Do you feel like you’ve outgrown your old, reliable drip-brew machine and have started to long for those fancy espresso machines you hear everyone talking about?
If you have, you may have been turned off by the high prices for many of the best machines. But you might be surprised by how good a machine you can get for not a lot of money.
If you’ve been looking for a way to get the “coffee shop experience” at home and have at least a little money to spend, you can get a really great machine!
The table above shows our top pick and gives a high-level look at the other three finalists. Now we’ll talk about the best espresso machine under 600.
Ready? Then let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Our Recommendations Best Espresso Machines Under 600$
| Image | Product | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Breville Infuser Espresso Machine – Best Overall | 30 seconds to warm up 360 degrees swivel steam wand 61 oz water tank |
Check Price |
 |
Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine – Best Quality | Warming tray for cups Easy to navigate Filter baskets with single and double walls |
Check Price |
 |
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine – Best Budget | Large water reservoir Low-pressure pre-infusion Single and double-wall filter baskets |
Check Price |
 |
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine – Best Value | Hot water outlet PID temperature control Heats up quickly |
Check Price |
 |
Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2 | Custom pressure gauge Silicone handle grip Not dependent on electricity |
Check Price |
 |
Gaggia Brera Super-Automatic Espresso Machine | Built-in grinder The 10-second rapid steam function makes steam Programmable brewing |
Check Price |
 |
Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp iQ Espresso Machine | Warming tray for cups Pitcher made of stainless steel Single and Dual wall filters |
Check Price |
 |
Philips 1200-Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine | Super-automatic Easy to navigate 12-step ceramic burr grinder |
Check Price |
 |
Nespresso Lattissima Touch Espresso Machine | High-pressure pump with 19 bars Heating time of 40 seconds Small water tank |
Check Price |
 |
Smeg Espresso Machine | Making espresso is quick and easy You can use a variety of pods Noisy |
Check Price |
Top 10 Best Espresso Machines Under 600 Dollars in 2023
1) Breville Infuser Espresso Machine – Best Overall:
The Breville Infuser BES840XL Espresso Machine is my top choice, mostly because it gives coffee an espresso taste. Before the extraction, the Infuser has a feature called “pre-infusion,” which means that it pushes water through the beans at a lower pressure. The pre-infusion helps get more of the oils and flavor from the coffee.
The system for heating is a 1600W Thermo coil with a PID. PID keeps the water at the right temperature so that the extraction is always the same and the espresso tastes good.
A feature called “auto-purge” changes the temperature of the water between steaming and brewing so that you get the best temperature for both.
I also liked that you could choose between one shot and two. There are controls for volume and presets. You can change the size of the drink and override the settings by hand. This gives you more control and lets you make espresso the way you like it. When you want tea or hot chocolate, the hot water dispenser comes in handy.
The steam wand can turn all the way around, so you can froth milk for drinks like lattes and cappuccinos that use milk. Because it can swivel, it’s easy to fit jugs of different sizes.
The only thing the Infuser doesn’t come with is a grinder, which will cost extra.
2) Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine – Best Quality:
Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine is the next best espresso machine under $600. This is a great espresso machine made by Gaggia. It has a stainless steel body, a commercial steam wand, and a 58mm portafilter, which is usually found on commercial espresso machines.
Most espresso machines have a 54mm basket, but the Classic Pro’s 58mm size lets you add more ground coffee to make a larger, flatter puck, which makes a more flavorful espresso shot.
Because it only has one boiler to heat water, it’s not the fastest espresso machine. The coffee machine will take about five minutes to heat up. But it only takes 30 seconds to be ready to steam.
A three-way solenoid valve on the Classic Pro lets the pressure out of the group head when you’re done brewing. You can take out the portafilter and pull the next shot of coffee right away, which is helpful when you’re making drinks for a lot of people.
Classic Pro is easy to use in general. There are only three buttons on the coffee machine that let you know when it’s ready to use. The 72-ounce water tank is big enough to make several drinks before you have to refill it.
The steam wand that can reach the high pressure needed for a good froth is one of my favorite things about Classic Pro. It has a tip with two holes, and you don’t have to work hard to make microfoam with it. This also means you can get better at making latte art.
