Ever dreamt of making coffee shop-quality espresso right in your own kitchen? You know that rich, creamy shot that wakes you up and tastes amazing? That dream is closer than you think, but choosing the right machine can feel like navigating a maze.
Mid-level espresso machines offer a sweet spot. They give you more power and better taste than basic models, but they don’t cost as much as the super-fancy professional ones. Yet, with so many brands and features, it’s easy to get lost. You might worry about spending too much money on something that doesn’t make the coffee you want, or getting a machine that’s too complicated to use.
This guide is here to help! We’ll break down what makes a great mid-level espresso machine and show you how to pick the perfect one for your home. You’ll learn what features really matter and how to find a machine that fits your budget and your taste buds. Get ready to upgrade your morning coffee game!
Our Top 5 Mid Level Espresso Machine Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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CASABREWS Ultra Espresso Machine with LCD Display | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Makers | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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Breville Infuser Espresso Machine BES840XL | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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De’Longhi Classic Espresso Machine with Milk Frother | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Mid Level Espresso Machine Detailed Reviews
1. CASABREWS Ultra Espresso Machine with LCD Display
Rating: 8.9/10
Unlock your inner barista with the CASABREWS Ultra Espresso Machine. This stylish machine brings cafe-quality espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos right to your kitchen. Its easy-to-use LCD display and powerful milk frother make crafting delicious drinks a breeze, making it a fantastic gift for coffee lovers.
What We Like:
- Brew amazing espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos at home.
- Customize your coffee’s temperature with four settings.
- The 20-bar Italian pump ensures rich, flavorful espresso.
- Create silky-smooth milk foam for beautiful latte art.
- The sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen.
- The large water tank is easy to refill.
- It’s a perfect gift for anyone who loves coffee.
What Could Be Improved:
- Temperature adjustment only applies to the espresso brewing.
- To get the best results, you need to learn about coffee grinding, dosing, and tamping.
The CASABREWS Ultra Espresso Machine offers a simple way to enjoy gourmet coffee drinks every day. Invest in this machine and elevate your home coffee experience.
2. CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar
Rating: 8.9/10
The CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine is a compact and stylish coffee maker that lets you enjoy barista-quality espresso drinks right at home. Its stainless steel design looks great on any countertop, and its small size makes it perfect for any kitchen or office. You can easily make lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos with this versatile machine.
What We Like:
- You can make your favorite espresso drinks like lattes and cappuccinos at home.
- It has a professional 20 Bar Italian pump for rich and fragrant coffee.
- The built-in pressure gauge helps you get the perfect shot every time.
- The powerful steam wand creates creamy milk foam for latte art.
- Its compact and stylish design fits well in any kitchen.
- The 34 oz removable water tank means you can brew multiple cups without refilling often.
- It comes with everything you need to start brewing right away.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to let the machine cool down after frothing milk to avoid overheating protection.
This CASABREWS espresso machine is a fantastic way to bring the coffee shop experience to your home. It’s easy to use and makes delicious espresso-based drinks, making it a great gift for any coffee lover.
3. Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Makers
Rating: 9.3/10
Dreaming of café-quality coffee at home? The Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Makers delivers just that! This sleek, stainless steel machine is designed for both espresso lovers and those who enjoy a variety of coffee drinks. It’s compact enough for any kitchen and powerful enough to create delicious beverages, making it an excellent choice for daily enjoyment or as a thoughtful gift.
What We Like:
- The 20-bar pump and NTC temperature control ensure you get the best flavor from your coffee beans, making every cup taste like it came from a professional barista.
- You can easily create creamy, silky microfoam for cappuccinos and lattes with its strong steam wand and a removable nozzle for simple cleaning.
- Its full stainless steel body looks great on any countertop and is built to last, while its compact size means it won’t take up too much space.
- Making coffee is a breeze thanks to the simple controls and semi-automatic brewing, so you can enjoy barista-quality drinks without a lot of fuss.
