Which Espresso Machine Should I Buy? A Complete Buyer's Guide

1. What Really Matters in an Espresso Machine?

Choosing an espresso machine isn’t easy. With so many types and features to choose from, it’s hard to know which one suits your own needs and requirements. Capsule, bean-to-cup, manual lever, stovetop; every type claims to be the best and it can be challenging to determine which one best suits your needs.

To help you with this challenge, we’ve put together this guide, which explains the following:

What defines authentic espresso.
The pros and cons of the most common machine types.
Why a stable 9 bar pressure and precise temperature are non-negotiable.
How 9Barista brings café-quality espresso into your kitchen in a pleasingly simple way.

By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for in an espresso machine, why you don’t need to spend thousands to enjoy exceptional coffee at home, and why you don't need to fill up half your kitchen counter space with espresso equipment to enjoy excellent coffee at home.

What Really Matters in an Espresso Machine?

Before comparing machines, let’s establish the fundamentals:

Pressure (9 bar, not 15 or 20)

One of the defining characteristics of espresso is the pressure used in its preparation. To be called espresso, water must be forced through finely ground coffee at high pressure, typically 9 bars of pressure. Many machines advertise 15–20 bar pumps, but more pressure doesn’t necessarily mean better espresso; excessively high pressures can lead to uneven flow through the coffee, which results in poor-tasting shots. Often, these numbers indicate the maximum pressure, not the pressure realistically achieved during brewing. What matters is having a stable 9 bar or pressure, every single time.

With a stable pressure of 9 bar, water extracts the desirable flavours, oils, and aromatics evenly, creating the balance and crema that characterise espresso. Push much higher and you risk channelling (water forcing narrow paths through the coffee puck), leading to uneven extraction, bitterness, and weak body. On the other hand, if the pressure is too low, it becomes impossible to produce a coffee with a sufficiently high strength.

Put simply, a stable pressure of 9 bar is the sweet spot where the flavour, body, and consistency of your espresso are optimal.

Temperature Stability

The espresso flavour is also highly sensitive to water temperature. Brew too hot and you’ll pull bitter flavours. Too cool, and the shot will be sour and weak. The optimal temperature range is 90–96°C, and maintaining stability within this range is crucial for optimal performance.

Consistency & Repeatability

It’s not about making one good espresso; it’s about creating great espresso every time. Machines that fluctuate in pressure or heat will frustrate you in the long run, so choosing a machine that provides stability in these two elements is critical to optimising for flavour.

Longevity & Sustainability

We think espresso machines should last for many years. However, many espresso machines rely on complicated electronics, pumps, and valves, which can make them more prone to breakdowns over time. If you’re seeking to increase the usable lifespan of your coffee equipment (and reduce the environmental impact in the process), look for machines designed to be repairable, durable, and pod-free.

If you'd like to delve deeper into the specifics of brewing the best espresso, check out our article on the subject here.

Types of Espresso Machines

Now, let’s look at the main categories of espresso machines you’ll encounter in your research, what they do well, where they fall short, and how they compare.

1. Capsule Machines

An image of espresso pods used in capsule machines

Pros:

Super convenient.
No mess, and requires no skill to operate.
Pod machines are relatively inexpensive.

Cons:

Pod waste (billions end up in landfills every year).
Pods are expensive for the amount of coffee you get in them.
Locked into limited coffee options.
The quality of the espresso itself is limited, since the coffee is not freshly ground; flavour depends on the pod, not you.

Capsule machines can be a stepping stone into espresso, but they’re limiting if you care about quality, sustainability, or creativity.

2. Pump & Bean-to-Cup Machines

Pros:

Can make authentic espresso.
Some models have built-in grinders.
Steaming milk is easy.
Relatively quick at making multiple shots
Wide range of models available.

Cons:

Generally quite expensive.
Require large amounts of counter space.
Require regular maintenance and descaling.
Require long pre-heat times (up to 10 minutes, depending on the model)
Lots of electronics = more points of failure.
Difficult or impossible to repair yourself, depending on the type of failure.
They’re not very portable.

