10 Best Espresso Machine Under $500 – Reviews + Buying Guide

When it’s a question of what type of an espresso machine to buy, you must understand the existing varieties and what they have to offer. What you do not know is that there is a significant variance that can tell apart the cheap plastic espresso from the reliable quality models. 

The truth is that you can still pull a shot with one of those low-priced models, but if you want to get tasty and rich coffee, $500 is the point where the indiscernible point is drawn. If you are seeking to buy a decent espresso machine on a budget, you should focus on finding the best espresso machine under $500.

At this price range, you will have reasonable high prospects of getting a machine that is well-built with quality materials, durable, reliable, and impeccably designed to extract high-quality espressos. However, you will still have to select from various top models and brands. To save you the hustle, here is an exclusive buying guide on the best espresso machine at your budget.

Quick Summary of Our Favorite Picks For 2021

How Good Is The Espresso Machine Under $500?

If you want to purchase an espresso machine at this price, it is essential to know what features you should expect. At this price point, you should expect an espresso machine with a milk frother, about 15 bars of pressure or more for the production of a good espresso. Other features that are nice to have but are not standard on machines under $500 include an inbuilt coffee grinder and smartphone connection.

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10 Best Espresso Machine Under $500

Before we get to looking at the different coffee machines available, it is essential to look at a few factors that you need to consider before deciding on the machine to buy. Overall, the essential factor for you to consider is the budget. It is advisable, to begin with, a cheaper machine and upgrade it rather than buying a costly machine to discover its too advanced for your needs later. If you have experienced or a professional barista, you may look at a more expensive option, but it all depends on what you are using the machine for.

1. Breville BES840XL/A The Infuser Espresso Machine

We also loved the pre-infusion function that pre-wets the grounds to enable full extraction. Another unique feature of Breville BES840XL is the power saving modes that include going to sleep after an hour and auto shut-off after three hours. The included steam milk frother enables you to make creamy micro-foam.

2. Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

It also has one-touch controls that let you choose between double and single shots and has an adjustable control knob to froth milk automatically. It features a removable milk reservoir that allows you to store leftover milk in the refrigerator, which has not been used during the brew.

3. Delonghi EC680M DEDICA 15-Bar Pump Espresso Machine

Its three-in-one filter holder is for an espresso pod that is ideal for your preferences and covers both one and two espresso shots. With its sleek design, this espresso machine deserves a space in your kitchen, and it does not demand a lot. Go through the manual first to get some useful tips on how to operate it.

4. Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine

The machine contains steam on demand and a frothing wand that also acts as a hot water dispenser. Pre-infusion allows the coffee to bloom, resulting in a sweeter shot of espresso. The user interface is straightforward to use its super-automatic; there is no portafilter or tamping. However, this espresso machine has one boiler, which means you cannot steam milk and pull an espresso shot at the same time.

5. De'Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

De'Longhi EC155 is made of stainless-steel boiler for high durability and has a self-priming operation for removing the irritating start-up preparation. Enjoy a great coffee brew for years to come with this high-quality espresso machine.

6. Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse Espresso Maker and Cappuccino Machine

You can choose to either make an espresso, cappuccino, latte, single, or even double shots. You can easily adjust the drip tray to fit any mug size under this espresso maker. Its performance meets price in a beautiful unit suitable for families who enjoy their coffee in different ways.

7. DeLonghi EC702 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Maker

The device has a durable good quality stainless steel boiler, which makes it highly durable. You won’t need to clean the mess because it comes with a unique non-drip model. It also has a self-priming function to prevent the exasperating from starting up preparation.

8. Cuisinart EM-200 Programmable 15-Bar Espresso Maker

Cuisinart EM-200 is another best value espresso machine for the money. The first thing you will notice about the machine is its slick, smart look. For a rich flavor, the espresso can brew a single or double espresso with 15 bars of pressure. You can use ground espresso or pods to brew one to two cups of coffee to your liking. You can also set a pre-programmed cup size set at 1.5 ounces and 3 ounces. It also has a 69-ounce removable reservoir plus a locking portafilter holder, which makes disposing wet grounds easy after use.

9. Saeco HD8645/47 Vapore Automatic Espresso Machine

More so, its 15-bar pressure pump allows it to extract flavor from every coffee granule fully. The machine also has a built-in Pannarello steam wand that doubles as a milk frother and a hot water dispenser. However, the machine is mainly made of plastic, which makes it's quality questionable.

10. DeLonghi ECP3420 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

Its compact, sleek design fits elegantly on a kitchen countertop without occupying much space. With this machine, you can instantly brew a cup after cup because of the Rapid Cappuccino System that maintains an optimal temperature.

How To Pick The Best Espresso Machine Under 500?

Picking out the best espresso machine at this price range is not very easy; hence you need to consider certain things before purchasing a coffee machine. Essential things that you should keep in mind while buying an espresso machine to help you decide which one to go for include;

The Semi-Automatic

If you want to be in control over the way your machine pulls an espresso shot, you should buy a semi-automatic coffee machine. Every time you want a cup of coffee, you will have to grind the beans, fill the tamp and portafilter, attach the portafilter to the group head, and monitor the brewing process manually. If you need a milk-based beverage, steam the milk with the attached steam wand. The machine allows you to control the amount of grounds, tamp them yourself, and also adjust the brew strength depending on your machine. You should buy the semi-automatic espresso machines because you will be more involved in the coffee-making process, and you can tweak the shot to the taste you like.

The Super-Automatic

The super-automatic machine does everything for you hence its other name, the fully automatic. You only need to add water and coffee and leave the machine to do the rest. Everything is built into a super-automatic, and you can get a cappuccino with a press of a single button. They are useful when you just want a hasty cup of espresso for breakfast. These are, however, most often the most expensive types of espresso machines, although you can find at this price range.

