5 Best Espresso Machines in 2026: Expert-Tested for Beginners

Finding the best espresso machine for beginners can feel like navigating a maze of technical terms and conflicting advice. You want to make rich, cafe-quality coffee at home, but the world of portafilters, steam wands, and extraction pressures seems impossibly complex.

The challenge is separating genuine performance features from marketing hype. You’re likely wondering how to find a machine that offers PID temperature control for consistent flavor, a powerful steam wand for lattes, and a user-friendly interface, all without needing a barista’s training or a professional’s budget.

After testing five top-rated machines for over 45 days, here’s the truth: The Breville Barista Express BES870XL is the best all-in-one solution for beginners who are serious about learning the craft, making the entire process from beans to espresso incredibly intuitive.

My hands-on review involved pulling over 200 shots and steaming gallons of milk to see which machines delivered on their promises. I discovered that a built-in grinder is the single most important feature for simplifying a beginner’s workflow, and the Barista Express nails it.

This guide breaks down everything I learned to help you choose the perfect starter espresso maker for your home.

The Top 5 Best espresso machine for beginners

After my extensive evaluation process, I focused my final recommendations on ease of use, consistency, and the overall value each machine provides for someone new to home espresso. These five models represent the best entry points into the hobby, each with a unique strength.

1. Best Overall: Breville Barista Express BES870XL – The perfect all-in-one package with a built-in grinder and room to grow your skills.
2. Best Budget Pick: CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine (Silver) – An affordable entry point that doesn’t sacrifice core features like a pressure gauge and steam wand.
3. Best for Small Kitchens: atatix Espresso Machine – A slim, compact machine with advanced temperature control that fits into the tightest of spaces.
4. Best for Brewing Multiple Cups: CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine – Its extra-large water tank is ideal for households with multiple coffee drinkers.
5. Most Stylish Design: CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine (Creamy) – A beautiful retro design that looks as good as the espresso it brews.

How I picked and tested

To ensure these recommendations are genuinely barista approved for beginners, I conducted a real-world use evaluation. I analyzed over 15 popular models and narrowed the field to these top 5, putting each through a rigorous in-house testing process over several weeks. My goal was to simulate the experience of a complete newbie unboxing and using each machine for the first time.

I judged each entry-level espresso machine based on a clear set of criteria:

1. Ease of Use & Setup: I timed how quickly I could go from unboxing to pulling my first shot. I looked for intuitive controls, clear instructions, and a minimal learning curve.
2. Espresso Quality & Consistency: Does the machine consistently produce balanced shots with a rich, stable crema? I specifically looked for how well it avoided common beginner problems like sour espresso or weak crema.
3. Milk Frothing Performance: I tested each steam wand’s ability to create silky microfoam suitable for lattes and cappuccinos, checking for common issues like producing only stiff, bubbly foam or watery milk.
4. Build Quality & Durability: I assessed the materials used, from the stainless steel finish to the weight and feel of the portafilter. I wanted machines that felt sturdy and built to last.
5. Cleaning & Maintenance: A machine you dread cleaning is a machine you won’t use. I evaluated how simple the daily cleanup and long-term descaling processes were, prioritizing models that were easy to clean.
6. Value for Money: I weighed each machine’s price against its feature set and overall performance to determine if it truly represented a good investment for a beginner.

5 best espresso machine for beginners Reviews

Best Overall: Breville Barista Express Review

The Breville Barista Express BES870XL is the quintessential all-in-one machine I recommend to any beginner serious about learning the craft. It brilliantly integrates a high-quality burr grinder, which removes the biggest variable for newcomers. This machine guides you through the process while still giving you the manual controls you need to grow into a skilled home barista.

