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

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

July 17, 2025

Overview

Embark on your espresso journey with our comprehensive Beginner's Guide to Espresso Machines. This guide is your go-to resource for everything espresso, covering essential aspects like pump pressure, boiler types, and milk frothing techniques. We'll explore various espresso machine models, from user-friendly options perfect for beginners to advanced machines for the aspiring barista, helping you navigate the world of espresso with confidence. Learn how to pull the perfect shot and create your favorite coffee shop beverages in the comfort of your own home. Get ready to elevate your coffee experience in 2025 and beyond!

Philip O'Riley

In this guide

Best Beginner-Friendly Espresso MachinesNavigating Espresso Machine FeaturesRecommended Espresso Machine Accessory Kit

Our picks

The Best Beginner-Friendly Espresso Machine: Barista Touch™ Impress, $1,699.95

The Best Espresso Machine for Latte Art: Eddy Steaming Pitcher, $35.00

The Easiest Espresso Machine to Maintain: Motta Europa Milk Pitcher, $29.00

The Ultimate Espresso Accessory Kit: Crema Pro Home Barista Kit, $119.70

The Best Espresso Machine with a Built-In Grinder: Barista Express, $552.96

Best Beginner-Friendly Espresso Machines

User-friendly machines perfect for those starting their espresso journey at home in 2025.

7.5

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Score

Barista Touch™ Impress

$1,699.95

The Barista Touch™ Impress excels as an intuitive espresso machine with a touchscreen that simplifies customization—a feature we found very helpful. Despite its impressive capabilities, the $1699.95 price and bulky frame might deter beginners, contributing to its 7.5/10 score. Nonetheless, its automatic tamping and built-in grinder offer a streamlined experience, ideal for those serious about enhancing their home brew quality. Our review highlights its user-friendly design, making it approachable despite premium aspects.

Breville logo

$1,699.95

at Breville

The Good

Intuitive touchscreen simplifies drink customization.

Built-in grinder with adjustable grind size.

Automatic tamping ensures consistent espresso shots.

The Bad

High price point may not suit tight budgets.

Bulky size requires ample counter space.

Limited grind adjustments may restrict precision.

Brew Method: Semi-Automatic / Boiler Type: Thermoblock / Pump Pressure: 15 bars / Milk Frothing Capability: true


8

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Barista Pro

$1,699.95

The Barista Pro stands out with its ThermoJet heating technology, reaching brewing temperature in a swift 3 seconds, which we found perfect for the impatient barista. While it offers precise grind control with 30 settings, the noise level during operation could be a drawback, albeit a minor one given its high performance. Earning an 8/10 in our tests, its price point may seem steep, but the manual steam wand for latte art justifies its positioning as a serious contender for home espresso enthusiasts.

The Good

The ThermoJet heating system heats up in just 3 seconds, allowing for quick coffee preparation.

The integrated conical burr grinder offers 30 grind settings for precise control over coffee grounds.

The manual steam wand enables users to create microfoam suitable for latte art.

The Bad

The grinder can be noisy during operation, which may be disruptive in quiet environments.

The machine requires regular maintenance and cleaning to keep it in optimal condition.

The price point is relatively high, which may be prohibitive for some potential buyers.

Brew Method: Semi-Automatic / Boiler Type: Single / Pump Pressure: 9 bars / Milk Frothing Capability: true


7

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Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine

$900.00

The Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine, known for its robust stainless steel build, offers long-term durability for serious enthusiasts, earning a respectable 7/10. In our review, its compact design was ideal for tight spaces, though mastering its precise requirements can be challenging for beginners. Its powerful steam wand makes professional-grade milk frothing accessible, while the lack of a PID controller and single boiler design require patience between brewing and steaming.

The Good

Durable stainless steel construction ensures longevity.

Powerful steam wand allows for professional-grade milk frothing.

Compact design fits well in small kitchen spaces.

The Bad

Requires precise grind size and tamping for consistent espresso quality.

Lacks a PID controller, making temperature consistency challenging for beginners.

Single boiler design requires time between brewing and steaming.

