Why settle for "good enough" when you could start your day genuinely happy with what’s in your cup?
I booked the hotel with one non-negotiable requirement: the room must have an espresso machine. I read the reviews. I triple-checked the listing. I even called ahead. "Yes, of course," they assured me. "An espresso machine in every room."
When I arrived, I turned to the kitchenette, needing a double shot. But the counter was… empty. I opened cupboards, drawers, even looked under the sink. Nothing. They’ll fix this, I told myself. So I called the front desk, but the receptionist just sighed. "Oh… yes. It was in your room this morning, but a congressman just checked in, and he, uh, needed one." I blinked. Needed? Back in my room, I considered the weight of the situation. That’s when I saw what I’d have to resort to—waiting for me on the counter, the final insult. I stared at it. It stared back. I boiled the water. And then… it pains me to say this—I drank instant. Because no one should have to suffer through bad coffee, our review team ranked the portable Casabrews espresso machine tops out of five of the best espresso machines on the market.
I once sat in a café and watched a barista make the perfect cappuccino. The espresso had that deep, caramel crema. And it smelled like everything good about mornings. I took one sip and thought, If I could have this at home, I’d never leave my kitchen (and, of course, no one can afford £4.40 x 31 days).
Evidently, people don’t just drink espresso… they chase the perfect shot. You know your favourite coffee shop—where the espresso is undeniably good? Yeah, you do. The Casabrews espresso machine brings that feeling home. With 20 bars of pressure, this machine extracts espresso that’s smooth, rich, and topped with velvety caramel crema (exactly like that café you keep going back to). Moreover, it has a dual boiler system, so you can steam milk while your espresso brews—and have two cappuccinos in under 60 seconds. Even if you’re barely awake, the intuitive LCD screen guides you step-by-step. Plus, a dedicated Americano button, an automatic milk frother, and precise temperature control make it even easier to use. This means café-quality coffee—without leaving home, waiting in line, or spending a fortune.
If you want an espresso machine that doubles as a statement piece, this is it. The Swan espresso machine is downright gorgeous. Its Nordic-inspired design with subtle wood finishes adds warmth and style to your kitchen. (It’s the kind of machine guests actually notice.) You can choose from Cotton White, Blue, Nordic Grey, or Pine Green to match your aesthetic. Most noteworthy, it’s markedly cheaper than the best overall Casabrews, so you’re getting style without the splurge.
Of course, this machine doesn’t just sit there looking pretty—its specs stack up impressively too. While it doesn’t pack the 20-bar punch of the best overall, its 15 bars of pressure are more than enough for silky-smooth espresso topped with a rich, creamy foam. And unlike machines that complicate your mornings (we’ve all been there), the brand keeps the display intuitive. It’s also compatible with ESE pods for grab-and-go convenience. Moreover, it has a generous 1.2-litre detachable water tank and a built-in milk frother that lets you whip up cappuccinos or lattes in seconds. Oh, and one last thing—Swan backs it with a full 2-year guarantee.
My friend has a De’Longhi espresso machine, and it’s still going strong after nearly four years (I’m pretty sure it’s brewed more cups than some cafés). That says a lot about the quality. The brand has built a solid reputation for having some of the best espresso machines that won’t empty your wallet. Speaking of price, this one’s a steal at only £82.50—proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune for quality espresso at home.
As for colours, you have three classic shades to pick from: Black, Cream, and Green. Additionally, you’re not locked into just using ground coffee—it’s compatible with E.S.E pods (perfect for lazy mornings or when you’re rushing). Moreover, it has a stainless-steel boiler and a handy steam arm for frothing milk. Another detail? The removable drip tray accommodates taller glasses (up to 110mm), ideal for those who like bigger cups of coffee. Ultimately, while it doesn’t have a fancy display, the brand makes up for it with its reliable design.
A long five-star review speaks for itself—it means someone wasn’t just happy; they were impressed enough to recommend a product. So, instead of describing the Kotlie espresso machine myself, I’ll let David C., a happy customer, share his experience with one of the brand’s best espresso machines:
“I’ve been using the Kotlie with automatic milk frother for a few weeks now, and I have to say, it’s impressive for the price. The 20-bar pressure really makes a difference—my espresso shots are rich and full of flavour. Likewise, the one-touch feature is super convenient, especially when I’m in a hurry in the mornings. The milk frother is a nice addition too. It makes smooth and creamy froth for my cappuccinos and lattes. Cleanup is fairly easy, which is a huge plus. Overall, this machine is definitely above average and offers great value. If you’re looking for a decent espresso machine that won’t break the bank, this one is worth considering!”
