Breville Barista Express
An all-in-one machine: grind, dose, tamp and steam on one countertop footprint. It is the classic first 'serious' espresso machine for a reason.
Updated 2026 · 19 machines compared
The Best Home Espresso Machines of 2026
We compared 19 popular espresso machines on the features that matter: built-in grinder, milk frothing, ease of use and price tier, so you can pick the right one in five minutes.
Who are you?
Which espresso machine fits you?
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll suggest a machine from this page, based on its features. No email needed.
Our quick picks
Breville Bambino Plus
Tiny footprint, heats up in seconds, and the automatic steam wand textures milk for you. Pair it with a decent grinder or pre-ground coffee.
Gaggia Classic Pro
A long-running Italian design with a commercial-size portafilter and a huge community of owners and upgrade parts.
De'Longhi Dedica
About 15 cm wide, so it fits where nothing else will. Simple controls and quick heat-up make it a friendly starter machine.
De'Longhi Stilosa
A no-frills entry machine with a manual frother. It will not win awards for precision, but it gets you started cheaply.
Philips 3200 LatteGo
Load beans and milk, press a button. The two-part LatteGo milk system has no tubes, which makes it one of the easier super-automatics to clean.
Budget
📖 Buying guides →With grinder
📖 Buying guides →Breville Barista ExpressBest overallPhilips 3200 LatteGoBest push-buttonBreville Barista ProBest upgrade all-in-oneBreville Barista TouchBest touchscreenDe'Longhi La Specialista ArteBest mid-range grinder comboNinja Luxe Café PremierBest 3-in-1Breville Barista Express ImpressEasiest all-in-oneBreville Barista Touch ImpressMost guided all-in-one
For lattes
📖 Buying guides →Breville Bambino PlusBest for lattesPhilips 3200 LatteGoBest push-buttonBreville Barista TouchBest touchscreenNinja Luxe Café PremierBest 3-in-1Breville Barista Touch ImpressMost guided all-in-oneDe'Longhi Magnifica EvoBean-to-cup with milk carafeJura E8Premium one-touchDe'Longhi RiveliaTwo bean hoppers
Small kitchens
📖 Buying guides →Automatic
📖 Buying guides →✨ More free tools
⚖️ Compare any two machines📏 Will it fit under your kitchen cabinets?🖨️ Printable true-size template🔍 Search the site
Keep exploring
How to choose an espresso machine
1. Decide how hands-on you want to be
Semi-automatic machines (Breville, Gaggia, De'Longhi) let you control grind, dose and timing. They make better coffee once you learn. Super-automatic machines like the Philips 3200 do everything with one button.
2. Budget for the grinder
Fresh, evenly ground beans matter more than the machine. If your pick has no grinder, set aside money for a burr grinder, or choose a model with one built in.
3. Think about milk drinks
If you mostly drink lattes, an automatic frother (Bambino Plus, Philips LatteGo) saves time. Manual steam wands give more control and are needed for latte art.
4. Measure your counter
Slim machines like the Dedica fit in tight spaces. All-in-ones with grinders need more room and clearance under cupboards for the bean hopper.
How we pick
Our recommendations are based on manufacturer specifications, design features and patterns in published owner feedback. We do not accept payment from brands for placement. Read how we make money.
Buying guides
- Best Espresso Machines for Beginners
- Best Espresso Machines with a Built-In Grinder
- Best Budget Espresso Machines
- Best Espresso Machines for Lattes and Cappuccinos
- Best Bean-to-Cup Espresso Machines
- Best Espresso Machines for Small Kitchens
- Best Espresso Machines for Latte Art
- Espresso Machines That Fit Under Kitchen Cabinets
- Best Espresso Machines for Families and Busy Households
- Best Premium Espresso Machines
- Best Mid-Range Espresso Machines
- Espresso Machines That Heat Up in Seconds
- Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines
- Breville Barista Express vs Breville Barista Pro
- Breville Barista Express vs Breville Bambino Plus
- Breville Barista Express vs Breville Barista Express Impress
- Breville Bambino vs Breville Bambino Plus
FAQ
Do I need a separate grinder?
Unless the machine has one built in (like the Barista Express or Philips 3200), a burr grinder makes the biggest difference to taste. Pre-ground coffee works, but it goes stale quickly.
Semi-automatic or super-automatic?
Semi-automatic machines give you control and better shots once you learn. Super-automatics grind, brew and froth at the press of a button, trading some quality for convenience.
What does '15 bar' mean?
It is the pump's maximum pressure. Espresso is typically brewed around 9 bar, so a higher number on the box is not a quality indicator by itself.
Why don't you list prices?
Amazon prices change constantly. Click any 'Check price on Amazon' button to see today's price and current customer reviews.