Espresso machines make it easy to brew strong, concentrated coffee at home. They work by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee to extract rich flavors. For beginners, using a simple machine can help learn the process without feeling overwhelmed by complex settings.
There are many types of espresso machines, ranging from manual to fully automatic. Machines designed for beginners often focus on ease of use, consistent results, and simple cleaning. They usually have basic controls and can fit on most kitchen counters.
When choosing an espresso machine for beginners, it is important to consider ease of use, price, size, and maintenance. Some machines require a lot of skill or time to clean, which can frustrate new users. Others offer built-in grinders or automated features that make brewing easier.
We tested several popular beginner-friendly espresso machines to find ones that balance quality, simplicity, and value.
Best Espresso Machines for Beginners
We have tested many espresso machines to find the best ones for beginners. Our list includes easy-to-use models that make great coffee without complicated settings. These machines help you enjoy espresso at home with little effort.
Top 3 Espresso Machine: Comparison
We looked at three popular espresso machines for beginners: the Breville Bambino Plus, De’Longhi Dedica, and Nespresso Essenza Mini. Each has clear strengths depending on what you want from your espresso routine.
| Machine | Ease of Use | Price Range | Features | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breville Bambino Plus | Easy | Medium ($400-$500) | Fast heat-up, steam wand for milk frothing | Compact |
| De’Longhi Dedica | Moderate | Low-Medium ($250-$300) | Slim design, adjustable settings for espresso | Slim & Tall |
| Nespresso Essenza Mini | Very Easy | Low ($150-$200) | Uses capsules, very quick, limited customize | Very Small |
Breville Bambino Plus stands out for fast heating and good milk frothing. It’s best if you want some control but don’t want to wait or learn complicated settings.
De’Longhi Dedica is slimmer and works well in small kitchens. It needs a bit more learning but is good if you want manual control without a huge price.
Nespresso Essenza Mini is simplest for beginners who like convenience. It uses pods, so there’s no grinding or tamping. It’s less flexible but very quick and clean.
We find these three cover the main types of beginner espresso machines. Depending on how much effort and time you want to spend, one will suit your needs better.
CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine
This espresso machine is a solid choice for beginners looking to make good espresso and milk drinks at home without spending a lot.
Pros
- Brews espresso quickly with good flavor and crema
- Powerful steam wand for creamy milk froth and foam art
- Compact design that fits well in small kitchens
Cons
- Needs cooling time between steaming milk and brewing espresso
- Hot water function is a bit slow to activate
- Default portafilter is pressurized and limits some coffee exploring
We used the CASABREWS machine every day for a few months. The 20 bar pressure makes the espresso strong with a nice crema, which really improved our home coffee. The included steam wand is helpful for frothing milk to make lattes and cappuccinos with a smooth texture.
The machine looks sturdy with its stainless steel body and it doesn’t take up much space on the counter. The removable 34-ounce water tank is easy to refill, which made brewing several cups easy during busy mornings.
One thing to keep in mind is the machine needs a cooldown period after frothing milk before brewing espresso again. This means you can’t quickly switch between steaming and pulling shots without waiting a bit. Also, if you want more control over the coffee grounds, you may want to buy a different portafilter later since the default one is pressurized. Overall, it’s a dependable start for anyone new to espresso.
Breville Barista Express
This espresso machine is great for beginners who want control over their coffee with an easy-to-use all-in-one setup.
Pros
- Built-in grinder lets us fresh grind coffee easily
- Controls let us fine-tune taste and texture
- Steam wand creates smooth milk foam for lattes
Cons
- Takes a little time to learn the settings
- Larger footprint may need more counter space
- The price is higher than some beginner machines
We liked how the integrated grinder saved time. There’s no need to buy a separate coffee grinder. The grind size dial and dose control helped us get the right flavor from different beans.
Making espresso shots is easy once you get the hang of the dial controls. The low-pressure pre-infusion and precise temperature control gave us balanced shots. We noticed real improvement over cheaper machines.
The steam wand lets you create nice microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. It takes practice to make latte art, but the texture made drinks taste professional. Cleaning is simple with the tools included, which makes regular care less of a hassle.
