Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Breville / DeLonghi All-in-One Espresso Machine
Best for Espresso DrinksNinja CE251 Drip Coffee Maker
Best Budget PickPrice
$400-$1000
$60-$100
Summary
For latte and cappuccino drinkers, a Breville or DeLonghi combo machine with a built-in grinder and steam wand beats any drip maker. CNET and the r/espresso community both point here for under-$1000 setups.
The best-tasting coffee maker under $100 according to Wirecutter's testing. No frills, no fuss — just solid, consistent drip coffee at a fraction of the premium price.
Pros
- Grinds beans fresh and pulls espresso shots in one machine
- Built-in steam wand for lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites
- Multiple models available from $400-$1000 to fit different budgets
- Consistently recommended by both CNET testers and r/espresso community
- Best-tasting coffee under $100 per Wirecutter's blind testing
- Easy to use with minimal learning curve
- Wide availability and affordable replacement parts
- Good capacity for households that brew multiple cups
Cons
- Significantly more expensive than drip coffee makers
- Steeper learning curve — dialing in espresso takes practice
- Requires more cleaning and maintenance than a simple drip machine
- Built-in grinders on combo machines are less precise than standalone grinders
- Lacks advanced features like bloom cycles or precise temperature control
- Build quality won't last as long as premium options like the Moccamaster
- No programmable timer on base model
Our take
If you drink milk-based espresso drinks daily, stop looking at drip machines. A Breville or DeLonghi all-in-one will change your mornings — the r/espresso community is unanimous on this.
If you're not ready to spend $300 on a Moccamaster, the Ninja CE251 is the honest answer. Wirecutter tested everything under $100 and this one won on taste.
Buy
