When you walk into a coffee shop and look at the menu, the options for espresso with milk can feel endless. You’ve got lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, macchiatos, and...
If you are looking to get into home espresso on a budget, you have likely come across the Delonghi Stilosa Espresso Machine. It is everywhere. It is cheap, it looks decent on a shelf, and it promises to make you a barista overnight.
I am here to save you $150. Don't buy it.
I know it is tempting. But in the world of espresso, there is a massive difference between an "espresso appliance" and an "espresso machine." The Stilosa is an appliance. It is designed to look like it makes espresso, but the results will leave you frustrated and, eventually, back in line at Starbucks. Please don't go back to Starbucks, ha.
The Problem with the Stilosa
The main issue with machines in this price bracket is the "pressurized portafilter." Instead of using the grind size to create pressure (which extracts flavor), the Stilosa uses a basket with a single tiny hole to force pressure. This creates "fake crema"—a foam that looks like espresso but lacks the body and depth of the real thing.
Combine that with a plastic heavy build and a steam wand that blows big bubbly foam instead of microfoam, and you have a recipe for disappointment.
The Real Machine You Should Start With: Gaggia Classic Pro
If you want to actually learn how to make espresso, you need a machine that uses commercial standards. You need the Gaggia Classic Pro E24.
Unlike the Stilosa, the Gaggia uses a 58mm commercial portafilter. It relies on you to dial in the grind. It has a solenoid valve to manage pressure. It steams milk like a pro. Yes, it costs more, but the Stilosa is a toy you will throw away in a year; the Gaggia is a tank that will last a decade.
Check out the Gaggia Classic Pro here
Don't Forget The Grinder
The money you save buying a cheap machine like the Stilosa is usually wasted on pre-ground coffee. Real espresso requires a precise, consistent grinder.
I recommend pairing the Gaggia with the TIMEMORE Sculptor 064S. It provides the fine, uniform grind size needed to get the most out of the Gaggia's commercial basket.
See the Timemore Sculptor 064S
The FINAL SHOT
Skip the toy. If you are serious about espresso, invest in equipment that respects the coffee. The Gaggia Classic Pro is the true entry point for the home barista.
To see how I bring it all together, check out my Work From Home Guide to the Best Espresso Setup.
And for beans that deserve a real machine, I always recommend Trade Coffee. Fresh, roasted-to-order coffee makes all the difference.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps fuel the coffee, the testing, and the writing. Thanks for supporting the work.
