaning, the Aroma Extract system that balances temperature and aroma, and a ceramic grinder that preserves flavour while letting you fine-tune the grind.

Key Benefits

• 12 one-touch coffee specialties
• LatteGo milk system cleans in seconds
• Durable ceramic grinder with 12 grind settings
• Up to 4 user profiles for personalised drinks
• Aroma Extract system for balanced temperature and flavour

Current Price: £499.99

Rating: 4.4 (Total Reviews: 443+)

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SIEMENS EQ6 plus S300

This Siemens EQ6 is the kind of machine that makes upgrading your morning coffee feel achievable. You get ten one-touch recipes (think cappuccino, caffe latte, espresso macchiato), an integrated Cappuccinatore that froths milk directly into your cup and a colourful coffeeSelect display that keeps things simple. It saves two user profiles and favourites, so once you’ve dialled in strength and volume you’ll reach for the same cup every day.

It’s handy for everyday use — quick single shots on a busy weekday — and flexible enough for lazy weekend brunches or when friends pop round (the one-touch double cup is great for pouring two drinks at once). A couple of buyers mention the milk temperature and the drip tray filling from rinse cycles, so if you’re fussy about piping-hot lattes you may want to warm milk slightly before steaming. Overall, if you want consistent café-style drinks without endless fiddling, this is a solid, user-friendly choice.

Long-Term Cost Benefits

Using whole beans cuts per-cup costs compared with many pod or shop-bought options. There’s an upfront cost for the machine and occasional replacements like water filters or descaling products, but if you drink regularly the savings add up and you’ll get better-tasting coffee at home.

Time-Saving Benefits

Saved profiles, one-touch recipes and automatic milk frothing speed up mornings. The machine runs brief rinse and clean cycles automatically, so you spend less time guessing what needs attention.

Ease Of Use

Versatility

Covers short espressos through milky drinks and has a ground coffee option for decaf or single-doses. Two profiles plus double-cup capability make it useful for couples, small households or when you’re entertaining.

Maintenance

Expect regular emptying of the drip tray and grounds container, weekly rinse or removal of the brew unit and periodic descaling. The milk system auto-cleans after milk drinks, which helps hygiene, but you should still follow occasional manual cleaning steps.

Innovation

Features like the Cappuccinatore for in-cup milk frothing, the aromaDouble Shot option for an intense yet balanced espresso and the one-touch double cup function bring convenience and taste without complicated controls.

Key Benefits

• 10 one-touch programmes including milk specialties
• Integrated Cappuccinatore with automatic steam cleaning
• One-touch double cup for serving two drinks at once
• Save favourites and two user profiles for personalised drinks
• aromaDouble Shot for a stronger coffee with less bitterness

Current Price: £488.41

Rating: 4.3 (Total Reviews: 184+)

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Breville Barista Max

This is the sort of machine that makes stepping up your at-home espresso feel doable. You get an integrated conical burr grinder with plenty of grind settings so your beans are fresh every morning, Temp IQ-style temperature stability for more consistent shots and a steam wand that’ll let you practise microfoam for lattes and flat whites.

It’s great for quick weekday espressos and simple milk drinks, but also handy when friends pop round for a casual brunch — the one- or two-shot volumetric control keeps things predictable. Expect a little learning curve with the steam wand and some users note vibration or occasional reliability niggles, but if you like a balance of hands-on control and convenience, this is a very user-friendly way to get café-style coffee at home.

Long-Term Cost Benefits

Using whole beans instead of pods lowers your per-cup cost over time and you’ll get noticeably better flavour. There’s an upfront cost and occasional consumables (descaling products, filters) but if you drink coffee regularly the investment pays off compared with buying shop coffees.

Time-Saving Benefits

The built-in grinder and auto-shot volumetric control mean you can go from beans to cup faster than juggling separate kit. The larger water tank and easy-access grounds drawer reduce how often you top up or empty between uses.

Ease Of Use

Versatility

Handles straight espressos through milk-based drinks and you can use ground coffee if you need a decaf shot. The grinder settings give you flexibility to experiment with different beans and strengths.

Maintenance

You’ll need to empty the grounds drawer and drip tray regularly, wipe and purge the steam wand after milk use, and descale periodically. The grinder may also need a gentle clean now and then to keep things performing.

Innovation

Combines an integrated conical burr grinder with temperature-stable shot control and a full-size steam wand, so you get fresher coffee and better milk texture without needing separate appliances.

Key Benefits

• Integrated conical burr grinder with multiple grind settings
• Volumetric Auto Shot control for consistent one- or two-shot pours
• Steam wand for textured microfoam suitable for lattes and cappuccinos
• Stable brewing temperature for better extraction
• Reasonable water tank size (2.8 L) for less frequent refills

Current Price: £299.98

Rating: 4.2 (Total Reviews: 1,167+)

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Sage Barista Express

If you want to move beyond pod coffee without becoming a full-time barista, this is a brilliant middle ground. You get a built-in conical burr grinder that doses straight into the portafilter, a PID temperature controller for steadier shots and an analogue pressure gauge so you can see what’s happening while you tweak grind and tamp.

