For espresso coffee enthusiasts, an espresso machine is a perfect solution to quench their coffee cravings. An espresso is a potent form of coffee served in small, but potent shots, which serve as the foundation for various coffee beverages, appealing to coffee lovers beyond just espresso. The best espresso machines come at various price points, but the best machines under $500 typically work well to produce a great shot of coffee through the use of pumps, which force hot water through the compacted coffee grounds, steam, and pistons. That’s why you should aim to find the best espresso machine for under $500.
Best Espresso Machine Under $500
Based on differences in design, operation options, and pressure methods, many espresso machines are available in the market. However, these differences also result in varying price levels. When you want a machine with advanced coffee-making features, the price may exceed your budget. In this article, we will provide you with the best options for an espresso machine within a budget of $500. So, keep reading to find the perfect option for your espresso needs.
1- Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine (Best Compact Espresso Machine)
SPECIFICATIONS:
| Capacity | 64 Fluid Ounces |
| Color | Brushed Stainless Steel |
| Human Interface | 7.6D x 12.5W x 12.2H |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Wattage | 1560 watts |
| Voltage | 120V |
Design
The Breville Bambino Plus features a pre-set push-button that makes brewing your favorite coffee fast and convenient. This series offers a faster way to achieve professional results at home in a compact footprint. After purchasing this espresso machine, I designated a small kitchen island cart as its home.
My coffee bar is equipped with ample space for multiple accessories, such as a grinder, kettle, and knock box, making it a serious espresso machine with serious value. The Bambino Plus boasts an irresistible body, user-friendly buttons, and a sleek stainless steel color. It is the perfect choice for those looking for a compact yet high-quality espresso machine.
Performance
The Breville Bambino Plus is a great choice for both professional baristas and novices. It delivers rich foam milk and flavorful espresso, making it one of the best compact espresso machines on the market. This machine offers third-wave speciality coffee at home by utilizing four key elements of café quality coffee: rich flavor, balanced state, silky mouthful feel, and irresistible body.
The Bambino Plus utilizes a low-pressure pre-infusion process that gradually increases pressure at the start, ensuring all flavors are extracted for a balanced-tasting cup. The Thermo Jet heating system allows for quick and precise temperature control, making it ideal for those who want café-quality coffee quickly. The Digital temperature control (PID) system delivers water at precisely the right temperature for optimal espresso extraction.
Milk Streaming
The automatic steam wand on the Bambino Plus allows for the customization of milk temperature and texture to suit your taste. It creates barista-quality micro-foam that enhances flavor and enables latte art creation. The machine also automatically purges the heating system after steaming, ensuring your next espresso is extracted at the right temperature.
Enjoy delicious coffee with friends and family, knowing the Breville Bambino Plus comes with a 2-year limited product warranty.
Espresso Taste
If you’re looking for café-quality espresso drinks at home, the Breville Bambino Plus is a perfect choice. I have found that using a 54mm portafilter with 19 grams of coffee is ideal for full-flavor and café-quality coffee. A consistent and balanced espresso requires the right amount of ground coffee. If all flavors are not extracted during precise espresso extraction, it can affect the taste.
Why should you use Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine?
You should use this product due to its Compact Footprint. Because this Espresso machine has a compact footprint that has a width of 7.7 inches. Due to this reason, Bambino Plus will easily fit on your countertop which will enhance the beauty of your kitchen or coffee bar. This is also the best Espresso Machine for beginners. So, any beginner like me can use its due to its easy and compact design and features.
2- Gaggia Brera Super-Automatic Espresso Machine (Best Commercial Espresso Machine)
SPECIFICATIONS:
| Capacity | 40 Fluid Ounces |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Polycarbonate |
| Special Feature | Programmable |
| Wattage | 1400 watts |
| Cup Height | 3.25” to 4.5” |
| Filter Type | Reusable |
| Water Tank Size | 1.27 quart |
| Human Interface Type | Buttons |
Design:
This top-picked espresso machine boasts a sleek and functional design, with multiple parts that are easily accessible from the front. The dregs drawer, water tank, and drip tray are all within reach, making maintenance and cleaning a breeze. Ideal for commercial use, this machine also has a feature to warm cups with hot water for hot coffee.
