Barista Bench

All reviews

Espresso machine · Mid-range

Breville Bambino Plus

A compact single-boiler espresso machine that uses Breville's fast ThermoJet heating system and an automatic steam wand to froth milk hands-free.

All-in-one · Mid-range

Breville Barista Express

An all-in-one espresso machine with an integrated conical burr grinder, letting you grind, dose and brew from one unit.

Espresso machine · Mid-range

Gaggia Classic Pro

A long-running Italian single-boiler machine with a commercial-size 58 mm portafilter, popular with enthusiasts who want to learn manual espresso and tinker.

Espresso machine · Budget

De'Longhi Stilosa

An entry-level manual pump espresso machine aimed at people trying real espresso for the first time on a tight budget.

All-in-one · Mid-range

De'Longhi Magnifica

A fully automatic bean-to-cup machine that grinds, doses and brews at the push of a button, prioritising convenience over manual control.

Grinder · Budget

Baratza Encore

An entry-level conical burr grinder that grinds consistently enough for drip and pour-over. Baratza sells every replacement part, so a worn Encore gets fixed, not binned.

All-in-one · Mid-range

Breville Barista Pro

The step up from the Barista Express: the same all-in-one grind-and-brew format with a faster ThermoJet heating system and an LCD interface in place of analogue dials.

Espresso machine · Prosumer

Rancilio Silvia

Rancilio has built the Silvia since 1997 with parts borrowed from its commercial line, including a brass boiler and the 58 mm portafilter size used in cafés.

Pour-over · Budget

AeroPress

A plastic immersion-and-pressure brewer that makes a clean, full-bodied cup in about ninety seconds, and has become a travel and office favourite.

Pour-over · Budget

Hario V60

Hario's cone-shaped dripper, named for its 60-degree angle. One large hole and spiral ribs put flow rate in the brewer's hands rather than the dripper's.