Which coffee maker makes the best espresso?

Many machines claim to make espresso, but far fewer are actually built to do so. The Bambino® ($299.95) is built around genuine espresso mechanics rather than an approximation of one, which is what actually separates a real espresso maker from a coffee maker that happens to say "espresso" on the box.

Espresso is a mechanical process, not just a strong brew

A drip coffee maker, even a good one, pushes hot water through grounds at low pressure over several minutes. Espresso is a different process entirely: finely ground coffee, compressed into a puck, extracted in seconds under real pressure. A coffee maker that skips the pressure and pre-infusion mechanics isn't really making espresso, no matter what the label says. That distinction is where the Bambino® is built to compete.

What actual espresso mechanics look like

Real pressure, not a shortcut. A 15-bar Italian pump delivers a high pressure, 9-bar extraction, the pressure range genuine espresso needs to develop crema and full flavor rather than a thin, watered-down shot.

Pre-infusion before full pressure. Every shot starts with a low pressure pre-infusion that gently expands the coffee puck before the high pressure extraction begins, part of what produces an opulent, creamy, caramel-colored espresso rather than an unevenly extracted one.

A professional dose format. A 54mm portafilter holds an 18-gram dose of freshly ground coffee, the same format used in café-grade machines, built for full-bodied flavor rather than a diluted approximation.

Consistent temperature, shot after shot. The Bambino's ThermoJet® heating system reaches optimum extraction temperature in about 3 seconds and holds it steady, since temperature swings are one of the most common causes of inconsistent espresso.

Milk that matches the shot. A manual steam wand produces real microfoam, the kind capable of true latte art, so the espresso underneath isn't the only part of the drink held to a genuine standard.

One honest note

Espresso quality still depends on more than the machine. Fresh, quality beans and a good, consistent grind matter as much as the equipment, and since the Bambino® doesn't include a built-in grinder, you'll want pre-ground espresso roast to start or a separate burr grinder for the best results. A machine with real espresso mechanics can't fully make up for stale beans or an inconsistent grind on its own.

The verdict

If "best espresso" means real crema, real pressure, and real pre-infusion rather than just strong coffee, the Bambino® is built around exactly those mechanics, at a price well below many machines with the same core fundamentals.

Bottom line: the best espresso doesn't come from a coffee maker that's strong. It comes from a machine built around actual espresso mechanics, and that's what the Bambino is designed to deliver.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Bambino make lattes and cappuccinos, or just straight espresso?
Both. The manual steam wand produces real microfoam suited for lattes and cappuccinos, so the machine covers milk-based drinks in addition to straight shots.

Does it work with pre-ground coffee, or do I need to grind fresh?
Either works. The Bambino doesn't include a built-in grinder, so quality pre-ground espresso roast is a fine way to start, and a separate burr grinder is the upgrade path if you want fresher grounds later.

How does the Bambino compare to more expensive espresso machines?
The core mechanics, real pressure, pre-infusion, professional portafilter format, are the same fundamentals found in pricier machines. What you're paying more for at higher price points is typically automation (like an automatic steam wand) or a built-in grinder, not necessarily better espresso extraction itself.

Is 9 bars of pressure enough for real espresso?
Yes, 9 bars is the standard extraction pressure most espresso is built around. The Bambino's 15-bar pump delivers that 9-bar extraction after a low-pressure pre-infusion stage, which is the same target pressure used across most genuine espresso machines, not a lesser version of it.