Last updated: October 2, 2026
Quick answer: Our top pick in 2026 is the De’Longhi BAR32 — our #1 rated choice. See the full ranked comparison, alternatives and buying advice below.
The short version
The De’Longhi BAR32 is a basic pump espresso machine for people who want an inexpensive way to make espresso-style coffee and milk drinks at home. It has a small footprint, straightforward controls, and a manual steam wand. The trade-off is that it offers little control over extraction, and its pressurized filter baskets do much of the work of making a shot look consistent.
That makes the BAR32 a reasonable starter machine if convenience and price matter more than dialing in beans. It is less satisfying if you want to learn espresso technique, make several milk drinks back to back, or get repeatable results from freshly ground coffee. It’s also an older model, so check the condition, warranty, and return policy carefully if you find one for sale.
What the BAR32 does—and doesn’t do
See also: Breville Bench Saver • Rocket Espresso Coffee Machine
The BAR32 is a compact, semi-automatic pump machine. You start and stop the brew yourself, and you steam milk by hand. Its portafilter uses pressurized baskets: instead of relying only on a finely ground coffee puck for resistance, the basket helps build pressure at the outlet. This can produce crema-like foam with supermarket pre-ground coffee, but it limits how much you can improve a shot through grind and dose adjustments.
It is not a bean-to-cup machine, and it does not grind coffee. You’ll need pre-ground coffee or a separate grinder. The steam wand can froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes, though it takes practice to get smooth microfoam rather than large, dry bubbles. As with other small machines, give it time to heat and recover between brewing and steaming; rushing between tasks can mean cooler drinks or weaker steam.
Espresso and milk-drink performance
With the right expectations, the BAR32 can make a pleasant, strong coffee base for milk drinks. Pressurized baskets are forgiving of inconsistent grind size and modest tamping, which is useful for new users. They also make it easier to get a presentable-looking shot without buying an espresso grinder.
The compromise is flavor control. If a shot tastes bitter, thin, or harsh, there are fewer useful adjustments than on a machine with non-pressurized baskets and a capable grinder. The basket can make shots appear foamy without guaranteeing the dense, balanced extraction that espresso enthusiasts look for. Fresh beans alone won’t solve that limitation.
For milk drinks, the wand is functional but not especially fast or refined. Expect a learning curve, and don’t assume it will match the speed or consistency of a café machine. If you mainly drink straight espresso, this is a more noticeable drawback: the coffee quality ceiling is low compared with a setup built around a good grinder and more adjustable brewing.
BAR32 compared with other buying routes
| Option | Best for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| De’Longhi BAR32 | Low-cost entry to home espresso and occasional milk drinks | Limited shot control; older model and availability can vary |
| Another entry-level pump machine with pressurized baskets | Buyers who want a new machine with current retailer support | Still limited for dialing in espresso; check accessories and basket type |
| More adjustable pump machine plus grinder | People who want to improve shot quality and use fresh beans | Higher cost, more counter space, and a steeper learning curve |
| Drip coffee maker | Households that want simple, larger cups with little fuss | Does not make espresso or espresso-style milk drinks |
If you’re shopping for a new machine rather than specifically seeking the BAR32, compare current entry-level espresso machines by warranty, included baskets, and ease of cleaning—not just advertised pump pressure. A cheaper machine can be perfectly fine if you’ll mostly make occasional cappuccinos with pre-ground coffee. Paying more makes sense when the added control and parts support match how you plan to use it.
What to check before buying one
Because the BAR32 is an older model, a used or clearance listing deserves more scrutiny than a current machine from a retailer. Confirm that the portafilter, filter baskets, drip tray, and water tank are included. Ask whether the machine has been tested for leaks and whether the pump and steam wand work. A machine that powers on may still have a clogged group head, a failing pump, or a wand blocked by dried milk.
Look for a return window and a clear description of the warranty. If the price is close to a new entry-level machine, the newer option may be the safer buy, especially if replacement parts or support are important to you. Avoid paying extra for claims about professional pressure or crema: those features don’t remove the BAR32’s basic limits on control.
For the best chance of a decent result, use coffee intended for espresso and keep the basket and portafilter clean. If you buy pre-ground coffee, use it promptly after opening. A separate grinder can help, but the BAR32’s pressurized setup is not the strongest reason to invest in an expensive espresso grinder. If you want that upgrade path, look at machines with non-pressurized baskets and pair one with a suitable espresso grinder.
Who should buy the BAR32?
Choose it if you find one at a genuinely low price, want a compact machine, and mostly plan to make occasional milk drinks without pursuing café-level espresso. It can also suit someone who is curious about home espresso but does not yet want to spend much on a full setup.
Skip it if you want consistent straight shots, expect to make several drinks in a row, or want a machine you can grow into by changing baskets and dialing in different beans. A drip coffee maker is the more practical choice if you mainly drink full cups of black coffee. If your goal is espresso technique and better extraction, spend the budget on a more adjustable machine and grinder rather than treating the BAR32 as a long-term enthusiast setup.
FAQ
Does the De’Longhi BAR32 have a built-in grinder?
No. You need pre-ground coffee or a separate grinder.
Can it make cappuccinos and lattes?
Yes. It has a manual steam wand, but frothing takes practice and is slower than on many larger machines.
Is the BAR32 good for beginners?
It can be, if you want a low-cost introduction and are comfortable with limited shot control. Its pressurized baskets are forgiving, but they also limit how much you can improve extraction.
Should I buy a used BAR32?
Only if the price reflects its age and you can verify that the pump, steam wand, and included parts work. Prefer a listing with a return option.
Ready to decide? Our #1 pick for 2026 is the De’Longhi BAR32.
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