Do I need a separate grinder for a home espresso machine?

It depends on the model. Machines like the Breville Barista Express and Ninja Luxe Café Pro include a built-in burr grinder, which reviewers consistently call the single most important factor for good espresso. Pump machines without a grinder (most sub-$200 CASABREWS, Gevi, and De'Longhi compacts) can still pull good shots, but specialist-community consensus is blunt: pair them with a quality grinder and fresh beans or expect mediocre results.