Shopping for an espresso machine can be daunting as a beginner. There are hundreds of options out there and they range in price and features, and many of those features feel like a foreign language. The fear, of course, is that you’ll spend hundreds (or thousands) of dollars on your first espresso machine only to find that it’s not the one that will fit your needs. We’re here to help! The first thing to understand about this process is that “begginer-friendly” is a spectrum. You can learn to brew on any sort of machine, but self-selecting how much you’ll need to learn is the way to a perfect machine for your countertop. In this article we’ve got some tips to help you decide what you’re looking for.
In This Article
Related: Just browsing where to start? See our Mid-Year Top Picks if You’re Just Getting Started with Home Espresso.
First Things First — What Makes an Espresso Machine “Beginner-Friendly”?
Beginner friendliness is less about price point or automation and more about learning curve. A good beginner machine isn’t just the cheapest one you can find, it’s picking a machine that will grow with you appropriately. There’s a lot to think about as you get started - you’ll need to pick out your machine, ensure you have a way to grind fresh beans, and be clear on what the workflow looks like so you’re not surprised once you’re set up. Our options below are there to help you make some of these choices, as they’re all beginner friendly to the right user.
Superautomatic vs. Semi-Automatic: How Hands-On Do You Actually Want to Be?
There are a couple of different overarching types of espresso machine you’ll likely be considering for your first purchase: semi-automatic and superautomatic. We’ll outline the differences below.
Superautomatic espresso machines handle every part of the brewing process, from dosing beans to grinding them, then tamping and pulling the shot. These machines are definitely very beginner friendly, and for many are the one-stop shop for coffee drinks at home. Many of these machines even steam and froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos. The downside here is that they generally work at the touch of a button, so there’s no hands-on feel or ability to influence the quality of the drink outside of buttons and sliders. Instead, while you can often customize aspects of your brewing on these machines, you’ll ultimately have less control than with a more manual option.
Semi-automatics, on the other hand, usually require a standalone grinder (though not always), and also typically require you to dose the beans yourself, grind them, tamp them, then operate the brew controls. You’ll also most often need to steam your own milk. We say usually and most often here because there are plenty of semi-automatics that do offer things like auto milk frothing, dosage assistance, built-in grinders, and even tamping. There really is a whole range of beginner friendliness here, but in general you will want a semi-auto if you are interested in learning the craft of specialty espresso.
Go deeper: Curious about the push-button route? Read What’s So SUPER About a Superautomatic Espresso Machine?
How to Choose Your First Espresso Machine
There are a number of factors that will play into choosing espresso machines for beginners. First of all, there’s your budget. You’ll want to plan to spend at least a few hundred dollars on your first machine, and remember you’ll need a grinder too (or a slightly more expensive superautomatic). Next, there’s counter space and access to water - you likely won’t be plumbing in your first machine, but it’s helpful if the tank is removable around or under cabinets and that the machine takes up the right amount of space. Then there’s the workflow, do you want to take your time with you brewing or have coffee in seconds? Lastly - you’ll want to think about whether you want this machine to be one that grows with you. It’s worth buying something a little more robust and featureful if you expect that you’ll really get into your new hobby.
Related: Not sure how to budget for the grinder side? Our guide on How to Choose an Electric Espresso Grinder breaks it down.
The Best Espresso Machines for Beginners, Easiest to Most Hands-On
Remember that the “best” espresso machine for beginners is still going to be the one that fits the criteria above for you. With that in mind we have some recommendations!
1. Terra Kaffe Demi Superautomatic Espresso Machine
The Terra Kaffe Demi is our pick for the easiest machine to get started on on this list. A complete bean-to-cup superautomatic option, this machine brings you great drinks at the touch of a button. While you get some drink customization here, the Terra Kaffe doesn’t overwhelm you with choices. Instead, you just get good espresso. Foregoing a milk steamer, this is best for the beginner who doesn’t have loads of counter space for a full size machine and grinder, and who doesn’t need built in steaming. It’s a fantastic upgrade from a pod machine, or just a good pick for someone who’s a bit more budget conscious but still wants excellent coffee.
The hands-off entry point for great espresso in a small footprint.
2. DeLonghi Magnifica Plus ECAM32070SB Superautomatic Espresso Machine
The DeLonghi Magnifica Plus takes the automation and ease of use of the Terra Kaffe and adds a built-in milk steaming system. This gives you great coffee and the ability to get those classic cafe drinks. While this does mean there’s a bit more maintenance, this is the perfect option for the user that wants lattes and cappuccinos within a few button presses without having to learn to manually steam milk like you need to on a less automated machine. That’s really what differentiates this machine from the Terra Kafe, so the choice is pretty clear, and the carafe based steaming is a breeze to use and maintain.
