In the market for a new espresso machine? It’s understandable if you don’t want to spend too much money on it. However, there is no shortage of choices out there and some machines are worth more than others.
If your budget can stretch beyond $500, however, you will receive a higher quality device with excellent results in return – but which one should you buy? We have done extensive research and compiled our own list of eight recommended espresso makers that cost less than 500 US dollars!
Read on for our in-depth reviews and buyer’s guide to help find the best coffee maker for your needs.
Table of Contents
Our Recommendations Best Automatic Espresso Machine Under $500 in 2023
| Image | Product | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Breville BES840XL | ✔Pre-infusion function for even extraction ✔Removable water tank with large capacity ✔Makes single and double shots |
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Delonghi DEDICA Pump | ✔ Stainless steel ✔ Only six inches wide ✔ Drip tray accommodates larger cup sizes |
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Gaggia RI938046 Classic Pro | ✔ Stainless Steel ✔ 20 Pounds ✔ 9.5 x 8 x 14.2 inches |
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Gaggia Brera Super Automatic | ✔ Brew with either beans or pre-ground coffee ✔ Programmable brewing ✔ Steam on demand |
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Breville ‘Duo Temp Pro’ Espresso Machine | ✔ 15 bars of pump pressure ✔ Steam wand for steaming and frothing milk ✔ Precise PID temperature control |
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Nespresso Lattissima Touch Espresso Maker | ✔ Six one-touch drink options ✔ Removable milk carafe ✔ Descaling-needed alert |
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The 10 Best Espresso Machines Under $500:
1.Breville BES840XL The Infuser Espresso Machine – Best Overall
Breville BES840XL made sure that this new model of machine would accurately control the water temperature so your espresso comes out hot. This Breville is equipped with a 1600-watt Thermo coil heating system to ensure accurate temperature control and is able to make both single or double shots.
It has extra-tall cup clearance for brewing directly into travel mugs, and also allows you to pre-infuse your grounds before pulling full extraction. The removable 61 oz water tank can easily be refilled by using the dedicated faucet in addition to having a large capacity, without being too big overall which makes it easy for traveling purposes!
There’s also an included milk frothing feature as well as power-saving modes (sleep mode after one hour; auto shut off after three hours) and automatic shutdowns at preset times during use! The Breville is a fantastic model for espresso machines, with customers agreeing that it’s the best one under $500.A problem we encountered, however, was if parts broke after the warranty period had expired, Breville charges a flat fee of $249 to repair it.
This is pretty expensive in comparison to our other recommended models that allow you to replace your own steam ring at only $2.99-a a fraction of what they charge! All in all, though this makes an excellent choice and since there are no major cons associated with this machine.
2.Delonghi DEDICA Pump Espresso Maker -Best Budget Buy
The Delonghi Dedica Espresso Machine is a budget-friendly option for those looking for espresso on the go. It has six inches of width but uses 15 bars of pressure and features quality materials, stainless steel instead of plastic, and an adjustable drip tray that accommodates taller cups.
The filter holder can hold enough grounds to make one or two drinks before needing to fill up again! There are a few problems with the machine though: it doesn’t last long without the water pump failing or leaking, so buying an extended warranty might be necessary in order to protect your investment from this device; also note that although its size may seem small, this model comes with all accessories needed including milk frothers (and even pods!).
3.Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine -Amazon Choice
The Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine -Amazon Choice Classic Pro has been loved and trusted for almost 30 years now. It’s sturdy, reliable, and can be trusted to make a great shot of coffee quickly- as well as last! What sets this machine apart from others is its commercial-grade quality – including the group head and portafilter which are both made of heavy-duty brass. This stabilizes temperature better than other machines while lasting longer.
Other features of the Gaggia Classic Pro include a 58mm commercial size group head, a 72 oz. water reservoir, and an 18-bar boiler. It also includes a solenoid valve which allows for quick turnover between shots like other machines on this list do but isn’t as customizable due to its commercial-style steam wand and single boiler design.
The only downside is that you may not be able to produce your espresso at the same time as steaming milk with it because it’s just one machine only!
4.Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine
The Gaggia Brera is a super-automatic espresso machine that makes an excellent, quality cup of coffee in about one minute! It’s not very complicated. You put beans into the hopper and it grinds them for you, tamps them in incredible pressure, and pours the extracted coffee through the group head.
