The Brew Journal
Reviews and head-to-heads from the Cicada test bench. Minimum two weeks and fifty brews per machine, refreshed whenever prices move.
Coffee MakersThe best 4-cup coffee makers for small households: OXO Brew 9-Cup, Mr. Coffee 5-Cup, Ratio Six and the compact Bonavita 5-Cup, compared on taste, size and carafe.
Coffee MakersMy coffee maker hub: the best drip, pod, single-serve and grind-and-brew coffee makers, how to choose, and every Keurig, Nespresso, Ninja, Moccamaster and Cuisinart review on the site.
Espresso MachinesSemi-automatic vs automatic vs super-automatic espresso machines explained: how each works, how to tell them apart, pros and cons, and which brands make the best of each.
Espresso MachinesPressurized (dual-wall) vs non-pressurized (single-wall) portafilter baskets explained: how they work, when to use each, which machines include them, and basket sizes.
Espresso MachinesJura vs Miele espresso machines compared: grind fineness, espresso quality, milk carafe, removable brew unit, descaling, apps, profiles and value. Why I pick Jura.
Espresso MachinesJura vs Gaggia super-automatics: value, espresso quality, milk systems, maintenance and the best model at each price. Gaggia for milk drinks, Jura for straight espresso.
Espresso MachinesJura vs De'Longhi compared by coffee, milk foam, features, build, cleaning and value, plus head-to-heads at entry-level, mid-range and premium prices.
Espresso MachinesGaggia Classic Pro vs Rancilio Silvia: cup clearance, boiler size, steaming speed, espresso, modding, build quality and value compared. Which classic to buy?
Espresso MachinesGaggia Classic Pro vs Breville Barista Express: grinder, shot control, PID, modding, cup clearance, milk, durability and value. Which suits hobbyists vs casual drinkers?
Espresso MachinesDe'Longhi La Specialista Prestigio vs Breville Barista Express: grinder, baskets, assisted tamping, heating, controls, size, build and value compared.
Espresso MachinesDe'Longhi Dinamica Plus vs Gaggia Cadorna Prestige: espresso quality, milk textures, warranty, app, controls and value. Why the Dinamica Plus is worth the extra money.
Espresso MachinesBreville Bambino Plus vs Barista Express: built-in grinder vs separate grinder, steam wand, heating, controls, baskets, size and total cost compared.
Espresso MachinesBreville vs Jura: espresso quality, milk steaming, workflow, cleaning, customization and value compared. Why Breville wins at home and Jura makes sense for offices.
Espresso MachinesBreville vs De'Longhi compared at every price: entry-level, budget, built-in grinder, super-automatic, premium and Nespresso machines, with a clear pick for each.
Espresso MachinesBreville Barista Pro vs De'Longhi La Specialista Prestigio: grinder, controls, assisted tamping, shot feedback, milk, build quality and value compared by an owner.
Espresso MachinesRancilio Silvia review: espresso quality, steaming power, temperature surfing routines, PID and OPV mods, build quality, and whether it beats the Bambino or Gaggia Classic Pro.
Espresso MachinesCalphalon Temp iQ espresso machine review: espresso quality, steam wand, ease of use, cleaning, build quality and the grinder version, plus a better machine for the money.
Espresso MachinesThe best espresso machines under $500 in 2026: Breville Bambino Plus, Bambino, Gaggia Classic Pro, Gaggia Brera and Flair, plus what to look for and what to avoid.
Espresso MachinesThe best espresso machines under $1,000: Breville Barista Pro, Rancilio Silvia, a Bambino + grinder combo, Philips 4300 LatteGo and La Pavoni Europiccola, plus one to avoid.
Espresso MachinesThe best super-automatic espresso machines under $1,000 in 2026: Philips 4300 LatteGo, Gaggia Magenta Plus and De'Longhi Magnifica Evo, plus what really matters at this price.
Espresso MachinesThe best espresso machines with a grinder in 2026: Breville Barista Pro, Barista Express, Jura E8 and De'Longhi Dinamica, plus what to look for in an all-in-one machine.
Espresso MachinesThe best super-automatic espresso machines in 2026: Jura E8, De'Longhi Dinamica, Gaggia Babila, Jura GIGA and Jura Z10, plus what actually matters when you buy one.
Espresso MachinesThe best manual espresso machines in 2026: Elektra Micro Casa Lever, Cafelat Robot, ROK Espresso GC and La Pavoni Professional compared, plus how to choose a lever machine.
Espresso MachinesThe best Italian espresso machines: Rancilio Silvia Pro X, Gaggia Classic Pro, La Pavoni Professional, De'Longhi Eletta Explore and the Bialetti Moka Express, plus where each is made.
Espresso MachinesThe best home latte machines with hands-free milk: Breville Bambino Plus, Mr. Coffee Café Barista, De'Longhi Magnifica Evo, Eletta Explore (iced lattes) and Oracle Touch.
Espresso MachinesThe best espresso machines for beginners in 2026, by budget: Breville Bambino Plus, Bambino, Barista Touch Impress and Philips 3200 LatteGo, plus which features really matter.
