Best of · 18 products

Best Stainless Steel Espresso Machines

The best stainless steel espresso machines, ranked by our review scores. The only finish that looks the same in ten years: it does not yellow, fade or chalk. What it does do is show fingerprints and, in hard water, spots - and brushed and polished behave completely differently there, with polished collecting marks hourly and brushed forgiving them. The word is also used loosely. On cheaper machines "stainless steel" often describes a trim panel or a steel-look wrap over plastic rather than a steel body, so it is worth reading which part the maker is talking about.

How this list is ordered

Ranked by arithmetic, not opinion. Every score is worked out from the specifications each maker publishes, so you can open the working on any product page. Anything commercial is labelled and sits outside that order, and how we score explains what each criterion measures.

Stainless Steel Espresso Machines, ranked by score

scored on what the maker publishesOpen a row for the score working
  1. 1BrevilleBarista Express Impress BES876From $799.957.7

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction9.2
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing6.5
    Build Quality & Durability7.2
    Ease of Use & Learning Curveweakest link5.3
    shot timer and pressurised basket not publishedcarries 12 of the 80.5 points scored
    Maintenance & Cleaning10.0
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics9.4
    Value for Money6.8
    Price from$799.95
    Score7.7
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic with built-in grinder
    Built-in GrinderYes
    Automatic MilkNo
    Body MaterialStainless steel
    Read the Breville Barista Express Impress BES876 review →
  2. 2BrevilleBarista ProFrom $849.957.6

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction9.2
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing6.5
    Build Quality & Durability8.2
    Ease of Use & Learning Curveweakest link4.7
    shot timer and pressurised basket not publishedcarries 12 of the 80.5 points scored
    Maintenance & Cleaning10.0
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics8.1
    Value for Money6.4
    Price from$849.95
    Score7.6
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic
    Built-in GrinderYes
    Automatic MilkNo
    Body MaterialBrushed stainless steel
    Read the Breville Barista Pro review →
  3. 3BrevilleBarista Touch BES880BSSFrom $987.997.6

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction6.5
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing7.5
    Build Quality & Durability8.2
    Ease of Use & Learning Curve7.3
    shot timer and pressurised basket not published
    Maintenance & Cleaning10.0
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics8.8
    Value for Moneyweakest link5.6
    carries 10 of the 80.5 points scored
    Price from$987.99
    Score7.6
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic with built-in grinder
    Built-in GrinderYes
    Automatic MilkYes
    Body MaterialStainless steel
    Read the Breville Barista Touch BES880BSS review →
  4. 4BrevilleOracle Jet BES985From $1999.957.6

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction10.0
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing6.5
    Build Quality & Durability8.8
    Ease of Use & Learning Curve8.0
    shot timer and pressurised basket not published
    Maintenance & Cleaning10.0
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics6.9
    Value for Moneyweakest link2.9
    carries 10 of the 80.5 points scored
    Price from$1999.95
    Score7.6
    Machine TypeAutomatic espresso machine with a built-in grinder
    Built-in GrinderYes
    Automatic MilkYes
    Body MaterialStainless steel
    Read the Breville Oracle Jet BES985 review →
  5. 5RancilioSilvia Pro XFrom $21957.2

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction10.0
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing7.5
    Build Quality & Durability8.9
    Ease of Use & Learning Curve3.3
    shot timer and pressurised basket not published
    Maintenance & Cleaning7.5
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics8.1
    Value for Moneyweakest link2.5
    carries 10 of the 80.5 points scored
    Price from$2195
    Score7.2
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic
    Built-in GrinderNo
    Automatic MilkNo
    Body MaterialStainless steel
    Read the Rancilio Silvia Pro X review →
  6. 6BrevilleDual Boiler BES920XLFrom $1599.957.1

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction10.0
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing8.0
    Build Quality & Durability7.2
    Ease of Use & Learning Curveweakest link3.3
    shot timer and pressurised basket not publishedcarries 12 of the 80.5 points scored
    Maintenance & Cleaning7.5
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics8.1
    Value for Money3.3
    Price from$1599.95
    Score7.1
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic
    Built-in GrinderNo
    Automatic MilkNo
    Body MaterialStainless steel
    Read the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL review →
  7. 7Gevi20Bar Super Automatic Espresso MachineFrom $699.997.1

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction10.0
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing6.0
    Build Quality & Durability7.2
    Ease of Use & Learning Curveweakest link5.3
    shot timer and pressurised basket not publishedcarries 12 of the 80.5 points scored
    Maintenance & Cleaning6.7
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics6.2
    Value for Money7.1
    Price from$699.99
    Score7.1
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic
    Built-in GrinderYes
    Automatic MilkNo
    Body MaterialStainless steel
    Read the Gevi 20Bar Super Automatic Espresso Machine review →
  8. 8BrevilleBarista Touch Impress BES881From $1499.957.0

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction5.8
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing7.5
    Build Quality & Durability7.2
    Ease of Use & Learning Curve7.3
    shot timer and pressurised basket not published
    Maintenance & Cleaning10.0
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics8.8
    Value for Moneyweakest link3.5
    carries 10 of the 80.5 points scored
    Price from$1499.95
    Score7.0
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic with built-in grinder
    Built-in GrinderYes
    Automatic MilkYes
    Body MaterialStainless steel
    Read the Breville Barista Touch Impress BES881 review →
  9. 9BrevilleInfuser BES840XLFrom $336.506.8

