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30-second read
Our picks in 30 seconds
For a first machine, among the 42 models at $1,000 or less: the cheapest that meets each condition.
Pump espresso machine · built-in grinder
No. 1Cheapest all-in-one: grinder built in
Breville Barista Express
15bar, pump pressure as published
$499.95 at Seattle Coffee Gear, the lowest price we found. Thermoblock / thermocoil; 15 bar; tank 67 oz; 12.5 x 13.2 x 15.8 in.
- Boiler
- Thermoblock / thermocoil
- Pump pressure
- 15 bar
- Water tank
- 67 oz
- Size (W x D x H)
- 12.5 x 13.2 x 15.8 in
- Weight
- 22.09 lb
- Power
- 1600 W
- 4 stores in stock; the next lowest is $499.95
- the store shows a compare-at price of $699.95
- Seattle Coffee Gear$499.95
$699.95 - Breville$499.95
$699.95 - Espresso Outlet$699.95
- Majesty Coffee$699.95
- Whole Latte Love$499.95
$699.95out of stock
$499.95 $699.95price checked November 7, 2026; it may have changed
Super-automatic · built-in grinder
No. 2Cheapest super-automatic: one button, no barista skills
Gaggia Brera
n/ppump pressure not published
$399 at Whole Latte Love, the lowest price we found. Thermoblock (super-automatic); tank 40 oz (fills from the top); 10 x 17.5 x 12.4 in.
- Boiler
- Thermoblock (super-automatic)
- Pump pressure
- not published
- Water tank
- 40 oz (fills from the top)
- Size (W x D x H)
- 10 x 17.5 x 12.4 in
- Weight
- 18 lb
- Power
- 1400 W
- 2 stores in stock; the next lowest is $499
- the store shows a compare-at price of $499
- pump pressure not published on the pages we read
- the water tank fills from the top
- Whole Latte Love$399
$499 - Gaggia North America$499
$399 $499price checked November 7, 2026; it may have changed
Pump espresso machine
No. 3Cheapest pump machine with a 50 oz tank or more
De'Longhi Classic EM450M
15bar, pump pressure as published
$229.95 at Whole Latte Love, the lowest price we found. 15 bar; tank 57 oz; 8.89 x 11.14 x 12 in.
- Boiler
- not published
- Pump pressure
- 15 bar
- Water tank
- 57 oz
- Size (W x D x H)
- 8.89 x 11.14 x 12 in
- Weight
- 9.28 lb
- Power
- 1350 W
- 3 stores in stock; the next lowest is $229.95
- Whole Latte Love$229.95
- Seattle Coffee Gear$229.95
- De'Longhi$229.95
$229.95price checked November 7, 2026; it may have changed
Check price at Whole Latte LovePump espresso machine
No. 4Cheapest under 15 in tall (fits under most cabinets)
De'Longhi Stilosa EC260
15bar, pump pressure as published
$149.95 at De'Longhi, the lowest price we found. Thermoblock / thermocoil; 15 bar; tank 33.81 oz (fills from the top); 8.07 x 13.5 x 11.22 in.
- Boiler
- Thermoblock / thermocoil
- Pump pressure
- 15 bar
- Water tank
- 33.81 oz (fills from the top)
- Size (W x D x H)
- 8.07 x 13.5 x 11.22 in
- Weight
- 8.61 lb
- Power
- 1100 W
- the water tank fills from the top
- De'Longhi$149.95
- Whole Latte Love$149.95 out of stock
$149.95price checked November 7, 2026; it may have changed
Check price at De'LonghiPrices shown by the stores on November 7, 2026 (holiday sale prices included). We have not tested any of these machines: we compare the published specifications. The commission never decides a pick. How we compare: criteria, sources and dates
Contents
Crema Count is meant to be paid through affiliate links: if you buy through a link to a store, we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. No program has accepted the site yet, and a commission never decides a pick. How we choose.
A first espresso machine is three decisions: who grinds, who tamps, and how much room you have. Up to $1,000, our check on November 7, 2026 lists 42 machines in stock. Here is how they split, with what each path asks of you. We have not tested them; the figures are those the stores and brands publish.
