Best Beginner Espresso Machine in 2023 (Expert Barista Opinion)

If you’re a coffee lover and have been thinking about making your own espresso at home, you’re in the right place! Brewing espresso at home can seem daunting, especially if you’re new to the world of coffee machines. But don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through the process of choosing and using the best beginner espresso machine. By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to make your own delicious espresso at home.

Before diving into the world of espresso machines, there are a few things you should consider:

  • Budget: Espresso machines can range from under $100 to over $1000. It’s important to decide how much you’re willing to spend and look for the best value within your budget.
  • Skill Level: Espresso machines can be manual, semi-automatic, or super-automatic. If you’re a beginner, a semi-automatic or super-automatic machine might be the best choice as they are more user-friendly.
  • Space: Espresso machines come in different sizes. Make sure to measure your available space and check the dimensions of the machine you’re interested in.
  • Maintenance: Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial to keep your machine in good condition. Check the cleaning instructions of the machine you’re interested in and make sure they are easy to follow.

Now that you know what to consider when buying an espresso machine, let’s dive into the different types of machines and the top 10 best beginner espresso machines on the market. Happy brewing!

Top 10 best beginner espresso machine

Based on our research and testing, we have selected the top 10 best beginner espresso machines for you. We have considered the factors mentioned above, as well as the customer reviews, ratings, and feedback. Here are our picks:

Best Overall

Best Espresso Machine Under 500
1

Breville Bambino Plus

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Are you a coffee lover looking for a beginner-friendly espresso machine that delivers café-quality results? Then, the Breville Bambino Plus might be the perfect fit for you. This compact, sleek machine is packed with smart features that make brewing your perfect cup of coffee a breeze.

Imagine waking up and having your espresso ready in just three seconds. Yes, you read that right! The Bambino Plus heats up to the optimal temperature in a mere three seconds. No more waiting around for your morning caffeine fix. And it doesn’t stop there. The machine’s pre-infusion function gently moistens the coffee grounds before extraction, enhancing the flavor and aroma of your espresso. Isn’t that what we all want from our coffee?

But what about the milk for your latte or cappuccino? The Bambino Plus has got you covered. With automatic milk frothing, you can choose from three different milk temperatures and textures. The machine takes care of the rest, frothing your milk to a velvety consistency. And the best part? The steam wand purges itself after use. If you prefer to have more control over the frothing process, you can switch to manual mode.

The Bambino Plus comes with four brew baskets: two single-walled for the experienced users and two double-walled for the beginners. The single-walled baskets allow you to experiment with different grind sizes and tamping pressures, while the double-walled baskets provide a more consistent and forgiving extraction. The machine also includes a trimming tool to level the coffee dose and reduce mess.

However, the Bambino Plus is not without its drawbacks. It lacks a built-in grinder, so you’ll need to purchase one separately or use pre-ground coffee. Regular cleaning and maintenance are required, especially for the portafilter and drip tray. The portafilter can be a bit tricky to insert and remove, and the drip tray fills up quickly. Despite its lightweight design, which may make it feel less sturdy, the Bambino Plus is a great espresso machine for beginners.

In conclusion, the Breville Bambino Plus is an excellent choice for beginners who want to enjoy barista-style coffee at home. It’s easy to use, customizable, and capable of producing delicious espresso shots. Despite a few minor drawbacks, it’s a worthy addition to any kitchen. So, are you ready to elevate your coffee experience?

What We Like

  • Swift heat-up time
  • Enhances flavor with pre-infusion function
  • Automatic milk frothing
  • Variety of brew baskets
  • Includes trimming tool

What We Don’t Like

  • No built-in grinder
  • Requires regular maintenance
  • Tricky portafilter

Best affordable

2

De’Longhi Dedica

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Looking for a beginner-friendly espresso machine that is compact, stylish, and easy to use? The De’Longhi Dedica might be the one for you. This machine has a sleek stainless steel design that fits in any kitchen, and it heats up in less than a minute, so you can enjoy your coffee without waiting too long.

The De’Longhi Dedica brews with 15 bars of pressure, which is the standard for espresso machines. It comes with pressurized filter baskets that help you get a rich and creamy espresso with a nice crema on top, even if you are not an expert at grinding and tamping. You can also use ESE pods if you prefer convenience over freshness.