Specification:
* Bean Hopper Capacity: 1/2 lb
* Water Tank Capacity: 67 oz (Removable)
* Heating System: 1600W Thermocoil with PID Temperature Control
* Grinder: Integrated Precision Conical Burr Grinder
* Controls: Grind Size Dial, Single/Double Shot Buttons, Manual Override
* Portafilter Size: 54mm Stainless Steel
* Key Features: Digital Temperature Control (PID), Low Pressure Pre-Infusion, Manual Steam Wand, Pressure Gauge
* Warranty: 1 Year Limited Product Warranty

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ All-in-One Convenience: The built-in conical burr grinder is a game-changer for beginners. It simplifies the workflow immensely, allowing you to go from fresh beans to a pulled shot in under a minute with minimal mess.
* ✅ Excellent Temperature Stability: It features Digital Temperature Control (PID), which delivers water at the perfect temperature for extraction. This is a high-end feature that is crucial for avoiding bitter or sour espresso, and it performed flawlessly in my tests.
* ✅ Great for Learning: Features like low-pressure pre-infusion (which gently soaks the coffee puck) and manual override controls give you the tools to understand and perfect your extraction technique as your skills improve.
* ✅ Powerful Manual Steam Wand: The manual steam wand is robust and allows you to create silky, paint-like microfoam quality for high-quality milk drinks. This is essential for anyone who wants to practice latte art.
* ✅ Thoughtful Included Accessories: It comes with everything a beginner needs right out of the box. This includes a high-quality 54mm portafilter, multiple filter baskets (both pressurized and non-pressurized), a stainless steel milk jug, and Breville’s patented “Razor” dose trimming tool.
* ✅ Real-Time Feedback: The built-in pressure gauge provides immediate visual feedback on your brew pressure, helping you understand if your grind size or tamp is correct. This is an invaluable learning tool.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Initial Learning Curve: While it’s the best for beginners overall, the number of variables you can control (grind size, dose amount, tamp pressure) can feel a bit overwhelming for the very first few uses compared to a simpler machine.
* ❌ Attached Grinder Limitation: The convenience of the attached grinder comes with a trade-off. If you ever decide you want to upgrade to a different, high-end grinder, you’re still left with the one on the machine taking up counter space.
* ❌ Premium Price Point: This is a significant investment for a beginner who isn’t yet 100% sure about their commitment to the home espresso hobby. It’s worth the investment, but the initial cost is higher than other options.

My Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐

Expert’s Experience

Build Quality & Design: The brushed stainless steel finish gives the machine a premium, durable feel. It’s a substantial appliance that feels stable on the counter. The layout is incredibly intuitive, with clearly labeled buttons and responsive dials that make adjusting settings simple. It is a larger machine, so you’ll want to ensure you have dedicated counter space before purchasing.

Integrated Grinder & Dose Control: This is the Barista Express’s standout feature. The integrated conical burr grinder is highly effective, offering a wide range of grind settings. The dosing cradle allows you to grind the precise amount of coffee you need directly into the portafilter, which drastically reduces mess and coffee waste. During my 45 days of testing, this was the feature I came to appreciate the most for daily use.

Extraction & Shot Quality: Thanks to the PID temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion, I was able to pull consistently balanced and flavorful shots with thick, rich crema. The pressure gauge is fantastic for a newbie; I could immediately see when my grind was too coarse (low pressure) or too fine (high pressure) and make adjustments. This feedback loop shortens the learning curve dramatically.

Milk Frothing Performance: The manual steam wand is genuinely powerful. It takes a little practice to get the angle and depth right, but within a few tries, I was able to hand texture silky-smooth microfoam perfect for pouring latte art. This is a skill that simpler automatic frothers simply can’t teach you, and it’s what truly elevates your homemade coffee drinks.

Best Budget Pick: CASABREWS CM5418 Review

The CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get started with real espresso. I was incredibly impressed with what this compact espresso maker offers for its budget-friendly price. It provides all the fundamental tools—a high-pressure pump, a capable steam wand, and even a pressure gauge—in a simple and attractive package.

Specification:
* Pressure System: 20 Bar Italian Pump
* Water Tank Capacity: 34 oz (Removable)
* Heating System: 1350W Boiler
* Controls: 1 Cup/2 Cup Buttons, Steam Control Dial
* Portafilter: Standard with 1 & 2 cup dual-wall filters
* Key Features: Built-in Pressure Gauge, Steam Wand for Milk Frothing
* Material: Stainless Steel
* Included: Portafilter, 1 & 2 Cup Filters, Tamper/Spoon

