Choosing an espresso machine can be difficult. There are many brands and models, and prices range from a few hundred to over two thousand euros. In this guide, we compare ten machines from our range by level, built-in grinder, PID, and milk frothing. This makes it easier to see which machine is right for you.
How far do you want to go?
We divide the machines into three levels. The prices below are from October 2026. You can find the current price on the product page.
- Starter: convenience and quick results (around €475 to €640).
- Advanced: more control and better milk (around €1,180 to €1,365).
- Pro: full control and stable temperature (around €1,449 to €2,200).
Starter: convenience and quick results
- Gaggia Classic E24: single boiler with steam wand and the lowest entry price in this selection.
- Lelit Anna PL41TEM: single boiler with PID and steam wand.
- Quick Mill 820: copper thermoblock, heats up quickly, and has a steam function. Switch between brewing and steaming.
- Lelit Anita PL042TEMD: built-in grinder, PID, and display in one machine.
With single-boiler machines (Gaggia, Anna, and Anita), you brew your espresso first. Then you wait a little while for the steam to be ready to froth milk.
Advanced: more control and better milk
- Lelit Elizabeth PL92T: dual boiler with PID and an LCC display. Brew espresso and froth milk at the same time.
- Lelit MaraX V2: HX boiler with an E61 group and PID. You can brew espresso and froth milk at the same time.
- Fellow Espresso Series 1: PID, adjustable pressure and flow profiles, automatic steam wand, and an app. Switch directly between brewing and steaming.
Pro: full control and stable temperature
- Rocket Appartamento TCA: HX boiler with E61 group and four temperature settings.
- Ascaso Steel DUO PID-Plus: dual thermoblock with PID and a joystick steam valve. Brew and froth at the same time.
- Lelit Bianca V3: dual boiler with E61 group and flow control. Can be connected to a mains water supply.
The machines at a glance
| Machine | Level | Built-in grinder | PID | Milk without waiting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gaggia Classic E24 | Beginner | No | No | No |
| Lelit Anna PL41TEM | Beginner | No | Yes | No |
| Quick Mill 820 | Beginner | No | No | No |
| Lelit Anita PL042TEMD | Beginner | Yes | Yes | No |
| Lelit Elizabeth PL92T | Advanced | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lelit MaraX V2 | Advanced | No | Yes | Yes |
| Fellow Espresso Series 1 | Advanced | No | Yes | Yes |
| Rocket Appartamento TCA | Pro | No | No (4 temperature settings) | Yes |
| Ascaso Steel DUO PID-Plus | Pro | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lelit Bianca V3 | Pro | No | Yes | Yes |
Which machine is right for what?
- Milk frothing: Lelit Elizabeth, Lelit Bianca V3 and Ascaso Steel DUO. Brew and froth at the same time, without waiting.
- Lowest starting price: Gaggia Classic E24.
- All-in-one with grinder: Lelit Anita PL042TEMD.
- Most control: Lelit Bianca V3 (flow control) and Fellow Espresso Series 1 (pressure and flow profiles).
Milk frothing: what should you look for?
The boiler system determines how you work with milk. With a single boiler or a single thermoblock, you have to wait a moment for steam after brewing. With an HX boiler, a dual boiler or a dual thermoblock, you can brew espresso and steam milk at the same time. The Fellow Espresso Series 1 switches directly from brewing to steaming.
Do you also need a grinder?
Only the Lelit Anita PL042TEMD in this selection has a built-in grinder. You’ll need a separate grinder for the other machines. Read How fine should I grind? and browse our espresso grinders.
Which coffee is right for your espresso machine?
Choose beans roasted for espresso. Browse our espresso coffee beans. Store them properly with the tips in How to store coffee.
View all espresso machines.
