For anyone who’s ever tried brewing café-quality espresso at home, you know that the machine you choose can make or break your morning ritual. Breville and DeLonghi are two of the biggest names in the home espresso world, each promising barista-level results without the barista-level frustration. But which one really delivers that perfect cup?
1. Breville Barista Express Impress
There’s a reason coffee enthusiasts love this model—it strikes that rare balance between professional control and everyday convenience.
Breville’s Barista Express Impress features an integrated grinder, smart dosing system, and a tamper that makes you feel like a pro, even if you still Google “how to froth milk.”
Once you get the hang of it, the Barista Express Impress rewards you with rich, aromatic espresso shots that taste like they came from your favorite café. The PID temperature control keeps the brew consistent, while the steam wand gives you velvety milk foam for lattes and cappuccinos.
Cleanup is straightforward but requires a little commitment—consider it your zen moment after your caffeine high. If you enjoy the hands-on aspect of coffee-making and don’t mind a small learning curve, this machine gives you that satisfying blend of ritual and reward.
2. Breville Bambino Plus
Tiny but mighty, the Bambino Plus proves you don’t need a massive countertop setup to enjoy top-tier espresso. It heats up in an astonishing three seconds, meaning your morning cup is ready before you can say “school lunches.”
This machine shines with its automatic steam wand, which delivers perfectly textured milk with zero guesswork. You can choose from multiple temperature and foam settings—great for anyone who’s still building confidence with latte art (or who just wants their drink now).
The Bambino Plus is ideal for smaller kitchens or busy households where every inch of counter space counts. It’s not just a compact machine—it’s a no-nonsense, high-quality espresso partner that prioritizes speed, simplicity, and consistency.
3. DeLonghi La Specialista Arte
For coffee lovers who like to feel in control, the La Specialista Arte is a dream come true. It looks and feels like a professional setup, with tactile knobs, a pressure gauge, and a satisfying manual frothing wand that invites you to experiment.
You’ll appreciate the integrated grinder and the pre-infusion feature, which ensures even extraction for a balanced, smooth shot every time. It’s a great middle ground between semi-automatic and manual brewing—enough control to be fun, but not enough to overwhelm.
There’s a certain charm in the way this machine makes you slow down. It’s not about rushing through your caffeine fix—it’s about enjoying the process.
If you’re someone who finds joy in perfecting your technique, this DeLonghi model makes coffee-making feel like an art form (hence the name).
4. DeLonghi Dedica Arte
Sleek, slim, and surprisingly powerful, the Dedica Arte is proof that size isn’t everything. It’s less than six inches wide, making it perfect for apartments, dorms, or anyone tired of countertop clutter.
Despite its compact frame, this little machine pulls impressively robust shots with a rich crema that could fool your favorite barista. The manual steam wand gives you just enough flexibility to practice your milk-frothing skills without the intimidation of a pro setup.
It’s also delightfully easy to use and clean, which means you’ll spend more time enjoying your coffee and less time scrubbing parts. The Dedica Arte is perfect for anyone who values efficiency, style, and just the right amount of hands-on fun.
5. DeLonghi Magnifica Evo
Sometimes, you just want great coffee without all the manual steps—and that’s where the Magnifica Evo steps in. It’s a fully automatic espresso machine that grinds, brews, and froths milk at the touch of a button.
The built-in LatteCrema system creates perfectly silky foam for cappuccinos and lattes, while the one-touch control panel makes choosing your drink ridiculously easy. Even if you’ve never owned an espresso machine before, this one makes you feel like a seasoned barista.
While it takes up a bit more counter space than other models, the payoff is total convenience and consistent, café-quality drinks every single morning. It’s the espresso equivalent of having a personal barista—without having to tip them.