We pulled shots, steamed milk, and sipped our way through the test field: Which espresso machine for your home actually makes life better? And why is the espresso machine industry facing a real revolution? Read our independent and brutally honest espresso machine comparison test to find out.
Table of Contents
1. How We Tested our Espresso Machines
2. Tech Talk Without the Headache: What Really Matters
3. The Line-Up in Our Espresso Machine Test: From No-Fuss to Full-On Perfectionist
4. What Matters in Daily Life With Your Espresso Machine? You Decide.
5. Which Espresso Machine Fits Which Type?
6. Quantum Leaps and Letdowns – Tops & Flops in Our Espresso Machine Test
7. Espresso Machine Test 2025: Best in Test & Top Picks
8. Where (Not) to Buy Your Next Espresso Machine
8.1 More than just a shop: Caffè Pantano – roaster, repairer, and barista central
8.2 Stoll Espresso – full service, full crema
9. Conclusion
Big names, bold claims, and built-in connectivity – but do they really deliver? Let’s be honest, the cult status of a product and the marketing buzz from brands and influencers influence our buying decisions more than we’d like to admit. When it comes to espresso machines, the rule of thumb seems clear – style lovers go for La Marzocco. A Sanremo in the showroom? That can only mean business is booming. And app control? That’s a must-have, right? Well… not so fast. In our DOWNTOWN espresso machine test, we looked beyond the shiny side panels. Big names, fancy features, steep prices? We couldn’t care less. We wanted to know: What can you actually feel as a casual home barista? What’s a real benefit – and what’s just hype? And which new technology marks a true breakthrough that could revolutionize the way we brew espresso at home?
Our goal is to give you honest, hands-on, and independent advice – so you can confidently choose the best espresso machine for your home. One that doesn’t just make you happy on the day you buy it, but every single morning after. Like a perfectly tuned bike that just glides.
Whether you’re obsessed with adjusting temperature, flow, and pressure, or just want to press a button and sip a perfect espresso – this test is for you. It’s for anyone who loves the smell of freshly ground coffee, who cares about design, quality, and daily usability. Whether you’re an espresso geek or a curious first-timer, we’ll help you find the best espresso machine for your home – one that fits the way you like your coffee.
Oh, and just because you buy a great machine doesn’t mean you’ll get great espresso right away. In fact, many people end up drinking the worst coffee of their lives after splashing out a small fortune on a new machine. Why? Because a good espresso machine doesn’t guarantee good espresso. More on that in our article “How to Espresso – A Barista Course, Tried and Tested.”
How We Tested the Espresso Machines in Our Review
To keep things fair, we ran the same routine on all machines – from the €300 entry-level model to the €6,000 tech marvel. Every machine was put through its paces in our office for several weeks. A half-dozen team members pulled shots, frothed milk, cleaned, swore, and gave honest feedback. All in the name of helping you find the best espresso machine for your home.
We didn’t score taste – we’re not certified coffeologists or sensory experts. We tested for the real world: How intuitive is the machine? How quickly is it ready to brew?What kind of tech does it use – and do those features actually make a difference in daily life?
Oh, and let’s not forget the emotional side: A beautiful machine that sparks joy just sitting there is already doing something right.
To make sure we actually know what we’re talking about, our team spent the past 12 months diving deep into the world of coffee – in close exchange with experts from the specialty scene and as part of our Coffee Special series. You’ll find everything we learned, from essential basics to pro tips on how to get the most out of your machine, in our article on the barista training at Rotbart Kaffee.
This article is part of our Coffee Special, full of product tests, exciting insights and some valuable new perspectives on coffee. Curious? Then click here!
Tech Talk Without the Headache: What Really Matters
The internet is packed with deep-dive technical explanations for every seal and nozzle. We’re keeping it simple: If you’ve got a basic grasp of the key terms, you’re already ahead. No nerd talk, no physics degree – just clear, simple guidance for better coffee.
Dual boiler, thermoblock, PID, flow profiling – sounds complex at first, but it’s easier than it seems. In the table below, we explain the technologies that are most important for understanding espresso machines. Short, sharp, and with real-world relevance.
But first, a few words on those initially confusing terms: single circuit, dual circuit, single boiler, and dual boiler.
A single circuit machine heats the water for espresso and steam in the same loop – compact, affordable, but with waiting times between pulling a shot and steaming milk.
A dual circuit separates those paths: you can brew espresso and steam milk at the same time – ideal for cappuccino fans.
