Choose with confidence

Find the right espresso machine for your home.

Independent espresso machine reviews and buying guides to help you choose a machine, grinder and setup that fit your budget and daily routine.

Explore buying guides →Start with the essentials

Espresso machine preparing coffee with a cup below the portafilter

Photo: Jakub Żerdzicki / Unsplash

Start here

How do you want to make espresso?

The right choice depends on your time, appetite for learning and total setup budget.

Hands-on

Control grinding, dosing and brewing. Learn the craft with a separate grinder.

Assisted

Enjoy hands-on control with features that simplify the morning routine.

Bean-to-cup

Prioritise convenience, with grinding and brewing in one machine.

Buy the whole setup

Think beyond the machine.

A great machine can disappoint when the grinder, accessories or upkeep are overlooked. Our guides consider the complete purchase.

Explore the essentials →

Espresso machineCore choice
Suitable grinderEssential for manual
Useful accessoriesChoose selectively
Beans and maintenanceOngoing costs

Editorial guides

Good questions, clear answers.

Manual espresso machine with portafilter and tamping setup

START HERE

How to choose an espresso machine

A practical path from your preferred coffee and daily effort to the right category.

Read the guide →

EXPLAINER

Machine types explained

Manual, semi-automatic, assisted and bean-to-cup in plain language.

Read the guide →

Chrome espresso machine and separate coffee grinder on a countertop

UK BUDGET GUIDE

What will the full setup cost?

Plan for the grinder, beans and ongoing costs as well as the machine.

Read the guide →

GRINDER GUIDE

Choose a grinder that fits

Understand adjustment, dosing and the space your daily routine needs.

Read the guide →

Espresso being extracted into a cup from a portafilter machine

BREWING BASICS

Dial in your first shot

A measured, taste-led route through dose, yield and grind.

Read the guide →

Close view of an espresso machine at a coffee station

OWNERSHIP GUIDE

Keep your machine in shape

Know the difference between coffee oils, milk residue and scale.

Read the guide →

Machine buying advice

Start with a real model.

Research-based profiles and a direct comparison. We distinguish published specifications from hands-on tests. Browse all reviews →

MACHINE REVIEW

Sage Bambino

A compact hands-on machine with a manual steam wand.

Explore the guide →

MACHINE REVIEW

Sage Bambino Plus

A compact portafilter machine with automatic or manual milk.

Explore the guide →

SIDE-BY-SIDE

Bambino vs Bambino Plus

Compare milk controls, setup costs and current UK and US prices.

Explore the guide →

BEAN-TO-CUP

DeLonghi Magnifica Evo

Convenience, milk maintenance and distinct UK and US variants.

Explore the guide →

GRINDER REVIEW

Baratza Encore ESP

A separate espresso grinder and its practical daily workflow.

Explore the guide →