You want a strong morning drip, but you also crave a real espresso shot with crema for an afternoon latte. Buying two separate machines eats up counter space and doubles your budget. The real challenge is finding a single unit that nails both brewing styles without compromising on steam power, temperature consistency, or extraction pressure for the espresso side.
I’m Mohammad — the founder and writer behind ProteinJug. I have spent thousands of hours cross-referencing pump pressures, PID controller specs, filter basket sizes, and thermoblock performance data across home coffee systems to separate the true dual-purpose machines from the gimmicks.
After digging through the specs and customer behavior patterns for nine different models, I have isolated the ones that actually deliver reliable espresso alongside a full drip or ground-coffee function. This guide ranks the best coffee maker with espresso option for real-world versatility.
How To Choose The Best Coffee Maker With Espresso Option
Most buyers assume any machine with an espresso label will satisfy their coffee cravings. The reality is that a machine optimized for drip coffee usually shortchanges the espresso extraction, and vice versa. You need to evaluate three specific areas: the pump pressure rating, the temperature control system, and the steam wand design.
Bar Pressure and Crema Quality
Espresso requires 9 bars of pressure at the puck for proper extraction, but common consumer machines advertise 15, 19, or 20 bars because the rating includes the pump’s max output before reaching the group head. A 15-bar pump can still deliver the correct 9 bars if the machine uses a pre-infusion stage or an over-pressure valve. Machines with 19 or 20 bars typically use a vibratory pump that compensates for pressure loss through the system, so the extra headroom helps maintain consistent extraction across back-to-back shots.
PID vs Thermoblock Temperature Control
A PID controller holds water temperature within a narrow window (usually plus or minus one degree) by actively adjusting the heating element. This prevents the bitter or sour notes that come from temperature swings during a shot. Basic thermoblock systems heat fast but fluctuate, which hurts extraction consistency, especially when you pull a double shot immediately after steaming milk.
Steam Wand Versus Auto Frother
A manual steam wand with a 360-degree rotation gives you control over milk texture for latte art and microfoam, but it demands practice. An automatic frother or a panarello wand injects air more predictably at the cost of thicker, less silky foam. If you plan to make cappuccinos regularly, a machine with a stainless steel manual wand produces better results than a plastic frothing attachment.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breville Barista Express BES870XL | Premium | Bean-to-espresso workflow | PID + integrated conical burr grinder | Amazon |
| Ninja Luxe Café Pro ES701 | Premium | Multi-brew flexibility | 25 grind settings + weight-based dosing | Amazon |
| De’Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo | Premium | Cold brew in under 5 minutes | 15-bar pump + 8 grind settings | Amazon |
| Chefman Crema Supreme | Mid-Range | Built-in grinder with 30 settings | 15-bar pump + 3L water tank | Amazon |
| Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista CFN601 | Mid-Range | Nespresso capsule + drip combo | 19-bar pump + fold-away frother | Amazon |
| CASABREWS 5418 PRO | Mid-Range | Rapid steam switching | 20-bar pump + 3s steam recovery | Amazon |
| SHARDOR EM3209 | Budget-friendly | Cup warming + LCD display | 20-bar pump + 1350W thermoblock | Amazon |
| XIXUBX Silver 42oz | Budget-friendly | Large water tank | 20-bar pump + visible pressure gauge | Amazon |
| XIXUBX Compact White | Budget-friendly | Small counter footprint | 20-bar pump + PID temperature control | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Breville Barista Express BES870XL
The Breville Barista Express operates on a 4-keys formula: dose, grind, tamp, and extract. The integrated conical burr grinder feeds directly into a 54mm portafilter, so you bypass the stale-ground-coffee problem entirely. The PID electronics keep water temperature stable within a single degree, which matters for pulling balanced shots from light or dark roasts without sour or bitter surprises.
Dosing is weight-based in theory but volume-based in practice — you set the grind time via a dial on the side. The Razor dose trimming tool levels the puck after tamping to eliminate headspace. The steam wand is a manual stainless steel unit with a four-hole tip that produces fine microfoam for latte art, though the boiler needs a few seconds to recover between steaming and your next shot.
The 67-ounce water tank is large enough for several drinks, and the bean hopper holds half a pound. This machine lacks a pre-infusion pressure gauge, but the low-pressure pre-infusion stage ramps up gradually to saturate the puck evenly. It is the most proven all-in-one design in this category for a reason.
Why it’s great
- PID temp control for extraction consistency
- Integrated grinder eliminates separate equipment
- Manual steam wand produces real microfoam
Good to know
- Grinder calibration requires some trial and error
- Steam boiler recovery takes about 10 seconds
2. Ninja Luxe Café Pro ES701
The Ninja Luxe Café Pro does drip coffee, espresso, cold brew, and hot water from a single base. The conical burr grinder has 25 settings and uses a built-in scale for weight-based dosing rather than a timer, which means each dose is precise down to the gram regardless of bean density. Barista Assist Technology monitors your previous brew and suggests grind size adjustments automatically.
