BEST ITALIAN ESPRESSO MACHINES (TOP HOME & COMMERCIAL BRANDS FROM ITALY)

Do you want one of the best Italian commercial espresso machines money can buy for your business?

You’ll notice one thing pretty quickly about high-end espresso machines: they’re frequently made by Italian manufacturers. 

In Italy, making espresso drinks is an art, and this quality shows in their espresso machines. If you’re looking for a high-end Italian machine for your home or business, you’re in the right place.

In this guide, we’ll show you the best Italian commercial and home espresso machines. 

You’ll discover:

• The basics of espresso machines
• How to decide which espresso machine is right for you
• Our collection of the best Italian espresso machines
• Recommendations on the best applications for each machine

ESPRESSO MACHINE BASICS

AUTOMATIC VS SUPERAUTOMATIC

There are espresso machines for every skill level out there, from novice to veteran. 

The basic machine type is one of the greatest factors in determining how easy to use an espresso machine is. 

Semiautomatic machines have the steepest learning curve out of most machines you’ll see in businesses today because their users have maximum control over starting and stopping the extraction process.

Automatic machines, on the other hand, use programmed settings to end the extraction for you once the espresso shot is complete. This is a very hands-free approach to brewing that’s easier for beginners because they don’t need to worry about precisely timing each shot.

But if automatic machines are easy, then superautomatic machines are an absolute cinch to operate.

Instead of just controlling the brew cycle, these models will grind, tamp, brew, and steam milk for you. Users simply select the drink they need from programmed options and wait.

You might be wondering: which one is the best? 

The answer is none of them are necessarily better than the others at making good-tasting espresso. It’s really a matter of preference or what best meets your personal or business needs, because each type has its own pros and cons.

Semiautomatic machines are more difficult to master, but because the barista has more control over the length of shots, it’s easier to experiment or make highly specialized drinks on them. 

Automatic machines are remarkably simple to learn and consistent. However, they’re not as flexible as semiautomatic machines generally because you’re relying on the machine ending the brew cycle for you.

Superautomatic machines are the easiest of all to operate. Their drawbacks are like those of an automatic machine: they’re not quite as easy to customize drinks on, and they also tend to be more expensive.

DIRECT-CONNECT VS POUR-OVER

In commercial settings, you’ll almost always find direct-connect machines instead of pour-over machines.

That’s because direct-connect machines are hooked up to a water line, and they refill their water supply automatically with this connection. You won’t need to keep a close eye on the water level or ever stop to pour water in these machines. 

In contrast, pour-over machines require you to manually refill their water tanks when levels get too low. In busy shops or businesses with a high level of espresso orders, having to stop what you’re doing to put water in your espresso machine can quickly become inconvenient.

But for mobile businesses such as coffee carts or for home users, pour-over machines may be preferable because they can be used wherever needed. They aren’t connected to a water supply. 

If you are using a pour-over machine, we do strongly recommend using water filters and softeners, however. This will protect your machine from scaling and preserve the quality of your water.

GROUP HEADS

When you’ve got a line of customers waiting at your counter, it’s crucial that your espresso machine can work fast.

Although there are other factors that contribute to the speed of an espresso machine, one of the most important is the number of group heads is has. Two group heads can make twice as many drinks as one group. 

Essentially, more groups equates to you being able to make more than one drink at a time.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY

Before you invest in an espresso machine, it’s important that you consider each one in light of the aspects that make your situation unique.

There is no one-size-fits-all espresso machine. Different machines will benefit particular businesses and homes more than others. 

In order to guarantee you get truly the best espresso machine, here are some things you should consider before you make your purchase:

• Employee skill level
• Business layout
• Drink volume

EMPLOYEE/USER SKILL LEVEL

Are your employees generally very seasoned or do you have a lot of new employees to train? If you're looking for a machine to use at home, are you experienced using espresso machines?

In situations where you have a lot of new employees or your employees won’t use the espresso machine enough to become an expert, you might want to think about one that’s easier to use. Likewise, this is something to consider if you're a novice home barista looking to begin crafting espresso at home. Superautomatic espresso machines are the pinnacle of user-friendliness – you can train anyone to use them in a matter of minutes.

If you’re still looking for ease of use on a more restricted budget, however, there are many automatic machines that are also simple to learn for what is typically a smaller price tag.

But if you’re a specialty coffee shop or you want your employees to have the utmost control over each drink, a semiautomatic machine is the perfect match for you.

BUSINESS LAYOUT

The layout of your business is another huge consideration – you don’t want to buy an espresso machine that won’t fit on your countertop or one will that interrupt the flow of your workspace.

Look at the amount of space you have, compared with the dimensions of the machines that you’re most interested in. 