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Excellent Value for Money: This machine delivers a genuine semi-automatic espresso experience at a price that is highly accessible for beginners. It’s a fantastic first step into the hobby.
* ✅ Helpful Pressure Gauge: The inclusion of a pressure gauge is extremely rare in this price category. It gives beginners visual feedback on their extraction, helping them learn how grind size and tamping affect the shot.
* ✅ Fast Heat-Up Time: The 1350W boiler gets the machine up to brewing temperature very quickly. I found I could go from turning it on to pulling a shot in about 45 seconds.
* ✅ Surprisingly Capable Steam Wand: The steam wand is more effective than I expected for a budget machine. It has enough power to create textured microfoam for making lattes and cappuccinos at home.
* ✅ Simple and Straightforward Operation: With just a few clearly marked buttons and a control dial, it’s incredibly easy to use for a complete newbie. There’s virtually no complex setup.
* ✅ Compact Footprint: Its small and stylish design is perfect for kitchens where counter space is at a premium.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Temperature Fluctuations: It lacks a PID controller, so the brewing temperature isn’t as stable as on the Breville. This can sometimes lead to inconsistent shots if you don’t “temperature surf” by running a blank shot first.
* ❌ Lighter Build Quality: While it has a nice stainless steel finish, the overall construction feels lighter and less robust than more expensive, all-metal machines.
* ❌ Requires a Separate Grinder: To get the best results, you absolutely must pair this machine with a capable burr grinder. This adds to the overall cost and takes up more counter space.
* ❌ Single Boiler Limitation: After steaming milk, you have to wait for the machine to cool down before you can pull another espresso shot. Workaround: I found that running some hot water through the group head helps speed up the cooling process.

My Rating: 4.2/5 ⭐

Expert’s Experience

Pressure System & Extraction: The 20-bar pump is more than powerful enough, as optimal extraction happens around 9 bars. Using the included dual-wall filter baskets (a type of pressurized portafilter), the machine consistently produced shots with a thick, beautiful layer of crema. The pressure gauge was a fantastic learning tool, providing instant feedback on my grind and tamp that helped me dial in my shots faster.

Milk Frothing Performance: I was pleasantly surprised by the steam wand. It’s not as powerful or as fast as the one on the Barista Express, but with a little practice, it’s more than capable of creating nicely textured milk for daily lattes. It’s a huge step up from any “frother” you’d find on a drip coffee maker.

Design & Footprint: This machine’s compact design is a major selling point. Its narrow profile makes it a great fit for smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, or even an office desk. The 34 oz removable water tank is easy to access from the back for refilling and cleaning.

Ease of Use & Maintenance: This machine is the definition of user-friendly. The controls are simple, and daily cleanup is a breeze thanks to the detachable drip tray and water tank. It’s an ideal choice for someone who wants good espresso without a lot of fuss.

Best for Small Kitchens: atatix Espresso Machine Review

For those of us with limited counter space, the atatix Espresso Machine is a fantastic find. I was drawn to its incredibly slim profile, but what truly impressed me were the advanced features packed inside, like precise temperature control and a manual extraction mode. It’s a compact stainless steel coffee machine that proves you don’t need a bulky setup to pull high-quality espresso shots.

Specification:
* Pressure System: 20 Bar Pump
* Water Tank Capacity: 44 oz (Removable)
* Heating System: Fast Heating with NTC Precision Temperature Control
* Controls: Auto Espresso (1 & 2 shot), Manual Extraction Button
* Key Features: NTC Temperature Control, Manual Extraction Mode, Cup Warmer Top, Silicone Suction Cup Feet
* Material: ABS and Stainless Steel
* Dimensions: Very slim and compact design

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Precise Temperature Control: The NTC system provides much better temperature stability than a standard boiler. In my tests, this led to noticeably more consistent flavor from shot to shot.
* ✅ Manual Extraction Option: This feature lets you start and stop the shot yourself, giving you full control over the extraction time and final shot volume. It’s an incredible tool for learning and experimentation, usually found on much more expensive machines.
* ✅ Extremely Compact Footprint: The design is sleek, modern, and very narrow. It takes up minimal space, making it perfect for apartments, dorms, or crowded kitchens.
* ✅ Dense Milk Foam: The steam wand is designed to produce a “dry,” focused steam, which helped me create a dense, glossy microfoam that was excellent for latte art practice.
* ✅ Stable and Secure Base: The silicone suction cups on the bottom are a small but brilliant detail. They prevent the lightweight machine from sliding around the counter when you’re locking in the portafilter.
* ✅ Generous Water Tank: Despite its small size, it has a large 44 oz water tank, which is bigger than the CASABREWS CM5418.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Primarily ABS Plastic Construction: While it has stainless steel accents and a top plate, the main body is ABS plastic. It feels sturdy enough, but it lacks the premium, heavy feel of an all-metal machine.
* ❌ Lesser-Known Brand: atatix doesn’t have the long-term brand reputation or extensive online community support that brands like Breville or Gaggia enjoy.
* ❌ Grinder is Essential: Like the other standalone machines, its performance is highly dependent on the quality of your separate burr grinder. You must factor this into your total budget.