Espresso MachinesThe best cappuccino makers for home: Breville Bambino Plus, Mr. Coffee Café Barista, Philips 2200 LatteGo and Breville Oracle Touch, compared on foam, ease and value.
Espresso MachinesThe best Jura coffee machines in 2026: E8, E6, S8, Z10, ENA 4 and GIGA compared by budget, drinks and controls, plus Jura's features and jargon explained.
Espresso MachinesThe best Gaggia espresso machines in 2026: Classic Pro, Cadorna Milk, Brera, Accademia and Magenta Plus compared, plus how to choose a Gaggia super-automatic.
Espresso MachinesThe best De'Longhi espresso machines in 2026: Dinamica Plus, Magnifica Evo, Eletta Explore, ECP3630 and COM532M compared, plus De'Longhi models to avoid.
Espresso MachinesThe best Breville espresso machines in 2026: Dual Boiler, Bambino, Bambino Plus, Barista Touch Impress and Barista Pro compared, plus which Brevilles to skip.
Espresso MachinesMy espresso machine hub: top picks for beginners, budgets, super-automatics and milk drinks, how to choose the right type, and every espresso machine review and comparison on the site.
Espresso Machine ReviewsPhilips 1200 vs 2200: features, specs, price, warranty and owner ratings compared for Philips' two cheapest super-automatic espresso machines.
Espresso Machine ReviewsPhilips 1200 vs 3200: features, specs, price, warranty and owner ratings compared, so you can see if the upgrade to the 3200 is worth the extra money.
Espresso Machine ReviewsPhilips 2200 vs 4300: features, specs, price, warranty and owner ratings compared for these one-touch super-automatic espresso machines.
Espresso Machine ReviewsPhilips 2200 vs 5400: features, specs, price, warranty and owner ratings compared, from Philips' entry-level model to the feature-packed 5400 LatteGo.
Espresso Machine ReviewsPhilips 3200 vs 2200: features, specs, price, warranty and owner ratings compared, so you know what the 3200's extra drinks are worth.
Espresso Machine ReviewsPhilips 3200 vs 4300: features, specs, price, warranty and owner ratings compared for these two LatteGo super-automatic espresso machines.
Espresso Machine ReviewsPhilips 3200 vs 5400: features, specs, price, warranty and owner ratings compared, so you can decide if the 5400 is worth the higher price.
Espresso Machine ReviewsPhilips 4300 vs 5400: features, specs, price, warranty and owner ratings compared for two similar LatteGo super-automatic espresso machines.
Espresso Machine ReviewsPhilips 5400 LatteGo review: features, espresso and milk quality, cleaning and durability, how it compares to other Philips models, and when the 4300 is enough.
Espresso Machine ReviewsPhilips 3200 LatteGo review: features, espresso and milk quality, cleaning and durability, how it compares to other Philips models and the Magnifica Evo.
Espresso Machine ReviewsPhilips 4300 LatteGo review: features, espresso and milk quality, cleaning and durability, and how it compares to other Philips models and the Magnifica Evo.
Espresso Machine ReviewsPhilips 5400 LatteGo vs De'Longhi Dinamica Plus: espresso, milk textures, ease of use, cleaning and durability compared, and why the Dinamica Plus wins.
Espresso Machine ReviewsDe'Longhi Magnifica Evo vs Philips 3200 LatteGo: espresso, milk, features, cleaning and durability compared, and why the Magnifica Evo is the better buy.
Espresso Machine ReviewsJura E8 review: key features, espresso and milk quality, ease of use, durability and value, plus how it compares to the Jura E6 and De'Longhi Dinamica Plus.
Espresso Machine ReviewsJura E8 vs Jura S8: the main and minor differences, what they share, and which to buy for black coffee or milk drinks (and when price changes the answer).
Espresso Machine ReviewsJura S8 review: pros and cons, espresso and milk quality, features, ease of use and durability, and when the Jura E6 or Gaggia Accademia is a better pick.
Espresso Machine ReviewsJura Z10 review: features, espresso and milk drink quality, cleaning, build and value, and why the Jura S8 is better value if you don't drink iced coffee.
Espresso Machine ReviewsJura E6 vs E8: overview of both machines, every difference and what they share, and why the E6 is the better buy unless you need the E8's bigger menu.
Espresso Machine ReviewsJura ENA 8 review: drinks menu, features, espresso and milk quality, cleaning, build and value, and why the Jura E6 or E8 may be the better buy.
Espresso Machine ReviewsJura E6 review: key features, espresso and milk quality, ease of use, durability and value, and why the Dinamica Plus is better for milk drink lovers.
Espresso Machine ReviewsJura ENA 4 review: espresso and coffee quality, features, ease of use and durability, who it suits, and when the Jura E4 or Magnifica Evo is the smarter buy.
Espresso Machine ReviewsJura E4 review: pros and cons, espresso and coffee quality, ease of use and durability, and when the Jura ENA 4 or De'Longhi Magnifica Evo is the better buy.
Espresso Machine ReviewsJura E8 vs ENA 8: differences and similarities, coffee and milk quality, features and value compared, and why the ENA 8 is often the better buy.
