Which coffee machine is best in test in 2026?

The Ninja Luxe Café Pro is rated best in test and the model that gives most for your money, while the Sage Oracle Touch is rated the best premium model.

How much pressure does an espresso machine need?

A minimum of 9 bar is required for espresso. Machines stating 9–19 bar receive full score in the test, and models with lower pressure or missing information lose points. Many machines state 15 bar, which is standard for espresso machines.

How many grind levels should a coffee machine have?

The article recommends a machine with a built-in grinder and preferably five or more grind levels, since fewer levels give poorer scope to customise the coffee, especially for espresso.

Do I need a milk frother?

It depends on what you drink. For cappuccino or latte you need either a steam wand (manual) or an automatic milk function; if you only drink black coffee, it is unnecessary.

What criteria were used to score the machines?

Pressure (10), grinder (10), adjustment options (15), user-friendliness (10), features (20), capacity (10), build quality (15), cleaning and maintenance (5) and price and value for money (5).

Coffee Machine – Best in Test 2026 – Top 10 Espresso Machines | Hardworkout Magazine

Key takeaways

- Ten coffee and espresso machines were assessed on technical specifications, manufacturer and retailer information and customer feedback, not through physical testing.

- An espresso machine needs at least 9 bar of pressure; 15 bar is the standard figure stated by most manufacturers.

- Buyers should look for a built-in grinder with at least five grind levels, as fewer settings limit how far the coffee can be adjusted.

- A water tank of around 1.5 litres or more and a spacious bean container reduce how often the machine needs refilling.

A good coffee machine makes it easier to brew coffee that actually tastes the way you want it – every day. In this test, we have reviewed 10 popular models in various price ranges, from simple solutions to more advanced espresso machines.

The goal is to give you an overview of which models offer the most for your money, and what distinguishes them. This way, you get a solid foundation before choosing your next coffee machine.

At the bottom of the article, you can read more about the criteria for the test, as well as what you should look for before buying a new coffee machine/espresso machine.

How did we test the coffee machines?

Hardworkout.no is committed to ensuring that our tests are independent and credible. The products in this test have not been physically tested by us, but evaluated based on technical specifications, features, information from the manufacturer and retailer, as well as feedback from customers.

In the assessment, we have emphasized performance and effect, capacity, features, user-friendliness, cleaning, and value for money to compile this top list.

Do prices in this test change?

PS: Prices and selection may vary from day to day. The prices we provide are recommended prices. Online stores often have good deals, and the products may be on promotion at a lower price than what is stated here.

We always strive to keep the list updated with products that are in stock. Where there are multiple alternative prices, we link to several stores.

By shopping through the links in the test, you contribute to our ability to continue publishing quality-conscious tests and articles, and we greatly appreciate it if you do so. Prices are updated regularly and reflect the best prices on the market.

- Best in test/most for your money: [Ninja Luxe Café Pro](https://hardworkout.no/Ninja-Luxe-Cafe-Pro-SharkNinja)

- Best premium model: [Sage Oracle Touch coffee machine](https://hardworkout.no/Sage-Oracle-Touch-kaffemaskin)

The Criteria for the Test

To provide a fair and useful assessment, we have considered the following criteria:

Pressure (10)

Stated pressure (bar). For espresso, a minimum of 9 bar is required. Machines that state 9–19 bar receive full score, while models with lower pressure or missing information are deducted points.

Grinder (10)

Whether the machine has a built-in grinder, type of grinder burrs (flat or conical), and number of settings. More levels and solid burrs provide better control over the grind.

Adjustment Options (15)

What choices the machine offers:

– number of levels for grinding beans

– choice of coffee strength

– storage of personal settings (where applicable) Machines with more specific choices score higher.

User-Friendliness (10)

How straightforward the machine is to use:

– buttons or display

– how easy it is to select coffee

– how easy it is to make changes

Features (20)

What the machine can actually do:

– number of coffee types (espresso, coffee, cappuccino, etc.)

– milk steamer (manual, automatic, or none)

– two cups at the same time

– integrated tamper (on applicable models)

Capacity (10)

Size of the water tank and bean container.

Build Quality (15)

Assessed based on:

– materials (metal vs. plastic)

– weight

– metal portafilter (on manual models) Machines with more metal and higher weight score higher.

Cleaning and Maintenance (5)

Whether the machine has automatic cleaning and descaling programs and how easy it is to clean.

Price and Value for Money (5)

Overall assessment of features, quality, and capacity compared to price.

Fully automatic, semi-automatic or manual – which type suits you?

Start by choosing the type of machine based on how much you want to do yourself.

If you want coffee with one press, choose a fully automatic model. If you want more control over the espresso, go for a semi-automatic or manual machine – but then you also have to set the grind, dosing, and brewing yourself.

Then look at the grinder.

Choose a machine with a built-in grinder and several grind levels (preferably 5 or more). Fewer levels provide poorer opportunities to customize the coffee, especially for espresso.

Check what adjustments you have per cup.

You should be able to set how much coffee is used and how much water goes through. Without these choices, you will essentially get the same cup every time, with no possibility to adjust strength and flavor.

For espresso: look at pressure.

The machine should have at least 9 bar pressure. Many state 15 bar, which is standard for espresso machines. Lower pressure results in poorer outcomes.

Consider milk function based on needs.