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The Best Espresso Machine for Beginners

Updated Dec 11, 2022
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Making café-quality espresso drinks on a home machine used to take a lot of practice, but the best new models have made it so much easier. Better yet, you can get a machine that’s capable of making excellent drinks for well under $1,000. After more than 120 hours of research and testing, we think the Breville Bambino Plus is the best option for new and moderately skilled enthusiasts alike. It’s powerful and easy to use, and it’s capable of yielding consistent, rich shots and steaming perfectly textured milk. The Bambino Plus also has a sleek, compact design, so it fits nicely in most kitchens.

Breville Bambino Plus, the best espresso machine for beginners

Breville Bambino Plus

The best espresso machine for beginners
This potent little machine is fast and easy to use, and it will impress both beginners and experienced baristas with its consistent espresso shots and silky frothed milk.
We recommend
Gaggia Classic Pro, more nuanced espresso, but mediocre milk frothing

Gaggia Classic Pro

More nuanced espresso, but mediocre milk frothing
This affordable machine can yield surprisingly complex shots, but it struggles to froth milk and feels a bit outdated. It’s best for those who primarily drink straight espresso.
Another good choice
Breville Barista Touch, an all-in-one machine that can hold your hand

Breville Barista Touch

An all-in-one machine that can hold your hand
Sleek and powerful, with great programming and a built-in grinder, the Barista Touch lets beginners make a variety of café-quality espresso drinks at home with very little learning curve.
A better upgrade
Ascaso Dream PID, for enthusiasts who want to hone their craft

Ascaso Dream PID

For enthusiasts who want to hone their craft
An elegant, fun machine for those who want to hone their skills and experiment more, the Ascaso makes the best espresso of any machine we tested but requires some practice to master.
A better upgrade

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