Brew it like a barista.
Singaporeans have grown to appreciate a good cuppa in recent years. But with inflation rising quicker than salaries (cries in corporate), getting your caffeine fix from a cafe at $8 a day is no longer a sustainable practice for the average person. Granted, local kopi is much more affordable and has its own charm, but it’s just not the same.
To that end, many have turned to getting espresso machines at home, helping them to save in the long run.
If that’s something that interests you, we’ve put together a list of (non-capsule) espresso machines to consider for your home. Plus, they make great housewarming gifts for your loved ones too!
Things to look out for in an espresso machine
Before we dive in, here are some things to consider when deciding which machine to get for your home, apart from cost and aesthetics:
- Size (with respect to your countertop space available)
- Extraction pressure (the force used to push hot water through compact coffee grounds)
- Temperature control
- Portafilter size (e.g. for single VS double shots)
- Milk wand type (e.g. manual, automatic) and steam power
- Ease of use and cleaning
- Warranty and parts availability (locally)
Entry-level espresso machines under $300
Never tried your hand at espresso making? You might want to test the waters with a cheaper machine before investing in a pricey one — just in case it becomes a white elephant after a while.
Beyond the volume of water and choosing between a single or double shot portafilter, this budget-friendly appliance doesn’t have many extraction settings to toggle with. But that’s exactly what makes it simple to use, particularly if you’re just starting out.
Where cons are concerned, an in-depth review indicates that espresso quality can be inconsistent even when using the same coffee grounds, and that it’s hard to achieve a velvety/frothy milk texture with the automatic wand.
Nonetheless, it’s a decent upgrade from a capsule machine — and almost as easy to use.
Sporting a sleek stainless steel aesthetic, the Electrolux UltimateTaste 500 is likewise a compact espresso machine that’s intuitive to use.
While we weren’t able to find many reviews online, the brand promises precise temperature control, volume control, and the ability to produce fine-pored foam ideal for cappuccinos. It even comes with a built-in cup warmer that can pre-heat cups to retain optimal flavour, aroma and crema.
If anything, its 4.9-star rating on Shopee seems to suggest that it does live up to its promises.
Effortlessly chic and commonly found in major retailers like Harvey Norman and Best Denki, Italian kitchen appliance brand De’Longhi needs no introduction.
At just 15cm wide, Dedica Style is the brand’s slimmest espresso machine yet. Notable features include fast-heating and a manual Adjustable Cappuccino System to switch between steamed milk and creamy foam as you please.
Given its price point and brand reputability, there isn’t much left to be desired, really.
Connoisseur-level espresso machines under $1,500
This next section is for those who take their coffee a little more seriously; perhaps those who have used/plan to use their SkillsFuture credits to enroll in a latte art course, so as to make full use of these mid-tier espresso machines.
Boasting a barista-quality portafilter, Breville’s Bambino Plus is ideal for those who want consistent quality in their espresso shots, are tight on countertop space, and don’t require advanced controls.
The Australian company’s proprietary ThermoJet heating system ensures the machine is ready for use in just 3 seconds, while its automatic milk wand creates microfoam needed for latte art without being overly complicated.
All in all, it’s a user-friendly and convenient choice, with the flipside being that there aren’t as many customisation options (and therefore room for experimentation) as high-end models.
Despite having only four buttons up front, this semi-automatic espresso machine has adjustable temperature settings and nuanced volumetric controls.
In addition, the gauge monitors pressure at the group head so you’re able to pinpoint any problems with espresso extraction, appealing even to experienced/professional baristas who want a compact appliance for personal use at home.
We particularly loved this coffee machine reviewer’s exposition on the Barista Perfetta Plus, but we’ll give you a TL;DR — it’s worth the price tag if you see it as a long term investment.
A cult classic among purists, the Gaggia Classic EVO has been dubbed a “serious home espresso machine”. For one, the brand has an illustrious history of producing coffee machines since 1938 (to which the Classic EVO’s retro aesthetic stays true even after multiple iterations). For another, this particular model’s boiler and group are made from sturdy chromed brass, and comes with a professional-grade stainless steel wand.
100% made in Italy, reviews say that it should last you a good decade, which is another justification that would make its price tag more palatable (not just Girl Math).
Compact cafe-level espresso machines
If you’re a seasoned barista looking to explore more advanced techniques, or require a heavy duty machine that makes multiple cups at a go, this last section is for you.
When you’re at a pro level, even the smallest of setting tweaks makes a difference. Enter Breville’s highly programmable Oracle.
What makes this machine stand out from other premium models is that once you’ve adjusted all the settings to your liking, everything can be automated. This includes the integrated grinder (yes, you can change the grind settings) and auto-tamping where you likewise set the pressure and duration.
The result? Very quick and consistent extraction without the manual labour, ideal for making multiple cups consecutively — like when you’re hosting or running a home-based cafe.
La Marzocco Linea is one of the most iconic commercial espresso machines there has ever been, so it makes sense that the Italian brand decided to make a home-friendly version of it.
Despite its compact build, reviews indicate that it’s suitable for advanced workflows, and just as good as its commercial counterpart.
Needless to say, you pay for what you get, and its hefty price tag means that it’s not for everyone.
Hey there — just so you know, all products listed in this article are independently curated by us. By clicking and purchasing from Shopee links, you will help to support our research and work by allowing us to earn a share of sales — here's a big thank you in advance! Do note that prices listed are accurate as of 2 October 2025.
Get a budget estimate before meeting IDs