The answer to your question really depends on your budget and how serious you are about espresso. If you’re really into it you can spend $1500 to $2000 on an espresso machine, plus another $500 to $1000 on a quality grinder. Or you can pick up a Nespresso knock-off on sale for $50. Without knowing more, it’s hard to provide a recommendation.

I only had a mild interest in making lattes. I started with a Nespresso that came with the froth accessory. There are constantly deals going on where you can get a basic model for under $100. I figured if I really got into it after that, I’d invest in a nicer machine, but the Nespresso has filled all of my needs.

Breville Barista Express is the BEST - google it and read reviews. Consistently ranked at the top.

Further to the post immediately above, manual espresso machines can be used to make lattes and other milk/coffee beverages, but the process is entirely manual. You steam the milk in a separate container, using steam generated by the machine, and you add it to the coffee by hand - technique matters. Semi and fully-automatic machines take all the guesswork out of the process but are more expensive and some people prefer to tinker with their drink prep themselves rather than let it be done by the machine.

Machines like Nespresso and Keurig use coffee which is prepackaged in capsules. The machines are relatively inexpensive, the coffee is relatively expensive. Espresso machines make espresso, which is different than coffee - it's more concentrated, servings are smaller, and the process for making it is different. Most espresso machines are operated manually, and have a bit of a learning curve. Semi-automatic and fully automatic (aka superautomatic) machines usually make not only espresso but can also prepare frothed or foamed steamed milk for coffee beverages like cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites, sometimes others. They can often make other purely coffee drinks like ristrettos. The more beverages a machine can make, and the more automated they are, the more expensive they are.

Espresso machines of all types require ground coffee. You can buy it in that form or can buy a separate bean grinder, or can buy a superauto which has an integrated grinder.

Surfing vendor sites like this will introduce you to many types of machines in different price ranges: https://www.wholelattelove.com/

We have this one: https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes880.html?sku=BES880BSS1BUS1

DH said it was pretty easy to learn. I just use it for the milk frother for my chai.

OP Breville makes an amazing product.

From toaster ovens, hand mixers, to espresso machines all fantastic. The only outlier they make is an air fryer that is expensive and not awesome.

It really depends on how “serious” you are about the whole thing. You can get a capsule-based machine which will give you ok results, or step up to an automatic or semiautomatic where you actually grind the beans but the machine still does most of the work, or you go hard core and learn to pull an espresso. Depending on quality and associated equipment you buy a manual espresso machine may be cheaper or more expensive than a semi automatic.

Seattle Coffee Gear is a decent place to buy/learn more without getting sucked into endless details/debates.

Gaggia classic for $500 is a solid choice. Make sure you also get a good grinder.

A latte is made with espresso not by an espresso machine. You can use a milk frother and an Italian moka pot for the best latte.

If you're interested, you can learn all about coffee/espresso on a deep dive of coffee with James Hoffman on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMb0O2CdPBNi-QqPk5T3gsQ

I get so overwhelmed shopping online. I am looking for an espresso machine that will make lattes. What's the difference between them all? Why are some $200 and some are $3000? What is Nespresso versus Breville and the other brands? Is there a guide?