A machine focused on pulling a genuine espresso shot. That’s the promise of the tru espresso machine, and it’s a refreshingly simple one. It cuts through the noise of steam wands and milk frothers to deliver what you really want: a perfect, rich crema on a double shot. It’s built for the purist in you.
But does this focused approach actually make your morning routine better? We spent weeks testing it to see if living with a single-purpose machine is a compromise or a liberation. Here’s our honest take on whether the tru lives up to it’s core mission.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Tru Espresso Machine
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
 |
CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Compact Espresso Maker…
|
9.9 |
Read Review |
 |
CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Stainless Steel…
|
9.7 |
Read Review |
 |
atatix Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 20 Bar Pressure…
|
9.5 |
Read Review |
 |
KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 800W Compact…
|
9.3 |
Read Review |
 |
XIXUBX 20Bar Espresso Machine, Compact Espresso Maker with Milk…
|
9.1 |
Read Review |
 |
(2025 Upgrade)20 Bar Espresso Machine with Built-in Anti-Clog Coffee…
|
8.9 |
Read Review |
 |
Chefman CraftBrew Espresso Machine, 15-Bar Pump Digital Espresso Maker…
|
8.7 |
Read Review |
 |
XIXUBX Espresso Machine, 20 BAR Pump Temperature Control, Compact…
|
8.5 |
Read Review |
 |
SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Professional Espresso Machine with…
|
8.3 |
Read Review |
 |
XIXUBX Coffee Machine, 3.5 Bar Espresso & Cappuccino Machine…
|
8.1 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Tru Espresso Machine
CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Compact Espresso Maker with Steam Milk Frother, Stainless Steel Coffee Machine with 34oz Removable Water Tank for Cappuccino, Gift for Women or Men, Silver
The CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine is a compact, 20-bar system designed to bring the core experience of a coffee shop into your kitchen. It’s built for someone who appreciates a genuine espresso base for drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, but values simplicity and a smaller footprint over a complicated, commercial setup. At its heart is a professional 20-bar pressure pump.
This system is key for proper extraction, pushing hot water through finely ground coffee to produce a shot with a richer aroma and that desirable layer of crema on top. A helpful built-in pressure gauge lets you monitor the process, so you can make small adjustments based on your prefered strength. The 1350W boiler heats up quickly, meaning you’re not waiting long to start brewing. A standout feature is the integrated steam wand. This isn’t just for heating milk; it’s for texturing it.
With a little practice, you can create creamy microfoam essential for a true cappuccino or for adding a velvety texture to a latte. It opens the door to personalizing your drinks and even trying your hand at simple foam art. Remember to froth milk *before* you brew your espresso shot, or let the machine cool down between functions, as the manual advises to avoid triggering the over-heat protection. Practicality is a major focus.
CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Stainless Steel Cappuccino & Latte Machine with Steam Frother for Home, 43.9oz Water Tank, Coffee Gift for Women & Men, Silver
The CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine is designed for anyone who wants real espresso at home without the complexity of a professional machine. It’s a straightforward, compact appliance that focuses on the core elements needed to make a great cup.
At its heart is a 20-bar pressure pump system. This is the key to proper espresso extraction.
It forces hot water through finely ground coffee, which pulls out the oils and flavors that create that rich, aromatic crema on top of your shot. It’s the foundation for all espresso-based drinks, and this machine provides that essential capability reliably.
Alongside the pump, the integrated steam wand is your tool for milk-based beverages. It’s a powerful wand that lets you texture milk, creating the microfoam needed for a latte or the thicker foam for a cappuccino.
With a little practice, you can steam milk to the right consistency, allowing you to not just make a drink but also experiment with simple latte art. It turns your kitchen into a personal coffee shop.
The design is practical for everyday use. Its stainless steel construction looks clean and modern in any kitchen, and its compact size means it won’t dominate your counter.
atatix Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 20 Bar Pressure Espresso Maker, with 44OZ Removable Tank, Compact Stainless Steel Coffee Machine for Home, Office, Latte, Cappuccino, Gift for Women or Men
The atatix Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is designed for anyone who wants genuine cafe-style coffee at home or in the office. It’s a compact, stainless steel machine that handles everything from a straight espresso to a creamy cappuccino, putting you in full control of your daily brew.
At its core is a professional 20-bar pressure system. This ensures the pump maintains the optimal 9-10 bars of pressure needed during extraction.