The integrated tamper works via a lever — you push down to tamp without touching the grounds. The Dual Froth System Pro combines steaming and whisking in an insulated wand, so you can make thick froth or cold foam from dairy or plant milk without any manual technique. The machine also handles ristretto, lungo, and quad-shot espresso profiles through the presets.
Cold-pressed espresso brews at lower temperature and pressure for a smoother, less acidic shot that works well in iced drinks or espresso martinis. The independent hot water spout dispenses water for Americanos or tea without pulling from the brew group, which keeps the boiler temperature stable for your next shot.
Why it’s great
- Weight-based dosing with built-in scale
- Lever-based integrated tamper removes mess
- Cold-pressed espresso and hot water spout
Good to know
- Larger footprint than dedicated espresso machines
- Learning curve for the touch interface
3. De’Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo
The La Specialista Arte Evo sets itself apart with Cold Extraction Technology that brews concentrated cold coffee in under five minutes. This uses precisely metered water flow and controlled temperature to extract solubles without heat, delivering a smooth shot that doesn’t require a 12-hour steep. The conical burr grinder offers eight settings, which is fewer than some competitors, but the Active Temperature Control system compensates with three infusion temperature options for different roast levels.
The 15-bar Italian pump uses a pre-infusion stage that starts at low pressure and ramps to 9 bars during extraction, which helps prevent channeling. The commercial-style steam wand is a single-hole design — it heats quickly and produces dense microfoam, but the learning curve for latte art is steeper than with a four-hole wand. The included barista kit includes a dosing funnel and tamping mat to keep the workflow tidy.
The machine offers four presets: Espresso, Americano, Cold Brew, and Hot Water. The compact footprint fits under standard upper cabinets, and the detachable drip tray and dishwasher-safe parts simplify cleanup. The water filter integrated into the tank reduces scale buildup if your tap water has high mineral content.
Why it’s great
- Cold brew extraction in under 5 minutes
- Three infusion temperature settings for roast matching
- Pre-infusion stage reduces channeling
Good to know
- Only eight grind settings limit fine tuning
- Single-hole steam wand requires more technique
4. Chefman Crema Supreme
The Chefman Crema Supreme combines a 15-bar pump with a conical burr grinder that offers 30 grind settings — the widest range of any machine in this list. The grinder dispenses directly into the 58mm portafilter, which is the standard size used in commercial espresso machines, meaning you can swap in third-party accessories if needed. The pressure gauge on the front panel shows real-time extraction pressure so you can dial in your puck prep visually.
The integrated steam wand is manual and stainless steel, with a single hole that produces workable microfoam. The machine allows adjusted shot temperature and volume, so you can set a hotter brew for light roasts and cooler for dark. The 3-liter water tank is removable for easy filling and sits at the back of the machine.
Included accessories include a milk pitcher, stainless steel tamper, cleaning tools, and a grinding funnel that all store inside the detachable drip tray. At 21.8 pounds, this is a heavy machine with a solid build, and the cETL approval adds a reliability layer. The 1-year warranty covers defects but not misuse from hard water scale.
Why it’s great
- 30 grind settings for precise dial-in
- 58mm portafilter is standard commercial size
- Pressure gauge for real-time extraction feedback
Good to know
- Large footprint requires dedicated counter space
- Single-hole steam wand is not ideal for latte art
5. Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista CFN601
The Ninja CFN601 is the only machine in this list that accepts Nespresso Original capsules alongside ground coffee for espresso. The 19-bar pressure system extracts capsules with the standard 1.35-ounce espresso shot, a 3.75-ounce lungo, or a 1-ounce over-ice brew. On the drip side, you can brew between a single cup and a full 12-cup carafe using the included glass carafe and warming plate.
The built-in fold-away frother is an auto whisking system rather than a manual steam wand. It creates hot or cold foam from dairy and plant milks at the press of a button, but the texture is thicker than microfoam and not suitable for latte art. The used capsule storage bin holds up to 20 pods for convenient recycling.
The Delay Brew and Keep Warm functions let you set the drip brew timer for the next morning. The adjustable cup tray accommodates travel mugs up to 8 inches tall. Paper filters are included, but reusable filters are not standard, so you will need to purchase them separately if you want to reduce waste.
Why it’s great
- Accepts Nespresso Original capsules for convenience
- 12-cup carafe with warming plate
- Delay brew for scheduled morning coffee
Good to know
- Auto frother does not produce microfoam for latte art
- No integrated grinder for fresh coffee
6. CASABREWS 5418 PRO
The CASABREWS 5418 PRO uses Flashheat Technology with a thermal-ceramic heating element that reaches the correct brewing temperature in under five seconds. The real standout is the 3-second rapid steam switching — the machine transitions from brew mode to steam mode and back in about three seconds, compared to the 30-second wait on many traditional machines. This makes pulling a shot and steaming milk back-to-back much faster.
The 20-bar pump includes a pre-infusion function that saturates the coffee puck to release trapped CO2 before full pressure hits, which improves even extraction and reduces bitter channeling. The built-in pressure gauge on the front panel shows the extraction pressure in real time, helping beginners learn to adjust their grind and tamp consistently. The PID temperature controller maintains stability during back-to-back shots.
