The Caffeinated Gear Team
Finding the perfect espresso machine shouldn’t feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
We’ve spent countless hours testing, comparing, and evaluating espresso machines to bring you genuine, practical insights that go far beyond manufacturer specifications.
Our team includes certified baristas, coffee roasters, and industry specialists who understand the intricate details that make or break your morning espresso.
What sets our recommendations apart? Simple: we actually use these machines.
Every espresso machine we discuss has been thoroughly tested in our specialist coffee lab.
We’ve pulled thousands of shots, steamed endless pitchers of milk, and even deliberately made mistakes to understand how forgiving each machine can be.
This isn’t just another list of espresso machines – it’s your comprehensive guide to finding the perfect match for your coffee journey.
Choosing an espresso machine isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision.
Your perfect machine depends on several factors: your coffee experience, daily routine, and what you value most in your morning brew.
Let’s break down the espresso machine spectrum, from hands-on manual machines to push-button convenience.
First, let’s clarify what we mean by espresso-based drinks.
Your favourite café beverages – whether it’s an Americano, cappuccino, latte, or flat white – all start with espresso as their foundation.
The difference lies in how they’re finished: Americanos mix espresso with hot water, while milk-based drinks combine espresso with steamed milk in various ratios.
Here’s where it gets interesting: traditional semi-automatic espresso machines (which use an electric pump rather than a manual lever) require skill and practice to master.
Our professional baristas make it look effortless, but we can tell you from experience – there’s quite a learning curve involved.
Automatic machines might seem like the perfect solution, but there’s a trade-off.
In the home market, automatic machines typically don’t match the coffee quality of traditional espresso machines (though some commercial models come close).
Why? Automatic machines replace the traditional portafilter with an internal brewing unit.
They handle everything automatically: grinding, dosing, tamping, and extraction.
While convenient, this automated process often produces what we call “espresso-lite” – acceptable but lacking the depth and complexity that skilled preparation can achieve.
The built-in grinders usually feature basic conical burrs (steel or ceramic) with limited adjustment options.
This restricted customisation means you’re often stuck with decent but uninspiring results.
However, don’t let our coffee perfectionism put you off!
Most coffee drinkers are perfectly happy with automatic machines, which is why they dominate the market.
If you’ve tried coffee from an automatic machine and enjoyed it, that’s brilliant – you’ve found your match.
But here’s the exciting part: you don’t have to choose between convenience and quality anymore.
Thanks to innovative manufacturers like Breville, there’s now a sweet spot in the middle – machines that deliver barista-quality coffee without requiring professional training.
Looking for an affordable way to make cappuccinos and lattes at home?
This category might be perfect for you – especially if you’re new to the world of espresso.
These machines prioritise simplicity and affordability.
They work well with pre-ground coffee and produce strong coffee drinks with milk-frothing capabilities.
When we say “cheap espresso machines”, we’re referring to their design rather than just the price point.
These machines typically use pressurised baskets or portafilters, which help create crema even with pre-ground coffee.
For many coffee drinkers, these machines are ideal.
They’re perfect if you want something stronger than drip coffee but aren’t ready to dive into the complexities of traditional espresso making.
However, if you’re after true café-quality espresso, you might want to skip ahead to our home barista section.
Consider machines like the Gaggia Classic, Breville Bambino, Duo Temp Pro, or Bambino Plus, paired with the best grinder your budget allows.
If budget constraints push you towards entry-level machines, you can still achieve better results by upgrading to a bottomless portafilter and investing in a quality grinder.
Remember, these machines are designed for convenience and accessibility rather than professional-level espresso making.
With the right expectations and possibly a few modifications, they can still be a great starting point in your coffee journey.
Let’s start with something unexpected in our budget espresso machine roundup.
While most machines we’ll discuss use high-pressure pumps, this one takes a fascinating historical approach.
It uses steam pressure to create concentrated coffee, much like the original espresso machines of the 1900s.