This consistent pressure fully saturates your coffee grounds, working to pull out deeper, complex flavors and that rich, golden crema that defines a great espresso shot. Consistency is further aided by the NTC precision temperature control. It heats up in about 30 seconds and locks in the ideal 90-96°C brewing range.
This means whether your using a light or dark roast, the flavor profile of the beans is accurately extracted, solving the problem of inconsistent, sour, or bitter shots.
Beyond espresso, the integrated steam wand is key for milk-based drinks. It delivers powerful, dry steam rather than weak, bubbly froth. In just seconds, you can turn flat milk into a dense, velvety microfoam with a naturally sweet taste.
KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 800W Compact Espresso and Cappuccino Machine with Preheating Function, 4 Cup Espresso Maker for Cappuccino or Latte, Gift for Coffee Lover
The KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is a compact and user-friendly appliance designed to bring the core espresso experience into your home kitchen. It balances simplicity with the essential functions needed for making espresso-based drinks, making it a practical choice for beginners or those with limited counter space. Operation is straightforward, centered around a single switch knob with an indicator light. This machine is built for both hot and iced coffee preparations.
A helpful pause function lets you stop the brew if needed, which is great for managing interruptions. Remember to always turn the knob to “OFF” to release pressure before opening the water tank or removing the portafilter for safety. The fast brewing technology aims to heat water quickly, capable of making up to four small cups (240ml total) of espresso in about two minutes. The included glass cup has clear markings to help you pour the right amount.
A key tip is not to exceed the 240ml water max in the tank to prevent leaking. For milk-based drinks, the powerful 800W steam wand is the highlight. It generates steam to froth milk in roughly 40 seconds, allowing you to create the microfoam necessary for cappuccinos and lattes. The wand includes a silicon pad to protect against burns. Accurate temperature control here helps ensure your milk doesn’t scald, preserving taste.
XIXUBX 20Bar Espresso Machine, Compact Espresso Maker with Milk Frother, Stainless Steel Coffee Machine for Cappuccino&Latte, 42oz Water Tank, Visible Pressure Gauge, Home&Office, Silver
The XIXUBX 20Bar Espresso Machine is a compact, silver stainless steel coffee maker built for home or office use. It combines professional-grade pressure with a user-friendly design to help you create authentic espresso-based drinks consistently.
At its core is a professional 20BAR pressure pump. This system is engineered for full extraction, which is key for pulling a shot of espresso with rich flavor and that signature layer of crema on top.
For the best results, its important to prime the machine correctly and use coffee ground to the right fineness. The visible pressure gauge lets you monitor the process, giving you feedback for a perfect extraction.
Temperature stability is crucial, and this machine adresses that with a fast heating system. It quickly gets to the ideal temperature for both brewing espresso and steaming milk, and works to maintain it.
To ensure your coffee is as hot as possible, letting the machine heat for about 60 seconds before your first brew and pre-warming your cups is a good step.
For milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes, the enhanced steam wand is a key feature. Its upgraded design aims to produce denser, finer microfoam for silky milk texture. The wand has a 360-degree adjustable and detachable nozzle for precise control and, importantly, easy cleaning.
(2025 Upgrade)20 Bar Espresso Machine with Built-in Anti-Clog Coffee Grinder, Expresso Coffee Machines with Milk Steam Wand/Frother/Tamping Tools,Espresso Maker with Grinder for Lattes-Charcoal
The (2025 Upgrade) 20 Bar Espresso Machine with Built-in Anti-Clog Coffee Grinder in Charcoal
This espresso machine is designed to bring a reliable, cafe-style experience into your kitchen without the complexity. Its built-in grinder is a key feature, specifically engineered to solve a common frustration. The upgraded clog-crushing grind path uses a wider, polished chute and a reinforced auger to instantly eject coffee grounds.
This means you can use a variety of beans, including oily dark roasts, and expect a consistent, mess-free grind every single time. No more poking at jammed chutes with a chopstick. At its core, the machine operates at an ideal 20 bars of pressure. This professional-level pressure is what extracts the full depth of flavor and rich aroma from your freshly ground coffee, creating a shot with that signature layer of crema on top. It’s the foundation for any great espresso-based drink.
And speaking of drinks, the attached steam wand is built for texture. It generates powerful, dry steam that lets you create barista-grade microfoam—silky for lattes, creamy and thick for cappuccinos, or just a velvety warmth for a flat white. The learning curve is gentle, and the results are consistently satisfying. We know cleanup can be a deterrent, so this model focuses on easy maintenance. The large 2.3-liter water tank is completely removable for simple filling and cleaning under your sink.
