Best espresso machines for beginners.

For a beginner-friendly machine, consider the Gaggia Classic Pro (~$550). It has a 58mm commercial portafilter, a real steam wand, and a massive mod community. The learning curve is real — you'll need to dial in your grind and learn to tamp consistently — but the ceiling is high.

• Pair it with a Baratza Encore ESP grinder (~$200) for better control over your coffee beans.

If that sounds like too much work, the Breville Bambino Plus (~$499) is easier and still makes excellent espresso. However, keep in mind its built-in temperature control means you won't need a separate PID mod.