Lastly, I like that it’s quiet. Gaggia changed the design of the Classic (hence the name “Classic Pro”) to make it quieter, which is great for making coffee in the morning.
3) Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine – Best Budget:
The first thing that stands out about Bambino Plus is how small it is. But don’t be fooled by how small it is. It has a great heating system inside with the latest Thermo coil from Breville and easy-to-use controls.
The steam wand is the best thing about the Bambino Plus. It’s an automatic steam wand with settings for how hot and thick the milk should be. The four holes on the tip make a nice microfoam.
You just need to put the milk container on the tray and press the button for the option you want. The machine will do the rest.
The drip tray has temperature control sensors that make the wand work so well. You can choose the temperature of the milk (50, 70, or 90 degrees Celsius) and how thick or thin you want it. The sensors work to change the temperature based on what you want.
For making espresso, the Bambino Plus uses the latest technology from Breville, which is a Thermojet heating system. Even though you can’t brew and steam at the same time, you can do each one almost immediately after the other.
Also, there is a PID and a pre-infusion. The PID makes sure that the temperature stays the same. With the low-pressure pre-infusion, you can be sure that your espresso will taste good. There are also baskets that are both pressurized and not pressurized. This makes it easy to use either pre-ground coffee or coffee beans that have just been ground.
4) Breville Bambino Espresso Machine – Best Value:
The Breville Bambino is a simple espresso machine that makes great coffee and is one of the cheaper options on this list. Most of the time, the Bambino is a better deal than the Bambino Plus. Since we only have $600 to spend on this list, we recommend the Plus because it has more features.
But the Bambino doesn’t taste worse than the Plus when it comes to espresso flavor. The way Bambino is made is the same as the way Plus is made. Before the high-pressure extraction, water is pushed through the beans with low pressure.
The PID controls the Thermojet’s heating system and makes sure that the water is always at the best temperature for extraction. Breville’s modern heating system makes it possible for both machines to heat up in 3 seconds.
The Breville Bambino is slightly smaller than the Bambino Plus (7.7 in x 12.6 in x 12.2 in vs. 9.6 in x 16.3 in x 16.9 in) and has a smaller reservoir (47 oz vs. 64 oz).
But a steam wand is a big difference between the Bambino and the Bambino Plus. The Plus has an automatic wand, while the Bambino has a manual one. Also, the Bambino’s wand has only one hole, while the Bambino Plus has four. This means that the Bambino Plus can steam 20 seconds faster than the Bambino.
Still, I didn’t notice much difference in the taste of the frothed milk. With Breville Bambino, you can steam and foam milk for both lattes and cappuccinos. The Bambino is different because of how hard it is to learn.
Lastly, the Breville Bambino has a hot water dispenser, so you can make a wider range of drinks than with the Bambino Plus.
5) Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2
Flair Pro 2 is a unique espresso machine, as it’s manual. The whole process of making espresso is done by hand, including making nine bars of pressure. No electricity is used.
People who like espresso choose manual espresso machines because they give the barista full control. The main advantages of a manual machine are that you have more control over pressure and shot time. Even good semi-automatic espresso machines that pump 12 bars or more can make coffee too quickly.
With a slow and steady pour, a manual espresso machine can make the best espresso out of all kinds.
The Flair Pro 2 is easy to use for a hand-cranked machine. It has a pressure gauge so you can control the pressure in real-time and make pressure profiles. The diameter of the filter basket is 46mm, and the smaller size makes it easier to clean. For good espresso, you usually need to grind the coffee beans very finely. If you don’t, problems like channeling can happen.
But the basket on the Flair Pro 2 is smaller, so you need to use coarse coffee grounds. Fine grounds could clog up the smaller basket, so coarser grounds work better. If you don’t have a top-of-the-line grinder, this will come in handy (which is usually very expensive).
The device is very easy to carry. I was afraid that this espresso machine, which is so light, would wobble, but it doesn’t. The base and the lever arm fit together well. When you press the coffee, your hands won’t slip because of the silicone grip on the handle.
The Flair Pro 2’s biggest flaw is that you can’t make milk drinks with it. If you drink a lot of lattes, this could be a very bad thing. If you want lattes and cappuccinos, you’ll need a separate milk frother.
