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Buying guide

Best espresso machines without a grinder

Chosen from what the Amazon listings state, not tested by us. How we pick

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Top picks at a glance

Compare them all

  • Best overall

    Sage Bambino Plus: 54 mm, ThermoJet and PID

    ThermoJet heating reaches extraction temperature in 3 seconds.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Best value

    De'Longhi Classic EM450: thermoblock and pressure gauge

    Double wall filter baskets help make crema with pre-ground coffee.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Most features

    De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus: 92-96°C profiles

    Auto LatteArt froths milk at 60, 65 or 70°C with three texture profiles.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

If you already own a good grinder, or plan to buy one, a machine without a built-in grinder puts more of the budget into the part that brews. The main differences are the portafilter size and dose, how the water is heated (a boiler, a thermoblock or Sage's ThermoJet), whether temperature is held by a PID controller, and what the steam wand can do. Heat-up time matters on busy mornings, and so does tank size. This guide compares seven machines from Sage, Gaggia and De'Longhi on those points using only the makers' listings. Note that several listings do not give a portafilter size; where that is the case we mark it Not stated, so check before buying baskets or a tamper.

All products compared

Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.

The products in detail

No. 1 · Sage

Sage Bambino Plus: 54 mm, ThermoJet and PID

A compact Sage with ThermoJet heating in 3 seconds, PID control and an automatic steam wand. It suits beginners who already have a grinder or buy fresh ground coffee.

In its favour

  • ThermoJet heating reaches extraction temperature in 3 seconds.
  • The automatic steam wand lets you set milk temperature and texture.
  • At 19.5 cm wide it fits almost any worktop, and auto purge resets the temperature after steaming.

Good to know

  • There is no grinder, so you need pre-ground coffee or a separate grinder.
  • Tamping is manual and no assist is listed.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Sage Bambino Plus Compact Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

No. 2 · De'Longhi

De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus: 92-96°C profiles

A slim De'Longhi with an automatic steam wand that froths to your chosen temperature and texture. Good for beginners who want reliable milk while they learn espresso.

In its favour

  • Auto LatteArt froths milk at 60, 65 or 70°C with three texture profiles.
  • Three infusion temperature profiles from 92 to 96°C are listed.
  • A stainless steel portafilter takes up to 20 g of coffee.

Good to know

  • Single wall baskets are less forgiving of uneven grinding than double wall ones.
  • There is no grinder, so you need ground coffee or a separate grinder.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus - Manual Coffee Machine Automatic Steam ...

No. 3 · Gaggia

Gaggia Espresso Evolution: PID-controlled boiler

An Italian-made Gaggia with a PID-controlled boiler, automatic pre-infusion and a programmable shot volume. It suits people who want stable temperature on a budget.

In its favour

  • The boiler is PID controlled for consistent brew temperature.
  • Automatic pre-infusion soaks each shot to help prevent channelling.
  • Press and hold the brew button to save a shot volume for repeat use.

Good to know

  • The listing does not describe the steam wand or portafilter size.
  • The 1.2 L tank is small for frequent milk drinks.
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Listing title: Gaggia Espresso Evolution - Lava Red

No. 4 · De'Longhi

De'Longhi Classic EM450: thermoblock and pressure gauge

An affordable De'Longhi with double wall baskets, Thermoblock heating and a pressure gauge. The most forgiving low-cost way to start with pre-ground coffee.

In its favour

  • Double wall filter baskets help make crema with pre-ground coffee.
  • Thermoblock heating is described as giving a quick heat-up.
  • The drip tray adjusts from 100 to 130 mm to fit mugs.

Good to know

  • There is no grinder or tamping assist on this machine.
  • The listing does not give a heat-up time in seconds.
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Listing title: De'Longhi Classic EM450.M, Manual Coffee Machine with Steam Wand, Bari...

No. 5 · Gaggia

Gaggia Espresso Deluxe: pannarello wand, 15 bar

An Italian-made Gaggia with automatic pre-brewing and an articulated pannarello wand that moves more freely for frothing. A simple, stylish manual machine.

In its favour

  • Automatic pre-brewing pauses briefly before the main extraction.
  • The articulated pannarello wand has a wider range of motion and a steadier steam jet.
  • The listing states 15 bar pressure and that it is designed and made in Italy.

Good to know

  • The listing does not state heating type, PID or portafilter size.
  • The 1.2 L water tank is small for regular milk drinks.
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Listing title: Gaggia Espresso Deluxe Manual Coffee Machine and Cappuccino Maker with...

No. 6 · De'Longhi

De'Longhi Dedica Style: 15 cm wide

De'Longhi's slimmest machine at just 15 cm wide, with an adjustable frother and settable temperature and shot length. It suits very small kitchens.

In its favour

  • At 15 cm wide it is the narrowest machine in this guide.
  • Temperature and shot length can be set, along with tamping by hand.
  • The Adjustable Cappuccino System can froth or steam milk.

Good to know

  • The 1.1 L tank is the smallest in this guide.
  • Descaling is manual, according to the listing.
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Listing title: De'Longhi Dedica Style - Manual Espresso Machine Manual Milk Frother R...

No. 7 · De'Longhi

De'Longhi Icona Vintage: ESE pods or ground coffee

A retro De'Longhi with a dual function filter holder for ESE pods or ground coffee and separate thermostats for water and steam. A charming, easy machine for occasional use.

In its favour

  • The patented dual function filter holder takes ESE pods or ground coffee.
  • Two separate thermostats control water and steam temperatures.
  • A self-priming system keeps it ready for use.

Good to know

  • The maximum cup height is 7.7 cm, so mugs will not fit.
  • The listing does not give portafilter size or a PID.
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Listing title: De'Longhi Icona Vintage - Espresso Machine Manual Milk Frother Beige

Read before you buy

More buying guides: Espresso machines

Bean and Crema chooses every product independently, based on what its Amazon listing states. We may earn a commission on purchases made through the affiliate links above. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.