With its push-button controls and LED display with illuminated icons, the Gaggia Brera is user-friendly and intuitive. Its classic design makes it the perfect addition to any home kitchen.
Performance:
The Gaggia Brera offers a Pannarello wand frothing option, perfect for creating delicious cappuccinos and lattes. The wand doubles as a hot water dispenser, making it versatile for various coffee options. The machine comes with a hassle-free one-year warranty, directly handled by Gaggia.
The Brera also has an adapting system, allowing you to easily adjust the coffee grinder to accommodate your preferred beans.
Milk Streaming:
With its quick heat-up times and robust brewing, the Gaggia Brera offers smooth milk streaming. The machine supports both ground coffee and whole coffee beans, allowing you to enjoy a delicious espresso with rapid milk streaming.
Espresso Taste:
With its ceramic burr grinder and bypass doser, the Gaggia Brera is capable of brewing delicious espresso using either whole beans or pre-ground coffee. The best espresso machine under $500, offers a great-tasting coffee experience.
Why should you use Gaggia Brera Super-Automatic Espresso Machine?
You should use this product for its User-Friendly Display. Because this machine has a user-friendly display that has push-button controls and an LED display with illuminated icons. These icons will provide you with an easy and intuitive way to experience a tasteful cup of espresso with a unique look.
3- Breville Duo Temp Pro Espresso Machine (Best Manual Espresso Machine)
SPECIFICATIONS:
| Capacity | 61 Fluid Ounces |
| Human Interface Type | 10D x 11W x 13H |
| Material | Brushed Stainless Steel |
| Special Feature | Manual |
| Wattage | 1600 watts |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Color | Brushed Stainless Steel |
Design:
The Breville Duo Temp Pro is a silver-bodied espresso machine that weighs 18.9 pounds. With its sleek design, you’ll receive several accessories including a Razor Dose Trimming Tool, 1 and 2-cup filters, a stainless steel milk jug, single and dual wall filter baskets, an Allen key, a water filter, and a water filter holder.
Performance:
This machine is perfect for coffee lovers who crave an evenly-flavored cup. The low-pressure pre-infusion feature ensures that all the flavors are extracted evenly, producing a balanced-tasting cup.
The water temperature is also controlled by a 1600W Thermocoil-Integrated stainless steel water path, which maintains the perfect temperature for your espresso. The machine also purges the heating system after steaming, ensuring that your next cup is extracted at the right temperature.
Milk Streaming:
The high-power 1600W element produces sufficient steam to create micro-foam, perfect for manual micro-foam milk texturing. This enhances the flavor and allows you to create latte art at home.
Espresso Taste:
With the Breville Duo Temp Pro, you can create third-wave speciality coffee at home. The low-pressure pre-fusion and the ability to manage sweetness, bitterness, and acidity ensure the perfect cup every time
Why should you use Breville Duo Temp Pro Espresso Machine?
You should use this product for its feature Maintenance Indicator. Because this is the best espresso machine that lets you know when it needs a session of cleaning. So, based on these alerts, you can make a routine for cleaning and drip tray low maintenance.
4- Nespresso Gran Lattissima Coffee and Espresso Machine (Best Home Espresso Machine with Milk Frother)
SPECIFICATIONS:
| Capacity | 1 Liter |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Item Weight | 11.9 Pounds |
| Wattage | 1260 watts |
| Voltage | 110 Volts |
| Color | Sophisticated Black |
| Human Interface Input | TouchPad |
Design:
The Nespresso Gran Lattissima boasts a modern and premium design. Each machine comes with a welcome set that includes a selection of Nespresso capsules, allowing you to try different coffee flavors and find your favorites. You can easily order more capsules through the Nespresso website, mobile app, or by visiting one of their boutiques.
