What are the top espresso machines is something everyone wants to know? Is a top espresso machine based solely on its price or can a lesser known brand at a lower price outperform the known “leaders?”

Fact is there are many top espresso machine manufacturers but this doesn’t mean that every machine they produce is of the best quality. Look, if there is one fact of life I learned from a great mentor it’s that

“quality is like olive oil and wine. The higher price tends to be better – but it all comes down to your taste.”

So with that in mind here’s our list of the top espresso machines and why we recommend them.

My personal favorite and best buy on the site is the Espressione Café Retro. At its price you really cannot find a better espresso machine. The Espressione Retro has a powerful boiler and simple controls – so it’s a short wait and not very complicated to make a great espresso cappuccino.  I like the fact that you have to interact with your espresso brewing. It helps you be a real master of the art and science of espresso.

If you prefer a more Automatic Espresso Machine than you cannot go wrong with the Saeco Talea Ring. Yes, it is an expensive machine – remember you are paying for quality – but the beauty of the display screen and iPod-like clickwheel make this an effortless espresso machine to master. I highly recommend this machine if you want a top name manufacturer and one of the Saeco top models.

Saeco makes some wonderful machines. Their brewing consistency, strong steam wands, ease of use and design (the Odea Go and Odea Giro were designed by BMW Designworks) are all reasons they rock the espresso world. Did you know Saeco is the largest manufacturer and seller of espresso machines?

Another great machine from Saeco is the Spidem Villa – a really affordable Super Automatic Espresso Machine. Extremely easy to operate, you just push three buttons (Coffee, Steam and Power) and one dial. Yes, that’s right! Three buttons and one dial are all that you need here. This is the benefit of a Super Automatic – while you rub sleep from your eyes, it’s making your morning rocket fuel.

Two machines that have to be on this top espresso machines list are the Rancilio Silvia and the Solis Palazzo. The Rancilio Silvia is a true living legend. Since its arrival on the espresso world stage it has been touted as a consistent machine with very little faults. A real Italian espresso machine, the Rancilio may not look like a classic beauty but it has proven itself time and time again over the years. Do some research and you’ll see that this espresso machine gets loads of good reviews.

The Solis Palazzo is another best buy. It’s in our Top Espresso Machines because like the Spidem Villa you are getting a Super Automatic at a remarkable price.  A hand built espresso machine from a Swiss manufacturer gives you an excessive attention to detail. Like a Swiss watch there are elements that other just don’t provide – like an internal cleaning that works every time the machine is turned on.

As you can see it really is your own individual taste that leads to making the top espresso machines list. So please leave us some comments and tell us what you think are the best top espresso machines.