What I use

My coffee setup

The espresso machines I actually use at home and on the road, and who each one is best for.

My everyday machine

Breville Barista Touch Impress

My everyday, go-to espresso machine. The Touch Impress makes cafe-quality coffee simple with its touchscreen and step-by-step guidance. It automates grinding, tamping, and milk texturing, and lets you customize temperature and foam for lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, and Americanos.

It costs more, but the automation and consistency make it worth it for beginners and experienced coffee lovers alike.

Best for: Effortless, customizable coffee at home.

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My travel machine

Breville Bambino Plus + Smart Grinder Pro

My go-to for the camper, road trips, and Airbnbs. It is compact, reliable, and makes cafe-quality coffee without taking up much space.

It is a little more hands-on than the Touch Impress, but paired with the Smart Grinder Pro, dialing in the perfect shot is simple. The automatic steam wand has three milk texture levels and three temperatures for consistent results.

Best for: Travel, small spaces, and quality with more control at a lower price.

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Where it started

Breville Barista Express

The machine that started my home espresso journey about 10 years ago. This all-in-one with a built-in grinder makes cafe-quality coffee at a price close to the Bambino Plus and grinder combo.

There is a learning curve and the milk is steamed by hand, but it saved me time and money on daily latte runs for nearly a decade. It is still an excellent place to start.

Best for: Beginners who want an all-in-one machine with great value and control.

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