Best Espresso Machine For Beginners

If you’re a coffee lover, then you know there’s nothing like a good espresso to kick-start your day. However, making a perfect shot of espresso is an art that requires skill, experience, and the right equipment. If you’re a beginner, then choosing the right espresso machine can be a daunting task. With so many brands and models available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

But don’t worry, in this article, we’ll guide you through the process of selecting the best espresso machine for beginners. We’ll explain the different types of machines, the features to consider and provide you with a comprehensive buyer’s guide.

The post may contain affiliate links. For more information, check my disclosure.

Top 5 Espresso Machines For Beginners

• Best Overall: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
• Best Cappuccino Coffee Maker: Gevi Espresso Machine
• Best For Casual Brewers: Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
• Best For The Home Barista: Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine
• Best Semi-Automatic Coffee Machine: Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

Best Overall: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine

The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is an excellent coffee machine that is highly recommended for anyone who is passionate about coffee. This machine is designed to help you make barista-quality coffee at home with ease. It comes with a range of features that make the process of coffee making enjoyable and hassle-free.

Firstly, this machine is very easy to use, and it comes with a clear and detailed instruction manual that guides you through the process of making your coffee. The machine has a built-in conical burr grinder, which helps to grind the coffee beans evenly and produces consistent results every time. Additionally, the machine has a pre-infusion function that helps to evenly wet the coffee grounds before extraction, ensuring that the coffee is flavorful and rich.

Another key feature of the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is its programmability. You can customize the grind size, the amount of coffee, and the water temperature to suit your preference. This is a great feature for people who like to experiment with their coffee and try out different flavors and strengths.

The steam wand is another standout feature of this machine. It is designed to produce microfoam that is essential for creating latte art. The wand is easy to use, and it produces consistent results every time. Additionally, the machine has a hot water dispenser that is useful for making tea or other hot beverages.

Overall, the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is an excellent coffee machine that is highly recommended for anyone who is passionate about coffee.

What I Like

• The machine is easy to use and comes with a detailed instruction manual.
• The built-in conical burr grinder produces consistent results every time.
• The pre-infusion function ensures that the coffee is flavorful and rich.
• The machine is programmable, which allows you to customize the grind size, the amount of coffee, and the water temperature.
• The steam wand produces microfoam that is essential for creating latte art.
• The hot water dispenser is useful for making tea or other hot beverages.
• The machine is durable and built to last.
• The machine has a sleek and modern design that looks great in any kitchen.
• The machine is easy to clean and maintain.

Check The Current Price On Amazon

Best Cappuccino Coffee Maker: Gevi Espresso Machine

The Gevi Espresso Machine is a reliable and user-friendly coffee machine that is designed for home use. It is a compact and stylish machine that can fit on any kitchen countertop, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy a barista-quality coffee at home.

One of the most impressive features of the Gevi Espresso Machine is its 15-bar high-pressure pump. This ensures that your coffee is extracted at the perfect pressure, resulting in a delicious and smooth espresso. The machine is also equipped with a powerful frothing arm that can produce creamy, frothy milk for cappuccinos and lattes.

Another great feature of the Gevi Espresso Machine is its large water tank capacity. The 1.5-liter water tank is easy to fill and can make multiple cups of coffee without needing to be refilled. The machine also has a removable drip tray that makes cleaning up a breeze.

The Gevi Espresso Machine also offers a variety of customization options. The machine comes with a single-shot filter, a double-shot filter, and a measuring scoop. This allows you to adjust the amount of coffee you use based on your preferences.

Overall, the Gevi Espresso Machine is a great choice for coffee lovers who want to enjoy a high-quality coffee at home. Its compact size, high-pressure pump, and powerful frothing arm make it a versatile and convenient machine. The large water tank capacity and customizable filters make it an even more appealing option.

What I Like

• Easy to Use: The Gevi Espresso Machine is incredibly easy to use, thanks to its simple, intuitive design. The buttons and controls are clearly labeled and easy to understand, so you can quickly and easily make your espresso without any confusion.
• Fast Heat-Up Time: The machine heats up quickly, so you won’t have to wait long before you can start making your espresso. This is a great feature for those who are short on time or simply can’t wait to enjoy their morning cup of coffee.
• Compact Size: The Gevi Espresso Machine is relatively small and compact, making it a great option for those who don’t have a lot of counter space in their kitchen. Despite its small size, the machine is still powerful and capable of producing a great cup of espresso.
• Large Water Tank: The water tank on the Gevi Espresso Machine is larger than many other machines in this price range, which means you can make more espresso before you have to refill the tank.
• Milk Frother: The Gevi Espresso Machine comes with a built-in milk frother, which is a great feature for those who love lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based espresso drinks. The frother is easy to use and produces a nice, creamy foam that is perfect for adding to your espresso.
• Affordable Price: The Gevi Espresso Machine is one of the most affordable espresso machines on the market, making it a great option for those who are on a tight budget. Despite its low price, the machine still offers a range of features and produces a great cup of espresso.

