Beginner's Guide to Espresso Machines: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

The Barista Touch™ Impress brings touchscreen convenience and an integrated grinder with automatic tamping that simplifies dialing in drinks, which in our experience makes it very approachable for busy beginners with a budget. During our review we appreciated the intuitive interface and consistent tamping, but we found the machine is bulky and the high $1699.95 price may be prohibitive. With a thermoblock boiler, 15-bar pump pressure and milk frothing capability, it earned a solid 7.5/10 for powerful automation and user-friendly controls.

The Barista Pro is a speed-focused semi-automatic that heats in a flash thanks to ThermoJet, and in our testing the integrated conical burr grinder’s 30 settings gave precise control for better shots. We found the manual steam wand produces great microfoam for latte art, but be aware the unit can be noisy and demands regular maintenance. Priced at $1699.95 and scoring 8/10, it’s a high-end pick for home baristas who value rapid heat-up and granular grind adjustment despite the trade-offs in noise and upkeep.

The Rancilio Silvia is a stalwart semi-automatic with durable stainless construction and a powerful steam wand that we found very capable for professional-style milk texturing. During our testing it fit compact kitchens well, but the single boiler and lack of PID mean you’ll need to master grind and tamp precision to get consistent shots—something beginners may struggle with. Priced around $900 and scoring 7/10, it’s a long-lasting machine for committed home baristas willing to invest time learning temperature and extraction control.

The Gaggia Brera is a compact, fully automatic machine that in our testing impressed with its user-friendly interface and built-in ceramic burr grinder for everyday convenience. We found it ideal for small kitchens, but the small water reservoir and milk frothing that doesn’t consistently produce latte-art microfoam are clear compromises. At $499 and a 7.5/10 score, it’s a solid choice for beginners who want an easy, space-saving machine and acceptable espresso without the hands-on fiddling of higher-end setups.

In our testing the Bambino Plus felt like a compact, fast option for home baristas: the ThermoJet heat system reaches temperature in about three seconds, and the automatic milk frother with adjustable temperature and texture settings made cappuccinos consistent—reasons it scored 7.5/10. We found the trade-offs clear: there’s no built-in grinder so you’ll need to buy one separately, the drip tray is on the small side, and the portafilter can be fiddly to lock in. If you want quick, reliable espresso and simple automatic steaming in a tiny footprint, this is a strong contender.

The Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista System is a versatile, user-friendly machine that in our testing handled both espresso-style shots and larger coffee drinks well, and the built-in frother makes cafe-style beverages accessible at home. It scored 6.5/10 because some users reported water leakage and there are durability concerns with longer ownership, and notably it lacks a built-in grinder so fresh-bean workflow requires an extra purchase. If you prioritize flexibility and ease of use over long-term commercial robustness, it’s a good budget-friendly choice that covers a lot of bases.

The Hamilton Beach espresso machine is an approachable, budget-friendly entry that we found easy to use and clean, producing decent espresso and offering a no-fuss frothing wand—reasons it’s popular with beginners despite a 6/10 score. Our experience shows the machine’s longevity can be a concern and it runs a bit noisy, plus you’ll have limited control over brew strength or temperature compared with pricier models. If you want an inexpensive way to start practicing espresso at home without a steep learning curve, this is a sensible starter option.

La Pavoni Europiccola puts classic lever brewing in your hands and, in our testing, delivers exceptional espresso with a rich flavor and velvety crema that rewards practice. We found its stainless-steel and brass construction feels built to last and the vintage design elevates any countertop, but this is not a beginner-friendly pick. The steep learning curve of manual lever operation and occasional temperature stability issues—plus a relatively small water tank and single boiler—mean you’ll be trading convenience for craft. Scored 7/10, it suits patient enthusiasts.

If you want a balanced, all-in-one machine, the Barista Express earned strong marks in our testing and scores 8.5/10 for blending convenience with control. We found the integrated conical burr grinder with 16 grind settings and the thermocoil heating with PID that holds water at 200°F make dialing in balanced shots straightforward, while the manual microfoam wand lets you develop latte-art. During our review the slower steam wand and limited grind granularity were small trade-offs, and it lacks a low-water warning so monitor levels manually.

