Best espresso machines under $700 for home use

Top pick: Breville Barista Express — the best all-rounder for a home setup. It has a built-in conical burr grinder, so you grind straight into the portafilter, plus a steam wand for lattes and a 4.7 rating from owners. It's the machine most people should start with.

Who the others suit:

• Gaggia Classic Pro E24 — for tinkerers who want a classic, repairable manual machine and already own a good grinder.
• Breville Bambino Plus — small kitchens and quick milk drinks; automatic steaming, but no grinder.
• Gaggia Brera / Anima Prestige — one-touch, bean-to-cup convenience if you'd rather not learn puck prep.
• Gaggia Carezza De LUXE — a simple, low-cost first machine.

Budget for a decent grinder if you skip the Barista Express.