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BrevilleImage coming soon
Breville Barista Express Editor’s pick
Beginners seeking a compact machine with integrated grinder.
Buy this if you want an all-in-one beginner semi-auto with grinder.
See specs →Best by need · Espresso Machines
Best espresso machines, for beginners.
Gear that's forgiving to learn on: fewer settings to get wrong, and good results without a long dial-in. These are the 5 espresso machines in our catalog that fit, editor's picks first.
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BrevilleImage coming soon
Breville Barista Express Impress Editor’s pick
Beginners wanting automated puck prep on a compact machine.
Buyers at beginner level who prioritize easier puck prep may choose this over the Barista Pro.
See specs →03
BrevilleImage coming soon
Breville Barista Pro Editor’s pick
Beginners who want compact size and quick startup without moving to higher-priced models.
Beginners should consider the Breville Barista Pro for its fast heat-up and included PID control.
See specs →04
Flair EspressoImage coming soon
Flair Classic Editor’s pick
Beginners who want a manual lever espresso maker with no power cord.
Buy the Flair Classic if you want real manual-lever espresso with no power cord and an all-metal build.
See specs →05
LelitImage coming soon
Lelit Anna
Beginners seeking the lowest-cost Lelit single boiler with PID control.
The Anna suits beginners who want a compact Lelit with brass boiler and PID.
See specs →Specs side by side
| Spec | Breville Barista Express | Breville Barista Express Impress | Breville Barista Pro | Flair Classic | Lelit Anna |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $$ $300–700 | $$$ $700–1,500 | $$ $300–700 | $ Under $300 | $$ $300–700 |
| Machine type | Semi-automatic | Semi-automatic | Semi-automatic | Manual lever | Semi-automatic |
| Boiler / heating | Thermocoil | Thermocoil | Thermoblock | None | Single |
| PID temperature control | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Built-in grinder | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Portafilter size | 54 mm | 54 mm | 54 mm | 40 mm | 57 mm |
| Pressure gauge | Yes | Yes | — | Yes | Yes |
| Flow control | Yes | — | — | Yes | — |
| Can be plumbed in | No | No | — | No | No |
| Needs mains power | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Water tank | 2 L | 2 L | 2 L | 0.1 L | 2.7 L |
| Warm-up time | 1 min | 1 min | — | — | — |
| Width | 40.4 cm | 42.2 cm | 40.9 cm | 15.9 cm | 22.9 cm |
| Depth | 33.3 cm | 36.6 cm | 35.1 cm | 31.8 cm | 43.2 cm |
| Height | 31.5 cm | 31 cm | 33.3 cm | 25.4 cm | 34.3 cm |
| Weight | 10 kg | 10.3 kg | 9.5 kg | 2.3 kg | 7.5 kg |
| Voltage | 110-120 V | 120 V | 120 V | — | 230 V / 120 V (varies by model) |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years | 3 years | 1 year |
Head-to-head
Breville Barista Express vs Breville Barista ProCompare →Breville Barista Express vs Breville Barista Express ImpressCompare →Breville Barista Express Impress vs Breville Barista ProCompare →Breville Barista Express vs Lelit AnnaCompare →Breville Barista Pro vs Lelit AnnaCompare →Breville Barista Express Impress vs Lelit AnnaCompare →