Best Coffee Beans for Espresso Machines in 2025

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More coffee lovers are embracing the art of home espresso, and for good reason. There’s something special about pulling your own shot—watching the rich, golden crema form, inhaling the deep aroma, and savoring that first smooth sip. But great espresso starts long before the extraction; it all comes down to the beans.

Choosing the right coffee beans for your espresso machine can be the difference between a bitter, lifeless shot and a beautifully balanced espresso that sings with flavor. Whether you love a deep, chocolatey Italian roast, a bright and fruity single-origin, or a blend with the perfect balance of body and sweetness, we’ve got you covered.

In this guide, we’re sharing the best coffee beans for espresso machines in 2025, all available on Amazon so you can start brewing your best espresso yet!

What to Look for in Espresso Beans

Before we dive into our top picks, here’s what makes a great espresso bean:

• Medium to Dark Roast – Darker roasts typically provide the rich, bold flavors and thick crema that espresso is known for.
• Low Acidity – A smooth espresso shot should have balanced acidity to avoid overwhelming sourness.
• Fine Grind Compatibility – If buying pre-ground, make sure it’s espresso-fine. Otherwise, opt for whole beans and grind fresh for the best flavor.
• Freshness – Look for beans roasted recently to ensure peak flavor and aroma.

Now, let’s explore the best coffee beans for espresso machines available on Amazon this year!

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1. Best Overall: Lavazza Super Crema Espresso

Lavazza has been crafting espresso blends for over a century, and Super Crema is one of their finest. This medium roast delivers a smooth, slightly sweet profile with notes of honey and toasted hazelnut, all topped with a velvety crema. It’s an excellent choice for those who love a balanced and approachable espresso.

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Read: The Best Home Espresso Machines Under $500 | 2025

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2. Best Single-Origin: Kicking Horse Cliff Hanger Espresso

For espresso lovers who appreciate the complexity of single-origin coffee, Kicking Horse Cliff Hanger Espresso is a standout. It’s organic, fair trade, and full of layered flavors—rich chocolate, subtle fruitiness, and a deep, smooth body.

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3. Best Smooth & Balanced Espresso: Stumptown Hair Bender

For those who love smooth, balanced espresso with a touch of complexity, Stumptown’s Hair Bender is a top-tier choice. This blend is a favorite among specialty coffee lovers, offering a mix of chocolatey richness with a hint of citrus brightness—perfect for both straight shots and milk-based drinks.

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Read: The Best Coffee Storage Containers

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4. Best Bold & Intense: Death Wish Coffee Whole Bean

If you like your espresso bold, rich, and highly caffeinated, Death Wish Coffee is the way to go. With a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, it delivers a powerful, full-bodied shot with an intense flavor and smooth finish—perfect for those who like their coffee strong.

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5. Best Budget Pick: Cafe Don Pablo Classic Italian Espresso

If you want great espresso on a budget, Café Don Pablo Classic Italian Espresso is an excellent pick. It’s small-batch roasted for maximum freshness and delivers a smooth, rich shot with low acidity and a hint of cocoa sweetness.

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The best espresso starts with high-quality beans that match your flavor preferences and brewing style. Whether you love bold and dark, smooth and balanced, or bright and fruity, there’s a perfect espresso bean for you.

What’s your favorite espresso bean? Let us know!

Tag us on Instagram @the.coffee.collect to share with the coffee community!

-the coffee collect.