This might surprise you, but before Achille Gaggia revolutionised espresso making with his pump-driven innovation, steam pressure was the standard method for producing quick, concentrated shots of coffee.
Does this mean we’re suggesting a return to vintage coffee-making methods?
Not quite – though we appreciate the historical nod, just as we appreciate classic cars without giving up our modern vehicles!
For those watching their budget, this machine offers a practical way to create strong coffee similar to what you’d get from a stovetop maker, with the added benefit of milk frothing capabilities for cappuccinos and lattes.
From our perspective as coffee experts, this machine wasn’t designed to satisfy demanding home baristas.
However, we recognise its value for coffee lovers on a strict budget who want a strong, concentrated coffee experience without breaking the bank.
We’ve found through testing that this machine’s output might not match what many people expect from modern espresso.
While it creates a concentrated coffee (similar to what you’d get from a strong drip or stovetop maker), it’s quite different from today’s pressure-extracted espresso.
If you’re after an affordable way to make cappuccinos and lattes at home and don’t mind using a strong coffee base rather than true espresso, this could work brilliantly.
But if you’re particular about your espresso’s quality, we’d suggest looking at some of our higher-priced recommendations.
This machine shares similarities with other budget espresso makers in its brewing approach but stands apart in its milk frothing system.
It features a pressurised portafilter designed for pre-ground coffee.
While some might debate whether it produces ‘true’ espresso, we believe the real question is whether it meets your coffee needs.
The most notable difference lies in its milk system.
Instead of a traditional Panarello steam wand, it uses a milk carafe system that automatically froths and pours milk into your cup.
We’ve found that carafe systems typically offer less control over milk temperature and texture compared to steam wands.
However, since many premium super-automatic machines use similar systems, this feature makes the machine feel more sophisticated than its price suggests – likely contributing to its popularity.
For casual coffee drinkers seeking an affordable way to create cappuccino-style drinks at home, this machine provides a straightforward solution.
Speaking purely as coffee professionals, we find this machine’s features basic.
However, putting ourselves in the shoes of regular coffee drinkers seeking simple home brewing solutions, we recognise its appeal – particularly its ability to create reasonable café-style drinks at a remarkably low price point.
Even considering its target market, we found the limited control over milk temperature slightly frustrating.
However, given the price tag, these limitations aren’t unexpected.
After extensive testing of budget espresso machines, we’ve concluded this represents the minimum entry point for satisfactory espresso making.
While we’d strongly recommend stretching your budget to the Breville Bambino if possible, the Stilosa stands as our baseline recommendation for tight budgets.
It features a 15-bar pump with minimal pressure limiting (approximately 14 bars), making it ideal for pressurised baskets.
Interestingly, if you’re feeling adventurous, adding a compatible 51mm bottomless portafilter can transform this into a more traditional espresso machine.
Let’s address a common misconception about pressure.
Despite marketing claims, 15 bars isn’t optimal for espresso – this specification simply reflects the standard vibration pump capability.
What truly matters is the pressure at the coffee basket, typically controlled by the over-pressure valve (OPV).
Professional machines usually limit pressure to 9 bars through the OPV, while budget machines often run higher pressures suited to pressurised baskets.
The Stilosa includes a Panarello steam wand – a practical choice we actually prefer over carafe systems.
It gives you full temperature control, and removing the outer sheath allows for traditional milk texturing, albeit with some practice required.
From a professional barista’s perspective, this machine’s features are basic.
However, for its intended market – casual coffee drinkers seeking an affordable entry into home coffee making – it offers surprisingly stable temperature control and workable steam power.
Given its price point, criticising this machine’s limitations would be unfair.
It serves its purpose well for its target market, though we wouldn’t typically recommend it for serious home baristas unless absolutely necessary due to budget constraints.
For coffee enthusiasts seeking an affordable entry into home brewing, this machine offers impressive features at a surprisingly low price point.
While it bears a striking resemblance to the pricier De’Longhi Dedica, it adds both a pressure gauge and professional-style steam wand at a lower cost.
