Create café-quality espresso at home with our guide to the best espresso machines in Canada. We've reviewed top models for extraction quality, milk frothing, and user experience.
Every coffee lover knows the value of a good espresso, but it can become quite expensive and time-consuming to fuel up in the morning at local cafes. This is especially true if more than one person in a household is a coffee enthusiast. The best alternative to the traditional morning java run is your very own espresso machine.
An espresso machine will have you enjoying barista-level espressos from the comfort of your own home. They come in all shapes and sizes to accommodate every user, and they allow you to customize your beverage flavour and strength. They are truly the most affordable way to get your caffeine hit every morning.
Espresso machines may sound like fairly simple products, but they can differ in a number of features. Their size, tank capacity, level of automation, beverage compatibility, functionality, price, and number of cup sizes are all things that you should factor into your purchase decision.
This comprehensive guide will investigate the best espresso machines in Canada right now and outline the criteria you should consider while making your decision. Let’s dive right into our top five products.
The Best Espresso Machines Right Now
Automatic Pick : Philips 3300 Series
Semi-Automatic Pick : Ninja Luxe Café Premier
Budget Pick : Breville BREESP8XL Café Roma Espresso Machine
Nespresso Pick : Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine
- Portable Pick : Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
Our Automatic Pick
Philips 3300 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine Review
What We Think of the Philips 3300 Series
The LatteGo Milk System is a standout feature, creating smooth, silky froth with ease. Its SilentBrew Technology ensures quieter operation compared to traditional machines, although some reviews noted that it’s not entirely silent. Equipped with a 100% ceramic grinder, it preserves the coffee's rich flavours with 12 grind settings to match your preferences.
One of the most appealing aspects is its touchscreen interface, which simplifies selecting and personalizing beverages, whether espresso, cappuccino, or iced coffee. The AquaClean Filter minimizes descaling needs, lasting up to 5,000 cups before requiring maintenance — a game-changer for hassle-free coffee lovers.
However, we would have preferred a less noisy milk frother, and larger serving sizes for specialty drinks. Despite these flaws, this machine really stands out for its convenience, quality, and overall performance.
Performance: 4/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 4/5
Quality: 4/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Philips 3300 Series
One reviewer highlighted the LatteGo milk system as a game-changer, producing velvety foam and being incredibly simple to clean. Many users also appreciated the AquaClean filter, which reduces maintenance frequency, and the intuitive touchscreen, making it accessible for beginners. However, some reviewers noted issues like noisy operation during frothing and smaller-than-expected drink sizes for specialty coffees. Despite these drawbacks, most users agree that the machine delivers excellent coffee quality and justifies its price tag for avid coffee drinkers.
Philips 3300 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine Pros and Cons
Buy If...
You love customizable coffee with rich flavours and frothy milk.
Maintenance simplicity is a priority, thanks to the AquaClean filter.
You’re looking for a compact, stylish machine that’s easy to use.
Don’t Buy If...
You need silent brewing and frothing for early mornings.
Larger serving sizes for specialty drinks are important to you.
The long-term durability of plastic components is a concern.
Philips 3300 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Specifications
Water Tank Capacity: 1.8 liters
Weight: 8 kg
Dimensions: 24.59 x 43.28 x 37.08 cm
Pump Pressure: 15 bars for authentic espresso extraction.
Milk Frother: LatteGo system for smooth, frothy milk, suitable for all types of milk (including plant-based).
AquaClean Filter: Enables up to 5,000 cups without descaling when used as directed.
Special Features: Brew up to five drinks, including espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato, iced coffee, and regular coffee. Hot water dispenser for tea or Americanos. Programmable settings for coffee strength, length, and milk froth levels. Auto-cleaning cycles to maintain hygiene and prolong machine lifespan.
Our Semi-Automatic Pick
Ninja Luxe Café Premier Espresso System Review
What We Think of the Ninja Luxe Café Premier
We’re impressed with how well the Ninja Luxe Café Premier performs across multiple brewing methods. Its Barista Assist Technology is a standout feature, guiding you through grind size and brewing parameters for consistently great results. Whether you’re pulling a double espresso shot, crafting a creamy latte, or enjoying an iced coffee, this machine delivers café-quality beverages at home.
The built-in grinder, with its 25 adjustable settings, ensures you’ll always have freshly ground coffee suited to your taste. Its hands-free milk frother is equally impressive, producing velvety microfoam with a choice of hot or cold settings. Designed with a sturdy stainless-steel exterior, this machine feels as premium as the coffee it brews.
That said, the machine isn’t without its minor faults. We haven’t experienced these during our tests, but some users report issues like occasional frother malfunctions. Still, for its price point, it offers exceptional value compared to higher-end models from Breville.
