Best Espresso Machine for Beginners in 2025: Tested and Reviewed

If you’re a coffee lover just starting your espresso journey, choosing the right machine can be overwhelming. With a wide variety of options available, it’s essential to select one that balances ease of use, quality, and value. Whether you’re looking for a compact machine with quick heat-up times or one that allows you to experiment with milk frothing and espresso extraction, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll review the best espresso machines for beginners to help you make an informed decision.

List of the Best Espresso Machine for Beginners:

Check out the detailed reviews below.

1. Breville Bambino Espresso Machine

The Breville Bambino Espresso Machine (BES450BSS) is a premium, compact espresso maker designed for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate high-quality, hands-on brewing. With a brushed stainless steel exterior, this espresso machine combines sleek design and advanced functionality, offering an impressive 47-ounce water capacity. Powered by a 1560-watt motor, it heats up in just three seconds, ensuring that users can brew their favorite espresso, cappuccino, or latte quickly without unnecessary wait times.

The Bambino features an automatic steam wand for precise microfoam milk texturing, perfect for crafting barista-quality lattes and cappuccinos. This ensures a consistent texture and temperature tailored to individual preferences. Its low-pressure pre-infusion helps achieve balanced, flavorful espresso shots, while the PID temperature control ensures water is heated to the optimal temperature for extraction.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. Automatic Microfoam Milk Texturing: Adjustable milk temperature and texture for café-style drinks.
2. Quick Heat Up: Thermojet heating system reaches optimal extraction temperature in just 3 seconds.
3. Low-Pressure Pre-Infusion: Ensures balanced espresso extraction.
4. Precise Extraction: Digital temperature control for accurate water heating.
5. Compact Design: Ideal for home use with space-saving dimensions.

Pros:

• Fast heat-up time
• High-quality espresso extraction
• Easy-to-use controls
• Compact and stylish design
• Includes a 1-year limited warranty

Cons:

• Inconsistent heat-up performance reported by some users

2. De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine

The De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine (EC260BK) is a stylish and compact coffee maker designed for those who enjoy crafting espresso-based drinks at home. With its sleek black and stainless steel finish, it adds a modern touch to any kitchen without occupying much space. The 15-bar pump pressure ensures optimal extraction, delivering rich, flavorful espresso every time. Whether you’re making a single or double shot, the portafilter comes with two filters, offering versatility for your brewing needs.

Equipped with a manual milk frother, the Stilosa allows users to texture milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites with ease, producing creamy and velvety froth. Its stainless steel boiler ensures durability and consistent performance over time, making it a reliable addition to your kitchen. The two-level cup holder accommodates different cup sizes, allowing for a more customized espresso experience.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. 15-Bar Pump Pressure: Ensures optimal espresso extraction.
2. Manual Milk Frother: Creates rich, creamy froth for cappuccinos and lattes.
3. Stainless Steel Boiler: Durable and long-lasting for consistent performance.
4. Ergonomic Portafilter: Comes with single and double filters for versatile brewing.
5. Compact Design: Fits easily on kitchen countertops without taking up too much space.

Pros:

• Stylish design
• Affordable price
• Easy to use and set up
• Makes good quality espresso and frothy milk
• Durable stainless steel boiler

Cons:

• Water leakage issues reported by some customers

3. Breville Infuser Espresso Machine

The Breville Infuser Espresso Machine (BES840XL) is designed for coffee enthusiasts who want to enjoy café-quality drinks at home. With a sleek brushed stainless steel exterior, it combines style with functionality. This espresso machine is equipped with advanced features like the 4 Keys Formula, which ensures optimal flavor by maintaining the right dose of coffee, perfect water pressure, precise temperature control, and microfoam milk for creating latte art.

