Choosing an espresso machine

What Comes in the Box With an Espresso Machine, and What Do You Still Need?

Published · By the Espresso Shortlist editors · Prices and specs as of that date, from the pages under Sources

Summary

Check the box list first, because the machine may already cover more than a starter kit would. Breville's Bambino, Barista Express, and Barista Express Impress all come with a portafilter, both kinds of basket, and a milk jug, and De'Longhi's Stilosa includes a tamper and a measuring spoon. None of the four includes a scale, and the two without a built-in grinder need one alongside them.

Four box lists side by side

De'Longhi StilosaBreville BambinoBreville Barista ExpressBreville Barista Express Impress
Built-in grinderNoNoYesYes
TamperTamperTamperIntegrated tamperAssisted tamping in the machine, no separate tamper listed
BasketsSingle and double1 and 2 cup, single and dual wall1 and 2 cup, single and dual wall1 and 2 cup, single and dual wall
Milk jugNot listedMilk jugStainless steel milk jug480 ml stainless steel milk jug
Dosing helpMeasuring spoonNone listedDosing Funnel attachment, Razor trimming tool, coffee scoopRazor trimming tool
Cleaning and waterNone listedSteam wand tip cleaning tool, descaling powderCleaning disc and tablets, brush, tool, Allen key, water filterCleaning disc, tablets, brush, Allen key, steam wand cleaning tool, descale powder, water filter

The Stilosa, at $149.95, ships with the least: a portafilter, a tamper, two filters, and a measuring spoon. The Barista Express goes furthest on dosing, adding a Dosing Funnel attachment, the Razor dose trimming tool, and a coffee scoop.

What none of these boxes include

A scale is missing from all four lists. The Stilosa and the Bambino also leave out the grinder, and a pre-ground bag only suits the dual-wall baskets. Breville's Bambino manual reserves those baskets for pre-ground coffee and the single-wall ones for fresh-ground beans. Using the single-wall baskets with fresh beans on either machine means buying a grinder as well.

Upgrades that depend on your basket size

Several add-ons are sized to the portafilter, so the machine decides which version fits. Breville's Force Gauge Tamper ($109.95), which has a spring set to press between 15.4 and 22 lb, comes in a 54 mm version listed for the Bambino and Barista Express Impress, and a 58 mm version for the Oracle and Dual Boiler machines. Decent's magnetic funnel is a 58 mm part, sold in a tall version that pairs with bottomless portafilters and a short one for spouted ones.

Shopping for one? Browse every shelf →

Sources

  1. De'Longhi — Stilosa EC260BK
  2. Breville — the Bambino (BES450)
  3. Breville — the Barista Express (BES870)
  4. Breville — the Barista Express Impress (BES876)
  5. Breville — the Bambino instruction book (US)
  6. Breville — the Force Gauge Tamper 54 mm
  7. Breville — the Force Gauge Tamper 58 mm
  8. Decent Espresso — 58 mm Portafilter Funnel

We have not tested these products. Specs, prices, stock and terms are as published on these pages on the date above and can change; check the manufacturer or retailer before you buy.

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