The machine has a powerful steam wand that lets you froth milk for cappuccinos, lattes, and other milk-based drinks. You can choose between two types of foam: flat or frothy, depending on your preference. The steam wand is easy to use and clean, and it has a wide range of motion that allows you to use different sizes of milk jugs or cups.

The De’Longhi Dedica has a simple control panel with three buttons and a knob. You can customize the length and temperature of your espresso, as well as the amount of steam for your milk. The machine also has an energy-saving mode and a descaling indicator that remind you to maintain it properly.

The De’Longhi Dedica is not perfect, though. It has some drawbacks that you should be aware of before buying it. For example, the machine is quite slim and lightweight, which makes it unstable when you load and unload the portafilter. You might accidentally press a button or knock off a cup from the warming tray. The machine also has some plastic parts that are not dishwasher safe, such as the drip tray and the water tank.

What We Like

  • Compact and stylish design
  • Fast heat-up time
  • Pressurized filter baskets and ESE pods compatibility
  • Powerful and versatile steam wand
  • Customizable settings and features
  • Energy-saving mode and descaling indicator

What We Don’t Like

  • Slim and unstable body
  • Easy to press a button accidentally
  • Some parts are not dishwasher safe

best capsule choice

3

Nespresso Lattissima Touch

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Looking for a beginner-friendly espresso machine that can make a variety of drinks with just a touch of a button? The Nespresso Lattissima Touch might be the perfect choice for you. This machine uses Nespresso pods, which are pre-measured and pre-ground coffee capsules that come in different flavors and intensities. You can also use compatible pods from other brands, which can save you some money and give you more options.

The best part of the Lattissima Touch is the milk frothing system. It’s integrated into the machine and connects to a removable carafe. You can adjust the amount and texture of the milk foam with a dial, and make cappuccinos, lattes, or just warm milk with a single touch. The milk carafe can be stored in the fridge when not in use, and it’s easy to clean with a rinse function.

The Lattissima Touch is also fast and convenient. It heats up in about 25 seconds and has an auto shut-off feature. It has a sleek and compact design, and comes in different colors to match your kitchen. The machine is easy to use and maintain, and it alerts you when it needs descaling or cleaning.

However, the Lattissima Touch is not without flaws. The water tank is awkward to fill and has a small capacity of 0.9 liters, which means you have to refill it often. The Nespresso pods are also expensive and not very eco-friendly, as they create a lot of waste. The machine is also limited to the types of drinks it can make, and it doesn’t have a manual option for customizing your coffee.

Overall, the Lattissima Touch is a great machine for beginners who want to enjoy espresso-based drinks at home without much hassle. It’s simple, versatile, and reliable, and it delivers a good quality coffee with a rich crema and a smooth milk foam.

What We Like

  • Easy to use and clean
  • Makes a variety of drinks with one touch
  • Froths milk well and has a removable carafe
  • Fast and convenient
  • Sleek and compact design
  • Compatible with other pods

What We Don’t Like

  • Water tank is small and hard to fill
  • Nespresso pods are pricey and wasteful
  • No manual option for customizing coffee

Best all-in-one

4

Gaggia Velasca Prestige

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Are you in search of a beginner-friendly, all-in-one espresso machine? Look no further than the Gaggia Velasca Prestige. This compact and sleek bean-to-cup machine is a marvel in the world of coffee machines. It’s not just about the looks; it’s about what’s inside that counts.

The machine boasts a ceramic burr grinder that preserves the aroma and flavor of your coffee beans. But what if you prefer pre-ground coffee? No problem! The Gaggia Velasca Prestige has got you covered.

The customizable recipe menu is a standout feature, allowing you to adjust the strength, volume, and temperature of your drinks. But the real star of the show is the integrated milk carafe. It automatically froths and dispenses milk for your cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos. And when you’re done, you can simply detach the carafe and store it in the fridge.

The machine’s stainless steel body is not only durable but also easy to clean. Plus, the removable water tank and drip tray make refilling and emptying a breeze.

However, no product is perfect. The controls on the Gaggia Velasca Prestige can be a bit fiddly and require a hard push to register. The display is outdated and not very intuitive. The steam wand can be hard to control and may cause a mess if you’re not careful. And if you prefer taller cups, you might find the spout height limiting.

Despite these flaws, the Gaggia Velasca Prestige offers great value for money. It’s a reliable espresso machine that can make a variety of drinks with minimal effort. So, are you ready to elevate your coffee experience?