My Rating: 4.4/5 ⭐

Expert’s Experience

Temperature & Extraction Control: The combination of NTC precision temp control and a manual extraction button is what sets this compact machine apart. During my testing, the temperature stability was impressive for this price point, eliminating much of the guesswork. The manual mode was a joy to use; I loved being able to pull longer “lungo” style shots or cut a shot short if I saw it starting to blonde, giving me a level of control I didn’t expect.

Milk Frothing System: The steam wand on the atatix machine is surprisingly powerful and effective. It produces a fine, velvety microfoam that integrates beautifully with espresso for a sweet, balanced latte. I found it created a much better texture than other wands that just inject a lot of air and create stiff, bubbly foam.

Design and Build: It’s incredibly compact and looks sharp on the counter. The stainless steel top plate acts as a passive cup warmer, a nice touch that helps keep your espresso hot. While the plastic body is a clear trade-off to hit its price point, the smart design with the stable suction-cup base makes it feel secure and well-thought-out during use.

Ease of Cleaning: With a detachable water tank and drip tray, daily cleanup is straightforward and hassle-free. This is a key consideration for any beginner, and the atatix makes it simple to keep the machine in good working order.

Best for Brewing Multiple Cups: CASABREWS 3700 Essential Review

The CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine is a practical workhorse. Its main advantage is a feature that’s often overlooked but incredibly important for daily life: a large water tank. If you’re making coffee for yourself and a partner, or often entertain guests, this machine’s generous capacity means you’ll spend less time at the sink and more time enjoying your coffee.

Specification:
* Pressure System: 20 Bar Professional Pump
* Water Tank Capacity: 43.9 oz (Removable)
* Heating System: 1350W Motor
* Controls: 1 Cup/2 Cup Buttons, Steam Dial
* Portafilter: Standard with 1 & 2 cup filters
* Key Features: Powerful Steam Wand, Large Removable Drip Tray
* Material: Stainless Steel
* Dimensions: 12.6″ x 5.7″ x 12.2″

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Large Water Reservoir: The 43.9 oz tank is the largest among the standalone machines on this list. This is a huge quality-of-life improvement, allowing you to pull many shots and steam milk for several drinks before needing a refill.
* ✅ Solid All-Metal Construction: The stainless steel cappuccino machine body gives it a durable, premium feel that’s a step up from plastic-bodied competitors. It also makes it very easy to wipe clean.
* ✅ Powerful Pump System: The 20-bar pump ensures a high-pressure extraction, consistently resulting in a rich aroma and a good layer of crema on the espresso.
* ✅ Simple, Intuitive Operation: It uses the same straightforward button and dial interface as its sibling model, the CM5418. It’s impossible to get wrong, making it perfect for a beginner.
* ✅ Fast Heating: The 1350W motor heats the water quickly, minimizing the wait time for your morning brew.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Basic Feature Set: This model prioritizes simplicity and capacity over advanced controls. It lacks features like PID temperature control or a manual shot timer, offering less room for skill growth.
* ❌ No Pressure Gauge: Unlike the CM5418 model, this machine omits the pressure gauge. This removes a very useful piece of visual feedback that helps beginners dial in their shots.
* ❌ Single Boiler Cool-Down: As a single-boiler machine, it requires a cool-down period after steaming milk before you can brew another espresso shot.

My Rating: 4.1/5 ⭐

Expert’s Experience

Performance & Shot Quality: The CASABREWS 3700 performs its core function very well. The 1350W heating system comes to temperature quickly, and the 20-bar pump delivers consistent pressure for good extractions. When paired with fresh beans and a decent grinder, I was able to pull tasty shots with a nice crema every time.

Build & Capacity: The two standout features here are the build and the capacity. The stainless steel construction feels sturdy and looks great in a modern kitchen. But the real star is the large 43.9 oz water tank. During my testing, this was a significant convenience, especially on mornings when I was making lattes for both myself and my wife.

