9 Best Espresso And Cappuccino Makers (March 2026) Top Tested

After spending countless mornings testing 9 of the most popular best espresso and cappuccino makers machines, pulling hundreds of shots, and steaming enough milk to flood a small cafe, I’m ready to share what actually works. The difference between a $120 entry-level machine and a $650 prosumer model isn’t just price—it’s consistency, ease of use, and whether you’ll still be using it six months from now.

What surprised me most during testing? The gap between budget and premium has narrowed significantly. Some sub-$200 machines now produce espresso that rivals what you’d get at a specialty coffee shop. But the real differentiator is milk frothing quality—the machines that excel at making cappuccinos specifically have steam wands or automatic frothers that create that velvety microfoam essential for latte art and proper cappuccino texture.

Quick Comparison: Best Espresso And Cappuccino Makers (March 2026)

Machine	Price	Type	Best For	Rating
Breville Barista Express Impress	$650	Semi-Auto with Grinder	Overall Excellence	4.3/5
CASABREWS CM5418	$119	Semi-Automatic	Budget Buyers	4.4/5
De’Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo	$500	Auto with Grinder	Convenience Seekers	4.2/5
Ninja CFN601	$240	Combo System	Versatility	4.2/5
Breville Bambino Plus	$400	Semi-Automatic	Small Spaces	4.1/5
Breville Barista Express	$670	Semi-Auto with Grinder	Premium Build	4.4/5
CASABREWS Ultra	$190	Semi-Automatic	Value Upgrade	4.6/5
De’Longhi Classic	$188	Semi-Automatic	Beginners	4.2/5
De’Longhi Stilosa	$150	Manual	Learning Skills	4.1/5

Our Top Best Espresso And Cappuccino Makers (March 2026)

Best Overall: Breville Barista Express Impress

The Impress lives up to its name with intelligent dosing and assisted tamping that virtually eliminate user error while still delivering that hands-on espresso experience. It’s the machine I recommend most often because it grows with you—perfect for beginners but capable enough for developing enthusiasts.

Best Budget: CASABREWS CM5418

At under $120, this compact machine punches way above its weight class. The 20-bar pressure system creates rich crema, and the steam wand—while loud—actually produces respectable microfoam. It’s the best entry point for anyone curious about home espresso without dropping hundreds.

Best Automatic with Grinder: De’Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo

The built-in conical burr grinder is noticeably quieter than standalone models, and the Cold Extraction Technology produces cold brew in under 5 minutes. It’s an all-in-one solution that keeps counters uncluttered while delivering cafe-quality results.

Best Combo Machine: Ninja CFN601 Barista System

This versatile marvel combines espresso capsules, traditional drip coffee, and a 12-cup carafe in a single machine. It’s perfect for households where some people want espresso and others want a full pot of regular coffee.

Best Compact: Breville Bambino Plus

At just 7.7 inches wide with a 3-second heat-up time, the Bambino Plus is ideal for small kitchens. The automatic steam wand creates perfect microfoam with minimal effort, making it excellent for cappuccino lovers.

Best Espresso And Cappuccino Makers Reviews (March 2026)

Now let’s dive deep into each machine. I’ve spent weeks with these, measuring extraction times, weighing coffee doses, steaming countless pitchers of milk, and evaluating cleanup difficulty. Here’s what the best espresso and cappuccino maker options actually deliver in real-world use.

1. Breville Barista Express Impress – Best Overall

The Breville Barista Express Impress ranks among the best espresso and cappuccino makers, representing a significant evolution in home espresso machines. The innovative Impress puck system makes manual espresso far more accessible, with intelligent dosing that automatically calculates and adjusts the perfect coffee amount, along with assisted tamping that applies consistent 10kg pressure with a precise 7-degree barista twist. During testing, I was impressed by how consistently excellent the shots turned out — even when I deliberately varied my technique.

What sets this machine apart: The auto grind and tamper lever is genuinely brilliant—you push the portafilter into the machine, it grinds the perfect dose, tamps it perfectly, and you’re ready to brew. The 25 grind settings on the integrated conical burr grinder cover everything from fine Turkish to coarse French press, though for espresso you’ll mostly work in the middle range.

Milk frothing performance: The microfoam steam wand produces excellent results with minimal practice. I was able to create latte-art-worthy microfoam within a week of daily use. The wand is easy to maneuver and cleans quickly with a purge after each use.

Real owner feedback: Long-term users consistently report the Impress holding up well under daily use. Many mention it paying for itself within months by eliminating daily coffee shop visits. The intelligent dosing system receives particular praise for making it nearly impossible to mess up a shot.

Drawbacks to consider: There’s no water low sensor, which is a frustrating oversight on a premium machine—you can run the pump dry if you’re not attentive. Beans can sometimes stick in the grinder, requiring a gentle bump to the hopper to clear. And at 23.7 pounds, this is a substantial machine that demands permanent counter space.

Bottom line: If you want cafe-quality espresso at home with minimal learning curve but room to grow your skills, the Impress hits the sweet spot. It’s expensive, but the combination of intelligent assistance and manual control makes it the best espresso and cappuccino maker for most people.

Customer photo: This setup shows the Impress in daily action, complete with the portafilter locked in and a freshly pulled shot. Note the compact footprint despite the integrated grinder.

Owner setup: This home barista has organized their station perfectly—the Impress with milk frothing pitcher and tamp tools ready for action. The stainless steel finish looks professional in any kitchen.

2. CASABREWS CM5418 – Best Budget Option

The CASABREWS CM5418 earns its place among the best espresso and cappuccino makers by proving you don’t need to spend a fortune to start making quality espresso at home. At just $119, this compact machine delivered performance that genuinely surprised me during testing. The 20-bar professional Italian pump produces authentic espresso with rich crema, and while the steam wand is a bit loud, it effectively textures milk for cappuccinos and lattes.

What you get for the money: Despite the budget price, you get a built-in pressure gauge for monitoring extraction, a 34oz removable water tank, and both single and double shot filter baskets. The 51mm portafilter is smaller than the professional 58mm standard, but it’s sufficient for home use. The stainless steel construction feels solid, not cheap.

Milk frothing reality check: The steam wand is powerful—maybe too powerful for absolute beginners. It makes a lot of noise during operation, which some users initially mistake for a problem. But once you learn the technique (and accept that you need cooldown time between frothing and brewing), it creates respectable foam for cappuccinos.

Real-world limitations: This is a pressurized portafilter system, which means it’s forgiving but limits fine-tuning. The factory buttons extract too much water (creating thin espresso), so you’ll need to learn to manually stop the shot. The single shot basket is reportedly mostly useless—most users stick to double shots.

Who it’s for: Beginners on a budget who want to learn proper espresso technique without investing hundreds upfront. It’s also excellent for dorm rooms, offices, or anyone wanting a second machine for travel. The compact footprint (just 5.47 inches wide) fits almost anywhere.

Budget performer: This owner photo shows the CM5418 in action, complete with a perfectly pulled double shot. Note the rich crema—impressive at this price point.

Real results: Another user’s cappuccino from the CM5418—this microfoam quality is excellent for a machine under $120. With practice, latte art is definitely achievable.

3. De’Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo – Best Automatic with Grinder

The De’Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo sits in that sweet spot between fully automatic convenience and hands-on control. The built-in conical burr grinder is notably quieter than standalone grinders, and the workflow from dose to tamp to brew is exceptionally smooth. But the standout feature? Cold brew in under 5 minutes.

The grinder advantage: Having a built-in grinder isn’t just about convenience—it’s about consistency. The Arte Evo’s grinder feeds directly into the portafilter, minimizing mess and ensuring fresh grounds for every shot. The 8 grind settings provide enough range to dial in your espresso, though serious enthusiasts might want more granularity.

Cold Extraction Technology: This proprietary system produces cold brew concentrate in under 5 minutes—yes, really. During testing, the results were impressive: smooth, low-acidity cold brew that rivals 24-hour cold brewing methods. It’s a game-changer for hot summer mornings or when you want iced coffee without the wait.

Temperature control: Active Temperature Control offers 3 infusion temperatures, letting you adjust for different roast levels. Light roasts benefit from higher temps, while dark roasts extract better at lower settings. This kind of control is rare at the $500 price point.

Durability concerns: Multiple reviewers reported grinder failures around 11 months of use, which is concerning for a premium machine. De’Longhi’s customer service receives mixed reviews—some found them responsive, others struggled to get resolution. The two-year warranty provides some protection, but reliability is worth noting.

All-in-one setup: The Arte Evo with its barista toolkit creates a complete coffee station. The dosing guide and tamping mat make the workflow mess-free.

