← Best of the Best: all the guides
The best espresso machines for every budget
The Breville Bambino Plus is the best overall for fast, consistent espresso and easy milk frothing; the other picks cost less.
| Best overall | Best value | Cheapest that's still good | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine | Breville Bambino Espresso Machine | De'Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine (EC260BK) |
| Price | about $400 | about $249 | about $100 |
| Why | It combines strong espresso performance with a compact design, quick warm-up, and automatic milk frothing, making it an especially approachable choice. Food Network named it best overall after testing 15 machines, and other recent coverage also recommends it. | It offers much of the core espresso performance of the Plus for less, and WIRED recommends it as an entry-level machine while Tom’s Guide gave it a five-star review. It is a good middle ground if you are willing to steam milk yourself. | Tom’s Guide praised its affordability, espresso, and powerful steam wand, and listed an Amazon price of about $100 in its May 2026 budget roundup. It is the lowest-priced pick here that recent reviewers still recommend. |
| Good to know | Its portafilter can drip, and the automatic frother may over-foam milk. | Milk steaming is manual, so beginners may need practice to get smooth foam. | Its lightweight, plasticky build feels less substantial than the Breville machines. |
| See on Amazon | See on Amazon | See on Amazon |
picture by AIIt combines strong espresso performance with a compact design, quick warm-up, and automatic milk frothing, making it an especially approachable choice. Food Network named it best overall after testing 15 machines, and other recent coverage also recommends it.
Good to know: Its portafilter can drip, and the automatic frother may over-foam milk.
See on Amazon
picture by AIIt offers much of the core espresso performance of the Plus for less, and WIRED recommends it as an entry-level machine while Tom’s Guide gave it a five-star review. It is a good middle ground if you are willing to steam milk yourself.
Good to know: Milk steaming is manual, so beginners may need practice to get smooth foam.
See on Amazon
picture by AITom’s Guide praised its affordability, espresso, and powerful steam wand, and listed an Amazon price of about $100 in its May 2026 budget roundup. It is the lowest-priced pick here that recent reviewers still recommend.
Good to know: Its lightweight, plasticky build feels less substantial than the Breville machines.
See on AmazonDanilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.
What matters
Decide whether you want to learn hands-on espresso-making or prefer automatic milk frothing. Most of these machines need a separate grinder, which affects the total cost and shot quality.
Who this is for
These picks suit people making espresso and milk drinks at home, from beginners to budget-conscious hands-on users. If you want coffee at the press of a button with no separate grinder, consider a super-automatic machine instead.
The picks, one by one
Best overall: Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
It combines strong espresso performance with a compact design, quick warm-up, and automatic milk frothing, making it an especially approachable choice. Food Network named it best overall after testing 15 machines, and other recent coverage also recommends it. Food Network tested usability, extraction, taste, temperature, pressure, and milk texture, and praised its milk-sensing frother and quick readiness. The machine rinses its wand after frothing and has a removable 2-liter water tank. It does not include a grinder, so budget for one if you want to use fresh beans. Skip it if you prefer a fully hands-off, one-button machine.
Good to know: Its portafilter can drip, and the automatic frother may over-foam milk.
See on AmazonBest value: Breville Bambino Espresso Machine
It offers much of the core espresso performance of the Plus for less, and WIRED recommends it as an entry-level machine while Tom’s Guide gave it a five-star review. It is a good middle ground if you are willing to steam milk yourself. WIRED highlights its PID temperature control and compact footprint, and says it pairs well with a separate grinder. Tom’s Guide notes its customizable pre-infusion and capable steam wand. Unlike the Plus, it does not automate milk frothing, so making lattes takes more practice. Choose this over the Plus if saving money matters more than push-button milk convenience.
Good to know: Milk steaming is manual, so beginners may need practice to get smooth foam.
See on AmazonCheapest that's still good: De'Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine (EC260BK)
Tom’s Guide praised its affordability, espresso, and powerful steam wand, and listed an Amazon price of about $100 in its May 2026 budget roundup. It is the lowest-priced pick here that recent reviewers still recommend. This is a basic manual machine, so expect to handle the brewing and milk steaming yourself. Tom’s Guide reported making good espresso and even latte art with it, while noting its inexpensive, plasticky feel. It is a sensible starter if you already have, or are willing to buy, a suitable grinder. Skip it if you want automatic frothing or more premium construction.
Good to know: Its lightweight, plasticky build feels less substantial than the Breville machines.
See on AmazonHow we chose
Recent reviews tested espresso flavor and consistency, temperature, usability, and milk steaming; some reviewers made dozens of drinks over weeks, while others tested multiple models under more standardized conditions. Test methods and durations varied by publication, so the results are not directly Danilli read the reviews and tests listed below and compared current prices; it does not take money from brands to pick a product.
Sources
Not sure which one is for you?
Ask Danilli anything about these, free. Tell it what you need and your budget and it says which one fits you.
Written with Danilli's AI from the sources above and refreshed about once a month; prices change, check Amazon for today's price. Danilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.