Through our testing, we’ve found this machine offers good value for casual coffee drinkers.
The professional steam wand particularly impressed us, offering better control than typical budget solutions.
The pressure gauge, while perhaps more decorative than functional with pressurised baskets, adds a professional touch that many users appreciate.
While we aim to be objective, we must note some concerns about long-term durability at this price point.
However, the overwhelmingly positive Amazon reviews suggest our scepticism might be overly cautious.
This compact marvel measures just 5.9 inches wide, making it perfect for small kitchens.
Though it’s another budget-friendly De’Longhi offering, our testing suggests it’s worth the extra investment over the Stilosa, especially if you’re considering modifications for more serious coffee making.
After extensive testing, we believe this represents De’Longhi’s strongest standalone espresso machine under £200.
Its temperature stability impressed us during testing – while not perfect, it delivers remarkably consistent shots for its price range.
We particularly appreciate the three temperature adjustment settings and its compatibility with bottomless portafilters for more traditional espresso making.
Its proven reliability and active user community make finding compatible accessories straightforward.
Plus, the steam wand can be modified with a Rancilio upgrade or used without the Panarello attachment for more control.
Considering its price point and intended market, we find it difficult to fault this machine significantly.
It delivers impressive performance for its cost, making it a solid choice in the budget category.
For those with developed coffee palates, home barista machines offer the closest experience to commercial equipment.
These machines mirror professional setups in design and function, just scaled down for home use.
The key difference from budget models lies in their use of traditional, unpressurised baskets, allowing proper espresso extraction through careful dialing in.
We’ll first discuss standalone machines (requiring separate grinders), followed by integrated grinder models.
Remember our golden rule: when budgeting, prioritise your grinder investment.
In our experience, at the entry to mid-level price points, a better grinder typically yields more significant improvements in cup quality than a pricier machine.
This principle holds true until you reach very high-end equipment.
For standalone machines, we recommend pairing with at minimum a Breville Smart Grinder Pro or Baratza Encore ESP.
Ideally, consider investing in options like the Eureka Mignon Specialita, Baratza Sette 270, Niche Zero, Solo DF64, or Eureka Mignon Oro.
For those patient bargain hunters, we’ve had great success with used commercial grinders.
Watch for deals on Fiorenzato F64, Mythos/Mythos 2, Mazzer Mini, or Mazzer Koni – just ensure they’re doserless models.
While the Breville Bambino sits at a surprisingly modest price point, don’t let that fool you – this isn’t your typical budget espresso machine. After extensive testing in our coffee lab, we’ve found it delivers genuine home barista capabilities that punch well above its weight class.
As coffee professionals who test dozens of machines, we’re genuinely excited about what the Bambino brings to the table. Its compact footprint is brilliant for smaller spaces – measuring just 6.3″ wide, 13.7″ deep and 12″ tall. Whether you’re working with limited counter space or want a proper espresso setup for your office, this little powerhouse fits almost anywhere.
The Thermojet heating system that Breville has engineered into this machine is remarkable. While it technically heats up in three seconds, we recommend a quick flush to warm the internals for optimal brewing temperature. Even with this extra step, you’re still looking at one of the fastest heat-up times we’ve tested.
Technical features that caught our attention include the 9-bar overpressure valve (OPV) – exactly what you want for proper espresso extraction. The PID temperature control maintains a steady 200°F brewing temperature, and the auto pre-infusion gently prepares your coffee grounds before full pressure kicks in.
The steam wand deserves special mention. Its consistent, moderate power output makes it ideal for beginners learning milk texturing. The dedicated hot water button is another thoughtful addition that’s surprisingly missing from some pricier models.
While the Bambino skips the solenoid valve found in some machines, we’ve found this actually works in its favour. The alternative brew valve system they’ve implemented manages excess pressure effectively without creating overly wet pucks or the dreaded “portafilter sneeze” (that messy spray when removing the portafilter too quickly).
