Do you dream of making the perfect espresso at home, with smooth crema and intense aromas? Choosing the right espresso machine is crucial to achieving this goal. In this comprehensive guide, we've tested and compared the best machines available on the Canadian market.
How to Choose Your Espresso Machine?
Before presenting our selection, here are the essential criteria to consider:
- Machine type: Manual, semi-automatic, automatic or super-automatic
- Pressure: Minimum 15 bars for a real espresso
- Built-in grinder: Essential for freshly ground coffee
- Milk system: Steam wand or automatic frother
- Tank capacity: According to your daily consumption
Our Top 10 Espresso Machines
1. Breville Barista Express - Best Value
The Breville Barista Express is our favorite. It combines a built-in conical grinder, precise temperature control and a powerful steam wand. Perfect for enthusiasts who want to learn the art of the barista.
Strengths:
- Built-in conical grinder with 18 settings
- Digital temperature control
- 15 bar pressure
- Swivel steam wand
Price: About $850
2. De'Longhi Magnifica S - Accessible Super-Automatic
For those who prefer simplicity, the De'Longhi Magnifica S offers perfect coffee at the touch of a button. Its quiet grinder and automatic frothing system make it an excellent option for busy mornings.
Strengths:
- Fully automatic
- Built-in quiet grinder
- Intuitive control panel
- Automatic rinse system
Price: About $700
3. Gaggia Classic Pro - For Purists
The Gaggia Classic Pro is a semi-automatic machine that offers total control over extraction. With its commercial brew group and brass boiler, it produces professional-quality espressos.
Strengths:
- 58mm commercial brew group
- Brass boiler
- Robust stainless steel construction
- Professional steam wand
Price: About $600
4. Nespresso Vertuo Next - Premium Capsules
If you're looking for convenience without compromising on quality, the Nespresso Vertuo system uses centrifusion technology to extract rich-flavored coffees. Ideal for variety.
Strengths:
- Patented Centrifusion technology
- 5 cup sizes
- Automatic capsule recognition
- Compact design
Price: About $200
5. Breville Bambino Plus - Compact and Powerful
The Breville Bambino Plus proves that small format doesn't mean compromise. With its ThermoJet system that heats in 3 seconds and its automatic steam wand, it's perfect for small spaces.
Strengths:
- Heats in 3 seconds
- Automatic steam wand
- Ultra-compact format
- 15 bar pressure
Price: About $500
Comparison Table
| Machine | Type | Grinder | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breville Barista Express | Semi-auto | Yes | ~$850 |
| De'Longhi Magnifica S | Super-auto | Yes | ~$700 |
| Gaggia Classic Pro | Semi-auto | No | ~$600 |
| Nespresso Vertuo | Capsules | No | ~$200 |
| Breville Bambino Plus | Semi-auto | No | ~$500 |
Essential Accessories
To get the most out of your espresso machine, don't forget these essential accessories:
- Coffee grinder - If your machine doesn't have one, invest in a quality grinder
- Tamper - For uniform and consistent tamping
- Milk pitcher - To master the art of latte art
- Scale - For precise and reproducible dosing
Conclusion
The choice of your espresso machine depends on your priorities: ease of use, creative control, or budget. Our recommendation? The Breville Barista Express offers the best balance between ease of use and professional quality.
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