Best espresso machines for home use

Top pick: Breville Bambino Plus — the easiest way into real espresso at home. It heats up in seconds, pulls a proper 9-bar shot, and its automatic steam wand textures milk for you, so lattes don't need practice. Pair it with a decent burr grinder.

Who the others suit:

• Gaggia Classic Pro E24 — tinkerers who want a classic, repairable machine and don't mind learning to steam milk by hand.
• De'Longhi La Specialista Touch — anyone who wants the grinder built in and guided, less fussy dosing.
• Gaggia Brera / Anima Prestige — bean-to-cup drinkers: load beans, press a button, get espresso or a milk drink.
• Gaggia Carezza De LUXE — a simple, budget-friendly first machine with a steam wand.
• Ninja Luxe Cafe — households that want espresso, coffee and cold brew from one machine.
• Nespresso VertuoPlus — pod convenience over fresh-ground espresso.