By now, you know what makes a great espresso machine. And this ‘barista’ for your kitchen checks all the right boxes. For those who host often, brewing two cappuccinos simultaneously is important, and the Amzchef espresso machine makes this easy. It also lets you select single-shot, double-shot, or manual brewing—just tap the intuitive LCD display, and the machine will make you a can’t-stop-sipping kind of cappuccino in under 60 seconds.
Another unique advantage? The three adjustable brewing temperatures… hotter, cooler, or exactly in-between. And to sweeten the deal, the milk frother’s powerful steam wand makes smooth, silky milk—ideal for flat whites or lattes. At 1.3 litres, the water tank is bigger than compact models (fewer refills), yet still a good size for families.
Espresso quality is all about pressure—the higher, the better. So, aim for a machine with at least 15 bars if you want café-level espresso. The Casabrews espresso machine hits this sweet spot perfectly, offering 20 bars of pressure for espresso with that velvety, caramel-coloured crema. If you’re fine with slightly less, the runner-up Swan delivers 15 bars and still produces impressively smooth crema. Both of these machines are among the best espresso machines in their class.
Dual boiler machines let you brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously. This means quicker cappuccinos and less waiting around. The Casabrews stands out here, brewing espresso and frothing milk at the same time—perfect if you’re often rushed in the mornings.
If the espresso machine feels complicated, it’ll end up gathering dust. So, go for the best espresso machines with intuitive LCD displays, automatic milk frothers, and one-touch buttons. Casabrews offers step-by-step prompts right on the LCD screen and an automatic milk frother.
Likewise, Swan keeps things simple with intuitive controls and compatibility with easy-to-use ESE pods.
Always glance through customer feedback and brand reputation before purchasing. Of course, Casabrews earns praise for consistently delivering café-quality coffee at home, with 54% of customers giving it a 5-star rating.
Similarly, Swan impresses 60% of buyers with top ratings and backs it up further with a reassuring 2-year guarantee.
Set a budget and find the best espresso machines that balance cost and quality. The Casabrews is a bit pricier but offers advanced features like dual boilers, precise temperature controls, and 20-bar pressure.
On the other hand, the Swan is markedly cheaper, providing excellent value if you’re looking for style and solid espresso without stretching your budget too far.
When I make my morning cappuccino, I always start with cold milk straight from the fridge—it’s easier to froth and gives you that creamy microfoam baristas get at cafés.
Another trick I’ve learned is to angle the steam wand just below the milk’s surface; it should sound like soft paper tearing. Likewise, I tap the pitcher lightly on the countertop afterward to break any big bubbles, swirl it gently, and then pour the milk from slightly higher up to mix with the espresso, lowering slowly to finish off with that velvety top layer. It takes practice, but once you nail it, your cappuccino will taste just as good as your favourite coffee shop’s cappuccino.
A: Absolutely—especially if you invest in a quality machine and learn a few barista tricks. The secret isn’t in spending a fortune, but practicing until your shots pull smooth, sweet, and rich. Before you know it, you'll forget why you ever went to cafés in the first place.
A: It’s not just drama (though it looks cool). Baristas slap the pitcher to break large bubbles in the milk. This results in silky-smooth microfoam you get from the best espresso machines and experienced baristas alike.
A: You can—but it's subtle. The best espresso machines at premium prices give you better temperature control, richer crema, and greater consistency. But if your budget doesn’t stretch that far, good technique matters more than price.
A: Technically, yes—but that doesn’t mean you should. Espresso machines should use finely-ground beans, roasted specifically for espresso to achieve that deep, balanced flavour. Regular coffee might taste watery, bitter, or weak in comparison.
A: The Casabrews espresso machine is popular because it pulls rich, smooth espresso with 20 bars of pressure and lets you steam milk at the same time. Plus, the automatic milk frother and LCD screen make it easy to get café-quality coffee in only 60 seconds.
A: A coffee maker drips hot water through coffee grounds once, using a filter to produce a smooth, mild brew. A percolator continuously cycles boiling water through the grounds, creating a bolder, stronger coffee. The percolator offers manual control (unless electric), while the coffee maker is fully automated for convenience.