Rankings
The De'Longhi La Specialista Opera is a semi-automatic espresso machine with an integrated conical burr grinder, smart tamping lever and 19-bar pump, delivering barista-level drinks and fast cold-brew. Its size, weight and limited grind settings can be drawbacks for small kitchens and advanced users. Best suited for intermediate home baristas who value convenience and built-in grinding over ultimate customization.
The Breville Barista Express Impress is a semi-automatic espresso machine with a built-in grinder and rapid PID-controlled heating. Its manual steam wand and single-boiler design limit convenience for high-volume use. Ideal for home enthusiasts who value integrated grinding and quick start-up.
Philips 3200 Series EP3241/54 provides five coffee drinks, an automatic LatteGo milk system, and a touch interface with a durable ceramic grinder. Its blocky aesthetics and relatively heavy chassis may be drawbacks. Perfect for apartment dwellers who value low-maintenance, one-touch coffee.
The Philips 2200 Series is a compact bean-to-cup espresso machine praised for its ceramic grinder and low-maintenance AquaClean system. Its manual milk frother and limited drink selection are notable trade-offs. Ideal for beginners or small households seeking easy-to-use espresso.
The Ninja ES701 Luxe Café Pro delivers espresso, drip, cold brew, and hot water with an integrated grinder, scale, and advanced frothing system. It lacks pre-infusion and larger brew sizes, and its sizable footprint can challenge small kitchens. Suited for versatile home baristas who value all-in-one convenience over granular control.
The Cuisinart SS-GB1 Grind & Brew Plus is a 12-cup coffee system that merges a built-in blade grinder with dual brewing modes for drip and pod coffee. Its large capacity and extensive feature set are offset by sub-optimal brew temperature and a hefty footprint. Best for households that want flexibility between full-pot and single-serve coffee without buying a separate grinder.
The Black+Decker 12-Cup Mill and Brew Coffeemaker combines a built-in grinder with a 24-hour timer, providing fresh-ground coffee for up to 12 cups. Its limited grind-size customization and larger footprint may deter users needing precise control or limited counter space. Best suited for households that value convenience over fine-tuning.
Philips 1200 Series EP1220/04 is an entry-level super-automatic machine with a 12-step ceramic grinder, 15-bar pump, and classic steam wand for manual frothing. Its limited beverage variety and plastic-heavy build constrain advanced users. It fits beginners seeking bean-to-cup convenience.
The Cuisinart Grind & Brew DGB-2 pairs a conical burr grinder with a single-serve brewer, offering fresh-ground coffee in 8-12 oz servings. Fixed grind settings and limited brew controls limit customization. Perfect for solo drinkers seeking fresh coffee without a separate grinder.
The De'Longhi Magnifica Start is a super-automatic espresso machine with a built-in conical burr grinder and a 1.8 L water tank, providing one-touch coffee preparation in a relatively compact package. Its manual frother and plastic-heavy build limit advanced milk-texturing and premium feel. Suited for small households seeking fresh-bean espresso without a high price.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12 cupsbest | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 12 cupsbest | — | |
1,770 ml | 2,000 ml | 1,800 ml | 1,800 ml | 2,009 mlbest | 1,800 ml | 1,800 ml | 1,419 ml | 1,893 ml | 2,000 ml | |
— | 15 bar | 15 bar | 15 bar | — | 15 bar | 15 bar | — | — | 19 barbest | |
— | — | — | 230 Vbest | 120 V | — | 120 V | 120 V | 120 V | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 720 secondsbest | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
— | 93 °Cbest | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| ↓ lower better | — | — | 1,450 W | 1,500 W | 1,650 W | 1,500 W | 1,500 W | 120 Wbest | 1,200 W | 1,550 W |