The steam wand lets you practise microfoam for lattes and flat whites, so it’s great for quick weekday espressos and also handy when friends drop by for brunch. There’s a short learning curve — dialing in grind size, dose and tamping takes a few tries — and cleaning the drip tray and wand needs a little attention, but if you enjoy experimenting you’ll be rewarded with much better coffee than shop buys. It’s a practical, hands-on machine that works well for daily use and for showing off when you want a proper café-style drink at home.

Long-Term Cost Benefits

Using whole beans instead of pods or frequent shop coffees cuts the per-cup cost over time and gives much better flavour. You’ll pay more up front, plus occasional consumables like water filters and descaling tablets, but regular home brewing quickly offsets the price of daily takeaway drinks.

Time-Saving Benefits

The built-in grinder and dosing system speed up the process compared with separate grinder-plus-machine setups. The sizeable hopper and water tank mean fewer top-ups, and the machine reaches brewing temperature quickly so you’re not waiting long for your morning shot.

Ease Of Use

Versatility

Covers straight espressos through milk-based drinks and accepts ground coffee if you need decaf. Dual- and single-wall filter baskets give flexibility while you learn, and the grind settings let you experiment with different beans and roast levels.

Maintenance

You’ll need to empty the grounds drawer and drip tray regularly, purge and wipe the steam wand after every milk use, replace the water filter in hard-water areas and descale periodically. The grinder benefits from an occasional brush-out.

Innovation

Combines an integrated grinder, PID temperature control and a visible pressure gauge with a pre-infusion step so you get fresher grounds and better extraction without juggling multiple appliances.

Key Benefits

• Integrated conical burr grinder with on-demand dosing
• PID temperature control for consistent extraction
• Analogue pressure gauge for real-time feedback
• Manual steam wand for microfoam and latte art practice
• 250 g hopper and 2 L water tank reduce refills

Current Price: £602.99

Rating: 4.6 (Total Reviews: 2,387+)

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Versuni PHILIPS L’OR Barista Sublime

If you want café-style espresso at home without the faff, this capsule machine is a really practical pick. You can make a single espresso, a double shot or two smaller cups in one go using the L’OR Barista double-shot capsules, and it also accepts Nespresso Original pods so you’ve got plenty of supermarket-friendly options.

It heats up quickly, gives a good crema thanks to high-pressure extraction (up to 19 bar), and the volume personalisation means you can tweak drink length to your taste. The water tank sits at the back so it needs a bit of bench space planning, but the used capsule container is generous and cleaning is straightforward. Great for quick weekday shots, iced coffee, or when friends pop in and you want something reliably good without spending ages on setup.

Long-Term Cost Benefits

Buying pods and using this at home is usually cheaper than daily takeaway coffees. Compatibility with supermarket-compatible Original pods (Aldi/Lidl, etc.) keeps running costs reasonable and predictable.

Time-Saving Benefits

Heats up fast and brews at the touch of a button, so you won’t spend long in the morning. The large used-capsule container and decent water-tank capacity mean fewer interruptions for emptying or refilling.

Ease Of Use

Versatility

Handles straight espressos, lungos and double shots, and works well for iced drinks or milk-based coffees when paired with a separate milk frother. Capsule compatibility widens your flavour options without extra hassle.

Maintenance

Empty the used capsule container regularly, rinse the drip tray and water tank, descale periodically depending on water hardness and wipe the brew area after use. Overall maintenance is simple compared with bean machines.

Innovation

The double-shot capsule system and automatic recognition let you choose single or double extraction without fiddling, plus high-pressure brewing and volume personalisation give café-style results from a compact, everyday machine.

Key Benefits

• Works with L’OR Barista double-shot and L’OR Espresso single-shot capsules
• Compatible with Nespresso Original pods for wider capsule choice
• Brews at up to 19 bar for a proper crema
• Volume personalisation so you can set drink length
• Can deliver one double shot or two cups at once

Current Price: £65.00

Rating: 4.5 (Total Reviews: 1,890+)

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FAQ

Which Espresso Machine Should I Choose For My Kitchen And Coffee Habits?

You should match the machine to how you drink coffee and how involved you want to be. If you want one‑button convenience and consistent drinks for milky styles, a fully automatic bean‑to‑cup like the De’Longhi Rivelia (£649.00) or the Philips 5400 (£499.99) gives you programmable profiles, integrated grinders and automatic milk systems so you get café‑style drinks without learning the fine art of tamping.

If you prefer full control over extraction and milk texture because you enjoy hands‑on brewing and latte art, a semi‑automatic with a steam wand such as the Breville Barista Max (£299.98) or the Sage Barista Express (£602.99) rewards practice with better customisation. If space, speed and low fuss are your priorities, a capsule option like the Versuni PHILIPS L’OR Barista (£65.00) delivers reliably quick espresso with minimal cleaning.

