Here is our review of the 5 best 15 bar pump espresso machines.
A 15 bar espresso machine is a great place to start when learning how to brew an espresso shot. These machines are perfect for home use and won’t completely break your budget too.
I found that the Breville Barista Express espresso machine is the best 15 bar pump espresso machine overall. It is an expensive machine but is easy to use and is for both beginners and advanced brewers.
However, if the Barista Express isn’t the right machine for you, then we have other 15 bar pump espresso machines that may be better suited for you.
So, let’s get started:
- Why Buy A 15 Bar Espresso Machine?
- 5 Best 15 Bar Pump Espresso Machines Reviewed
- Buyer’s Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- The Verdict
Our Best 15 Bar Pump Espresso Machines
- Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
- Gevi 15 Bar Espresso Machine
- Yabano 15 Bar Espresso Machine
- De’Longhi EC680M 15 Bar Espresso Machine
- Brim 15 Bar Espresso Machine
Why Buy A 15 Bar Pump Espresso Machine?
One of the highest pressures a machine can pump is 15 bars which is why a 15 bar pump espresso machine is ideal. You won’t necessarily use 15 bars of pressure when brewing coffee as this can result in poor brewing quality. But a machine that can pump high pressures between 10-15 bars means it’s great for brewing espresso coffee. So the reason for buying a 15 bar espresso machine is to get good pressure in order to extract the best brewing flavors.
5 Best 15 Bar Espresso Machines Reviewed
Here are 5 of our best 15 bar pump espresso machines. Each of these machines have a key feature that is best suited for your preference such as affordability or its overall design.
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
Best Overall
Pros
- Superb brewing quality
- Adjustable grind size
- Built in grinder
Cons
- Expensive
- Not small and compact
- No digital display screen
The Breville Barista Express is the best 15 bar pump espresso machine overall. It is pricey but won’t completely break your budget and has all the features you need to brew a perfect shot of espresso. You can adjust many different aspects including the grind size, filter size, and temperature control.
The downside to the Barista Express is that it is on the expensive-end, meaning you’ll need to invest a little more if you plan on buying this machine. The other downside is that it doesn’t have a digital display screen like the other models of the Barista line.
Most 15 bar pump espresso machines usually require a separate grinder or pre-ground coffee. The Barista Express on the other hand has a built-in grinder which makes life way easier. If you plan on investing into a premium-end 15 bar pump espresso machine, then the Barista Express is the way to go.
Gevi 15 Bar Espresso Machine
Best Value
Pros
- Has cup warmers
- Temperature control
- Adjustable milk frothing
- Affordable
- Large water reservoir
Cons
- Brewing quality not perfect
- Looks a bit plasticky
The Gevi 15 Bar Espresso Machine is an underrated machine that definitely earns the best value position. It comes with a few features including cup warmers, active temperature control, and adjustable milk frothing. It’s also half the price of the De’Longhi EC680M.
There aren’t many downsides to this 15 bar espresso machine as it is completely worth its value. The only downside I will say is that its overall brewing quality cannot compare to the De’Longhi EC680M and Barista Express. But it still brews a decent shot of espresso.
Other pros of the Gevi include a removable cup holder, a large water reservoir, and is somewhat compact in size. If you’re looking for a programmable espresso machine that has unique features and is budget friendly, then the Gevi 15 Bar is definitely for you.
Yabano 15 Bar Espresso Machine
Best Budget
Pros
- Very budget friendly
- Has a cup warmer
- Good sized water reservoir
Cons
- Brew quality is okay
- Plasticky look
The Yabano 15 Bar Espresso Machine is almost a third of the price of the Gevi 15 Bar. It is the only high quality 15 bar espresso machine that’s under $100 which is why it’s the best for budget. There are some cool features including adjustable shot sizes and an adjustable steamer.
The downside to the Yabano 15 Bar is that the brewing quality is okay and the machine also looks very plasticky. Although the Yabano comes with a tamper, it is made of plastic which is not ideal when compressing the coffee grounds.
Other than its plastic build quality, the Yabano has a removable water reservoir, drip tray, light indicators and cup warmers. If you’re on a very strict budget and want a machine that can brew your daily shot of espresso then the Yabano 15 Bar is an excellent choice.
De’Longhi EC680M 15 Bar Espresso Machine
Best Compact
Pros
- Can use pods instead of ground coffee
- Small and compact
- Premium stainless steel build quality
Cons
- Pricey
- Can only brew one cup at a time
The De’Longhi EC680M is arguably the most compact, high-end 15 bar espresso machine you’ll find. It comes with three portafilters, one for single shot, another for double shots, and the third one for using pods. This is a great feature to have as using pods will allow you to try out a variety of espresso flavors.
The downside to the De’Longhi EC680M is that it is relatively expensive considering the size of this machine. Although it brews great espressos, you can’t brew multiple cups at the same time which is why the EC680M is better suited for individual use.