Espresso Machine ReviewsJura Z10 vs S8: espresso, milk, features, ease of use and value compared, and why the Z10 is only worth it if you make iced milk drinks.
Espresso Machine ReviewsJura E8 vs Z10: espresso, milk, features, ease of use and value compared, and why the Z10 only makes sense if you want iced milk drinks at home.
Espresso Machine ReviewsJura Z10 vs Gaggia Accademia: the differences and what they share, and why the Accademia is the better buy for most people at roughly $1,500 less.
Espresso Machine ReviewsDe'Longhi Magnifica ESAM3300 review: espresso, milk, cleaning and build of this reliable budget super-automatic, plus Philips 3200 and Gaggia Brera alternatives.
Espresso Machine ReviewsDe'Longhi ECP3420 review: espresso and milk quality, cleaning, build and value. The cheapest machine that pulls a decent shot, and when to spend more instead.
Espresso Machine ReviewsDe'Longhi Dedica EC680M review: drink quality, key specs, ease of use, build and value, what owners say, and alternatives such as the De'Longhi ECP3630.
Espresso Machine ReviewsDe'Longhi Dinamica review: the different Dinamica models, coffee and milk quality, features, cleaning, build and value, plus the best alternatives to consider.
Espresso Machine ReviewsDe'Longhi Dinamica vs Dinamica Plus: the real differences and what they share, and which Dinamica to buy for black coffee or milk drinks.
Espresso Machine ReviewsDe'Longhi Dinamica Plus review: drinks, LatteCrema milk system, grinder, espresso and milk quality, cleaning and durability, and how it compares to Philips 5400.
Espresso Machine ReviewsDe'Longhi Magnifica Evo review: espresso and milk quality, cleaning and durability, frother vs steam wand versions, and how it compares to the Philips 3200.
Espresso Machine ReviewsBreville Barista Pro review: espresso and milk quality, built-in grinder, ease of cleaning, build and value, plus alternatives like the Barista Express and Bambino.
Espresso Machine ReviewsBreville Barista Pro vs Barista Express: ThermoJet vs thermocoil, 30 vs 16 grind settings and LCD vs gauge compared, and who should pay extra for the Pro.
Espresso Machine ReviewsBreville Bambino vs Bambino Plus: milk steaming, the three-way valve, drip tray, size and colors compared, and why the Bambino is the better buy for most people.
Espresso Machine ReviewsBreville Barista Pro vs Barista Touch: LCD vs touchscreen and manual vs automatic steam wand compared, plus which is better for espresso or milk drinks.
Espresso Machine ReviewsBreville Barista Express vs Barista Touch: controls, automatic vs manual steam wand and heating systems compared, plus which suits espresso or milk drinkers.
Espresso Machine ReviewsBreville Barista Touch vs Oracle Touch: espresso, milk, features, cleaning and build compared, and why the Oracle Touch rarely justifies its much higher price.
Espresso Machine ReviewsBreville Infuser review: espresso and milk quality, features, cleaning, build and value, and why the Bambino Plus is the better buy for the money.
Espresso Machine ReviewsBreville Bambino Plus vs Gaggia Classic Pro: espresso, milk steaming, ease of use and value compared, and when the Gaggia is worth it (OPV and PID mods).
Espresso Machine ReviewsBreville Bambino review: espresso and milk quality, ease of use, build and value, why it's a great budget pick, and how it compares to the Dedica and Bambino Plus.
Espresso Machine ReviewsBreville Bambino Plus review: espresso and automatic milk steaming, cleaning, durability and value, common criticisms checked, and how it compares to rivals.
Espresso Machine ReviewsBreville Precision Brewer review: coffee quality, brew settings, ease of use and cleaning, build and value, what owners say, and alternatives worth a look.
Espresso Machine ReviewsGaggia Magenta Prestige review: espresso and milk quality, ease of use, cleaning and durability, and why the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo is the better buy under $1,000.
Espresso Machine ReviewsGaggia Classic Pro review: espresso and steam wand performance, build, mod and repair potential, and who should buy it over the Breville Bambino Plus.
Espresso Machine ReviewsGaggia Cadorna Prestige review: espresso and milk quality, ease of use, cleaning and durability, how it compares to the Magenta Prestige, and a better alternative.
Espresso Machine ReviewsGaggia Anima Prestige review: espresso and milk quality, features, ease of use and durability, and why the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo is the better choice.
Espresso Machine ReviewsGaggia Brera review: espresso and milk quality, features, ease of use and durability, why it falls short on espresso, and the better super-automatics to buy.
Written by · tested by the Cicada Coffee Bar team
Lead Equipment Reviewer, Cicada Coffee Bar
Daniel leads the equipment-testing side of Cicada Coffee Bar. Every super-automatic, semi-automatic, and grinder featured on this site is bought or sourced independently, set up on the test bench, and brewed with daily for at least two weeks before a single word is written — tracking espresso quality, milk texture, ease of cleaning, and long-term reliability. Reviews are updated whenever pricing or firmware changes.