Consider footprint and noise, the importance of a built‑in grinder, whether you want dual hoppers (handy for regular and decaf) and how often you’ll use milk drinks; choosing the right category means you’ll upgrade your ritual without compromise. Pick the machine type that suits your routine rather than the flashiest feature.

How Much Maintenance And Running Cost Should You Expect?

You should expect regular but manageable maintenance: daily rinses of milk circuits or emptying drip trays, weekly cleaning of brew units or removable group heads, and descaling as guided by your water hardness—typically every 2–4 months in hard water areas. Bean‑to‑cup machines demand more TLC than capsules because of the grinder and internal brew group, but they also lower per‑cup costs if you switch from pods; one owner of a Philips 5400 reported breaking even versus pod spending within a year after factoring bean costs.

Be aware of quirks: dual hopper systems can leave a few beans in the grinder when you switch beans, and auto‑rinse cycles can fill the drip tray more often. Buy a water filter if your machine supports it, use recommended descaling products, keep the milk carafe refrigerated between uses, and replace seals or filters as the manufacturer suggests to avoid costly repairs.

If you follow the simple routines the machines prompt you through, you’ll keep performance high and longevity strong—small daily habits prevent big service bills.

Will These Machines Make Barista‑Quality Drinks And How Do You Improve Results?

Yes — but you will get the best results if you pay attention to a few practical details. Use fresh beans with a visible roast date and adjust the grinder to suit the roast; too coarse and the shot runs fast and weak, too fine and it chokes or tastes bitter.

For bean‑to‑cup models like the De’Longhi Rivelia and Siemens EQ6, use the touchscreen profiles to save strength and volume settings, and run a short hot‑water flush before brewing to warm the group and cups if you want hotter coffee. For milk texture, a steam wand (Breville, Sage) gives the creamiest microfoam for latte art, while systems such as LatteGo or a cappuccinatore (Philips, Siemens) are easier to use and clean but may produce slightly different foam.

If your cup feels lukewarm, preheat the cup, select the machine’s hottest temperature setting where available, and ensure you pour milk at the right moment; some reviewers noted certain machines don’t achieve restaurant‑hot temps, so those simple steps make a big difference. Finally, experiment: small tweaks to grind, dose and tamp (or to machine profiles) will transform average shots into café‑quality ones — and once you dial in your settings, the machine will reproduce them reliably.

Customers Top Choices

When choosing between the DeLonghi Rivelia EXAM440.55.G, Philips 5400 Series and SIEMENS EQ6 plus S300, you typically focus on milk-texture and frothing performance, the number and customisability of coffee recipes, and how straightforward the machine is to use and maintain. You’ll also weigh build quality, reliability and footprint against price — choosing the Rivelia for barista-style milk results, the Philips for fuss-free milk systems and intuitive controls, or the Siemens for precise brewing and durable engineering depending on whether convenience, versatility or long-term value matters most to you.

Conclusion

Choosing the right espresso machine makes a measurable difference to your daily coffee. If you want a true barista experience and control, the Sage Barista Express gives you the best balance of quality and customisation. If convenience and variety of hands‑off drinks are your priority, the De’Longhi Rivelia or Philips 5400 will simplify your routine and save time.

For a budget‑friendly, reliable cup with minimal fuss, the Versuni L’OR Barista Sublime is a strong pick. Consider how much you want to tinker versus how automated you need the process to be, and choose a machine that matches your schedule, counter space and milk preferences. With the right choice, you’ll spend less on shops and more time enjoying better coffee at home.

Product	Image	Rating	Coffee Types	Milk Frothing System	Dimensions & Weight	Price
Delonghi Rivelia EXAM440.55.G		4.3/5 (805 reviews)	Espresso Cappuccino Latte Americano Flat White Macchiato	LatteCrema Automatic Milk Frother	43 x 24.5 x 38.5 cm; 9.7 kg	£649.00
Philips 5400 Series EP5446/70		4.4/5 (443 reviews)	Espresso Cappuccino Latte Americano Ristretto Flat White	LatteGo Milk System	37.2 x 24.6 x 43.3 cm; 8 kg	£499.99
SIEMENS EQ6 plus S300 TE653M11GB		4.3/5 (184 reviews)	Espresso Cappuccino Latte Americano Macchiato	Cappuccinatore Milk System	46.8 x 28.1 x 38.5 cm; 9.4 kg	£488.41
Breville Barista Max VCF126		4.2/5 (1,167 reviews)	Espresso Cappuccino Latte Americano Mocha	Steam Wand	31 x 31 x 41 cm; 7.75 kg	£299.98
Sage – The Barista Express BES875UK		4.6/5 (2,387 reviews)	Espresso Cappuccino Latte Flat White Ristretto	Milk Frother	31 x 40 x 33 cm; 10.6 kg	£602.99
Versuni PHILIPS L’OR Barista Sublime LM9012/60		4.5/5 (1,890 reviews)	Espresso Double Shot Lungo	N/A	15.7 x 40.2 x 27.6 cm; 3.35 kg	£65.00

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