6) Gaggia Brera Super-Automatic Espresso Machine:
Gaggia Brera is a best super automatic espresso machine under 600, which is different from the other ones on this list, which are semi-automatic. This is the only espresso maker on this list that has a coffee grinder built right in. The coffee grinder has a five-setting ceramic burr. There is also a bypass doser for beans that have already been ground, which is useful if you want decaf.
Even though this machine is very easy to use, the milk frother is done by hand, so you’ll have to do some work. This also means that if you’ve never used a steam wand before, there’s a learning curve. Brera’s wand is fine, and it can make good foam, but not the fine foam needed for latte art.
This machine is pretty small (10 x 15.5 x 11.5 in), so its parts, like the drip tray, water reservoir, and bean hopper, are also small, so you’ll have to empty and refill them more often.
Overall, Brera is easy to use and gives you a lot of ways to make it your own. For instance, you can choose how many beans you want in your espresso, set the size of your cup, and choose from three different coffee strengths.
I didn’t like that it needs to be descaled often and takes a long time, which can be annoying when you want a cup of coffee.
7) Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp iQ Espresso Machine:
Calphalon Temp IQ is available with and without a grinder. If you want to spend less than $600, you’ll have to choose the model without a grinder built-in. This best espresso machine under $600 has a 2.5-inch-deep 58mm portafilter. As I said, this is a commercial-grade portafilter, so the water will spread evenly and you’ll get the most out of your coffee.
This espresso machine, the Calphalon Temp IQ, comes with both a single-wall and a double-wall filter basket, so you can use it to improve your skills. If you’re new to making coffee, start with a pressurized (dual-wall) machine. There is more flexibility with grind sizes, and then you can move on to non-pressured (single wall).
Thermoblock heating technology is used by Temp IQ, and PID makes sure that oils are extracted best at a consistent water temperature. Overall, your espresso will always taste good and have good crema.
This espresso machine comes with a steam wand that is good enough for a business. I found that it can reach high pressure and make good microfoam for latte art and thick foam for cappuccinos in only 30 seconds. This is a ballpoint wand that can be turned easily, so you can put the milk jug wherever you want.
With this tool, you can pull a single shot or a double shot. Volumetric shot control pours just the right amount of water for your shot and then turns off by itself. This means you won’t have to dial in and will have less work to do.
8) Philips 1200-Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine:
This little Philips Carina model is a nice, super-automatic option that is easy to use and doesn’t need much from you as a user. I love this model for people who have never made espresso at home before because it is a great way to start.
The 1200-Series has the following to offer: It has a 12-step ceramic burr grinder that lets you adjust the grind to fit your beans, an easy-to-use touch display that lets you choose your coffee drink (and save your favorite recipes), 3 temperature settings, a dual pour spout that lets you make two shots at the same time, and a front-loading water tank.
I’d also like to call attention to the Panarello steam wand, which is used to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos. This is an automatic wand, so you don’t need to know how to make coffee to use it. It froths the milk the way you want it to.
Because this machine is so simple and easy to use, it’s a high-end choice for this price.
9) Nespresso Lattissima Touch Espresso Machine:
Nespresso and De’Longhi are known for working together to make slightly improved versions of Nespresso classics, and the Lattissima Touch is pretty much the same thing.
Like all other Nespresso, the Lattissima works with a single button and a capsule. It has a 6-button system that makes it easy to make drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. You don’t have to do much; even the frothing is done by the machine (that’s the De’Longhi part). It also has a high-pressure pump with 19 bars and a heating time of 40 seconds for milk-based drinks.
It also uses the Original line of capsules from Nespresso, which has the most options and is our favorite over the Vertuo line, which has fewer options. This is the best choice if you want a quick, no-hands espresso drink. You give up a little on the overall quality of the drink, but you can’t beat how easy it is.
10) Smeg Espresso Machine
I love this machine because it looks retro-futuristic and is easy to use, so making espresso is quick and easy. It’s at the bottom of our list because it’s more of a style choice than a practical one since it doesn’t have nearly as many features as the other machines from Breville and De’Longhi.
The Smeg is easy to use because it only has three buttons. These buttons control the size of the shot (single or double) and turn on the steam wand. It has 15 bars of pressure, and a milk frother, and can use a variety of pods instead of ground coffee, just like most of the other machines on this list.
