# Which coffee maker makes the best espresso? ![](https://media.brandclub.com/pages-studio/_app/app_d6d173baaf86/assets/1785866256443-TDx38fbw.breville) Logo not set Shop Concierge Learn # Which coffee maker makes the best espresso? 4 MIN READ — 08/03/2026 ![Breville Bambino espresso machine in brushed stainless steel](https://media.brandclub.com/pages-studio/_app/app_d6d173baaf86/assets/1785795807679-uExdGr2B.png) Many machines claim to make espresso, but far fewer are actually built to do so. The [Bambino®](https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/breville-the-bambino-espresso-machine/?catalogId=79&sku=5821136) ($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®](https://www.breville.com/en-us/product/bes450) 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](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1JPPG2L) 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®](https://www.target.com/p/breville-bambino-stainless-steel-espresso-maker-silver-bes450bss/-/A-88306829) 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®](https://www.crateandbarrel.com/breville-bambino-espresso-machine-in-brushed-stainless-steel/s670695) 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. ### Where to buy You can find the Breville Bambino Espresso Machine at the retailers below. Prices, promotions, and availability change frequently and may differ from what's shown at checkout. ![Breville Bambino espresso machine in brushed stainless steel](https://assets.breville.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1300,format=auto/BES450/BES450BSS1BUS1/pdp.png?pdp) ## Breville Bambino Espresso Machine Serious espresso in a compact footprint — 54mm portafilter, low pressure pre-infusion, 9-bar extraction, and a manual steam wand for real microfoam. Key Features ThermoJet heating system is ready in 3 seconds 54mm portafilter with an ideal 18-gram dose Low pressure pre-infusion and 9-bar extraction Manual steam wand for silky, latte-art microfoam One-touch volumetric control for 1 and 2 shots Compact 6.25" footprint fits any countertop ![Williams Sonoma](https://media.brandclub.com/retailer_logo/191.webp) Williams Sonoma 5821136 View ![Breville](https://media.brandclub.com/retailer_logo/Breville.webp) Breville BES450 View ![Amazon](https://media.brandclub.com/retailer_logo/1.webp) Amazon B0B1JPPG2L View ![Target](https://media.brandclub.com/retailer_logo/4.webp) Target 88306829 View ![Crate & Barrel](https://media.brandclub.com/retailer_logo/190.webp) Crate & Barrel 670695 View ![Walmart](https://media.brandclub.com/retailer_logo/2.webp) Walmart 202218017 View ![Best Buy](https://media.brandclub.com/retailer_logo/3.webp) Best Buy 6494620 View Shop Learn Support Our Company ![](https://media.brandclub.com/pages-studio/_app/app_d6d173baaf86/assets/1785866256443-TDx38fbw.breville) Logo not set