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1. Gaggia Classic Pro
If you’re looking for a high-quality espresso machine that won’t break the bank, the Gaggia Classic Pro is an excellent choice. The Classic Pro is a beginner-friendly, semi-automatic espresso machine that’s easy to use and produces delicious, rich espresso shots.
The Gaggia Classic Pro is a mid-range espresso machine that’s perfect for beginners. It has a classic design and is built with high-quality materials. The machine’s durable construction means that it can last for years with proper maintenance. If you’re handy, this machine is very repairable, with all parts widely available for reasonable prices.
This machine has a 58mm commercial-style portafilter and a 3-way solenoid valve, which helps to reduce the mess and hassle of brewing espresso. It also has a powerful 15-bar pump and a high quality commercial-style steam wand that can produce microfoam for latte art. The 58mm portafilter is a common size for quality machines, so any accessories that you purchase will still be useful if you ever decide to upgrade. The larger size also helps with producing a more consistant shot of espresso.
The machine does require a bit of a learning curve to get the perfect shot of espresso, particularly because it does not come with a PID controller for ensuring the boiler temperature says at an exact temperature. Most machines with a comparable price range will not come with this feature, but you can always purchase a kit to add one in after if you would like.
Overall, the Gaggia Classic Pro is a fantastic beginner espresso machine that produces high-quality shots of espresso. It’s built to last and is easy to use, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to start making espresso at home. While it does require a bit of practice, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to produce delicious espresso shots that rival those from your favorite coffee shop. And that is why it is our top recommended choice for beginners.
2. Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact and user-friendly espresso machine that is perfect for beginners who want to enjoy delicious espresso-based drinks in the comfort of their own home. With a sleek and modern design, the Bambino Plus is an attractive addition to any kitchen and offers a range of features that make it a great choice for coffee lovers.
One of the key benefits of this machine is its compact size. Measuring just 7.7 inches wide and 12.6 inches deep, it is small enough to fit in even the most cramped kitchen spaces. Despite its small size, the Bambino Plus packs a punch when it comes to performance, delivering rich and flavorful espresso every time.
The Bambino Plus also features a number of user-friendly features that make it easy for beginners to get started with home espresso brewing. For example, it has a 54mm portafilter with a low-pressure pre-infusion system that ensures even extraction and crema formation. Additionally, the machine has a built-in automatic steam wand that makes it easy to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos. If automatic frothing isn’t something that you prefer, than you can take a look at the Breville Bambino, which is similar in quality but lower in price.
One of the big selling points is its fast heat-up time. With a powerful 1600W heating element, the machine can reach optimal brewing temperature in just three seconds. This means you can have your morning espresso in your hand in no time at all, no more waiting around for a boiler powered machine to heat up. Along with this, is the electronic PID temperature control which ensures accurate and stable temperatures when pulling your shots. This is a great feature that is commonly only found in more expensive machines, and is missing from both the Gaggia and Rancilio machines mentioned.
Another great feature of the Bambino Plus is its intuitive interface. The machine has a simple, three-button control panel that allows you to choose between single and double shots of espresso, as well as program the machine to dispense a specific amount of water. The buttons are backlit, making them easy to read even in low light conditions.
Overall, the Breville Bambino Plus is an excellent choice for beginners who want to enjoy delicious espresso drinks at home, without having to put much thought into it. Its compact size, user-friendly features, and fast heat-up time make it a great option for those who are new to home espresso brewing. This machine is a close runner up, and is probably the best choice for someone that just wants a simple, high quality espresso without diving into the details.
3. Rancilio Silva
The Rancilio Silvia espresso machine is a popular choice among home baristas who are looking for a high-quality machine that is capable of producing cafe-quality espresso. This machine is designed for those who are serious about their espresso and want to take their brewing skills to the next level. This is my favourite machine of the group, but unfortunately is also likely at the highest price point among them which holds it back from being my top recommendation.
The Silvia is a semi-automatic machine that features a commercial-grade group head and portafilter, as well as a 58mm tamper. It also has a single boiler system that allows for simultaneous brewing and steaming, making it a great choice for those who like to create latte art. The boiler is 3 times the size of the Gaggia classic (0.3L vs 0.1L) which will allow for a more constant temperature as you pull your shot.
One of the unique features of the Silvia is its impressive build quality. The machine is constructed from high-quality stainless steel, which not only looks great but also ensures that the machine will last for many years. Additionally, the Silvia’s professional-grade components ensure that it will produce consistent, high-quality espresso every time.
While the Silvia is a great machine for those who are serious about their espresso, it may not be the best choice for beginners. The machine does not have a built-in grinder, so users will need to purchase a separate grinder in order to grind their beans. Additionally, the Silvia requires a bit of a learning curve in order to master the brewing process.
Overall, the Rancilio Silvia is an excellent choice for those who are serious about their espresso and are willing to put in the time and effort to improve their brewing skills. The Silvia requires a bit of a learning curve in order to master the process, and without a built in PID, may have some issues with temperature fluctuations. While it may be a bit more challenging for someone brand new, it is a great investment for those who are looking for a high-quality machine that will last for many years, and will give you the ability to learn and improve your espresso skills.
4. Breville Infuser (BES840XL)
For beginners looking to start brewing their own espresso at home, the Breville Infuser is a great option to consider. With its impressive set of features and user-friendly design, this machine is sure to help any coffee lover make a great cup of espresso.
The Breville Infuser is a semi-automatic espresso machine that features a 15-bar Italian pump and a pre-infusion function that helps to ensure even extraction. It has a 61-ounce water tank and a built-in PID controller to help keep brew temperature stable. The machine also includes a steam wand for milk frothing and a hot water dispenser for Americanos and tea.
One of the key features of the Breville Infuser that makes it a great option for beginners is its user-friendly design. The machine features intuitive controls and easy-to-read displays that make it easy to adjust the settings and create your perfect cup of espresso. The pre-infusion function also helps to ensure that the extraction process is even, producing a great-tasting shot every time.
What makes it unique One standout feature of the Breville Infuser is its programmable shot volume, which allows you to customize the amount of espresso that is dispensed. This makes it easy to consistently create your favorite drink, without the need for manual timing. The machine also features a dedicated hot water dispenser, which is a great option for tea drinkers or those who enjoy Americanos.
One potential drawback of the Breville Infuser is its price point, which may be higher than some other beginner-level espresso machines. Additionally, some users have reported that the steam wand can be difficult to use, although this may be a minor issue for those who primarily drink espresso. This machine does not have the same level of build quality or maintainability as you will find in the Gaggia or Rancilio, and is more expensive than the Bambino, which makes this the least attractive option of the 4 in my opinion
Overall, the Breville Infuser is still a good choice for beginners who want to start making their own espresso at home. With its intuitive controls, and programmable shot volume, this machine makes it easy to create an easy great-tasting cup of espresso every time. While it may be pricier than some other options, the added features and user-friendly design make it a worthwhile option for any coffee lover.
Our Verdict
The Gaggia classic pro is our top choice. With it’s strong build quality and easy ability to be repaired and upgraded, it’s a machine that can fit your needs and last you for a very long time. This machine will best suit anyone who really wants to understand how to make the best espresso and enjoys the process of learning and tweaking the craft. The price for what you get with this machine can not be beat!
A close runner up is the Breville Bambino Plus, or it’s less expensive brother, the Breville Bambino. This machine has some great benefits over the Gaggia, such as a built in PID, an almost instant warm up times, and it’s high easy of use. This is the machine for someone that that just wants a simple machine that will work, and not take much thought, and it helps that this will usually come a little cheaper than the Gaggia.
You can’t go wrong with any of the options listed above, so start by deciding why you would like to get an espresso machine, how you expect to use it, and then let that guide your decision!
If you’re considering purchasing a Gaggia Classic Pro and are looking to save some money you should take a look at the used market in your area. These machines are serviceable and have a long life. Before you pick one up, make sure to take a look at our guide on the Gaggia Classic vs Gaggia Classic Pro to make sure you’re getting the machine with the features that you need.