These machines range in price from a few hundred pounds to several thousand. They can produce good espresso, but often at the cost of counter space, complexity, and maintenance.

3. Manual Lever Machines

Pros:

Beautiful, hands-on, and fun to master.
Total control over pressure (if you’re skilled).
Can be inexpensive (this depends on the brand and model).
Easy to repair and maintain.

Cons:

Steep learning curve.
Inconsistent results if your technique isn’t perfect.
Slow to make multiple shots.
Generally have poor temperature control, and can brew too cold if not used carefully.
Require long pre-heat times (up to 10 minutes depending on the model), and careful set-up.

Manual levers appeal to purists, but for many people, they’re more of a fun project than a daily driver.

4. Moka Pots (Classic Stovetops)

Pros:

Affordable and iconic.
Easy to use.
Great for strong, rich coffee.
Easy to repair and maintain.

Cons:

Only generates ~1 bar of pressure.
Coffee is strong, but not espresso strength.
Water temperature is always too high, leading to bitter flavours.

Moka pots are incredible in their own right, but to be clear, they don’t make true espresso. So if it’s an authentic espresso you’re after, a Moka pot isn’t going to cut it. We’ve written a whole article about this, which you can find here.

5. 9Barista: Precision Stovetop Espresso

Unlike moka pots, 9Barista is engineered with a patented twin-boiler system that produces actual 9-bar pressure and stable 93°C brew water. No pumps. No electronics. No pods. Just authentic espresso, every time.

Pros:

Compact enough to fit in any kitchen, and easy to travel with.
Unique and immersive brewing method.
Beautifully designed using quality materials and manufacturing processes.
Works on gas, induction, or electric stovetops.
Fully repairable and designed to last.
9-bar technology to produce real espresso.
No pre-heating required.
Priced competitively against other high-performance machines.

Cons:

Back-to-back shots take time.
Initial learning curve for new users.
Less convenient than super-automatic and automatic machines.

In essence, café-quality espresso, without the bulk, electronics, or cost of a traditional machine.

Summary

Pressure: 9 bar is the sweet spot where coffee oils emulsify into crema. Too little pressure and you get watery coffee. Too much, and the extraction will be uneven.

Temperature: Coffee is a complex mix of hundreds of compounds. The right temperature window extracts the good ones (acids, sugars, aromatics) while avoiding the harsh ones. Even a few degrees out can ruin a shot.

Every type of espresso machine comes with compromises, whether it’s waste, bulk, or complexity. 9Barista offers genuine espresso from the simplicity of your stovetop, without taking up precious counter space, using unrepairable electronics, or having complicated set. Its patented twin-boiler system delivers authentic 9-bar espresso at 93°C, all from the stove. Engineered for consistency, built for longevity, and compact enough for any kitchen.

This is why 9Barista’s twin-boiler system is unique: one boiler builds the pressure, the other stabilises the temperature. It’s engineering elegance for coffee lovers.

If you’d like to find out more about what makes the perfect shot of espresso, you can read our article here, all about this.

FAQs

Which espresso machine is best for home use?
The best one is consistent, durable, and capable of delivering a 9-bar espresso. 9Barista is designed specifically for this.

Is a 15-bar machine better than 9-bar?
Espresso is defined at around 9 bars of pressure. Some machines advertise 15–20 bar pumps, but that figure refers to maximum pump output, not the pressure used for brewing. The best espresso comes from a stable 9 bar; anything higher doesn’t improve flavour.

Can a stovetop really make espresso?
Normally, no. Traditional Moka pots can’t reach 9 bar. But 9Barista can, thanks to its patented design.

Do I need to spend £1,000+ for real espresso?
Absolutely not, rather than spending thousands on a bulky machine, 9Barista offers café-quality espresso in a compact, durable design built to last.

What grind size should I use?
Espresso requires a fine grind, similar to table salt. With 9Barista, aim for a 25–30 second extraction.

How long does an espresso machine last?
Well-built machines should last years. 9Barista is designed to be fully repairable and is made from robust materials such as Nickel Plated Brass and no electronics, so it can last a lifetime.