But size isn’t the only factor here; do you have an area with a water supply readily available for a direct-connect machine? It’s possible you’ll need to cut into your countertop in some situations when you install one.

DRINK VOLUME

Determine how many espresso drinks you make not just daily, but weekly or monthly. 

If you have a high volume of drinks generally, then you should make sure you get a machine that can keep up with the demand. 

You may want one with more groups, or possibly an automatic or superautomatic machine. Automatic and superautomatic machines can save employees on time, because they’re free to multitask while the machine brews for them. 

Direct-connect machines are also great for busier shops or cafes because you won’t need to stop mid-rush to refill them. 

At the same time, if drinks aren’t as common in your establishment, you could get by with a pour-over machine or the focus required to use a semiautomatic machine.

BEST ITALIAN ESPRESSO MACHINES

VICTORIA ARDUINO WHITE EAGLE T3

Like its name implies, the Victoria Arduino White Eagle T3 is a combination of grace and speed that will have you soaring through lines of customers.

With 2- and 3-group configurations, your employees will be able to make multiple drinks simultaneously, so no customer will need to wait too long. Raised group heads will allow your baristas to brew directly into cups of all sizes, saving them the time of having to pour espresso into other cups by hand.

What’s the best application for the White Eagle? Get this machine if you’re a high-volume coffee shop or other business with a huge number of espresso orders to keep up with. 

• Majesty Coffee Price: $21,000
• Machine Type: Automatic (volumetric dosing) + manual dosing options
• Plumbing: Direct-connect
• Groups: 2 or 3
• Boiler:  Multiple boilers
• T3 Technology: Exercise the maximum amount of control over the quality of your espresso with the ability to tweak the temperature for each group head as necessary.
• Automatic Cleaning: Save time at the end of the day by setting the White Eagle to clean its group heads itself.
• Energy Efficient:  You can program the White Eagle to turn on and off at specific times, protecting you from increased energy bills if someone forgets to shut it off.

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NUOVA SIMONELLI PRONTOBAR 

Bring the convenience of the future to your business with the Nuova Simonelli Prontobar.

This machine comes in two configurations: one- and two-step. With the one-step configuration, all you’ll need to do is push the button for the drink you need and wait for it, while the two-step configuration requires you only to steam the milk.

What’s the best application for the Nuova Simonelli Prontobar? This is the machine for you if employees won’t have expertise in espresso machines or you want to guarantee the ultimate level of consistency each time.

• Majesty Coffee Price: $9,855
• Machine Type: Superautomatic
• Plumbing: Direct-connect
• 6 Programmable Drink Buttons: Program up to 6 different kinds of drinks in advance, so all your employees will need to do is select the drink they need.
• Built-In Dual Grinders:  You won’t need to figure out space for grinders, because the Prontobar comes with two grinders built right into it.
• Automatic Washing Program: Your employees will be free to attend to other tasks while the machine cleans itself as they close up shop.
• Automated Milk Steaming: With the one-step machine, everyone will be able to make drinks with perfectly foamy milk.
• Quiet Pump: The quiet pump in this machine won’t disrupt customers even during heavy use.

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LA PAVONI BAR-STAR 2V

The La Pavoni Bar-Star 2V is a fast powerhouse that can deliver delicious drinks rapidly.

With two groups, you’ll be able to make twice as many espressos as a single-group machine, so your customers won’t be irritated by long waits. The National Sanitation Foundation certified the Bar-Star, which means you can also rest assured in its quality.

What’s the best application for the Bar-Star? Pick this machine if your business often has long lines of customers with espresso orders and you need a machine that can keep up.

• Majesty Coffee Price: $6,500
• Machine Type: Automatic
• Plumbing: Direct-connect
• Groups:  2
• Boiler: Heat exchange
• Huge Capacity Boiler: Able to hold up to 14 liters, this boiler can steam and brew back-to-back drinks issue-free.
• NSF Certification: Compliant with strict NSF standards, you can be sure you’re purchasing a high-quality machine when you get the Bar-Star.
• Telescopic Side Handles: Moving the machine is a breeze with its side handles if you need to clean under or around it.

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LA SPAZIALE S1 VIVALDI II

Recipient of the Coffeegeek Editor’s Choice Award for Best New Product in 2006, the La Spaziale S1 Vivaldi II is a machine that combines quality and budget.

Its strong dual boiler system won’t be strained by a line of customers, and its durable rotary pump will be able to power through busy days in relative quiet. On top of that, the Vivaldi II will alert you of any system failures so you can correct it as soon as issues occur.

What’s the best application for the Vivaldi II? Buy this machine if you’re small to medium restaurant or café without a higher volume of espresso orders.

