The Best Espresso Machines for Beginners
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Your first espresso machine should forgive mistakes and help you learn. That usually means one of two things: a machine with a built-in grinder, so you do not have to buy and match a separate one, or a fully automatic machine that does the hard parts for you.
Below are our picks for beginners, with who each one suits and what to watch out for.
Our picks at a glance
- Sage Barista Express: Best overall
- De'Longhi La Specialista Arte: Best mid-range grinder combo
- Sage Bambino Plus: Best for lattes
- Philips 3200 LatteGo: Best push-button
- Casabrews CM5418: Best budget with gauge
The picks
The classic first machine. The built-in grinder and the pressure gauge show you when a shot is too fast or too slow, so you learn quickly.
Watch out: It takes some practice to dial in, and the steam wand is manual.
A built-in grinder and a simple, guided workflow at a lower tier than the Sage all-in-ones.
Watch out: Uses a 51 mm portafilter, so fewer aftermarket accessories fit.
Very easy milk drinks: the automatic steam wand textures milk for you, and it heats up fast.
Watch out: No grinder, so you need fresh espresso-grind coffee or a separate burr grinder.
No learning curve at all. Pick a drink and it grinds, brews and froths automatically.
Watch out: Less control and less café-like straight espresso than a semi-automatic.
A low-cost way to try real pump espresso, with a steam wand and a pressure gauge.
Watch out: You will want a decent grinder or fresh pre-ground coffee to get good results.
Side by side
| Machine | Type | Grinder | Milk | Price tier* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sage Barista Express | Semi-automatic with built-in grinder | Yes, conical burr | Manual steam wand | Premium |
| De'Longhi La Specialista Arte | Semi-automatic with built-in grinder | Yes, conical burr | Manual steam wand | Mid-range |
| Sage Bambino Plus | Semi-automatic (no grinder) | No | Automatic steam wand (set temp and texture) | Mid-range |
| Philips 3200 LatteGo | Super-automatic (bean to cup) | Yes, ceramic burr | LatteGo automatic milk system | Premium |
| Casabrews CM5418 | Semi-automatic (no grinder) | No | Manual steam wand | Budget |
*Price tier is a rough guide. Click through for today's price on Amazon.
Tips before you buy
Semi-automatic or automatic?
If you enjoy the process, a semi-automatic teaches you a skill and makes better espresso over time. If you just want a latte before work, a super-automatic like the Philips 3200 is the stress-free choice.
Do not forget the grinder
Fresh, evenly ground coffee matters more than the machine. If your machine has no grinder, budget for one, or buy freshly ground espresso coffee in small bags.
Buy a small scale
Weighing the coffee in and the espresso out is the fastest way to get consistent shots. Any kitchen scale that reads in 0.1 g steps works.
How we chose
We compared manufacturer specifications, design features and patterns in published owner feedback. We do not accept payment from brands for placement. More about how we work.
FAQ
What is the easiest espresso machine to use?
A super-automatic (bean-to-cup) machine such as the Philips 3200 LatteGo is the easiest: one button per drink. Among semi-automatics, the Sage Bambino Plus is the simplest for milk drinks.
Is the Sage Barista Express good for beginners?
Yes. It is one of the most popular first machines because the grinder is built in and the pressure gauge gives instant feedback while you learn.
Can I use pre-ground coffee?
Yes, especially on budget machines and for milk drinks. Buy it ground for espresso and use it within a week or two for the best taste.
More buying guides
- Best Espresso Machines with a Built-In Grinder
- Best Budget Espresso Machines
- Best Espresso Machines for Lattes and Cappuccinos
- Best Bean-to-Cup Espresso Machines
- Best Espresso Machines for Small Kitchens
- Best Espresso Machines for Latte Art
- Best Espresso Machines for Enthusiasts
- Espresso Machines That Fit Under Kitchen Cabinets
- Best Espresso Machines for Families and Busy Households
- Best Premium Espresso Machines
- Best Mid-Range Espresso Machines
- Espresso Machines That Heat Up in Seconds
- Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines
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- Sage Barista Express vs Sage Bambino Plus
- Gaggia Classic Evo Pro vs Rancilio Silvia
- Sage Barista Express vs Sage Barista Express Impress
- Sage Bambino vs Sage Bambino Plus
- Philips 2200 LatteGo vs Philips 3200 LatteGo