- The hot water function is super handy for making Americanos, tea, or even instant soup, and it’s great for warming your cups before brewing.
- Gevi stands behind its product with a 12-month warranty and lifetime tech support, so you can buy with confidence.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the semi-automatic nature is easy, some users might prefer a fully automatic machine for even less effort.
- The pre-infusion feature, while beneficial for flavor, might be an extra step for those in a hurry.
This Gevi espresso machine is a fantastic addition to any home kitchen, offering a blend of professional performance and user-friendly design. It’s a gift that will surely be appreciated by any coffee enthusiast.
4. Breville Infuser Espresso Machine BES840XL
Rating: 8.5/10
Unlock the secret to delicious, café-quality espresso right in your own kitchen with the Breville Infuser Espresso Machine BES840XL. This sleek, brushed stainless steel machine brings the “third wave” coffee experience home, focusing on the four key elements for perfect flavor: the right amount of coffee, the perfect water pressure, the ideal temperature, and creamy, smooth milk for latte art.
What We Like:
- You can easily control how much espresso you get with volumetric and shot control, choosing 1 or 2 shots or even setting it manually.
- The machine uses low-pressure pre-infusion to gently start the brewing, making sure all the coffee flavors come out evenly for a balanced taste.
- Digital PID temperature control keeps the water at the exact right temperature, adjustable in small steps, and a pressure gauge helps you achieve perfect extraction.
- The powerful steam wand quickly creates silky microfoam milk, perfect for making beautiful latte art.
- The auto-purge feature automatically cleans the heat system after steaming, so your next espresso is always at the perfect temperature.
- It comes with everything you need to get started, including filter baskets, a milk jug, and cleaning supplies.
- You get a 1-year limited product warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The water tank capacity, while decent, might require refilling for very frequent users.
- While the machine itself is user-friendly, achieving true latte art takes practice and skill.
This Breville Infuser is a fantastic tool for anyone wanting to elevate their home coffee game. It empowers you to create consistently delicious espresso and explore the art of milk steaming.
5. De’Longhi Classic Espresso Machine with Milk Frother
Rating: 8.6/10
Dreaming of delicious coffee shop drinks at home? The De’Longhi Classic Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is here to make it happen! This beautiful machine lets you create everything from a strong espresso shot to creamy lattes and fluffy cappuccinos. It’s designed to bring barista-quality coffee right into your kitchen, making every morning a little more special.
What We Like:
- OPTIMAL EXTRACTION: The 15-bar Italian pump gives you the perfect pressure for rich espresso, every time.
- PERFECT TEMPERATURE: Thermoblock technology heats up fast and keeps the temperature just right for great-tasting coffee.
- ADJUSTABLE FROTHER: Easily create silky steamed milk or thick, velvety foam for latte art with the simple steam wand.
- CUSTOMIZABLE PRESET RECIPES: You can set your favorite single or double espresso doses and brew them automatically.
- SLEEK, COMPACT DESIGN: It looks amazing on your counter with its stainless-steel finish and clean, modern style.
What Could Be Improved:
- While simple to use, mastering latte art might take a little practice.
- For very large households, you might wish for a larger water tank.
This De’Longhi espresso machine makes enjoying your favorite coffee drinks at home easy and stylish. Get ready to impress yourself and your friends with your homemade coffee creations!
Your Guide to a Mid-Level Espresso Machine
So, you’re ready to step up your coffee game? A mid-level espresso machine is your ticket to delicious, cafe-quality drinks at home. It’s a sweet spot between beginner models and super fancy ones. Let’s find the right one for you!
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re shopping, keep an eye out for these important features. They make a big difference in how good your coffee tastes and how easy it is to make.
- Pump Pressure: Most good machines have a pump that pushes water through the coffee grounds. Look for 9 bars of pressure or more. This helps get all the yummy flavors out of the coffee.