Performance: 4.5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 4/5
Quality: 4/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Ninja Luxe Café Premier
One reviewer compared it favourably to a Breville, praising its intuitive features and the ability to brew directly into a travel tumbler. Others highlight the cold brew setting as an amazing feature for summer. However, a few users noted reliability issues, such as grinder jams and inconsistent milk frothing. Still, the majority agree that its value and ease of use make up for these minor flaws.
Ninja Luxe Café Premier Espresso System Pros and Cons
Buy If...
You love experimenting with different coffee styles.
You’re looking for barista-quality results without a hefty price tag.
Intuitive, guided brewing features are a priority.
Don’t Buy If...
You need a silent brewing experience.
Ninja Luxe Café Premier Espresso System Specifications
Dimensions: 33 x 34 x 37 cm
Weight: 14 kg
Capacity: 70 oz liquid
Material: Stainless steel
Special Features: Built-in grinder, hands-free milk frother, Barista Assist Technology
Our Budget Pick
Breville BREESP8XL Café Roma Espresso Machine Review
What We Think of the Breville BREESP8XL Café Roma Espresso Machine
There are a number of reasons why this Breville Espresso Machine has won the budget spot. First of all, the simple design is incredibly appealing to first-time at-home espresso makers; let’s face it, the process can be daunting. Plus, the ability to make both espresso and cappuccino drinks ensures it can be enjoyed by all coffee drinkers.
There are a number of accessories that will be included with your purchase to ensure you get the most out of your machine and don’t have to make any additional purchases. A built-in cup warmer and steam wand increase the overall value of the machine. With its thermoblock technology, users won’t have to worry about water evaporating when not in use as you’d see with a boiler system.
There are only two minor drawbacks that potential buyers should be aware of before purchasing. This machine is fairly loud, so it isn’t the best fit for households with occupants on different schedules. In addition, the steam wand does not produce the highest quality of milk froth, so if you prefer a milky cappuccino over a traditional espresso, you may wish to look elsewhere for that functionality.
- Performance: 4/5
- Usability: 5/5
- Price: 5/5
- Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Breville BREESP8XL Café Roma Espresso Machine
This model has over 4,600 reviews on Amazon Canada. Reviewers appreciate its affordability and find it to be a good value for the price. Many users have highlighted its ease of use, especially for beginners, and the quality of espresso it produces. The machine's aesthetic design and durability are also frequently mentioned as positives. The overall sentiment is that it's a solid machine for its price range, with many users recommending it for those who don't want to invest in a high-end model.
Breville BREESP8XL Café Roma Espresso Machine Pros and Cons
Buy If…
- You want an espresso machine with a removable drip tray, frothing jug, single and double pod filters, measuring spoon, and a built-in cup-warming tray.
- You enjoy making both espresso and cappuccino drinks.
- You appreciate a Thermoblock heating system that reduces excess evaporation.
- You prefer a simple, user-friendly design.
Don’t Buy If…
- You’re sensitive to noise and want a quieter machine.
- You rely heavily on an effective manual steam wand for frothing milk.
Breville BREESP8XL Café Roma Espresso Machine Specifications
- Dimensions: 9” x 9.25” x 11.75”
- Weight: 13 lbs
- Colour: Silver
- Capacity: 1.2 litres
- Number of Cup Sizes: 2
- Warranty: 1 year
Our Nespresso Pick
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine Review
What We Think of the Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine
The purchase of this Nespresso Vertuo and the included Aeroccino Machine will completely upgrade your morning coffee ritual. The Aeroccino can make three different types of frothed milk to pair with your Nespresso coffee, and a tasting set of pods ensures you can find your ideal flavor and style before investing any additional money.
With four cup sizes, every individual in the home will be able to meet their coffee needs, whether it is a standard espresso shot or a full mug of coffee. This machine is not able to produce extra-large coffee sizes, so if you’re looking to fill a large travel mug, you may need to run the machine twice.
One other potential drawback for consumers is the inability to customize the drinks. Others, however, may prefer this simpler method. The pod functionality makes this machine incredibly easy to use, and since the pods are recyclable, you won’t be creating unnecessary waste. How does it get better than that?
- Performance: 5/5
- Usability: 5/5
- Price: 4/5
- Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine
This model has received over 500 reviews on Amazon Canada, with an average star rating of 4.5. Users who have also tried other coffee machines express great satisfaction after using this one. They particularly appreciate the quality of the coffee and the ease of use of the machine. Overall, reviewers highly recommend this machine for its ability to produce excellent coffee and for its sleek design.
