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10 Best Espresso Machine For Beginner 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine with Auto Milk Frother, Built-in Grinder & Auto-Clean Function - For Latte, Cappuccino, Americano, Iced Coffee, ECAM29084SB , Silver

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,402
Grinder
Milk Frothing
Water Reservoir

Most important from
2354 reviews

Grinder
The built-in grinder is fast and efficient, holding a generous amount of beans, though it is somewhat noisy during operation but only briefly.
Milk Frothing
A quick rinse cycle and alerts for cleaning the milk spout simplify maintenance and help keep the machine hygienic without hassle.
Water Reservoir
The removable water reservoir and dishwasher-safe parts make refilling and cleaning straightforward, supporting daily use convenience.

The De'Longhi Magnifica Evo is a fully automatic espresso machine designed with beginners in mind but also offers features that coffee lovers will appreciate as they learn. It uses a built-in conical burr grinder with 13 grind settings, allowing easy adjustment of the coffee grind to match different beans and tastes without complicated settings. The machine operates at the right pressure for espresso extraction, ensuring good coffee results every time.

One of its standout features is the LatteCrema system, which automatically froths milk and milk alternatives to create creamy cappuccinos and lattes with minimal effort. This is ideal for users who want café-style drinks at home without mastering manual frothing techniques. The water reservoir is removable, making refills and cleaning easier, and many parts like the milk carafe and drip tray are dishwasher safe to simplify maintenance.

With seven one-touch recipes, including iced coffee and the ability to save favorite custom drinks, this machine offers convenience and flexibility. The touchscreen interface is user-friendly. The machine is relatively heavy and larger in size, which may require consideration for countertop space. Regular maintenance is necessary to keep it functioning smoothly.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,402
Grinder
Milk Frothing
Water Reservoir

Most important from
2354 reviews

Grinder
The built-in grinder is fast and efficient, holding a generous amount of beans, though it is somewhat noisy during operation but only briefly.
Milk Frothing
A quick rinse cycle and alerts for cleaning the milk spout simplify maintenance and help keep the machine hygienic without hassle.
Water Reservoir
The removable water reservoir and dishwasher-safe parts make refilling and cleaning straightforward, supporting daily use convenience.
#2

Breville Oracle Jet Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

The Breville Oracle Jet is a fully automatic espresso machine designed to bring café-quality coffee to your home, making it a strong option for beginners who want professional results without complex manual steps. It features a built-in Baratza burr grinder with 45 settings, which automatically grinds, doses, and tamps coffee beans, simplifying the process of getting the right coffee dose. The machine controls water pressure and temperature precisely, using a fast-heating ThermoJet system, ensuring consistent extraction and rich flavor.

One standout feature is the Auto Milq system that creates smooth microfoam with adjustable milk textures and temperatures for different milk types like dairy or plant-based, which is great for learning latte art or specialty drinks. The espresso shots are pulled using a 58mm stainless steel portafilter, common in professional machines, which supports quality and durability. The machine’s touchscreen interface allows easy selection of drinks, including cold brew and cold espresso, expanding your coffee options. It also offers helpful barista guidance to improve your grind settings if shots are off, which can assist beginners in refining their skills.

The Oracle Jet is quite large and heavy, which might be challenging for kitchens with limited space. Its price and complexity may also be more than some beginners need if you prefer a simpler, more manual experience or have a tight budget. Cleaning is straightforward but still requires regular maintenance because of its advanced features and integrated grinder. For beginners seeking a hands-off, versatile machine that can grow with their coffee skills and offers precise control for specialty drinks, the Breville Oracle Jet is an excellent choice. However, those wanting a very simple machine with fewer features might find it overwhelming.

#3

De'Longhi Magnifica Start Automatic Espresso Machine with Auto Milk Frother & Built in Grinder - 5 One-Touch Recipes, Easy-to-Clean, Home Barista Coffee Maker for Lattes, Cappuccino, Iced Coffee

Rating
8.5
Grinder
Milk Frothing
Water Reservoir

Most important from
2354 reviews

Grinder
The stainless steel grinder was a great choice over the ceramic grinder, and the coffee brewed is the best I’ve ever had.
Milk Frothing
The milk container being dishwasher-friendly adds to the convenience of cleaning.
Water Reservoir
The maintenance is not excessive; you simply need to add water and empty the tray regularly.
Ease of Cleaning
After using the machine for 30 days, the descaling process was simple and took only about 30 minutes.

The De'Longhi Magnifica Start Espresso & Coffee Machine is a versatile and user-friendly option for beginners looking to make a variety of coffee drinks at home. This fully automatic machine offers 5 one-touch recipes, allowing you to easily brew espresso, coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, and hot water with just the press of a button.

The built-in conical burr grinder with 13 settings ensures that your coffee beans are optimally ground for the best flavor extraction, catering to different bean types and preferences. The LatteCrema System adds convenience by automatically frothing milk or milk alternatives to a creamy consistency, and the milk carafe can be stored in the fridge when not in use to keep the milk fresh.

Cleaning is straightforward with removable and dishwasher-safe parts, making maintenance hassle-free. The machine's compact design and touch screen interface make it easy to fit into most kitchen spaces and simple to operate. However, it is worth noting that the machine weighs nearly 20 pounds, which might be on the heavier side for some users. Additionally, while the machine is designed for ease of use, the extensive options and settings may require a short learning curve for complete beginners. For its price and features, it offers a comprehensive coffee-making experience suitable for most beginners and coffee enthusiasts.

Rating
8.5
Grinder
Milk Frothing
Water Reservoir

Most important from
2354 reviews

Grinder
The stainless steel grinder was a great choice over the ceramic grinder, and the coffee brewed is the best I’ve ever had.
Milk Frothing
The milk container being dishwasher-friendly adds to the convenience of cleaning.
Water Reservoir
The maintenance is not excessive; you simply need to add water and empty the tray regularly.
Ease of Cleaning
After using the machine for 30 days, the descaling process was simple and took only about 30 minutes.

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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