Brew Method: Semi-Automatic / Boiler Type: Single / Pump Pressure: 9 bars / Milk Frothing Capability: true


7.5

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Score

Gaggia Brera Espresso Machine

$499.00

With its compact and user-friendly design, the Gaggia Brera Espresso Machine scored a solid 7.5/10 in our testing, perfect for those with limited counter space. The built-in ceramic burr grinder offers adjustable settings, although the small water reservoir requires frequent refills. Despite limitations with milk frothing quality for latte art, this fully automatic machine provides an excellent starting point for beginners aiming to brew espresso and cappuccinos conveniently.

The Good

Compact design ideal for small kitchens.

User-friendly interface with simple controls.

Built-in ceramic burr grinder with adjustable settings.

The Bad

Small water reservoir requires frequent refilling.

Milk frothing may not produce microfoam suitable for latte art.

Descaling process is time-consuming and requires full attention.

Brew Method: Fully Automatic / Boiler Type: Single / Pump Pressure: 15 bars / Milk Frothing Capability: true


7.5

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Score

Bambino Plus

$999.95

Start your espresso journey smoothly with the Bambino Plus, a machine that combines ease of use with excellent performance. Scoring 7.5/10, its compact design fits snugly into smaller kitchens, while the ThermoJet heating system guarantees a quick start to your day. Although an external grinder is needed, its automatic steam wand delivers consistent microfoam, perfect for latte art enthusiasts.

The Good

Compact design ideal for small spaces.

Automatic milk frothing with adjustable temperature and texture settings.

Quick 3-second heat-up time with ThermoJet heating system.

The Bad

Lacks a built-in grinder, requiring a separate purchase.

Drip tray is small and may require frequent emptying.

Portafilter can be difficult to lock into the group head.

Brew Method: Semi-Automatic / Boiler Type: Thermoblock / Pump Pressure: 9 bars / Milk Frothing Capability: true


6.5

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Score

Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista System

$279.99

Discover the joy of versatile brewing with the Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista System. While not the highest scorer with a 6.5/10, its ability to brew espresso and drip coffee with ease makes it ideal for varied preferences. The integrated frother enhances your café-style drink adventures, though be aware of potential durability issues. Its user-friendly design welcomes both newcomers and those wishing to explore coffee complexity.

The Good

Versatile brewing options allow for both espresso and drip coffee, catering to various preferences.

The built-in frother enables easy preparation of café-style drinks at home.

User-friendly design with intuitive controls makes operation straightforward for all experience levels.

The Bad

Some users reported issues with water leakage after brewing, which can be inconvenient.

The machine lacks a built-in grinder, requiring pre-ground coffee or a separate grinder for fresh beans.

Some users have reported durability concerns, with malfunctions occurring within a short period.

Brew Method: Fully Automatic / Boiler Type: Single / Pump Pressure: 19 bars / Milk Frothing Capability: true


6

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Score

Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine

$125.95

Dive into espresso-making with ease using the Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine. Despite scoring 6/10 due to longevity and noise concerns, it offers a user-friendly approach with its straightforward operations. The 15-bar pump ensures café-style quality, and the frothing wand simplifies cappuccino creation. While customization options are limited, it's an accessible choice for those taking their first steps into home espresso.

The Good

Easy to use and clean.

Produces decent espresso.

No-fuss frothing wand.

The Bad

Some users reported issues with the machine’s longevity.

The machine can be a bit noisy during operation.

Limited customization options for brew strength or temperature.

Brew Method: Semi-Automatic / Boiler Type: Single / Pump Pressure: 15 bars / Milk Frothing Capability: true


7

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La Pavoni Europiccola Espresso Machine

$923.99

The La Pavoni Europiccola Espresso Machine is a piece of art for your kitchen, offering exceptional espresso quality. With its classic lever-operated brew method, this machine guarantees rich flavors and a velvety crema, though it takes skill to master. Made from durable stainless steel and brass, it's built to last but has a steep learning curve and potential temperature fluctuations, which may challenge beginners. Scoring 7/10, we found it best suited for the patient espresso enthusiast keen on traditional methods.

The Good

Exceptional espresso quality with rich flavor and velvety crema.

Durable stainless steel and brass construction ensures longevity.

Classic design adds elegance to any kitchen countertop.

The Bad

Steep learning curve for mastering manual lever operation, especially for beginners.

