8 Best Single Espresso Machines of 2026

Fire up your morning with bold, crema-rich espresso in under a minute—this XIXUBX machine packs a 20-bar pressure pump and PID temperature control into a compact frame that doesn’t skimp on performance. With precise thermal stability, it extracts balanced shots that rival pricier models, while the swivel steam wand gives you surprising control for microfoam, even for beginners. If you’ve struggled with inconsistent flavor or weak crema from budget machines, this one solves those pain points with pro-level engineering at a wallet-friendly price.

In real-world testing, the 60-second heat-up time feels snappy, and the 22-second brew cycle delivers a solid double shot with a golden tiger-striped crema—especially when using finely ground, fresh beans. The 42oz water tank is large enough for multiple drinks, though it lacks a level indicator, so you’ll need to check visually. On textured milk, the steam wand performs admirably with cold milk and a swirling technique, though it’s not as powerful as Breville’s automatic system. It struggles slightly with back-to-back brewing, requiring a short cooldown to avoid overheating protection kicks in.

Compared to the De’Longhi Stilosa, this XIXUBX model offers higher pressure (20-bar vs 15-bar) and better temperature consistency thanks to PID, making it a stronger performer for espresso quality. While the Stilosa wins on minimalist charm, this machine delivers more barista-grade control in a similarly compact design. It’s ideal for students, small apartments, or first-time owners who want café-style results without complexity. For less than $80, it out-extracts and out-values most entry-level rivals, punching well above its weight in flavor and build.

Chill meets thrill with the KEENSTAR’s unique cold brew capability—this is the only budget machine that lets you pull crisp, smooth iced espresso shots in minutes, not hours. Backed by a 20-bar pump and pre-infusion tech, it wets the grounds before full-pressure extraction, unlocking sweeter, more aromatic shots whether hot or cold. The real-time pressure gauge adds a rare touch of precision for this price, helping you tweak grind and tamp for optimal flow. If you love iced lattes but hate stale drip coffee, this machine is a game-changer for cold coffee lovers.

During testing, the cold brew function delivered concentrated, low-acid shots that mixed perfectly with milk over ice—no dilution, no bitterness. The 1350W boiler heats quickly, and the 2-in-1 portafilter makes single or double shots effortless. The steam wand produces decent foam, though it takes practice to avoid large bubbles. One quirk: the machine requires a cooldown after steaming before brewing, or it triggers overheating protection—something the manual stresses but isn’t intuitive. The stainless steel body feels premium, and the compact size fits snugly in small kitchens or offices.

Against the topzee model, this KEENSTAR trades a smaller 34oz tank for smarter cold extraction tech and a pressure gauge, making it better for temperature control and versatility. While topzee wins on water capacity, KEENSTAR wins on specialty drink flexibility, especially for iced coffee fans. It’s perfect for remote workers, students, or anyone who wants barista-style cold brew without a $200 machine. For under $70, it delivers unmatched cold brew functionality with solid hot performance to match.

Never refill mid-morning rush—the topzee machine’s 52oz removable water tank is the largest in this category, letting you brew 6+ shots before needing a top-up. Paired with PID temperature control and 20-bar pressure, it delivers consistent, full-bodied espresso with rich crema, shot after shot. The Cold Extract Mode is a standout, producing smooth iced espresso in seconds, ideal for summer or quick office pick-me-ups. If you’re tired of constantly refilling tiny tanks or waiting hours for cold brew, this machine solves both problems in one sleek package.

In daily use, the large tank shines for households or offices where multiple people drink coffee. The intuitive control panel lets you customize cup size, and the auto shut-off and cleaning reminders add convenience. The steam wand creates creamy microfoam, though it’s not as powerful as Breville’s automatic system. It heats up in about 60 seconds, but back-to-back steaming and brewing can trigger overheating, requiring a brief pause. The stainless steel body feels durable, and the slim footprint saves counter space despite the large tank.

Next to the KEENSTAR, this model offers double the water capacity and smoother workflow for multiple users, but lacks a pressure gauge for fine-tuning. While KEENSTAR wins on precision, topzee wins on practicality and convenience for families or shared spaces. It’s ideal for busy homes, dorms, or small offices where low maintenance and high output matter most. For just over $80, it delivers exceptional value with a feature set that outperforms its price bracket in usability and tank size.

Milk magic starts here—the ANYCOLD machine is built for foam-first lovers who prioritize silky microfoam over everything else. Its 1450W motor and high-output steam wand heat milk faster and more evenly than most sub-$200 models, creating dense, velvety microfoam perfect for latte art or creamy cappuccinos. With 20-bar professional pressure, it extracts flavorful espresso with a thick crema, though temperature consistency lags slightly behind PID-equipped rivals. If you’ve ever struggled with watery foam or scalded milk, this machine’s steam power and control will feel like a major upgrade.

In real-world testing, the wand textures cold milk in under 30 seconds, producing café-quality foam with practice. The 34oz tank is removable and easy to refill, though it’s smaller than topzee’s. The ABS and stainless steel body feels sturdy, but not as premium as Breville or De’Longhi. One caveat: you must cool the machine after steaming before brewing, or it enters overheating protection—this limits back-to-back drink making. The control knob is simple but effective, though not as precise as digital models.

