7 Best Espresso Machines for Beginners in 2026
If you’re new to brewing espresso at home, choosing the right machine can feel overwhelming. Many offer features like built-in grinders, automatic milk frothers, and quick heat-up times—yet they vary widely in price and complexity. Do you prioritize ease of use, size, or customization? Finding a machine that balances affordability with reliable performance—say, brewing consistently at 9 bar pressure and reaching ideal temperatures within 30 seconds—can markedly elevate your coffee game. There’s more waiting than just good hopes here.
DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Espresso & Coffee Machine
- 7 ONE-TOUCH RECIPES: 7 one-touch or customized coffee drinks: espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato, iced coffee,...
- PERFECT GRINDING: 13 grind settings means all of your bean varieties are optimally prepared for extraction. The conical...
The DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Espresso & Coffee Machine is a great choice for beginners. It helps you make café-style drinks at home easily. The machine has seven one-touch recipes, like espresso, cappuccino, and latte macchiato. This makes it simple to enjoy a variety of drinks without any fuss. It has a built-in conical burr grinder with 13 settings. This grinder makes sure you get fresh coffee grounds for the best flavor.
The machine’s LatteCrema system textures milk and milk alternatives quickly and smoothly. It creates rich foam every time, so your drinks look and taste great. The auto-clean function keeps the machine clean and makes maintenance easier. Its easy-to-use interface and customizable recipes help you make drinks your way. Whether you’re new to coffee or want a professional-quality espresso at home, this machine works well for both.
Best For: Coffee lovers and beginners who want easy, professional-quality drinks at home.
Pros:
- Makes seven drinks with just one button press.
- Built-in grinder with 13 adjustable settings for fresh grounds.
- LatteCrema system textures milk perfectly for rich foam.
Cons:
- You might need some time to learn all the features.
- Its small size means it might not make many drinks at once.
- It costs more than simple coffee machines with fewer features.
Espresso Machine with Grinder and Milk Frother
- Vintage Cream: Enjoy the retro vibe that the Hanrose espresso machine with grinder brings to your home. It fits...
- Espresso Maker with Grinder: Built-in grinder with 15 grind size settings, allowing you to adjust from coarse to fine....
If you want a coffee machine that does everything in one device, the Hanrose model might be a good choice. It has a cute retro look that fits well in kitchens, offices, or as a gift for coffee lovers. The machine weighs about 16.4 pounds, so it’s not too heavy to move around, but still sturdy enough to last. It comes with a 20-bar Italian ULKA pump, a built-in grinder with 15 levels of adjustments, and a steam wand to froth milk. It’s easy to use with simple buttons, and it works semi-automatically to make your coffee just right. However, sometimes the steam may not be hot enough, and a few users say the machine can have problems like the grinder jamming or the steam wand not working properly. It also warms up quickly, which can sometimes make the temperature less steady.
Best For: Coffee lovers and beginners who want a stylish, all-in-one machine for home or small cafes. It’s good if you like to adjust your grind size and steam milk.
Pros:
- Stylish vintage look that adds charm to any space
- Built-in grinder with 15 settings to customize your coffee
- Simple to operate with easy buttons and semi-automatic features
Cons:
- Steam and coffee may not be very hot sometimes
- Might have issues like jamming or steam wand trouble
- Warms up fast, but the temperature can be a little inconsistent
This machine is a good pick if you want a versatile and attractive coffee maker for your home or small business. Just keep in mind it might need some extra care to keep working well.
Kismile 20-Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother
- 【25-Bar Brilliance, Instant Gratification】Embark on an Italian espresso journey with our 20-Bar Espresso Machine. In...
- 【Barista-Style Frothing Bliss】Experience the charm of a local coffee shop at home with semi-automatic espresso...
Choosing the Kismile 20-Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is a good idea if you want to make café-style drinks at home. It has a strong 20-bar pressure pump that pulls out rich crema and full flavor in just 25 seconds. The 1350W heater heats water quickly, so your coffee is ready fast. You can use either ground coffee or capsules, which means you can make espresso, latte, cappuccino, or americano—whatever you feel like. The buttons are easy to use, with LED lights that show you what’s going on. The water tank comes out easily, making it simple to fill and clean. The steam wand helps you froth milk like a pro, once you get used to it. Its sleek metal look and small size make it look stylish and fit nicely on your counter.
This machine is perfect for new coffee lovers and home baristas who want to make good drinks easily. It helps you create different coffee drinks without needing a lot of skill.
Pros:
- The 20-bar pressure pump makes thick crema and smooth flavor very fast.
- You can use ground coffee or capsules to make different drinks.
