Sasha Muller

Delivering barista-quality results in a stylishly compact machine, this manual espresso maker is a brilliant buy for those just starting out

• The best coffee machines for your home: your morning brew made easy

The Sage Bambino Plus is a £350 espresso machine that leaves the espresso brewing to you but automatically steams the milk at the press of a button. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but this is probably the best beginner’s espresso machine on the market. Whether you’re starting out or just want to upgrade from a more basic machine, such as the excellent De’Longhi Stilosa (£89), it’s a great choice.

We’ve rounded up espresso machines for every budget and skill level, from the cheapest manual models to high-end assisted marvels

• The best coffee machines for your home: your morning brew made easy

More espresso, less depresso. To be clear, these weren’t the words of Angelo Moriondo, the Italian inventor who patented the first espresso machine in 1884, but it’s nice to imagine that he shared the sentiment. Without him, and the inventors that refined his creation, our daily lives – the sour-faced commutes and sunny weekend strolls – would be all the poorer.