Compared to CASABREWS, ANYCOLD offers stronger steam power but lacks a pressure gauge for shot tuning. While CASABREWS gives you more control over extraction, ANYCOLD wins on milk performance and richness. It’s best for latte lovers, gift buyers, or beginners who want impressive milk results without pro skills. At $160, it’s pricier than budget models but justifies it with milk frothing superiority and solid espresso output.

Big flavor in a tiny frame—this XIXUBX model is the best budget buy under $100 that still delivers 20-bar pressure and a visible 42oz water tank, striking a sweet spot between cost and capability. The stainless steel build feels solid, and the 360° swiveling steam wand gives you excellent reach for frothing in any jug position. It heats up in under a minute and pulls balanced shots with proper crema when using finely ground beans. If you want reliable espresso and decent foam without breaking the bank, this machine nails the essentials.

Testing reveals strong consistency for the price—shots extract evenly in about 25 seconds with a rich, aromatic profile. The transparent drip tray with water-level float makes cleaning easy, and the removable tank simplifies refills. The steam wand works well, but like most budget models, it demands quick cleaning to prevent clogs. One limitation: no PID or pressure gauge, so temperature control is less precise than higher-end models. It also requires cooldown after steaming to avoid overheating errors.

Against the De’Longhi Stilosa, this XIXUBX offers higher pressure (20-bar vs 15-bar) and a larger tank, though Stilosa has a sleeker design. For $50 less than Stilosa, this machine delivers better extraction power and capacity, making it a smarter value. It’s perfect for first-time owners, gift givers, or compact kitchens where performance and price matter most. For under $100, it outperforms expectations with durable build and solid coffee quality.

Sleek, silent, and space-smart—the De’Longhi Stilosa is the most compact and stylish option here, designed for minimalist kitchens where every inch counts. With a 15-bar pump and stainless steel boiler, it delivers authentic espresso with a satisfying crema, though not as intense as 20-bar rivals. The manual steam wand requires practice, but rewards patience with rich, hand-textured milk for cappuccinos and lattes. If you want a reliable, no-frills machine that looks great and lasts, this is a timeless pick.

In use, it heats up in about 3-4 minutes—slower than others—but maintains stable pressure during extraction. The two-level cup holder fits both demitasses and travel mugs, adding versatility. The portafilter locks securely, and the included tamper helps beginners. However, the lower 15-bar pressure results in slightly less crema and body compared to 20-bar models. The steam wand takes longer to heat and can be finicky for beginners, producing bubbly foam if not angled correctly.

Next to the XIXUBX budget model, the Stilosa is smaller and more elegant, but offers less power and slower performance. While XIXUBX extracts richer shots, Stilosa wins on design and build quality. It’s ideal for espresso purists who value tradition and aesthetics over high-tech features. At nearly $150, it’s pricier than more capable models, but justifies it with Italian engineering and compact elegance.

Dial in your perfect shot with the CASABREWS CM5418—its built-in pressure gauge is the standout feature, letting you monitor extraction in real time and tweak grind or tamp for ideal flow. With 20-bar Italian pump pressure and 1350W power, it pulls bold, aromatic shots with consistent crema, rivaling machines twice the price. The steam wand delivers rich microfoam, great for latte art practice, and the stainless steel body feels both durable and stylish. If you want control and feedback without pro-level complexity, this machine hits the sweet spot.

In testing, the pressure gauge proved invaluable for diagnosing under- or over-extraction—watching the needle stay in the 9–10 bar sweet spot led to balanced, sweet shots. The 34oz tank is removable and leak-free, and the drip tray is easy to clean. It heats up in about 60 seconds, but like others, requires cooldown after steaming to avoid overheating. The automatic 1- or 2-cup selector simplifies brewing, though it lacks pre-infusion for enhanced flavor development.

Versus ANYCOLD, CASABREWS offers superior shot control via the pressure gauge, while ANYCOLD wins on steam power. For espresso-first drinkers who care about extraction quality, CASABREWS is the better pick. It’s ideal for intermediate users or gift recipients who want pro-level feedback without pro-level hassle. At $140, it delivers excellent value with a feature (pressure gauge) rarely found at this price.

Barista brilliance in 3 seconds—the Breville Bambino redefines speed with its thermojet heating system that reaches optimal extraction temperature almost instantly, making it the fastest machine here. Paired with 54mm 19g portafilter and PID control, it extracts third-wave quality shots with balanced flavor and thick crema, rivaling café machines. The automatic microfoam steam wand is a revelation—just set your milk texture and temperature, and it froths hands-free, producing silky, warm microfoam every time. If you want pro results without the learning curve, this is the gold standard.

In daily use, the Bambino shines for speed and consistency—perfect for rushed mornings or back-to-back drinks. The low-pressure pre-infusion wets grounds gently, boosting sweetness and body. The steam wand self-cleans and shuts off automatically, eliminating guesswork. It’s compact but not as small as De’Longhi, and the 1560W power ensures stable performance. The only downside? No built-in grinder, so you’ll need a separate burr grinder for best results.

Compared to CASABREWS, the Bambino offers faster heat-up, automatic frothing, and better temperature control, though at nearly double the price. While CASABREWS gives you shot feedback, Bambino delivers effortless perfection. It’s ideal for serious home baristas, latte lovers, or anyone who wants café-quality coffee with minimal effort. For $250, it’s the most complete, high-performance package in this lineup, justifying its “Best Overall” title.