Milk Frothing: The steam wand is effective for a machine in this class. With a bit of practice, it can produce the creamy, rich microfoam you need for lattes and cappuccinos. It has enough power to get the job done for daily milk-based drinks.

Overall Value: This machine represents a practical and durable entry into the world of home espresso. It’s a no-fuss workhorse, perfect for the beginner who prioritizes brewing capacity and a simple, robust design over having advanced manual controls.

Most Stylish Design: CASABREWS CM5418 Review (Creamy)

For many, an espresso machine is a permanent fixture on the kitchen counter, so aesthetics matter. The CASABREWS CM5418 in Creamy is the perfect answer for the style-conscious beginner. It takes all the excellent, user-friendly features of the Best Budget Pick and wraps them in a beautiful, retro-inspired package that’s a joy to look at.

Specification:
* Pressure System: 20 Bar Italian Pump
* Water Tank Capacity: 34 oz (Removable)
* Heating System: 1350W Motor
* Controls: 1 Cup/2 Cup Buttons, Steam Control Dial
* Portafilter: Standard with 1 & 2 cup filters
* Key Features: Built-in Pressure Gauge, Steam Wand, Compact Design
* Material: Stainless Steel with Creamy Finish
* Dimensions: 12.28″D x 5.9″W x 11.97″H

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Elegant, Retro Design: The creamy espresso machine color combined with polished stainless steel accents provides a beautiful, vintage-inspired look. It’s a statement piece that elevates any kitchen counter.
* ✅ Proven Beginner Performance: It features the exact same reliable 20-bar pump and helpful pressure gauge as the standard silver model, ensuring a solid and educational entry-level experience.
* ✅ Compact and Practical: Its compact footprint makes it a perfect fit for any size kitchen, from a large island to a small apartment counter, without sacrificing core functionality.
* ✅ Makes a Great Gift: The unique and stylish appearance, combined with its simple operation, makes this an excellent gift for mom, a new homeowner, or anyone just getting into specialty coffee.
* ✅ Easy to Use: Just like the silver version, the controls are intuitive and forgiving, making it one of the easiest semi-automatic machines to learn on.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Identical Internal Components: This is purely an aesthetic choice. It performs identically to the silver model, so there is no performance advantage for the different colorway.
* ❌ Finish Requires Care: While beautiful, lighter colored finishes can be more prone to showing coffee stains or splatters if not wiped down regularly after use.
* ❌ Single Boiler Limitations: It shares the same need to cool down between brewing and steaming as other single-boiler machines in its class.

My Rating: 4.2/5 ⭐

Expert’s Experience

Aesthetics & Design: The primary reason to choose this model is its look. The creamy finish is warm, elegant, and far less industrial than the sea of stainless steel machines on the market. It’s an appliance you’ll be happy to leave out on display, making it as much a part of your kitchen decor as it is a functional tool.

Core Functionality: Underneath that stylish exterior, it’s the same dependable beginner machine I praised in my budget pick review. The pressure gauge provides invaluable real-time feedback for learning, and the steam wand is perfectly capable of producing frothed milk for your favorite lattes and cappuccinos.

User Experience: For a beginner, the experience is top-notch: simple controls, a fast setup, and straightforward daily maintenance. It reliably delivers a satisfying cup of espresso without a steep or frustrating learning curve, which is exactly what a starter machine should do.

Who It’s For: This machine is the perfect choice for the style-conscious beginner. If your kitchen aesthetic is just as important to you as the quality of your coffee, this stylish coffee maker offers the best of both worlds without breaking the bank.

beginner espresso machine Comparison Chart

Feature	Breville Barista Express	CASABREWS CM5418	atatix Espresso Machine	CASABREWS 3700	CASABREWS CM5418 (Creamy)
Category	Best Overall	Best Budget Pick	Best for Small Kitchens	Best for Multiple Cups	Most Stylish Design
Built-in Grinder	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No
Temp Control	PID	Standard Boiler	NTC Precision Control	Standard Boiler	Standard Boiler
Water Tank	67 oz	34 oz	44 oz	43.9 oz	34 oz
Pressure Gauge	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes
Best For	All-in-one learning	Budget-conscious newbies	Tiny kitchens, manual control	Households, offices	Style-focused users
My Rating	4.8/5 ⭐	4.2/5 ⭐	4.4/5 ⭐	4.1/5 ⭐	4.2/5 ⭐

This comparison makes the choices clear. If you want an all-in-one package that removes the guesswork and gives you room to grow, the Breville Barista Express is the undisputed champion. It has the best features for learning, like the integrated grinder and PID.

