Best High-End Espresso Machine: the Most Impressive Ones

We find it very delicate to talk about the best high-end espresso machine that the World knows of. This feeling of delicacy deeply relates to our utter respect for the craftsmanship behind these machines and their irreplicable flamboyance. Telling about their impeccable appearance and about their statement, transcends these espresso machines to a feeling, to an expression.

Nothing gives the good espresso tradition and its elegant bloom more value than high-end espresso machines. The refined behaviour of one sophisticated espresso machine sparkles contact with the evolution of human coffee tastes, the details and the little spectacular improvements, each crafted year, after year, after year.

The emotional involvement present when choosing a high-end espresso machine is the greatest proof of synchronicity between the owner and the machine. If entry-level machines bring home the automated efficiency, high-enders open the gates of a lifestyle that embraces a person’s true character.

All of this makes advertising these machines for our visitors a task that is as responsible, as it is enjoyable. Today, the respect, love, and elegance that these machines evoke in us brought us to our list of best high-end espresso machines. Enjoy.

#1 ECM Technika IV Profi Switchable

Editor’s rating: 4.8 Star Editor's Rating

ECM Technika IV Profi Switchable Espresso Machine We’re unable to resist beauty and tastefulness, and the ECM Technika IV Profi has them both.

The natural accents on the housing formed by light make the mirror-finish of the machine exquisite. Every angle follows the machine’s smoothness and slippery-ness, creating color depth on the stainless steel casing, while the piano-black endings of the levers remind us of the high-end espresso machine standard.

The machine is an ingenious collaboration between aesthetics and functionality. Angled surfaces, rounded edges, and a sophisticatedly-elaborated E61 brew group show that the machine can toggle between high-performance and meticulous details with simplicity.

Underneath the enthralling casing, the machine keeps home its heat exchange boiler, the quiet rotary pump, the pressurestat, and the harmonically-placed tubes and wires. Like for the housing, stainless steel is also the material of the insulated boiler, but this time to make a statement about the boiler’s resistance to scale and corrosion.

The practice of insulation follows through the wands for steam and hot water, but this time to prevent burns.

The ECM Technika IV Profi is plumbable, but it does have a water tank as well, which is but one of the many flexibilities that come with the fully-developed personality of the espresso machine.

Key features:

  • Heat exchange boiler
  • Rotary pump
  • Stainless steel housing
  • Pressurestat
  • Over-pressure valve
  • E61 brew head
  • Heat-insulated wands
  • Adjustable brew pressure
  • Angled portafilter handle

Pros

Designed to portray the cold and unique beauty of the stainless steel casing

Cleanly routed high-quality braided stainless steel and copper tubing

Heat-insulated steam and hot water wands, operated by lever valves for easier control

Control over the brew pressure

Water line and tank options

Cons

Nothing that we found to be disturbing

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#2 Nuova Simonelli Oscar II

Editor’s rating: 4.5 Star Editor's Rating

Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Espresso Machine The beauty of the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II espresso machine is not a clandestine one. Plastic is usually frowned upon, but not only does this machine escape harsh criticism because of that—it also paints a different picture about the union of the two materials.

A simple, unadulterated housing never fails to impress, especially when one knows how detailed and prosumer-oriented the performance of the machine is. With a heat exchange boiler, an astonishing steam wand with four holes, and steam pressure control, the machine’s class is unquestionably confirmed.

We find it a felony to not mention the craftsmanship that lead to the noticeable design of the entrance spot for the steam wand. This is a tiny detail that is so rarely seen on other espresso machines, and yet gives a stylish speckle of sophistication to the Oscar II and makes the wand completely rotational.

A couple inches above the steam wand, the plastic steam controller keeps the clean look of the machine untouched, while its voguish body adds to the simplistic style of the machine.

The metallic housing, together with the professionalism-evoking features, also puts a facade for the highly-affordable price of the Oscar II. Sold for something over $1000, the machine can be considered entry-level, at least in regards to the price.

