Home › Guides › Espresso for beginners
The best espresso machine for beginners
The biggest beginner question is not the machine, it is the grinder. Most entry-level espresso machines have no grinder, and The Coffee Locator estimates a decent one costs another $200 to $400. So decide first: separate grinder, or all-in-one?
Quick picks
About pump pressure: 15 and 19 bar ratings are marketing figures. Espresso extracts at about 9 bar, so a higher number does not mean better coffee.
Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus heats up in about 3 seconds and has an automatic steam wand that textures milk for you, which takes the hardest skill out of making lattes. It needs a separate grinder, and it cannot brew and steam at the same time.
| Price | $499.95 list |
|---|---|
| Grinder | None. Needs a separate grinder. |
| Milk | Automatic steam wand with adjustable temperature and texture |
| Heat-up | 3 seconds (ThermoJet) |
| Portafilter | 54 mm |
| Water tank | 64 oz (about 1.9 L) |
Best for: Beginners who already have a grinder and want café-style milk drinks without the technique.
Sources: Tom's Guide review · TechRadar review · The Coffee Locator
Breville Barista Express Impress
If you would rather buy one box, the Impress has a built-in conical burr grinder and assisted dosing and tamping. Prices conflict: $799.95 list at Best Buy, with street prices reported from $650. If you already own a good grinder, it is worth much less to you.
| Price | $799.95 list |
|---|---|
| Grinder | Built-in conical burr grinder with assisted dosing and tamping (Impress Puck System) |
| Milk | Manual steam wand |
| Heat-up | About 40 seconds (retailer listing) |
| Portafilter | 54 mm |
| Water tank | 2 L |
Best for: One-box setup for newcomers who want grinder, dosing and tamping help built in.
Sources: Best Buy listing · TechRadar review · CoffeeKev review · BaristaLife comparison
Breville Bambino
The cheaper Bambino keeps Breville's compact design and a manual steam wand for $299.95, per Tom's Guide. You learn to steam milk yourself.
| Price | $299.95 |
|---|---|
| Grinder | None (needs a separate grinder) |
| Milk | Manual steam wand |
| Heat-up | Not confirmed |
| Portafilter | Not confirmed |
| Water tank | 64 fl oz (about 1.9 L) |
Best for: The cheapest way into a Breville with a proper steam wand.
Sources: Tom's Guide espresso guide
De'Longhi Dedica Duo (EC890)
The Dedica Duo is only about 5.9 in wide and adds a cold brew function. Tom's Guide says the Bambino is the better machine at a similar price, but the Dedica has been on sale at $229.95.
| Price | $299 list |
|---|---|
| Grinder | None. Takes ground coffee or ESE pods. |
| Milk | Manual My LatteArt steam wand |
| Heat-up | About 40 seconds (0.67 min, per Galaxus) |
| Portafilter | Not confirmed |
| Water tank | 1.1 L |
Best for: Small kitchens and budget buyers who also want a cold brew option.
Sources: Tom's Guide review · Best Buy listing · Euronics product page
De'Longhi Stilosa
At $149.95, the Stilosa is the lowest-priced real espresso machine we list. It is a basic first setup with a manual steam wand, and it still needs ground coffee or a grinder.
| Price | $149.95 |
|---|---|
| Grinder | None (needs a separate grinder) |
| Milk | Manual steam wand |
| Heat-up | Not confirmed |
| Portafilter | Not confirmed |
| Water tank | Not confirmed |
Best for: The lowest-priced real espresso machine here, for a first setup.
Sources: Tom's Guide espresso guide
Our verdict
If you have or will buy a grinder, get the Breville Bambino Plus. If you want everything in one machine, get the Barista Express Impress. Compare all 13 espresso machines →