Three ways to start
| Path | What you do | Machines up to $1,000 | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super-automatic | Fill beans and water, press a button; the machine grinds, tamps and brews | 15 | $399 (Gaggia Brera) |
| All-in-one pump machine | The built-in grinder doses into the portafilter; you tamp, brew and steam | 7 | $499.95 (Breville Barista Express) |
| Pump machine + grinder | You grind on a separate grinder, dose, tamp, brew and steam | 15 | $149.95 (De'Longhi Stilosa EC260) + grinder from $199.95 |
How we compare: criteria, sources and dates
Four numbers to read on a first machine
- Grinder. Built in, or the cost of one: from $199.95 in our check.
- Water tank. Up to $1,000, published tanks run from 33.81 to 101 fl oz.
- Size. 30 of them are under 15 inches tall by their published dimensions; check yours with will it fit.
- Payback. The cost per cup calculator tells you how many months each one takes against your café.
Every machine up to $1,000
| Machine | Type | Boiler | Pump | Water tank | W x D x H | Weight | Power | Lowest price, Nov 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| De'Longhi Stilosa EC260 | Pump espresso machine | Thermoblock / thermocoil | 15 bar | 33.81 oz (fills from the top) | 8.07 x 13.5 x 11.22 in | 8.61 lb | 1100 W | $149.95 at De'Longhi Check price |
| Flair Classic | Manual lever | No boiler: you add hot water | not published | not published | 6.25 x 12.5 x 10 in | 5 lb | not published | $159 at Flair Espresso Check price |
| Flair 2GO | Manual lever | No boiler: you add hot water | not published | not published | not published | 4 lb | not published | $169 at Flair Espresso Check price |
| De'Longhi ECP3630 | Pump espresso machine | Thermoblock / thermocoil | 15 bar | 37.2 oz (fills from the top) | 7 x 10 x 12 in | 9.79 lb | 1100 W | $199.95 at Whole Latte Love (2 stores, up to $199.95) Check price |
| De'Longhi Classic EM450M | Pump espresso machine | not published | 15 bar | 57 oz | 8.89 x 11.14 x 12 in | 9.28 lb | 1350 W | $229.95 at Whole Latte Love (3 stores, up to $229.95) Check price |
| Gaggia Espresso Evolution | Pump espresso machine | Thermoblock / thermocoil | not published | 40.6 oz | 7.8 x 10 x 11.9 in | 8.15 lb | not published | $249 at Whole Latte Love (2 stores, up to $299.99) Check price |
| De'Longhi Dedica Duo EC890 | Pump espresso machine | Thermoblock / thermocoil | 15 bar | 34.83 oz | 6 x 12 x 13 in | 10.36 lb | 1450 W | $249.95 at Whole Latte Love (3 stores, up to $249.95) Check price |
| Breville Bambino | Pump espresso machine | Thermoblock / thermocoil | 15 bar | 47 oz | 7.75 x 12.75 x 12.5 in | 10.42 lb | 1560 W | $299 at Espresso Outlet (4 stores, up to $299.95) Check price |
| Gaggia Carezza Deluxe | Pump espresso machine | Single boiler | 15 bar | 47 oz | 11 x 12.5 x 12.75 in | 13.2 lb | 1300 W | $314.10 at Whole Latte Love (2 stores, up to $349) Check price |
| Flair 49 PRO | Manual lever | No boiler: you add hot water | not published | not published | 7.5 x 13.5 x 11 in | 7 lb | not published | $359 at Seattle Coffee Gear (2 stores, up to $359) Check price |
| Gaggia Brera | Super-automatic, grinder | Thermoblock (super-automatic) | not published | 40 oz (fills from the top) | 10 x 17.5 x 12.4 in | 18 lb | 1400 W | $399 at Whole Latte Love (2 stores, up to $499) Check price |
| Turin Axis lever | Manual lever | Heated brew path, no steam boiler | not published | not published | 7.75 x 14.5 x 13 in | 19.8 lb | 180 W | $469 at Espresso Outlet Check price |
| Gaggia Anima | Super-automatic, grinder | Thermoblock (super-automatic) | not published | 60 oz (fills from the top) | 8.7 x 16.93 x 13.38 in | 17.5 lb | 1400 W | $499 at Whole Latte Love (2 stores, up to $699) Check price |
