How to pick your first espresso machine

1. Milk or straight espresso? If you mostly drink lattes, automatic wands (Bambino Plus) are easiest.
2. Do you have a grinder? No: consider an all-in-one (Barista Express) or budget for one.
3. Portafilter size: 58 mm is the commercial standard with the widest accessory choice.
4. Pressurized vs non-pressurized baskets: pressurized (dual-wall) baskets forgive pre-ground coffee; non-pressurized need a good grinder but reward you.
5. Heat-up and temperature control: ThermoJet/thermoblock heat fast; PID helps stability.
6. Space: measure height under cabinets and width.
7. Budget for the whole setup: machine + grinder + scale + tamper.

Next step

• Compare beginner machines
• Lower-cost machines
• Bambino vs Bambino Plus