Best espresso makers for home use

Start here: Breville Barista Express. It's the machine most home baristas end up with because it does the whole job in one box — grinder, steam wand and a proper 9-bar pump — so you learn to dial in a real shot without buying three separate things. The trade-off is a learning curve and some counter space.

Who the others suit:

• Breville Bambino Plus — small, fast to heat, and its automatic milk texturing makes flat whites easy; pair it with a separate grinder.
• Gaggia Classic Pro E24 — for tinkerers who want a simple, repairable, old-school machine and don't mind learning by hand.
• Ninja Luxe Café — the friendliest all-in-one if you want guided grinding and milk at the push of a button.
• De'Longhi Magnifica Start / Gaggia Anima Prestige — bean-to-cup: one button, no technique, best for households that just want coffee fast.
• KitchenAid KF8 / De'Longhi Rivelia — premium automatics with screens and saved recipes.
• De'Longhi Stilosa — the cheapest way to try real espresso before committing.