Performance:
This espresso machine is made by De’Longhi and is equipped with one-touch fresh milk technology. This, paired with the premium Nespresso capsule system, allows you to create barista-quality drinks with just the touch of a button. You can choose from nine different one-touch beverage selections, including foamed milk, rich coffee, creamy espresso, and flat milk recipes.
The milk container is designed with a rinse function and removable parts, making cleaning a breeze. The machine also has an intuitive descaling alert that ensures proper functioning and an optimal coffee experience. The alert is based on the programmed water hardness level, which can be set to five different levels.
Espresso Taste:
Nespresso follows strict standards in selecting coffee, using hermetically sealed and recyclable aluminum capsules to preserve freshness. They understand that a cup of coffee is more than just a break, it’s a ritual. With this machine, you can enjoy café-style drinks at home, and with a variety of blends to choose from, you can satisfy your cravings at any time of the day. You can make delicious cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, and milk froth using the Caffe latte and latte macchiato functions.
Why should you use Nespresso Gran Lattissima Coffee and Espresso Machine?
You should use this product for its energy-saving option. Because this machine has programmable automatic and energy-saving function switches that will help a machine to remain off after inactivity. So, with this feature, this machine will consume less energy.
5- Lavazza Expert Coffee Bundle Classy Plus Espresso Machine (Best All-In-One Espresso Machine)
SPECIFICATIONS:
| Capacity | 421 ounces |
| Special Feature | Milk Frother |
| Material | Thermoplastic and metal |
| Item Weight | 9.9 lbs. |
| Wattage | 1250 watts |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Color | Sophisticated Black |
| Coffee Preset | Yes |
Design
The adjustable height and used capsule container of the Lavazza Classy Plus machine make it an eco-friendly and stylish option. Its slim and handy design is further enhanced by the adjustable height feature that allows for brewing both Lungo and Espresso. The container can hold up to 7 used Lavazza capsules, making it easy to clean after each use.
Performance
The double-shot function of the Lavazza Classy Plus makes it a great option for small offices and conference rooms. It offers a limited range of coffee recipes, including milk-based beverages, espresso, and coffee. With various milk blend options, this machine enhances versatility and provides the option to enjoy your favorite milk beverages. The Lavazza Classy Plus and Lavazza expert capsules allow for brewing coffee, while the built-in vessel for milk frothing provides a unique-tasting cup of espresso.
Espresso Taste
The all-in-one option of the Lavazza Classy Plus provides a great espresso experience. The ability to customize the taste of your espresso makes for an even more enjoyable and delicious cup of coffee.
Why should you use Lavazza Expert Coffee Bundle Classy Plus Espresso Machine?
You should use this product for its ability to brew six selections of beverages. Because this machine can work for the brewing of six selections of beverages such as Lungo 8 ounces, Espresso, Cappuccino, Coffee, Latte and Macchiato.
6- Philips 2200 Series Espresso Machine (Best Automatic Espresso Machine)
SPECIFICATIONS:
| Capacity | 3.8 Pounds |
| Color | Black |
| Item Model Number | EP2220/14 |
| Material | Plastic |
| Item Weight | 20.34 Pounds |
| Human Interface Input | Touch Screen |
| Voltage | 110V |
Design
This brand’s machine features durable and adjustable ceramic grinders with 12 steps. The 100% pure ceramic grinders are hard and precise, ensuring fresh and aromatic coffee for up to 20 cups. You can grind your beans to anything from ultra-fine powder to coarse grindings.
The Philips 2200 Series espresso machine is designed to provide a moment of enjoyment with delicious and aromatic coffee from fresh beans. With additional features such as a grease tube, measuring scoop, and water hardness test strip, this machine will help you measure the right amount of coffee beans and water for a perfect cup of coffee.
Performance
This machine has an intuitive touch display for easy coffee selection and the ability to make espresso, hot water, and coffee. With a 12-step grinder adjustment, you can grind your beans from fine to coarse. The durable ceramic grinders can produce up to 20,000 cups of coffee and the aroma seal keeps your beans fresh longer. This machine has three aroma strength settings and three temperature settings and features a removable brew group for easy cleaning.