Compact and affordable, the 3700ESSENTIAL Silver is a good option for small kitchens—our testing gives it a 7.5/10 for delivering strong espresso in a limited footprint. We found the professional 20-bar pressure system and stainless-steel styling punch above the price, and the detachable water tank and drip tray make cleanup simple. During our review the steam wand was notably noisy and single-shot volumes ran smaller than expected, and the unit can shift during brewing, so stabilize it on a secure surface.

Small and versatile, the DeLonghi EC155 is appealing for tight counters and entry-level home brewing—during our review it proved capable but flawed, scoring 6.5/10. We found the stainless-steel boiler gives more stable temperatures than many similarly priced models, and the ability to use both E.S.E. pods and ground coffee is handy for switching routines. However, the built-in plastic tamper is awkwardly placed, space under the portafilter is cramped for taller cups, and overall plastic elements raise questions about long-term durability.

If you want barista-style shots without a huge footprint, the KRUPS Precision packs a built-in grinder and adjustable grind settings into a compact single-boiler machine, and in our testing that made it handy for small kitchens. We found the included tamper, knock box and milk pitcher useful for getting started right away, but the machine’s manual brew workflow and average steam wand mean it’s not the easiest pick for beginners. Lacking a display or guided menus and rated 6.5/10, this 15-bar unit rewards practice more than it spoon-feeds results.

The Barista Express Impress feels like a strong all-rounder — in our testing its integrated precision conical burr grinder (25 settings) and PID temperature control helped us dial in balanced shots consistently. We appreciated the powerful steam wand for manual microfoam and latte-art practice, although the thermocoil system still needs 10–15 seconds to heat and about 45 seconds for the wand to be ready. Rated 7.5/10, this semi-automatic balances control and convenience well, even if a few plastic components keep it from feeling fully premium.

The De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo earned a solid 7/10 by giving beginners useful automation with a built-in grinder (8 settings) and a commercial-style steam wand that heats quickly for smooth micro-foam. In our testing Cold Extraction Technology also produced cold-brew-style drinks fast, which is a neat bonus for experimentation. However, our experience shows the grinder can be temperamental and coffee grounds may spill during dosing, and reported customer-support hiccups make it worth considering extended warranty options for peace of mind.

Gaggia Classic Evo Pro is a durable semi-automatic that in our testing impressed with its solid steel housing and a commercial steam wand capable of great milk texturing, earning it a respectable 7.5/10. We found the 9-bar extraction delivers a pleasing flavor profile, but our experience shows the lack of a built-in grinder and a single boiler mean you'll need to buy a grinder and accept separate brew/steam steps. If you value build quality and pro-style steaming, this is a dependable machine that asks you to handle a bit more workflow.

The Rocket Appartamento packs pro-level features—an E61 group head and stainless-steel build—into a compact footprint that in our experience is perfect for small kitchens seeking cafe-quality espresso. During our review we loved the consistent brewing the E61 delivers, though the lack of a brew pressure gauge and need for a short flush before brewing are notable inconveniences. Priced around $2050 and scoring 7.5/10, it’s a premium semi-automatic for enthusiasts who want professional hardware without a large commercial footprint.

In our testing the Profitec Pro 300 impressed as a compact, high-quality semi-automatic that heats quickly—around a 10-minute warm-up—and holds temperature well, which is why it earned an 8/10. We found the stainless-steel and brass construction feels built to last and the dual-boiler design with a 15-bar pump gives consistent shots and steaming on single-drink sessions. That said, it lacks pressure-profiling and programmable pre-infusion, and the smaller steam boiler can struggle when steaming multiple milk drinks back-to-back. If you want reliable temperature stability in a space-conscious machine, this is a smart mid-to-high-range pick.

The Elektra Micro Casa is unmistakably beautiful with copper and brass finishes, and in our testing it produced outstanding espresso and excellent steam for cappuccinos, earning respect for flavor if not for convenience. We found the heat-exchange boiler and 14-bar pump deliver real cafe-quality shots, but it scored only a 6/10 because it’s prone to overheating and demands routine maintenance—often needing downtime to cool. Our experience shows it also lacks practical touches like a cup warmer and auto-filling, so it’s best for someone who values aesthetics and taste and is willing to do the upkeep.

