The Best Espresso Machine
A compact, German-built single boiler with real PID temperature control and a 58mm portafilter — it makes café-grade espresso without the prosumer footprint or fuss. · Updated June 27, 2026
Profitec GO
Profitec GO Espresso Machine
$1,199Buy on Amazon
★star.shop pickWirecutter pickReddit favorite
Pros
- Real PID temperature control with adjustable brew and steam temps, so light and medium roasts pull consistently
- Standard 58mm commercial portafilter — full access to VST/IMS baskets, bottomless portafilters and aftermarket accessories
- Fast heat-up for a metal-grouphead machine, far quicker than an E61
- Solid, low-plastic German build quality that holds up far better than entry Breville machines
- Adjustable pre-infusion and a room-temp option for iced drinks
- Comes with a decent tamper and pitcher in the box
Cons
- Single boiler: you can't brew and steam at the same time, and switching from espresso to steam takes a noticeable wait
- Pricey (~$1,199) given that a Bambino Plus or modded Gaggia gets you most of the way for a fraction of the cost
- Small water reservoir means frequent refills
- Steaming is competent but slower and less powerful than a dual-boiler or thermoblock-steam machine for back-to-back milk drinks
Minor nitpicks
- Vibration pump rather than a quieter rotary pump
- Not a true 'buy it for life' tank like an E61 or La Pavoni, though it's far more serviceable than entry Breville machines
The other picks
- RedditBreville Bambino Plus — Widely called the best value in espresso — 3-second heat-up and excellent automatic milk steaming get you ~80% of a $2,500 machine for ~$350, though it lacks temp control for light roasts
- r/BuyItForLifeRancilio Silvia — r/BuyItForLife's top pick — tank-like build, decades-long lifespan and endlessly serviceable with cheap, widely available parts
- WirecutterGaggia Classic Pro — Wirecutter's budget pick and a community favorite for modders — real 58mm pump machine that's cheap, durable and infinitely repairable