Chefman CraftBrew Espresso Machine, 15-Bar Pump Digital Espresso Maker w/Steam Wand for Latte & Cappuccino, Compact Espresso Coffee Machine w/ 1.5L Removable Water Reservoir – Stainless Steel
The Chefman CraftBrew Espresso Machine is a compact, digital coffee maker designed to bring the core elements of a cafe experience into your home kitchen. Its centered around a reliable 15-bar pump system, which is the standard pressure used to extract the full, rich flavor and signature crema from your espresso grounds.
This means you can achieve that authentic, bold espresso base without the daily trip and expense.
Beyond just espresso shots, this machine includes a built-in steam wand. This wand is your tool for texturing milk, allowing you to create the frothy microfoam needed for lattes and cappuccinos. The machine comes with two portafilter baskets, so you can choose between brewing a single shot for a quick pick-me-up or a double shot for a more substantial drink.
It’s about having the flexibility to make what you want, when you want it.
Customization is a key feature here. The digital touch control panel and programmable timer let you tailor the shot volume to your exact taste. Prefer a longer, milder lungo? You can program it. Want a shorter, more concentrated ristretto? That’s easily set too. The machine remembers your preference, aiming for consistency in every cup you brew.
XIXUBX Espresso Machine, 20 BAR Pump Temperature Control, Compact Espresso Maker with Steam Milk Frother, Professional Coffee Makers for Home, Cappuccino, Latte, Gifts for Coffee Lover, Black
The XIXUBX Espresso Machine is a compact, professional-grade coffee maker designed for home use. It combines the core features needed for authentic espresso with a user-friendly design that gets you from setup to first sip quickly.
At its heart is a 20-bar pump system. This pressure is key for extracting the full, rich flavor from your coffee grounds and creating that signature layer of crema on top of your espresso.
For the best results, you’ll want to use finely ground espresso beans and press them down firmly with the included tamper. A quick tip: before your first brew, make sure the portafilter and water tank are clicked securely into place, as this is a common reason the machine might not start.
Consistency is where the PID temperature control comes in. This technology actively manages the water temperature, ensuring it stays stable shot after shot.
This means a balanced, never bitter, espresso. To get the machine ready, just turn it on and let it preheat for about 60 seconds until the indicator light becomes solid. Running a quick hot water cycle through the empty portafilter first is a great habit—it warms up the components and helps avoid any startup hiccups.
Moving beyond espresso, the steam wand is your tool for milk-based drinks.
SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Professional Espresso Machine with Milk Frother and Touchscreen, Expresso Coffee Machines with Adjustable Temperature,for Cappuccino, Latte
The SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar is designed for anyone who wants a professional coffee experience at home without the complexity of commercial machines. It’s built around a core 20-bar pressure system and a 1350W motor, which work together to extract rich flavor and aroma from your coffee grounds, forming the perfect base for espresso shots and milk-based drinks.
You’ll find operation is straightforward thanks to the intuitive touchscreen.
It lets you select single or double shots with a tap. For more control, the manual mode allows you to customize the brew strength to your exact preference. The screen also manages practical functions like one-touch descaling and a 15-minute auto shutoff for safety and energy saving.
If your machine ever seems to stop working properly, it’s often just a reminder that it needs a descaling cycle, which is a simple process outlined in the manual.
Temperature is crucial for extraction, and this machine gives you three adjustable settings via its NTC system. This means you can fine-tune the water temperature to better suit different coffee roasts, ensuring a balanced cup every time. The professional steam wand is your tool for creating silky microfoam.
XIXUBX Coffee Machine, 3.5 Bar Espresso & Cappuccino Machine with Steam Wand, Compact Design Coffee Maker for Latte, Safety Lock & Tritan Cups, 800w, Black
The XIXUBX Coffee Machine is a compact espresso maker designed for simplicity and speed. It’s built to deliver a consistent coffee experience without taking up much space on your counter.
At the heart of this machine is its Fast Brewing Technology. An 800W heating system and 3.5 bar pressure work together to produce a fresh espresso in about two minutes. This makes it a practical choice for a quick morning routine or an afternoon break.
For the best results, it’s a good idea to let the machine cool down briefly between uses to maintain consistent temperature and flavor extraction.
