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10 Best Espresso Machine For Beginner 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Compact Espresso Maker with Steam Milk Frother, Stainless Steel Coffee Machine with 34oz Removable Water Tank for Cappuccino, Latte, Silver

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,500
Milk Frothing
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
4665 reviews

Milk Frothing
This machine makes delicious espresso and the steam wand produces excellent lattes.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning is manageable as long as you stay on top of it after each use.

The CASABREWS Espresso Machine is designed with beginners in mind, offering a blend of user-friendly features and professional-grade performance. Its compact and stylish stainless steel design makes it a good fit for any kitchen size, while the 34oz removable water tank ensures that you can make multiple cups of coffee without frequent refills.

The machine is semi-automatic, making it relatively easy to use, even for those new to espresso making. The 20 bar pressure system and the powerful 1350W boiler allow for high-quality coffee extraction, resulting in rich and fragrant espresso shots. The built-in pressure gauge is a handy feature that helps you monitor and adjust the pressure to suit your taste preferences.

The integrated steam wand enhances your ability to make creamy, rich milk froth for lattes and cappuccinos, adding an extra layer of versatility to the machine. However, there are some considerations to be aware of. The machine requires cooling down after frothing milk, which could be an inconvenience if you’re making multiple drinks in quick succession. Additionally, while the machine is relatively easy to clean, beginners might find the process a bit tedious at first. The absence of a built-in grinder means that you'll need to have pre-ground coffee or a separate grinder. Despite these minor drawbacks, the CASABREWS Espresso Machine offers great value for those starting their journey into home espresso making, combining ease of use with the ability to produce high-quality coffee drinks.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,500
Milk Frothing
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
4665 reviews

Milk Frothing
This machine makes delicious espresso and the steam wand produces excellent lattes.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning is manageable as long as you stay on top of it after each use.
#2

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine, One Size, Brushed Stainless Steel

Rating
9.6
Grinder
Milk Frothing
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
25999 reviews

Grinder
The built-in grinder is super handy, saving a lot of time and effort.
Milk Frothing
The steam wand is easy to use and facilitates manual microfoam texturing for lattes or cappuccinos.
Ease of Cleaning
Clean up is a snap, and the machine is easy to maintain.

The Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine is designed for those looking to dive into the world of espresso without overwhelming complexity. One of its standout features is the built-in grinder, which grinds coffee beans fresh for each brew, ensuring flavorful results. The integrated conical burr grinder allows for precise control over grind size, making it easier for beginners to experiment with different types of beans. The machine also utilizes optimal water pressure and a digital temperature control system to enhance the extraction process, helping to produce well-balanced espresso shots.

For those who enjoy milk-based drinks, the powerful steam wand is a great advantage, facilitating manual microfoam texturing for lattes or cappuccinos. This ability to create café-quality drinks at home is appealing for newcomers wanting to hone their barista skills.

The Breville BES870XL is an excellent choice for aspiring home baristas who appreciate quality coffee and are willing to invest a bit of time learning the ropes. Its combination of integrated grinder, precise extraction features, and milk texturing capabilities ensures that it can grow with users as they develop their skills, making it a solid choice for beginners ready to explore espresso-making.

Rating
9.6
Grinder
Milk Frothing
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
25999 reviews

Grinder
The built-in grinder is super handy, saving a lot of time and effort.
Milk Frothing
The steam wand is easy to use and facilitates manual microfoam texturing for lattes or cappuccinos.
Ease of Cleaning
Clean up is a snap, and the machine is easy to maintain.
#3

Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel

Rating
9.3
Type of Machine
Boiler Type
Grinder

Most important from
2190 reviews

Type of Machine
User-friendly and intuitive, even for those new to espresso-making.
Boiler Type
The Breville Bambino heats up in just 3 seconds, making it a lifesaver on busy mornings.
Grinder
No built-in grinder means an additional investment for fresh coffee beans.
Milk Frothing
The steam wand creates velvety microfoam, perfect for lattes and cappuccinos.
Ease of Cleaning
Convenient cleaning feature takes care of the process with minimal effort.

