Best Italian Coffee Maker Brands: Our Top Choice for Great Espresso

Updated:

Chris Clark

Chris Clark is the co-founder and chief content editor of BrewCoffeeHome.com. With a passion for all things java, Chris has been a coffee blogger for the past 3 years and shares his expertise in coffee brewing with the readers. He's a hands-on expert, loves testing coffee equipment, and has written most of the in-depth reviews featured on the site. When he's not whipping up delicious drinks or experimenting with the latest coffee gadgets, Chris is exploring the local cafe. You can reach him at [email protected].


Learn about Brew Coffee Home's Editorial Guidelines >>

We review and suggest products independently, but if you buy a product via the links in our posts, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.

Nothing beats the aroma of a fresh cup of espresso for a jolt of energy during your day. Whether the smell signals the conference room is in use or brings nostalgia for your Italian home, the best Italian coffee maker brands bring the taste and aromas of Italy to your kitchen or office. 

From bold flavors to frothy cappuccinos, Italian coffee makers have intuitively designed controls and levers for easy coffee making, whether the machine is manual or fully automatic. Make your morning or afternoon ritual something you revel in with these amazing coffee machines. 

Discover our top choices for the best Italian espresso machine brands. We’ve curated a list of the top coffee machines that suit everyone, from the beginner barista or an experienced prosumer. 

Why Buy An Italian Espresso Machine?

The best Italian espresso machines come from a long tradition of coffee brewing innovation and experimentation. With advances in pressure techniques that control the flow of hot water over the coffee beans to automated features that brew traditional-style espresso shots at the touch of a button, Italian-made machines are durable and trusted by beginners and prosumers alike. 

When you buy an Italian-made espresso machine, you can expect a high-quality machine that makes bold-flavored coffee that would please any coffee aficionado with a liking for a strong brew. 

The Best Italian Espresso Machine Brands

Discover the best Italian coffee machines that came from innovative Italian manufacturers and inventors over the ages. We’ve curated a list of the best options for home baristas. 

Read on for details about the best Italian Moka pots, entry-level, semi-automatic, super-automatic, prosumer espresso machines, and more. 

1. Best Stovetop Espresso Maker – Bialetti Express Moka Pot

Best Stovetop Espresso Maker
Bialetti Express Moka Pot, 6 -Cup


Pros:
  • Easy to clean
  • No disposable filters
  • Non-electric and portable
  • Compact design
  • Various options for carafe sizes
  • Bold-tasting espresso
Cons:
  • The standard size is too small for some
  • Doesn’t include a milk frother or steam wand
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

In 1933, Alfonso Bialetti invented what coffee lovers now know and love as the Bialetti Express Moka Pot. Today, Bialetti coffee makers are often called Moka pots or stovetop coffee makers; whatever term you choose, this Italian coffee maker revolutionized home coffee for Italians and the world with its compact size and versatility.  

The Bialetti Moka Express is one of the best Moka pots that hardly takes up any space on your kitchen counter. It consists of a bottom piece that holds water, a coffee ground filter, and a top pitcher for holding prepared espresso. A Moka pot uses heat from a stovetop or fire to boil water and coffee grounds into a delicious-tasting cup of espresso. 

moka-pot-coffee-is-ready

Hot water rises into the top of the stainless steel stovetop coffee maker and gurgles to indicate when the espresso is ready to serve. With varying size options for single cups or large groups, this easy-to-use Italian coffee maker is an excellent option for coffee lovers looking for an authentic and strong-tasting brew. 

The Bialetti Express Moka pot is the best Moka pot that’s 100% Italian-made. The classic design and engineering add a taste of authentic Italy to any morning cup of espresso.

2. Best Entry-Level Espresso Machine – Gaggia Classic Pro

Best Entry-Level Espresso Machine
Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine
Pros:
  • Switches with indicator lights when ready
  • 3-way solenoid valve
  • Commercial steam wand
  • Single and double shot baskets & a pressurized basket
  • A tried and true product with extensive community support
  • Made in Italy
  • Produces flavorful and aromatic espressos and americanos
Cons:
  • Some time investment needed to learn the machine
  • No PID, require temp surfing to get the optimal brew temperature
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

In 1938, Giovanni Achille Gaggia patented the first steamless coffee machine for commercial use that had customers lining up for a taste of this revolutionary coffee with the classic Italian crema,or foam, on the top of a cup of espresso. 