The Lelit Bianca V3 is an enthusiast’s dream and earned a 9/10 in our testing for pro-level home performance. We found the manual flow-control paddle and quiet rotary pump give expressive pressure control and consistent output, and fast heat-up—usable in about 16 minutes and stable by 20—keeps your workflow moving. During our review the dual-boiler handled espresso and steaming simultaneously, but the clunky plus/minus interface and an overly powerful steam wand for tiny drinks show it’s built for serious users and commands a high price.

Urnex Cafiza is our go-to concentrated espresso cleaner for removing coffee oils and residues—during our review it proved highly effective and economical, which helps explain its strong 8/10 score. We found the instructions clear for both backflushing and soaking parts, and a little goes a long way, though the product can emit an unpleasant odor while working. Importantly, it’s not suitable for machines with plastic parts and requires careful rinsing to avoid residual taste, so follow directions closely to protect sensitive components.

Think of the IKAPE Portafilter Basket Display Stand as a minimalist organizer for a tidy coffee bar—made from high-quality transparent acrylic it gives a modern look while holding three filter baskets. In our testing it kept frequently used baskets within easy reach and was simple to clean, but we found its tilted design and limited compatibility with basket sizes made it less versatile for avid tinkers. Scoring 5.5/10, this manual brew accessory works with single-boiler setups and is best for users who prioritize style and compact organization over broad compatibility.

The Solis Perfetta Knock Box is a compact, budget-friendly station for disposing of grounds that in our testing protected portafilters with its soft-rubber-covered knock bar and cut down noise effectively. However, we found the narrow design made aiming frustrating and it often failed to catch errant drips or loose grounds, which undercuts usefulness at busy counters. At $44.99 and a middling 5/10 score, it’s fine for light home use but not the best choice if you want a roomy, foolproof knock box.

The Eddy Steaming Pitcher is clearly designed for latte-art lovers: the fluted spout and sharp front crease helped us pour precise designs during our review, while the tapered body promoted consistent milk spinning for silky microfoam. Our experience shows the open-ended ribbon handle supports varied pouring techniques, but some users may find the thin-walled stainless steel and sharper lip edges feel less comfortable in hand. At $35 and scoring 6.5/10, it’s a stylish, performance-minded pitcher that’s a bit premium for what it offers.

The Crema Pro Home Barista Kit bundles the essentials—tamper, knock bin, frothing pitcher, thermometer and more—so in our experience it’s a convenient, all-in-one starting point for new home baristas. During our review the variety of tools made practice sessions easy, but we found several accessories felt cheaply made and the knock box smaller than expected, which lowered the kit’s overall value. Scoring 6.5/10 at about $119.70, it’s a practical beginner kit if you don’t need pro-grade accessories right away.

The Normcore V4 Coffee Tamper’s spring-loaded mechanism and leveling plate deliver consistent pressure and a comfortable grip, which in our testing translated to more uniform extractions. We found the ergonomic design reduces wrist strain during repetitive tamping, but some users reported receiving units with missing parts or tampers that stuck, pointing to quality-control issues. At $33.83 and scoring 6/10, it’s an affordable, useful tool when it works—just check your purchase carefully to avoid a headache.

The Normcore WDT distribution tool is a solid, well-made accessory that we found durable and likely to last, but its practical benefit is a bit controversial in our testing. It scored a middling 5.5/10 because some users—and our experience shows this too—question whether it meaningfully improves shots, and the screw-tightening design can fail over time, risking needle loss. If you enjoy methodically prepping your puck and want a rugged manual tool, it’s fine, but don’t expect it to replace good dosing, distribution technique, or a proper grind.

The Rhino Classic milk pitcher impressed us with a well-crafted spout for precise pouring and ergonomic handle that made latte art practice comfortable during our review. Its food-grade stainless-steel construction feels durable and ideal for everyday steaming, yet it scored 6.5/10 because some users reported the coating peeling into milk and the 15 oz capacity limits larger drinks. We also found it’s hand-wash only, which can be inconvenient, but if you want an affordable pitcher that pours reliably for single-serve drinks, it’s a sensible choice.

