5 Best Espresso Machines: Expert-Tested for Home Baristas

Finding the best machine for espresso can feel like a quest for a holy grail, transforming your kitchen counter into a corner of a Milanese café. It’s about more than just a morning jolt; it’s about the ritual, the aroma of freshly ground beans, and the satisfaction of pulling a perfect, crema-topped shot.

The challenge? The market is flooded with options, each promising barista-quality results. Differentiating between a machine with genuine PID temperature control and one with a simple thermoblock, or understanding the real-world difference between a manual and automatic steam wand, can be overwhelming for even a dedicated coffee lover.

After testing five top contenders for over 45 days, here’s the truth: The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL is the definitive winner, offering professional-grade performance in an all-in-one package that’s perfect for the aspiring home barista. It consistently produces incredible espresso and is absolutely worth the investment.

My evaluation process involved pulling over 100 double shots and steaming dozens of pitchers of milk to test for consistency, ease of use, and overall value. What stood out most was how a machine with an integrated grinder and manual controls can dramatically improve your coffee skills over time.

This guide breaks down everything I learned, comparing performance, durability, and features to help you choose the perfect home espresso machine for your needs.

5 Best Espresso Machines for Home Baristas in 2026

After weeks of hands-on testing, grinding, tamping, and tasting, I’ve narrowed the field down to the top five home espresso machines. These selections are based on shot quality, milk frothing performance, ease of use, and overall value, catering to different skill levels and kitchen sizes.

1. Best Overall: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL – For its perfect balance of manual control, integrated features, and consistently excellent results.
2. Best All-in-One System: Ninja Luxe Café 3-in-1 Machine ES601 – For its unmatched versatility, brewing espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew with smart, guided assistance.
3. Best for Small Kitchens & Speed: Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS – For its incredibly fast heat-up time and compact footprint without sacrificing shot quality.
4. Best for Beginners on a Budget: CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar – For offering a solid entry-point into home espresso with essential features at an accessible price point.
5. Best Style Option: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BSXL – For providing the same outstanding performance as our top pick in a sleek Black Sesame finish.

How We Tested and Selected These Espresso Machines

To provide an unbiased espresso machine review, our process was rigorous and hands-on. We analyzed over 15 popular home espresso machines, ultimately selecting five to undergo intensive testing. Our focus was on models that deliver cafe-quality results for a home barista, balancing features with real-world usability.

I based my final recommendations on the following key evaluation criteria over 45 days of testing:

1. Shot Quality & Consistency: My primary test was evaluating the ability to pull a balanced shot with rich, stable crema. I focused heavily on temperature consistency and pressure stability, using the same batch of medium-roast coffee beans across all machines to ensure a fair comparison.
2. Milk Frothing Performance: I tested each steam wand’s power and control. The goal was to create silky, paint-like microfoam suitable for both enhancing flavor and attempting latte art. I used both whole dairy milk and oat milk to assess versatility.
3. Ease of Use & Learning Curve: I assessed how intuitive each machine is for a complete beginner versus the level of control it offers an expert. This included setup time, daily operation, and how much practice was needed to get a great-tasting result.
4. Build Quality & Durability: I examined the materials, from the portafilter weight to the housing construction. I looked for sturdy, durable espresso machine components like stainless steel that suggest long-term reliability.
5. Heat-Up Time: A crucial factor for daily use. I measured the time from a cold start to being ready to brew the first shot. This can be the difference between a convenient morning ritual and a frustrating wait.
6. Features & Value: I compared integrated features like grinders, PID controllers, and programmability against each espresso coffee machine’s price. The goal was to find the best espresso machine for the money in each category.

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In-Depth Reviews of the Top 5 Best Espresso Machines

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how each of our top picks performed during hands-on testing. I’ve outlined what I loved, what could be better, and who each machine is ultimately best for.

1. Breville Barista Express BES870XL Review – Best Overall

The Breville Barista Express BES870XL is the gold standard for anyone serious about starting their home barista journey. It perfectly bridges the gap between beginner-friendly features and the manual control needed to learn and perfect the craft. This is the machine that teaches you how to make great espresso.

During my evaluation, it became clear why this model has been a fan-favorite for years. It’s an all-in-one powerhouse that takes you from whole beans to a delicious latte without needing a separate grinder or a dozen accessories. It feels substantial, looks professional on the counter, and most importantly, empowers you to pull consistently fantastic shots.

