Sage Barista Express
An all-in-one machine: grind, dose, tamp and steam on one countertop footprint. It is the classic first 'serious' espresso machine for a reason.
Updated 2026 · 6 machines compared
The Best Home Espresso Machines of 2026
We compared 6 popular espresso machines on the features that matter: built-in grinder, milk frothing, ease of use and price tier, so you can pick the right one in five minutes.
Which espresso machine fits you?
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll suggest a machine from this page, based on its features. No email needed.
Our quick picks
Sage Bambino Plus
Tiny footprint, heats up in seconds, and the automatic steam wand textures milk for you. Pair it with a decent grinder or pre-ground coffee.
De'Longhi Dedica
About 15 cm wide, so it fits where nothing else will. Simple controls and quick heat-up make it a friendly starter machine.
Philips 3200 LatteGo
Load beans and milk, press a button. The two-part LatteGo milk system has no tubes, which makes it one of the easier super-automatics to clean.
Sage Barista Pro
A step up from the Barista Express: the same grind-and-brew concept with a fast-heating ThermoJet system and an LCD that shows grind setting and shot time.
De'Longhi La Specialista Arte
A compact grind-and-brew machine with a built-in burr grinder, a manual steam wand and a few preset recipes to help beginners.
Side-by-side comparison
| Machine | Type | Grinder | Milk | Price tier* | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overallSage Barista ExpressSES875 | Semi-automatic with built-in grinder | Yes, conical burr | Manual steam wand | Premium | Beginners who want café-style espresso without buying a separate grinder | See on Amazon |
| Best for lattesSage Bambino PlusSES500 | Semi-automatic (no grinder) | No | Automatic steam wand (set temp and texture) | Mid-range | Latte and cappuccino drinkers with limited counter space | See on Amazon |
| Best slim designDe'Longhi DedicaEC685 | Semi-automatic (no grinder) | No | Manual frother | Budget | Small kitchens and first-time buyers on a budget | See on Amazon |
| Best push-buttonPhilips 3200 LatteGoEP3246 | Super-automatic (bean to cup) | Yes, ceramic burr | LatteGo automatic milk system | Premium | People who want espresso and lattes at the touch of a button | See on Amazon |
| Best upgrade all-in-oneSage Barista ProSES878 | Semi-automatic with built-in grinder | Yes, conical burr | Manual steam wand | Premium | Buyers who like the Barista Express idea but want faster heat-up and a digital display | See on Amazon |
| Best mid-range grinder comboDe'Longhi La Specialista ArteEC9155 | Semi-automatic with built-in grinder | Yes, conical burr | Manual steam wand | Mid-range | Beginners who want a built-in grinder for less than the Sage all-in-ones | See on Amazon |
*Price tier is a rough guide (Budget, Mid-range, Premium). Click through for today's price on Amazon.
Sizes and specs side by side
Measurements and capacities come from manufacturer and retailer listings. Versions differ slightly by country, so check the listing before you buy.
📏 Will it fit under your kitchen cabinets?
Measure the free height between your counter and the cabinets above, and the depth of your counter. We mark the machines that fit.
Tip: leave about 10 cm (4 in) above the machine so you can fill the water tank or bean hopper from the top.
| Machine | Width × depth × height | Weight | Water tank | Portafilter | 📏 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sage Barista Express | 32 × 34 × 40 cm ⓘ | 10.4 kg | 2 L | 54 mm | |
| Sage Bambino Plus | 19.5 × 30 × 32 cm ⓘ | 5 kg | 1.9 L | 54 mm | |
| De'Longhi Dedica | 15 × 33 × 30.5 cm ⓘ | 4.2 kg | 1.1 L | 51 mm | |
| Philips 3200 LatteGo | 24.5 × 37 × 43 cm ⓘ | 8 kg | 1.8 L | Not published | |
| Sage Barista Pro | 35 × 41 × 41 cm ⓘ | 9.1 kg | 2 L | 54 mm | |
| De'Longhi La Specialista Arte | 27.5 × 36.5 × 40 cm ⓘ | Not published | 1.5 L | 51 mm |
⚖️ Compare any two machines
☕ Café or home: when does a machine pay for itself?
Enter your own numbers. We don't show prices because they change every day: check today's price on Amazon.
How to choose an espresso machine
1. Decide how hands-on you want to be
Semi-automatic machines (Sage, Gaggia, De'Longhi) let you control grind, dose and timing. They make better coffee once you learn. Super-automatic machines like the Philips 3200 do everything with one button.
2. Budget for the grinder
Fresh, evenly ground beans matter more than the machine. If your pick has no grinder, set aside money for a burr grinder, or choose a model with one built in.
3. Think about milk drinks
If you mostly drink lattes, an automatic frother (Bambino Plus, Philips LatteGo) saves time. Manual steam wands give more control and are needed for latte art.
4. Measure your counter
Slim machines like the Dedica fit in tight spaces. All-in-ones with grinders need more room and clearance under cupboards for the bean hopper.
How we pick
Our recommendations are based on manufacturer specifications, design features and patterns in published owner feedback. We do not accept payment from brands for placement. Read how we make money.
Buying guides
FAQ
Do I need a separate grinder?
Unless the machine has one built in (like the Barista Express or Philips 3200), a burr grinder makes the biggest difference to taste. Pre-ground coffee works, but it goes stale quickly.
Semi-automatic or super-automatic?
Semi-automatic machines give you control and better shots once you learn. Super-automatics grind, brew and froth at the press of a button, trading some quality for convenience.
What does '15 bar' mean?
It is the pump's maximum pressure. Espresso is typically brewed around 9 bar, so a higher number on the box is not a quality indicator by itself.
Why don't you list prices?
Amazon prices change constantly. Click any 'Check price on Amazon' button to see today's price and current customer reviews.