By 1977, Gaggia produced Italian coffee machines for home use, resulting in products like the excellent Gaggia Classic Pro. 

The Gaggia Classic Pro is one of the best entry-level espresso machines because it’s easy to use, takes up minimal counter space. Although this machine is not as affordable as many entry-level machines, Classic Pro has many great features that are available in higher-end machines.

gaggia-classic-pro

It has a commercial-size portafilter and commercial-style steam wand. The single boiler produces consistent pressure and brew temperature for a professional cup of home espresso. So you don’t need to upgrade in years.

With fast heat-up times to steam milk or boil water, beginners and pros can enjoy cafe-quality cups of coffee in minutes from the comfort of their homes. Check our review of the Gaggia Classic Pro here.

3. Best Semi-Automatic – Rancilio Silvia PID Espresso Machine

Best Semi-Automatic
Rancilio Silvia PID Espresso Machine
Pros:
  • Automatic shot brewing
  • Consistent temperatures
  • Easy-to-use LCD screen
  • Commercial steam wand
  • Extremely durable build
  • 58mm portafilter
Cons:
  • Only a single boiler
  • The PID version is more expensive than the original version
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

In 1950, Italian founder Robert Rancilio released a horizontal boiler machine called the Invicta Horizzontal. Today, the Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine adopts the same innovative engineering the Rancilio brand has cultivated since its founding in 1927, making it one of the best semi-automatic espresso machines

Rancilio Silvia is an Italian-made espresso machine with a modern design. It is one of the best Italian coffee makers for espresso lovers wanting to experience a professional espresso setup, complete with a steam wand, programmable infusion, and 58mm commercial grade portafilter.

rocky-with-silvia

However, as we pointed out in our Rancilio Silvia review, the original version doesn’t have PID. You will need ‘temperature surfing’ after steaming so that you can brew espresso with the optimal temperature.

The model provided by Seattle Coffee Gear upgraded this popoular semi-automatic espresso machine to a higher level. They add a PID digital temperature control, offering exceptional accuracy for a consistent brew and temperature. You will also have an automatic shot timer for even better shot consistency. However, the price is slightly higher than the original version, but you don’t need extra effort to mod it for better performance. It’s worth considering.

4. Best Super Automatic – DeLonghi Dinamica

Best Super Automatic
De'Longhi Dinamica ECAM35075SI
0.0
Pros:
  • Automatic coffee maker
  • MyMenu personalization feature
  • Automatic milk frother
  • 18 pre-set coffee recipes
  • Built-in coffee grinder compatible with all beans
  • Easy to clean
  • Dual heating system
  • Compact design
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Even though the build quality is excellent, we need to point out this model is made in Romania instead of Italy
Milk Frothing: LatteCrema milk carafe - Automatic
Pre-programmed Drinks: 18
Control Panel: Text-based LCD
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

DeLonghi is an Italian brand and a forerunner in the engineering of super-automatic coffee makers. In 2007, the DeLonghi Magnifica was the first super-automatic coffee maker to hit the market, and the DeLonghi Dinamica is an upgrade to the original design, making it the best super-automatic Italian coffee maker. 

This modern espresso machine has a compact design, considering how many features this automatic espresso machine has. The DeLonghi Dinamica has a black and silver durable plastic exterior that’s easy to wipe should anything splash. 

The DeLonghi Dinamica makes making the perfect cup of coffee as effortless as clicking a button. This automatic coffee machine has 18 recipe functions for iced coffee, cappuccinos, macchiatos, lattes, espresso, and more. 

The automatic milk frother gives each cup the perfect milk-to-espresso ratio. This milk steamer has a self-cleaning function and is dishwasher-safe. 

delonghi-dinamica-plus-touchscreen

The DeLonghi Dinamica also features a built-in coffee grinder with 17 settings compatible with all types of coffee beans, so you can choose between pre-ground coffee and freshly ground coffee as you prefer. 