- Easy-to-use LED buttons, removable water tank, and a modern look make it simple to operate and clean.
Cons:
- It does not have a PSI gauge, so you need to practice to get tamping pressure right.
- It may take time to learn how to use the steam wand, and it can be loud while brewing.
- Some users say customer service is not very helpful if you need support after buying.
This espresso machine makes coffee fun and simple. It’s a good choice if you want to enjoy café-quality drinks at home and don’t mind practicing a little to master it.
Bosch 800 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
- SIMPLIFY AT-HOME COFFEE BREWING: Whether you're in the mood for a latte macchiato, cappuccino, or espresso, the large...
- ULTIMATE PERSONALIZATION: Adjust the strength, size, and milk ratio, and even aroma to your exact liking
If you are new to making coffee at home and want a machine that can do a lot, the Bosch 800 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine is a good choice. It is small enough to fit on your counter, measuring about 12 inches wide, 15 inches deep, and 18 inches tall. It weighs around 22 pounds, so it’s not too heavy to move if needed.
This machine offers more than 35 drink options. You can make espresso, cappuccino, latte, cold brew, or even use it as a coffee pot. The touchscreen makes it easy to pick your drink. You can also control it with the Home Connect app on your phone. This means you can set up your drinks without touching the machine directly.
It has a built-in milk container, so you don’t have to pour milk into a separate pitcher. The ceramic grinder makes fresh coffee beans ground just right. The machine also has a cleaning cycle that helps keep it fresh and working smoothly.
This machine is a good pick if you want lots of drink choices and modern tech. It’s best for people new to coffee who want a machine that is easy to use and can make many different drinks.
Pros:
- Makes more than 35 drinks, like espresso, cappuccino, latte, and cold brew
- Easy to use touchscreen and remote control with the app
- Comes with an integrated milk container, ceramic grinder, and automatic cleaning
Cons:
- It costs more than simpler espresso machines
- Some users find the touchscreen or spout height can have issues
- Milk frothing and cleaning parts can be tricky to handle because of their shapes and needs
This machine is great if you want a lot of options and modern features. It’s good for beginners who want to learn and enjoy making different coffee drinks at home.
CASABREWS 3700 Espresso Machine with Steam Frother
- Make Your Favorite Espresso Coffee At Home: The CASABREWS coffee machine with milk frother allows you to prepare all...
- Professional 20-Bar Pressure System: A semi-Automatic 2-in-1 Espresso Maker with a 20 bar professional pump and a 1350 W...
The CASABREWS 3700 Espresso Machine with Steam Frother is a great choice for beginners. It has a simple, sleek design that looks nice on your kitchen counter. The machine is made of stainless steel, so it’s strong and lasts a long time. It’s also small, measuring about 12.6 inches deep, 5.7 inches wide, and 12.5 inches high. This means it can fit easily in small kitchens.
The water tank holds 43.9 ounces and comes out so you can refill it and clean it easily. The buttons on the machine are simple to press, so you don’t need to read complicated instructions. The machine has a 20-bar pump and uses 1350 watts of power. This helps it make rich espresso with a layer of crema on top.
The steam wand creates micro-foam, which is perfect for making lattes. Keep in mind, the steam capacity is small, so it might be hard to froth large amounts of milk at once. The machine heats up quickly and makes coffee fast, which is good if you want your espresso in a hurry.
This machine is best for people who want an easy-to-use, stylish espresso maker for home use. It’s good for beginners who want coffee daily and don’t need a fancy machine.
Some things to consider: the steam wand may not produce enough foam for large drinks. It makes noise when working, so it might bother quiet spaces. The machine has only one boiler, so you can’t brew coffee and steam milk at the same time. This might slow you down if you need to do both quickly.
In short, the CASABREWS 3700 is simple, reliable, and a good fit for many homes. It makes quality espresso and has a small size that saves space. Perfect for daily coffee and learning how to make your favorite drinks.
Espresso Machine with Milk Frother (Silver)
- 【Make Favorite Espresso Coffee by Yourself】The coffee machine with milk frother allows you to prepare all your...
- 【Professional 20 Bar Pressure System】The 20-bar system ensures optimal 9-10 bar pressure is maintained throughout...
An espresso machine with a milk frother can help you make coffee drinks that taste like they come from a cafe. This silver espresso machine is easy to use and looks stylish on your countertop. Its small size, about 12.24 inches deep and 5.5 inches wide, makes it perfect for small kitchens or offices.
The machine has a powerful steam wand. It creates smooth, velvety foam for lattes and cappuccinos. With a 20-bar pressure pump and a 1350W motor, it brews rich, tasty espresso quickly. You can get a shot ready in just 28 seconds. It heats up fast, saving you time. Plus, many parts are removable and easy to clean, so keeping it tidy is simple.
