Espresso at home: What you need (and don't need) to get started in 2025 | Barista & Espresso

Espresso at home: easy to start – fun to grow in

Are you dreaming? About to be able to brew café-quality coffee at home? Espresso may seem complicated at first, but it doesn't have to be. With the right basic equipment, you'll get started quickly and can gradually improve your technique and equipment. Here's our thoughtful guide for 2025.

✅ What you actually need to get started espresso home

1. Espresso machine
   This is the heart of your setup. You don't have to go for the worst machine right away. Start with a compact semi-automatic model like Profitec GO, Stone Mine or Sage Barista Pro

2. Coffee grinder
   A good espresso grinder is at least as important as the machine. Choose a grinder with micro-steps for grinding degree. Example: Eureka Mignon, Timemore or Profitec Drive Grinder.

3. Tamper
   A proper one tamper makes a big difference to the extraction. You don't need anything advanced at the beginning, but a stable 58 mm tamper is a good investment.

4. Fresh beans
   Espresso requires freshly ground high-quality coffee. Choose beans that are roasted for espresso and test your courage.

5. Basic accessories
   Backflush filter (blind filter), cleaning brush and a cup scale (0.1g accuracy) are all you need to get started.

❌ What you not need (in the beginning)

• Distribution tools

• Electrical tamper

• Shot glass with print

• Calibrated tampers

• Water filter station (About you have good tap water)

• Sturdy knock boxes and metal funnels

Save these for later when you feel you want to optimize the experience and work.

☕ 3 setups depending on ambition level

1. Basic level: Espresso at home for under 5,000 SEK

• Manual brewer that Flair Neo or Flair Classic

• Manual grinder (Timemore C2 or Chestnut)

• Simple tamper + freshly roasted beans

• A good scale and a small milk frother

Perfect for curious beginners or students in a small apartment.

2. Medium: Barista feel under 15,000 SEK

• Profitec GO or Sage Barista Pro

• Eureka Mignon Classic or Profitec Drive Grinder

• Tamper, blind filter, cleaning brush

• Shot scale, pitcher, cleaning kit

Ideal for those who want consistency espresso with steam function for milk drinks.

3. Premium: Café quality under SEK 30,000

• Rocket Appartamento or Stone Mine

• Eureka Specialita or DF64

• Wiedemann accessories: wooden handle, tamper, tamping station

• Wave systems like Acaia Lunar

This is the level where the machine becomes a decorative object and a topic of conversation.

📦 Ready to start?

Regardless of price range, get in touch in the chat and we can help you find the machine and accessories that are right for you. 

🧠 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need an expensive machine to start?
No! Flair, Timemore and other affordable options will last a long time in the first year.

How important is a good grinder?
Extremely important. A bad grinder will produce uneven Grind = worse extraction.

Can I froth milk without an espresso machine?
Yes, a manual whisk or electric milk frother will get you far.

How do I know which machine to choose?
Start with our espresso-guide or contact us for personal assistance.

Tip: Visit Barista & Espresso to find your first machine, grinder and accessories – we have solutions for every step on the way to your dream espresso.