Durability

Purchasing a new espresso machine is a significant investment, so you need to be sure about its durability and longevity. You can find a highly durable espresso machine under $500. Before you buy, check its features and materials used. The critical parts should be made of stainless steel or high-quality plastic. Before you spend, ensure you confirm the durability of the machine.

Bars Of Pressure

For a coffee machine to be considered an espresso, the water should be pumped through the coffee grounds at a minimum of nine bars of pressure. Higher pressure means that you can pull a shot faster. You should hence ensure the coffee machine has more than nine bars of pressure when you go out to shop for one. Most of the machines on this review provide 15 bars of pressure so you can make the espresso faster and with a thick crema.

Size Of Machine

The size of the machine is essential to consider depending on the space of your kitchen countertop. If you are short on the countertop space, you will want to buy a slimmer model of the espresso machine. More so, even if the kitchen space is adequate, you don't want to purchase an item that takes up an ample space of your room.

Materials Used

Owing to the pressure needs of espresso, you want to buy a coffee machine made of valuable parts. This means that the machine should be made of stainless steel. In case the machine has plastic parts, they should be the superficial parts such as the water tank or the outside of the machine. The essential parts, such as the heating coil and pressure pump, should be made of metal.

Adjustable Cup Sizes

For coffee enthusiasts who love largen size beverage, it is essential to consider whether the espresso machine has an adjustable cup size. For most of the listed espresso machines, they have an easy to adjust or remove the bottom tray unit to fit taller cups or larger travel mugs. You can use either small or large cups, depending on your size preference.

Built-In Milk Frother

One of the factors to consider when buying an espresso maker is versatility. The cheap model offers nothing more than making espresso. The best coffee maker would do more than only making espresso. You should hence look for an espresso maker with a built-in milk frother to allow you to make cappuccinos and lattes as well.

Extra Features

In addition to the basic features, some of the espresso machine models come with additional features for enhanced efficiency. Most of the espresso machines outlined above have extra features such as multiple accessories, pre-infusion function, and dedicated hot water faucet. If you are at the higher end of less than $500 budget, you might choose for such models that can do it all.

Grinding Capacity

Only a few types of coffee machines come with grinders because not every coffee lover wants to have a grinder in their coffee machine. However, if you cherish the fresh flavor of the coffee beans and you want to have coffee from freshly plucked coffee beans, you should consider buying expresso machines with grinders. But you will generally need to pay extra money for a coffee maker with grinding capacity.

Water Storage

In most cases, an espresso machine contains a minimum of 8 cups of water storage. You should consider the capacity of the water storage depending on the number of users or family members. If you need more espresso, you should search for an espresso machine that has a built-in water tank and a spout to refill water.

Ease Of Cleaning

You will be using this machine almost in your daily activity of making coffee, so it needs to be easy to clean. When you go out to purchase an espresso machine, look out for features that make cleaning easy such as removable parts that get into contact with the coffee grounds or front-loading water tanks.

Ease Of Storage

Large model espresso makers are difficult to store away. This can be a disturbance to the irregular coffee drinkers who do not need to use the machine regularly. If you don’t have a plan to take out your espresso machine permanently or you need to have it stored after use, you should choose the slim, smaller, and convenient model.

What Can You Do With These Machines?

One of the advantages of an espresso machine is the ability to get to make far more than just a short shot. Here is a look at how you can make some of the common coffees using these machines.

Straight Espresso

A straight espresso simply involves a coffee drink made using hot water pushed through finely-ground coffee under pressure. To do it, you just need to put water and coffee in your espresso machine.

Adjustable Cup Sizes

A straight espresso simply involves a coffee drink made using hot water pushed through finely-ground coffee under pressure. To do it, you just need to put water and coffee in your espresso machine.

Cappuccino

Cappuccino is one of the popular coffee drinks among coffee enthusiasts. To do a cappuccino, layer a shot of espresso and then a shot of steamed milk. You should then lace with chocolate and frothy, foamy milk.

Latte

Doing a latte is easy using any of these espresso machines. You only need to add some steamed milk to a strong shot of espresso. That's it; you have your coffee latte.

Americano

To do americano, you just require to add some hot water to a shot of espresso, and you will be good to go.

Lungo

Lungo is an Italian word that means long. Lungo is a type of espresso that contains similar amounts of ground coffee as an espresso but has double the amount of water for a slower and more voluminous extraction resulting in different tastes between the two.

Ristretto

For coffee lovers who like a more concentrated coffee burst, Ristretto is the way to go. This is an espresso with half the amount of water to make the coffee more concentrated.

Macchiato

To do a macchiato, you should add some formed milk into a shot of espresso, and there is your macchiato.

FAQs

What Is The Recommended Espresso Machine For Home Use?

Several espresso machines would make a good option for home use. Among the wide variety of espresso machines, you should choose the espresso maker for your home that provides you with a quality espresso, similar to you would take in your favorite coffee shop. It should also be easy to clean, durable, and have ample water storage to take care of the needs of all members of the family.

How To Maintain An Espresso Machine At Home?

It is easy for an espresso machine to get messy and sloppy. The often-touched area can get coffee stains quickly. You should hence keep the machine in a handy-zone where you can clean it up easily. Always clean the filter parts regularly to enable you to enjoy a good tasting coffee.

Conclusion

Fine, with this know-how, you are now well-versed on how to select the best home espresso machine under $500 for your use. You already armed yourself with several ideal models to look out for. Thus, you can be fully confident about what to look for when you go out to shop for an espresso machine.