Potential temperature stability issues, leading to fluctuations in brewing consistency.

Relatively small water tank and boiler capacity may require frequent refills.

Brew Method: Lever / Boiler Type: Single / Pump Pressure: 0.7-1 bar / Milk Frothing Capability: true


8.5

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Score

Barista Express

$552.96

In our testing, the Barista Express stood out with its user-friendly features and high performance, scoring 8.5/10. It includes an integrated conical burr grinder with 16 settings, manual milk texturing, and a thermocoil heating system for precise temperature control. Though the steam wand may be slow, the machine's balance of price and features makes it an excellent option for those starting their espresso journey. Monitor water levels manually, as there's no low-water warning.

The Good

Integrated conical burr grinder with 16 grind settings allows for precise control over coffee grounds.

Manual microfoam milk texturing enables creation of latte art and customized milk-based beverages.

Thermocoil heating system with PID temperature control ensures water is delivered at exactly 200°F for balanced flavors.

The Bad

Steam wand operation can be slow, taking up to 1 minute to steam milk to serving temperature.

Built-in grinder has limited grind settings, which may restrict precise adjustments for espresso.

Machine lacks a low-water warning, requiring users to monitor water levels manually.

Brew Method: Semi-Automatic / Boiler Type: Thermocoil / Pump Pressure: 15 bars / Milk Frothing Capability: true


7.5

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Score

3700ESSENTIAL Silver

$115.99

The 3700ESSENTIAL Silver offers a practical and stylish choice for budding home baristas. Scoring 7.5/10, this compact machine impresses with its 20-bar pressure system, ensuring rich espresso extraction. We appreciate its easy-to-clean detachable components, although the steam wand can be noisy and requires stabilization during brewing. While ideal for those with limited space, it may not satisfy high-volume demands, making it a great starting point for experimenting with espresso at home.

The Good

Compact and stylish stainless steel design.

Professional 20-bar pressure system for rich espresso extraction.

Easy-to-clean detachable water tank and drip tray.

The Bad

Steam wand can be noisy during operation.

Single-shot setting produces smaller volume than expected.

Machine may shift slightly during brewing, requiring stabilization.

Brew Method: Semi-Automatic / Boiler Type: Thermoblock / Pump Pressure: 20 bars / Milk Frothing Capability: true


6.5

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Score

DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Machine

$258.49

The DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Machine is a reliable starter machine for those venturing into home espresso. Compact and versatile, its user-friendly design accommodates both E.S.E pods and ground coffee. However, in our experience, the awkward built-in tamper and limited space under the portafilter may inhibit ease of use. Despite these, the stainless steel boiler aids in delivering consistent shots, earning it a score of 6.5/10, suitable for budget-conscious beginners.

The Good

Compact size suitable for kitchens with limited counter space.

Stainless steel boiler provides more stable temperature for consistent espresso shots.

Compatible with both E.S.E coffee pods and ground coffee for versatile brewing options.

The Bad

Built-in tamper is plastic and awkwardly placed, making it difficult to apply sufficient pressure.

Limited space under the portafilter makes it difficult to fit taller cups or travel mugs.

Plastic build may not be as durable as other materials, affecting longevity.

Brew Method: Semi-Automatic / Boiler Type: Single / Pump Pressure: 15 bars / Milk Frothing Capability: true


6.5

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Score

KRUPS Precision Espresso Machine

$719.38

The KRUPS Precision Espresso Machine is a solid option for those with limited counter space, thanks to its compact design. In our review, its built-in grinder delivers freshly ground coffee, enhancing flavor in every cup. However, beginners might find its manual operation challenging, compounded by the absence of a display. While it promises barista-quality results, the average steam wand may struggle to produce the perfect foam, as noted during our tests, leading to its score of 6.5/10.

The Good

Built-in grinder allows for freshly ground coffee with adjustable grind settings.

Compact design saves counter space compared to other piston machines.

Includes accessories like tamper, knock box, and milk pitcher for immediate use.

The Bad

Lacks a display, so the machine doesn't guide you through a menu with options while making coffee.

Steam wand for milk frothing is average, making it difficult to create perfect, airy foam.

Requires some skill to operate effectively, which may be challenging for beginners.