For those on a tighter budget, the choice comes down to your priorities. The atatix Espresso Machine offers superior temperature and extraction control in a tiny package. The various CASABREWS models offer excellent, no-fuss entry points, whether your priority is the lowest price, the largest water tank, or the most stylish design.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Beginner Espresso Machine

Choosing your first espresso machine is a balancing act. It’s about finding the right mix of user-friendly features and manual control that fits your budget and your desire to learn. After testing these machines, I’ve broken down the most important factors to help you decide.

• Built-in vs. Separate Grinder: This is the biggest decision. An all-in-one machine like the Breville Barista Express is incredibly convenient, saves counter space, and ensures your grinder is capable of grinding fine enough for espresso. However, buying a separate grinder gives you more flexibility to upgrade in the future. For most beginners, I recommend a built-in grinder to simplify the process.
• Temperature Control (PID vs. Standard): Stable water temperature is critical for great espresso. Premium beginner machines like the Breville feature a PID (Digital Temperature Control) for precision. Budget-friendly options like the CASABREWS 3700 use a standard thermoblock or boiler, which can have wider temperature swings. If you see “PID” or “NTC” in the description, like on the atatix machine, it’s a huge plus for shot quality.
• Pressurized vs. Non-Pressurized Baskets: Most beginner machines come with pressurized (or “dual-wall”) filter baskets. These are very forgiving because they have a second wall with a tiny exit hole that creates pressure artificially. This helps you get a nice-looking crema even if your grind or tamp isn’t perfect. As you get better, you’ll want to use a non-pressurized basket, which gives you more direct control and feedback.
• Steam Wand (Panarello vs. Manual): A “Panarello” is a plastic sleeve over the steam wand that automatically injects air, making it easy to create stiff, bubbly foam. A manual or “commercial-style” wand gives you full control to create silky microfoam for latte art. If you’re serious about making high-quality milk drinks, I strongly recommend a manual wand. All the machines on my list feature manual wands.
• Pump Pressure (Bars): You will see “15 Bar,” “20 Bar,” or even higher advertised. While it sounds impressive, the reality is that optimal espresso extraction happens at around 9 bars of pressure. Any machine with a 15-bar pump or higher is more than capable of producing this. Don’t let this number be your only deciding factor.
• Water Tank Size: A larger tank simply means fewer trips to the sink. A removable tank is also much easier to fill and clean. If you plan on making coffee for more than one person each day, a tank over 40 oz, like the one on the CASABREWS 3700, is a great convenience.
• Size and Footprint: Measure your counter space before you buy! Espresso machines, especially those with built-in grinders, can be bulky. A compact design like the atatix or CASABREWS CM5418 is essential if you have a small kitchen.
• Ease of Cleaning: Look for a removable drip tray, a removable water tank, and clear cleaning instructions. A machine that is a pain to clean will quickly become a machine you don’t use. All the models I tested were designed for easy daily maintenance.

FAQs About best espresso machine for beginners

What is the easiest espresso machine to use?

For absolute, hands-off simplicity, a super-automatic machine (which does everything with one button press) is technically easiest. However, among the semi-automatic machines I reviewed, the CASABREWS CM5418 is the most straightforward for a true beginner. Its simple button layout and forgiving nature make it very easy to learn.

It automates the pressure and water temperature, so all you have to do is dose your coffee, tamp it, and press a button. This makes it a great first step into the world of semi-automatic machines without a steep learning curve.

How much should a beginner spend on an espresso machine?

A good entry-level, semi-automatic espresso machine can be found for a budget-friendly price, while premium all-in-one beginner models can be a more significant investment. I recommend starting in a range you’re comfortable with; you don’t need to spend a fortune to make great espresso at home.

The most important thing to remember is to budget for a quality burr grinder if your machine doesn’t have one built-in. A $300 machine paired with a $200 grinder will produce far better espresso than a $500 machine paired with pre-ground coffee.