If you’re a coffee lover that wants a breadth of choices without working hard to make the perfect coffee, the DeLonghi Dinamica is one of the best automatic machines to buy. 

There are a few models available, here you can find more details and comparisons in our Delonghi Dinamica review.

5. Best Classic Option – La Pavoni Professional

Best Classic Option
La Pavoni Professional
Pros:
  • Dual-frothing cappuccino systems
  • Mounted pressure gauge
  • Heats in under 10 minutes
  • “Millenium” heat diffusers
  • Made in Italy
  • Nickel-plated brass 38 oz boiler
  • One-year warranty and 30-day satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Has to cool down before refilling the boiler
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Italian inventor Desiderio Pavoni is the great mind behind the La Pavoni brand of Italian coffee makers. La Pavoni is one of the best Italian coffee maker brands with a history dating back to the 1961 Europiccola classic lever espresso machines. 

The La Pavoni Professional continues the long history of Italian tradition with this manual espresso machine, making it the best classic coffee maker for a traditional Italian cup of espresso. 

The black and chrome design of this countertop espresso machine makes any user look like a professional barista. The La Pavoni Professional features a lever handle and mounted pressure gauge for a deliciously pressed cup of espresso or cappuccino. 

This impressive Italian coffee maker has the capacity for two cups at a time with dual-frothing cappuccino milk wands. You can enjoy 16 espresso cups in each tank with a 38 oz boiler capacity, making this an excellent selection for office or personal use. 

Whether you want to sip on a cappuccino or get a burst of energy from a shot of espresso, the La Pavoni Professional delivers a classic flavor that will make you think you’re sitting with your nona in Italy. 

6. Best Prosumer-Level – Rocket Espresso Appartamento Espresso Machine

Best Prosumer-Level
Rocket Espresso Appartamento
Pros:
  • 1.8-liter heat exchange steam boiler
  • Single and double shot portafilters
  • Heated group head for consistent temperatures
  • Milk frother
  • Sleek design
  • Trusted Rocket Espresso brand name
  • Three-year warranty
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Not a good option for beginners
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Rocket Espresso combines the art of Italian coffee traditions and modern consumer needs with their Appartamento Espresso machine, which is the best prosumer-level Italian coffee maker to be found. 

This countertop-friendly chrome machine has dots on the side, allowing users to color-coordinate their coffee maker to their kitchen decor. This model features all the bells and whistles you would expect from a professional manual espresso machine. 

Brew coffee and froth milk simultaneously with the 1.8-liter heat exchanger boiler. Enjoy a cup of espresso or a cappuccino within minutes with a fast boiling time. This amazing machine suits modern kitchen designs with easy-to-clean pieces and intuitively placed functions. 

The Rocket Espresso Appartamento Espresso machine is a blast to use for anyone who enjoys the art of preparing the perfect cup of coffee. If you are looking for prosumer-level machines, Rocket Espresso produces the best Italian-made espresso machines. 

Here are our picks of the best Rocket Espresso Machines.

7. Best Single Serve –Lavazza BLUE Classy Mini Single-Serve Espresso Coffee Machine

Best for Coffee Pods
Lavazza BLUE Classy Mini Single Serve Espresso Coffee Machine
Pros:
  • Heats in 28 seconds
  • The used capsule drawer collects five cartridges
  • Easy-to-use controls
  • Pre-portioned coffee capsules for consistent flavors and aromas
  • Compact and sleek design
Cons:
  • Only compatible with Lavazza BLUE coffee pods
  • No milk wand
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Luigi Lavazza opened his first Italian coffee shop in 1895 and loved to innovate with coffee brewing techniques. Today, coffee lovers are blessed with adaptations from Lavazza’s coffee innovations, like the Lavazza BLUE classy mini single-serve espresso coffee machine. This is one of the best Italian coffee makers for someone looking for a compact, convenient, single-serve machine. 

The Lavazza BLUE is an automatic espresso maker with easy-to-use touch controls and visual alerts. Getting the perfect cup of espresso is easy with the Lavazza BLUE pre-portioned coffee pods. Simply insert the coffee pod and press start, no barista skill is required.