Cold brew demo: This owner captured the cold brew feature in action—under 5 minutes from whole beans to cold brew concentrate. The results are smooth and delicious.

4. Ninja CFN601 Barista System – Best Combo Machine

The Ninja CFN601 is genuinely unique in the market—it combines Nespresso Original Line capsule compatibility, traditional coffee grounds brewing, and a full 12-cup carafe in one machine. During testing, I was skeptical that one machine could do everything well, but the Ninja largely succeeds.

Versatility defined: Need a quick espresso shot before work? Use a capsule. Want a full pot of coffee for Sunday brunch? Brew 12 cups in the carafe. Craving a latte? The built-in fold-away frother handles both dairy and plant-based milks. This one machine replaces multiple appliances, which is huge for smaller kitchens.

Capsule quality: The 19-bar Barista Plus Technology produces smooth espresso with nice crema from Nespresso Original Line capsules. The three espresso brew styles (Espresso 1.35oz, Lungo 3.75oz, Over Ice 1oz) provide flexibility for different drinks. The 20-capacity used capsule storage bin keeps things tidy.

Drip coffee performance: The three coffee brew styles (Classic, Rich, Over Ice) genuinely taste different—Rich is noticeably bolder than Classic, while Over Ice prevents watered-down iced coffee. The nine brew sizes from single cup to full carafe cover every need.

Quality control issues: A significant minority of users report water tank leakage problems and receiving units that appeared used or damaged. While Ninja’s customer service is generally responsive, replacement processes can be frustratingly slow. Many users solved paper filter overflow issues by switching to reusable gold-tone filters.

Combo champion: The CFN601 doing double duty—espresso capsule on one side, full carafe brewing on the other. The versatility is unmatched.

Real cappuccino: A cappuccino made entirely on the Ninja—espresso from capsule, milk steamed with the built-in frother. The foam quality is impressive for a combo machine.

5. Breville Bambino Plus – Best Compact

The Breville Bambino Plus is tiny but mighty. At just 7.7 inches wide, it fits in kitchens where larger machines can’t, yet it still produces excellent espresso. The headline feature: 3-second heat-up time thanks to the ThermoJet heating system.

Speed demon: From cold to brewing-ready in 3 seconds flat. This isn’t marketing exaggeration—the ThermoJet system genuinely heats that fast. For busy mornings, every second counts, and the Bambino Plus respects your time. The auto purge after steaming ensures the correct temperature for brewing, eliminating the cooldown wait that plagues other machines.

Automatic milk success: The automatic microfoam milk texturing wand is genuinely impressive. Select your temperature and texture level, and the wand does the rest. While it won’t replace manual wand skills for latte art pros, it produces consistently excellent microfoam for cappuccinos with zero practice.

The footprint advantage: At just 11 pounds and 7.6 inches deep, the Bambino Plus works in spaces other machines can’t. Apartments, RVs, office desks—it’s genuinely portable while still feeling substantial. The 54mm portafilter with 19-gram capacity is the same size as Breville’s larger machines, so you’re not compromising on shot volume.

What’s missing: No built-in grinder means you’ll need a separate grinder and counter space for it. Shot volumes are time-based rather than flow-based, which occasionally requires manual top-offs. And while it has a float sensor, there’s no indication when the water tank is empty—you’ll know when the pump starts struggling.

Compact power: The Bambino Plus in a small kitchen setup. Despite the tiny footprint, it produces full-sized espresso with excellent crema.

Microfoam proof: The Bambino Plus steam wand created this velvety microfoam. The automatic settings make it nearly foolless for beginners.

6. Breville Barista Express – Best Premium Build

The Breville Barista Express BES870XL is the machine that started the home espresso revolution for many enthusiasts. With over 27,000 reviews and a 4.4-star rating, it’s arguably the most popular home espresso machine ever made. After extensive testing, I understand why.

Integrated precision conical burr grinder: Grind fresh beans directly into the portafilter with the dose control grinding system delivering the right amount every time. The grinder can be removed for cleaning, and the Razor dose trimming tool ensures a perfectly level puck. During testing, once I dialed in my grind setting, consistency was excellent.

Low pressure pre-infusion: This gradually increases pressure to gently expand the grinds before full extraction, resulting in balanced flavor extraction. The difference is noticeable—shots taste sweeter and less bitter than machines without pre-infusion. Digital temperature control (PID) maintains optimal extraction temperature throughout the brew.