Overall, this machine looks nice, but what you’re really paying for is the Smeg name and style.
Buying Guide: What to Consider when Buying the Best Espresso Machine Under 600?
Durability:
A coffee machine has to be able to handle a lot of pressure and be used every day. Stainless steel is the best material for an espresso maker because it can last for a long time. Some, though, are mostly made of plastic, especially on the outside. Make sure the plastic is strong and hard to scratch.
Metal should be used for the boiler, pump, and other heating elements on the inside.
Overall, most machines around $600 are made of stainless steel, so durability shouldn’t be a problem.
Heating System:
Espresso should be hot, so you need a machine that can heat water quickly and keep it at the right temperature as it pushes water through a tightly packed puck. The most durable heating elements are made of stainless steel. Most espresso machines that cost less than $600 have Thermo blocks.
PID: Once the extraction starts, the pressure and temperature can go down. This makes coffee that isn’t very good. PID, which controls the temperature, is found in the best espresso machines. PID makes sure that the water temperature stays at the best level (190 to 195 degrees) so that you always get the same espresso shot.
Pump: The pump needs to make pressure between 9 and 15 bars. When the pressure is too low, the espresso is weak and not extracted enough. When the pressure is too high, the espresso is over-extracted and bitter.
Other Features:
If you spend a little more than $600, you can get more features. These can have more accessories, a hot water outlet, a quick heat-up time, options that can be programmed, and more. Some extras, like a removable drip tray and water reservoir, make it easier to use and keep up.
The espresso maker can fit different-sized cups, which is especially helpful when making lattes and cappuccinos.
Auto shut-off is another popular extra feature. This saves energy and helps the coffee maker last longer.
Last but not least, you don’t have to buy black appliances. Now, espresso machines come in many different colors, so you can choose the one that goes best with the rest of your kitchen.
Keep in mind that the price of the machine will go up the more features it has.
Milk Frother:
If you like milk-based drinks, you should think about getting a milk frother. Most frothers in this price range are manual, so you will have to teach yourself how to steam milk. But some machines, like the Bambino, have a wand that automatically froths the milk for you.
The pressure from the milk frother should be strong enough to make microfoam for lattes and thick foam for cappuccinos.
Bottom Line:
If you looking for top best espresso machine under 600 dollars then Breville Infuser BES840XL Espresso Machine is my top choice.
When choosing the best espresso machine under 600, think about what you need. For example, the Breville Bambino is a good choice if you want a small machine on a budget.
Get the Breville Infuser if you want to learn how to steam and froth milk on your own. Gaggia Brera is for you if you want an espresso machine that makes a shot with the push of a button.
If the budget is tight, we’ve curated the best espresso machines that cost less than $600.
FAQs:
How Much Should I Pay for an Espresso Maker?
It depends on how much you like coffee and how often you plan to use the machine. If you drink a lot of coffee and want to make espresso at home often, it’s worth spending money on a good machine. But if you only want to make espresso once in a while, it’s probably better to spend less on a machine.
What is the Most Reliable Espresso Machine?
The Breville Infuser is my top choice, mostly because it gives coffee an espresso taste. Before the extraction, the Infuser has a feature called “pre-infusion,” which means that it pushes water through the beans at a lower pressure. The pre-infusion helps get more of the oils and flavor from the coffee.
What Kind of Coffee does Starbucks Utilize?
There are a few different kinds of espresso machines, and each one makes coffee that tastes a little bit different. Starbucks’ coffee is made with Blonde Roast espresso beans, which are roasted darker than what is usually used in espresso.
Related Posts:
- 10 Best Espresso Machine Under 200: (in 2023)
- 10 Best Espresso Machine For Beginners
- Best Espresso Machine Under 1500$
- 10 Best Espresso Machine under 2000: (In 2023)
- 8 Best Italian Espresso Machines of 2023: (New Guide)
- Best Coffee Roaster for Small Business In 2022
- Best Espresso Machine for Small Coffee Shop In 2022
- 7 Best Espresso Machine For Small Business In 2023
- Best Espresso Machine For Iced Lattes: (7 Top Pick)
- 7 Best Espresso Machine Under 150 In 2023
- Best Espresso Machine Under $400