This single-serve coffee maker heats up in less than 30 seconds and features a removable cup support that collects drips, so you can choose between espresso cups or coffee mugs. 

The sleek black durable plastic design looks great on kitchen counters or in conference rooms. Measuring 13 by 5.3 by 10.2 inches, this compact single-serve espresso coffee machine is an awesome choice for coffee lovers who don’t have time to prep coffee grounds or froth milk when they enjoy their one cup of the day. 

8. Best Heat Exchanger – Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Espresso Machine

Best Heat Exchanger
Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Espresso Machine
Pros:
  • Powerful heat exchange steam boiler for steaming hot cups
  • Semi-automatic
  • Three-liter water tank capacity
  • Steam wand
  • Single and double shots
  • Timer feature
Cons:
  • Works better with espresso grinds than pre-ground coffee beans
  • Some find it slow to heat up
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

In 1936, Italian inventor Orlando Simonelli created his first espresso coffee machine. Since then and throughout the decades, the Simonelli name has been synonymous with coffee innovation. Today, the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Espresso Machine stands testament to that tradition as the best heat exchanger espresso machine.

It has buttons for single and double espresso shots for those that want a double dose of caffeine and a manual steam lever for those that prefer extra froth. In addition, the heat exchange steam boiler delivers one of the hottest homemade cups of espresso.

This powerful espresso machine also delivers an exceptional frothing experience. If a steam wand is a must for you, the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II has one of the best we’ve seen. The frothing/steaming wand is long enough for all cup sizes and rotates 360 degrees for easy access even in busy kitchens. 

In addition to all its great features, it also looks professional with a chrome design and black-handled portafilter, so you can place it anywhere for easy access to the perfect cup of espresso. 

Overall, this is one of the best Italian espresso machines for someone looking for the hands-on experience of filling the 58mm portafilter with freshly coffee and smelling the aromas as the machine does the rest. 

9. Best Dual Boiler – Lelit Bianca V3

Best Dual Boiler
Lelit Bianca V3 Espresso Machine
Pros:
  • Dual boiler
  • Manual brew pressure profiling
  • External reservoir (removable)
  • Durable stainless steel and brass parts
  • E61 group head for high temps
  • Edgy chrome and wood design
  • Drainable drip tray
  • Quiet rotary pump
Cons:
  • Most expensive option on this list
  • Not a good option for beginners
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Lelit is an Italian-founded company that started in the 1980s. Today, Lelit remains one of the best Italian coffee maker brands, and the Lelit Bianca V3 reveals why. With dual boilers, this amazing machine is perfect for someone wanting a quality coffee maker that can brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously.

This high-quality espresso maker features a classy chrome and wooden design. The Lelit Bianca V3 is a manual espresso machine with an innovatively designed manual brew pressure control paddle that changes the flow of water to get the best brew every time. We tested the machine for months and loved this flow profiling feature. Here is our hands-on review of the Lelit Bianca.

lelit-bianca-exterior-design

The PID-controlled dual boiler and E61 group head of this Italian coffee machine deliver a steaming cup of espresso that’s temperature and pressure controlled to perfection. 

Whether you or your clients are coffee enthusiasts, this sleek Italian coffee machine puts a piping-hot cup of professional-quality espresso in good hands. Lelit Bianca V3 offers great performance and features only found in commercial-grade machines, but in a more budget-friendly price.

Things To Consider Before Getting Italian Coffee Makers

Before investing in one of the best Italian coffee makers, there are a few things to consider to ensure you’ll get the most out of your coffee machine. 

Types of Italian Coffee Makers 

Italian home espresso machines differ greatly and can affect your user experience differently. The main types of Italian coffee makers include the following: 

  • Moka pot coffee makers (Stovetop coffee makers)
  • Manual or lever espresso machines
  • Semi-automatic espresso machines, 
  • Super-automatic espresso makers. 

Moka pot coffee makers are stovetop coffee machines, while the others use electricity and elbow grease to power them. Automatic coffee makers are more similar to drip coffee machines with more functions and limited or no preparation but produce bolder and more flavorful cups. Semi automatic machines requires some barista skills and more effort in making perfect espresso.