Its size is a major advantage. With dimensions of 8.3”D x 6”W x 11.8”H and a weight of just 3.3 pounds, the design fits easily into small kitchens, dorm rooms, or office corners. You won’t have to rearrange your entire kitchen to make room for it.
Creating milk-based drinks is straightforward with the adjustable steam wand.
This wand lets you froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes, and it features a heat-resistant tube for safety. It includes a red pin for clearing any potential blockages. If the wand feels stiff when attaching, a gentle twist usually helps. Note that the mechanism might require a bit of hand strength to operate comfortably.
Operation is kept simple with a one-touch dial. A single knob controls both the brewing and steaming functions.
Tru Espresso Machine Buying Guide
True espresso machine quality is measured by pressure and temperature control. A real tru espresso machine delivers consistent 9 bars of pressure and heats water to a precise 200°F. This is what extracts teh rich, complex flavors from your coffee grounds. If you’re tired of weak, bitter, or sour shots, getting these fundamentals right is your first step.
Boiler Type and Steam Power
Do you want to make a latte right after pulling a shot? For that, you’ll need a machine with a dual boiler or a heat exchange system. These let you brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously without a big temperature drop. A single boiler is more budget-friendly, but you’ll have to wait between steps. Consider how often you make milk-based drinks.
Grind Size and the Portafilter
Espresso requires a very fine, consistent grind. If your current grinder can’t manage it, your expensive machine is wasted. Look for a burr grinder designed for espresso. Also, check if the machine comes with a pressurized or non-pressurized portafilter. Non-pressurized is for pre-ground or less-than-perfect coffee, while non-pressurized offers more control for freshly ground beans.
Ease of Daily Use
Think about your morning routine. A machine with a built-in grinder and programmable buttons saves time and hassle. Manual machines offer total control but have a steeper learning curve. Also, check the water reservoir size—a larger one means fewer refills. How easy is it to clean? Look for removable drip trays and accessible group heads to make maintenance simple.
Footprint and Your Kitchen Space
These machines aren’t small. Before you fall in love with a model, measure your counter space. Ensure you have enough room to operate the portafilter and place your cup. Some machines have a taller profile, so check clearance under your cabinets if that’s a concern in your kitchen layout. It’s a practical step that’s often overlooked.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tru Espresso Machine
What makes teh Tru espresso machine different from others?
It’s designed for simplicity. The Tru machine focuses on giving you a consistent shot without complicated settings. It’s a great balance between quality and ease of use, perfect if you’re new to home espresso.
Is it hard to learn how to use?
Not at all. The controls are very straightforward. You’ll be pulling your first shot in minutes after unboxing. The manual walks you through everything clearly, and there’s not a huge learning curve involved.
Do I need a separate grinder?
Yes, you do. The Tru machine doesn’t have a built-in grinder. For the best results, you’ll want to use freshly ground beans with a decent burr grinder. Pre-ground coffee can work, but it won’t taste as good.
Can I make milk-based drinks like lattes?
Absolutely. Most Tru models come with a steam wand for frothing milk. It lets you make lattes, cappuccinos, and more. It takes a little practice to get the texture right, but it’s a fun part of the process.
How do I keep it clean?
Regular cleaning is key for taste and machine life. You’ll need to rinse the steam wand after each use and backflush the group head weekly with a cleaning tablet. The water tank should be emptied if your not using it daily.
What kind of maintenance does it require?
Beyond daily cleaning, you should descale it every few months. This depends on how often you use it and your water hardness. It’s a simple process that prevents mineral buildup inside the machine.
Is the Tru espresso machine worth the price?
For many people, yes. It offers reliable performance at a mid-range price point. If you drink espresso regularly and want to avoid daily coffee shop trips, it can pay for itself over time. Just remember to budget for a good grinder to.
Our Final Recommendation
Engineered for authentic espresso extraction and consistent results, the right machine simply becomes a reliable part of your morning. It’s about getting that perfect, rich shot every time you press the button. You won’t need to be a professional barista to enjoy cafe-quality coffee at home. These machines are built to last and designed for daily use, making a great cup part of your routine without the fuss or high cost of a coffee shop visit.
When you choose a tru espresso machine, you’re investing in your daily ritual. You can look forward to genuine flavor and a satisfying crema. It’s a straightforward tool for a classic drink. We think that’s a pretty good way to start any day. Just remember to use fresh beans and practice a little—you’ll be pulling great shots in no time.