Check The Current Price On Amazon

Best For Casual Brewers: Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine

The Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine is a compact and powerful espresso machine that provides high-quality espresso shots with minimal effort. As a versatile and user-friendly machine, the Bambino Plus is suitable for both experienced baristas and beginners looking to perfect their coffee-making skills.

One of the most significant advantages of the Breville Bambino Plus is its compact size, which makes it ideal for small kitchens or home offices. Despite its small footprint, this machine delivers impressive performance, producing rich and velvety espresso shots with a consistent crema every time.

Another significant benefit of the Breville Bambino Plus is its user-friendly design, which makes it easy for beginners to use. The machine features a digital temperature control that ensures the water temperature is always accurate, which is essential for making the perfect espresso shot. Additionally, the Bambino Plus includes a fast heat-up time of just three seconds, so you can have your first espresso shot in no time.

The Breville Bambino Plus also features a built-in steam wand, which allows you to create milk-based beverages, including lattes and cappuccinos, with ease. The wand is simple to use, and it has an automatic purge function that ensures the wand remains clean and hygienic after each use.

Another excellent feature of the Breville Bambino Plus is its ability to produce consistent shots every time. The machine includes a pre-infusion function that gradually increases the water pressure to ensure an even extraction. Additionally, the Bambino Plus has a low-pressure pre-infusion that provides a gentle, gradual pressure ramp-up, which is excellent for enhancing the flavor and aroma of the coffee.

Overall, the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine is an excellent option for anyone looking for a high-quality, user-friendly espresso machine. Its compact size, fast heat-up time, and consistent shots make it a top contender in the market. Its user-friendly design and built-in steam wand make it an ideal choice for coffee enthusiasts of all skill levels.

What I Like

• Compact design: The Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine has a small and compact design that is perfect for those with limited counter space. Despite its size, it is packed with features that allow it to produce high-quality espresso.
• Fast heat-up time: This machine has a fast heat-up time of just 3 seconds, which means that you can quickly and easily make your espresso without waiting for the machine to warm up.
• Precise espresso extraction: The Bambino Plus features a 54mm portafilter with a low-pressure pre-infusion and automatic milk texturing. These features ensure that you get a consistent and precise espresso extraction every time.
• Auto-Purge function: The machine has an automatic purge function that cleans the steam wand after each use. This makes it easy to maintain and ensures that your espresso is always fresh and clean.
• Adjustable milk temperature and texture: The Bambino Plus features a steam wand that allows you to adjust the temperature and texture of your milk. This feature is essential for creating latte art or simply getting the perfect milk consistency for your coffee.

Check The Current Price On Amazon

Best For The Home Barista: Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine

The Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine is a high-quality, semi-automatic espresso machine that offers professional-level performance and features for home use. This machine is built with durability in mind, featuring a sturdy stainless steel construction that is both attractive and functional.

One of the standout features of the Gaggia Classic Pro is its powerful 15-bar pump, which delivers consistent, high-quality espresso shots every time. This machine also includes a commercial-style steam wand that allows you to create perfectly textured milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and other espresso-based drinks.

Another major advantage of the Gaggia Classic Pro is its user-friendly design. This machine is easy to operate and features intuitive controls that allow you to adjust the temperature and pressure of your espresso shots with ease. It also includes a large water reservoir and a removable drip tray, which makes cleaning and maintenance a breeze.

The Gaggia Classic Pro also includes a number of convenient features that are designed to enhance your espresso experience. For example, it includes a hot water dispenser that is perfect for making Americanos or other hot drinks. It also features a commercial-style portafilter that allows you to use your own ground coffee, which gives you more control over the flavor and quality of your espresso shots.

Overall, the Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine is a great choice for home baristas who are looking for a high-quality, durable, and user-friendly espresso machine. Its powerful pump, commercial-style steam wand, and convenient features make it a standout option in its price range.

What I Like

• Powerful 15-bar pump for consistent espresso shots.
• Commercial-style steam wand for perfectly textured milk.
• User-friendly design with intuitive controls.
• Large water reservoir and removable drip tray for easy cleaning and maintenance.
• Hot water dispenser for making Americanos and other hot drinks.
• Commercial-style portafilter for using your own ground coffee.
• Durable stainless steel construction.

