Espresso at home: two machines worth your counter space
What each one does well, and who should skip it.
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The right espresso machine depends less on specs and more on your mornings: how much counter space you have, whether you drink milk drinks, and how much you want to tinker before work.
Breville Bambino Plus
It heats in seconds and has an automatic steam wand that textures milk for you. If your drink has milk in it and you don't want weeks of practice, start here. You'll need a separate grinder that can grind fine enough for espresso.
Breville Barista Express
The grinder is built in, so you don't need to buy one separately or find room for it. A sensible all-in-one if you are starting from zero and want one machine on the counter.
Weigh your shots
Whichever machine you choose, a scale is what turns a guess into a recipe. Weigh the coffee going in and the espresso coming out, and adjust one variable at a time.
At a glance
| Product | Best for | Price tier |
|---|---|---|
| Breville Bambino Plus | Milk drinks, small counters | $$$ |
| Breville Barista Express | All-in-one, bean to cup | $$$$ |
| Greater Goods Coffee Scale | Dialing in recipes | $ |
FAQ
Do I need a separate grinder?
With the Bambino Plus, yes. With the Barista Express, the grinder is built in.
Is home espresso hard to learn?
The basics take a few mornings. Consistency comes from fresh beans, a scale and changing one thing at a time.
Which is better for lattes?
The Bambino Plus, because its automatic steam wand handles the milk for you.
