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I've tested 30 coffee makers this year, but there's only 3 you need to know about — and they're on sale for Black Friday

a composite image on a pink dotted background and a blue tom's guide black friday deal badge showing the breville barista express, technivorm moccamaster select, and de'longhi stilosa
(Image credit: Breville / Technivorm / De'Longhi / Future)

I'm an ex-barista, and now I spend tens of hours every week testing the best coffee machines. Whether that's pour-over coffee makers like the Hario V60 or Kalita Wave, niche gear like the Clever Dripper and Neo Flex, espresso machines like the Breville Bambino Plus or De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo, or drip brewers like the Breville Luxe Brewer and Technivorm Moccamaster, I've been there, tested that.

I've tested 30 coffee machines this year, and not all of them are worth your money. I've rounded up 3 of the best coffee machines on the market right now — and they're on sale for Black Friday.

The 3 best Black Friday coffee maker deals: Quick links

The 3 best Black Friday coffee maker deals: About the author

A headshot of Tom's Guide staff writer Erin Bashford.
Erin Bashford

Hi! I'm Erin, and I'm a Senior Writer here at Tom's Guide. I'm also an ex-barista, with three-and-a-half-years of experience pulling shots and steaming milk. Now I spend most of my time testing espresso machines, drip machines, pour-over coffee makers, and everything in between. I've tested 30 machines this year (and counting!).

The 3 best Black Friday coffee maker deals

De'Longhi Stilosa
Save $50
De'Longhi Stilosa: was $149 now $99 at Amazon

While this isn't the Stilosa's lowest-price ever, considering the MSRP is $149, $99 is still an awesome $50 saving. I tested this machine back in June and still can't believe just how good it is.

The Stilosa is my go-to budget espresso machine recommendation. As soon as anyone asks me which cheap espresso machine they should get, I always, always say the Stilosa.

I was able to get barista-quality espresso with just a little finesse, and I'm sure you would, too. In my 4-star review, I said of the Stilosa, "With a bit of experimentation and dedication, there’s no reason why you can’t be pulling consistently delicious shots on the Stilosa."

Yes, you need to know what you're doing to get barista-quality shots, but that's the sacrifice with cheaper espresso machines — they need a little more babying than the $1,000+ options. Or, if you're not fussy about "perfect" espresso, then ignore me completely!

Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select
Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select: was $369 now $239 at Amazon

The Technivorm Moccamaster is widely regarded as the best drip coffee maker on the planet, and that's for good reason. I tested the Cup One earlier in the year — which is just the single-serve version of the coffee maker linked here — and adored it.

The Moccamaster is capable of brewing 10 cups of fresh drip coffee in six minutes, which is the fastest machine I've ever personally used. Additionally, Technivorm offers an incredible 5-year warranty on the Moccamaster and lifetime repairs. If that doesn't tell you that this is a well-made machine intended to last you for years to come, I'm not sure what will.

On top of the pure functionality, the Moccamaster looks a treat, with sleek, industrial aesthetics and a hot plate that keeps your coffee warm for 100 minutes.

Breville Barista Express
Breville Barista Express: was $699 now $499 at Amazon

Just like the Moccamaster, the Barista Express is one of the most famous espresso machines for a reason. This is a stellar machine that has stood the test of time and isn't showing any signs of slowing down yet.

I've loved every Breville I've reviewed, and while I didn't personally pen Tom's Guide's review of the Barista Express, it achieved a delicious 4.5-star rating from us. As with other Breville machines, the Barista Expresso makes decadent, intense espresso, and has a powerful, near-commercial-quality steam wand that'll have you making barista-level microfoam in no time.

As it has a built-in grinder, too, it actually works out cheaper than buying a Breville espresso machine (like the Bambino or Bambino Plus) and a grinder separately. Score!

But I'm still waiting...

My #1 favorite espresso machine in the whole world is the Breville Bambino Plus. I use this compact little workhorse every single day, and there's no better espresso machine for me personally. From the PID-controlled espresso to the powerful four-hole steam wand, the Bambino Plus is everything I want and more.

However, it's not on sale for Black Friday.

I'm hoping and pleading to every Black Friday deity who'll listen. Please put the Bambino Plus on sale... please, please, please.

Only time will tell, but if none of the machines on this list tickle your fancy, I'd keep an eye out for discounts on the Bambino Plus. Even so, if you want super-cheap, get the De'Longhi Stilosa while it's discounted; if you want a drip machine, get the Moccamaster KBGV Select while it's discounted; if you want a behemoth bean-to-cup, get the Breville Barista Express.

For more discounts, check out our Black Friday deals live blog.

Shop today's best Black Friday deals

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Erin Bashford
Senior Writer, Reviews

Erin Bashford is a senior writer at Tom's Guide, focusing on reviews. She has a Masters in Broadcast and Digital Journalism from the University of East Anglia. As an ex-barista, she knows her way around a coffee machine, and as a music lover, she's constantly chipping away at her dream of having a multi-room home sound system. In her spare time you can find her reading, practising yoga, writing, or stressing over today’s NYT Games.

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