Check The Current Price On Amazon

Best Semi-Automatic Coffee Machine: Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

The Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine is a great choice for those who want to enjoy cafe drinks from the comfort of their home. This coffee maker has a sleek, compact design that makes it easy to fit on your countertop. The black and stainless steel finish gives it a modern look that will fit in with any kitchen decor. The machine is also very easy to use, with intuitive controls that make it simple to prepare your drinks.

One of the biggest pros of this machine is its versatility. The Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine can prepare both espresso and cappuccino, as well as other coffee-based drinks like lattes and macchiatos. This means that you can enjoy a wide variety of beverages without having to purchase multiple machines.

Another advantage of this machine is its quick heating time. It only takes a few minutes to heat up, so you won’t have to wait long before you can start making your drinks. The machine also has a powerful milk frother that creates creamy, frothy milk for your cappuccinos and lattes.

The Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine is also very affordable compared to other machines in its category. This makes it a great option for anyone who wants to enjoy cafe-quality drinks at home without breaking the bank.

In addition, the machine is very easy to clean, with a removable drip tray and frothing aid that can be washed in the dishwasher. This is a great feature for those who want to avoid the hassle of cleaning up after preparing their drinks. Overall, the Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine is a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy cafe-quality drinks at home without spending a lot of money.

What I Like

• Versatility in being able to prepare various coffee-based drinks.
• Quick heating time, allowing you to enjoy your drinks faster.
• Powerful milk frother that creates creamy, frothy milk.
• Compact design that fits easily on your countertop.
• Affordability compared to other machines in its category.
• Easy-to-clean design with removable drip tray and frothing aid.

Check The Current Price On Amazon

Buyer’s Guide

For coffee lovers who enjoy the rich, bold flavor of espresso, investing in an espresso machine can be a game-changer. Before diving into the top options, it’s important to consider a few key factors when selecting the best espresso machine for beginners.

Types of Espresso Machines For Beginners

When it comes to espresso machines, there are several options to choose from, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are some of the best types of espresso machines for beginners.

Manual

Manual espresso machines are a traditional option that require the user to control the brewing process manually. This type of machine allows for the most control and precision over the brewing process, but also requires the most skill and practice to use effectively. For beginners who are committed to perfecting their craft, a manual espresso machine can be a great option.

Semi-automatic

Semi-automatic espresso machines are a popular choice for beginners because they offer a balance between control and convenience. These machines allow the user to control the amount of water that passes through the coffee grounds, but automate the amount of water used in the brewing process. This type of machine is generally easier to use than a manual machine, while still allowing for some level of control.

Fully Automatic

Automatic espresso machines are a convenient option for beginners who want to enjoy a great cup of espresso without the need for extensive training or practice. These machines control the amount of water used in the brewing process, and often have built-in features like grinders and milk frothers to simplify the brewing process even further.

Super-automatic

Super automatic espresso machines are the easiest option for beginners, as they do all the work for you. These machines can grind, tamp, brew, and even froth milk at the touch of a button. While they may lack the control and precision of manual or semi-automatic machines, super automatic machines are a great choice for those who prioritize convenience and ease of use.

Things To Consider When Choosing The Best Espresso Machine For Beginners

There are all important factors to consider when choosing the best espresso machine for beginners listed below. Here’s a bit more information on each of those factors.

Grinder Availability

Freshly ground coffee is essential for a great cup of espresso. Some espresso machines come with built-in grinders, while others require a separate grinder. Consider whether you want the convenience of a built-in grinder or if you’re willing to invest in a separate grinder.

Ease of Use

As a beginner, you’ll want an espresso machine that is easy to use and operate. Look for machines with simple controls, easy-to-read displays, and clear instructions.

Pressure

The ideal pressure for brewing espresso is 9 bars of pressure. Look for machines that can maintain this pressure consistently to ensure a good shot of espresso.

Milk Frothing

If you enjoy lattes or cappuccinos, you’ll want to choose an espresso machine with a milk frothing wand. Look for machines with easy-to-use frothing wands and good steam power.

Budget

Espresso machines can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Determine your budget and look for machines that fit within that range while still meeting your needs. Keep in mind that investing in a higher-quality machine can pay off in the long run by providing better-tasting espresso and lasting longer without maintenance.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the best espresso machine for beginners can seem overwhelming, but with the right information and considerations, you can find the perfect machine to fit your needs. Look for a machine with features that match your preferences, such as a built-in grinder, easy-to-use controls, and a milk frothing wand if you enjoy lattes and cappuccinos.

Don’t forget to consider your budget and invest in a higher-quality machine if possible for better-tasting espresso and durability. With the right machine, you can enjoy a delicious cup of espresso from the comfort of your own home.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions