Compare
Espresso machines for home, from compact entry-level models to machines with automatic milk texturing. You grind, dose and tamp, and usually steam the milk yourself. We compare dated UK prices, heating systems, milk options and tank sizes, using published specs, plus owner feedback and independent tests where our reviews cite them. Open any machine to see what it does well and who it isn't for.
Our research picks
Top Four
Scores out of 5 on value, milk drinks (built into the machine), size, ease of use and build and features, for 4 picks with every area scored
Hollow point = score from maker spec
| Product | Value | Milk drinks (built into the machine) | Size | Ease of use | Build and features | Average of scored areas | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5s1: from maker spec, note 1 | 3.4 · 5 of 5 areas scored | fast, compact and well equipped |
 | – | 3/5 | – | – | 3/5s2: from maker spec, note 2 | – · 2 of 5 areas scored | |
| 3/5 | 4/5 | 1/5s3: from maker spec, note 3 | 4/5 | – | 3.0 · 4 of 5 areas scored | Anyone who wants real espresso from fresh beans, with the machine guiding the grind, dose, tamp and milk. |
| 3/5 | 4/5 | 1/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3.4 · 5 of 5 areas scored | Best for premium featuresBest for milk drinksA premium espresso machine that takes over the fiddly parts of making café-style coffee |
| 5/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5s4: from maker spec, note 4 | 4.2 · 5 of 5 areas scored | Best for beginnersBest for small kitchensBest for buyers on a budgeta slim, affordable first espresso machine |
| 3/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 2/5 | – | 3.3 · 4 of 5 areas scored | People with a small kitchen |
| – | 1/5 | 4/5s5: from maker spec, note 5 | 4/5 | – | 3.0 · 3 of 5 areas scored | small espresso machine with a built-in grinder |
| 5/5 | 3/5 | 2/5s6: from maker spec, note 6 | 4/5 | 3/5s7: from maker spec, note 7 | 3.4 · 5 of 5 areas scored | A sensible first grind-and-brew espresso machine: compact |
| – | 4/5 | 1/5s8: from maker spec, note 8 | 3/5 | – | 2.7 · 3 of 5 areas scored | Anyone who wants espresso, milky drinks, filter coffee and cold brew from one machine, with guidance on the grind |
| – | 3/5 | 1/5 | 3/5 | – | 2.3 · 3 of 5 areas scored | Buy the Barista Express Impress if you want to learn espresso with a built-in grinder |
| Product | Value | Milk drinks (built into the machine) | Size | Ease of use | Build and features | Average of scored areas | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | 4/5 | 2/5s9: from maker spec, note 9 | 3/5 | 4/5s10: from maker spec, note 10 | 3.3 · 4 of 5 areas scored | with on-screen guidance and milk that steams itself to a set temperature and texture |
| – | 3/5 | – | 2/5 | – | – · 2 of 5 areas scored | It suits people who want to learn espresso and don't want to wait for the machine to heat up. |
| 2/5 | 3/5 | – | 2/5 | – | 2.3 · 3 of 5 areas scored | who'd actually use a cold brew function |
| 5/5 | 3/5 | 3/5s11: from maker spec, note 11 | 4/5 | – | 3.8 · 4 of 5 areas scored | People new to espresso on a tight budget |
| – | 3/5 | 3/5 | 1/5 | – | 2.3 · 3 of 5 areas scored | Enthusiasts who want to learn espresso by hand |
| – | 3/5 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 4/5 | 2.3 · 4 of 5 areas scored | Home baristas who make several milk drinks in a row |
| 2/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | – | – | 3.3 · 3 of 5 areas scored | Anyone who wants a stylish, compact espresso machine for pre-ground coffee. |
– Not scored: we don't have enough reliable information to score this, or our sources disagree.s = from maker spec
Espresso machines
£329.95at Sage UK, checked 3 Oct 2026; Damson Blue sold out.
See the Bambino at Sage UK for Sage the Bambino SES450 (opens in a new tab)
From Sage Bambino review
Espresso machines
£419.99at De'Longhi UK, checked 3 Oct 2026
See the Magnifica Evo at De'Longhi UK for De'Longhi Magnifica Evo ECAM290.21.B (opens in a new tab)
From Ninja Luxe Café vs De'Longhi Magnifica Evo
Espresso machines
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From Sage Barista Touch Impress review
Espresso machines
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From Sage Oracle Jet review
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£149.00at Currys, checked 3 Oct 2026 (silver EC685.M; the black EC685BK cost £179.99 at Currys, price at time of research, 28 Sep 2026).
See the Dedica EC685 at Currys for De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685 (opens in a new tab)
From De'Longhi Dedica EC685 review
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£279.99at Currys (EC890.M, checked 3 Oct 2026
From Dedica Duo review
Espresso machines
£299.99at Currys (BAR300/60, checked 3 Oct 2026
See the Philips Baristina BAR300 at Currys for Philips Baristina BAR300 (opens in a new tab)
From Philips Baristina review
Espresso machines
£385.00at Currys, checked 3 Oct 2026, prices can change. Check price at De'Longhi UK.
From De'Longhi La Specialista Arte review
Espresso machines
£399.95at Sage UK, checked 3 Oct 2026; only brushed stainless steel in stock, other colours sold out
See the Bambino Plus at Sage UK for Sage the Bambino Plus SES500 (opens in a new tab)
From Sage Bambino vs Bambino Plus
Espresso machines
£579.99at Currys, checked 3 Oct 2026 (silver and black ES601UK)
From Ninja Luxe Café review
Espresso machines
£599.99at Currys, checked 3 Oct 2026; prices can change.
From Sage Barista Express Impress review
Espresso machines
£680at Currys (EC9455.M), checked 3 Oct 2026; prices can change. £699.99 at De'Longhi UK (EC9455.M), shown as in stock, checked 3 Oct 2026.
From La Specialista Touch review
Espresso machines
£729.95at Sage UK, checked 3 Oct 2026 (brushed stainless steel)
From Sage Barista Pro review
Espresso machines
Check price at Currys
From La Specialista Opera review
Espresso machines
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From De'Longhi Stilosa review
Espresso machines
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From Gaggia Classic Pro review
Espresso machines
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From Sage Dual Boiler review
Espresso machines
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From Smeg espresso machine review
Specs are published figures from the source named on each card: the maker's website or a UK retailer's listing, or the comparison table in our article, which names its sources.