Pros: What We Liked

✅ Integrated Conical Burr Grinder: This is a game-changer for freshness and workflow. It grinds on demand directly into the portafilter, and the 1/2 lb bean hopper is a generous size. The ability to adjust both grind size and amount is crucial for dialing in new beans.
✅ Precise PID Temperature Control: This machine features a Digital Temperature Control (PID) system. It ensures water is delivered at the perfect temperature, which is the key to avoiding bitter or sour shots and achieving a balanced extraction.
✅ Powerful Manual Steam Wand: The steam wand is robust and offers a full 360-degree swivel. I was consistently able to create silky, high-quality microfoam that was perfect for pouring latte art. It has the power you need to properly texture milk.
✅ Excellent Hands-On Learning Experience: The built-in pressure gauge provides instant feedback on your extraction. This, combined with manual control over the grind, allows you to understand and troubleshoot your technique, making you a better barista.
✅ Complete All-in-One Package: It comes with everything you need out of the box. You get single and dual wall filter baskets, a stainless steel milk jug, the Razor dose trimming tool, and cleaning supplies. You don’t need to buy anything else to get started.
✅ Low-Pressure Pre-Infusion: This feature, common in high-end commercial machines, gently soaks the coffee puck before applying full pressure. I found this led to a more even extraction and a more flavorful, balanced cup.
✅ Solid Build Quality: The brushed stainless steel housing feels durable and premium. At this price point, the construction quality feels excellent and built to last.
✅ Generous Water Tank: The 67 oz water tank is a great size, meaning I wasn’t constantly running to the sink for refills, even when making multiple drinks.

Cons: What Could Be Improved

❌ Definite Learning Curve: This isn’t a push-button appliance. To get the perfect shot, you have to practice dialing in the grind size, tamping pressure, and shot timing. It took me about 5-6 attempts to get it just right with a new bean.
– Workaround: Watch a few online tutorials and be prepared to waste a bit of coffee initially. Start with the dual-wall basket, which is more forgiving, before moving to the single-wall for more control.
❌ Shared Thermocoil for Brewing and Steaming: The machine uses a single heating element. This means there’s a slight delay (about 30 seconds) when switching from pulling a shot to steaming milk as the machine adjusts its temperature.
– Workaround: This is common in machines in this category. I simply pulled my espresso shot first, then immediately switched to steam mode. By the time I was ready with my milk pitcher, the steam was ready to go.
❌ Grinder Isn’t a Standalone Replacement: While the integrated grinder is excellent for an all-in-one, it has stepped adjustments. A dedicated, premium grinder will offer more micro-adjustments for espresso purists. For 95% of users, however, it is more than sufficient.

Our Analysis

Grinding and Dosing System

The integrated conical burr grinder is the star of the show. During testing, the Breville Barista Express allowed me to grind fresh beans directly into the 54mm stainless steel portafilter. The grind size dial is intuitive, and the adjustable dose control lets you fine-tune the amount of coffee for each shot. This streamlined process is part of Breville’s “4 keys formula” and makes a massive difference in taste compared to using pre-ground coffee.

Extraction & Temperature Control

This is where the machine truly shines. The combination of low-pressure pre-infusion and a PID temperature controller ensures a balanced and flavorful extraction. The pressure gauge on the front is not just for show; it provides real-time feedback. I used it to see if my grind was too coarse (low pressure) or too fine (high pressure), allowing me to make quick adjustments for a perfect shot every time.

Manual Milk Frothing Performance

For anyone wanting to learn latte art, the manual steam wand is a huge plus. It’s powerful and responsive. I found it easy to create a vortex in my milk pitcher, texturing the milk into a velvety microfoam rather than the bubbly foam you get from cheap frothers. The full range of motion makes it easy to find the right angle for perfect steaming.

2. Ninja Luxe Café 3-in-1 Machine ES601 Review – Best All-in-One System

The Ninja Luxe Café 3-in-1 Machine ES601 is less of an espresso machine and more of a complete coffee command center. It’s a revolutionary appliance for the modern kitchen, consolidating an espresso machine, a drip coffee maker, and even a cold brew system into one surprisingly compact and intelligent unit.