We’ve achieved excellent espresso results using traditional medium-dark roast blends. The fixed 200°F temperature works brilliantly for these beans, though lighter roasts might not reach their full potential, especially when paired with entry-level grinders.
The machine comes equipped with both single and double shot baskets in standard and pressurised versions. These pressurised baskets are particularly useful if you’re using pre-ground coffee or a grinder that’s not quite up to espresso standards.
The lightweight design does require some adjustment – you’ll need to master what we call “The Bambino Brace” (holding the machine steady while locking in the portafilter). The included plastic portafilter and tamper feel a bit basic, and we miss the Razor tool that comes with other Breville models (though you can purchase it separately for about £10).
Fortunately, you can upgrade to Breville’s metal portafilter designed for the Barista Express and Pro, or invest in any 54mm aftermarket tamper to enhance your setup.
The Bambino Plus builds on its smaller sibling’s foundation with some notable upgrades, particularly in the milk steaming department. For coffee enthusiasts who want quality espresso with automated milk texturing, this machine deserves serious consideration.
Size-wise, it’s nearly as compact as the standard Bambino, measuring 12″ in height and 7.7″ wide x 12.6″ deep. The automated milk steaming system particularly surprised us – we were initially skeptical, but after proper testing, we’re convinced of its capabilities. When you want silky milk for latte art, the lowest froth setting delivers consistently excellent results.
Like the standard Bambino, espresso quality is impressive when paired with quality beans. The manual steam wand option remains available, though it only extends straight out rather than offering the positioning flexibility of the regular Bambino.
We appreciate the included Razor tool and proper metal tamper – welcome upgrades from the base model. You’ll also find the full complement of filter baskets (single and double, standard and pressurised) in the box.
The portafilter, while functional, still uses the stubby spouted design we’re not entirely fond of. The machine’s light weight requires similar stabilisation techniques as the standard Bambino.
One peculiar omission is the hot water button – a feature we’d expect at this price point. While there used to be a workaround for this, recent firmware updates have removed this option.
The compact drip tray fills quite quickly due to the solenoid valve system. This isn’t a major issue if you’re near a sink, but could become tedious if your setup is away from easy drainage.
In our extensive testing of entry-level espresso machines, Breville consistently impresses with their attention to home barista needs. The Duo Temp Pro exemplifies this approach, offering core features like auto pre-infusion, precise 200°F brewing temperature, PID control, and a 9-bar OPV, all controlled through an elegantly simple dial interface.
Despite our initial hesitation about reviewing an older model, the Duo Temp Pro proved its enduring relevance. At 12.6″ wide, 10.1″ deep & 13.1″ tall, it strikes an excellent balance between counter space and stability. The larger footprint contributes to better stability during operation, and we particularly appreciate the generous 17oz drip tray with its clever storage compartment.
The quality of included accessories impressed us – a mainly metal portafilter with metal splitter, proper metal tamper, and magnetic tamper holder all add value. In our testing, espresso quality matched the Bambino series, but we’re particularly confident about this machine’s longevity due to its simpler electronics and standard parts.
While the price point might seem high compared to the feature-rich Bambino Plus, we believe the build quality justifies the cost. The original thermocoil system means slightly longer heat-up times – about 30 seconds versus 3 seconds – but brings its own advantages.
The cooling system produces more operational sounds than newer Breville models, as water automatically flushes through to maintain optimal temperature. While not necessarily louder, these additional sounds might take some getting used to.
The latest iteration of the iconic Gaggia Classic brings some thoughtful updates to this time-tested design. As the original home barista espresso machine, the Classic earned its reputation through robust build quality and consistent performance rather than bells and whistles.
The 2023 “Evo” version introduces several meaningful upgrades:
Boiler: Features new Elexia coating, a commercial-grade non-stick treatment that promises better durability than previous anodizing Group Head: Now fully brass construction, mounted on a metal plate rather than directly to the frame Portafilter: Upgraded to all stainless steel construction Build: Revised assembly design supposedly improves maintenance access
Our testing confirms this machine’s legendary tank-like construction. It delivers reliably good espresso straight out of the box, with potential for even better results through modest modifications. The robust build quality and strong resale value make it an excellent choice for those just starting their espresso journey.