Milk Steaming
This espresso machine features a classic milk frother that dispenses steam to make silky smooth milk froth for cappuccinos. The two-part frother is easy to clean.
Espresso Taste
Enjoy high-quality milk at any time of the day with this automatic espresso machine. It offers freshly brewed coffee and delicious authentic espresso. With the attached classic milk frother, you can create unique cappuccino art in the comfort of your own home.
Why should you use Philips 2200 Series Espresso Machine?
You should buy this product for its Intuitive touch display & My Coffee Choice option. Because there is an intuitive touch added to design of this machine with a display that can allow you to easily select your favorite coffee. You can adjust the strength and quantity of your beverage with the menu of My Coffee Choice. So, you can easily choose from three different settings that will suit your preferences.
7- Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus Coffee Espresso Machine (Best Super Automatic Espresso Machine)
SPECIFICATIONS:
| Capacity | 3.1 Pounds |
| Color | Stainless Steel |
| Human Interface Type | Buttons |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Item Weight | 10.9 Pounds |
| Wattage | 1500 watts |
| Voltage | 120V |
Design:
The Nespresso Creatista Plus Espresso Machine boasts a range of impressive features, including a 1.5L removable water tank, an auto-purge steam wand, 19 bars of pressure, a fast automatic cleaning process, and a stainless steel milk jug. Each machine comes with a complimentary starter set of Nespresso capsules, making it an ideal gift for coffee lovers.
Performance:
This Nespresso Creatista Plus machine offers a perfect blend of convenience and quality, with the ability to make freshly brewed coffee, authentic espresso, and delicious lattes. With an attached milk frother, you can create stunning latte art right in your own kitchen. The machine also features an easy-to-use TFT LCD screen, which guides you through every step of the preparation process. It heats up in just 3 seconds and has an automatic shut-off after 9 minutes.
With this Barista-grade machine, you have a range of single-serve coffee and espresso options at your fingertips, including Ristretto, Espresso, and Lungo. The automatic built-in milk frother makes it easy to create your favorite coffee and espresso drinks with just the touch of a button.
Espresso Taste:
Whether you prefer bold or mild coffee, hot or iced, there is a blend for you. The Nespresso Creatista Plus allows you to explore over 30 different permanent capsules, as well as special seasonal and limited edition coffees. This unbeatable taste is only available through Nespresso machines. At under $500, it is the best choice for anyone seeking top-notch espresso and a superior taste experience.
Why should you use Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus Coffee Espresso Machine?
You should use this product for its more complex drinks feature. Because the Creatista also allows you to take a step further to create more complex coffee drinks such as flat whites, latte macchiatos, and cappuccinos. There are many settings are available that will allow you to adjust the mixture in a fast 3-second heat-up time, milk temperature, and coffee volume.
FAQs:
What is the best espresso machine?
For home use, Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine is the best option for coffee making. But for commercial use best option is Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine
Are espresso machines high maintenance?
Some people thought that these espresso machines are complex, high-end equipment but this is not true at all. Because luckily the espresso machine is very easy to maintain and keep clean. For cleaning, there is a place where residual coffee grounds and milk buildup remains collected after pulling streaming milk or shot.
What are the 3 types of espresso machines?
There are three main types of espresso machines which are named automatic, semi-automatic, and super-automatic. As with the names they work on different levels.
How much does a decent espresso machine cost?
For home use, a better-working espresso machine will cost between $400 and $700. These machines will work very well at brewing great espresso without creating any hassle. Price differences in the machines are due to added features such as a PID controller, the build of the machine, and better heating elements.
Conclusion:
The best espresso machine for you depends on your lifestyle and budget. When shopping for a coffee machine, price is a key consideration. However, finding a machine that has the features you need and fits your budget can be a challenge. That’s why I recommend the Breville Bambino Plus. This machine is known for its speed, high-quality results, compact design, rich and smooth espresso shots, and milk frother. It is a top choice among serious espresso lovers because it meets their needs and taste preferences.