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We know that a coffee maker is essentials for many people, and an espresso machine is a must for anyone who wants to whip up specialty drinks at home. If you love both or perhaps live in a divided household, it’s worth investing in a combo coffee and espresso maker. Yes, these devices tend to be pricey, but with all the money you’ll save on routine coffee shop runs, they’re bound to eventually pay for themselves.
Nicole Papantoniou, the Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Kitchen Appliances & Culinary Innovation Lab, personally likes these multi-purpose machines because of “their versatility.” (From her years of testing these makers and other kitchen tools and gadgets, she’s a pro on all things coffee machines.) These devices can do everything from brew drip coffee to pull espresso shots or help you perfect cappuccinos and lattes thanks to an included milk frother.
To help make your mornings even more brew-tiful, shop the nine best coffee and espresso machines, below.
How we picked these products
To find the best coffee maker and espresso machine combos, we turned to our friends at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Their team of on-staff experts—which includes all types: engineers! data analysts! registered dietitians!—rigorously put everyday products to the test (and then more and more tests) in their New York City-based labs to determine which ones you can trust. Their kitchen techs conducted rigorous tests on a variety of coffee machines that they identified as the most popular based on their availability, brand reputation, and reviews. Then, they evaluated each model’s user-friendliness, cleanability, performance, consistency of temperature and volume, noise while in operation, taste, and even splatter and drip tests. Based on their findings, we’ve identified the models that we think will keep you happy (and caffeinated) for a lungo time. These are the nine best coffee and espresso makers you can buy in 2023.
De’Longhi All-in-One Coffee & Espresso Maker
Do you tend to change your coffee order with your mood? Regardless of your coffee preferences, you’re bound to satisfy your caffeine cravings with the De’Longhi All-in-One Coffee & Espresso Maker, which offers a drip coffee function, espresso pod compatibility, and built-in milk frother for cappuccinos or lattes.
The Good Housekeeping Institute calls this machine “as sleek as it can get,” but they’re not just talking about the classic design—it features two water reservoirs to seamlessly brew drip coffee and espresso (though it didn’t brew as hot a cup as other options during testing). The espresso side of this machine also has a coffee shop-style portafilter, which is a spoon-like tool that holds the coffee grounds. The Good Housekeeping Institute team says this one can be used with “pre-ground beans or ESE coffee pods.”
Furthermore, the De’Longhi All-in-One comes fully equipped with one- and two-cup espresso filters, so you can make up to two cups of espresso at a time. This maker isn’t dishwasher-safe, but it’s still relatively easy to hand-wash thanks to its detachable flip-top lid and wide opening.
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Machine type: Drip coffee maker and semi-automatic espresso machine
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Coffee type: Pre-ground (espresso maker is compatible with ESE pods)
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Dimensions: 11.0 x 14.5 x 12.8 inches
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Water tank capacity: 32 ounces
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Milk frother: Built-in steam wand
Shop Now
De’Longhi All-in-One Coffee & Espresso Maker
$299.95
Amazon
De’Longhi
Espresso and Coffee Machine
With Spinn‘s smart coffee and espresso machine, you can control any brew from your smartphone. The Spinn app has pre-set functions and gives you the option to customize your brewing parameters if you so desire. Even better, the app allows you to save your preference, such as the size and strength of your drink, for future use. The machine can create espresso-based drinks like Americanos, lungos, and doppios. And while you do have to buy a milk frother separately, there are options to concoct milk-based espresso drinks, like lattes and cappuccinos, too.
What’s more, the Spinn can make drip coffee, cold brew and nitro-like cold brew. The Good Housekeeping Institute’s testers “were impressed with the creamy texture of the nitro-style coffee” and “flavor of all the coffee options.” In fact, the Spinn even earned The Good Housekeeping Institute’s Kitchen Gear and Coffee Award last year for the best custom coffee!
Oh, and did we mention the stainless steel machine is just so sleek?
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Machine type: Semi-automatic
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Coffee type: Whole beans
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Dimensions: 13.2 x 8.6 x 14.1 inches
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Water tank capacity: 40 ounces
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Milk frother: Not included
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Espresso and Coffee Machine
$799.00
amazon.com
Amazon
Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee & Espresso Machine by De’Longhi
Just because you may be brewing on a budget doesn’t mean you aren’t entitled to strong, silky-smooth coffee. That’s why you should consider the intuitive and functional Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe, which can produce a frothy crema and up to 14 ounces of everything from single or double espresso to lungo with just the touch of a button. (In fact, one of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s testers “didn’t even need to add milk, although that’s how she normally drinks her coffee.”)
