With the exploding popularity of espresso and cappuccino drinks, it's no wonder home espresso/cappuccino machines are flying off the shelves. Combination coffee and espresso/cappuccino makers are perfect if your home has multiple coffee drinkers with differing tastes, or if you like to add a little variety to your beverage selection. These machines produce robust espresso coffee, traditional drip coffee and even pressure-brewed crema coffee, and built-in frothing devices add cappuccino, latte and other specialty coffee drinks to the menu. You'll pay more for combination machines, but considering the versatility and space-saving design of these devices, it's a fair tradeoff. The models below all feature pump-brewing espresso systems, which are considered superior to (but more expensive than) steam-powered machines.


Capresso Ultima 121

At a reasonable suggested price of $300, the Capresso Ultima 121 uses a high-pressure, 18-BAR pump to prepare crema coffee, espresso, cappuccino, cafe latte, cafe Americano and other specialty coffee drinks. This unit works with a variety of coffee grinds and roasts, including traditional and espresso roasts. The pump is less sensitive than with many other combination machines, so you can even use a blade coffee grinder and still get crema espresso coffee. A three-position selector switch lets you choose brewing, hot water or steam, and the attached frothing wand dispenses steam and air for frothed or steamed milk for lattes or cappuccino. The Capresso Ultima 121's only limitation is its inability to handle pre-filled pods, but it is still a fine machine and a good value.

Capresso Ultima 121

Capresso Ultima 121


DeLonghi Caffe Nero BCO264B

The DeLonghi Caffe Nero BCO264B is a three-in-one combination machine that brews a 10-cup carafe of traditional drip coffee on one side and authentic pump-driven espresso and cappuccino on the other. The auto-drip coffee maker functions just like a traditional unit, and it includes superb features like a 24-hour programmable clock and timer, DeLonghi's innovative Flavor Savor brewing system and an Accuflavor strength selector to ensure great-tasting coffee when and how you like it.

The espresso function utilizes a 15-BAR pump with stainless-steel boiler heating system to produce an authentic cup of rich espresso with almost no wait time between cups. The frothing wand can be counted on for extremely frothy milk for cappuccino and other drinks. The DeLonghi Caffe Nero has a suggested price of $300.


Saeco Talea Ring Plus

The Saeco Talea Ring Plus is a super-automatic machine that takes all of the work out of making espresso coffee. At a suggested $1,800, the Talea Ring Plus occupies a mid-level price point in the super-automatic category. It is smaller than some similarly equipped competitors, with a contemporary, space-saving design that still incorporates all of the necessary elements into the base.

The Talea Ring Plus's built-in components include a ceramic disc grinder, a motorized cup tray, a cup-warming area, a rapid-steam frothing wand and an adjustable dispensing head. Literally every option is adjustable; you pick the beverage (coffee, espresso, long coffee or hot water only), the coffee intensity (strong, medium or mild); the cup size, the coffee temperature and the fineness of the coffee grind (fine, medium or coarse). For cappuccinos, lattes and other milk-based beverages, the steam function works with the frothing wand to dispense a plentiful supply of steam through its swiveling spout. Touch-sensitive controls make operation quick and hassle-free. For the effortless brewing of a variety of coffee drinks, take a look at the Saeco Talea Ring Plus.


Jura-Capresso Impressa Z5 13214

The Jura-Capresso Impressa Z5 13214 is a powerful super-automatic machine packed with specialty features and state-of-the-art programs. At a suggested price of $3,249, this unit is among the priciest machines on the market, but you certainly get what you pay for. The Impressa Z5 is built from the highest-quality materials and boasts superior performance in addition to its sophisticated, modern appearance.

The Impressa Z5 is fully automatic and handles all of the steps of the espresso-making process, from grinding the beans to brewing the coffee. For cappuccinos and lattes, it even sports an auto-frothing accessory that delivers frothed milk from pitcher to cup in seconds. Each of the controls can be adjusted to your individual preferences. There are five different coffee strengths, three temperature settings and varying quantities for the coffee and milk.

The Impressa Z5's user-friendly LED screen lets you know when to add beans or water, which function is in progress and even when to run a rinsing or cleaning cycle. The heating system consists of two stainless steel-lined thermoblocks, one for coffee and one for steam. By varying the type of coffee beans used, you can produce dark espresso coffee or lighter crema coffee, and you can always add expertly frothed milk to complete the beverage. If you can afford it, the Jura-Capresso Impressa Z5 can't be beat.

Krups XP2070

Krups XP2070


Krups XP2070 Coffee and Espresso Combination Machine

The XP2070 is Krups' top-of-the-line combination machine, and for good reason. This attractive unit brews traditional drip coffee, espresso, cappuccino, latte and other specialty drinks. At its $299.99 suggested price, the XP2070 includes high-quality materials such as stainless-steel parts, a digital control panel and a 15-BAR pump with die-cast thermoblock heating element for the espresso function.

Despite its many features, the XP2070 is still relatively compact and surprisingly uncomplicated to operate. It can brew a 10-cup pot of coffee and then instantly switch to the espresso function, but keep in mind that although the espresso and drip-coffee functions are controlled separately, they cannot run simultaneously. The XP2070 comes with a programmable clock and timer, a flavor selector and a froth steam nozzle for producing frothed milk in no time. We love the machine's one-touch espresso function, which activates a pre-timed cycle to brew either a single shot or double shot of espresso. For a top-notch combination machine, check out the Krups XP2070.