Imusa Espresso Maker
This espresso machine is a solid choice for beginners who want good espresso and easy milk frothing without spending a lot.
Pros
- Brews up to 4 cups in one go
- Simple design that’s easy to operate
- Includes a milk frother for cappuccinos
Cons
- The water reservoir is small
- Made mostly of plastic, which feels less durable
- Few extra features compared to pricier machines
We found the Imusa Espresso Maker quick to start and easy to use. It makes fresh espresso that has a nice, rich flavor and a good crema. The ability to brew multiple cups at once means it’s great if you want to share coffee with others.
The built-in milk frother works well for making creamy cappuccinos at home. It heats and froths milk quickly, so you don’t have to use a separate tool. However, the frother may take a little practice to get just right.
Cleaning is pretty straightforward thanks to the removable drip tray and filter basket. Its compact size fits nicely on smaller counters, though the plastic build can feel lightweight. This machine does what it promises without confusing extras, making it perfect for beginners who want solid espresso with less fuss.
Ninja Luxe Café
The Ninja Luxe Café makes espresso easy for beginners with helpful guides and versatile brewing options.
Pros
- Guides you step-by-step for a perfect espresso every time
- Mixes espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew in one machine
- Hands-free frothing system works well with any milk
Cons
- Takes up a bit more counter space than simpler models
- Learning all functions can feel a little overwhelming at first
- Cleaning some parts requires extra time and care
We liked how the Ninja Luxe Café holds your hand through the brewing process. The Barista Assist Technology suggests grind size and adjusts brewing for the best flavor, so you don’t have to guess. You get solid shots of espresso that taste consistent and balanced with very little effort.
This machine also brews drip coffee and cold brew, which makes it flexible if you want different drinks from one device. The integrated grinder has many settings, and the weight-based dosing helps get the right amount of coffee grounds every time. That feature stood out to us as very beginner-friendly.
The frothing system works hands-free and creates nice microfoam with both dairy and plant milks. It’s a relief not to fuss with manual frothing. On the downside, the machine’s size is something to consider if your kitchen space is limited. While it is packed with features, the number of controls can be a bit much for newcomers.
Overall, the Ninja Luxe Café is a solid choice if you want an easy-to-use, all-in-one espresso machine that grows with your skills.
Ninja Barista System
This machine fits well for beginners who want both espresso and regular coffee with easy controls.
Pros
- Makes rich espresso and coffee with good flavor
- Built-in frother is easy to use for lattes and cappuccinos
- Adjustable cup tray fits many cup sizes
Cons
- Uses espresso capsules which some may find less authentic
- Takes up more counter space than basic machines
- Cleaning takes a bit of effort compared to simpler models
We found the Ninja Barista System very convenient for daily use. It delivers smooth espresso with nice crema thanks to its 19-bar pressure system. We liked how quickly it brews and how easy it was to switch between espresso capsules and coffee grounds.
The frother works well for beginners who want to make cappuccinos or lattes without needing extra equipment. Adjusting the cup tray made it simple to use different cup sizes, from small espresso shots to large mugs and even a 12-cup carafe when entertaining.
Some may notice espresso pods don’t taste exactly like fresh espresso, but for the price and ease, it’s a good compromise. The machine is a bit larger than other single-serve makers, so counter space is something to consider. Cleaning routines are straightforward but require a bit more attention than basic coffee makers.
Overall, this system is a solid choice if you want flexibility and decent espresso quality without a steep learning curve.
Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus is a solid choice for beginners who want fast, quality espresso and easy milk frothing.
Pros
- Fast heat-up, ready in seconds
- Consistent espresso with even extraction
- Automatic milk frothing makes lattes simple
Cons
- Small water tank requires frequent refills
- Buttons and alerts can be a bit confusing at first
- Pricier than some entry-level models
Using the Bambino Plus, we noticed how quickly it heats up, which saves time in the morning. The espresso flavor came through nicely because of the gentle pre-infusion process. It felt like the machine knew exactly how to get the best taste each time.