What We Like

  • Compact and sleek design
  • Ceramic burr grinder and customizable recipe menu
  • Integrated milk carafe that produces excellent froth
  • Stainless steel body that is durable and easy to clean
  • Removable water tank and drip tray
  • Ground coffee option

What We Don’t Like

  • Fiddly and outdated controls and display
  • Hard to control steam wand
  • Limited spout height

best small machine

5

Gaggia Classic Pro

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Are you a coffee lover who wants to make your own espresso at home? Do you want a machine that is easy to use, reliable, and affordable? If you answered yes, then you might be interested in the Gaggia Classic PRO, the best small espresso machine for beginners.

The Gaggia Classic PRO is a compact and sleek machine that can produce cafe-quality shots of espresso with just a few simple steps. It has a commercial-grade portafilter and brew group that ensure a consistent and even extraction of the coffee grounds. You can also choose between pressurized and non-pressurized baskets, depending on your preference and skill level.

But that’s not all. The Gaggia Classic PRO also has a powerful steam wand that can create rich and creamy milk foam for your lattes and cappuccinos. You can adjust the angle and direction of the steam with the two-hole tip, and enjoy a smooth and frothy drink. The machine also has a three-way solenoid valve that prevents excess water from dripping into your cup after brewing, keeping your espresso clean and dry.

The Gaggia Classic PRO is also easy to use and maintain. It has a simple and intuitive interface with three rocker switches and a temperature-ready light. You can easily fill and remove the water tank, which has a clear window that shows the water level. The machine also comes with a brush and a coffee scoop for cleaning and dosing.

Of course, the Gaggia Classic PRO is not perfect. It has some drawbacks that you should be aware of before buying it. For example, the machine is quite loud when brewing and steaming, which might be annoying for some people. It also does not have a built-in grinder, so you will need to buy a separate one or use pre-ground coffee. And it does not have a PID controller, which means you cannot adjust the temperature of the water or the steam.

However, these are minor issues that do not affect the overall performance and quality of the machine. The Gaggia Classic PRO is still a great espresso machine for beginners who want to enjoy authentic espresso at home. It has a solid build quality, a reliable performance, and a reasonable price. It might not have all the bells and whistles of more advanced models, but it does the job well and delivers a satisfying cup of coffee.

What We Like

  • Commercial-grade portafilter and brew group
  • Powerful and adjustable steam wand
  • Easy to use and maintain
  • Compact and sleek design
  • Reasonable price

What We Don’t Like

  • Loud when brewing and steaming
  • No built-in grinder
  • No PID controller

best under $200

6

Breville Café Roma

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If you’re on the hunt for an espresso machine that’s perfect for beginners and won’t empty your wallet, the Breville Café Roma might just be your match. This compact, sleek machine can whip up a delicious espresso, cappuccino, or latte with ease and convenience.

The Breville Café Roma boasts a 15-bar pump that delivers a rich and creamy crema, the hallmark of a good espresso. The pump also ensures a consistent pressure and temperature throughout the brewing process. It comes with a stainless steel frothing wand that can create smooth and silky milk foam for your cappuccino or latte. The wand is easy to use and clean, and it has a swivel action that allows you to adjust the angle and position of the milk jug.

The machine has a large 1.2-liter removable water tank that can hold enough water for several cups of espresso. The tank is transparent and has a water level indicator, so you can easily see when you need to refill it. It also features a dual-wall filter system that helps to extract the optimal flavor and aroma from your coffee grounds. The filter system also reduces the need for tamping, which can be tricky for beginners.

The Breville Café Roma also has a warming tray that can preheat your cups and keep them warm until you are ready to serve. This feature enhances the taste and quality of your espresso, as it prevents heat loss and condensation. It also has a removable drip tray and grid that can catch any spills or drips from the machine. The drip tray and grid are easy to remove and wash, making the cleaning process simple and hassle-free.

However, the Breville Café Roma is not without its drawbacks. It does not have a built-in grinder, so you will need to buy a separate grinder or use pre-ground coffee. It also lacks a water filter, so you will need to use filtered or distilled water to avoid mineral buildup and scale in the machine. Lastly, it does not have a lot of bells and whistles, such as a digital display, a timer, a programmable function, or a pressure gauge.

In summary, the Breville Café Roma is a simple and affordable espresso machine that can make decent espresso, cappuccino, and latte with minimal fuss and effort. It is ideal for beginners who want to learn the basics of espresso making without spending too much money or time. However, it is not suitable for coffee enthusiasts who want more control and flexibility over their espresso, or who prefer to use fresh coffee beans.

