I'm an ex-barista and now a professional espresso machine reviewer, so I've spent a ridiculous amount of time making coffee both behind a bar and in the comfort of my kitchen. All that coffee experience means that I also know how hard mastering the craft is. Yeah, I'm pretty good at making coffee, but I wouldn't say I've mastered it, even though I've been doing it for years.
At home, I use my Breville espresso machine (the $499 Bambino Plus, which is the most affordable model on this list, and the best espresso machine IMHO), which my inexperienced boyfriend can use, too. I've also had a De'Longhi La Specialista Opera, and have tested a Breville Oracle Dual Boiler at home, both of which he loved using too.
