Gear
Espresso machines to start with
The Sage Bambino is my pick: 54 mm portafilter, heats up in 3 seconds and leaves room to grow. If the budget won’t stretch, the Dedica. If you have no grinder, one with a built-in grinder.
Reviewed on 8 November 2026 · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The quick pick
- My pickSage BambinoSee price on Amazon
- The cheapestDe'Longhi Dedica Style EC685See price on Amazon
- Automatic milkSage Bambino PlusSee price on Amazon
- With grinderDe'Longhi La Specialista ArteSee price on Amazon
- For tinkeringGaggia Classic Evo ProSee price on Amazon
- No plugWacaco PicopressoSee price on Amazon
A portafilter machine needs a grinder, fresh coffee and some practice. In return, the espresso is yours from start to finish. If what you want is one button and done, look at bean-to-cup machines.
The rule I repeat most: keep budget for the grinder. A Bambino with a good grinder makes better coffee than a more expensive machine with pre-ground coffee from a bag.
What to check before buying
- Portafilter. 51 mm (Dedica) or 54 mm (Sage): it decides which accessories you can use.
- Grinder included or not. All-in-ones save space, but if the grinder breaks, the machine goes with it.
- Milk. Manual steam wand, automatic, or panarello.
- Plug. Check the listing shows a UK plug.
Sage Bambino
My pickFor learning real espresso in a small space.
| Portafilter | 54 mm, 18 g dose |
|---|---|
| Heat-up | ThermoJet, ready in 3 s |
| Pump | 15 bar |
| Dimensions | 19.5 × 32 × 31 cm |
- Comes with tamper, 480 ml milk jug and water filter
- Manual steam wand for microfoam
- Light: you have to hold it when locking in the portafilter, according to several reviews on Sage’s website
De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685
The cheapestFor starting on a minimum budget or with very little space.
| Width | 15 cm |
|---|---|
| Pump | 15 bar, Thermoblock |
| Tank | 1.1 l |
| Cups | Up to 12 cm tall |
- Very narrow
- Takes ground coffee and ESE pods, according to the listing
- 51 mm portafilter and panarello-type frother
Sage Bambino Plus
Automatic milkFor mostly cappuccino and latte drinkers.
| Portafilter | 54 mm steel, 18 g |
|---|---|
| Milk | Automatic steam wand with 3 temperatures and textures |
| Heat-up | Ready in 3 s |
| Power | 1,600 W |
- Does the milk by itself
- 480 ml jug included
- Quite a bit more expensive than the Bambino
De'Longhi La Specialista Arte
With grinderFor anyone without a grinder who wants everything in one machine.
| Grinder | Conical, 8 settings |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 3 levels |
| Recipes | Espresso, Long Black and hot water |
| Tank | 1.7 l |
- Comes with barista accessories
- My Latte Art steam wand
- 8 grind settings give little room
Sage Barista Express
The best-known all-in-one, with more grind settings.
| Grinder | Conical, 16 settings |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 93 °C with pre-infusion |
| Tank | 2 l |
- Grinds straight into the portafilter
- Low-pressure pre-infusion
- Large: about 41 × 41 × 45 cm according to the listing
Gaggia Classic Evo Pro
For tinkeringFor anyone who wants a classic boiler machine, without a built-in grinder.
| Boiler | Brass |
|---|---|
| Valve | Solenoid |
| Tank | 1.3 l |
- Brass boiler and solenoid valve
- Takes more practice than the Sages: no automatic aids
Wacaco Picopresso
No plugFor travel or for anyone who doesn’t want a machine in the kitchen.
| Basket | 18 g |
|---|---|
| Tank | 80 ml |
| How it works | Manual piston, no electricity |
- Fits in your hand
- Real espresso with hot water
- Needs a very fine grind and its own grinder
My pick
The Bambino is the one I’d buy, with a Baratza Encore ESP or a 1Zpresso J-Ultra next to it. If you’re torn with the Dedica, see Bambino vs Dedica.
Sources
- Sage Bambino: official website
- De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685: official website
- Sage Bambino Plus: official website
- De'Longhi La Specialista Arte: Amazon listing
- Sage Barista Express: Amazon listing
- Gaggia Classic Evo Pro: Amazon listing
- Wacaco Picopresso: Amazon listing
- Sage Bambino: specifications
- Sage Bambino: quick guide (PDF)
I haven't tried all of these products in person. The data come from the manufacturer's website or, when I don't cite one, from the amazon.co.uk listing (each source says which). I write with the help of AI and check every figure against those sources. I don't publish prices because they change daily: the one that counts is the price you see on Amazon when you buy.