Brew Method: Manual / Boiler Type: Single / Pump Pressure: 15 bars / Milk Frothing Capability: true


7.5

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Score

Barista Express Impress

$799.95

The Barista Express Impress combines functionality and ease of use with its user-friendly semi-automatic features. We appreciated the 25 grind settings on its integrated burr grinder, which ensure consistent coffee flavor. Despite its comprehensive features, some elements, like the plastic steam knob, detract from its otherwise quality build, resulting in a 7.5/10 score. The machine's slow thermocoil heating system means patience is required for both espresso extraction and milk foaming.

The Good

Integrated precision conical burr grinder with 25 grind settings allows for fresh, flavorful coffee.

Powerful steam wand enables manual microfoam milk texturing for latte art.

Digital temperature control (PID) ensures optimal espresso extraction.

The Bad

Thermocoil heating system takes about 10 to 15 seconds to be ready to start.

Steam wand takes about 45 seconds to be ready for milk foaming.

Some components like the tamper cover and steam knob are made of plastic.

Brew Method: Semi-Automatic / Boiler Type: Single / Pump Pressure: 15 bars / Milk Frothing Capability: true


7

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Score

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo Espresso Machine

$499.95

Step into the world of espresso with the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo, a noteworthy starting point for aspiring baristas. Our review highlighted its built-in grinder for precise bean handling, coupled with a commercial-grade steam wand for smooth milk foam. However, potential grinder malfunctions and a lack of responsive customer support can hinder user experience, reflected in its 7/10 rating. The unique Cold Extraction Technology adds a touch of versatility, ideal for cold brew enthusiasts.

The Good

The built-in grinder with 8 settings ensures precise and consistent grinding for optimal extraction.

The commercial-style steam wand quickly heats up and delivers the right steam pressure for smooth micro-foam.

Cold Extraction Technology allows brewing cold brew coffee in under 5 minutes.

The Bad

Some users report issues with the grinder malfunctioning within the first year.

The machine may produce mess due to coffee grinds spilling during the grinding process.

Customer support responsiveness has been reported as lacking in some cases.

Brew Method: Semi-Automatic / Boiler Type: Thermoblock / Pump Pressure: 15 bars / Milk Frothing Capability: true


7.5

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Score

Gaggia Classic Evo Pro

$451.95

For those seeking durability and consistent quality, the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro is a commendable choice. Crafted from solid steel, this machine impressed us with its professional steam wand and 9-bar pressure for optimal flavor extraction. While it lacks a built-in grinder and its single boiler system prevents multitasking, its sturdy build compensates, earning it a 7.5/10 score. Note that manual cleaning is necessary to maintain its performance and longevity.

The Good

Solid steel housing for durability.

Commercial steam wand for professional-quality milk frothing.

9 bar extraction pressure for optimal flavor.

The Bad

No built-in grinder, requiring a separate purchase.

Single boiler system prevents simultaneous brewing and steaming.

Plastic tamper included lacks quality feel.

Brew Method: Semi-Automatic / Boiler Type: Single / Pump Pressure: 9 bars / Milk Frothing Capability: true

Espresso Machine Maintenance Essentials

Keep your machine running smoothly with regular cleaning and maintenance tips.

8

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Urnex Cafiza Espresso Machine Cleaner

$13.85

Keep your espresso machine in top condition with Urnex Cafiza Espresso Machine Cleaner. Highly effective in removing stubborn coffee oils, it scored a reputable 8/10 in our ratings for its cleaning prowess and user-friendly application. It's important to note its unsuitability for machines with plastic parts, but its concentrated formula offers excellent value. Regular use will ensure optimal coffee flavor, though a thorough rinse is essential to avoid any residue.

The Good

Highly effective in removing coffee oils and residues from espresso machines.

Easy to use with clear instructions for both backflushing and soaking components.

Cost-effective due to its concentrated formula requiring only small amounts per cleaning.

The Bad

Some users report an unpleasant odor during use.

Not suitable for machines with plastic parts, as it may cause damage.

Requires thorough rinsing to prevent any residual taste in subsequent brews.

Brew Method: N/A / Boiler Type: N/A / Pump Pressure: N/A / Milk Frothing Capability: N/A

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