The Breville Bambino is a solid choice for those stepping into the world of espresso making at home. With its impressive features, it caters well to beginners while still providing quality performance. One of its standout strengths is the automatic microfoam milk texturing, making it easy to achieve that creamy, café-style froth for lattes and cappuccinos without much skill or effort. The machine heats up in just 3 seconds, allowing you to enjoy your coffee almost instantly, which is a huge plus for busy mornings.

Another major advantage is the low pressure pre-infusion feature, which ensures a balanced extraction of flavors. The digital temperature control helps maintain the optimal water temperature, leading to a more flavorful cup of espresso. With a compact design, it fits well in most kitchen spaces, making it practical for home use.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the Breville Bambino is user-friendly, it does require some initial learning to fully master the settings, particularly for customizing milk texture and temperature. Additionally, it lacks a built-in grinder, so you will need to invest in a separate grinder for the freshest coffee experience. This extra step might be inconvenient for those wanting a simple, all-in-one solution. Cleaning is generally manageable but may require some regular maintenance to keep the steam wand and the portafilter in good condition. The warranty is limited to just one year, which is a bit short compared to some other brands.

The Breville Bambino offers a strong mix of quality, speed, and ease of use that will appeal to beginners eager to explore espresso making. Just be prepared for a bit of a learning curve and the need for an additional grinder.

Rating
9.3
Type of Machine
Boiler Type
Grinder

Most important from
2190 reviews

Type of Machine
User-friendly and intuitive, even for those new to espresso-making.
Boiler Type
The Breville Bambino heats up in just 3 seconds, making it a lifesaver on busy mornings.
Grinder
No built-in grinder means an additional investment for fresh coffee beans.
Milk Frothing
The steam wand creates velvety microfoam, perfect for lattes and cappuccinos.
Ease of Cleaning
Convenient cleaning feature takes care of the process with minimal effort.

Buying Guide for the Best Espresso Machine For Beginner

Choosing the right espresso machine can be a game-changer for your coffee experience, especially if you're a beginner. The key is to find a machine that balances ease of use with the ability to produce high-quality espresso. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision that suits your needs and preferences.
Type of MachineEspresso machines come in various types, including manual, semi-automatic, automatic, and super-automatic. Manual machines require the most skill and control, while super-automatic machines do almost everything for you. For beginners, a semi-automatic or automatic machine is often the best choice as it offers a good balance between control and convenience.
PressurePressure is measured in bars and is crucial for extracting the perfect espresso. Most machines operate at 9 bars, which is considered ideal. Higher pressure can lead to over-extraction, while lower pressure may result in under-extraction. For beginners, a machine with a consistent 9-bar pressure is recommended to ensure a balanced and flavorful espresso.
Boiler TypeThe boiler heats the water for brewing and steaming. There are single boilers, dual boilers, and heat exchange boilers. Single boilers are simpler and more affordable but require time to switch between brewing and steaming. Dual boilers and heat exchange boilers allow simultaneous brewing and steaming, which is more convenient but also more expensive. Beginners might find single boilers sufficient unless they plan to make multiple milk-based drinks frequently.
GrinderSome espresso machines come with built-in grinders, while others require a separate grinder. Freshly ground coffee is essential for a good espresso. Built-in grinders offer convenience and save space, but separate grinders often provide better grind quality and more control. For beginners, a machine with a built-in grinder can simplify the process and ensure consistent results.
Milk FrothingIf you enjoy milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, the milk frothing capability is important. Machines come with either a steam wand or an automatic frother. Steam wands offer more control and can create better microfoam, but they require practice. Automatic frothers are easier to use but may not produce the same quality of foam. Beginners might prefer an automatic frother for ease of use.
Water ReservoirThe size of the water reservoir determines how often you'll need to refill it. Larger reservoirs are more convenient as they require less frequent refilling, but they also make the machine bulkier. For beginners, a medium-sized reservoir is usually a good compromise between convenience and machine size.
Ease of CleaningRegular cleaning is essential for maintaining the quality of your espresso and the longevity of your machine. Some machines have self-cleaning features or removable parts that make cleaning easier. For beginners, choosing a machine with straightforward cleaning procedures can save time and effort.

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