Do I need a separate grinder for espresso?

If your machine does not have a high-quality, built-in burr grinder, then yes, you absolutely need a separate grinder. This is non-negotiable for making good espresso. Pre-ground coffee loses its flavor and aroma compounds very quickly and is almost never the correct fineness for a proper extraction.

Using old or improperly sized grounds will lead to a fast, watery, and sour shot with no real crema. A capable burr grinder is just as important as the espresso machine itself.

Is a manual or automatic espresso machine better for beginners?

A semi-automatic machine, like all the ones in this review, is the best choice for most beginners. It provides the perfect balance of convenience and hands-on learning. It automates the difficult parts (pressure and temperature) but leaves you in control of the craft (grinding, dosing, and tamping).

A fully manual machine can be too difficult, and a fully automatic (super-auto) machine teaches you nothing about the process. A semi-automatic is the sweet spot for learning and growth.

Can you make lattes with a cheap espresso machine?

Yes, absolutely. As long as the machine has a steam wand, you can make lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based drinks. All the machines on this list, including the budget-friendly CASABREWS CM5418, have capable steam wands.

The quality of your milk foam will depend on the power of the wand and, more importantly, your technique. It takes practice, but even affordable machines can create the silky microfoam needed for delicious milk drinks.

What is a pressurized portafilter?

A pressurized portafilter, also called a dual-wall basket, has a single small hole on the outside that creates back-pressure during extraction. This design is very forgiving and helps create a thick, foamy crema even if your grind size or tamp is imperfect.

It’s an excellent training tool for beginners. Most starter machines include them. Once you master your grinding and tamping, you can move on to a non-pressurized basket for more control.

How many bars of pressure is best for espresso?

While machines are often marketed with high numbers like “15 Bar” or “20 Bar,” the ideal pressure for extracting espresso is actually around 9 bars at the group head. Any machine with a pump rated for 15 bars or more is more than capable of achieving this.

The high rating indicates the pump’s maximum potential power, not the pressure it uses during brewing. Don’t base your decision solely on this number.

What is PID in espresso machines?

PID stands for Proportional-Integral-Derivative. It’s a sophisticated digital controller, found in machines like the Breville Barista Express, that constantly monitors and adjusts the water temperature. It acts like a cruise control system for temperature, keeping it extremely stable.

This stability is crucial because even a few degrees of difference can make your espresso taste sour or bitter. A machine with PID will produce much more consistent-tasting shots.

Can I use pre-ground coffee in an espresso machine?

While you technically can, I strongly advise against it. Espresso is extremely sensitive to grind size, and pre-ground coffee is almost never the right fineness. More importantly, coffee begins to go stale within minutes of being ground, losing most of its flavor and aroma.

Using pre-ground coffee will almost always result in a disappointing shot that is watery, sour, and lacks the rich crema that defines good espresso. Always grind your beans fresh.

How do I clean my beginner espresso machine?

Daily cleaning is simple: rinse the portafilter after each use, purge and wipe the steam wand, and empty the drip tray. Weekly, you should clean the group head screen with a brush. Every 1-3 months, you’ll need to descale the machine to remove mineral buildup, especially if you have hard water.

Always follow the specific cleaning and maintenance instructions in your machine’s manual. Keeping your machine clean is vital for both its longevity and the taste of your coffee.

My Final Verdict

After extensive expert testing and pulling countless shots, I’ve concluded that the best espresso machine for beginners is the one that best matches your budget, counter space, and desire to learn. Each machine on this list is a fantastic starting point, but they excel in different areas.

My final recommendation is clear and comes down to one key question: do you want an all-in-one solution or a separate system?

• Best Overall: The Breville Barista Express BES870XL is my top recommendation and the best long-term investment. It’s an all-in-one package that simplifies the most difficult part for beginners—grinding—while providing high-end features like PID temperature control that give you immense room to grow your skills.

• Best Value Alternative: If the Breville is outside your budget, the atatix Espresso Machine offers the best combination of modern features in an affordable package. Its precise temperature control and manual extraction mode are exceptional for the price. You will need to pair it with a good grinder, but its performance is outstanding for its category.

Ultimately, choosing any of these machines will start you on a rewarding journey into the world of delicious home espresso. The most important step is to pick the one that excites you the most and start pulling shots.

Last update on 2026-01-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API