Imagine waking up to the rich aroma of freshly brewed espresso, crafted perfectly in your own kitchen. It’s a dream many coffee lovers share, but turning that dream into reality can feel overwhelming. Choosing a built-in espresso machine is a big decision, and the sheer number of features, brands, and styles can make your head spin. You want the best for your morning ritual, but where do you even start?
This is where we come in. We understand the confusion and the desire for a seamless, delicious coffee experience. That’s why we’ve put together this guide. We’ll break down everything you need to know, from the essential features that make a difference to the things you absolutely must consider before you buy.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident in your choices. We’ll help you understand what makes a built-in espresso machine truly great, so you can finally pick the perfect one to elevate your home coffee game. Let’s dive in and find your ideal machine!
Our Top 5 Built In Espresso Machine Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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Ninja | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker & Barista System | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Built In Espresso Machine Detailed Reviews
1. Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL
Rating: 8.5/10
The Breville Barista Express BES870XL in brushed stainless steel brings the coffee shop experience right into your kitchen. It’s designed to help you make delicious, café-quality espresso drinks at home. This all-in-one machine includes a built-in grinder, so you can go from whole beans to a perfect shot of espresso in less than a minute.
What We Like:
- It grinds beans right before you brew, giving you the freshest flavor possible.
- The machine uses low-pressure pre-infusion to gently bloom the coffee grounds, which helps get all the tasty flavors out for a balanced shot.
- Digital temperature control keeps the water at the perfect temperature for excellent espresso extraction.
- You can make silky smooth microfoam milk for lattes and cappuccinos with its powerful steam wand, even allowing for latte art.
- The grinder has an easy-to-use dial so you can adjust the grind size for any type of coffee bean.
- It comes with everything you need to get started, including a tamper, milk jug, and cleaning tools.
- The bean hopper holds a good amount of coffee beans, and the water tank is large enough for multiple drinks.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users find the grinder a bit noisy.
- While it offers control, mastering the perfect grind and tamping can take some practice.
This Breville Barista Express is a fantastic investment for any coffee lover wanting to elevate their home brewing. It truly makes achieving delicious espresso and milk-based drinks achievable for everyday enjoyment.
2. Ninja
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready to transform your kitchen into a personal coffee haven with the Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series. This all-in-one machine lets you brew espresso, drip coffee, and even cold brew with incredible ease. It’s designed for coffee lovers who want café-quality drinks without the hassle.
What We Like:
- 3 Machines in 1: Brew espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew all from one sleek machine.
- Versatile Brew Options: Choose from double or quad espresso shots, classic, rich, or over ice drip coffee, and two cold brew styles.
- Barista Assist Technology: Get guided brewing with recommendations for grind size, weight-based dosing, and active adjustments for perfect flavor every time.
- Integrated Conical Burr Grinder: Enjoy fresh, precise grinds with 25 settings for any type of coffee bean.
- Weight-Based Dosing: The built-in scale accurately measures grounds for your chosen drink, taking the guesswork out of it.
- Hands-Free Frothing: The Dual Froth System effortlessly creates perfect hot or cold microfoam with four preset programs.
- Adjustable Temperature Settings: Customize brew temperature for different roasts of coffee beans.
- Flavorful Cold-Pressed Drinks: Brew smooth, flavorful cold brews and espressos perfect for specialty drinks.
- Assisted Tamper: Achieve perfectly compacted coffee grounds for optimal water distribution and a bold espresso shot.
- Built-In Storage: Keep your accessories like the tamper and funnel neatly organized on the machine.
What Could Be Improved:
- The machine takes up a bit of counter space due to its multi-functionality.
- New users might need a little time to explore all the different brewing options and settings.
This Ninja coffee maker is a fantastic investment for anyone who loves variety in their coffee routine. It simplifies the brewing process while delivering delicious results.
3. Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS
Rating: 8.7/10
The Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS in Brushed Stainless Steel brings the coffee shop experience right to your kitchen. It’s designed to help you make delicious coffee drinks easily. This machine is part of Breville’s Barista Series, offering a complete espresso solution. You can go from whole beans to a tasty espresso shot in less than a minute.
