Coffee is a daily essential for many people, and espresso is one of the most popular coffee drinks. Espresso machines have become increasingly popular as more people look for ways to make cafe-quality coffee at home. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right espresso machine, especially when you’re on a budget.
The purpose of this article is to help you find the best espresso machine under $500 that offers the most value for your money. In this article, we will discuss the factors to consider when buying an espresso machine and compare the top five espresso machines that meet our criteria for selection.
Table of Contents
Top Espresso Machines Under 500
By the end of this article, you will be able to make an informed decision about which espresso machine to buy that fits your budget and needs.
1. Breville Duo Best Espresso Machine Under 500
Product Details
| Brand | Breville |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 61 Fluid Ounces |
| Color | Brushed Stainless Steel |
| Product Dimensions | 10″D x 11″W x 13″H |
| Special Feature | Manual |
| Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
| Material | Brushed Stainless Steel |
| Filter Type | Reusable |
| Style | Classic |
| Specific Uses For Product | Espresso Machine |
| Item Weight | 18.9 Pounds |
Overview: The Breville Duo-Temp Pro Espresso Machine is a powerful and innovative coffee maker designed for those who want to enjoy café quality coffee at home. With its digital PID temperature control and powerful steam, this machine produces balanced flavors and rich, full-bodied coffee. Its low-pressure pre-infusion technology ensures that the coffee is evenly extracted, and the 15-bar Italian pump ensures that the espresso has an opulent, creamy, and caramel-colored body. The machine also includes a milk steaming wand that produces silky, velvety microfoam milk, enhancing the flavor and mouthfeel of your coffee.
Features:
- Digital PID temperature control for precise water temperature regulation
- Low-pressure pre-infusion technology for even coffee extraction
- 15-bar Italian pump for rich, opulent espresso
- Milk steaming wand for silky, velvety microfoam milk
- The optimal dose of 19-22g of freshly ground beans for a full-bodied coffee
Benefits:
- Café quality taste at home
- Balanced flavors for a perfectly balanced coffee extraction
- A rich, full-bodied coffee with complex flavors and distinctive character
- