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Updated 2026 · 2 machines compared

The Best Home Espresso Machines of 2026

We compared 2 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.

Our quick picks

Side-by-side comparison

MachineTypeGrinderMilkPrice tier*Best for
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 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 Breville 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.

MachineWidth × depth × heightWeightWater tankPortafilter
De'Longhi Dedica15 × 33 × 30.5 cm ⓘ4.2 kg1.1 L51 mm
De'Longhi La Specialista Arte27.5 × 36.5 × 40 cm ⓘNot published1.5 L51 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 (Breville, 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.

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