Best Single-Boiler Espresso Machines – Top 6 Models Reviewed

As an avid espresso drinker and ex-barista, I have had my fair share of experiences with different machines. I have tried machines with double boilers, manual levers, and even super automatics.

However, if you’re someone who is just starting out or looking for an affordable option for your home, a single-boiler espresso machine is the way to go.

In this article, I am going to explore the best single-boiler espresso machines on the market and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

From features and performance to design and affordability, I will cover all the key factors that you need to consider before investing in a single-boiler espresso machine.

I’ll also include a buying guide so you know what to consider before purchasing your espresso machine. So, if you’re ready to elevate your home espresso game, keep reading!

The 6 Best Single-Boiler Espresso Machines

Before you jump into the brief reviews of each single-boiler espresso machine above, here’s a quick heads-up.

Whenever we choose the best units, the team and I prioritize the quality of espresso the machine makes above everything else. We also took into account the machine’s build quality, boiler size, temperature assistance, pump pressure, price, and other factors.

And don’t worry, all machines on our list have passed the latte-art test. In other words, they all have built-in steam wands for crafting milk-based drinks.

Rancilio Silvia – Best Overall

The Rancilio Silvia is a semi-auto espresso machine that has been designed and built with quality, durability, and precision in mind. I absolutely love how it looks and performs!

So why is it my number-one pick?

First off, it has a big 68 oz water tank. It comes with a professional wood-handle tamper, a 9g single shot basket, a 17g double shot basket, and a double spout portafilter among many other awesome things.

On top of that, it’s made from high-quality stainless steel and it just looks badass. Kinda gives you that old-school look of Italian espresso machines.

The Silvia also comes standard with an articulating stainless steel steam wand, allowing a greater range of motion and making it much easier to use when making that perfect milk foam for your latte. 

And trust me, due to its commercial-grade inner parts, it is capable of wonders in both brewing and steaming categories.

Just by looking at the package, it’s clear to me that the guys from Rancilio know how to pack a commercial machine experience into a small and compact home machine.

As I said in the introduction, we value the quality of espresso a machine is capable of making the most. That said, I’m pretty sure that you won’t find a single-boiler machine that does a better job than Silvia.

The reasons for this are many. Hmmm, where to start…

First of all, a 58mm commercial-grade brass portafilter, and commercial-grade group head combined with a 15-bar Italian pressure pump are capable of delivering perfect results every time.

One of the main reasons for high-quality output is the advanced single-boiler system. This system ensures that the water temperature remains steady and accurate during the brewing process.

It’s almost impossible to brew a bad-tasting espresso with Silvia.

Speaking of which, since it is a single-boiler, you should learn temperature surfing if brewing back-to-back espresso shots or steaming milk right after brewing espresso.

Below is a super-helpful guide on how to master this technique.

Another downside to Silva is the slow heat-up time. It may take up to 15 minutes for the machine to get into brewing mode. So if you need a quick morning pickup, you will have to remember to turn on Silva before anything else.

Overall, Silvia is definitely one of the best single-boiler espresso machines we have ever tested. It’s a great choice if you are looking for a high-quality espresso output for a mid-range price (under $1000).

Gaggia Classic Prestige – Runner-Up

The Gaggia Prestige espresso machine is a high-quality home espresso maker that boasts advanced features and capabilities.

This advanced machine is designed and built in Italy and features a stainless steel body. In other words, this beauty is built to last.

One of the features of the Prestige I like the most is its advanced brewing system.

The machine is equipped with a commercial-grade brass, chrome-plated 58mm portafilter which is capable of brewing single or double shots of espresso, and a professional-grade group head.

The commercial-style chrome-plated brass brew group provides further temperature stability and the 3-way solenoid valve relieves pressure after brewing for clean and easy-to-knock-out pucks of espresso.

That said, just like the Silva, Prestige has passed the espresso test with flying colours!

Additionally, the Prestige includes a commercial steam wand. The milk foam it makes truly rivals the quality of commercial machines.

It has a removable water tank that can hold up to 72 oz of water, along with a cup warmer and a hot water dispenser for making tea.

The Prestige is super easy to use thanks to the user-friendly interface. You can tweak the settings – like temperature regulation or single/double espresso shot extraction – easily with the iconic rocker switches and chrome-plated brass buttons.

The only thing we didn’t like about the Prestige is the machine’s pressure is too high at 15 bars. And this is a factory setting.

It’s because they want the device to work better with a pressurized basket. If you use a single wall basket, it becomes more of an issue.

But all in all, the Prestige came up very close to our number one spot for the best single-boiler espresso machines. It’s a great choice if you want a high-quality espresso brewing experience for a reasonable price.

De’Longhi Stilosa – Best On-Budget

The De’Longhi Stilosa is a top contender for those seeking an on-budget single-boiler espresso machine. It’s small but packs a punch!

Ok, you probably won’t get the same quality of espressos as you would with Gaggia or Rancilio. But for this price range, Stilosa does a fair job.

