Whether you are an aspiring home barista just starting to experiment with different coffee drinks or an expert with years of experience creating your favorite java, selecting a new espresso machine can be a daunting task.

There are several features to consider when buying your machine, including quality, maintenance, size, convenience of use, location and, of course, cost. Countless companies offer many models but choosing the degree of automation might be the most important factor in your espresso machine purchase decision.