What We Like

  • 15-bar pump for rich and creamy crema
  • Stainless steel frothing wand for smooth and silky milk foam
  • Large and transparent water tank with water level indicator
  • Dual-wall filter system for optimal flavor and aroma extraction
  • Warming tray for preheating and keeping cups warm
  • Removable drip tray and grid for easy cleaning

What We Don’t Like

  • No built-in grinder
  • No water filter
  • No advanced or customizable features

Best with frother

7

Breville Barista Express

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Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, made right in your kitchen with the Breville Barista Express. This semi-automatic espresso machine is a coffee lover’s dream, offering a built-in grinder, a steam wand, and a tamper, all housed in a sleek and sturdy design.

The beauty of this machine lies in its versatility. You can customize your coffee to your heart’s content, adjusting the grind size, dose, pressure, and temperature. Whether you prefer single or double shots, or manual or automatic modes, the choice is yours.

The Breville Barista Express shines in its ability to deliver consistent and delicious espresso. Each cup boasts a rich crema and a balanced flavor that will transport you straight to your favorite café. But the fun doesn’t stop at espresso. With the steam wand, you can whip up lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based drinks, complete with smooth and creamy froth.

Despite its many advantages, the Breville Barista Express does have a few drawbacks. It can be noisy, especially when grinding beans, and requires regular maintenance and descaling. Mastering the art of espresso making may take some time and practice, and the machine is quite an investment.

However, if you’re a coffee enthusiast, these minor inconveniences are a small price to pay for the luxury of brewing your own espresso at home. The Breville Barista Express is not just a machine, it’s an experience. It’s fun, rewarding, and will make you feel like a professional barista.

What We Like

  • Built-in grinder, steam wand, and tamper
  • Consistent and delicious espresso
  • Customizable settings and modes
  • Sleek and sturdy design
  • Easy to use and clean

What We Don’t Like

  • Noisy
  • Requires regular maintenance and descaling
  • Takes time and practice to master

Best professional

8

Breville Infuser

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If you’re a coffee lover looking for a beginner-friendly espresso machine that delivers professional results, the Breville Infuser might just be your perfect match. This semi-automatic espresso machine offers a lot of control and customization, making it a great choice for espresso enthusiasts.

The Breville Infuser stands out with its pre-infusion function, which moistens the coffee grounds before applying high pressure. This process helps to extract more flavor and aroma from the beans. The machine also features a thermocoil heating system and an auto-purge function, ensuring optimal temperature and pressure for each shot. You can even monitor the pressure level with the built-in gauge, allowing you to fine-tune your espresso to perfection.

What’s more, the Breville Infuser comes with a host of accessories, including a stainless steel portafilter, four filter baskets, a tamper, a milk jug, a cleaning kit, and a water filter. These tools enable you to make different types of espresso, from single to double shots, and from regular to pressurized baskets. The machine also includes a steam wand for frothing milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based drinks. The steam wand’s 360-degree swivel makes it easy to maneuver and clean.

Ease of use and maintenance are also key features of the Breville Infuser. Its user-friendly interface and clear instructions make it a breeze to operate. The machine has a removable water tank that can hold up to 61 ounces of water, and a cup warmer that can heat up to six cups at a time. It also features a cleaning alert and a descaling function to help you keep the machine in top condition. Plus, its compact and stylish design will fit seamlessly into any kitchen.

However, the Breville Infuser does have a few drawbacks. It lacks a built-in grinder, so you’ll need to purchase one separately if you prefer using fresh beans. The machine can also be quite noisy during operation, particularly when pumping water or steaming milk. Additionally, achieving the best results may require some practice and experimentation, as the quality of the espresso can be affected by different beans, grinds, and tamps.

In conclusion, the Breville Infuser is a fantastic espresso machine that caters to both beginners and professionals. Its versatility, reliability, and ability to produce high-quality espresso make it a worthy investment.

What We Like

  • Better espresso extraction with pre-infusion function
  • Precise temperature and pressure control with thermocoil heating system and auto-purge function
  • Comes with a variety of accessories and a water filter
  • Features a pressure gauge, a cup warmer, and a steam wand
  • Easy to use and clean
  • Compact and stylish design

What We Don’t Like

  • Lacks a built-in grinder
  • Can be noisy during operation
  • Requires practice and experimentation for optimal results

Best manual

9

The NEO by Flair

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Looking for a simple, affordable, and eco-friendly way to make delicious espresso at home? The NEO by Flair might be the perfect choice for you. This manual espresso maker doesn’t require electricity, pods, or filters. It’s easy to use, clean, and store, and it comes with everything you need to start brewing right away.