The factory OPV setting of approximately 12.5 bars isn’t ideal for traditional baskets, though a simple spring swap can achieve the preferred 9 bars. Temperature management requires some technique – “temperature surfing” becomes necessary for consistent results unless you install a PID controller.
Here’s our detailed walkthrough of the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro workflow:
The Rancilio Silvia’s origin story reflects its commercial DNA – initially created as a thank-you gift for Rancilio’s commercial machine distributors in 1997, overwhelming positive feedback led to its commercial release. This heritage shows in every aspect of its design and performance.
In our testing, the Silvia demonstrated exceptional shot quality potential at its price point. The steam power is remarkable – perhaps even intimidating for beginners. Despite its commercial-grade components, it maintains a reasonable footprint at 9.25″ wide, 11.4″ deep, and 13.4″ tall. The professional-grade portafilter particularly impressed us with its quality feel and balance.
Like the Gaggia Classic, temperature management requires attention without PID modification. The prominent shower screen screw seems unnecessarily intrusive, though replacements are available. Steam readiness takes longer than some competitors – about two minutes – due to its larger 300ml boiler paired with a 1100W heating element.
As pioneers of the integrated grinder espresso machine category, Breville’s Barista Express remains a benchmark for the format. It’s important to note this isn’t a super-automatic – it’s a traditional semi-automatic machine with a built-in grinder.
Built on the solid foundation of the Duo Temp Pro, the Barista Express adds grinder integration while maintaining a surprisingly compact footprint. Thoughtful details abound – from the magnetic tamper holder to the generous drip tray and storage compartment. The bean hopper’s locking mechanism cleverly prevents mess when removing it. The heavier portafilter adds a professional touch that we appreciate.
While integrated grinder machines offer space and cost savings, they limit future upgrade flexibility – you’ll need to replace both components simultaneously. We often recommend investing more in a standalone grinder for better shot quality at this price point.
The factory 14-bar OPV setting seems oriented toward pressurised baskets – we’d prefer the standard 9-bar setting. As with other Breville thermocoil machines, expect some operational noise during cooling cycles.
After extensive testing in our coffee lab, we’ve found the Barista Pro offers significant upgrades over its predecessor, the Barista Express. The standout improvements include 30 precise grind settings (compared to the Express’s 18), Breville’s innovative Thermojet heating system for 3-second warm-up times, and noticeably faster milk steaming performance thanks to its four-hole steam tip. We particularly appreciate the modern LCD display with built-in shot timer, which simplifies programming and temperature adjustments.
While it doesn’t include a pressure gauge, the £100 price difference brings worthwhile improvements in both functionality and aesthetics.
In our side-by-side comparison, the Pro’s sophisticated design caught our eye immediately. Its mirror-finish backing and refined curves create a striking presence in any kitchen setting.
The integrated shot timer has proven invaluable during our testing sessions. As professional baristas, we find it far more practical than relying on separate timer devices while weighing shots.
Most significantly, our technical assessment revealed the Pro’s superior Over Pressure Valve (OPV) system. This 9-bar pressure cut-off feature stands out as the primary reason we’d recommend the Pro over the Express for serious home baristas.
Beyond our usual caveat about integrated grinder machines, we’ve found very little to fault with the Barista Pro. Based on our extensive testing of the current market, we consider it the leading integrated-grinder espresso machine available (excluding assisted models, which we’ll examine next).
Our hands-on experience with Breville’s newest assisted semi-automatic machine has left us thoroughly impressed. The innovative tamp lever and automated dosing system represent a genuine breakthrough in home espresso brewing.
While it shares the Express’s reliable thermocoil and pressure gauge, this machine charts its own course with groundbreaking features.
We’d recommend the Express Impress if you:
The Express Impress has transformed our expectations of what a home espresso machine can achieve.