Key features:

  • Heat exchange boiler
  • Pre-infusion
  • Auto-volumetric machine
  • Steam pressure control
  • 3-way solenoid valve
  • Stainless steel casing with a plastic top and bottom
  • Auto-refill
  • 360˚ rotational steam wand

Pros

Affordable for prosumers

A careful and simplistic interpretation of how tradition can have a modernistic look

Brilliant execution of the design of the brew head

A long, powerful 360 ˚ steam wand with four holes

Steam pressure control

Cons

No hot water spout

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#3 Nuova Simonelli Musica

Editor’s rating: 5 Star Editor's Rating

Nuova Simonelli Musica Stainless Steel Pour Over Espresso Machine w/ Black Lining The Musica is encased in a body that gives out the impression of massiveness and grandiosity with a subtle hint of aesthetics. Simplicity wasn’t really the goal of this machine’s design. Instead, few components on the outside of the machine make for subtle complexity.

The steam and hot water wands are the mirror-finish accents of the machine and this accenting follows through the brew head and the portafilter. With four holes at the tip and a steam pressure controller, this machine adequately works with its massiveness.

Inside the Musica is a large-capacity copper and brass boiler, but the machine doesn’t use it for heating of the brew head; still, the brew head never experiences swings in temperature because of other heating mechanisms included.

The machine is volumetric, with a pressure-managing logistics that make it capable for pre-infusion. Plumbing is possible, but also exclusive: one can make a choice between a Musica with a tank or one with that is plumbable.

Speaking of exclusivity, versions of the machine also vary when it comes to the side LED lights, which will be present or absent on the machine depending on the version.

Key features:

  • Polished stainless steel housing
  • Steam pressure control
  • Heat exchange boiler
  • Steam wand with 4 holes
  • Hot water wand
  • Three-way solenoid valve
  • Optional LED lights
  • Line connect or water tank versions
  • Pre-infusion
  • Auto-refill

Pros

Slight complexity paired with moderate elegance for a fearless looking machine

A powerful and state-of-the-art steam wand

LED version lets the machine be a step closer to a chick design

Heat exchange boiler for brewing and steaming simultaneously

Available in plumbable and tank versions

Cons

Drip tray might not come out of the machine easily at times

A noticeable cut on flexibility by plumbable-tank dichotomy

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#4 Jura W3 Professional

Editor’s rating: 4.8 Star Editor's Rating

Jura 15089 GIGA W3 Professional Automatic Coffee Machine, Silver Tailored for a crowded coffee atmosphere, the Jura W3 Professional coffee machine is one of the best advocates for commercial-grade coffee at the office, a seminar, or any events hosted.

Jura’s machines are always characterized with hi-tech designs suitable for the eye of urban coffee idealists. That said, the Jura W3 takes Jura’s trademark to the highest standard, while interweaving it with high-end Jura features, like butterfly spouts, fast steaming time, and an endless menu of barista drinks.

This machine is the perfect epitome of sophistication and high-class optionality at every professional event. A 169-ounce tank, a 35-ounce bean hopper, and a hot water spout left no one’s taste be an exception to the rule of this machine. Every cup is customizable based on all known coffee parameters available via the modernized TFT display, leaving all users with the awe and simplicity of operation.

Undoubtedly, the unprecedented W3 is one of the most efficient and dynamic Jura models. Fully-automatic and highly-flexible, this machine takes after the entrepreneurial and individualistic culture and brings the best out of it through coffee delights.

Key features:

  • Bean-to-cup
  • Ceramic grinder
  • 35-ounce bean container
  • TFT screen
  • Rotary dial
  • Butterfly and height-adjustable spouts
  • Hot water spout
  • Integrated cleaning cycles

Pros

Smart, classy, and powerful, like the best entrepreneurs

In support of the best coffee service with a vast list of barista-grade coffees and other drinks

Flexible in the accommodation of cups, glasses, and mugs of different sizes

Strokes-function for multiple ‘grind and brew’ sequels and more coffee (‘coffee pod’ option)

Reasonably-easy cleaning, with integrated cleaning programs and drip tray emptying after 40 cups

Cons

Expensive

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#5 Jura Z8

Editor’s rating: 3.8 Star Editor's Rating

JURA Z8 Automatic Coffee Machine Stylish, charismatic, and sophisticated in every way, from the wavy flow of its housing to the 21 drinks, 16 of which are programmable, the Z8 is pure perfection. Modernized elegance follows every line of this Jura machine, changing into its highly-adjustable butterfly spouts, the dark state-of-the-art tank, and the hi-tech touch screen.