The espresso maker’s got a stainless steel boiler, which is always a win. The 15-bar pump adds enough pressure, even compared to machines that cost hundreds more. You only need 9 bars to make good espresso, FYI.

The Stilosa, like many budget espresso makers, only includes pressurized filter baskets. These are meant for pre-ground coffee and even out grind inconsistency and produce fake crema. Your espresso looks good but lacks complexity.

One of the most notable features of the De’Longhi Stilosa espresso machine is its adjustable milk frother, which allows you to create silky smooth milk foam.

Furthermore, the machine’s 41 oz removable water tank makes refilling convenient, and its removable drip tray makes cleaning quick and hassle-free.

The machine also comes with a removable drip tray and water tank, making it easy to clean and maintain. The sleek and stylish design blends seamlessly with any kitchen decor.

Another notable feature of Stilosa is its energy-saving function. After nine minutes of inactivity, the machine will automatically enter standby mode, reducing energy consumption and saving you money on your electricity bills.

The De’Longhi Stilosa is also user-friendly, with its easy-to-use interface and streamlined design. The one-touch controls enable effortless operation and customization of your coffee preferences.

The major drawback, as we said, is the quality of espresso. Nonetheless, for its price range, and with some professional tweaks, you can make a very good cup with Stilosa.

ECM Classika – Best Upgrade

The ECM Classika espresso machine is a high-end and versatile espresso machine. If you want the best single-boiler espresso experience, and you don’t mind paying the top dollar, this shiny guy is for you.

The Classika has got some cool espresso-making features we think you’re gonna like.

First off, it’s got a custom machined E61 group head, a PID controller, and flow control, so your coffee’s gonna be super stable and taste amazing.

This state-of-the-art machine is equipped with a powerful 1200W heating element that enables it to heat quickly and maintain a consistent brewing temperature for consistent and flavorful shots of espresso.

Plus, you can tweak the brew temp to bring out those subtle flavour notes and adjust the steam temp to suit your style.

One of the key features of the ECM Classika espresso machine is its PID temperature control system which ensures maximum precision and control over the brewing temperature.

As we said, the machine is also fitted with an E61 brew group, which guarantees consistent temperature and pressure during the brewing process.

The group head is made of chrome-plated brass, which helps to retain heat for consistent brewing temperatures, while the pre-infusion process ensures that the grounds are saturated evenly, resulting in a superior and flavorful extraction.

The ECM Classika espresso machine also boasts a large, stainless steel water tank that can hold up to 33 oz of water. This means that you can brew multiple espresso shots without the need for frequent refilling.

Additionally, the machine is fitted with a professional-grade steam wand that provides frothed milk for crafting perfect milk-based espresso drinks.

Needless to say, Classika has got all the bells and whistles you would want in a premium single-boiler espresso machine. As with all machines with one boiler, the drawback is that you can’t switch quickly between brewing and steaming.

Breville Bambino Plus – Best Entry Level

First off, one of the most impressive features of the Breville Bambino Plus is its fast heating system. Within mere seconds, this machine is ready to brew, thanks to its 3-second heat-up time.

This is a huge advantage if you are short on time in the morning, or you just want your coffee fixed as quickly as possible like me!

As for the espresso quality, the Bambino’s pre-infusion function ensures an even extraction, and the purge function automatically adjusts boiler temperature after steaming to eliminate the need for temperature surfing. 

The PID keeps the brewing temp stable, providing way more consistency than machines like Gaggia or Rancilio. 54 mm portafilter and preinfusion also help with consistency, making it very easy to pull good shots.

Another standout feature of this machine is its innovative automatic milk-frothing system. This system ensures that your milk is heated and frothed to perfection, every time, with minimal effort on your part.

This is a huge bonus if you are new to making espresso and may struggle with manual frothing. Hence, this is why we recommend it as the best machine for newbies.

One of the best things about the Breville Bambino Plus is that it is incredibly user-friendly. It has a clear, easy-to-use control panel, and comes with a range of accessories, including a tamper, a stainless steel milk jug, and a cleaning tool.

By the way, if you have never done it, you can learn how to use an espresso machine with our step-by-step guide.

On the downside, some users have complained that the portafilter does not fit easily into the brew head. And the small drip tray fills up rather quickly.

But the overall feeling left after testing the Bambino was awesome. We would gladly recommend it if you are a newbie to the espresso brewing game.

You can read our in-depth Breville Bambino Plus review to learn more about this compact single-boiler espresso machine.

Profitec GO – Best Features

The Profitec GO espresso machine is a badass 135 oz single boiler espresso machine with high-quality features that set it apart as one of the best-in-class for its price.

It’s a compact machine with PID temp control, a visible brew pressure gauge, and an eco-friendly brass boiler.

One of the most outstanding features of the Profitec GO is its powerful thermal system, which makes it possible to brew consistent shots at an ideal temperature.