Needs and Desires 

Choose an espresso machine based on your needs and desires. If this machine is meant for a conference room, an automatic espresso maker or pod machine might be the better option for faster turnaround. 

How much espresso will you drink? If you like a lot of espressos throughout the day, a model with a large water tank capacity and easy to clean is vital. If you want to hone your barista skills, semi-automatic is the best choice, or choose super-automatic if you want a completely hands-free experience.

Maintenance

How much espresso machine cleaning and maintenance are you willing to perform? Experienced baristas are more likely to enjoy the maintenance involved in manual or semi-automatic espresso machines. Beginners or busy offices will benefit from the lower maintenance needed with automatic or Moka pot espresso makers. 

durgol-special-descaler

Steam Wand 

When buying one of the best Italian coffee machine brands, consider if a steam wand is essential. A steam wand is an exceptional feature for steaming milk to create a delicious beverage with the gorgeous latte art you find in coffee shops.

If frothing milk isn’t a feature you’ll use, opt for a model without one to save money and kitchen counter space. 

Budget 

Choose an Italian coffee maker based on what suits your budget best. There are plenty of amazing and affordable espresso machines that produce incredible cups of espresso on demand. 

Stovetop espresso makers are typically the cheapest option, but you can find semi-automatic and automatic espresso machines at reasonable prices. That said, budgets can range between around $100 to over $3,000, depending on the brand and added features. In addition, espresso making process requires precise grind size, so you also need to consider buying a good espresso grinder, which is not cheap either.

FAQs

Learn more about the best Italian coffee maker brands for great espresso with answers to these frequently asked questions below. 

Moka pot vs. espresso machine, what’s the difference?

A Moka pot has water in a reservoir under the coffee grounds. Then, when placed on a fire or induction stovetop, the water boils and mixes with the grounds as it rises into the carafe. Moka pots brew coffee with steam pressure, which is significantly lower than 9 bars. However, you can still get concentrated coffee resembling espresso brewed with an espresso machine. That’s why they are also called stovetop espresso makers. It’s a cheaper alternative to an espresso machine.

Espresso machines brew coffee with much higher pressure so that hot water can extract the freshly ground beans in short time and create a richer layer of cream on top. Brewing authentic espresso or creating coffeehouse-style drinks requires an espresso machine.

What type of coffee can you make with an Italian coffee maker?

Depending on your espresso machine, an Italian coffee maker can brew coffee in various ways, including the following: 

  • Espresso shots (double or single) 
  • Americanos
  • Cappuccinos 
  • Macchiatos 
  • Lattes 
  • Flat whites

And more…

When it comes to milk-based espresso drinks, you just need to play around with the milk ratio and texture to create different types of coffee drinks.

What is the best brand of Italian coffee maker?

The best brand of Italian coffee maker is DeLonghi because of its automated features that create authentic-tasting cups of Italian espresso, cappuccino, lattes, and more. Meanwhile, Bialetti is the best Italian coffee maker for Moka pot espresso makers. Gaggia and Rancilio are great options for home espresso machines. Others such as La Spaziale, Faema, La Cimbali, Pontevecchio, and Nuova Simonelli mainly focus on professional machines.

Conclusion 

After researching and testing various Italian coffee maker brands, we’ve landed on these top nine choices for great espresso. 

If you’re searching for the best espresso machine, discover the impressive features of Italian brands like Bialetti, Gaggia, Rancilio Silvia, DeLonghi, and more. 

Purchase one of these trustworthy Italian brands for your next espresso machine. Whether you desire a hot cup of a double shot of espresso or you want to enjoy a perfectly frothed cappuccino, these options have everything a beginner or expert needs to revel in the flavors of Italian espresso. 

Photo of author

Chris Clark

Chris Clark is the co-founder and chief content editor of BrewCoffeeHome.com. With a passion for all things java, Chris has been a coffee blogger for the past 3 years and shares his expertise in coffee brewing with the readers. He's a hands-on expert, loves testing coffee equipment, and has written most of the in-depth reviews featured on the site. When he's not whipping up delicious drinks or experimenting with the latest coffee gadgets, Chris is exploring the local cafe.