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Best coffee makers and espresso machines of 2026, and when to buy one

Drip coffee and home espresso picks based on published lab tests and reviews, and whether to buy now or wait.

Updated October 18, 2026
buybynow verdict

Wait if you can: Coffee gear is a holiday-sale favorite

Espresso machines and premium drip brewers are popular gifts, so they are commonly discounted over Black Friday and Cyber Monday. If you want one for the holidays, late November is usually the time. Buy now only if the price is at or near its lowest price of the past 90 days (check the price history on a tracker like camelcamelcamel or Keepa).

Next big saleLate November, then Mother's/Father's Day promos

Our picks

Breville Bambino Plus
Best espresso machine for most people

Breville Bambino Plus

Serious Eats' top espresso pick for years: Fast heat-up, PID temperature control, pre-infusion and an automatic steam wand.

  • Heats up in about 3 seconds (ThermoJet)
  • Automatic milk frothing
  • Needs a separate grinder
Check price at Breville
Breville Barista Express Impress
Best espresso with built-in grinder

Breville Barista Express Impress

Recommended by Serious Eats for beginners, thanks to a built-in grinder and assisted tamping.

  • Grinder and tamping arm built in
  • All-in-one footprint
  • Costs more than the Bambino Plus
Check price at Breville
OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker
Best drip coffee maker

OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker

SCA-certified and praised by Serious Eats and Tom's Guide for simple, consistent brewing at a mid-range price.

  • Certified by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) for brewing temperature and time
  • Bloom cycle, small-batch option
  • Few programmable features
Check price at OXO
Cuisinart PerfecTemp 14-Cup
Best for big batches

Cuisinart PerfecTemp 14-Cup

A programmable 14-cup brewer for households that drink a lot of coffee.

  • Large capacity
  • Programmable start
  • Glass carafe on most versions
Check price at Amazon

Current deals

De’Longhi Dedica Duo Espresso Machine with Milk FrotherDe’Longhi Dedica Duo Espresso Machine with Milk Frother$249.00 at Walmartbuybynow verdict: Good dealChefman Crema Supreme Espresso Machine with Built-In Burr GrinderChefman Crema Supreme Espresso Machine with Built-In Burr Grinder$299.00 at Walmartbuybynow verdict: Good dealNespresso Vertuo Pop by De’Longhi with Aeroccino Milk Frother, BlackNespresso Vertuo Pop by De’Longhi with Aeroccino Milk Frother, Black$119.00 at Walmartbuybynow verdict: Good dealKeurig K-Duo Essentials Single-Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker, Moonlight GreyKeurig K-Duo Essentials Single-Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker, Moonlight Grey$109.00 at Walmartbuybynow verdict: Good deal

What to look for

Drip vs. espressoDrip is easy and makes a pot. Espresso takes practice and a good grinder, but makes lattes.
CertificationFor drip, the SCA certification signals proper brewing temperature and time.
GrinderFresh-ground beans matter more than most features. Budget for a burr grinder.
CarafeThermal carafes keep coffee hot without a burner that can scorch it.

What nobody tells you before you buy

Espresso needs a good grinderPre-ground coffee is usually too coarse and stale for espresso. Budget for a burr grinder that can grind fine enough for espresso, or pick a machine with one built in.
There's a learning curveExpect a few days of adjusting grind size, dose and shot time before shots taste right. Fresh beans with a roast date help a lot.
Descaling is not optionalMinerals in tap water build up inside both drip and espresso machines. Descale on the schedule in your manual (often every 1–3 months, more often with hard water). Filtered water slows buildup.
Daily cleanup for espressoPurge and wipe the steam wand after every use, knock out the puck, and rinse the portafilter. Backflush or run the cleaning cycle as your manual says.
Counter spaceEspresso machines need room above for filling the water tank and in front for the drip tray. Measure under your cabinets.
Ongoing costsDescaling solution, water filters (if your machine uses them), cleaning tablets for espresso machines, and paper filters for drip brewers.

When to buy: Price timing

Now – early NovemberOccasional promos. Buy only if the price is at or near its lowest price of the past 90 days.
Black Friday / Cyber MondayTypically the strongest discounts on espresso machines.
Spring (Mother's Day)Common gifting promos.
Father's Day / summer eventsAnother chance at the lowest price of the past 90 days.

Timing reflects typical seasonal sale patterns, not a guarantee.

FAQ

Is the Bambino Plus good for beginners?

Reviewers say yes. It's easy to use, though you'll need a grinder.

Do I need an espresso machine for lattes?

For real espresso, yes. Pod machines are easier but cost more per cup.

Is a thermal carafe worth it?

Yes, if you drink coffee slowly. It holds heat without burning it.

How we picked

We did not test these products ourselves. Our picks are based on manufacturer specs and published lab tests and reviews, including: