Comparison: Best Espresso Machine For Food Truck (Updated | Oct 22nd)
Finding the perfect espresso machine for your food truck can be a game-changer for your business. Space is limited, power can be fluctuating, and reliability is crucial. This comparison aims to help you navigate the world of espresso machines and identify the best options tailored for the unique demands of a mobile coffee operation. We’ll explore key factors like size, power requirements, water source options, ease of use, and durability, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of different models to help you make an informed decision. Let’s get brewing!
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
-
Best for best overall:
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL -
Best for great value:
CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar -
Best for built-in grinder:
TENKER Espresso Machine with Grinder -
Best for commercial grade:
Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Makers -
Best for easy to use:
SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar -
Best for most affordable:
IMUSA USA GAU-18202 4 Cup Espresso/Cappuccino Maker -
Best for fast heating:
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS -
Best for smart dosing:
Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine BES876BSS -
Best for compact design:
XIXUBX Espresso Machine -
Best for digital control:
Chefman CraftBrew Espresso Machine
Product Comparison: Best Espresso Machine For Food Truck
Best Overall
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel
Breville
- The Breville Barista Express delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the Barista Series that offers all in one espresso machines with integrated grinder to go from beans to espresso in under one minute
- DOSE CONTROL GRINDING: Integrated precision conical burr grinder grinds on demand to deliver the right amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter for your preferred taste with any roast of bean
- OPTIMAL WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup
- Receive 2 free bags of specialty coffee when you purchase and register any Breville coffee machine; T and Cs apply
- PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal espresso extraction
- MANUAL MICROFOAM MILK TEXTURING: The powerful steam wand performance allows you to hand texture microfoam milk that enhances flavor and enables creation of latte art
- ESPRESSO MACHINE WITH GRIND SIZE DIAL: Simple and intuitive, giving you control over the grind size no matter what type of bean you're grinding
- ESPRESSO MAKER WITH BUILT-IN COFFEE GRINDER: Innovative grinding cradle allows any at home barista to grind directly into the espresso portafilter for the perfect espresso
Great Value
CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Compact Espresso Maker with Steam Milk Frother, Stainless Steel Coffee Machine with 34oz Removable Water Tank for Cappuccino, Latte, Silver
CASABREWS
- Make Your Favorite Espresso Coffee At Home: The CASABREWS coffee machine with milk frother allows you to prepare all your favorite espresso-based coffees. You can enjoy a barista-brewed latte, cappuccino or macchiato at home. Stainless steel appearance, stylish and durable, ideal for any size kitchen. This compact espresso coffee maker is perfect for home or office use
- Professional 20 Bar Pressure System: Semi-Automatic 2-in-1 Espresso Maker, with 20 bar professional Italian pump and 1350 W powerful boiler. This latte machine gives you top quality extraction, resulting in a more fragrant and rich aroma. The built-in pressure gauge on this cappuccino machine shows the exact pressure helping you make adjustments according to your personal taste preferences. You can create a cappuccino, latte or flat white at your home or office with our cappuccino maker
- Milk Frothing System: Our espresso machine with milk frother has a powerful steam wand, so you can texture creamy, rich microfoam milk to create amazing milk foam art and enhance the flavor of your brews. Awaken your inner barista and create your own unique milk foam art. Don't pass us by if you are looking for an excellent espresso coffee maker
- Compact, Stylish & Practical: The beautiful and compact design makes this small espresso machine suitable for any size kitchen. Make single or double espresso shots with a beautiful layer of crema in minutes! The 34 oz water tank allows you to brew multiple cups, and it is detachable for easy refilling. Included components: Espresso Machine, 34 oz Removable Water Tank, One Cup Brewing Filter, Two Cup Brewing Filter, Portafilter, Tamper With Spoon, Instruction Manual
- Useful Tips: Please kindly note that do not brew coffee immediately after frothing milk. The machine must cool down first otherwise the temperature and the pressure inside the machine will be too high, and the machine will go into over-heating protection mode. The lights for 1 cup or 2 cup will flash repeatedly and please follow the steps of included guide to cool down the machine. You can watch more INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO by clicking Visit the CASABREWS Store
Built-in Grinder
TENKER Espresso Machine with Grinder, 20 Bar Coffee Machine with Milk Frother for Home, All-in-One Stainless Steel Coffee Maker to Make Latte, Cappuccino, Hot or Cold Brew Iced Coffee, Americano
TENKER
- 【All-in-One Grinding & Smart Brewing】This premium coffee machine features a built-in grinder with 30 precise settings. With one-touch control, it brews cold espresso, hot espresso, or Americano coffee automatically. The automatic single/double shot function intelligently doses coffee grounds without manual intervention. Perfect as an espresso maker or latte machine for consistent barista-quality results.
- 【20Bar Precision Extraction with PID Control】Enjoy barista-level espresso at home with our advanced espresso machine. The industrial 1350W 20Bar high-pressure pump and precise PID temperature control work together to deliver perfect extraction with a rich, golden crema. Pre-infusion technology gently wets the coffee puck for fuller aroma and layered flavor. Designed for discerning home baristas who expect exceptional taste and professional results in every cup.
- 【Versatile Milk Frothing for Endless Drinks】Equipped with a powerful steam wand, this espresso machine with milk frother creates lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites and more. Works as both a cappuccino machine and latte maker. Comes fully equipped with a dedicated milk frothing pitcher, solid stainless steel tamper, filters, and easy-clean components—making every step from brewing to maintenance simple and enjoyable.
- 【Large Capacity and Intuitive Operation】Designed for both convenience and performance, this coffee maker includes a large 61oz removable water tank for fewer refills and uninterrupted brewing. The vibrant LED display with real-time heating indicator allows for effortless monitoring and operation. Its compact design saves counter space while delivering professional-grade functionality—perfect for any kitchen, from morning routines to entertaining guests.
- 【Warming Tips】1. Start to make coffee, make sure the steam knob on the right is turned to the OFF position. 2. Once the heating progress bar is full, turn the right-hand steam knob fully downward to dispense hot water. For steam, press the steam button first, then turn the same knob fully downward to activate the steam. 3. For hot water or steam from the steam wand, always ensure the right-hand steam knob is turned fully downward.
- 【12-Month Warranty & Technical Support】Rest easy with our commitment to your coffee journey. Your espresso machine with grinder comes protected by a 12-month warranty and is backed by technical support. We stand behind the quality and reliability of your machine—so you can enjoy years of barista-quality coffee at home with confidence and peace of mind.
Commercial Grade
Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Makers, Professional 20 Bar Espresso Maker with Milk Frother, Stainless Steel Expresso Coffee Machines for Home, Compact Cappuccino Machine, Great Gift
Gevi
- 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – Equipped with a 20-bar pump, NTC temperature control, pre-infusion feature, and a pressure gauge, the Gevi stainless steel espresso coffee machines with a milk frother allows you to craft a range of café-quality beverages. From Mocha to Macchiato, Espresso to Americano, this expresso machine is not only ideal for home or office use but also makes a perfect gift for father, friends, and loved ones.
- 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 – The espresso coffee maker with frother features a powerful steam wand that quickly turns milk into silky smooth microfoam. The removable froth nozzle makes the cleaning easily.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 & 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 – This cappuccino machine features a full stainless steel housing that is both stylish and durable, with a modern aesthetic that complements a variety of kitchen decors. Furthermore, its compact design makes it perfectly suited for countertops and kitchens of any size.
- 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐔𝐬𝐞 – The intuitive controls and semi-automatic brewing process of expressions machine make it simple for anyone to create barista-quality coffee with minimal effort.
- 𝐇𝐨𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – Use for Americano, hot drinks such as tea, instant soups and to warm cups prior to making espresso.