Though it may be a tad loud, it makes up for any shortcomings with its consistent temperature and volume, 19-bar pressure system, and a sleek, modern design (which is made from 54 percent recycled plastic and includes a removable 60-ounce tank). The VertuoPlus Deluxe only takes Nespresso’s VertuoLine premium pods, but with nearly 30 flavor options to choose from, you’re sure to find something you like. And when you’re done enjoying your drink, you can mail any used pods back to Nespresso to be recycled.
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Machine type: Pod machine
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Coffee type: Pre-ground (espresso maker is compatible with ESE pods)
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Dimensions: 5.6 x 16.9 x 12.8 inches
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Water tank capacity: 60 ounces
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Milk frother: Not included
Shop Now
Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee & Espresso Machine by De’Longhi
$187.95
Amazon
Nespresso
De’Longhi Dinamica Plus Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
They should’ve named the De’Longhi Dinamica Plus “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Starbucks,” because you’ll be shocked at the coffee quality this super-automatic machine produces. You’ll have to put in a little bit of effort to get it up and running, but it’s all smooth sailing from there: From grinding beans to tamping and brewing, this maker does it all, and the Good Housekeeping Institute found it produced a “smoother… rounder” and “nicely hot” cup compared to other models (though they thought the crema was a little thin).
In addition to offering 19 bars of pressure and an intuitive touchscreen control panel, you can choose from 16 drink options and three frothing settings with enough time to choose your preference before the magical brewing experience begins. Plus, maintenance is a breeze: The Dinamica Plus rinses when turned off, the detachable milk hopper is simple to clean and fill, and this machine even reminds you to clean the thermal milk jug (and offers a pre-programmed cleaning setting to do so).
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Machine type: Automatic
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Coffee type: Whole or pre-ground
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Dimensions: 16.9 x 9.3 x 13.7 inches
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Water tank capacity: 60 ounces
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Milk frother: Built-in container
Shop Now
De’Longhi Dinamica Plus Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
$1699.95
Amazon
De’Longhi
Mr. Coffee All-in-One Occasions Specialty Pods Coffee Maker
On the hunt for a coffee and espresso maker that can do it all? Consider your search over, because the Mr. Coffee All-in-One is here to brew all kinds of coffee with four size settings. Use the 15-bar pressure system to produce a single or double shot of espresso (which the Good Housekeeping Institute’s panel described as “smoothish”), brew drip coffee in the 10-cup thermal carafe, or make lattes and cappuccinos with the built-in milk frother. You can also pop your favorite K-cup into the single-serve attachment, but just know that the test panel said it “takes a little under two minutes to brew because it doesn’t produce a steady stream of coffee.”
There’s more to the Mr. Coffee All-in-One than just multiple brewing options, though—it’s also a breeze to clean and refill (thanks to the 55-ounce detachable water tank) and the sound indicator lets you know when it’s done brewing. This machine even has the capacity to stow away the included tamper, espresso maker, and single serve attachments in its storage tray.
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Machine type: Pod machine
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Coffee type: K-cups
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Dimensions: 18.6 x 16.6 x 11.2 inches
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Water tank capacity: 55 ounces
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Milk frother: Built-in
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Mr. Coffee All-in-One Occasions Specialty Pods Coffee Maker
$198.99
Amazon
Mr. Coffee
Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine with LatteGo
You don’t have to be a skilled barista to make a scrumptious cup of coffee. If the thought of using a coffee machine makes you a little uneasy, consider a user-friendly model like the Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine. With just the touch of a few buttons, you have full control over every beverage you brew, from strength and size to even amount of milk added to your drink.
This feature-packed maker is also a breeze to store and clean thanks to its removable water reservoir and milk frother attachment, which forgoes a straw. No matter which of the five drink options you choose, you’re sure to be just as impressed as the Good Housekeeping Institute’s kitchen tech experts, who praised the Philips 3200 Series for producing a “flavorful but light-bodied” brew.