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction8.5
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing6.0
    Build Quality & Durability7.6
    Ease of Use & Learning Curveweakest link2.7
    shot timer and pressurised basket not publishedcarries 12 of the 80.5 points scored
    Maintenance & Cleaning5.8
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics5.6
    Value for Money10.0
    Price from$336.50
    Score6.8
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic
    Built-in GrinderNo
    Automatic MilkNo
    Body MaterialStainless steel
    Read the Breville Infuser BES840XL review →
  10. 10LelitMara X V2 PL62XFrom $1699.956.6

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction8.1
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing6.5
    Build Quality & Durability8.7
    Ease of Use & Learning Curve3.3
    shot timer and pressurised basket not published
    Maintenance & Cleaning8.3
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics6.9
    Value for Moneyweakest link2.9
    carries 10 of the 80.5 points scored
    Price from$1699.95
    Score6.6
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic
    Built-in GrinderNo
    Automatic MilkNo
    Body MaterialStainless steel
    Read the Lelit Mara X V2 PL62X review →
  11. 11BrevilleBarista Express BES870XLFrom $692.996.4

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction8.5
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing6.0
    Build Quality & Durability7.6
    Ease of Use & Learning Curveweakest link4.7
    shot timer and pressurised basket not publishedcarries 12 of the 80.5 points scored
    Maintenance & Cleaning5.0
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics5.0
    Value for Money6.5
    Price from$692.99
    Score6.4
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic with built-in grinder
    Built-in GrinderYes
    Automatic MilkNo
    Body MaterialStainless steel
    Read the Breville Barista Express BES870XL review →
  12. 12Mattino ProMattinata Espresso MachineFrom $159.996.4

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction5.0
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing5.5
    Build Quality & Durabilityweakest link4.8
    carries 16 of the 80.5 points scored
    Ease of Use & Learning Curve6.3
    shot timer and pressurised basket not published
    Maintenance & Cleaning8.3
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics6.9
    Value for Money10.0
    Price from$159.99
    Score6.4
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic
    Automatic MilkYes
    Read the Mattino Pro Mattinata Espresso Machine review →
  13. 13De'LonghiClassic Signature Espresso MachineFrom $224.996.3

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction5.0
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing5.0
    Build Quality & Durability7.2
    Ease of Use & Learning Curveweakest link3.3
    shot timer and pressurised basket not publishedcarries 12 of the 80.5 points scored
    Maintenance & Cleaning7.5
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics6.9
    Value for Money10.0
    Price from$224.99
    Score6.3
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic
    Built-in GrinderNo
    Automatic MilkNo
    Body MaterialStainless steel
    Read the De'Longhi Classic Signature Espresso Machine review →
  14. 14La MarzoccoLinea MicraFrom $45006.3

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction8.5
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing8.5
    Build Quality & Durability6.4
    Ease of Use & Learning Curve2.7
    shot timer and pressurised basket not published
    Maintenance & Cleaning7.5
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics6.9
    Value for Moneyweakest link1.1
    carries 10 of the 80.5 points scored
    Price from$4500
    Score6.3
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic
    Built-in GrinderNo
    Automatic MilkNo
    Read the La Marzocco Linea Micra review →
  15. 15De'LonghiDedica EC680MFrom $149.956.0

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction5.0
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing6.0
    Build Quality & Durability6.7
    Ease of Use & Learning Curveweakest link2.7
    shot timer and pressurised basket not publishedcarries 12 of the 80.5 points scored
    Maintenance & Cleaning6.7
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics5.0
    Value for Money10.0
    Price from$149.95
    Score6.0
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic
    Built-in GrinderNo
    Automatic MilkNo
    Body MaterialStainless steel
    Read the De'Longhi Dedica EC680M review →
  16. 16Rocket EspressoAppartamento TCAFrom $23006.0

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction8.1
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing6.0
    Build Quality & Durability7.8
    Ease of Use & Learning Curve2.7
    shot timer and pressurised basket not published
    Maintenance & Cleaning8.3
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics5.6
    Value for Moneyweakest link2.0
    carries 10 of the 80.5 points scored
    Price from$2300
    Score6.0
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic
    Built-in GrinderNo
    Automatic MilkNo
    Read the Rocket Espresso Appartamento TCA review →
  17. 17BrevilleBambino Plus BES5005.6

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction7.3
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing6.0
    Build Quality & Durabilityweakest link4.4
    carries 16 of the 80.5 points scored
    Ease of Use & Learning Curve5.3
    shot timer and pressurised basket not published
    Maintenance & Cleaning5.0
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics5.6
    Value for Money5.0
    no price published
    PricePricing N/A
    Score5.6
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic
    Built-in GrinderNo
    Automatic MilkYes
    Read the Breville Bambino Plus BES500 review →
  18. 18RancilioSilvia Espresso Machine5.2

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction5.0
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing5.5
    Build Quality & Durability6.1
    Ease of Use & Learning Curveweakest link2.7
    shot timer and pressurised basket not publishedcarries 12 of the 80.5 points scored
    Maintenance & Cleaning5.8
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics5.6
    Value for Money5.0
    no price published
    PricePricing N/A
    Score5.2
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic
    Built-in GrinderNo
    Automatic MilkNo
    Body MaterialIron frame with stainless steel side panels
    Read the Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine review →
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