In automatic mode, it delivers the most streamlined workflow we’d encountered before testing the Touch Impress. But it’s the machine’s versatility that truly sets it apart.
For beginners, the automated features dramatically reduce the intimidation factor. Yet experienced users can easily switch to manual mode, effectively transforming it into a traditional Barista Express.
What we call “Geek Mode” is simple to activate – just press the manual button for dosing control. You can then use either a bottomless portafilter or remove the splitter from the standard one (ensuring it fits over the drip tray). Pair this with Breville’s dosing ring or a compatible alternative to prevent messy spillage during portafilter removal.
The machine also offers a clever semi-automatic approach: use auto-dosing mode with a light tamp lever touch, allowing clean removal for manual puck preparation (WDT and/or levelling tool, tamping). Complete the process with a final lever tamp to maintain proper dose recognition, then extract your shot.
Our critique list is remarkably short.
When the machine launched, some customers questioned why Breville hadn’t incorporated the Barista Touch’s thermojet system and automatic milk frothing. We understood this perspective.
In our correspondence with users, we suggested that such features might appear in future models. This prediction proved accurate with the release of the Barista Touch Impress – a distinct machine targeting different user needs.
After months of rigorous testing in our coffee lab, we’re confident the Barista Touch Impress represents a genuine breakthrough in home espresso brewing.
Building on the success of the Barista Express Impress, this machine bridges the gap between enthusiast-level espresso and everyday convenience.
What makes this machine truly special is its ability to satisfy both coffee newcomers and those developing their barista skills.
While its predecessor appealed more to budding enthusiasts, the Touch Impress speaks directly to coffee lovers seeking exceptional taste without the complexity.
Let’s be honest – most people want brilliant coffee without the faff.
As dedicated coffee professionals, we understand this perfectly.
While some of us happily pack full espresso setups for holidays (guilty as charged – our team’s lead taster actually bought a pickup truck partly to transport his Dual Boiler and Niche Zero), we know that’s not exactly typical behaviour.
The coffee world has evolved significantly.
More people now appreciate speciality coffee, but many don’t have the time or inclination to master manual brewing techniques.
This poses an interesting challenge: how do you cater to someone who recognises great coffee but prioritises convenience?
Traditional bean-to-cup machines often fall short, sacrificing too much flavour for automation.
While Breville’s Oracle Touch offered one solution, the new Touch Impress provides similar capabilities at nearly half the price – and in some ways, it’s even more impressive.
Simply put, if you’re searching for true barista-quality coffee with push-button simplicity, we believe the Touch Impress stands in a class of its own.
The Touch Impress’s standout feature is its genuine delivery of automated excellence.
Unlike many machines that promise barista-quality automation but fall short, this one actually achieves it.
We were particularly impressed by its intelligent grinding system.
The machine actively monitors shot times and guides you towards the perfect grind size – a feature we’ve never seen before in a home machine.
It even reminds you to purge old grounds after significant grind adjustments, ensuring consistent results.
The combination of automated dosing (using clever sensor technology and machine learning) with the calibrated 10kg tamping system delivers remarkable consistency.
For milk drinks, the automatic steam wand takes all the guesswork out of texturing.
The large, vibrant touch screen interface makes operation intuitive, while allowing enough customisation to satisfy more experienced users.
Perhaps most clever is the new “Auto MilQ” system.
Not only does it offer pre-sets for different milk types (cow’s, soy, and almond), but it introduces a brilliant queuing feature.
You can start steaming your milk and the machine will automatically pull your shot when the milk is ready – perfect for multitasking during busy mornings.
Our testing revealed only one minor quibble – the machine’s prompts about purging coffee after major grind adjustments could be clearer.
We expect this will be addressed in future software updates.
Drawing from years of testing and daily use, we can confidently say the Breville Dual Boiler offers exceptional value for serious coffee enthusiasts.
In fact, it’s the machine of choice for several members of our testing team.
The thoughtful design shines through in practical features like the accessible water tank (fillable from top or front), hidden wheels for easy rotation, and retractable power cord.
