FIVEBESTS / Kitchen / Coffee / GUIDE 13
Home espresso machines.
Meet your five.
Decide how much of the process you want to control. Grinding, puck preparation, milk texture and cleaning are separate parts of the workflow.
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De'Longhi Dedica DeLuxe (EC685)
A slim manual espresso setup
The EC685 Dedica DeLuxe is a compact manual espresso machine with an adjustable frothing wand. It lets you prepare espresso and milk drinks without a large machine body.
Before you choose
Coffee preparation and milk texture require your input. Budget for appropriate grinding equipment and confirm EC685 rather than newer Dedica variants.
Check the selected model, bundle, condition, seller and current availability. Affiliate link.
Source checked 2026-10-13.
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Breville Bambino Plus (BES500)
A compact separate-grinder setup
The Bambino Plus is Breville's BES500 compact espresso model. It belongs on a shortlist for people who want to choose their grinder separately.
Before you choose
Do not confuse it with the BES450 Bambino. Read the model manual for milk controls, maintenance and included baskets, and include a grinder in your budget.
Check the selected model, bundle, condition, seller and current availability. Affiliate link.
Source checked 2026-10-13.
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Gaggia Classic E24 (RI9380/46)
Take charge of your espresso
The E24 offers a 58mm portafilter, a steam wand and a three-way solenoid valve in a steel housing. It is a hands-on espresso option for people who want to learn the process.
Before you choose
An espresso-capable grinder is a separate purchase. Expect to dial in grind, dose and milk technique; verify the E24 model rather than an older Evo listing.
Listing and configuration checked October 16, 2026. Confirm the selected model, bundle, condition, seller and current availability. Affiliate link.
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Breville Barista Touch Impress (BES881)
Guided espresso preparation
The Touch Impress provides on-screen guidance, feedback through its Impress puck system and automatic milk-texturing assistance.
Before you choose
Convenience adds machine complexity and maintenance. Match BES881: Barista Touch and Barista Express Impress are separate models with different controls.
Check the selected model, bundle, condition, seller and current availability. Affiliate link.
Source checked 2026-10-13.
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De'Longhi Eletta Explore
Automatic hot and cold milk drinks
The Eletta Explore family offers automatic coffee preparation with separate hot- and cold-foam systems. Selected versions also add cold-extraction features.
Before you choose
Check the exact ECAM model, included carafes and cold-brew capability. Frequent milk-system cleaning is part of ownership, even with an automatic machine.
Check the selected model, bundle, condition, seller and current availability. Affiliate link.
Source checked 2026-10-13.
Make the final call.
Include a suitable grinder where required. Water care, descaling and milk-system cleaning affect everyday ownership; pump-pressure marketing alone does not rank espresso quality.
Check the exact model, current price and return policy with the seller. Send a correction ↗