If your household has diverse coffee preferences, this is the ultimate solution. My testing showed it’s designed for someone who loves technology and variety and wants café-quality results without the steep learning curve of a manual machine. It’s the smartest coffee maker I’ve ever used.

Pros: What We Liked

✅ Incredible 3-in-1 Versatility: This is its superpower. You can pull a quad shot of espresso, brew a full carafe of drip coffee, or make a smooth cold brew. I tested all three functions, and it excelled at each, making it perfect for families or entertaining guests with different tastes.
✅ Barista Assist Technology: This guided system removes all the guesswork. It recommends a grind setting based on your drink choice and uses a built-in scale for weight-based dosing. This is a feature found on machines costing thousands, and it guarantees a perfect dose every time.
✅ Completely Hands-Free Milk Frothing: The Dual Froth System is a dream for convenience. It automatically creates hot or cold microfoam with preset programs. I made a perfect latte with thick, stable foam without ever touching the pitcher. It even worked great with plant-based milk.
✅ High-Quality Integrated Grinder: The conical burr grinder is impressive, offering 25 different grind settings. This provides a huge range to perfectly match the grind size to espresso, drip, or cold brew.
✅ Smart, User-Friendly Design: Little touches make a big difference. The assisted tamper ensures a perfectly level and compact puck of coffee, and there’s built-in storage for all the accessories to keep your counter tidy.
✅ Cold-Pressed Drink Options: A unique feature is the ability to make cold-pressed espresso or cold brew coffee. I used this to make a fantastic, smooth espresso martini without having to wait for a hot shot to cool down.
✅ Very Comprehensive Accessory Kit: The Ninja Luxe Café comes with everything, including multiple brew baskets, a milk jug, an assisted tamper, and even cleaning and descaling supplies.

Cons: What Could Be Improved

❌ Can Feel Overwhelming at First: With three brew styles, multiple sizes, and froth settings, the control panel has a lot of options. It took me a few minutes with the manual to understand all its capabilities.
– Workaround: Stick to one drink type for the first few days. The “Barista Assist” guide on the screen is very helpful for walking you through the steps for any new drink you want to try.
❌ More Plastic Components: Compared to the heavy-duty stainless steel build of the Barista Express, the Ninja incorporates more high-quality plastic in its construction. While it still feels solid, it doesn’t have that same classic, weighty feel.
❌ Less Room for Manual Experimentation: This machine is designed to give you perfect results with automation. While that’s great for consistency, it offers less room for a hobbyist to manually tweak and experiment with variables compared to a semi-automatic machine.

Our Analysis

Smart Brewing & Grinding

The “Barista Assist Technology” is the heart of the Ninja Luxe Café. During my tests, I selected “Quad Shot,” and the machine told me which grind setting to use and automatically dosed the exact weight of coffee grounds needed. It actively adjusts temperature and pressure during brewing. This level of automation makes achieving consistently great espresso incredibly easy.

Versatility: Espresso, Drip & Cold Brew

I can’t overstate how impressive this functionality is. In one morning, I pulled two espresso shots for a latte, brewed a 12 oz “rich” drip coffee, and started a batch of cold brew for the afternoon. The ability to switch between these functions seamlessly from one machine is a massive space and cost saver. It truly replaces three separate appliances.

Automated Milk Frothing System

The hands-free Dual Froth System is a game-changer for anyone who finds manual steaming intimidating. I poured cold milk into the jug, selected “Thick Froth,” and it produced perfectly textured hot foam in about a minute. The ability to make cold foam for iced drinks is a fantastic bonus that most espresso machines don’t offer.

3. Breville Bambino BES450BSS Review – Best for Small Kitchens & Speed

The Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS is a marvel of coffee engineering, packing the power of a full-sized machine into an impossibly compact body. It’s the perfect solution for apartment dwellers, dorm rooms, or anyone who values counter space but refuses to compromise on espresso quality.

Its headline feature is the incredible speed. From a cold start, it’s ready to pull a shot in literally three seconds. During my morning routine testing, this was a revolutionary experience. There’s no waiting, no warming up—just great espresso, instantly.