The NEO has a sleek and elegant design that will look great on any kitchen counter. It’s made of durable materials that are built to last. The detachable brewing head allows you to preheat it with hot water for optimal extraction. The custom pressure gauge helps you control the pressure and achieve a consistent and balanced shot every time.

The NEO produces a rich and flavorful espresso that rivals any professional machine. You can adjust the grind size, dose, and tamp to suit your preferences. You can also experiment with different beans and roasts to find your ideal flavor profile. The NEO is compatible with the Flair Signature accessories, such as the bottomless portafilter and the pressure kit, which can enhance your espresso experience even more.

However, the NEO does have its drawbacks. It has a learning curve, and it might take some practice and patience to master the technique and get the best results. It also requires some manual effort and time to prepare each shot, which might not be ideal for busy or lazy mornings. And it can only make one shot at a time, so it might not be suitable for serving multiple guests or making large batches of coffee.

Overall, the NEO by Flair is a great option for anyone who wants to enjoy a high-quality espresso at home without breaking the bank or harming the environment. It’s a fun and rewarding way to explore the world of espresso and discover your own personal taste.

What We Like

  • Simple, affordable, and eco-friendly
  • Easy to use, clean, and store
  • Sleek and elegant design
  • Durable and detachable brewing head
  • Custom pressure gauge
  • Rich and flavorful espresso

What We Don’t Like

  • Learning curve and manual effort
  • Time-consuming and single-shot
  • Not suitable for serving multiple guests or making large batches of coffee

Best entry-level

10

De’Longhi Stilosa

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Do you love the taste and aroma of espresso, but don’t want to spend a fortune on a fancy machine? If so, you might want to check out the De’Longhi Stilosa, the best entry-level espresso machine on the market. This compact and stylish machine will let you enjoy authentic espresso, cappuccino, or latte at home, without breaking the bank or taking up too much space.

The De’Longhi Stilosa is easy to use and operate, with a simple on/off switch, a temperature indicator light, and a steam control knob. You can choose to brew single or double shots, or use ESE pods, with the 3-in-1 filter holder. The machine also comes with a measuring spoon and a tamper to help you prepare the perfect espresso.

The De’Longhi Stilosa has a powerful 15-bar pump pressure system that delivers a rich and creamy crema, the hallmark of a great espresso. The stainless steel boiler heats up quickly and evenly, ensuring a consistent and delicious brew. The machine also has a steam wand that lets you froth milk for your favorite drinks, such as cappuccino or latte.

The De’Longhi Stilosa is also easy to clean and maintain, with a removable water tank and drip tray. The machine has a sleek and modern design that will look great on any kitchen counter. The De’Longhi Stilosa is ideal for beginners who want to experience the joy of espresso at home, without spending too much money or time.

What We Like

  • Affordable and compact
  • Powerful and consistent
  • Versatile and convenient
  • Easy to use and clean
  • Stylish and modern
  • Comes with accessories

What We Don’t Like

  • No built-in grinder
  • No cup warmer
  • No auto shut-off feature

Final Thought

We hope this guide has helped you to learn more about the best beginner espresso machine and how to choose one that suits your needs and preferences. Making espresso at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, as well as a great way to save money and enjoy your favorite coffee drinks anytime. However, it can also be a daunting and confusing task, especially if you are new to the world of espresso machines. That is why we have selected the top 10 best beginner espresso machines for you, based on their features, performance, quality, and price. We have also explained the things to consider when buying an espresso machine, such as your budget, skill level, space, and maintenance.

As a newbie, you might want to start with a machine that is easy to use, reliable, and affordable, but also offers some room for improvement and customization. You might also want to look for a machine that has a good reputation, a good warranty, and a good customer service. You might also want to read some reviews and watch some videos of the machine you are interested in, to get a better idea of how it works and what to expect. Of course, you should also consider your own personal taste and preference, as well as the type of coffee you like to drink.

Ultimately, the best beginner espresso machine for you is the one that meets your needs and expectations, and makes you happy and satisfied. We hope you find your perfect match, and enjoy your espresso journey. Cheers! ☕