Should you get a bean-to-cup or compact espresso machine? I'm an ex-barista, and here's my verdict

The breville bambino plus on the left with a portafilter and milk jug, on the right the de'longhi rivelia in green showing automatic coffee making.

I've tested 30 coffee makers over the past twelve months. Some were the best espresso machines, some were just good, and some were... not-so-good. Of these coffee makers, I've tested five automatic bean-to-cups, five manual bean-to-cups, and ten compact manuals.

Which type of machine is best for you? Well, it depends on what you want from your machine. If you value convenience over anything else, I'd go for an automatic. But if you enjoy the process of making coffee, it's gotta be a manual.