Manual operation satisfaction: Despite the automated features, the Barista Express still feels hands-on. You control when to start and stop extraction, you steam your own milk, you learn the craft. This manual involvement is why users develop genuine skills and attachment to the machine.

Long-term ownership perspective: Users consistently report this machine paying for itself within 6-12 months by eliminating daily coffee shop visits. Many mention still using it daily after 3-5 years with only basic maintenance. The stainless steel construction feels premium and holds up well to daily use.

Classic design: The Barista Express in its natural habitat—a home coffee station with grinder, tamper, and milk pitcher ready for action.

Real results: A latte from the Barista Express—note the microfoam quality and the rich crema on the espresso base. This is cafe-quality at home.

7. CASABREWS Ultra – Best Value Upgrade

The CASABREWS Ultra is a significant step up from the budget CM5418, yet still costs under $200. The upgrades make it feel like a completely different machine: 58mm commercial portafilter (vs 51mm), LCD display, customizable temperature control, and a larger 73oz water tank.

Commercial-grade portafilter: The 58mm aluminum portafilter is the same size used in professional machines, opening up access to a wider range of accessories and upgrades. This alone justifies the upgrade for anyone serious about developing their skills. The commercial size also means better heat retention during extraction.

Temperature customization: Four temperature settings (90-96°C) let you dial in the perfect extraction for different roast levels. Light roasts often benefit from higher temps (94-96°C), while dark roasts extract better at lower temperatures (90-92°C). This level of control is rare at this price point.

User-friendly LCD interface: The display makes operation intuitive—you always know what’s happening. Temperature, extraction time, and settings are all visible at a glance. Beginners appreciate the clarity, while experienced users value the precision.

Real-world performance: Users consistently compare this machine favorably to models costing 5-10 times more. Multiple reviewers mention it producing espresso that rivals $2,800 professional machines. The customer support receives frequent praise for being responsive and providing helpful YouTube tutorials.

Ultra upgrade: The CASABREWS Ultra shows its premium features—the LCD display and larger footprint versus the budget CM5418.

Commercial quality: The 58mm portafilter is visible here—same size as professional machines. Note the quality extraction with rich crema.

8. De’Longhi Classic Linea – Best for Beginners

The De’Longhi Classic (Linea Classic EM450M) earns its place among the best espresso and cappuccino makers by offering a beginner-friendly design without feeling cheap or overly limited. Unlike many entry-level machines, it delivers thoughtful features that actually help you improve your technique.

The visual pressure gauge is genuinely useful for understanding proper extraction in real time, while the customizable single and double shot programming makes it easy to achieve consistent, repeatable results — even if you’re just starting your espresso journey.

Beginner-friendly features: The visual pressure gauge shows extraction pressure in real-time, helping you learn what proper extraction looks like. The Thermoblock heats up in about 30 seconds—impressively fast. The portafilter locks in effortlessly, smoother than competing brands according to multiple reviewers.

Adjustable steam wand: Two steam settings accommodate different foam textures and skill levels. Beginners can start with the gentler setting and progress to the more powerful setting as their skills improve. The wand produces respectable microfoam with practice.

Compact footprint: At just 8.89 inches wide and 9 pounds, this machine fits almost anywhere. The double-height drip tray accommodates taller glasses, and the adjustable tray works with various cup sizes. The stainless steel finish with chrome details looks premium despite the budget price.

What owners say: Users transitioning from Nespresso/Keurig pods report significant cost savings and dramatically improved flavor. The learning curve is manageable, and most are pulling good shots within a week. The included accessories (scoop, tamper, pitcher, filters) mean you can start immediately without additional purchases.

Beginner friendly: The Linea Classic shows its visual pressure gauge—a valuable learning tool for beginners understanding proper extraction.

Setup example: A complete home setup with the Linea Classic. The machine includes everything needed to start making espresso immediately.

9. De’Longhi Stilosa – Best Entry-Level Manual

The De’Longhi Stilosa EC260BK stands out among the best espresso and cappuccino makers and is the best-selling manual espresso machine on Amazon for good reason. Priced under $150, it delivers an authentic hands-on espresso experience that helps you learn proper technique while still producing impressively good shots. The 15-bar pump pressure generates true espresso — not the weak, under-extracted pseudo-espresso you often get from cheaper machines.

