I've tested well over 50 coffee machines now. Manuals, bean-to-cups, superautomatics — even the lever Flair 49 Pro (yes, no electricity involved at all). But which is the ultimate best espresso machine... for beginners?
I would recommend something with a built-in grinder. While some people will tell you machines with built-in grinders are inherently inferior, I disagree. A "good" grinder can set you back hundreds of dollars — on top of your espresso machine. This can easily make your coffee setup almost a thousand dollars... and that's before the actual coffee beans.
So if you want your first espresso machine but you're not sure which one to get, let me help you out. I'd recommend the Breville Barista Express, which we awarded 4.5 stars in our review, and it remains a classic. And the best part? It's currently just $499 at Amazon — yes, the same price as the Breville Bambino Plus. So you're really getting that grinder for free.
The Barista Express remains one of the most popular and recommended espresso machines for a reason. Like every other Breville, it has a PID controller (although unadjustable, but better than no PID controller!), a powerful steam wand, and a built in grinder.View Deal
The Breville Barista Express is easy to use, making it ideal for newer home baristas. While you still need to dial in beans yourself, this is a skill all baristas should dedicate time to learning — and you'll notice your espresso tastes so much better once you've figured it out.
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