Careful – this part requires a bit of a mental stretch: A dual circuit system isn’t the same as the dual boiler principle (like in the Bezzera DUO DE or the La Marzocco Linea Micra). These are espresso machines with two separate boilers – and therefore two separate water circuits for steam/hot water and espresso.
However, not every dual circuit is a dual boiler. Some machines can brew espresso and steam milk at the same time – which makes them dual circuit systems – but they only have one boiler (= single boiler). Traditionally, these machines heat the brewing water via a heat exchanger that runs through the steam boiler. The boiler is permanently under steam and hot water pressure, while the water for your shot gets indirectly heated as it flows through.
This setup saves both space and energy but calls for a bit of finesse – after longer idle times, the water in the heat exchanger can overheat, so flushing a bit before pulling a shot helps maintain the right brew temperature and ensures consistently great results.
Terms – What They Mean in Practice
Single circuit: A machine with just one heating circuit. In practice: espresso or milk – but not both at the same time, and with some waiting in between.
Dual circuit: Two separate paths for brewing and steam water, with one heater and usually a heat exchanger. This lets you pull a shot and steam milk back-to-back.
Dual boiler: Two independent boilers, each with its own heating system – one dedicated to espresso, the other to steam. The major advantage: you can brew and steam at the same time, without needing to readjust temperatures between the two.
Thermoblock: An “on-demand” heating system that heats water only when needed. Saves time and energy – ideal if you don’t want to wait in the morning.
Thick film heater: A more advanced type of thermoblock: ultra-fast, precise, and energy-efficient.
Rotary pump: A quiet, powerful pump like those used in cafés. Provides consistent pressure and smooth operation.
PID: An electronic temperature controller that minimises fluctuations. In other words: more consistent shots, less guesswork.
Flow profiling: You control exactly how much water flows through during extraction, letting you fine-tune the flavor to your taste.
Pressure profiling: You control how much pressure is applied during brewing. Lets you highlight or soften specific flavor notes.
Volumetrics: Automatic water volume control: the machine stops by itself when the cup is full. Great for consistent results.
Pre-infusion: A short pre-wetting of the puck (the compressed coffee in the portafilter). Especially helpful with fine grinds, it improves saturation before full 9-bar pressure builds up – reducing channeling and delivering better espresso.
The Line-Up in Our Espresso Machine Review: From No-Fuss to Full-On Perfectionist
In our quest to find the best espresso machine for your home, we assembled a diverse lineup, from minimalist espresso purists to smart, feature-packed all-rounders.
From the minimalist espresso purist to the high-tech multitasker – we tested them all. With its clean Bauhaus aesthetic and lightning-fast heat-up time, the ZURIGA E2-S quickly became a newsroom favorite. The LIGRE youn, on the other hand, offers futuristic elegance for design lovers. The Bezzera DUO DE hits the sweet spot – classic looks meet smart tech – proving that retro charm and digital control aren’t mutually exclusive.
On the geekier end: the Sanremo YOU. Here, everything is adjustable, everything is possible – maybe even a little too much for everyday life. The La Marzocco Linea Micra brings professional tech to the home kitchen in a compact form. The DeLonghi Dedica DUO proves that even coffee newbies can pull a decent shot without breaking the bank. And for the real die-hards, there’s the Olympia Express Mina – a purely mechanical lever machine for purists who see espresso as a form of Zen training.
Not sure which espresso machine in our test best suits your home setup? Keep reading – you just might find your match.
De’Longhi Dedica Arte EC890.M
Price: €299.90
System Setup: Double circuit, single boiler & thermoblock
Click here for the review!
Barista Maximus
Price: three espressi per hour, heartthrob alert incl.
System Setup: Single body, dual stress, permanent brew mode
What Matters in Daily Life With Your Espresso Machine? You Decide.
Some folks are all about latte art and dialing in every parameter. Others just want a machine that works, looks great, and fits seamlessly into daily life. Different machines offer different approaches to brewing and frothing – from fully automatic at the press of a button to manual paddle control or even completely mechanical for the full ritual. It’s your call:
Which Espresso Machine Fits Which Coffee Lover Type?