| ↓ lower better | 5.49 kg | 10.753 kg | 8.85 kg | 1.7 kg | 12.27 kg | 7 kg | 9.6 kg | 0.45 kgbest | 5.44 kg | 12.8 kg |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||||||||||
Pump Pressure (bar) | — | 15 bar | 15 bar | 15 bar | — | 15 bar | 15 bar | — | — | 19 bar |
Power & Energy(2) | ||||||||||
Voltage (V) | — | 110-120 V | 220-240 V | 230 V | 120 V | 120-230 V | 120 V | 120 V | 120 V | 220-240 V |
Power Consumption (W) | — | 1750-1850 W | 1450 W | 1500 W | 1650 W | 1500 W | 1500 W | 120 W | 1200 W | 1550 W |
Capacity & Size(2) | ||||||||||
Water Tank Capacity (ml) | 1770 ml | 2000 ml | 1800 ml | 1800 ml | 2009 ml | 1800 ml | 1800 ml | 1419 ml | 1893 ml | 2000 ml |
Dimensions (HxWxD) | 15.5 x 13.5 x 10.0 in | 419 x 368 x 318 mm | 350-360 x 240 x 440 mm | 432x244x371 mm | 14.84x12.48x13.39 | 381 x 432 x 254 mm | 432 x 381 x 254 mm | 12.67x7.28x11.02 inches | 405x298x273 mm | Width: 380 mm, Depth: 370 mm, Height: 445 mm |
Features(3) | ||||||||||
Grinder Type | — | Conical burr | Conical burr | ceramic | conical burr | ceramic | ceramic | Conical burr | Blade | Conical burr |
Filter Type | Bronze permanent | — | — | AquaClean | — | reusable | AquaClean | Reusable filter | Gold-tone, Charcoal | — |
Milk Frother | — | false | true | true | true | true | true | — | — | true |
Build & Design(2) | ||||||||||
Weight (kg) | 5.49 kg | 10.753 kg | 8.85 kg | 1.7 kg | 12.27 kg | 7.0 kg | 9.6 kg | 0.45 kg | 5.44 kg | 12.8 kg |
Body Material | Plastic | Brushed Stainless Steel | Plastic/Metal | — | — | plastic/metal | — | Stainless steel/Plastic | Stainless Steel | Stainless steel, Plastic, Aluminum |
Controls & Interface(2) | ||||||||||
Control Type | Digital | — | Soft touch | touch | button and knob | touch | touch | Push-button | — | — |
Display Type | — | Backlit LCD | — | touch | — | touch | touch | — | — | — |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the CM5000 for its convenient 24-hour timer, integrated grinder and permanent filter, positioning it as a solid, affordable grind-and-brew option, though they note the strength settings are subtle and the grind control is less granular than higher-end competitors.
Everyday users generally praise the ease of use, simple cleaning and the Sneak-A-Cup feature, while noting occasional difficulty finding whole beans and that the strength levels may not be markedly different; overall sentiment is positive with minor usability caveats.
“set grinder to cup count like 12 for full pot”
“straightforward grinding/brewing makes coffee quickly”
“whole beans can be hard to find”
Select the La Specialista for advanced milk frothing and cold drinks, but the Impress provides an all-in-one solution with grinder and lower cost.
Choose De'Longhi if you need more automated milk drinks; choose Philips for easier maintenance and compact size.
Choose Breville for barista-level control; choose Philips for hassle-free bean-to-cup convenience.
Choose the Ninja Luxe Café Pro for guided, all-in-one brewing and cold-brew capability; choose the Breville Barista Express if you prefer manual control and advanced espresso tweaking.
Professional reviewers praised the Impress for its quiet operation, rapid heat-up, and intuitive assisted dosing and tamping that deliver consistent, barista-level espresso. They noted the built-in grinder paired with PID temperature control provides café-quality results, though they pointed out the machine is aimed at beginners and lacks a fully automatic milk frothing system.
Everyday users love the convenience of auto-tamping, dosing and the built-in grinder, reporting consistent espresso and easy programming of shot volumes. Common frustrations revolve around the manual steam wand learning curve, the single-boiler wait between brewing and steaming, and occasional grind inconsistency at fine settings.