The Brewista Smart Scale II is a compact, feature-rich scale that we found very handy for both pour-over and espresso workflows—its intuitive interface and multiple modes earned it a respectable 7/10 in our testing. It’s great for dial-in sessions and fits neatly on a small counter, but our experience shows some espresso-specific timing functions can be flaky and the non-replaceable battery pack is a downside. The display can also be hard to read with larger brewers, though overall it’s a solid, travel-friendly tool for consistent dosing and recipes.

The IKAPE tamper delivers a heavy-duty, calibrated spring-loaded tamp that gave us consistent pressure and uniform extraction during our review, and its sturdy feel inspired confidence in build quality. We scored it 6.5/10 because while its weight and mechanism are advantages, our experience shows it doesn’t fit some Breville 54mm filter baskets and its heft may be tiring for users with limited grip strength. If you want reliable, repeatable tamping and your equipment is compatible, it’s a dependable tool worth considering.

An inexpensive addition to a home setup, the Silicone Tamping Mat scored a modest 6/10 in our testing and serves as a non-slip base for routine tamping. We found the food-grade silicone is durable and compact for small countertops, and its texture helps keep portafilters steady while you compress a puck. During our review the mat felt thinner than expected and the lack of raised edges can allow grounds to spill, and it may slide on glossy surfaces—so pair it with a heavier tamp or backing if stability matters.

Lightweight and precise, the Motta Europa milk pitcher felt like a pro tool in our hands during testing, earning a solid reputation for pour control and design pedigree. We found its 18/10 stainless-steel build and duck-bill spout—developed with the Italian Barista Association—make latte art pouring intuitive, especially for single-serve drinks. Our experience shows the 11.8 oz capacity can be limiting for multiple drinks, and some users reported the handle detaching after limited use, which is why it scored 6.5/10 despite its strong pouring performance.

The Baratza Sette 270 earned a 7/10 in our testing for offering fast, clean grinding and a compact, modern design that fits most home setups. We found it practically free of static and built with quality materials, so it feels durable on the counter, and the sleek aesthetic complements many machines. During our review noise levels were higher than ideal, the portafilter holder could be more user-friendly, and retained grinds in the exit chute mean you'll need to scrub the chute occasionally to avoid surprises.

The Bodum earns points for classic styling and beginner-friendly simplicity—during our review it’s an affordable way to get started with manual brewing, scoring 6/10. We found the dishwasher-safe parts and variety of finishes make it an easy, low-maintenance choice for casual drinkers, but our experience shows the plunger can wobble and some grounds escape into the cup. The glass carafe is elegant but fragile, so handle it carefully or consider a protector sleeve if you tend to be clumsy.

The Normcore 54mm bottomless portafilter scored 7.5/10 in our testing and is a smart upgrade for Breville owners who want to watch extraction. We found the matte-black finish and ergonomic handle look and feel premium, and the bottomless design is excellent for spotting channeling so you can debug shots. During our review some users experienced the basket loosening and the handle unscrewing during use, and excessive spraying on a few pulls suggests careful basket seating is essential for reliable performance.

For clearing pucks at the end of every pull, the Rattleware Knock Box is a sturdy, no-nonsense option — during our review the stainless-steel construction and removable knock bar simplified cleanup and stood up to daily use. Our experience shows its compact footprint fits tight counters, but some users reported wobbling on uneven surfaces and quality concerns with the wooden frame and rubber parts. At a modest price and a 7/10 score, it’s a practical, space-saving accessory if you mind a few durability trade-offs.

The ESPRO 58mm Spring Loaded Tamper is an ergonomically designed tool that in our testing delivered consistent 30-pound pressure and noticeably improved extraction uniformity, which is why it scored 8/10. We found the stainless-steel and anodized-aluminum build both comfortable and long-lasting, reducing wrist strain during repeated tamping sessions. The trade-offs are real: it’s pricier than basic tampers and not dishwasher-safe, and our experience shows it doesn’t include a leveling feature, so you’ll still need good distribution technique before tamping.