As a true dual boiler machine, it allows simultaneous brewing and steaming, while the dedicated hot water outlet adds versatility.
The list of positives is extensive, particularly considering the price point.
While it might seem expensive initially, it’s actually one of the more affordable dual boiler machines available – and it performs well above its price bracket.
Temperature stability, crucial for consistent espresso, is outstanding.
This is achieved through dual PID systems in both the brew boiler and heated group head, plus a heat exchanger system similar to high-end commercial machines.
The level of control is impressive.
Users can fine-tune brew temperature across an unusually wide range and adjust pump parameters extensively.
Pre-infusion can be controlled from 0-90 seconds, with adjustable pressure – even allowing for advanced techniques like “Slayer shots.”
Despite being a dual boiler, warm-up time is surprisingly quick.
Steam power strikes an ideal balance – strong enough for efficiency but controlled enough for precision.
The commercial-standard 58mm portafilter ensures wide compatibility with accessories and upgrades.
Our main concern isn’t with the machine’s performance but its maintenance requirements.
While sold as a domestic appliance, it shares many characteristics with commercial machines – particularly regarding descaling.
Unlike simpler domestic machines, proper descaling requires draining the boilers, which can be challenging for users without technical experience.
We recommend either learning basic maintenance (plenty of online resources available) or establishing a relationship with a qualified espresso machine technician for annual servicing.
Using filtered or reverse osmosis water helps minimise scale buildup.
With proper care, these machines can easily last over a decade.
If you’ve jumped straight to this section, we’d encourage you to quickly review the previous sections – you might find that a different style of machine better suits your needs.
Automatic espresso machines combine a brewing unit and built-in grinder, offering true bean-to-cup convenience.
The choice between automatic and manual machines essentially comes down to convenience versus potential quality.
Manual machines can produce exceptional coffee once you’ve developed the necessary skills.
Automatic machines typically deliver consistently decent results with minimal learning curve.
If “decent” doesn’t sound appealing, consider Breville’s hybrid options (Barista Express Impress, Barista Touch Impress, Oracle or Oracle Touch) which offer better quality with automation.
For those choosing between budget automatic and manual machines, we generally recommend automatic.
Here’s why: budget manual machine users often rely on pre-ground coffee instead of investing in a grinder.
Automatic machine users typically use whole beans, which is fundamental to better coffee.
Let’s clarify some common terminology about automatic machines.
While terms like “automatic,” “fully automatic,” and “super automatic” are often used interchangeably, we distinguish between them:
Automatic espresso machines incorporate both an integrated grinder and brewing unit, automating the espresso-making process.
Super automatic or fully automatic machines (sometimes called one-touch cappuccino makers) automate the entire drink-making process, including milk frothing.
The key difference: while all automatic machines make espresso with one button press, only super automatics handle the complete beverage preparation automatically.
This distinction should help you identify which type best matches your needs.
As a dedicated espresso machine, this Tchibo model stands out in the market for its laser focus on crafting pure espresso shots.
What makes this machine unique is its specialised design that skips the milk frothing system entirely.
Most automatic machines we test come with either a Panarello steam wand or, in super-automatic models, a cappuccinatore system or carafe frother.
In our extensive testing, we found this machine perfect for coffee purists who prioritise espresso and Americano drinks.
The absence of a milk system makes this a brilliantly cost-effective choice for those who don’t need milk-based drinks.
During our daily testing, we noticed two minor drawbacks.
The drip tray and coffee grounds container require frequent emptying – something you’ll quickly adapt to in your routine.
We also discovered that some coffee grounds occasionally miss their target, requiring periodic deep cleaning.
Our team recommends using an air compressor outside every few months for thorough maintenance.
When our customers ask about the best entry-level automatic espresso machine, the Gaggia Brera consistently tops our recommendations.
After months of testing, we’re convinced it offers outstanding value with practical features that truly matter.