This machine is great for beginners or coffee lovers who want a stylish, compact option. It lets you create cafe-quality drinks at home or in a small space.
Pros:
- Small and stylish enough for tight spots.
- Quick to heat and make espresso.
- Easy to clean with removable parts.
Cons:
- Tall mugs may not fit easily under the spout.
- Milk frothing can take practice to get just right.
- Manual timing means you might need to experiment for the best shot.
De’Longhi Linea Classic Espresso Machine with Milk Frother
- OPTIMAL EXTRACTION: Achieve expertly extracted espresso with a 15-bar Italian professional pump delivering the perfect...
- PERFECT TEMPERATURE: Instantly reach the perfect temperature, thanks to Thermoblock technology, providing fast, precise,...
If you want an easy-to-use espresso machine for home, the De’Longhi Linea Classic with Milk Frother is a good choice. It has a strong 15-bar Italian pump that makes rich, cafe-quality espresso with a nice creamy layer on top. The machine has a stainless steel body that looks modern and holds up well over time. It’s also small enough to fit on most kitchen counters—about 11.14 inches deep, 8.89 inches wide, and 12 inches high. The thermoblock heating system warms up quickly and keeps the right temperature so every shot is consistent. You can also adjust the steam wand to make smooth microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. Overall, it gives professional results but costs less than many other machines, making it perfect for beginners or casual coffee lovers.
Best For: People who want a budget-friendly, compact espresso machine with professional features to make popular coffee drinks at home.
Pros:
- The 15-bar pump makes strong espresso with a thick cream.
- The stainless steel body looks nice and lasts long.
- Small size fits easily on most kitchen counters.
Cons:
- Many parts are plastic, which might wear out faster over time.
- Some users notice small issues with the pressure gauge or leaks early on.
- Regular cleaning is needed to keep it working well.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Espresso Machines for Beginners
When choosing an espresso machine as a beginner, you need to contemplate ease of use—can you operate it comfortably without a degree in engineering? Price range also matters, because a $200 machine isn’t going to deliver barista-quality espresso, but spending big might not be necessary either. Don’t forget about size and maintenance; a compact model that’s easy to clean can save you space and frustration in the long run.
Ease of Use
Choosing an easy-to-use espresso machine can make making coffee fun and simple. Look for machines with few buttons and clear instructions. Machines with pre-set options let you press one button, and your drink is ready. Some machines have helpful lights or gauges to show pressure or alert you when something needs attention. Automatic milk frothers or steam wands with simple controls are easy to use for making milk drinks. Clear steps make cleaning and maintaining the machine simple, so you spend less time fussing and more time enjoying your coffee. An easy machine helps you focus on drinking good coffee without headaches, making the whole process more fun and relaxing.
Price Range
If you’re just starting out and want to buy an espresso machine, your budget matters. How much you spend will decide what features you get and how good the machine is. You can find small, cheap machines under $100. These machines are easy to use and work well for beginners. But they might not last very long or handle heavy use.
Mid-range machines cost between $300 and $500. These offer better quality and more features. They can give you consistent shots of espresso and are built to last a while. They are a good choice if you want a balance of price and quality.
If you spend over $500, you can get machines with many extras. These might have built-in grinders, milk frothers, and special settings. But they can be more complicated to use, especially if you are new to espresso making.
In general, lower-cost machines may need repairs or replacements sooner. Staying between $100 and $300 is a smart choice for beginners. These machines are affordable, easy to use, and make good espresso. This way, you don’t spend too much and still get a nice machine to learn with.
Size and Space
Measuring the space on your kitchen counter is important when picking an espresso machine. If your kitchen is small, you need a compact machine. Usually, smaller models are about 7 inches wide. Larger models with more features can be over 15 inches wide. Remember to leave extra space for things like brewing tools, milk frothers, or cups, which can add to the size. Check how tall the machine is, especially if you want to store mugs underneath or in nearby cabinets. Also, think about how heavy the machine is. If you plan to move or clean it often, a lighter machine is better. A big, fancy machine might look nice, but if it doesn’t fit in your space, it won’t work for you. So, always measure your counter space carefully before buying to find an espresso machine that fits well.
Maintenance Needs
Regular cleaning is very important to keep your espresso machine working well. Many machines need simple tasks like cleaning removable parts. These include the drip tray, water tank, and portafilter. Cleaning these parts helps keep things hygienic and makes your coffee taste better.
Descaling your machine every few months is also important. Hard water can cause mineral deposits to build up inside the machine. Descaling prevents this buildup, which can affect how well your coffee brews and its flavor. Some machines have automatic cleaning features. These make cleaning easier, but you still need to wipe down the machine and refill water when needed.