One-touch lattes and cappuccinos with zero milk-steaming to learn.
3. Breville Bambino Plus + Baratza Encore ESP Bundle
The Breville Bambino Plus is the perfect entry-level semi-automatic machine for the budget conscious. It’s not loaded with bells and whistles, but it’s a good onramp for home espresso and can still produce some great shots with practice. In fact, this machine is really a good one if you’re on the fence between an automatic or more manual machine, as you won’t be out thousands of dollars if you don’t end up liking the workflow. This bundle saves you the trouble of selecting a grinder, pairing the machine with the perfectly capable Encore ESP. This grinder is a great fit for the Bambino Plus with its simplicity, without sacrificing the type of performance you’ll want for the machine. Great for the user ready to learn to brew with a hands-on process, but who still wants an easy onramp without breaking the bank.
Real hands-on espresso with the grinder question already solved.
4. Diletta Mio Espresso Machine
If you want to purchase a machine you can grow with, look no further than the Diletta Mio. This machine is higher in price and does require you to buy a grinder to go with it, but it’s also a machine that will last you a long time as you develop your espresso skillset. While there’s very little automation on the Mio, this is really the point. You’ll get a rich, tactile experience that puts very little between you and the perfect shot. The perfect option for you if you are sure you have some ambition and know you’re ready to jump into home espresso with both feet.
A buy-once machine for the beginner who’s all in.
5. Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
The Breville Barista Express is a classic beginner espresso machine that includes a grinder in the build. It’s impossible to talk about beginner espresso without including this stalwart in the space. The Barista Express doesn’t have quite the level of performance that you get from a machine like the Mio, but it’s close, and it still gives you everything you need to start slinging lattes and cappuccinos for yourself, friends, and family. The one downside with this machine is that due to its all-in-one nature, if you do decide you want to upgrade your machine or the grinder it does put you in a tricky spot, as you’ll likely need to buy both at once. Other separated machines give you more flexibility with your upgrades.
The full barista ritual, grinder included, in a single footprint.
What Else You’ll Need to Pull Your First Shot
There are a few more things you’ll need to get started. First, we really can’t stress enough that you need to be freshly grinding your beans to get the most out of a home espresso setup. For that you do need a grinder if your machine doesn’t have one built in. You’ll also need some whole bean coffee! If you’re using a semi-automatic machine you do need a way to dose the beans and ensure you’re using the right amount of grounds. Typically an espresso scale is the way to achieve this, and will be an invaluable accessory long term. Your machine should come with a tamper and milk pitcher, but you may want a fancier version of each eventually. Finally, there’s the cleaning supplies, which may include backflushing detergent and a grinder cleaner. Thankfully, most of the machines on this list come with enough accessories to get you started (though a scale should be an early pickup).
Related: Ready to add that scale? Start with our Top Three Coffee Scales.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a superautomatic or semi-automatic machine better for beginners?
Neither is objectively “better” — it comes down to how hands-on you want to be. Superautomatics grind, brew, and often froth at the touch of a button, while semi-automatics let you control the shot and learn the craft. Pick based on how much you want to fiddle with your coffee each morning.
Do I need a separate grinder for my first espresso machine?
If your machine doesn’t have one built in, yes. Freshly ground beans make a bigger difference to your espresso than almost anything else. Superautomatics and all-in-one machines like the Barista Express include a grinder, while standalone semi-automatics like the Diletta Mio need one added.
How much should I budget for a beginner espresso machine?
Plan to spend at least a few hundred dollars on the machine itself, and remember to budget for a grinder if it isn’t included. It’s worth buying something a little more capable if you suspect espresso will become a real hobby.
Can I make lattes and cappuccinos on a beginner machine?
Absolutely. Superautomatics like the DeLonghi Magnifica Plus froth milk automatically, while semi-automatics let you steam it yourself. Just decide whether you want automatic milk frothing or you’re excited to learn manual steaming.
What else do I need to get started besides the machine?
Fresh whole-bean coffee, a grinder if one isn’t built in, and a few basics like a tamper and milk pitcher, which usually come with the machine. A scale is a smart early add for dialing in your dose, and you’ll eventually want cleaning supplies.
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