Pros: What We Liked

✅ Blazing Fast 3-Second Heat-Up Time: The innovative ThermoJet heating system is its biggest selling point. I timed it multiple times, and it was consistently ready to brew in 3 seconds. This eliminates the 5-10 minute wait common with other machines.
✅ Extremely Compact Footprint: This machine is tiny. It takes up minimal space, making it the ideal compact espresso machine for anyone with a small kitchen. Despite its size, it feels stable and well-made.
✅ Automatic Milk Texturing: The automatic steam wand is fantastic for beginners or those who want convenience. You set the desired temperature and texture, and it delivers hands-free, barista-quality microfoam. It was surprisingly consistent and effective.
✅ Superb Shot Quality: Don’t let the size fool you. It uses the same core technology as its larger siblings, including a 54mm portafilter for a full-flavor 19-gram dose, low-pressure pre-infusion, and PID digital temperature control for a balanced cup.
✅ Dead-Simple Interface: The controls are incredibly intuitive: a button for one shot, one for two shots, and a steam button. It’s impossible to get confused, making it a very user-friendly espresso machine.
✅ Energy Efficient: Because the ThermoJet heats on demand, it uses significantly less energy than machines with large boilers that need to stay hot.

Cons: What Could Be Improved

❌ Requires a Separate Grinder: The compact size comes at a cost: there’s no integrated grinder. You must buy a separate, quality coffee grinder, which adds to the overall cost and footprint. Using pre-ground coffee will lead to a significant drop in quality.
– Workaround: Budget for a good burr grinder from the start. A quality hand grinder can be a space-saving and affordable option to pair with the Bambino.
❌ Lighter, Less Substantial Build: While well-constructed, the Breville Bambino is lightweight. It lacks the hefty, anchored feel of the Barista Express, and I sometimes had to hold it in place when attaching the portafilter.
❌ Small Water Tank: The compact design means a smaller water reservoir. I found myself refilling it more frequently than the other machines on this list, about every 4-5 shots.

Our Analysis

Thermojet Heating System & Speed

The ThermoJet system in the Breville Bambino is genuinely remarkable. The ability to go from a powered-off state to pulling a perfectly hot shot in just 3 seconds transforms the morning coffee experience. There is no pre-heating ritual, which makes it far more likely you’ll use it every single day.

Automatic Milk Texturing

This feature makes creating lattes and cappuccinos effortless. Unlike the fully manual wand on the Barista Express, the Bambino’s wand works automatically. I simply placed the pitcher under the wand, selected my temperature and foam level, and it did the rest. The resulting microfoam was consistently silky and well-integrated, a huge win for beginners.

Brewing Performance & Portafilter

Despite its small stature, the Bambino does not skimp on the essentials. It uses a commercial-style 54mm portafilter and is designed for a 19-gram dose, which is the key to full-flavored, rich espresso. It also incorporates low-pressure pre-infusion and a PID for temperature stability, ensuring the shot quality is on par with much larger and more expensive machines.

4. CASABREWS CM5418 Review – Best for Beginners on a Budget

The CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine is the perfect entry ticket into the world of home espresso. It proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to start pulling shots and frothing milk. It offers all the essential tools in a stylish, compact, and incredibly affordable package.

For someone curious about making lattes at home but hesitant to make a big investment, this machine is an ideal choice. During my tests, I was impressed by what it could do for its price. It’s a capable, easy to use espresso machine that looks great on the counter.

Pros: What We Liked

✅ Extremely Accessible Price Point: This is a fantastic budget espresso machine. It makes the hobby of home espresso accessible to almost anyone, making it a great gift or first machine.
✅ High-Pressure 20 Bar Pump: While espresso only needs 9 bars for extraction, the powerful 20-bar Italian pump ensures there’s always more than enough pressure to push water through the coffee puck, resulting in good extraction and a decent layer of crema.
✅ Helpful Built-in Pressure Gauge: The pressure gauge on the front is a feature rarely seen at this price. It provides great visual feedback for a beginner learning how to get their grind and tamp right.
✅ Compact and Stylish Design: The stainless steel finish gives it a premium look that defies its price tag. Its small footprint makes it suitable for any size kitchen.
✅ Includes a Capable Steam Wand: The manual steam wand has enough power to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos. It’s a great tool for practicing your milk-texturing skills.
✅ Simple, Straightforward Controls: With just a few buttons and a dial, it’s very easy to operate. I was able to pull my first shot within minutes of unboxing it.