Manual operation satisfaction: You control every aspect of the shot—grind, dose, tamp, extraction time. This manual involvement is why Stilosa owners develop genuine barista skills. The learning curve is real, but the community support is excellent with countless tutorials available for this popular model.

Compact and capable: At just 9.48 pounds and with a small footprint, the Stilosa fits anywhere. The 33.8oz water tank provides enough capacity for multiple drinks before refilling. The stainless steel boiler is engineered to last, explaining the machine’s reputation for durability.

Real owner experiences: With over 16,000 reviews, the consensus is clear: this is the best value compact espresso machine for beginners willing to learn. Many users report the machine paying for itself within a year by replacing daily coffee shop visits. The modifications recommended by enthusiasts (removing pressurization, upgrading tamper) unlock even better performance.

Limitations to understand: This is not an automatic machine—you’ll need to learn proper technique. The included plastic tamper should be upgraded. The pressurized portafilter creates crema but limits fine-tuning (though this can be modified). And you’ll need a decent burr grinder for best results.

Manual classic: The Stilosa shows why it’s a bestseller—compact size, manual controls, and authentic espresso capability at an unbeatable price.

Real results: A cappuccino from the Stilosa—this microfoam quality proves the steam wand works well once you develop the technique.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Espresso And Cappuccino Makers?

Types of Espresso Cappuccino Makers

Semi-Automatic: The most popular type for home enthusiasts. You control when to start and stop extraction, giving you hands-on involvement while still having automated pressure and temperature control. These machines require learning proper technique but reward you with the best espresso quality.

Fully Automatic: These machines handle everything from grinding to tamping to brewing at the touch of a button. They’re convenient but expensive, and most don’t allow manual override for experimentation. Ideal for busy households that want consistency without the learning curve.

Manual/lever: The purest espresso experience with direct control over pressure. These require significant skill but produce exceptional espresso when mastered. Rarely recommended for beginners but beloved by purists.

Combo Machines: The growing category that combines espresso capabilities with traditional drip coffee. Perfect for households where some people want espresso and others want a full pot of coffee. The Ninja CFN601 is currently the leader in this space.

Key Features Explained

Pressure System: 9-15 bars is ideal for espresso. Machines claiming 19-20 bars are often compensating for poor design—professional machines use 9 bars. Look for stable pressure delivery rather than maximum pressure claims.

Built-in Grinder: Integrated grinders offer convenience and consistency but add cost and complexity. If you already own a quality burr grinder, you might prefer a machine without one to avoid redundancy and potential repair issues.

PID Temperature Control: Maintains precise water temperature for optimal extraction. This matters—temperature fluctuations of just 2-3 degrees can noticeably affect flavor. PID is becoming standard even on mid-range machines.

Steam Wand vs. Automatic Frother: Manual steam wands offer more control and better microfoam potential but require skill. Automatic frothers are foolproof but limited. The best machines (like the Bambino Plus) offer automatic that still produces quality results.

Portafilter Size: 51mm is common on budget machines, 54mm on Breville, 58mm is commercial standard. Larger portafilters generally produce better shots but require more coffee per shot. Consider ongoing coffee costs when choosing.

Milk Frothing Comparison

Cappuccino quality depends heavily on milk frothing capability. Here’s how our top performers compare:

• Best Manual Wand: Breville Barista Express Impress – commercial-style wand produces excellent microfoam
• Best Automatic: Breville Bambino Plus – foolless results with temperature control
• Best Budget: CASABREWS CM5418 – loud but effective once you learn the technique
• Best for Beginners: De’Longhi Classic – two steam settings accommodate different skill levels

Budget Considerations

Under $200: Expect manual operation, smaller portafilters (51mm), and pressurized baskets that create crema but limit fine-tuning. Perfect for learning basics and deciding if espresso is for you.

$200-500: The sweet spot for most home users. You get PID temperature control, larger portafilters (54-58mm), and better steam wands. Machines in this range balance features with value.

$500-1000: Integrated grinders, commercial components, and premium build quality. These machines reward skill development and can last a decade with proper maintenance.

Over $1000: Prosumer territory with commercial-grade components. Only justified for serious enthusiasts or households with multiple daily espresso drinkers.