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Machine type: Automatic
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Coffee type: Whole beans
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Dimensions: 9.7 x 14.6 x 17 inches
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Water tank capacity: 60 ounces
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Milk frother: Built-in chamber
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Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine with LatteGo
$734.93
Amazon
Philips
AeroPress Original Coffee and Espresso Maker
Most coffee and espresso makers don’t travel well, but that’s not an issue for the AeroPress, which espresso enthusiasts and coffee connoisseurs alike applaud for being easy to pack, clean, and store, with all pieces easily fitting into a single gallon-size plastic bag.
Simply place this brewer filter-side down over your mug, fill it with hot water (and your favorite ground coffee beans, of course), and then push the removable plunger down through the plastic tube to fill your cup with up to eight ounces of fresh java.
Though the AeroPress does require brand-specific paper filters, they give you 350 when you buy it to get started, and you’ll save more money in the long run by not having to purchase pricier single-use pods.
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Machine type: Manual
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Coffee type: Ground coffee
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Dimensions: 4.75 x 4.75 x 11.75 inches
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Water tank capacity: 10 ounces
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Milk frother: Not included
Shop Now
AeroPress Original Coffee and Espresso Maker
$39.95
Amazon
Aeropress
Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker With Glass Carafe
Boasting plenty of brewing options—including classic, rich, and even iced coffee—and a wide array of size settings, the possibilities are truly endless with the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker With Glass Carafe. Perfect for those who prefer an espresso-based drink (as opposed to straight-up espresso), this machine even offers a specialty brew function to make concentrates for lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos.
The Ninja Specialty may not make the most robust coffee compared to our other recommendations, but we still like its speed and thoughtful details, including a fold-away milk frother, a two-hour keep-warm feature, an intuitive control panel, and a “drip stop” feature so you can pour yourself a cup mid-brew.
It also includes a removable water tank with side handles for an easier grip and a measuring spoon that attaches to the side of the machine so you don’t have to worry about losing it. Bear in mind, however, that the glass carafe is not dishwasher-safe and has a small opening, which the Good Housekeeping Institute noted “may be hard for larger hands to get in and clean.”
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Machine type: Automatic
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Coffee type: Ground coffee
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Dimensions: 11.99 x 8.75 x 15.04 inches
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Water tank capacity: 50 ounces
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Milk frother: Built-in chamber
Shop Now
Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker With Glass Carafe
$169.99
Best Buy
Keurig K-Café Coffee, Latte, and Cappuccino Maker
Everyone loves the convenience of a pod coffee maker, but when you throw in the ability to make hot or iced espresso-based drinks in four different sizes, don’t be surprised if all your neighbors suddenly start “popping by” for random visits. The Good Housekeeping Institute’s testers found the Keurig K-Café was simple to use and consistent in brew time, preheat time, temperature, and volume.
However, despite brewing scrumptious lattes and cappuccinos and boasting convenient features like a “strong” brewing function and a built-in milk frother, the panel found the espresso was “bland,” weak, and “burnt in one test” (though it “seemed to get hotter as more cycles were brewed”). Sure, the K-Café leaves a bit of splatter on the counter and doesn’t automatically deposit used K-cups into a collection container—so you’ll have to dispose of them yourself—but we think these clean-up issues are minor when you consider its overall user-friendliness.
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Machine type: Pod machine
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Coffee type: K-cups
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Dimensions: 15.30 x 11.70 x 12.50 inches
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Water tank capacity: 60 ounces
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Milk frother: Built-in
Shop Now
Keurig K-Café Coffee, Latte, and Cappuccino Maker
$169.99
Walmart
Keurig
What is a coffee and espresso machine?
While coffee and espresso combo machines can vary, Papantoniou says they all typically make drip coffee and espresso with “built-in technology to do both or to maximize a technique.” For instance, some include features like built-in burr coffee grinders, which create coffee grounds for drinks like drip coffee, or milk frothers to aerate milk for beverages like lattes and cappuccinos.
Overall, Papantoniou notes that these machines function by using lower or higher amounts of pressure to make coffee or espresso.
Is an espresso maker worth it?
Espresso requires a different brewing process than other types of coffee beverages, so espresso makers typically can only make espresso. Though the level of effort you’ll need to exert depends on whether the machine is automatic, semi-automatic, or super-automatic (and don’t even get us started on manual), the gist is that these models use some serious pressure—usually about 15 bars—to force hot water through your coffee grounds…which requires a bit more finesse than your average drip or single-serve options. (For reference, drip coffee makers work by heating up water then coating it over coarsely—versus finely—ground coffee.)