- Plug & play fans: ZURIGA E2-S, DeLonghi Dedica Duo, LIGRE youn
- Design lovers: LIGRE youn, La Marzocco Linea Micra, ZURIGA E2-S
- Purists: Olympia Express Mina, ZURIGA E2-S
- Ambitious home baristas: Sanremo YOU, Bezzera DUO DE
- Impromptu drinkers: LIGRE youn, ZURIGA E2-S, DeLonghi Dedica Duo
Quantum Leaps or Letdowns – Tops & Flops in Our Espresso Machine Test
The biggest surprise in our test doesn’t sound all that exciting at first: Thermoblock rules! But this modern heating system – and its upgraded version, the thick-film heater – genuinely blew us away. Still relatively new, this tech has the potential to revolutionize your daily espresso routine. Honestly, we don’t want to make coffee at home without it anymore. A thermoblock only heats the exact amount of water you need, making waiting a thing of the past. Waiting under two minutes for your first cup – perfect for spontaneous cappuccino cravings or a quick morning espresso. You’ll find this future-ready tech in the De’Longhi Dedica Duo, the LIGRE youn, and – in the form of a thick-film heater – in the ZURIGA E2-S.
For us, it’s crystal clear: this is a must-have for your home setup!
Tops
The Sanremo YOU offers a thousand and one ways to tweak every detail of your espresso shot.
Flops
The drip tray. Water from backflushing quickly turns brown – and stays visible due to the tray’s open, light-colored design. Not exactly a pretty sight. A darker or covered tray would’ve easily made for a more elegant solution.
with its single tiny spout, the double-walled portafilter limits your bean choices – especially if you’re grinding fresh. Finer grinds tend to clog it easily. If you prefer lighter roasts, you’ll need to invest in a compatible third-party portafilter.
Espresso Machine Test 2025: Best in Test & Top Picks
Three months in pursuit of the perfect machine: we ground, we steamed, we sipped – all in search of that fine line between “good” and “godly.” The result? Countless espressos, a moderate caffeine buzz, and two machines that truly won us over.
Best in Test: LIGRE youn
High-End Meets Ease of Use: Ultra-fast heat-up time, intuitive operation, smart automation – all wrapped in a design piece worthy of a gallery.
Check out the full review of the LIGRE youn here.
Best Buy: ZURIGA E2-S
Swiss-Style Minimalism: Fast, quiet, premium. No display, no drama – just espresso at the push of a button and silky milk foam within seconds. If you’re looking for one of the best espresso machines for your home, this might be the one.
Check out the full review of the ZURIGA E2-S here.
Where (Not) to Buy Your Next Espresso Machine
You don’t buy an espresso machine like you buy socks in a three-pack. And when it comes to quality beans, the mass-market isn’t your friend either. That’s why we recommend skipping the big anonymous platforms and heading to specialized coffee shops instead. There, you’ll find handpicked machines, essential accessories, honest advice – and a true passion for coffee. Here are a few of our favorite spots, both online and off.
More than just a shop: Caffè Pantano – roaster, repairer, and barista central
If you’re after more than a simple purchase, Caffè Pantano is your place. Barista master and coffeologist Marcello personally selects and roasts the estate coffees in-house. Alongside that, you’ll find carefully chosen machines and grinders from Italian brands like La Marzocco, Sanremo, and Victoria Arduino.
Step into their showroom and you’ll get to test the machines, get real advice, and – if needed – leasing options, setup support, and reliable servicing or repairs. Bottom line? They sell with a conscience – and with an in-house workshop.
Bonus: The on-site Accademia offers training sessions and courses, from barista basics to full-on latte art. And if you’re more into drinking coffee than making it, you can book their mobile espresso bar for events and catering. Caffè Pantano shows that coffee is much more than just the machine.
Stoll Espresso – full service, full crema
Fast, friendly, and truly knowledgeable – Stoll Espresso is one of those rare shops where everything just works. Based in Lindau, this specialist retailer offers a wide range of gear, from beginner-friendly models to high-end machines. Plus grinders, accessories, and beans from small roasters in Italy and Switzerland.
Best of all? The service doesn’t end at checkout. Stoll run their own expert workshop, repair machines even if you didn’t buy them there, and – get this – they actually pick up the phone! No endless queues, no chatbots. Just real help from people who know their stuff.
In short: If you love espresso, you’ll feel right at home with Stoll.
Conclusions
At the end of the day, this big espresso machine comparison test isn’t about who’s got the biggest boiler or the priciest housing – it’s about the emotions these machines bring to your daily life. Whether you’re into Zen, tech tinkering, sleek design, or pure pragmatism – there’s a machine out there that’s made for you. The perfect espresso machine? There’s no such thing. But the best espresso machine for your home? Absolutely. And if you find yourself smiling before that very first sip in the morning – you’ve found it.
All machines reviewed: Bezzera DUO DE | De’Longhi Dedica Duo EC 890.M | La Marzocco Linea Micra | LIGRE youn | Olympia Express Mina | Sanremo YOU | ZURIGA E2-S
Words: Felicia Nastal Photos: Jan Fock, Peter Walker