Published 2026-09-03
We looked at 3 home espresso machines currently on the market. This is a neutral rundown of what each one offers -- pros and cons side by side, no single 'best pick' declared. Your right choice depends on whether you want a built-in grinder, how much counter space you have, and your budget.
Approx. price: $500
Key specs: - 3-second heat-up via ThermoJet heating system - Automatic milk texturing wand (also has manual mode) - 54mm portafilter, 15-bar pump, PID-style digital temperature control - Compact footprint, no built-in grinder
Pros: - Fastest heat-up of the three (~3 seconds) - Smallest countertop footprint of the three, no built-in grinder to house - Cheapest of the three, automatic milk texturing included at this price
Cons: - No built-in grinder, requires a separate grinder for fresh beans - Smaller water tank than the grinder-equipped models - Less shot-pulling customization than the two Barista-line machines
Approx. price: $300
Key specs: - Just 6 inches wide, slimmest of the three - 15-bar pump, 3-level temperature control - My LatteArt steam wand (manual milk frother) - Adjustable double drip tray for taller glasses
Pros: - Narrowest/most compact of the three, fits tight counters - Lowest price of the three with a steam wand included - Simple 3-level temperature control, less setup than full PID machines
Cons: - Manual milk frothing only, no automatic texturing like the Bambino Plus - No built-in grinder - Smaller boiler than the two Breville machines, slower for back-to-back drinks
Approx. price: $800
Key specs: - Built-in conical burr grinder, 25 grind settings - Assisted tamping: 7-degree 'barista twist' with consistent 10kg pressure - 54mm portafilter, 15-bar pump, PID temperature control - 2-liter water tank, built-in bean hopper
Pros: - Only one of the three with a built-in grinder, bean-to-cup in one machine - Assisted/guided tamping reduces a common beginner failure point - Largest water tank of the three, fewer refills for multiple drinks
Cons: - Most expensive of the three by a wide margin - Largest footprint of the three, needs more counter and clearance space for the hopper - More parts (grinder + hopper) to clean and maintain than the simpler Bambino/Dedica
Prices and specs collected from manufacturer/retailer listings and public reviews; always confirm current price and stock on the linked page before buying.