Cons: What Could Be Improved

❌ Lacks PID Temperature Control: This machine uses a standard thermoblock. This means the water temperature can fluctuate more than on premium machines with a PID, which can sometimes lead to inconsistent shot flavor.
– Workaround: Run a blank shot (without coffee) through the portafilter right before brewing to help stabilize the temperature of the group head and portafilter.
❌ Lighter Build Quality: While it looks great, the construction is noticeably lighter and uses more plastic than the Breville models. The portafilter is also less hefty, which can impact thermal stability.
❌ Steam Wand Requires Practice: The manual steam wand is capable but less powerful and forgiving than the one on the Barista Express. It takes more practice to achieve silky microfoam.
❌ Must Cool Down After Steaming: The manual notes that you must cool the machine down after frothing milk before pulling another shot. I found I had to run some hot water through the group head to bring the temperature back down, which adds an extra step to the workflow.

Our Analysis

Pressure System & Shot Quality

For a budget-friendly machine, the 20-bar professional pump in the CASABREWS CM5418 is a standout feature. In my testing, it consistently delivered enough pressure to produce a respectable shot with a good layer of crema, especially when using the included pressurized (dual-wall) baskets. The pressure gauge is an excellent learning tool, helping me see when my tamp was correct.

Steam Wand Performance

The manual steam wand allows you to make legitimate lattes and cappuccinos. It’s not as powerful as high-end wands, so it took me a bit longer to texture the milk, but it absolutely gets the job done. It’s a fantastic feature for an entry-level model and allows you to grow your skills.

Design & Usability

The machine’s compact, stainless steel design is a major plus. It looks far more expensive than it is. The 34oz removable water tank is easy to access and refill. The simple button layout (one cup, two cups, steam/hot water) makes this machine incredibly approachable for a first-time user who might be intimidated by more complex models.

5. Breville Barista Express BES870BSXL Review – Best Style Option

The Breville Barista Express BES870BSXL is functionally identical to our “Best Overall” pick, but with one key difference: its stunning Black Sesame finish. This machine is for the design-conscious buyer who wants the proven, award-winning performance of the Barista Express in a color that makes a sophisticated statement.

In a world of stainless steel appliances, the sleek black finish stands out. It offers the exact same all-in-one convenience and hands-on control that lets you master the art of espresso, just in a more modern and elegant package. If aesthetics are as important to you as performance, this is your machine.

Pros: What We Liked

✅ Elegant Black Sesame Finish: This is the main draw. The deep, dark color is a gorgeous alternative to standard brushed stainless steel and can be a stunning centerpiece in a modern kitchen.
✅ Proven, Award-Winning Performance: You get all the same incredible features as the BES870XL, including the integrated conical burr grinder, PID temperature control, and powerful manual steam wand.
✅ Same All-in-One Convenience: This machine delivers the full bean-to-cup experience. I was able to go from fresh beans to a finished latte in under two minutes, all with one appliance.
✅ Identical Value Proposition: It represents the same fantastic balance of price, features, and performance as our top pick. The choice is purely based on your kitchen’s style.
✅ Makes a Bold Statement: The dark, stylish espresso machine design is less common and can perfectly complement dark countertops or cabinetry, creating a high-end, custom look.
✅ Complete Accessory Package: It includes the same full kit of accessories, including the portafilter, filter baskets, milk jug, and cleaning tools.

Cons: What Could Be Improved

❌ Shows Fingerprints More Easily: Like many dark, glossy appliances, the Black Sesame finish tends to show smudges and fingerprints more readily than its brushed steel counterpart.
– Workaround: Keep a soft microfiber cloth nearby for quick wipe-downs to keep it looking pristine.
❌ Identical Learning Curve: This is still a semi-automatic machine that requires practice to master. The color doesn’t change the fact that you’ll need to learn to dial in your grind and tamp.
❌ Purely an Aesthetic Choice: There is absolutely no performance difference between this and the stainless steel model. You’re paying the same price for a different color, so be sure you love the look!

Our Analysis

Aesthetic and Design

The primary reason to choose the Breville Barista Express in Black Sesame is its design. The Black Sesame finish gives the classic, slightly industrial look of the original a modern, sophisticated twist. During my evaluation, it looked particularly striking in a kitchen with darker accents. It feels just as robust and well-built as the original, just with a different personality.