The automatic milk frother worked better than expected. It creates smooth, creamy foam that would impress most beginners. We didn’t have to guess on settings because it adjusts temperature and texture on its own.
On the downside, the water tank is small, so it needs refilling if you make more than a couple of drinks. The controls take some getting used to, but once we learned them, it was smooth sailing. Overall, this machine balances ease of use with quality results.
Gaggia Classic Evo Pro
This espresso machine stands out as a solid choice for beginners who want a durable, high-quality setup that produces café-style shots.
Pros
- Durable stainless steel build that feels professional
- Steady steam wand for smooth milk frothing and latte art
- Offers both commercial and pressurized baskets for flexibility
Cons
- Takes some time to learn proper tamping and grinding
- Larger and heavier than typical beginner machines
- Steam wand can be a bit slow to heat up
Using the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro, we quickly noticed how sturdy it feels compared to entry-level options. The metal housing gives the impression it can last many years without issues.
The shots come out rich and well extracted thanks to the 9-bar pressure and commercial-quality portafilter. The frothing wand helps us create creamy microfoam, lending a nice café touch to lattes.
It does require some patience to master espresso-making basics, like tamping and grind size. But once we got the hang of it, the machine performed consistently. Overall, it’s a great step up for beginners aiming for real espresso quality and durability.
CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine
The CASABREWS 3700 is a solid choice for beginners who want a compact, easy-to-use espresso machine with a good milk frother.
Pros
- Strong 20-bar pump gives rich, flavorful espresso
- Easy to clean with detachable water tank and drip tray
- Frother makes creamy milk foam great for lattes and cappuccinos
Cons
- Taller design means it needs enough vertical space on your counter
- Learning curve with frothing milk to get the best texture
- Some first-time setup steps can be tricky without watching the videos
We liked how the machine is built with stainless steel. It feels durable and looks nice in the kitchen. The power behind the pump showed in the quality of the espresso shots we made. Each cup had a deep, aromatic flavor that reminded us of cafe drinks.
The built-in milk frother stood out for being strong. It quickly made smooth micro-foam which worked well for cappuccinos and lattes. It took a few tries to get the frothing technique right but it was worth the effort for the creamy texture. The machine’s size is compact but fairly tall, so it fits standard cups but you’ll need to check your cabinet height if you want to store it there.
Cleaning was simple since the water tank and drip tray come out easily. We had no trouble keeping the machine ready for daily use. The first setup required removing a rubber plug and running a cycle, so reading the instruction guide or watching the tutorial videos helped smooth that out. Overall, the CASABREWS 3700 gives you a reliable start in making cafe-style espresso drinks at home.
KEENSTAR Espresso Machine
This machine is a solid choice for beginners who want quick espresso with easy milk frothing.
Pros
- Simple controls with clear indicators
- Fast heating and brewing, ready in minutes
- Compact size fits well in small kitchens
Cons
- Needs medium grind coffee for best results
- Steam wand requires regular cleaning to avoid clogging
- Pressure is lower than some pro machines (3.5 bar)
The first thing we noticed was how easy this machine is to use. The single knob and indicator light made brewing straightforward, even on busy mornings. It doesn’t take long to heat up, so you’re never waiting too much.
The milk frother surprised us with its power. We could get good, creamy foam fast, which made cappuccinos feel more special. Just be sure to clean the wand after every use to keep it working well.
Size-wise, it fits nicely on a countertop without crowding other appliances. While 3.5 bar pressure is not as high as some machines, it still manages to pull a decent, smooth shot. We found using medium grind coffee helped avoid bitterness or weak flavour.
For beginners looking for a reliable, no-fuss espresso maker, the KEENSTAR offers a great balance of speed and quality.
Buying Guide
When choosing an espresso machine for beginners, we focus on ease of use and consistency. A machine that is simple to operate helps us learn and enjoy making coffee faster. Look for clear controls and a quick start-up time.
We should consider the type of machine: semi-automatic, automatic, or manual. Semi-automatic lets us control the shot but helps with timing. Automatic machines handle most steps, which is good if we want convenience. Manual machines need more skill but offer full control.