| Gaggia Classic Pro E24 | Pump espresso machine | Single boiler | not published | 72 oz | 8 x 9.5 x 14.2 in | 20 lb | 1425 W | $499 at Whole Latte Love (2 stores, up to $549) Check price |
| Breville Bambino Plus | Pump espresso machine | Thermoblock / thermocoil | 15 bar | 64 oz (fills from the top) | 7.7 x 11.8 x 12.6 in | 10.91 lb | 1560 W | $499.95 at Whole Latte Love (5 stores, up to $499.95) Check price |
| Breville Barista Express | Pump espresso machine, grinder | Thermoblock / thermocoil | 15 bar | 67 oz | 12.5 x 13.2 x 15.8 in | 22.09 lb | 1600 W | $499.95 at Seattle Coffee Gear (4 stores, up to $699.95) Check price |
| De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus EC950M | Pump espresso machine | Thermoblock / thermocoil | 15 bar | 54 oz | 8.15 x 13.6 x 12.9 in | 13.67 lb | 1450 W | $499.95 at Whole Latte Love (3 stores, up to $499.95) Check price |
| De'Longhi Magnifica Start ECAM22080 | Super-automatic, grinder | Thermoblock (super-automatic) | 15 bar | 60.87 oz | not published | 20.29 lb | 1250 W | $499.95 at De'Longhi Check price |
| SMEG ECF02 | Pump espresso machine | Thermoblock / thermocoil | not published | 37.2 oz | 6 x 13 x 13 in | 10 lb shipping | 1450 W | $499.95 at Seattle Coffee Gear Check price |
| Gaggia Anima Prestige | Super-automatic, grinder | Thermoblock (super-automatic) | not published | 60 oz (fills from the top) | 8.7 x 16.93 x 13.38 in | 17.5 lb | 1400 W | $549 at Whole Latte Love (2 stores, up to $849) Check price |
| Gaggia Cadorna Milk | Super-automatic, grinder | Thermoblock (super-automatic) | not published | 50.7 oz | 10.2 x 17.3 x 15 in | 20 lb | 1400 W | $599 at Whole Latte Love (2 stores, up to $849) Check price |
| Lelit Anna | Pump espresso machine | Single boiler | not published | 91.3 oz (fills from the top) | 9 x 10.3 x 13.4 in | 16.53 lb | 1050 W | $599.95 at Whole Latte Love (2 stores, up to $599.95) Check price |
| Gaggia Velasca Prestige | Super-automatic, grinder | Thermoblock (super-automatic) | not published | 54 oz | 10.25 x 17 x 13.5 in | 17.63 lb | 1400 W | $629 at Whole Latte Love (2 stores, up to $799) Check price |
| Gaggia Magenta Plus | Super-automatic, grinder | Thermoblock (super-automatic) | not published | 60 oz (fills from the top) | 8.8 x 17.1 x 14 in | 17 lb | not published | $649 at Whole Latte Love (2 stores, up to $749) Check price |
| Gaggia Magenta Prestige | Super-automatic, grinder | Thermoblock (super-automatic) | not published | 60 oz (fills from the top) | 8.8 x 17.1 x 14 in | 17 lb | not published | $649 at Whole Latte Love (2 stores, up to $899) Check price |
| Flair 58 Plus 2 | Manual lever | No boiler, heated brew head | not published | not published | 7.5 x 13 x 11 in | 12 lb | not published | $685 at Seattle Coffee Gear (2 stores, up to $699) Check price |
| Gaggia Velasca | Super-automatic, grinder | Thermoblock (super-automatic) | not published | 54 oz | 10.25 x 17 x 13.5 in | 17.63 lb | 1400 W | $699 at Whole Latte Love (2 stores, up to $699) Check price |
| De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo EC9255 | Pump espresso machine, grinder | Thermoblock / thermocoil | 15 bar | 56.13 oz | 11.22 x 14.37 x 15.87 in | 25.8 lb | 1600 W | $699.95 at Whole Latte Love (3 stores, up to $699.95) Check price |
| De'Longhi Magnifica Evo ECAM29043 | Super-automatic, grinder | Thermoblock (super-automatic) | 15 bar | 60.87 oz | 9.45 x 17.32 x 14.17 in | 20.82 lb | 1250 W | $749.95 at Whole Latte Love (3 stores, up to $749.95) Check price |
| Bezzera New Hobby | Pump espresso machine | Single boiler | not published | 101 oz (fills from the top) | 8 x 9.25 x 13.5 in | 24.25 lb | 1100 W | $799 at Whole Latte Love Check price |
