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10 Best Espresso Machine For Beginner 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BSXL, Black Sesame

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,188
Type of Machine
Pressure
Grinder

Most important from
26718 reviews

Type of Machine
This machine delivers amazing espresso quality and is surprisingly easy to use, allowing even beginners to pull delicious shots after just a few tries.
Pressure
Temperature control and pressure gauge features provide valuable feedback during extraction, helping refine each shot for balanced flavor.
Grinder
The integrated grinder offers great customization and is easy to clean, making it simple to experiment with different beans and grind settings to perfect your cup.
Milk Frothing
While the steam wand isn’t as powerful as commercial models, it’s capable of producing microfoam suitable for lattes and cappuccinos once mastered.
Ease of Cleaning
Maintenance is straightforward with included cleaning tools, though regular descaling and cleaning are necessary to keep performance optimal.

The Breville Barista Express BES870BSXL is a semi-automatic espresso machine designed with beginners in mind who want to explore making quality coffee at home. It combines an espresso maker with a built-in conical burr grinder, which simplifies the process by allowing you to grind fresh beans directly into the portafilter. The adjustable grind size dial and dose control grinding help customize the coffee strength and flavor, which is a nice feature for beginners experimenting with taste. The machine operates at the optimal pressure and has a digital temperature control (PID) for consistent espresso extraction, meaning it helps you make a balanced and flavorful cup.

It includes a powerful steam wand for manual milk frothing, letting you practice and create microfoam for drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, though it may take some learning to master. The water reservoir holds about 67 ounces, which should be enough for several drinks before needing a refill. Cleaning is fairly straightforward with included tools and a cleaning disc, but as a semi-automatic machine, it requires regular maintenance and care, which beginners should be aware of. The machine is solid and well-built, weighing over 22 pounds, so it will have a permanent spot on your countertop.

Some may find the initial learning curve a bit steep compared to fully automatic machines, but it offers great control and quality for those ready to invest time. Its one-year warranty and high customer ratings reflect good reliability. This espresso machine is well suited for beginners who want a hands-on experience and are eager to develop barista skills with a versatile, all-in-one device.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,188
Type of Machine
Pressure
Grinder

Most important from
26718 reviews

Type of Machine
This machine delivers amazing espresso quality and is surprisingly easy to use, allowing even beginners to pull delicious shots after just a few tries.
Pressure
Temperature control and pressure gauge features provide valuable feedback during extraction, helping refine each shot for balanced flavor.
Grinder
The integrated grinder offers great customization and is easy to clean, making it simple to experiment with different beans and grind settings to perfect your cup.
Milk Frothing
While the steam wand isn’t as powerful as commercial models, it’s capable of producing microfoam suitable for lattes and cappuccinos once mastered.
Ease of Cleaning
Maintenance is straightforward with included cleaning tools, though regular descaling and cleaning are necessary to keep performance optimal.
#2

Ninja Luxe Café 3-in-1 Espresso, Drip Coffee and Cold Brew Machine | Intergrated Coffee Grinder, Milk Frother, Assisted Tamper & Built-In Espresso Accessory Storage | Stainless Steel | ES601

Rating
9.1
Grinder
Milk Frothing
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
1265 reviews

Grinder
The all-in-one setup grinds beans, brews espresso, and creates excellent milk foam, making it perfect for anyone craving lattes without the fuss.
Milk Frothing
The all-in-one setup grinds beans, brews espresso, and creates excellent milk foam, making it perfect for anyone craving lattes without the fuss.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning and maintenance are standout features, with dishwasher-safe parts and easy upkeep that set it apart from pricier, more complicated machines.

The Ninja ES601 Luxe Café Premier Series is a great choice for beginners who want an all-in-one coffee maker. It combines an espresso machine, drip coffee maker, and cold brew system, giving you plenty of drink options without needing multiple devices. The built-in conical burr grinder with 25 settings helps deliver fresh, precise coffee grounds, which is a big plus for getting the best flavor without guesswork. The machine’s Barista Assist Technology guides you with grind size and dosing, making it easier to get a balanced espresso shot, even if you’re new to this. The assisted tamper ensures the coffee grounds are evenly packed, which improves the quality of each shot.