- Boiler Type: Some machines have one boiler, others have two. A single boiler heats up water for both brewing coffee and steaming milk. A dual boiler can do both at the same time, which is faster and makes milk steaming better.
- Water Tank Size: A bigger water tank means you can make more drinks before refilling. This is handy if you’re making coffee for a few people.
- Portafilter Size: The portafilter holds the coffee grounds. A 58mm portafilter is pretty standard for good machines. It helps pack the coffee evenly.
- Steam Wand: This is what you use to make foamy milk for lattes and cappuccinos. A good steam wand should be powerful enough to create silky smooth foam.
Materials Matter: What Your Machine is Made Of
The parts of your espresso machine can affect how well it works and how long it lasts.
- Stainless Steel: Many good machines use stainless steel for their bodies and internal parts. It’s strong, looks nice, and is easy to clean.
- Brass: Some parts, like the group head (where the portafilter connects), are often made of brass. Brass heats up well and keeps the temperature steady, which is good for brewing.
- Plastic: While some plastic parts are okay (like the water tank), too much plastic can make a machine feel less sturdy and might not last as long.
What Makes Coffee Great (or Not So Great)
Certain things can make your espresso machine perform better or worse.
- Temperature Control: Keeping the water at the right temperature is super important for great espresso. Some machines have better temperature control than others.
- Grinder Quality: You need a good grinder to get the right size coffee grounds. If your machine has a built-in grinder, make sure it’s a good one. If not, you’ll need a separate, quality grinder.
- Ease of Cleaning: Machines that are easy to clean will keep working well and make better coffee over time. Look for parts you can easily reach and clean.
User Experience and When to Use Your Machine
Think about how you’ll use your machine.
- Daily Use: If you’re making a coffee or two every morning, a machine that heats up quickly is a plus.
- Entertaining: If you love making drinks for friends and family, a machine that can steam milk while brewing coffee will save you time.
- Learning and Practicing: Mid-level machines are great for learning. They give you more control, so you can experiment and get better at making espresso.
A mid-level espresso machine is a fun investment. With a little research, you’ll find one that makes your mornings (and afternoons!) much tastier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is “bars” of pressure and why is it important?
A: “Bars” measure how much force the pump uses to push water through the coffee. About 9 bars is the standard for making good espresso. It helps get the best flavor from your coffee grounds.
Q: Should I get a machine with one boiler or two?
A: A single boiler machine heats water for brewing and steaming one at a time. A dual boiler machine can do both at the same time. If you make a lot of milk drinks, a dual boiler is faster and makes better foam.
Q: Does the size of the water tank really matter?
A: Yes, a bigger water tank is more convenient. You can make more drinks without having to stop and refill it as often.
Q: What is a “portafilter” and why is its size important?
A: The portafilter is the handle with a basket that holds your coffee grounds. A 58mm portafilter is common for good machines. It helps you pack the coffee evenly, which leads to better espresso.
Q: How important is the steam wand?
A: The steam wand is key for making milk foam. A powerful steam wand lets you create smooth, creamy foam for drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
Q: Why is stainless steel a good material for an espresso machine?
A: Stainless steel is strong, looks good, and is easy to clean. It’s a durable material that holds up well over time.
Q: What is a “group head” and why is brass good for it?
A: The group head is where the portafilter attaches. Brass heats up evenly and keeps the temperature steady, which is important for brewing good espresso.
Q: What does “temperature control” mean for an espresso machine?
A: It means the machine can keep the water at the perfect brewing temperature. Consistent temperature is very important for making delicious espresso.
Q: Do I need a special grinder for my espresso machine?
A: Yes, you need a grinder that can make very fine coffee grounds for espresso. If your machine doesn’t have a good built-in grinder, you’ll need to buy a separate one.
Q: How often should I clean my espresso machine?
A: You should clean your machine regularly, after each use, and do a deeper clean every few weeks. This keeps it working well and your coffee tasting great.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.