The machine features volumetric and shot control, allowing you to customize the volume of each pour with ease. The low-pressure pre-infusion ensures a balanced extraction by gradually increasing pressure at the start. The digital PID temperature control allows for precise temperature adjustments in 2°F increments, while the pressure gauge provides guidance for accurate espresso extraction. The Infuser also includes a high-power steam wand for manual microfoam milk texturing, perfect for creating a third-wave specialty taste. The auto purge function ensures the machine is ready for espresso extraction at the right temperature. With a 61 oz water tank and included accessories, the Infuser offers great convenience and value for money.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. Volumetric and Shot Control: Customizable pour volume with single and double shot options.
2. Optimal Water Pressure: Ensures even flavor extraction with low-pressure pre-infusion.
3. Precise Extraction: Digital PID temperature control and pressure gauge for accuracy.
4. Manual Microfoam Milk Texturing: High power steam wand for latte art.
5. Auto Purge Function: Cleans the system after steaming for accurate espresso extraction.

Pros:

• Consistent espresso extraction
• Easy-to-use with clear instructions
• Quick heat-up time
• High-quality microfoam for lattes
• Great value for money

Cons:

• Relatively heavy (17.42 lbs)

4. Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee and Espresso Machine

The Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi is a compact and efficient coffee maker designed for those who enjoy barista-quality espresso and coffee at home. With a 19-bar high-pressure pump, this machine extracts rich, aromatic espresso with ease, delivering the ideal flavor and aroma. Its fast heat-up system ensures that it reaches the perfect brewing temperature in just 25 seconds, making it ideal for those in need of a quick cup. The machine offers two programmable cup sizes, Espresso and Lungo, and is compatible with Nespresso Original capsules, allowing for easy coffee preparation.

At only 4.4 pounds and with a small footprint of 4.33″D x 12.79″W x 8.07″H, the Essenza Mini takes up minimal counter space, making it an excellent choice for kitchens with limited room. The automatic shut-off feature ensures energy efficiency by turning off the machine 9 minutes after the last use. While many customers appreciate the machine’s performance and value, some report reliability issues after a few months of use. The Essenza Mini includes a starter set of Nespresso Original capsules, enhancing the overall convenience of use.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. 19-Bar High-Pressure Pump: Produces barista-style espresso with rich flavor and aroma.
2. Fast Heat-Up: Reaches the ideal brewing temperature in just 25 seconds.
3. Programmable Cup Sizes: Espresso and Lungo options for personalized brewing.
4. Compact Design: Small footprint, ideal for kitchens with limited space.
5. Automatic Shut-Off: Saves energy by turning off after 9 minutes of inactivity.

Pros:

• Quick heat-up time
• Compact and space-saving design
• Easy to use with programmable options
• Compatible with Nespresso Original capsules
• Great value for money

Cons:

• Limited water capacity (0.6 liters)

5. De’Longhi Dedica Arte Espresso Machine

The De’Longhi Dedica Arte Espresso Machine (EC885M) is a stylish, compact espresso maker designed for those who appreciate high-quality coffee at home. With its 15-bar professional pressure, the Dedica Arte ensures optimal extraction, delivering rich and flavorful espresso. It features a manual My LatteArt steam wand, allowing users to texture milk to the perfect consistency for lattes and cappuccinos, just like a professional barista.

This espresso machine boasts a sleek, stainless steel finish and measures only 6 inches wide, making it ideal for kitchens with limited space. The automatic flow stop feature takes the guesswork out of brewing, dispensing the perfect amount of espresso every time. Additionally, the Dedica Arte comes with a professional tamper and a large filter basket, accommodating up to 18g of ground coffee for a more authentic coffeehouse experience. The 35-ounce removable water tank is easy to refill and reattach, ensuring convenience while brewing.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. 15-Bar Professional Pressure: Ensures high-quality espresso extraction.
2. My LatteArt Steam Wand: Textures milk for café-style lattes and cappuccinos.
3. Compact Design: Only 6” wide, perfect for small kitchens.
4. Professional Tamper and Filter Basket: Brews authentic espresso with up to 18g of ground coffee.
5. Removable Water Tank: 35-oz tank that is easy to refill and reattach.

Pros:

• Sleek, compact design
• Professional-quality espresso
• Easy to use with automatic flow stop
• Quick heat-up time
• Adjustable drip tray for taller cups

Cons:

• Smaller water tank capacity (35 oz)

How to Choose the Best Espresso Machine for Beginners?