If that has you questioning if an espresso maker is worth it, since they can get pretty pricey, or if you prefer to keep your options open, a combination coffee and espresso maker is a good compromise. Furthermore, if you prefer espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos while other members of your household just want a simple cup of joe, these multifaceted machines can make a bunch of your favorite brews right in the comfort of your own home.
What to look for when shopping for the best coffee and espresso machines
Brewing Options: Variety is the spice of life, so if you like to change up your coffee order depending on your mood (or depending on how much sleep you got last night), you could benefit from a coffee machine that offers plenty of flavorful brews. Many combination makers offer everything from classic espresso and drip coffee to even more modern features like iced coffee and pod compatibility. Though the price of these models tend to increase with the more you add on, many offer precise customizations that can elevate your experience, including adjustable strength, temperature, and cup size options.
Quantity: Speaking of cup sizes, not only do different machines have the capacity to make just the right amount of coffee for a tiny espresso cup or your favorite travel mug, but some have even more to offer. Many combination coffee and espresso makers have the capacity to make multiple cups of coffee at a time, with some options even being able to fill an entire carafe. However, this may be too much if you live in a smaller household or don’t have a lot of space in your kitchen. Luckily, there are also more compact options available that can make a few cups at a time instead. You can even opt for a single-serve model if you just want to drink one cup at a time and aren’t as concerned about authenticity and depth of flavor… or the monetary and environmental cost of constantly having to replenish your supply of coffee pods. Overall, be sure to take your lifestyle into account when making your decision, as well as how long you’re willing to wait before you get that morning cup of joe—after all, it takes a lot less time to produce one cup of coffee than it does 10 or more!
Features: For starters, you’ll want to decide exactly how much energy and cash you’re willing to spend. For beginners or busy bees who don’t want to do much more than grind and tamp your beans before pushing the brew button, an automatic maker is a solid choice. However, if you truly don’t want to lift a finger and money is no object, a super-automatic machine has all the functionality of an automatic maker and then some—including a wider range of programmable settings and the ability to measure, grind, and tamp your beans. Finally, semi-automatic options require a bit more of a learning curve, but they’re generally a good happy medium in terms of effort and price. (Plus, they offer the most consistency out of the three.) If you want to make espresso-based drinks efficiently, you might want to opt for a model that comes with a built-in milk frother or steam wand, but you can save both time and money if you pick up a separate tool and steam and froth your milk yourself.
Similarly, some machines come equipped with self-insulating thermal carafes that can conveniently keep your brew warmer and fresher for longer. However, if you live in a larger household where a refillable carafe would be ideal, but aren’t as concerned about temperature retention, you can find a happy medium with a model that has a glass carafe. At the end of the day, it all comes down to how much convenience you’re looking for, and then seeing which coffee and espresso maker offers the most for your budget.
What coffee beans do you use for a coffee and espresso machine?
Papantoniou recommends using dark roast coffee beans, which usually boast bolder flavors. Since some people like drip coffee “light, medium, or dark” and “espresso should be a dark roast,” she says a dark roast helps create “good-tasting” coffee and espresso across the board.
How to clean a coffee and espresso machine
Wipe down the carafe, cup holder, and base of the coffee and espresso machine with a damp cloth daily, Papantoniou recommends. Then rinse the machine thoroughly.
Espresso machines purge, meaning “they send some water through the steam wand or even the espresso head,” explains Papantoniou. Since this solution gets on the machine’s bottom tray, she suggests wiping down that area with a damp cloth every few uses.
As with any type of coffee maker, Papantoniou recommends descaling your machine about every few months to “break down mineral buildup.” While you want to read the manufacturer’s specific instructions for descaling your machine, the process typically includes adding equal parts water and vinegar to the coffee machine’s empty water reservoir and running a brew cycle. You’ll then want to repeat the process with water only a few more times.
Why trust Delish
Nashia Baker is a commerce editor at Hearst covering the latest and greatest products across the home and lifestyle categories. Throughout her career, she has interviewed chefs and food experts to learn about top trends in the culinary world.
Kaitlin Mahar is an experienced California-based freelance writer covering the food, shopping, and lifestyle beats.
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