Machines
Best Espresso Machines for Beginners (2026)
Our top picks for a first espresso machine, from the easy Breville Bambino Plus to budget and all-in-one options, and how to choose.
Home espresso, made simple
Café-quality espresso in your own kitchen
Honest buying guides, step-by-step technique and simple recipes for home baristas, from your first shot to latte art.
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Buy the right gear once
Plain-English buying guides for machines, grinders and milk tools at every budget.
Brew
Pull a better shot
Dial-in, ratios, grind size and fixes for sour, bitter or watery espresso.
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Make café drinks at home
Lattes, cortados, seasonal recipes and ideas for your home coffee corner.
Latest guides
Beans
Green Coffee Beans: What They Are and How to Use Them
Green coffee beans are raw, unroasted coffee seeds. They last far longer than roasted coffee and are mainly used for home roasting, though some people brew them as a mild, grassy drink. Here is what they are, how to buy and store them, and how to use them.
Machines
Nespresso vs Espresso Machine: Which Is Worth It?
Nespresso vs espresso machine: Nespresso is faster, cleaner and simpler, while a real espresso machine makes better-tasting espresso and milk drinks with any beans. Here is how they compare on taste, cost, effort and which is worth it for you.
Machines
Gaggia Classic Pro vs Breville Bambino Plus
Gaggia Classic Pro vs Bambino Plus: the Gaggia is a durable, upgradeable 58 mm machine for hands-on enthusiasts, while the Bambino Plus heats in seconds and froths milk automatically. Here is how they compare and which to choose.
Machines
Best Portable Espresso Makers for Travel
The best portable espresso maker for most travelers is the Wacaco Picopresso for real espresso by hand, or the Outin Nano if you want a battery-powered maker that heats its own water. Here are our travel picks and how to choose.
Machines
Best Manual Lever Espresso Makers
The best manual espresso maker for most people is the Flair 58 for café-quality shots, the Cafelat Robot for simplicity and durability, or the Flair Neo Flex on a budget. Here are our manual lever picks and how to choose.
Machines
Best Compact Espresso Machines for Small Kitchens
The best small espresso machine for most kitchens is the Breville Bambino Plus, at about 19 cm wide with automatic milk frothing. The De'Longhi Dedica Duo is even slimmer at about 15 cm. Here are our compact picks and how to choose.
Recipes
Homemade Coffee Creamer Recipe in 5 Flavors
This homemade coffee creamer recipe uses sweetened condensed milk and milk or half-and-half as a base, with five easy flavors: vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, mocha and cinnamon. Dairy-free and lower-sugar options included.
Beans
Best Ground Coffee for Espresso Machines
The best ground espresso for most home machines is a fresh, finely ground medium-dark blend such as Lavazza Espresso Italiano or illy Classico. Here are our picks, plus how to get good shots from pre-ground coffee.
Machines
Best High-End Espresso Machines for Home
The best high end espresso machine for most serious home baristas is a dual boiler with flow control, such as the Lelit Bianca V3. The La Marzocco Linea Mini and Linea Micra lead for café-grade build, and the Lelit Mara X offers premium shots for less.
Coffee gear
Best Iced Coffee Makers
The best iced coffee maker for most people is the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System, with the OXO Brew Cold Brew Maker for smooth concentrate and the Keurig K-Elite for single-serve iced coffee. Here are our picks and how to choose.