Choosing the best espresso machine as a beginner can feel like a daunting task, with many factors to consider. The key is to find a machine that balances ease of use, quality of coffee, and your personal preferences. Whether you’re looking for a simple, compact machine or one that allows for more control over the brewing process, there are various features to keep in mind.

1. Consider Your Space and Design Preferences

When selecting an espresso machine, the size and design of the machine should be one of your first considerations, especially if you have limited counter space. Espresso machines come in various sizes, from compact single-serve machines to larger, more feature-packed models. Beginners might appreciate a more compact design, as these machines are easier to fit into smaller kitchens.

For example, the Nespresso Essenza Mini is one of the most compact machines on the market, measuring just 4.33″D x 12.79″W x 8.07″H. On the other hand, machines like the Breville Infuser and De’Longhi Dedica Arte are also relatively compact but offer more control over the brewing process, with slightly larger footprints.

Product	Dimensions (inches)	Water Tank Capacity (oz)
Nespresso Essenza Mini	4.33″D x 12.79″W x 8.07″H	20.3 oz
Breville Infuser	10.12″D x 12.28″W x 13.15″H	61 oz
De’Longhi Dedica Arte	5.9″D x 13″W x 12″H	35 oz

2. Ease of Use and Features

As a beginner, you’ll want a machine that is easy to operate. Some espresso machines are straightforward, with one-button operations, while others offer more customization, allowing you to tweak the brewing settings.

Nespresso Essenza Mini stands out for its simplicity and ease of use, as it only requires you to insert a capsule and press a button. The Breville Bambino is another excellent beginner-friendly option with an automatic steam wand for milk frothing, making it easier to create lattes and cappuccinos.

However, if you want more control over the brewing process, machines like the Breville Infuser and De’Longhi Dedica Arte offer manual adjustments, such as customizable shot sizes and milk frothing control. The Breville Infuser, in particular, allows you to adjust the temperature and pressure for a more personalized experience.

3. Milk Frothing Capabilities

If you love lattes, cappuccinos, or flat whites, milk frothing is an essential feature to consider. Some machines come with a manual steam wand, while others feature automatic milk frothing systems.

The De’Longhi Dedica Arte and Breville Bambino both include manual steam wands, giving you more control over milk texture for creating professional-quality microfoam. If you prefer a hands-off experience, the Breville Bambino offers an automatic steam wand for easy microfoam creation, which is a great feature for beginners.

4. Coffee Strength and Flavor Control

For beginners, it’s important to consider how much control you want over the coffee’s strength and flavor. Some machines offer preset options for espresso, while others let you customize the brewing process.

The Breville Infuser is highly customizable, featuring low-pressure pre-infusion and precise temperature control, which allows you to fine-tune the extraction process for optimal flavor. On the other hand, the Nespresso Essenza Mini uses capsules, so the strength of your coffee is largely determined by the capsule you select. It’s an excellent option for beginners who prefer simplicity over customization.

5. Speed and Convenience

For beginners, the speed at which your machine heats up and brews coffee is another important factor. A fast heat-up time is especially useful for those with busy mornings or a limited amount of time for coffee preparation.

The Nespresso Essenza Mini heats up in just 25 seconds, making it one of the fastest machines on the market. The Breville Bambino also heats up quickly, thanks to its Thermojet technology, allowing you to brew coffee almost immediately. In contrast, machines like the Breville Infuser take a bit longer to heat up, but they provide a higher level of control over the brewing process.

6. Price and Value for Money

As a beginner, you’ll likely be looking for a machine that offers good value for the price. Some entry-level espresso machines, like the Nespresso Essenza Mini, are budget-friendly and still deliver a high-quality cup of espresso. More feature-packed machines, such as the Breville Infuser or De’Longhi Dedica Arte, are typically more expensive but offer greater customization and durability.

While more affordable machines can provide a satisfying espresso experience, investing in a higher-end machine like the Breville Infuser may be worth it for those who want more control over their coffee and prefer a long-lasting machine.