What We Like:
- Easy to Use Touch Screen: The simple touch screen lets you choose and customize drinks in three steps: grind, brew, and milk. You can save up to 8 of your own coffee recipes.
- Great Espresso Quality: It uses a precision grinder and a special pre-infusion process to get the best flavor from your coffee beans. The digital temperature control ensures the water is just right for brewing.
- Fast Heating: The ThermoJet heating system gets up to temperature in only 3 seconds, so you won’t have to wait long to make your coffee.
- Automatic Milk Frothing: The steam wand automatically textures milk to your liking, creating smooth microfoam perfect for lattes and cappuccinos. It even helps you make latte art!
- All-in-One Design: It has a built-in grinder, so you don’t need separate equipment. It comes with everything you need to start brewing, like filter baskets and a milk jug.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve: While easy to use, mastering all the settings and techniques for perfect drinks might take a little practice for beginners.
- Counter Space: Like most espresso machines with integrated grinders, it takes up a bit of counter space.
The Breville Barista Touch makes enjoying café-quality coffee at home incredibly simple. It’s a fantastic machine for anyone who loves espresso-based drinks.
4. Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker & Barista System
Rating: 9.4/10
The Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker & Barista System, CFN601 is a versatile machine that lets you make both espresso and regular coffee. It’s great for busy mornings or when you want to impress guests. You can brew different types of espresso drinks and even full pots of coffee. It also has a built-in frother for creamy cappuccinos and lattes.
What We Like:
- It brews delicious espresso with a smooth crema thanks to its 19-bar pressure system.
- You can make fancy coffee drinks like cappuccinos and lattes right at home with the built-in frother.
- It’s compatible with Nespresso capsules, offering three different espresso sizes: Espresso, Lungo, and Over Ice.
- You can also brew coffee grounds in three styles (Classic, Rich, Over Ice) and choose from nine different sizes, from a single cup to a 12-cup carafe.
- The adjustable cup tray fits various mug sizes, including travel mugs.
- It has a convenient used capsule storage bin that holds up to 20 capsules.
- Features like Delay Brew, Keep Warm, and Clean make it easy to use and maintain.
- It comes with helpful accessories like a warming plate, paper filter kit, and a glass carafe.
What Could Be Improved:
- Espresso capsules are not included, so you’ll need to buy them separately.
This Ninja Barista System offers a lot of flexibility for coffee lovers. It’s a great way to enjoy a variety of coffee beverages without leaving your kitchen.
5. Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
Rating: 8.7/10
Wake up to the delightful aroma of freshly brewed coffee with the Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine. This sleek black machine is your ticket to barista-quality drinks right in your own kitchen. From a bold espresso to a creamy latte macchiato, it makes enjoying your favorite coffee simple and quick.
What We Like:
- You can make five different kinds of coffee: espresso, coffee, americano, cappuccino, and latte macchiato.
- The touch display is easy to use. You just touch the screen to pick your coffee.
- It makes your coffee taste and smell great. The Aroma Extract system gets the best flavor from the beans.
- The LatteGo milk system is super easy to clean. It has only two parts and no tubes, so you can rinse it in seconds.
- The AquaClean filter means you don’t have to descale the machine often. You can make up to 5,000 cups of coffee before needing to descale.
- The ceramic grinder is strong and keeps the coffee flavor pure.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it makes many coffees, some users might wish for more customization options for milk froth.
- The initial setup, like installing the AquaClean filter, might take a moment to understand for first-time users.
This Philips espresso machine brings cafe-style coffee to your home with ease. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a variety of delicious coffee drinks every day.
Your Guide to the Perfect Built-In Espresso Machine
Dreaming of coffee shop quality espresso right in your own kitchen? A built-in espresso machine can make that dream a reality. These sleek appliances are designed to be permanently installed in your cabinetry, offering a clean, integrated look and convenient access to delicious espresso drinks.
Why Choose a Built-In Espresso Machine?
Built-in espresso machines offer a premium experience. They look fantastic, saving counter space and creating a seamless kitchen design. Plus, they often come with advanced features for perfect brewing. If you love espresso and want a permanent, stylish solution, a built-in is a great choice.
