Home espresso machines should be compared by boiler style, portafilter size, and how you plan to steam milk.
- Decide between a pressurized basket for pre-ground coffee and a standard basket if you grind fresh.
- Read steam-wand notes and whether the machine can pull a shot and steam at the same time.
- Check reservoir size, drip-tray capacity, and the listed portafilter diameter for spare baskets.
Add a burr grinder and a tamp only if the listing does not bundle them, and leave side clearance for the steam wand to swing.