line art illustration of an espresso machine and accessories

As more coffee lovers dive into the craft of home espresso making, choosing the right machine is crucial—especially for beginners.

With so many options available in 2024, finding a beginner-friendly espresso machine that balances ease of use, value, and quality can make all the difference in your at-home coffee journey.

In this article, we’ll explore the top espresso machines for beginners, focusing on key factors like simplicity, consistency, and price.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade, these machines are designed to help you brew barista-quality espresso at home.

Quick Comparison

Espresso Machine	Best For	Key Features	Price Range	Why It's Great for Beginners
Breville Bambino Plus	Best Overall	Compact design, 3-second heat-up, automatic milk texturing, PID control	Moderate	Easy to use, fast heat-up, automatic features for consistent results. Great balance of control and automation.
Casabrews Espresso Machine	Best Value	15-bar pump, automatic shot pouring, compact design	Budget	Affordable option with solid performance. Simple to operate and great for budget-conscious beginners.
Breville Barista Express	Best for Learning	Built-in grinder, semi-automatic controls, customizable settings	Moderate	Perfect for beginners who want to learn more about espresso-making. Allows experimentation with settings.

Key Factors for Beginners When Choosing an Espresso Machine

When selecting the right espresso machine, beginners should consider these essential factors:

Ease of Use

Machines with intuitive controls and simple operation help ease the learning curve.
Features like automatic milk texturing and temperature control can make espresso-making less intimidating for new users.

Consistency

Consistent brewing results are key to mastering espresso. Machines with features like PID temperature control ensure better consistency by maintaining optimal brewing temperatures.

Budget Considerations

Espresso machines vary greatly in price. A good starting point is a semi-automatic machine that offers a balance between performance and value.
Don’t forget to budget for a quality grinder—experts recommend investing 25-40% of your machine's price on a grinder for better results. More on this later!

Types of Machines

Manual Machines: Not recommended for beginners, as they require significant skill and precision.
Semi-automatic Machines: Ideal for beginners, offering a balance between control and convenience.
Fully automatic Machines: Handle much of the process automatically, making them great for convenience but with less control over the brewing process.

Space and Size

For those with limited counter space, compact models like the Breville Bambino Plus are perfect.

Milk Frothing Capabilities

If you love milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, choose a machine with a good steam wand or automatic milk texturing.

Maintenance Requirements

Some machines are easier to maintain than others. Opt for a machine that aligns with your comfort level for cleaning and upkeep.

Top Home Espresso Machines for Beginners in 2024

These top picks are based on expert reviews, user feedback, and 2024 industry trends.

We’ve included both pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Best Overall: Breville Bambino Plus

Key Features: Compact design, 3-second heat-up, automatic milk texturing, PID temperature control.
Why It’s Great for Beginners: The Bambino Plus strikes the perfect balance between ease of use and professional-level features. Its fast heat-up time and automatic features make it easy for beginners to pull consistent, high-quality espresso.
Price Range: Moderate.
User Reviews: Praised for reliability and cafe-quality espresso at home.
Negative Feedback: Small steaming capacity can limit making multiple milk-based drinks in quick succession. Lacks a built-in grinder, which means you’ll need to invest in one separately.

Pro Tip: If space is tight and you enjoy milk drinks, consider pairing the Bambino Plus with the Baratza Encore ESP grinder for a complete beginner-friendly setup.

Best Value: Casabrews Espresso Machine

Key Features: Affordable, 15-bar pump, automatic shot pouring.
Why It’s Great for Budget-Conscious Beginners: The Casabrews offers impressive performance at a lower price point, making it a great choice for those starting out on a budget.
Price Range: Budget-friendly.
User Reviews: Users appreciate its simplicity and affordability.
Negative Feedback: Plastic components may feel less durable, and occasional inconsistencies in shot quality have been reported.

Pro Tip: Keep in mind that while this machine is great for beginners, its long-term durability may not match higher-end models.

Best for Learning: Breville Barista Express

Key Features: Built-in grinder, semi-automatic controls, customizable settings.
Why It’s Great for Learning: The Barista Express is ideal for those who want to learn the art of espresso. Its customizable settings allow users to experiment with grind size, pressure, and extraction time.
Price Range: Moderate.
User Reviews: Highly rated for helping beginners grow their skills while producing quality espresso.
Negative Feedback: Some users find the learning curve steep due to the many adjustable settings. The built-in grinder, while convenient, may not offer the same grind consistency as standalone grinders.

Pro Tip: If you're serious about learning espresso-making, the Barista Express is an excellent choice, but be prepared for some trial and error as you experiment with settings.

Expert Insights: The Importance of a Good Grinder

No matter which espresso machine you choose, experts like James Hoffmann emphasize the importance of investing in a quality grinder.

A good grinder ensures consistent grind size, which is crucial for espresso extraction. Hoffmann recommends allocating 25-40% of your machine’s budget to a grinder.

Recommended Grinder: The Baratza Encore ESP is highly regarded as a beginner-friendly grinder that offers precision and reliability at a reasonable price point.

Recent Trends and Technological Developments in Home Espresso Machines

Smart Features: Newer models include app controls, allowing you to schedule and control your brew remotely from your phone.
Compact Designs: Manufacturers are producing powerful machines with smaller footprints, perfect for home use.
Sustainability: Eco-friendly machines that use recyclable pods or reusable filters are becoming more popular.
Advanced Brewing Technologies: PID temperature control and pressure profiling are now standard in many machines, allowing for more precise espresso extraction.

Step-by-Step: How to Pull Your First Espresso Shot

Ready to get started? Here's a quick guide to pulling your first shot:

Grind Your Coffee: Use a burr grinder to achieve a fine, consistent grind. Aim for a 1:2 coffee-to-water ratio.
Tamp the Grounds: Evenly distribute and tamp the grounds in the portafilter with moderate pressure.
Brew: Insert the portafilter and start the shot. Aim for a 25-30 second extraction time.
Froth Milk (Optional): If your machine has a steam wand, froth milk for a latte or cappuccino.
Enjoy: Taste your shot, adjust grind size or extraction time as needed, and experiment!

Conclusion

For beginners looking to master espresso at home, the Breville Bambino Plus is our top recommendation for its ease of use and consistent performance.

If you're on a budget, the Casabrews Espresso Machine is a solid value option, while the Breville Barista Express is perfect for those eager to learn and experiment with espresso-making.

Remember, choosing the right espresso machine depends on your budget, available space, and how much time you’re willing to invest in learning.

Pair your machine with a quality grinder, and you'll be well on your way to brewing cafe-quality espresso at home.

Best Home Espresso Machines for Beginners in 2024

Quick Comparison