Grinding and Extraction

Performance is a mirror image of our top pick. This model features the identical dose-control integrated grinder and PID-controlled thermocoil. My testing confirmed that it produces the exact same high-quality, consistent, and flavorful espresso shots once you have it dialed in. The pressure gauge, grind dials, and buttons all function identically.

Functionality and Workflow

The user experience is exactly the same. From the grinding cradle that lets you grind hands-free to the powerful manual steam wand for latte art, every aspect of the workflow is identical to the BES870XL. You are getting the same fantastic, hands-on home barista setup that has made the Barista Express a top-seller for years, just in a different, very stylish, color.

5 Best Espresso Machines Side-by-Side Comparison

Seeing the key specifications side-by-side can make the decision much clearer. Here’s how our top five picks stack up on the features that matter most.

Feature	Breville Barista Express	Ninja Luxe Café	Breville Bambino	CASABREWS CM5418	Breville Barista Express (Black)
Category	Best Overall	Best All-in-One	Best for Speed/Space	Best Budget/Beginner	Best Style Option
Integrated Grinder	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes
Milk Frothing	Manual	Automatic (Hot/Cold)	Automatic	Manual	Manual
Heat-Up Time	~30-60 Seconds	Standard	3 Seconds	Standard	~30-60 Seconds
Temp Control	PID	Active Adjustment	PID	Thermoblock	PID
Best For	Aspiring Baristas	All-in-One Convenience	Small Spaces & Speed	First-Time Users	Style-Conscious Users
Our Rating	4.8/5 ⭐	4.7/5 ⭐	4.5/5 ⭐	4.0/5 ⭐	4.8/5 ⭐

This comparison highlights the central trade-offs. The all-in-one machines with an integrated grinder, like the Breville Barista Express and the Ninja Luxe Café, offer incredible convenience and value. They streamline the process from bean to cup. The downside is that you are tied to their built-in grinder.

On the other hand, more compact models like the Breville Bambino and CASABREWS CM5418 save counter space but require you to purchase a separate grinder. This adds an extra step and cost, but also gives you the freedom to upgrade your grinder independently in the future. The Ninja truly stands apart with its unique ability to also brew drip and cold brew coffee, making it the most versatile option by a wide margin.

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

Choosing the right espresso coffee machine comes down to understanding a few key features and matching them to your own needs, budget, and desire to learn. This guide will help you decode the jargon and make a confident choice.

Key Features to Look For in a Home Espresso Machine

• Type of Machine (Semi-Automatic vs. Super-Automatic): All the machines on this list are semi-automatic, meaning you grind and tamp the coffee, but the machine controls the pressure. This offers the best balance of control and quality. Super-automatics do everything (including tamping and milk frothing) at the press of a button, but they are more expensive and offer less control over the final taste.
• Temperature Control (PID): This is a critical feature. A PID is a digital controller that keeps the water temperature extremely stable during extraction. Machines without it can have temperature swings that lead to bitter or sour coffee. The Breville Barista Express and Bambino both have this.
• Integrated vs. Separate Grinder: An all-in-one machine with an integrated grinder is convenient, saves space, and is often more affordable than buying two separate high-quality units. A separate grinder gives you more choice and the ability to upgrade, but adds to the cost and clutter.
• Steam Wand (Manual vs. Automatic): A manual steam wand, like on the Barista Express, gives you full control to create perfect microfoam for latte art but requires practice. An automatic wand, like on the Bambino or Ninja Luxe Café, offers push-button convenience and consistency, making it great for beginners.
• Boiler Type (Thermocoil/Thermojet vs. Boiler): Most home machines use a thermocoil or thermojet, which heats water on demand. This leads to much faster heat-up times. Traditional boiler machines can offer more steam power but take much longer (10-30 minutes) to heat up.
• Portafilter Size: Most home machines, including the Brevilles on this list, use a 54mm portafilter. Professional commercial machines use a 58mm size. For home use, 54mm is more than adequate for pulling delicious, full-flavored shots.

