I thought I had to spend $1k for barista-quality espresso, but I was wrong — I've tested 45 machines, these are my top 3 budget picks

(Image credit: Tom's Guide) Let me tell you this from the bottom of my heart: you do not need to spend over $500 on the best espresso machine to get barista-level coffee at home. You can easily get a pro-level espresso machine for $300 — the Breville Bambino. The Bambino is my go-to recommendation if you want coffee-snob-level espresso on a budget.I have also tested the $150 De'Longhi Stilosa and the $109 Casabrews 3700 Essential — these super-budget espresso machines pack a surprising punch. With a little more practice and some skill, you'll definitely be slinging shots like your local blue-haired barista. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Subscribe to Tom's Guide on YouTube and follow us on TikTok.More from Tom's GuideRoku and TCL accused of 'bricking' TVs with poor software updates in new class action lawsuitI used the 'Bee Sting' ChatGPT prompt to anticipate the unexpected — and it actually worked3 new to Prime Video thriller movies to stream this week — and one of them is a mobster movie almost as iconic as ‘The Godfather’ (May 5-11) Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Erin Bashford is a senior writer at Tom's Guide, focusing on reviews. She has a Masters in Broadcast and Digital Journalism from the University of East Anglia. As an ex-barista, she knows her way around a coffee machine, and as a music lover, she's constantly chipping away at her dream of having a multi-room home sound system. In her spare time you can find her reading, practising yoga, writing, or stressing over today’s NYT Games.