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine Pros and Cons
Buy If…
- You want a coffee machine that includes an Aeroccino to make three styles of frothed milk.
- You value user-friendly, low-maintenance pod functionality.
- You appreciate recyclable pods for a lower carbon footprint.
- You like the idea of starting with a tasting set of Vertuo pods.
Don’t Buy If…
- You need a machine that can brew larger coffee sizes beyond standard mug capacity.
- You want the flexibility to customize your drinks.
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine Specifications
- Dimensions: 11.5” x 19.5” x 15.7”
- Weight: 13 lbs
- Colour: Black
- Capacity: 1.2 litres
- Number of Cup Sizes: 4
- Warranty: 1 year
Our Portable Pick
Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker Review
What We Think of the Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
The Nanopresso is an incredibly unique take on an espresso machine. It is the only one on our list that can travel with you wherever you go, and it requires no electricity to function. It is large enough to make two shots of espresso at a time, and the cap doubles as a drinking cup to eliminate the need for additional supplies.
This unit comes apart very easily to make thorough cleaning a breeze, and its small size and low weight guarantee it will hardly be noticed among your other belongings. Since it requires 15% less force to press than other versions, it is highly suited to people with less strength or those who just prefer a less strenuous espresso-making experience.
The simplicity of design that characterizes the Nanopresso does lend itself to a few disadvantages. First of all, it is only capable of making espresso. In a market full of multifunctional machines, this limitation may be a dealbreaker for some. Additionally, the manual effort required to make each espresso may have some individuals choosing a coffee shop when on the road instead.
- Performance: 4/5
- Usability: 4/5
- Price: 5/5
- Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
This model has over 3,500 reviews on Amazon Canada, with an average star rating of 4.4. Users who have also tried other portable espresso machines are highly satisfied with this one. They particularly appreciate its portability, making it ideal for traveling and camping. Many users highlighted the quality of the coffee produced by the device, comparing it favorably to coffee from cafés. Overall, reviewers highly recommend the product for its convenience and ability to produce excellent coffee on the go.
Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker Pros and Cons
Buy If…
- You need a highly travel-friendly espresso maker.
- You want a device that’s easy to take apart for thorough cleaning.
- You like the convenience of having the top double as an espresso cup.
Don’t Buy If…
- You’re looking for a machine with high drink versatility.
- You prefer an automatic espresso maker over a manual press.
Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker Specifications
- Dimensions: 6.1” x 2.8” x 2.4”
- Weight: 0.74 lbs
- Colour: Black
- Capacity: 80 ml
- Number of Cup Sizes: 2
- Warranty: 1 year
How to Properly Choose Your Espresso Machine
Price
Espresso machines can vary in price between a few hundred dollars to well over a thousand, so it's important to set a budget before shopping. Higher-end models will offer more drink versatility, will have higher levels of automation, and will likely include built-in milk frothers and be equipped with appealing digital displays.
Water Capacity
The water tank capacity of an espresso machine will be the main determining factor for how many espresso shots (or other coffee drinks) can be made before any amount of user input is required. Of course, a larger capacity is ideal, but it will also come with a higher price tag.
Level of Automation
Espresso machines may require a significant amount of manual effort (settings control, adding water and beans, frothing milk, etc.) and others will be capable of controlling these factors autonomously.
Number of Cup Sizes
Most espresso machines will offer at least two cup sizes (regular espresso and double espresso), but more sophisticated machines will offer regular-sized coffee drinks as well. The ideal number of cup sizes for you will depend on what coffee types you’ll be drinking on a regular basis.
Beverage Compatibility
Beverage compatibility is another important factor to consider when shopping for an espresso machine. Some units are only capable of making black espresso, others can be used for milk-based drinks or even iced coffees. Again, the ideal compatibility will depend on what coffee drinks you enjoy the most.
Size
The size of an espresso machine is not the most important thing to consider, but since it will likely be taking up space on your counter indefinitely, you’ll need to make sure that it doesn’t become too much of an inconvenience.
Functionality
Espresso machines can function as simple espresso makers, or they may include the functionality of frothing milk. Since most coffee drinkers will want to enjoy espresso shots and other types of coffee drinks on occasion, dual-functionality will likely be the most desirable option. However, machines that don’t offer the frothing function will be more affordable.
Noise Level
The noise level of an espresso machine will vary model by model, and for some individuals, noise is just an expected outcome of at-home espresso-making. However, folks who need to make coffee at off-peak hours or work around sleeping infants will want to prioritize a lower noise level.
Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We’ll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes. The products in this list are ranked by independent third parties. Rankings are based on both reviews and independent testing.