Although it is relatively expensive, the De’Longhi EC680M has exceptionally quick heat up time and can brew amazing espresso. It is beautifully crafted with a stainless steel finish and is perfect for someone who wants a premium, compact espresso machine.
Brim 15 Bar Espresso Machine
Best Design
Pros
- Great sleek looking design
- Brews hot coffee
- Compact size
Cons
- Pricey
- Wood makes it more susceptible of breaking
The Brim 15 Bar Espresso Machine has a sleek stainless steel design with wooden/steel accents. The Brim 15 Bar is the best 15 bar espresso machine for its design. Other than its design, it also has an impressive thermocouple system which brews hot coffee at a near-perfect consistency
The downside to the Brim 15 Bar is that it is quite pricey compared to some of the other machines ranging at $199. Even though it has a beautiful design, its portafilter is crafted from wood which is more susceptible to breaking if dropped.
The Brim 15 Bar has all the basic functionality including single and double sized shots, a rotatable steam wand, and a drip tray. If you want a stylish 15 bar espresso machine that has great temperature control then the Brim 15 Bar is a great choice.
Buyer’s Guide
Here is a short buyer’s guide on what you should consider when buying a 15 bar espresso machine in case you are unsure of your final buying decision:
Build Quality
Most quality espresso machines are either built from stainless steel or a high quality plastic. When buying a 15 bar espresso machine, you’ll want to look for a machine that has a sturdy build that can last you for years without heavy maintenance.
Brewing Quality
15 bar espresso machine’s are great for compressing coffee grounds. But there are other factors that also affect the overall brewing quality. To brew quality tasting coffee, your machine will need to have good temperature control, brewing extraction and an even brew ratio. So make sure to look for a machine that has these features to make a fine shot of espresso.
Steam Wand
When it comes to steam wands, most 15 bar espresso machines have one. A steam wand will froth your milk so that you can make your favorite latte art in your coffee. So when you’re looking for a 15 bar espresso machine, make sure not to get a machine that doesn’t have a steam wand for some reason.
Temperature Control
People don’t realise how much temperature can affect your coffee extraction. The higher the temperature, the quicker it takes for your coffee to extract. Coffee grounds extract the best at high temperatures, so a 15 bar espresso machine with great temperature control is a must. If your machine cannot extract at high temperatures then your coffee will end up tasting watery.
Heat Up Time
The problem with many espresso machines is that they have long heat up times. You’ll want to look for a 15 bar espresso machine that can heat up within at least 60 seconds. Any longer than that and you’ll be biting your nails until they’re all gone. Any 15 bar espresso machine that can heat up within 20-30 seconds is great and is worth looking at.
Pressure Gauges
Pressure gauges are almost essential when buying a 15 bar espresso machine. The whole point of a 15 bar espresso machine is to brew at high pressures and you’ll want to see if you’re brewing at the right temperatures. The machines on this list I’ve chosen will either have a pressure gauge or digital display so that you will be able to see what pressure you are brewing at.
Water Capacity
A 15 bar espresso machine with a large water reservoir is convenient when needing to brew frequently. If you have a small water tank capacity then it can be quite frustrating needing to constantly refill the tank.
Sizing
Depending on your preference, you’ll either want a small compact 15 bar espresso machine or a large one. A larger machine is able to brew multiple beverages at a time such as the Breville Barista Express. However, if you have small counter space or want a machine for individual use, then a small compact machine like the De’Longhi EC680M will work great.
Cleaning and Maintenance
In terms of cleaning and maintenance, make sure to choose a 15 bar espresso machine that will last you in the long run and is not a hassle to clean everyday. Some 15 bar espresso machines offer descaling modes which will be pricier while others will need you to manually deep clean it.
There are issues with some espresso machines where the steam wand will drip after use which can leave an unnecessary mess. Another inconvenience is if your espresso machine doesn’t have a drip tray to catch any excess brew that comes out the group head. So make sure to look for espresso machines that don’t have these issues as it will be painful to use in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 15 bars mean on a coffee machine?
15 bars essentially means the amount of pressure your coffee machine is able to brew. 15 bars of pressure is very high and isn’t even recommended to use as it can lead to poor brew quality results.
What’s the difference between a 9 bar and 15 bar espresso machine?
The difference between a 9 bar and 15 bar espresso machine is really the amount of pressure it can produce. With a 9 bar espresso machine, you’ll miss out on using high pressures for brewing strong rich espressos.
Is a 15 bar espresso machine good?
A 15 bar espresso machine is good in terms of pressure. However, there are many other factors that will affect your brewing quality. This includes brewing temperature, coffee to water ratio and water quality.
The Verdict
These 15 bar pump espresso machines all have a key feature that is best suited for your preference. Whether you want a budget-friendly or premium-end machine, we have it right here.
To conclude, the Breville Barista Express is the best 15 bar pump espresso machine overall. It has all the functions you need to adjust and brew the perfect shot of espresso.
If these espresso machines aren’t for you then make sure to look at our 7 of the best semi automatic espresso machines suited for you.