Easy to Use
SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Professional Espresso Machine with Milk Frother and Touchscreen, Expresso Coffee Machines with Adjustable Temperature,for Cappuccino, Latte
SHARDOR
- Professional 20 Bar Pressure System: This semi-automatic espresso maker has a 20-bar pump and a powerful 1350W motor, ensuring rich coffee flavor and aroma. You can make cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites at home or in the office with this stainless steel machine.
- One-Touch Touchscreen：LED display with options for single or double cups, manual mode to customize coffee strength, one-touch descaling, temperature control, one-touch steam, and auto shutoff after 15 minutes of inactivity.
- Professional Steam Wand：Our espresso machine with a milk frother has a powerful steam wand that creates creamy, rich foam for better coffee flavor and latte art. Ideal for lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos, this compact machine helps you make barista-quality drinks at home.
- NTC Precision Temperature Control：With three temperature settings, you can fully control your coffee experience by adjusting the extraction temperature to suit your taste.
- Compact Stainless Steel Design：This espresso machine fits perfectly in any kitchen. The 45 oz removable water tank lets you brew several cups without refilling, and the drip tray is easy to clean. Includes everything you need to get started: Espresso Machine, 45 oz Water Tank, Single & Double Cup Filters, Portafilter, Tamper with Spoon, and Instruction Manual.
Most Affordable
IMUSA USA GAU-18202 4 Cup Espresso/Cappuccino Maker,120 volts, Black
Imusa
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
Fast Heating
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
Breville
- Don't compromise on third wave specialty coffee. Achieve barista quality performance using a 54mm portafilter with 19 grams for full flavor and an automatic steam wand for milk texturing, delivering handsfree microfoam at the right temperature
- Automatic Microfoam Milk Texturing: The automatic steam wand allows you to adjust the milk temperature and texture to suit your taste. Delivering Barista quality microfoam that enhances flavor and enables creation of latte art.
- Faster Heat Up Time: Innovative thermojet heating system achieves the optimum extraction temperature in 3 seconds; Ready to make your best coffee without the wait.
- Receive 2 free bags of specialty coffee when you purchase and register any Breville coffee machine; T and Cs apply
- Low pressure pre infusion: Low pressure pre infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup
- Espresso Machine with precise extraction: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature ensuring optimal Espresso extraction
- Settings: Control Panel; 1 or 2 Cups; Steam Button; Adjustable milk temperature and texture level
- Warranty: 1 Year Limited Product Warranty; Power: 1560 Watts; Voltage: 110 to 120 Volts
Smart Dosing
Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine BES876BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
Breville
- The Barista Express Impress espresso machine delivers third wave specialty coffee at home, featuring the Impress puck system for manual espresso making made easy
- INTELLIGENT DOSING: The smart dosing system automatically calculates and adjusts the level of fresh coffee for the perfect dose, every time
- PRECISION MEASURMENT: This smart system auto corrects the next dose, taking the guesswork out of manual espresso making
- ASSISTED TAMPING: Replicating the action of a professional barista, assisted tamping features 7 degree "barista twist" finish and consistent 10kg of pressure, for a polished puck surface and clean tamp face
- 25 GRIND SETTINGS: Integrated conical burr grinder with 25 grind settings to fine tune your grind size for the desired extraction and flavour outcome
- THERMOCOIL HEATING SYSTEM: The Thermocoil system with PID control precisely controls temperature, flow rate and contact time, for great tasting coffee
- MICROFOAM STEAM WAND: Built in, powerful manual steam wand allows you to hand texture microfoam milk, enhancing the look and taste of your cup, essential for latte art
- SETTINGS: 25 grind settings, preset Single or Double Shot, Auto Dose Correct, adjustable brew temperature and customisable volumetric shot control
Compact Design
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
XIXUBX
- 20-Bar Café Pressure for Rich, Crema-Topped Espresso： Experience barista-level quality at home. Our 20-bar professional pump system ensures optimal water pressure to extract the full, rich flavor and perfect crema from your coffee grounds. Pro Tip: For best results, use finely ground coffee beans suited for espresso and tamp firmly with the included tamper for an even extraction
