When it comes to a beginner’s espresso coffee machine, the best option for you should match your brewing needs and be easy to use. For example, if you like to use your espressos as a base, some have pre-programmed drinks menus, as well as an in-built milk frother so you can make lattes and cappuccinos.
If you hate the thought of messy grounds or coffee grinders, a machine that supports capsule pods may be a good choice for minimal mess.
If you're not too tech-savvy, you may want to avoid that one super fancy model touted as the best coffee machine that money can buy (aka the sort of coffee machines that feel like you're playing video games they’ve got so many buttons).