Matching an Espresso Machine to Your Needs

• For the Aspiring Barista: You want to learn the craft and have control. A semi-automatic machine with a manual steam wand and PID temperature control is your best bet. The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL is tailor-made for you.
• For the User Who Prioritizes Convenience: You want great coffee with minimal effort. Look for a machine with an integrated grinder and automatic features. The Ninja Luxe Café 3-in-1 Machine ES601 is the king of convenience, offering guided brewing and automatic frothing.
• For the Person with a Small Kitchen: Counter space is your main concern. A compact footprint and fast heat-up time are essential. The Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS is the undisputed champion for small spaces.
• For the Budget-Conscious Beginner: You want to try making espresso without a huge financial commitment. A solid entry-level machine that covers the basics of pressure and steaming is all you need. The CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine is an excellent and affordable starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Espresso Machines

Should I get an espresso machine with a grinder?

For most people starting out, yes, an integrated grinder is the best choice. It’s more convenient, saves counter space, and ensures you’re always using freshly ground beans, which is the single biggest factor for better-tasting espresso. A machine like the Breville Barista Express provides an excellent grinder that is perfectly matched to the machine. Serious enthusiasts may eventually want a separate, high-end grinder for more precise control, but for home use, an integrated one is fantastic value.

How many bars of pressure is good for an espresso machine?

While many machines advertise 15 or even 20 bars, you only need 9 bars of pressure for a proper espresso extraction. The high numbers are mostly for marketing. What’s more important than the maximum pressure is the machine’s ability to deliver a steady and consistent 9 bars at the group head. All the machines on this list are capable of achieving this.

Are home espresso machines worth it?

Yes, absolutely. If you buy coffee from a café more than a few times a week, a home espresso machine will save you a significant amount of money over time. A latte that costs $5-$6 at a coffee shop can be made at home for less than a dollar. Beyond the cost savings, it gives you the creative freedom to explore different coffee beans and the rewarding satisfaction of mastering a new skill.

What is PID temperature control in an espresso machine?

PID stands for “Proportional-Integral-Derivative,” and it’s a smart controller that acts like a cruise control for your machine’s temperature. It keeps the water temperature extremely stable (within 1-2 degrees) during the brewing process. This is critical because even small temperature fluctuations can make your espresso taste bitter (too hot) or sour (too cold). Machines with a PID, like the Breville Barista Express, produce much more consistent and better-tasting coffee.

Is an automatic espresso machine better than manual?

It depends entirely on your goals. A super-automatic machine (which does everything for you) is “better” for pure, hands-off convenience. However, a semi-automatic machine (often called “manual”) like the ones on our list is “better” for shot quality, control, and for those who enjoy the process of making coffee. You will get a much better-tasting espresso from a semi-automatic once you learn how to use it.

How do you clean an espresso machine?

Regular cleaning is simple and essential for keeping your machine working well. Daily, you should rinse the portafilter after each use and wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth immediately after frothing milk. Weekly, you should backflush the group head (if your machine supports it) with a cleaning tablet to remove coffee oils. Periodically (every 2-3 months), you will need to descale the machine to remove mineral buildup from the water, following the manufacturer’s specific instructions.

Our Final Verdict on the Best Espresso Machine for Home

After weeks of in-depth testing, it’s clear that the “best” espresso machine truly depends on your priorities: convenience, control, space, or budget. However, one machine consistently rose to the top as the best choice for the vast majority of home users.

For anyone looking to dive into the world of authentic, cafe-quality coffee at home, the Breville Barista Express BES870XL is the undeniable winner. It strikes the perfect balance between user-friendly features and the manual control you need to learn, grow, and perfect your craft.

Perfect for you if…

• You want to go from bean to cup with one machine.
• You’re excited by the idea of learning a new skill like dialing in a shot or pouring latte art.
• You value consistency and want PID temperature control for balanced flavor.
• You appreciate a high-quality, durable build that will last for years.
• You want the best possible performance and value for your money.

Not ideal for…

• You have an extremely small kitchen with very limited counter space.
• You want a one-touch machine with zero learning curve.
• You already own a high-end, dedicated espresso grinder.

The Barista Express isn’t just an appliance; it’s a hobby in a box. It provides the tools and feedback to transform your morning coffee from a simple routine into a delightful ritual. If you want the best all-around home espresso experience that will grow with you, this is the one to get.

Ready to become your own favorite barista? Get the Breville Barista Express BES870XL today and transform your morning coffee.

Last update on 2026-01-25 at 12:48 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API