Key Features to Look For
1. Brewing System:
- Automatic vs. Semi-Automatic: Automatic machines grind beans, tamp them, brew, and often steam milk with the touch of a button. Semi-automatic machines give you more control over grinding and tamping, which can lead to better results if you enjoy the process.
- Grinder: Many built-in machines have an integrated grinder. Look for adjustable grind settings to match different coffee beans.
- Milk Frothing: Do you want lattes and cappuccinos? Check for a steam wand or an automatic milk frothing system.
2. Water Source:
- Direct Water Line Connection: This is the most convenient. The machine connects directly to your home’s water supply, so you never have to refill a tank.
- Water Tank: Some models still use a removable water tank. If this is the case, consider the tank’s size and how easy it is to access and refill.
3. Customization Options:
- Adjustable Brew Strength and Volume: Can you change how strong your espresso is? Can you pick the size of your drink?
- Temperature Control: The ability to adjust brew temperature can make a big difference in taste.
4. Ease of Use and Cleaning:
- Intuitive Controls: Look for a clear display and easy-to-understand buttons.
- Self-Cleaning Features: Many machines have programs to rinse the brewing unit and steam wand.
- Removable Brew Group: This part is crucial for regular cleaning. Make sure it’s easy to take out and rinse.
Important Materials
The quality of materials used impacts durability and performance. Stainless steel is often found on the exterior and internal components. This material is strong and resists rust. High-quality plastics are used for some parts, but look for BPA-free options. Glass is sometimes used for carafes or displays.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality:
- High-Quality Grinder: A consistent grind is key to good espresso.
- Precise Temperature Control: The right temperature extracts the best flavor from coffee beans.
- Solid Construction: Well-built machines feel sturdy and last longer.
- Good Pump Pressure: Espresso machines need around 9 bars of pressure to brew properly.
Reducing Quality:
- Cheap Plastic Parts: These can break easily or affect the taste of your coffee.
- Inconsistent Grinding: If the grinder isn’t good, your espresso won’t be either.
- Poor Insulation: This can lead to lukewarm coffee.
User Experience and Use Cases
Built-in espresso machines are perfect for busy households who want their morning coffee quickly and without fuss. They are also ideal for home entertainers who love to serve guests delicious espresso drinks. Imagine waking up and having a perfectly brewed cappuccino ready in moments, or impressing friends at a dinner party with expertly made espressos. The user experience is generally about convenience and consistent results. Some machines require a bit of learning to master, especially semi-automatic models, but the reward is a truly personalized coffee experience.
Choosing a built-in espresso machine is an investment in your daily routine and your kitchen’s aesthetic. By considering these features and factors, you can find a machine that will bring you joy and great coffee for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the main benefits of a built-in espresso machine?
A: Built-in espresso machines save counter space, offer a sleek integrated look, and provide convenient access to espresso drinks.
Q: Do I need plumbing for a built-in espresso machine?
A: Many models connect directly to your home’s water line, but some still use a water tank.
Q: How easy are built-in espresso machines to clean?
A: Cleaning varies by model. Look for machines with self-cleaning features and removable brew groups for easier maintenance.
Q: Can I make different types of coffee drinks with these machines?
A: Yes, most machines can make espresso, and many can froth milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based drinks.
Q: What is the typical lifespan of a built-in espresso machine?
A: With proper maintenance, a good quality built-in espresso machine can last 10-15 years or even longer.
Q: Do I need special coffee beans for these machines?
A: While you can use any fresh, good-quality coffee beans, espresso blends are often roasted specifically for espresso machines.
Q: What is the installation process like?
A: Installation usually requires professional help, especially if a water line connection is needed. It involves integrating the machine into your cabinetry.
Q: Are built-in espresso machines energy efficient?
A: Many modern machines have energy-saving modes. However, they do use electricity to heat water and operate.
Q: What kind of maintenance is required?
A: Regular cleaning of the brew group, drip tray, and milk frothing components is important. Descaling the machine periodically is also recommended.
Q: How much do built-in espresso machines typically cost?
A: Prices can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the brand, features, and materials.
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.