The uniqueness of every Jura machine takes after the numerous technologies patented by this manufacturer. Jura machines thrive on the exuberance of new technologies, new ways to bring different commodities to the customer, while creating new traditions in the coffee-making industry.

Famous and adored for its Intelligent Water System and the Pulse Extraction Process, the Jura Z8 also pairs with electronic devices via the Jura Coffee App, for, like we said, more commodity. Offices, whether they are larger or smaller, never fail to integrate this machine as part of their inventory.

Key features:

  • 21 drinks, out of which 16 can be programmed
  • 10-ounce bean hopper
  • Butterfly and height-adjustable coffee spouts
  • Automatic milk system
  • One-touch coffee options
  • Double boiler system
  • Double boiler system
  • Two-scoop bypass doser

Pros

Designed to evoke the refined prosumer side of users

Perfect for making espresso and milk-based drinks fast, for it steams and brews at the same time

Great technologies, like the I.W.S and the P.E.P., give coffees the ‘Jura tweak’

Highly-suitable for work places

Irresistibly stylish

Cons

Doesn’t come with a milk carafe

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FAQ

Will Amazon allow me to pay for more expensive espresso machines in installment rates?

There is a Monthly Payment plan that Amazon offers, but they offer this for certain products only. These products are part of the Amazon device family, and if your espresso machine is part of the family, they will allow you to pay in installment rates.

Please, read the information about Amazon’s Monthly Plan by clicking here.

Is the Jura Z8 similar to the Z6?

They are, in fact, two very similar Jura coffee machines, with the Jura Z8 being the more sophisticated of the two.

Please ready our in-depth review on the Jura Z6 to find out more about this Jura machine.

Choose your high-end espresso machine with these ‘points’ of reference

Design and materials

The design determines the looks and the durability of your machine. When in search for the best high-end espresso machine, look for the following:

– hex-head screws;
– insulated boilers made of copper or stainless steel;
– tubing made of copper, braided stainless steel, brass, or nickel-plated copper;
– metal or housings made of sturdy plastic parts
– steam protection for electronic components inside the machine, such as a vacuum relief valve connected with a tube with the drip tray for moisture release in the tray;
– espresso machines that are easy to open
– protective slides on drip trays for drip tray scratch prevention
– machines with accessible tanks and drip trays
– cleverly-routed wires and tubes inside the espresso machine
– electronic components that are separated from sources of heat and moisture

Noise

Look for espresso machines with rotary or vibratory pumps that are mounted well, with a rubber plate next to them to absorb vibrations. In general, rotary pumps are less noisy and the noise that they make is different from the mechanical noise of vibratory pumps.

Pump

Not only are rotary pumps less noisy, but they will also last you a year or two longer and minimize the water pressure oscillations, crucial for making good espresso. However, these pumps are more expensive and rare are the machines that use them. A machine with a vibratory pump is still good choice if the rest of the mechanisms in the machine function properly, and it allows for pre-infusion due to the slower pressure build of the vibratory pump.

Brands of electronic components

Brands like GICAR and Ma-Ter have a reputation for producing high-quality electronic components for espresso machines. If your machine has components by one of these two or other respectable brands, it could be a good sign for its quality.

Boiler

The best high-end espresso machines will have a heat exchange boiler or two separate boilers – one for steaming and another one for brewing.

PID controller

Brewing temperature that is controlled by a PID controller is better controlled than a pressurestat. However, there are people who don’t mind that a pressurestat can allow the temperature to oscillate by about 1˚ and still consider it to be a good component. Therefore, choosing an espresso with a pressurestat is not a crime per se.

Conclusion

The road to the best high-end espresso machine is paved with intricacies and implies thoughtfulness. If not, it results in failure to address the most personal and delicate needs of a customer.

Following that compass, the Morning Call Coffee Stand team sailed through a vast sea of high-end espresso machines, while paying attention to the best and most unique features out there. We can say that we were lucky and honored to lay eyes on the ECM Technika IV Profi Switchable espresso machine and the rest of the machines that we covered in this article. Believing that these machines are the most elite representatives of the diverse espresso machines sold, we’ll conclude that our search for the best-high end espresso machine is over and let you choose the best one for you.

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