Best Espresso Machines for Beginners (2026 Buying Guide)
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At first glance, espresso machines can look pretty intimidating, especially if you're new to the world of home espresso.
There are all kinds of knobs, buttons, and settings for things like grind coarseness, grind amount, and whether you want a single or double shot. Even the milk frother can seem like a challenge at first. The right machine can make understanding all of those variables a lot easier.
Whether you eventually want to produce barista-quality lattes or you just want to cut down on weekly trips to the coffee shop, here's a list of top picks that fit a range of beginner needs without breaking the bank.
You don't need to be an expert on espresso machines, and you definitely don't need to empty your wallet to get started. In this article, you'll find three of the best beginner espresso machines priced roughly between $100 and $180. These machines are great for entry-level espresso enthusiasts who want to learn the ropes without all the bells and whistles of pricier models.
Best Starter Espresso Machines
Top Pick: De'Longhi EC155 15 Bar Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
De'Longhi is a well-established brand, and the EC155 is a great entry-level machine that eases new brewers in without throwing them into the deep end. Pump-driven machines are generally the way to go for home espresso, but most are either expensive or difficult to use. The EC155 avoids both problems, letting you pace yourself and learn the fundamentals before moving on to a more advanced machine.
It features the recommended 15 bars of pump pressure, a swivel jet frothing arm for lattes and cappuccinos, self-priming operation so you're not waiting around for the machine to warm up, a cup warmer, and an easily removable water tank and drip pan for quick cleanup. You can also switch between pulling shots with ground beans or popping in a coffee pod, which is a nice bit of flexibility for a beginner machine.
It's also one of the most reviewed espresso machines on Amazon by a wide margin, with a track record that reflects just how many people have started their home espresso journey on this exact model.
Key features:
- 15-bar pump pressure with a stainless steel boiler
- Swivel jet frother for lattes and cappuccinos
- Dual-function filter holder for ground coffee or pods
- Self-priming operation and a removable 35 oz. water tank
Best Value: Compact 20-Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother
This compact machine punches above its price with 20 bars of pump pressure, higher than either De'Longhi pick here, along with a built-in milk frother and a generous 44-ounce water tank that cuts down on refills. It's a good option if you want to learn the basics of tamping and frothing without a big upfront investment.
Key features:
- 20-bar pump pressure
- Built-in milk frother
- Large 44 oz. water tank
- Compact footprint suited to small kitchens
Best for Growing Skills: De'Longhi ECP3420 15-Bar Pump Espresso Machine
The ECP3420 shares many of the EC155's core features, including 15-bar pump pressure, self-priming, and a dual-function filter holder for ground coffee or pods, but adds a larger 37-ounce water reservoir and an adjustable frothing wand with a dial to control heat level. The portafilter is sturdy, and pulled shots come out with a solid, frothy crema.
Key features:
- 15-bar pump pressure with self-priming operation
- Adjustable frothing wand with dial heat control
- 37 oz. removable water tank
- Dual-function filter holder for ground coffee or pods
Conclusion
Home brewing takes a bit of skill-building and a basic understanding of the espresso process, but the right machine makes that process a lot smoother while still giving you enough customization to make café-worthy drinks at home. Any of these three picks is a solid, low-risk way to start.