The steam wand is a manual stainless steel unit with a 360-degree rotation, and the machine produces dry, powerful steam for silky microfoam. The 51mm portafilter uses single and double shot baskets, but the machine does not accept espresso pods. The compact stainless steel body measures just under 12 inches tall, fitting under most cabinets.
Why it’s great
- 3-second steam-brew transition saves significant time
- Pre-infusion function improves extraction evenness
- Real-time pressure gauge for learning dial-in
Good to know
- No built-in cup warmer
- Not compatible with Nespresso or other pods
7. SHARDOR EM3209
The SHARDOR EM3209 features a 1350-watt thermoblock heating system that reaches operating temperature in about 30 seconds. While it lacks a PID controller, the thermoblock maintains adequate stability for most home users brewing two to four shots per session. The 20-bar pump produces enough pressure to extract crema from ground coffee with the included single and double shot baskets.
The integrated cup warming tray on top of the machine preheats mugs so your espresso stays hot longer after pouring. The LCD display shows the brewing temperature and shot progress, and the button interface is straightforward without a steep learning curve. The adjustable steam wand is manual and stainless steel, with a 360-degree range for positioning the milk pitcher.
The water reservoir holds 60 ounces, which is generous for this class. The machine uses reusable stainless steel filters rather than paper, which reduces ongoing costs. The permanent filter included in the package works for both single and double shots, though the 51mm portafilter limits aftermarket basket upgrades.
Why it’s great
- Cup warming tray helps maintain serving temperature
- LCD display for monitoring brewing parameters
- 60-ounce water tank reduces refills
Good to know
- Thermoblock heats fast but fluctuates more than PID
- 51mm portafilter limits accessory compatibility
8. XIXUBX Silver (42 oz)
The XIXUBX Silver model focuses on volume and monitoring. The 42-ounce water tank supports continuous brewing for at least ten single shots before a refill, which makes it practical for家庭 gatherings or small office breakrooms. The visible pressure gauge on the front panel shows the extraction pressure in real time, so you can see whether you are hitting the 9-bar sweet spot.
The 20-bar pump uses a vibratory mechanism that compensates for pressure loss through the group head. The detachable steam wand rotates 360 degrees and produces passable microfoam for cappuccinos, though the steam pressure is slightly less aggressive than the CASABREWS or Breville units. The machine includes a stainless steel milk frothing pitcher, two 51mm filter baskets, and a tamper with a spoon handle.
The stainless steel body is compact at just 5 inches wide, making it one of the narrowest options in this list. The manual includes step-by-step instructions, and the brand provides video tutorials for setup and first use. The 1-year warranty covers manufacturing defects but not damage from improper descaling.
Why it’s great
- 42-ounce tank for fewer refills during multiple drinks
- Visible pressure gauge helps monitor extraction
- Narrow 5-inch width saves counter space
Good to know
- Steam wand pressure is moderate, not powerful
- 51mm portafilter limits aftermarket baskets
9. XIXUBX Compact White (34 oz)
The XIXUBX Compact White is the most affordable entry point in this list, but it includes a feature rarely found at this level: PID temperature control. The PID controller maintains stable water temperature during extraction, which prevents the sour or bitter swings that plague budget machines with basic thermostats. The 20-bar pump paired with the PID creates a consistent extraction profile that rivals machines costing three times as much.
The machine measures just 6.7 inches wide and 11.4 inches deep, fitting comfortably in tight kitchens, dorm rooms, or RVs. The auto-preheat function prepares the thermoblock after startup, and the machine pulls a single shot in about 22 seconds and a double in 30 seconds. The steam wand is manual and produces decent microfoam for cappuccinos, though the wand angle is fixed rather than 360 degrees.
The included 51mm portafilter accepts single and double shot baskets, and the tamper includes a spoon on the handle for scooping grounds. The 34-ounce water tank is smaller than the Silver model, but the trade-off is a lighter overall weight of 7 pounds. The compact footprint and PID control make this the strongest choice for someone on a tight budget who still wants temperature stability.
Why it’s great
- PID temperature control at an entry-level price
- Very small footprint for small kitchens
- Quick 22-second single shot time
Good to know
- Steam wand is fixed rather than 360-degree
- Small 34-ounce tank needs frequent refills
FAQ
Can I use pre-ground coffee in a machine with an integrated grinder?
Does a higher bar pressure always mean better espresso?
What size portafilter should I look for in a home espresso machine?
How often should I descale a coffee maker with an espresso function?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best coffee maker with espresso option winner is the Breville Barista Express BES870XL because its PID-controlled extraction and integrated grinder eliminate the two biggest variables in home espresso: stale pre-ground coffee and inconsistent temperature. If you want a machine that handles capsules and a full carafe of drip coffee in one footprint, grab the Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista CFN601. And for cold brew lovers who want espresso as well, nothing beats the De’Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo and its five-minute cold extraction technology.









