The Espresso Machine Brooke Williamson Can't Go Without

Brooke Williamson has climbed her way to the top of the restaurant industry. The celebrity chef has earned plenty of accolades through the years, including winning the 14th season of "Top Chef," as well as Food Network's "Tournament of Champions" in 2020.

When Williamson isn't creating art on a plate at her Los Angeles restaurant, Playa Provisions, she's spending time in her own kitchen with her husband, Nick Roberts. "We were hoping to create something that felt comfortable, open and bright," Williamson told Food Network Magazine of her kitchen design. Beyond the look and feel of the kitchen, it is also filled to the brim with high-end appliances. As coffee drinkers, Williamson and Roberts needed a reliable espresso machine that could handle her daily Americano as well as her husband's three espressos. Ultimately, the couple settled on a machine that can do it all for them — but it comes with a serious price tag.

If you want to live like Brooke Williamson, be prepared to drop nearly (if not more than) a grand for fancy coffee. Williamson and her husband have a La Marzocco grinder and espresso machine. While it could be worth the expense if you make coffee or espresso daily, this brand's grinders range in price from $800 to $1,300, depending on the size and model. Based on Williamson's kitchen photo, it appears she has the La Marzocco Lux D grinder by Mazzer, which retails for around $1,000.

Since it appears that the Lux D isn't an espresso maker, just a grinder, if Williamson has a separate espresso machine by the same brand, those can range anywhere from $3,900 to $7,900. While these luxe gadgets take "expensive" to new levels, they could be items worth splurging on for those who would utilize them for their daily cup of joe. Still, there are certainly more affordable options on the market that are likely better suited for the rest of us.

A good-quality espresso machine likely isn't going to come cheap. With that said, there are machines with plenty of rave reviews that don't cost a few months' salary. If you're lucky, you might find the admirably rated Nespresso Pixie Espresso machine by De'Longhi — which The Coffee Maven calls their "favorite bang-for-your-buck" machine – on sale for $167 on Amazon. The Breville Barista Pro has a higher price tag, pushing $700, but it's still substantially lower than the La Marzocco brand. And for those just getting into espresso, Mr. Coffee has a budget-friendly option for under $100.

The first espresso machine was invented way back in 1901, but with the rise of artisan coffee drinks, espresso machines are making more sense as a lump sum investment that saves money over time. According to Perfect Brew, the average working American spends around $2,130.50 annually on coffee; ideally, home espresso machines eliminate having to wait in a coffee shop while saving you money in the long run.