This machine also comes with a Panarello milk frother so you can make your own lattes or cappuccinos without too much effort at all! The Gaggia Brera is great if you are looking to purchase an espresso maker that will give you some luxury but still be easy to use because semi-automatics do require more effort than their automated counterparts like this one
5.Breville ‘Duo Temp Pro’ Espresso Machine
This is a more affordable option for the Breville Duo Temp Pro espresso machine. It’s made out of stainless steel and uses 15 bars of pressure to create an espresso with some good crema. The precise PID temperature control ensures that the water stays hot, and this model also has the pre-infusion feature to wet grounds before brewing.
When it comes down to it, there are only two negative aspects about this offering: firstly that you don’t get a dedicated hot water spout or pressure gauge; secondly, figuring out what type/amount of shot gives you your perfect taste can be difficult because not every kind will work well with each setting on the machine if they have too different grind size or amount in their grounds.
6.Nespresso Lattissima Touch Espresso Maker
If you are a Nespresso fan, this is the machine for you. It not only has a built-in milk frother but also an option to make milk when needed so that you can still achieve your lattes without any interruptions.
This model uses 19 bars of pressure and is ready in less than 40 seconds with its sliding drip tray.
The descaling alert feature shows when it’s time to clean up after using the machine as well; however, one downside is that there aren’t many settings since it just makes espresso drinks with pods rather than semi-automatic machines which have more options like temperature adjustments or adjustable brew sizes (for example).
If you don’t drink lattes and prefer other coffee types then this might not be right for your needs; however, if those two things appeal to your taste buds then consider getting one!
7.Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus
The Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus is a solid offering from Breville with impressive features. It seems that the rationale behind this particular espresso machine is less money on build quality so more money can be spent on features.
For example, pre-infusion and PID temperature control are included in this model at an affordable price point; these both usually cost an additional $$$ to have incorporated into other models of espresso machines like they are here! At 54mm portafilter size and double-walled baskets, it’s great for beginners but doesn’t cut it for experienced users who want the best shots possible out of their coffee beans (espresso aficionados).
The 15 bar pump pressure means you can create dense crema easily without worry or overpulling your shot too much if you’re not used to working with such a low pressure as well. Finally, its 3-second heat-up time will never disappoint when you need quick relief from long lines waiting at Starbucks! The Bambino Plus impresses us, and it stands out in comparison to the old model. The automatic milk frothing is a bonus! If you want good espresso but are less interested in learning the skills, then this would be your ideal machine.
8.De’Longhi America EC685M Dedica Deluxe
DeLonghi has a reputation for producing budget machines with decent coffee and espresso-making abilities. The DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe is one of their best-selling models, and it’s an excellent choice for the price range.
This simple design is pleasing in its minimalism, so you don’t have to worry about taking up too much space on your countertop or kitchen table area. It features a well-designed pump that can handle both regular shots as well as double shots if needed (instant hot water system!).
At this cost point, there are also some good features like variable temperature control – but not quite enough to earn our top honor!
DeLonghi EC685M Dedica Deluxe heats up quickly and takes only 40 seconds to brew a coffee- perfect for those on the go. It also includes an adjustable frother, auto, and manual flow stop so you can control your coffee length as well as height, it works with ground coffee or ESE pods, has an adjustable dual drip tray so you can place a larger cup for your drink of choice while maintaining delicate temperature controls.
9.Saeco Vapore Automatic Espresso Machine
This is another espresso machine option that has an adjustable grinder with five settings. For easy cleaning, the brewer and frother are both removable from the device itself.
It has a major issue in quality though and this could be because it’s made mostly of plastic – thus, not being very strong or reliable when compared to other machines on our list of options.
Additionally, it also includes a problem that many machines tend to have – sensing water tank needs when they don’t exist or detecting no beans in the hopper when there actually are some present.
10.EspressoWorks All-In-One Cappuccino & Espresso Machine
You can now order the most budget-friendly espresso machine with accessories and a built-in milk frother. It’s ready to use in only 45 seconds and has a 15-bar pressure pump, allowing you to easily see how much water is left.The espresso this machine produces just isn’t that high-quality. This unit also leaks and seems to push the water through coffee grounds too fast, as well as having a grinder with durability issues.
The settings on the machine can be difficult for some people to figure out how to make the best cup of coffee for themselves due to their many adjustable options.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for an automatic espresso machine under $500, we’ve compiled a list of the best brands and models for you to choose from. Our editors have spent hours researching and testing to find the best espresso makers in this price range, and we think you will be happy with any of these espresso machines.