Important features to check are the steam wand for frothing milk, the water reservoir size, and the cleaning process. A good steam wand lets us make lattes and cappuccinos easily. A larger water tank means fewer refills. Easy cleaning keeps the machine in good shape and saves us time.
| Feature | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of use | Simple buttons or dials | Quick learning and daily use |
| Water reservoir | Medium to large size | Fewer water refills |
| Steam wand | Adjustable, strong steam power | Better milk frothing |
| Cleaning | Removable parts, self-cleaning | Saves time and keeps machine well |
We also think about size and price. A compact machine fits better in small kitchens, and an affordable price helps us start without spending too much. Balancing features and cost is key to picking the right machine for beginners.
Editor’s Choice
We chose the Breville Bambino Plus as our top pick for beginners. It offers a good balance of ease and control. The machine is fast to heat and simple to use, which is perfect for those new to espresso.
The Bambino Plus has an automatic steam wand. This lets you make creamy milk foam without much effort. It also has a compact design, so it fits well in small kitchens.
Here’s why we recommend it:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Fast heat-up time | Ready to brew in 3 seconds |
| Automatic steam wand | Easy milk frothing |
| Compact size | Saves counter space |
| Clear controls | Simple for beginners |
We think the Breville Bambino Plus helps users learn quickly. Its automatic features reduce guesswork, while still letting you practice making espresso. This balance makes it a great machine for anyone just starting out.
Where to Buy – Best Amazon Deals
When looking for the best espresso machine for beginners, Amazon is a great place to start. They offer a wide range of options, from budget-friendly models to more advanced machines.
We recommend checking the daily deals section. Amazon often features discounts on popular espresso machines. Watching this page regularly can help us find good prices without waiting for big sales.
Here’s a simple way to spot the best deals on Amazon:
| Feature | Tip |
|---|---|
| Customer Ratings | Look for 4 stars or higher |
| Reviews | Read recent user feedback |
| Price History | Use price tracking tools online |
| Prime Shipping | Choose items with Prime for fast delivery |
We suggest focusing on machines with clear instructions and easy-to-use controls. This ensures a smoother start for beginners. Many listings also include video reviews, which can be useful to see the machine in action.
We should also keep an eye on Amazon bundles. Some include helpful extras like coffee filters, tampers, and cleaning kits. These bundles can save money and time by giving us everything we need upfront.
FAQS
What kind of espresso machine is best for beginners?
We recommend starting with a machine that has simple controls and easy cleaning. Manual machines can be tricky, so we suggest semi-automatic or automatic models.
Do we need a grinder with the espresso machine?
Yes, freshly ground coffee makes a big difference. Some machines come with built-in grinders, which are good for beginners.
How much should we expect to spend?
Good beginner machines usually cost between $100 and $300. Spending more doesn’t always mean better, especially when learning.
Is it hard to clean an espresso machine?
Cleaning varies by model. Machines with removable parts are easier to clean. Regular maintenance keeps the machine working well.
Can we use pre-ground coffee?
Yes, but fresh coffee beans ground before brewing give better flavor. We recommend grinding just before making espresso.
How long does it take to make espresso?
Most machines take 1 to 3 minutes to heat up. Making a shot usually takes about 20-30 seconds.
| Question | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Best type for beginners? | Semi-automatic or automatic |
| Need a grinder? | Yes, built-in or separate |
| Price range? | $100 to $300 |
| Cleaning difficulty? | Easy with removable parts |
| Use pre-ground coffee? | Possible, but fresh is better |
| Time per shot? | About 20-30 seconds |
Conclusion
Choosing the best espresso machine for beginners comes down to what fits our needs and budget. We want a machine that is easy to use but still makes good coffee.
We should focus on simple controls, reliable performance, and easy cleaning. These features help us learn without frustration.
A few good options include manual machines for hands-on experience, automatic machines for convenience, and semi-automatic ones for control with some help.
Let’s remember to consider:
- Price range
- Size and space
- Features we really need
By doing this, we can find a machine that grows with our skills. Good espresso starts with the right machine for us.