7. Maintenance and Cleaning

Cleaning and maintenance are crucial to ensuring your espresso machine lasts for years. Some machines, like the Nespresso Essenza Mini, require less maintenance since they use pre-packaged capsules. However, machines with manual steam wands, like the Breville Infuser and De’Longhi Dedica Arte, require more cleaning due to the milk frothing process.

Look for machines that offer removable water tanks, drip trays, and easy-to-clean steam wands. For instance, the Breville Infuser and De’Longhi Dedica Arte both feature removable components that make cleaning simpler. However, machines like the Breville Bambino and Nespresso Essenza Mini tend to be easier to maintain overall.

FAQ When Selecting the Best Espresso Machine for Beginners

What is the best espresso machine for beginners?

The best espresso machine for beginners depends on your preferences. If you want something compact and easy to use, the Nespresso Essenza Mini is a great option. If you prefer more control over your espresso and milk frothing, the Breville Infuser or De’Longhi Dedica Arte are excellent choices.

Which espresso machine heats up the fastest?

The Nespresso Essenza Mini offers a quick heat-up time of just 25 seconds, making it ideal for those who want a quick cup of espresso. The Breville Infuser also heats up quickly, thanks to its thermojet heating system, allowing for a fast brewing experience.

Do any of these machines have a milk frother for lattes and cappuccinos?

Yes, several of the machines in our list feature milk frothers. The De’Longhi Dedica Arte and the Breville Infuser both come with manual steam wands that allow you to texture milk for lattes and cappuccinos. The Breville Bambino also includes an automatic steam wand for hands-free microfoam creation.

Which espresso machine is the easiest to clean?

The Nespresso Essenza Mini is one of the easiest to clean, as it has fewer components and uses Nespresso capsules, which simplify maintenance. The De’Longhi Dedica Arte and Breville Bambino are also easy to clean, but may require more effort with manual milk frothing.

Can I use ground coffee in these machines?

Yes, machines like the Breville Infuser and De’Longhi Dedica Arte are designed to use ground coffee, and they include accessories like a professional tamper and filter baskets for a more authentic brewing experience. The Nespresso Essenza Mini, however, uses Nespresso Original capsules and is not compatible with ground coffee.

How much space do these espresso machines take up?

The Nespresso Essenza Mini is the most compact, measuring just 4.33″D x 12.79″W x 8.07″H. The Breville Bambino and De’Longhi Dedica Arte are also relatively compact, making them ideal for kitchens with limited counter space.

Do any of these machines have a water filter?

Yes, the Breville Infuser and De’Longhi Dedica Arte both feature water filtration systems, ensuring the best-tasting coffee by filtering out impurities. The Nespresso Essenza Mini does not include a water filter but uses Nespresso capsules, which help with consistency in flavor.

Which machine offers the most customization for espresso brewing?

The Breville Infuser offers the most customization, with its precise temperature control, low-pressure pre-infusion, and adjustable shot control. It allows you to fine-tune every aspect of the espresso brewing process for a personalized experience.

Are these espresso machines durable?

The durability of each machine varies. The Breville Infuser and De’Longhi Dedica Arte are praised for their robust stainless steel construction. However, some users have reported issues with water leakage and reliability in models like the Nespresso Essenza Mini and Breville Bambino after extended use.

Can I make a large cup of coffee with these espresso machines?

While most espresso machines are designed for smaller cups, several models offer the option to adjust for larger beverages. The Nespresso Essenza Mini allows for an espresso or lungo, while the Breville Infuser and De’Longhi Dedica Arte feature adjustable shot volumes to accommodate different cup sizes.

Conclusion

When it comes to selecting the best espresso machine for beginners, it’s crucial to consider your preferences, available space, and the types of beverages you want to create. From the user-friendly Nespresso Essenza Mini to the more versatile Breville Infuser and De’Longhi Dedica Arte, each machine offers unique features that cater to various needs.

Enjoyed this guide of the best espresso machine for beginners? Then be sure to check out our other espresso machine guides and reviews.

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