Coffee setup
All-in-One Espresso Setup
One machine that grinds, brews and steams, plus the accessories that make it consistent.
Quick answer
This setup is built around the Breville Barista Express, which grinds, brews and steams in one appliance, plus a Timemore Black Mirror Basic 2.0 scale to keep shots consistent. It needs about 35 cm (13.8 in) of counter width and about 40 cm (15.9 in) of height under your cabinets, and you will steam milk by hand.
- Who it's for
- People who want café-style drinks from a single appliance and are happy to learn manual milk steaming.
- What you'll need
- About 35 cm of counter width and enough height under cabinets for the bean hopper.
- Counter space
- A single appliance keeps the counter tidy; place it near an outlet with room to refill the water tank.
- Budget
- Editorial planning target: about $750. This is an editorial planning figure, not a current retailer price.
The essentials
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Espresso machine with grinder
Barista Express Espresso Machine
Why it's here: Grinds directly into the portafilter, with digital temperature control and a steam wand.
$699.95 on Amazon
Price as of – Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Scale
Black Mirror Basic 2.0 Coffee Scale
Why it's here: Even with a built-in grinder, weighing shots keeps results consistent.
$55.00 on Amazon
Price as of – Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
View on Amazon.com (opens Amazon.com in a new tab, affiliate link)Check the current price on the retailer's site. Affiliate link.
Optional extras
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Distribution tool
WDT Tool V2.1 with Stand
Why it's here: Breaks up clumps before tamping, and works with the Barista Express's 54 mm basket.
$23.69 on Amazon
Price as of – Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Espresso glasses
Tulip Double Wall Glasses 6 oz (Set of 2)
Why it's here: Keep espresso hot and let you see the shot; check the height under the spouts.
$16.95 on Amazon
Price as of – Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
View on Amazon.com (opens Amazon.com in a new tab, affiliate link)Check the current price on the retailer's site. Affiliate link.
How this setup works, step by step
- Fill the hopper (it holds half a pound of beans) and the 67 oz (about 2 L) water tank.
- Grind straight into the portafilter. Set the grind-size dial and dose once, then leave them while you learn.
- Distribute with a WDT tool, then tamp level.
- Brew with your cup on the scale and stop at about twice the dose (a 1:2 ratio).
- Steam milk with the manual wand. It takes practice: start with cold milk in the included jug.
New to espresso? Follow our guide to dialling in espresso.
Counter space at a glance
| Width | Depth | Height | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breville Barista Express | 35.1 cm (13.8 in) | 31.8 cm | 40.4 cm (15.9 in) |
Measure the gap under your wall cabinets: you need room above the bean hopper to refill it.
What fits, and what to add later
The Barista Express uses a 54 mm portafilter, so 58 mm tampers, funnels and puck screens won't fit. A WDT tool, scale, glasses and bean tubes fit any machine. See 54 mm vs 58 mm portafilter accessories.
Want automatic milk frothing and a smaller machine instead? Compare the Compact Espresso Setup, or read Bambino Plus vs Barista Express.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a separate grinder with the Barista Express?
No. The Breville Barista Express has a built-in conical burr grinder that doses straight into the portafilter.
Why add a scale if the machine has a grinder?
Weighing the dose and the shot on a 0.1 g scale is still the best way to repeat a good recipe, even when the grinder is built in.
Is the Barista Express hard to learn?
The espresso side is beginner-friendly thanks to digital temperature control. Steaming milk with the manual wand takes some practice.
How much space does the All-in-One Espresso Setup need?
About 35 cm (13.8 in) of width and about 40 cm (15.9 in) of height for the machine, plus room above the hopper to refill it.
Which accessories fit the Barista Express?
Accessories made for 54 mm Breville portafilters, plus a WDT tool, scale, glasses and bean tubes, which fit any machine.