Many households want both drip-style coffee and espresso drinks without buying two machines. The choices run from a semi-automatic espresso machine with a grinder to capsule systems and compact machines that make espresso alone.
The six machines below cover those routes, from beginner-friendly to hands-on. We have not used these products ourselves, so confirm the features, water tank size and accessories on the current listing before buying. Performance claims are the makers’ own.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links, and they do not change the product information we give.
What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Type | Semi-automatic machines need skill; capsule machines need almost none |
| Grinder | A built-in grinder saves counter space but is harder to service |
| Milk | A steam wand makes lattes; capsule machines may need a frother |
| Counter space | Measure the footprint and the height under your cabinets |
| Upkeep | Descaling and cleaning keep every machine working |
Specs at a Glance
| Machine | Type | Grinder | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breville Barista Express | Semi-automatic espresso | Built in | Steam wand for milk |
| De’Longhi Stilosa | Manual espresso | No | Compact, steam wand |
| Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista | Espresso | No | Automatic milk frother, per the maker |
| Nespresso Vertuo Plus | Capsule | No | Makes coffee and espresso-style cups |
| Ninja Espresso and Coffee Barista System | Combo | No | Brews coffee and espresso |
| De’Longhi All-in-One Coffee and Espresso Maker | Combo | No | Drip side plus espresso side |
The 6 Best Coffee and Espresso Makers
1. Breville Barista Express
A semi-automatic espresso machine with a built-in conical burr grinder and a steam wand. It is a long-running Breville model and a popular first step into home espresso.
Suits: people ready to learn. Strengths: grinder and machine in one unit. Weaknesses: a learning curve and a big footprint. Skip it if you want push-button coffee.
View Breville Barista Express on Amazon
2. De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine
A compact manual espresso machine with a steam wand for milk. It is aimed at buyers who want real espresso on a small footprint.
Suits: small kitchens. Strengths: a compact size. Weaknesses: you need a grinder and some practice. Skip it if you want a built-in grinder.
View De’Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine on Amazon
3. Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista
An espresso, latte and cappuccino machine from a familiar household brand. The maker describes an automatic milk frother, so you do not steam by hand.
Suits: milk drinks without steaming skill. Strengths: a familiar, simple design. Weaknesses: less control than semi-automatic machines. Skip it if you want a hands-on wand.
View Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista on Amazon
4. Nespresso Vertuo Plus
A capsule machine made by Breville and De’Longhi under license from Nespresso. It reads a barcode on each capsule and brews a coffee or espresso-style cup at the touch of a button.
Suits: speed and low effort. Strengths: consistent, simple cups. Weaknesses: it is tied to Nespresso capsules. Skip it if you want to use your own beans.
View Nespresso Vertuo Plus on Amazon
5. Ninja Espresso and Coffee Barista System
A single machine from Ninja that brews drip-style coffee as well as espresso, with a frothing option for milk drinks. Confirm the exact features on the listing.
Suits: mixed households. Strengths: one machine for both styles. Weaknesses: it takes up counter space. Skip it if you only drink one style.
View Ninja Espresso and Coffee Barista System on Amazon
6. De’Longhi All-in-One Coffee and Espresso Maker
A dual machine with a drip coffee side and a separate espresso side. De’Longhi has sold this style of combo for years, and it fits a household that wants both.
Suits: a morning coffee plus an afternoon latte. Strengths: two methods under one roof. Weaknesses: more parts to clean. Skip it if you want a compact unit.
View De’Longhi All-in-One Coffee and Espresso Maker on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Use filtered water if your tap water is hard, and descale on the maker’s schedule.
- Rinse portafilters, baskets and drip trays after each session.
- Wipe the steam wand right after steaming milk.
- Store beans in an airtight container away from heat.
- Read the manual before the first brew, since priming steps differ by machine.
- Run a water-only cycle if the machine has sat unused for several days.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying a machine without a grinder and then using stale pre-ground coffee.
- Skipping descaling until flow slows down.
- Choosing a large machine for a small counter.
- Expecting café results on the first day of a manual machine.
Coffee and Espresso Makers FAQ
Is a combo machine worth it?
It helps if two people want different drinks, but each side is usually simpler than a dedicated machine.
Do I need a grinder for espresso?
Yes. Freshly ground beans make a big difference, so buy a machine with a grinder or add one.
Are capsule machines real espresso?
They make espresso-style drinks with pressure, though makers use different definitions. Check the listing.
Which is easiest to start with?
A capsule machine is easiest. A semi-automatic machine with a grinder offers more control once you learn it.
The Short Version
For a hands-on grinder machine, the Breville Barista Express. For a compact manual machine, the De’Longhi Stilosa. For automatic milk, the Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista. For capsules, the Nespresso Vertuo Plus. For both styles in one, the Ninja or the De’Longhi All-in-One.