- PID Temperature Control for Consistent, Balanced Flavor ：Our advanced PID controller maintains water temperature at the ideal range for brewing, guaranteeing a consistent and balanced cup every time. Heating Note: While the machine pre-heats in approximately 60 seconds, for ultimate temperature stability, we recommend running a brief hot water cycle through the portafilter without coffee before your first shot
- Create Silky Microfoam with Our Steam Wand：Craft creamy lattes and frothy cappuccinos effortlessly. The powerful steam wand gives you control to texture milk to your preference. Frothing Guide: For the silkiest microfoam, start with a cold pitcher of milk, submerge the wand tip just below the surface, and introduce air until the milk is slightly warm. Then, sink the tip deeper to create a swirling vortex
- Compact & Quick-Start Design for Any Kitchen：Get your espresso fix fast. The machine features a quick-heating system, after preheating, you're ready to brew in about 22 seconds. Its space-saving footprint and quiet operation make it ideal for kitchens, offices, or dorms
- Complete Kit with Guided Support for Easy Start：We’re committed to your success. The machine comes with everything you need, including both single and double shot filters. To ensure a great start, please watch the detailed tutorial videos available in our store. Our dedicated customer service team is also here to help if you have any questions
Digital Control
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
Chefman
- ENJOY CAFÉ-QUALITY ESPRESSO: Experience the bold, rich flavor of homemade espresso and skip long café lines with the CraftBrew Digital Espresso Maker! A strong 15-BAR pump and a built-in milk frother make it easy to brew cappuccinos and lattes right in your own kitchen.
- BE YOUR OWN BARISTA: This expertly crafted coffee machine takes your morning cup to the next level. With two shot baskets and a built-in steam wand, you can brew single- or double shots of espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, and more! No more waiting on a coffee pot.
- YOUR IDEAL BREW: Customize your coffee bar with an espresso maker that brews how you like it. Using the touch control panel and built-in timer, you can adjust shot volume for your own perfect coffee. Program more water for a mellow lungo-style shot or concentrate your brew for a flavorful ristretto.
- 1.5-LITER WATER TANK: The spacious reservoir holds enough water to keep brewing espresso for all your brunch guests. Detach the removable water tank from the machine to clean or fill directly in your sink.
- SLEEK AND COMPACT: Our espresso machines are designed with style in mind, with a sleek stainless-steel finish that looks great and is easy to clean. Just wipe the exterior down with a damp cloth, or program a descale function when an alert appears automatically after 500 brewing cycles.
- TRUSTED QUALITY: cETL approved with advanced safety technology for long lasting durability, & 1-year assurance provided by Chefman, so you can purchase worry-free – we've got your back! For information on how to use your product, scroll down for a PDF User Guide. 1350 Watts/120 Volts
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What features are most important for an espresso machine in a food truck?
Durability, compact size, ease of use, and consistent performance are key for food truck espresso machines.
Which type of espresso machine is best for a food truck: manual, semi-automatic, or automatic?
Semi-automatic or automatic machines are generally preferred for their speed and consistency in a food truck environment.
What power requirements should I consider for an espresso machine in my food truck?
Consider the wattage and voltage requirements of the machine and ensure your food truck's power supply can handle it. Check if it needs 120V or if it requires a different voltage.
Is a built-in grinder necessary for a food truck espresso machine?
A built-in grinder can save space and time, but a separate, high-quality grinder might offer better grind consistency and control.
How important is the water tank size for a food truck espresso machine?
A larger water tank reduces the frequency of refills, which is beneficial in a busy food truck setting. However, consider the space constraints.
What kind of maintenance is required for espresso machines used in food trucks?
Regular cleaning, descaling, and backflushing are essential to maintain performance and prevent breakdowns. Choose a machine that's easy to clean and service.
Should I consider an espresso machine with a milk frother for my food truck?
If you plan to offer milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, a machine with a reliable milk frother is essential.
What is the ideal bar pressure for an espresso machine in a food truck?
A 15-20 bar pressure is generally sufficient for extracting quality espresso. Check the machine's specifications to ensure it meets this requirement.
