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Best espresso machines for beginners

Machines that make good coffee without a learning curve: super-automatics and capsule machines, plus semi-automatics with a built-in grinder and help like temperature control or pre-infusion.

Updated October 16, 2026 · Ranked by our 0 to 100 score · No paid placements

  1. 1

    Breville Barista Touch

    Semi-automatic GrinderAuto steam wand$$$

    Stands out for: PID temperature control, hot water outlet, pre-infusion, built-in grinder

    74 Check price All specs
  2. 2

    Breville Barista Express Impress

    Semi-automatic GrinderSteam wand$$$

    Stands out for: adjustable brew temperature, PID temperature control, hot water outlet, pre-infusion

    72 Check price All specs
  3. 3

    Breville Barista Pro

    Semi-automatic GrinderSteam wand$$$

    Stands out for: PID temperature control, pre-infusion, built-in grinder, heats up faster (3 s vs. 25 s avg.)

    71 Check price All specs
  4. 4

    Breville Barista Express

    Semi-automatic GrinderSteam wand$$$

    Stands out for: PID temperature control, pre-infusion, built-in grinder, bigger water tank (67 oz vs. 57 oz avg.)

    67 Check price All specs
  5. 5

    XIXUBX EM910

    Semi-automatic GrinderSteam wand$

    Stands out for: pressure gauge, adjustable brew temperature, PID temperature control, hot water outlet

    67 Check price All specs
  6. 6

    Spacekey CM5510

    Semi-automatic GrinderSteam wand$$

    Stands out for: PID temperature control, pre-infusion, built-in grinder, more grind settings (30 vs. 25 avg.)

    61 Check price All specs
  7. 7

    GeniCup CM-301B-A Espresso Machine with Grinder

    Semi-automatic GrinderSteam wand$

    Stands out for: adjustable brew temperature, PID temperature control, pre-infusion, built-in grinder

    61 Check price All specs
  8. 8

    Gevi ECMI0-SS0A1

    Semi-automatic GrinderSteam wand$$

    Lowest price in the last 12 months right now

    Stands out for: 58 mm portafilter, PID temperature control, hot water outlet, built-in grinder

    60 Check price All specs
  9. 9

    AMZCHEF 5560 Espresso Machine with Grinder

    Semi-automatic GrinderSteam wand$

    Lowest price in the last 12 months right now

    Stands out for: adjustable brew temperature, PID temperature control, pre-infusion, built-in grinder

    58 Check price All specs
  10. 10

    EUHOMY CM002 Espresso Machine with Grinder

    Semi-automatic GrinderSteam wand$$

    Stands out for: 58 mm portafilter, PID temperature control, built-in grinder, more grind settings (30 vs. 25 avg.)

    56 Check price All specs
Torn between the top two? Breville Barista Touch vs Breville Barista Express Impress, every spec side by side.Compare them

What to look for

  • 50 machines, average score 44 out of 100
  • 34 of 50 with built-in grinder
  • 12 of 50 with PID temperature control
  • 14 of 50 with manual steam wand
  • 19 of 50 with automatic milk frothing
  • Know what you will drinkMostly espresso and Americanos? A capsule machine or semi-automatic is enough. Daily lattes? Look at milk frothing first.
  • Automatic is easier, manual tastes betterSuper-automatics do everything for you. Semi-automatics take about a week to learn and reward you with better shots.
  • Running costsCapsules cost the most per cup. Beans are cheapest, which pays off quickly if you drink coffee every day.

Questions

What is the best espresso machine for beginners?

The Breville Barista Touch. It scores 74 out of 100, the highest of the 50 machines for beginners we compare. Its biggest strength: pid temperature control, only 19% of the machines we compare have this.

Which machines come close?

The Breville Barista Express Impress with 72 points and the Breville Barista Pro with 71. Compare any two of them side by side to see where they differ.

What should a beginner avoid?

Steam espresso makers. They brew well below real espresso pressure, so they cannot make true espresso, and you will outgrow them quickly.

How do you score the machines?

From up to 17 specs that change taste and daily use, such as grinder, heating system, temperature control and milk frothing, plus how well the machine sells on Amazon. Specs come from the manufacturer first and the Amazon listing second. Commissions never change a score.

More guides

We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes a score or a ranking. Price classes: $ under $200, $$ under $500, $$$ under $1,000, $$$$ above.

Top pickBreville Barista TouchCheck price on Amazon