Brand Comparison: Breville vs De’Longhi

Breville: User-friendly design with integrated features and premium feel. Better for those wanting convenience without sacrificing quality. Excellent customer support and widespread availability. Generally more expensive.

De’Longhi: Italian heritage with broad market coverage from entry-level to prosumer. Better value at lower price points. Wider variety of models to choose from. Build quality varies significantly by price tier.

For beginners on a budget, De’Longhi offers better value. For those wanting premium features and willing to pay, Breville’s user experience is superior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an espresso machine make a cappuccino?

Yes, any espresso machine with a steam wand or milk frother can make cappuccinos. A traditional cappuccino is 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 foamed milk. The key is the milk frothing capability—machines with powerful steam wands or automatic frothers produce the best cappuccino results. The best espresso and cappuccino maker models in our reviews all excel at milk texturing.

What is the best combo coffee maker?

The Ninja CFN601 Barista System is currently the best combo machine, offering Nespresso capsule compatibility, traditional coffee grounds brewing, and a 12-cup carafe in one unit. It’s perfect for households with varied preferences. The De’Longhi All-in-One is another option, though less widely available. Combo machines sacrifice some specialization for versatility but excel in convenience.

What is the 2:1 rule for espresso?

The 2:1 rule refers to the ideal brew ratio—2 grams of liquid espresso for every 1 gram of coffee grounds. For a standard 18-gram double shot, you’d aim for 36 grams of liquid espresso. This ratio produces balanced espresso that’s neither too weak nor too bitter. Some prefer ristretto (1.5:1) for sweeter shots or lungo (3:1) for milder flavor, but 2:1 is the industry standard starting point.

What’s the difference between cappuccino maker and espresso maker?

Technically, there’s no difference—a cappuccino maker is simply an espresso maker with milk frothing capability. All espresso machines can make cappuccinos if they have a steam wand or frother. The term “cappuccino maker” is sometimes used marketing-wise to emphasize milk frothing features, but any quality espresso machine with a steam wand qualifies as both.

Is Breville or DeLonghi better?

Neither is universally better—they serve different needs. Breville excels at user-friendly design with integrated features and premium build quality. De’Longhi offers better value at entry-level price points with broader model variety. For beginners on a budget, De’Longhi provides better value. For those wanting premium features and willing to pay, Breville’s user experience is superior. Both brands make excellent machines.

Do espresso machines also make cappuccino?

Yes, all espresso machines with a steam wand or milk frother can make cappuccinos. The steam wand heats and aerates milk to create the foamed milk essential for cappuccinos. Some machines have automatic frothers that handle the process at the touch of a button. The best espresso and cappuccino maker models in our reviews all include capable milk frothing systems.

What is the best espresso machine for home use on Reddit?

Reddit’s r/espresso community frequently recommends the Breville Barista Express for beginners with budget, the Gaggia Classic Pro for those wanting to learn manual skills, and the De’Longhi Stilosa for value-focused buyers. Enthusiasts often recommend saving for a Breville Dual Boiler or Lelit Mara X for serious home setups. The general consensus: buy the best machine within your budget that fits your space and commitment level.

Who makes the most reliable espresso machine?

According to long-term owner reports and BuyItForLife forum discussions, Breville’s higher-end models (Barista Express, Dual Boiler) and De’Longhi’s Prosumer line (La Specialista) show excellent durability when properly maintained. Gaggia’s Classic series has a legendary reputation for longevity, with many machines still running after 15+ years. Regular descaling and proper maintenance are critical regardless of brand.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best espresso and cappuccino makers for your needs comes down to balancing budget, space, and commitment to learning. The Breville Barista Express Impress offers the best overall experience for most households with its intelligent dosing and assisted tamping. Budget buyers can’t go wrong with the CASABREWS CM5418, while space-constrained kitchens will love the Breville Bambino Plus.

Remember that the machine is only part of the equation—you’ll need a quality burr grinder (unless your machine has one built-in), fresh beans, and practice pulling shots. The learning curve is real but rewarding, and there’s nothing quite like pulling that first perfect shot with rich crema and velvety microfoam.

After months of testing, my personal recommendation for most people is the Breville Barista Express Impress. It hits the sweet spot of automation and manual control, making excellent espresso accessible while still rewarding skill development. But honestly, any machine from our list will serve you well—choose based on your budget and space constraints, and start enjoying cafe-quality drinks at home.