Professional reviewers commend the Magnifica Start for its quick grind time, solid espresso quality and excellent value in a compact package, while noting the lack of advanced features such as pre-infusion, automatic milk handling and a more premium build. The machine is praised for its ease of use and reliable performance, but its basic drink repertoire and plastic construction keep it positioned below higher-end De'Longhi models.
Everyday users love the consistent coffee quality, compact size and straightforward cleaning, but they frequently mention noise during operation, the need to manually froth milk, and a feeling that the plastic housing feels less upscale. Overall sentiment is positive for basic home use, with recurring calls for quieter operation and more drink options.
Professional reviewers commend the Philips 2200 for its precise ceramic grinder, compact size and low-maintenance AquaClean system, describing it as a solid entry-level machine that delivers good espresso for beginners. However, they note the limited drink selection, manual milk frothing and short warranty as drawbacks for more demanding users.
Everyday users appreciate the intuitive touch interface, consistent coffee quality from fresh beans and the ease of cleaning thanks to dishwasher-safe parts and the AquaClean filter. Recurring frustrations focus on the manual frother's learning curve, limited beverage options and a perception of a less premium plastic build.
Professional reviewers praise the Ninja Luxe Café Pro for its all-in-one versatility, integrated grinder with scale, and hands-free frothing, calling it a strong competitor to the Breville Barista Express.
Professional reviewers describe the Philips 1200 as a solid, beginner-friendly machine with a quiet ceramic grinder, adjustable cup height and reliable 15 bar extraction, but criticize its basic manual milk wand, average plastic build and limited drink repertoire, noting the lack of smart features as a shortfall for modern kitchens.
Everyday users appreciate the one-touch simplicity, consistent coffee quality from the 12-step grinder and easy cleaning, while repeatedly mentioning the finicky manual frother, noisy grinding and the small waste bin as common pain points.
Professional reviewers commend the Philips 3200 for its intuitive touch interface, compact aesthetic, and hassle-free maintenance features such as guided descaling and the fast-clean LatteGo system. They acknowledge the machine's solid reliability and ease of use, while noting that the 12-step ceramic grinder does not match the granularity of higher-end competitors and that the overall design appears slightly blocky.
Everyday users appreciate the consistent milk froth from the LatteGo system, the straightforward one-touch operation, and the compact footprint that fits under cabinets. The long-life AquaClean filter and front-access water tank are highlighted as low-maintenance conveniences, though a few users wish for finer grind adjustment.
Professional reviewers praise the Cuisinart DGB-2 for its space-saving integration of grinder and brewer, generous 48-oz reservoir, and ability to handle beans, grounds, or pods, calling it a functional and unique mini coffee station.
Everyday users love the convenience, fresh-ground flavor, and compact footprint, often describing it as "perfect for one" and highlighting the reusable pod filter. Recurring complaints focus on the non-adjustable grinder, occasional water-level sensor issues, and the inability to adjust brew temperature or strength.
Professional reviewers commend the Grind & Brew Plus for its rapid first-cup delivery, versatile 2-in-1 design, and convenient programmable features, but criticize its sub-optimal brew temperature and only fair carafe handling.
Everyday users praise the machine's speed, large 12-cup capacity, and flexibility to brew both pods and fresh-ground coffee, while concerns revolve around the coffee not reaching ideal temperature, the unit's heft, and the absence of included single-serve pods.
Professional reviewers commend the La Specialista Opera for its smart tamping lever, rapid cold-brew capability, and precise temperature control, noting that it delivers barista-level espresso with minimal user effort. However, they criticize the limited grind settings and view the 19-bar pump claim as marketing hype, while also pointing out the machine's sizable footprint and weight as potential drawbacks for smaller kitchens.
Everyday users appreciate the machine's ease of use, especially the one-touch presets and quick cold-brew function, and they praise the quality of micro-foam from the steam wand. Recurring complaints focus on the grinder's limited fineness, the bulkiness of the unit, and occasional extraction inconsistencies with non-standard beans.
Choose De'Longhi if you need automatic milk frothing; choose Philips for simpler operation and quieter grinding.
Opt for the 2200 if you want automatic milk handling; the 1200 is ideal if budget and simplicity are priorities.