With a digital temperature control system, the espresso machine allows you to precisely regulate the water temperature based on the kind of roast you are using, ensuring the perfect brew every time.

Moreover, with its E61 group head, this machine provides an even distribution of water to your coffee grounds, which guarantees the perfect extraction of oils and flavours, resulting in a consistently perfect shot.

Unlike Rancilio for example, it is ready to brew just 5-7 minutes after being switched on. Furthermore, the 1,200-watt heating element will also let you switch from brew to steam in one minute.

You can also use the PID controls to switch to ECO mode which will turn off the machine automatically if it’s not used for some time, and also set the Cln mode to remind you when it’s time to clean the machine’s group head.

The Profitec GO also has an ergonomic commercial-grade steam wand that allows you to heat and froth milk to your desired texture and temperature.

Another feature of the Profitec GO espresso machine is its design, which I love by the way. The device is designed to be sleek, stylish, and durable, making it the perfect addition to any kitchen.

The body of the machine is made of high-quality stainless steel, which guarantees longevity and easy maintenance.

Overall, the GO is a top-notch prosumer machine with great design and reliability, though it has minor setbacks for single-boiler machines like needing to cool down the boiler after steaming can slow you down. But overall, it comes with loads of benefits!

How to Choose the Best Single-Boiler Espresso Machine

Large Boiler vs. Small Boiler

If you are an avid espresso enthusiast who wants to make a high volume of espresso shots daily, opting for a machine with a larger boiler size is ideal.

A large boiler size will also provide ample steam power for frothing milk and ensure that the machine can brew several shots of espresso back-to-back without extensive heat recovery time.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a compact and user-friendly option to make a few shots of espresso a day, a smaller boiler size may be the best choice.

A smaller boiler size will result in quicker heat-up times, which can increase efficiency and save time during the coffee-making process.

While smaller boilers may restrict brewing and steaming capabilities, the espresso machine will still produce an excellent shot of espresso.

Look For at Least 9 Bar of Pressure

To identify the perfect pressure power for your single-boiler espresso machine, you need to understand the different levels of pressure power available in the market.

The typical pressure ranges available include 9, 15, and 19 bars.

Generally, the higher the pressure power, the better the espresso produced, and the more efficient and faster the machine operates.

However, we recommend selecting a machine with a minimum of 9 bars, which is the standard for producing quality espresso.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that choosing a machine with higher pressure power will present several benefits.

For instance, higher pressure powers allow for faster extraction of the espresso, saving you time in the process. They also produce creamier, richer-tasting espresso shots with deeper flavours and aromas.

Go For High-Quality Materials

A high-quality espresso machine will not only ensure a better-tasting espresso but will also have a longer lifespan, saving you money in the long run.

One of the most critical components of a single-boiler espresso machine is the group head, which is responsible for dispensing the shot of espresso.

Quality espresso machines will have group heads made of brass or stainless steel, as these materials are durable and heat-resistant, ensuring consistent and precisely brewed espresso shots.

On the other hand, machines with group heads made of plastic or aluminium are more likely to crack or warp due to the heat generated in the brewing process.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the material used for the housing of the machine.

While plastic housing may make the machine less expensive, it is not as durable as machines with metal housing, which tends to last longer and can withstand higher temperatures.

A machine with metal housing, such as stainless steel, is easier to clean and maintain, providing a more hygienic experience for the user.

Furthermore, the quality of the components used in the espresso machine’s boiler is also essential.

A machine with a brass boiler provides better heat distribution, ensuring a consistent and precise brewing process. Additionally, brass has antimicrobial properties, reducing the chances of bacterial growth and ensuring a safer brewing process.

Opting for materials such as brass or stainless steel for the group head and boiler, and metal housing, will ensure a high-quality machine that will deliver delicious espresso for years to come.

Our #1 Recommendation

Ultimately, when all things have been taken into consideration, the Rancilio Silvia is one of the best single-boiler espresso machines on the market.

Its durability, convenience and overall performance make it a great choice if you are a home barista looking to discover the wonders of espresso-making.

Plus, its adjustable steaming wand warrants maximum control – allowing you to perfect your lattes and cappuccinos as well.

Overall, we’re sure that the Rancilio Silvia is definitely worth investing in!

FAQs

What is a single-boiler espresso machine?

This type of espresso machine has one boiler that is used for both brewing espresso and steaming milk.

Can you brew and steam at the same time with a single-boiler espresso machine?

No, you cannot brew and steam at the same time with this type of machine because there is only one boiler that is used for both functions.

You’ll need to wait for the machine to switch between brewing and steaming modes.

How long does it take a single-boiler espresso machine to heat up?

The heating time for this machine can vary depending on the size of the boiler, the power of the heating element, and the ambient temperature.

Generally, it can take anywhere from 1 to 15 minutes for the machine to heat up.

Can a single-boiler machine make milk-based drinks like cappuccinos or lattes?

Yes, most single-boiler machines have a steam wand that can be used to froth milk for cappuccinos or lattes.