If you use your machine a lot, you will need to clean it more often. This helps prevent clogs and keeps your espresso tasting consistent. If the parts are dishwasher safe, it makes cleaning even faster and easier.
Think about how much effort cleaning will take when choosing a machine. Easy-to-clean machines save you time and effort. Knowing the cleaning needs helps you decide if you want a machine that’s simple to care for or one that might require more chores.
Brewing Options
Choosing a good espresso machine depends on the brewing options it offers. For beginners, it is important to pick a machine that is easy to use and gives you many choices. Many machines have different brewing functions like espresso, lungo, or adjusting the strength of your coffee. This helps you make different types of drinks just the way you like them.
Some machines come with manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic settings. Manual machines give you more control, while automatic ones are easier to use. Many models also have preset recipes and one-touch buttons. These make it simple to make common drinks like cappuccino or latte with just one tap.
Versatility is important in a good espresso machine. Some machines can brew with ground coffee, while others use capsules. This way, you can choose what works best for you. Having these options makes it easier to enjoy different coffee drinks at home without any hassle.
Milk Frothing Capabilities
Milk frothing features can change how much you enjoy your coffee, especially if you like lattes or cappuccinos. Some machines have manual steam wands. These let you control how the milk froths, so you can make nice foam for latte art. But, making good foam with a manual wand takes practice. Other machines have automatic or semi-automatic frothers. These make frothing easier because they have built-in milk containers or self-frothing parts. These options are good if you are new to frothing. The quality of the froth depends on the milk’s temperature, type, and your technique. Getting these right can make your coffee taste better. Remember to clean the frother or steam wand regularly. This keeps it working well and makes sure it stays hygienic. Whether you want hands-on control or prefer an automatic solution, knowing your options helps you pick a machine that fits your skills and milk coffee favorites easily.
Customization Features
Customization features make brewing coffee easier and more fun. For beginners, it’s nice to have options to change how strong your coffee is, the amount you brew, and how finely you grind the beans. These settings help you get your perfect cup without trouble. Some machines let you save your favorite recipes, so your coffee is always just right and ready quickly. Adjustable steam wands or milk frothers let you make fancy drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. You can choose how thick or foamy your milk is. Many beginner machines have simple controls that help you set up your coffee easily, without stress. Some models come with touch screens or apps. These tools give you precise control, so you can try new recipes and still get good results every time.
Durability and Support
Since espresso machines are a big investment, it’s important to think about how long they will last and how good the support is. First, check the warranty. Look for at least one year of coverage to protect your purchase. Also, see what customers say about the company’s support team. Are they quick to help? Easy-to-clean parts like drip trays and portafilter holders make it simple to do regular maintenance. Make sure replacement parts are easy to find so your machine doesn’t stay broken for too long. Read reviews from other users to see if the machine holds up over time. Also, consider if the company offers helpful guides or apps to fix small problems yourself. Choosing a machine with good durability and support will save you time, money, and frustration later on.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Brew a Perfect Espresso?
Brewing a perfect espresso usually takes around 25 to 30 seconds of extraction time. You should start the timer once the machine begins to dispense the rich, dark coffee, ensuring you achieve the ideal flavor and crema.
Can I Use Pre-Ground Coffee With These Machines?
Yes, you can use pre-ground coffee with these machines. Just make sure it’s ground finely and properly packed in the portafilter to guarantee ideal extraction and delicious espresso every time.
Are Maintenance and Cleaning Procedures Easy for Beginners?
You’ll find maintenance and cleaning quite straightforward with these machines, as they feature user-friendly procedures. Regularly wiping parts and descaling keeps your machine running smoothly, making it easy for beginners to keep up with upkeep.
Do These Machines Require Special Filters or Accessories?
You usually don’t need special filters or accessories with these machines. They come with standard parts that are easy to find and use, letting you focus on making great espresso without extra hassle or investment.
What’S the Typical Lifespan of These Espresso Machines?
The typical lifespan of these machines usually ranges from 5 to 10 years, depending on usage and maintenance. You can extend their life by cleaning regularly and following the manufacturer’s care instructions diligently.
Hi, I’m Liza Jensen, your culinary companion here at Recipe by Liza. 🍳🥗Cooking has always been my passion—I find joy in every whisk, every sizzle, and every aromatic spice. As a home cook and recipe developer, I’ve explored flavors from around the world, creating dishes that warm hearts and tantalize taste buds.Join me on this flavorful journey! Let’s swap kitchen stories, share tips, and celebrate the magic of food together.