The compact dimensions impressed our team – just over 10 inches wide, nearly 18 inches deep, and about 12.5 inches tall.
While you’ll need overhead space for bean loading, the front-access water tank proves remarkably convenient.
What truly stands out is how this affordable machine matches the cup quality of pricier Gaggia models.
It uses identical grinder and brewing components as its expensive siblings, delivering exceptional value.
We particularly appreciate the Brera’s genuine double shot capability – a feature we specifically test for.
Unlike some competitors that merely increase water volume slightly, this machine properly doubles both coffee grounds and water volume.
The straightforward controls earned high marks in our testing – three bean buttons correspond to precise doses (7g, 9g, 11g).
Double shots require two quick presses, triggering two complete grinding and brewing cycles.
Steam and hot water functions operate via a simple dial system.
While we extensively tested the Brera as our daily machine, a few minor issues emerged.
The 40-ounce water tank, while not tiny, requires frequent refilling due to the purging process.
However, the front-access design makes this less problematic than top-loading models.
Our testing revealed that optimal espresso quality emerges after using several pounds of beans.
This ‘breaking-in’ period allows the machine to fine-tune its internal settings.
The maximum cup height of 4.5 inches might seem limiting, but we found easy workarounds.
For taller drinks, simply pull shots into a small cup first, then transfer to larger vessels.
Since it’s not a super-automatic, milk-based drinks require manual steaming and pouring.
This popular Philips model competes directly with its corporate cousin, the Gaggia Brera.
Our testing suggests its modern aesthetics and updated interface contribute to its growing popularity.
The generous 61-ounce water tank impressed our team during testing.
We appreciate the adjustable brew nozzle, accommodating cups up to six inches tall.
The 12 grind settings offer impressive versatility at this price point.
Three brew temperature options provide welcome customisation – unusual in this category.
Compared to the Brera’s 41-ounce tank, the larger capacity means less frequent refilling.
The intuitive controls mirror the Brera’s functionality while looking more contemporary.
During our testing, we noted higher noise levels from both grinder and pump operations.
While not the loudest we’ve tested, it’s notably above average in volume.
The predominantly plastic construction, while modern-looking, feels less premium than some competitors.
The all-plastic drip tray particularly stood out to our team as an area for potential improvement.
This model builds on the 1200 series platform, adding one-touch capability and a carafe milk system.
It retains all the positive features of the 1200 series while adding convenient one-touch drink preparation.
Perfect for those wanting automated milk-based beverages without manual intervention.
Despite the “Latte Go” branding, making a traditional latte requires some workarounds.
You’ll need to use the cappuccino button with manual timing adjustments for proper latte preparation.
Our testing revealed that the milk-first delivery doesn’t create a traditional cappuccino either.
The 3200 essentially mirrors the 2200, primarily differing in its expanded drink menu.
It maintains all the strengths of the 2200 series while adding latte macchiato capability.
The machine includes an iced coffee function, though we have some reservations about this feature.
Our testing revealed the iced coffee feature’s limitations.
While it adjusts brewing temperature and time, we found these modifications don’t significantly improve iced drinks.
The lower brewing temperature actually risks under-extraction, given automatic machines’ inherent extraction challenges.
We view this more as a marketing feature than a practical enhancement.
This premium model expands on the 2200’s capabilities with additional milk-based drink options.
It retains all the 2200’s strengths while adding one-touch latte macchiato and café au lait options.
The detailed settings menu impressed our team, offering drink counters and customisation options.
Water hardness adjustment, standby timing (15-180 minutes), temperature control, and sound settings provide welcome flexibility.
The dedicated hot milk function proves perfect for hot chocolate preparation.
Our price analysis suggests the upgrades might not justify the cost increase over the 2200 and 3200 models.
Internal components remain largely identical to its cheaper siblings.
As professional baristas and coffee experts, we’ve thoroughly tested each machine in this review.
Our hands-on experience reveals both the strengths and limitations of these popular models.
We encourage questions about specific machines or suggestions for future reviews in the comments section below.
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