Five of the best espresso machines

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1. Melitta Avanza

The Avanza is a seriously stylish machine that does all the work for you at the press of a button – or rather, buttons. These make everything from selecting intensity and changing to double-cup mode to servicing the machine a doddle.

2. Gaggia Classic

This Italian designed and made machine looks sleek and stylish. It is also robust, easy to set up and intuitive to operate, plus – crucially – the coffee it produces is exquisite.

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3. Salter Caffé Barista Pro Espresso Machine

This espresso machine is a bargain, and involves no compromise on performance or the quality of the coffee it makes. It is straightforward and no fuss, with buttons for selecting the steam or espresso functions and a dial for controlling the steam wand.

4. Cuisinart Veloce

This is the Ferrari of at-home espresso machines, and it offers an abundance of options. The LCD touch-screen display allows you to adjust the strength, size, temperature and even the ratio of coffee to frothed or steamed milk.

5. Smeg 50’s Style Retro Espresso Machine

An unmistakably Smeg product, there is no better espresso machine for retro enthusiasts. It is surprisingly slimline, and is built to last with stainless steel parts. Plus, the steam wand makes heavenly silky milk.