Its hands-free frothing system is simple and versatile, allowing you to choose from preset modes for steamed milk or foam with either dairy or plant-based milk, which is great for cappuccinos and lattes. Cleaning is facilitated by dishwasher-safe parts and included cleaning tools. Temperature controls let you adjust brewing to suit different beans, adding flexibility for experimenting.

Packed with features for a beginner, the machine might feel a bit complex at first due to its many options. If you want a versatile and guided espresso machine that grows with your skills and offers more than just espresso, this Ninja model is worth considering.

Rating
9.1
Grinder
Milk Frothing
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
1265 reviews

Grinder
The all-in-one setup grinds beans, brews espresso, and creates excellent milk foam, making it perfect for anyone craving lattes without the fuss.
Milk Frothing
The all-in-one setup grinds beans, brews espresso, and creates excellent milk foam, making it perfect for anyone craving lattes without the fuss.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning and maintenance are standout features, with dishwasher-safe parts and easy upkeep that set it apart from pricier, more complicated machines.
#3

Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine, Damson Blue

Rating
8.8
Type of Machine
Grinder
Milk Frothing

Most important from
4105 reviews

Type of Machine
The machine consistently delivers amazing coffee with the ability to fine-tune settings until the taste is just right.
Grinder
Having a built-in adjustable grinder transforms the coffee experience by allowing fresh beans to be ground perfectly for each cup.
Milk Frothing
The automatic milk frother creates barista-quality microfoam effortlessly, making lattes and cappuccinos a breeze.
Water Reservoir
The water reservoir holds a generous amount, reducing the need for frequent refills and adding to user convenience.
Ease of Cleaning
The thoughtful design includes easy-to-clean components like a drip tray and a self-cleaning steam wand, making maintenance simple.

The Breville Barista Touch is a beginner-friendly espresso machine designed to bring cafe-quality coffee into your home with ease. It’s an all-in-one machine, combining a built-in conical burr grinder with dose control, so you can grind fresh beans for every cup without needing a separate grinder. The machine uses a ThermoJet heating system that heats up in just 3 seconds, meaning less waiting time before you start brewing. It maintains the right pressure with a pre-infusion step that gently extracts flavors evenly, which helps achieve a balanced espresso taste.

One of the standout features is the touchscreen display that guides you through making espresso, adjusting coffee strength, milk texture, and temperature. This makes it easy to customize drinks and save up to 8 personalized recipes. The automatic steam wand froths milk to barista-level microfoam, perfect for lattes or cappuccinos, which is great if you want to practice milk art or enjoy creamy drinks.

The water reservoir is a decent 67 ounces, so you won’t need to refill frequently, and cleaning is simplified with included accessories like cleaning kits and a water filter. The machine is fairly compact but weighs about 22 pounds, so it’s stable but not very light. Some users might find the price on the higher side and the learning curve for all the settings a bit much at first, but the clear touchscreen helps ease this. This espresso machine suits beginners who want a convenient, quality espresso experience without needing extra equipment or complex steps. It balances ease of use with the ability to customize drinks, making it a good investment for those serious about starting their home espresso journey.

Rating
8.8
Type of Machine
Grinder
Milk Frothing

Most important from
4105 reviews

Type of Machine
The machine consistently delivers amazing coffee with the ability to fine-tune settings until the taste is just right.
Grinder
Having a built-in adjustable grinder transforms the coffee experience by allowing fresh beans to be ground perfectly for each cup.
Milk Frothing
The automatic milk frother creates barista-quality microfoam effortlessly, making lattes and cappuccinos a breeze.
Water Reservoir
The water reservoir holds a generous amount, reducing the need for frequent refills and adding to user convenience.
Ease of Cleaning
The thoughtful design includes easy-to-clean components like a drip tray and a self-cleaning steam wand, making maintenance simple.

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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