| Gaggia Cadorna Prestige | Super-automatic, grinder | Thermoblock (super-automatic) | not published | 50.7 oz | 10.2 x 17.3 x 15 in | 20 lb | 1400 W | $799 at Whole Latte Love (2 stores, up to $1,049) Check price |
| Breville Barista Express Impress | Pump espresso machine, grinder | Thermoblock / thermocoil | 15 bar | 67 oz | 12.5 x 13.2 x 15.8 in | 22.6 lb | 1750 W | $799.95 at Whole Latte Love (5 stores, up to $999.95) Check price |
| De'Longhi La Specialista Opera EC9555M | Pump espresso machine, grinder | Thermoblock / thermocoil | 19 bar | 67.6 oz | 15 x 14 x 17.5 in | 28.11 lb | 1550 W | $799.95 at Seattle Coffee Gear (2 stores, up to $799.95) Check price |
| De'Longhi La Specialista Touch EC9455M | Pump espresso machine, grinder | Thermoblock / thermocoil | 15 bar | 57.48 oz | 11.3 x 14.4 x 15.9 in | 22.93 lb | 1450 W | $799.95 at Whole Latte Love (3 stores, up to $799.95) Check price |
| Breville Barista Pro | Pump espresso machine, grinder | Thermoblock / thermocoil | 15 bar | 67 oz | 13.9 x 16 x 16 in | 20.92 lb | 1680 W | $849.95 at Espresso Outlet (2 stores, up to $849.95) Check price |
| De'Longhi Magnifica Evo with LatteCrema ECAM29084 | Super-automatic, grinder | Thermoblock (super-automatic) | 15 bar | 60.87 oz | 9.5 x 17.5 x 14.25 in | 21.17 lb | 1250 W | $899.95 at Whole Latte Love (3 stores, up to $899.95) Check price |
| Philips 3300 LatteGo | Super-automatic, grinder | Thermoblock (super-automatic) | not published | 60.9 oz | 9.5 x 17 x 14.5 in | 24.35 lb shipping | 1350 W | $899.99 at Seattle Coffee Gear Check price |
| Rancilio Silvia M | Pump espresso machine | Single boiler | 15 bar | 74 oz (fills from the top) | 9 x 10.7 x 13.5 in | 30 lb | 993 W | $995 at Whole Latte Love (6 stores, up to $995) Check price |
| Lelit Victoria | Pump espresso machine | Single boiler | not published | 84.5 oz (fills from the top) | 8.31 x 10.56 x 14.94 in | 24.85 lb | 1200 W | $999 at Majesty Coffee (4 stores, up to $999.95) Check price |
| Breville Barista Touch | Pump espresso machine, grinder | Thermoblock / thermocoil | 15 bar | 67 oz | 12.5 x 13.2 x 15.8 in | 21.8 lb | 1680 W | $999.95 at Whole Latte Love (5 stores, up to $999.95) Check price |
| De'Longhi Magnifica Duo ECAM33080 | Super-automatic, grinder | Thermoblock (super-automatic) | 15 bar | 60.87 oz | 9.5 x 17.5 x 14.25 in | 20.8 lb | 1450 W | $999.95 at Seattle Coffee Gear (2 stores, up to $999.95) Check price |
| De'Longhi Rivelia EXAM44055 | Super-automatic, grinder | Thermoblock (super-automatic) | 19 bar | 47.34 oz | 9.6 x 16.9 x 15 in | 21.39 lb | 1450 W | $999.95 at Whole Latte Love (3 stores, up to $1,499.95) Check price |
How we compare: criteria, sources and dates
Next: the cost per cup calculator for your habit, will it fit for your kitchen, and the full comparison for every price.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest espresso machine for a beginner?
A super-automatic: it grinds, doses, tamps and brews when you press a button. An all-in-one pump machine with a built-in grinder (Breville Barista, De'Longhi La Specialista) asks you to tamp and steam but removes the separate grinder. A pump machine plus a grinder gives the most control and the most to learn.
What should a beginner look for?
A grinder that can grind fine enough for espresso (built in or separate), a tank large enough not to refill every day, a size that fits under your cabinets, and a price that pays back against your café habit. Each of those has a tool or a column on this site.
Are pressurized baskets good for beginners?
They forgive an uneven grind, which helps with pre-ground coffee or a basic grinder. Several machines in our check ship with both pressurized and standard baskets, as their product pages list.