• Majesty Coffee Price: $2,575
• Machine Type: Automatic
• Plumbing: Direct-connect
• Groups: 1
• Boiler: Dual boiler
• Diagnostics System: Protect your investment with the Vivaldi II’s diagnostics system that will let you know immediately if there’s a system failure.
• Rotary Pump: In addition to operating quietly, the rotary pump is sturdy, so you won’t need to worry about an expensive replacement any time soon. 
• Programmable Pre-Infusion: Pre-infusion brings out the best flavor in every shot by settling the grounds with a gentle stream of water. On the Vivaldi II, you can program this stage to last anywhere from 1-8 seconds, so you can tweak espresso recipes to different taste preferences.

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NUOVA SIMONELLI MUSICA 

If the aesthetics of the machine are important to you, the Nuova Simonelli Musica is a great choice.

Its gleaming, rounded face with its metallic surface looks artistic, and you can increase this chic look by choosing the Lux configuration that comes with LED edges. Additionally, it’s a flexible machine available as pour-over or direct-connect, so it can fit with a variety of situations.

What is the best application for the Musica? Honestly, this machine can fit just about anywhere, but it’s best for smaller businesses or home users.

• Majesty Coffee Price: $2,245 (Pour-over without LEDs), $2,515 (Pour-over with LEDs), $2,925 (Direct-Connect without LEDs) or $3,240 (Direct-Connect with LEDs)
• Machine Type: Automatic + manual dosing options
• Plumbing: Direct-connect or pour-over
• Groups: 1
• Boiler:  Heat exchange
• LED-Lit Edges: The Lux configuration comes with LEDs on the edges, which both look beautiful and serve to provide adequate lighting for employees to see what they’re doing.
• Push-Pull Steam Lever: Employees will be able to work long hours in comfort, as the steam lever can be easily moved back and forth to prevent wrist strain.
• Programmable Hot Water Nozzle: Teas or Americanos can be made in seconds once you program the water doses for them into the nozzle.

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ROCKET APPARTAMENTO

 

 

When we think "quality Italian espresso machine for the home," one of the first espresso machines to come to mind is the Rocket Appartamento. Of course, it's an attractive machine, but there are many other reasons why it deserves a place on your kitchen counter or coffee bar.

For starters, it has an impressive 1.8-liter heat exchange boiler. That means it can effortlessly steam your milk and brew your espresso at the same time. This drastically reduces the wait time from starting the creation of your drink to getting to take that first sip. 

Then there's the E-61 commercial brew group. Because of the continuously circulating water between the group head and boiler, the Appartamento keeps temperature fluctuations under control, protecting the flavor of each drink. 

What's the best application for the Rocket Appartamento? You could feasibly use the powerful little Appartamento in a small business - it's that speedy. However, we think it's best for the homes of coffee and espresso lovers, thanks to its affordable price and compact size.

• Majesty Coffee Price: $1,690
• Machine Type: Semiautomatic
  
• Plumbing: Pour-over
• Groups: 1 
• Boiler: Heat exchange
• Side Panel Cutouts: Visually appealing circular cutouts on the sides are available in copper or white configurations. 
  
• E-61 Commercial Brew Group: Prevents thermal fluctuations from impacting the flavor of your espresso.
• 304-Grade Stainless Steel Case: Protects the espresso machine and boosts its visual appeal.

 

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NUOVA SIMONELLI OSCAR II

 

The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II is a fantastic choice for home users who are short on space and need a more budget-friendly espresso machine. It's both affordable and powerful. 

As an extra visual bonus, the machine comes in two different color options: red or black. This gives it some flexibility so it can match with an even wider range of color schemes and decorating styles.

Of course, it's much more than looks. One thing we love about it is the extended articulating steam arm. The extra length allows it to be submerged more deeply into your milk pitcher, giving you a greater ability to evenly aerate the milk. 

There's also a cup-warming shelf on top. This both frees up a little storage space elsewhere and keeps your drinks from cooling down quickly by pre-warming your favorite coffee mugs for you.

What's the best application for the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II? This is a flexible machine that can easily fit in at small coffee shops or at home. 

• Majesty Coffee Price: $1,295
• Machine Type: Semiautomatic + timed dosing
  
• Plumbing: Pour-over
• Groups: 1 
• Boiler: Heat exchange
• Push-Pull Steam Trigger: Use the machine as much as you like - your wrists won't get sore because of the ergonomic steam switch design.
  
• Extended Articulating Steam Arm: Capable of penetrating even further into the milk pitcher to ensure even aeration and circulation. 
• Cup Warming Shelf: Keeps your mugs nice and toasty for you so a cold mug won't sap the warmth from your espresso.

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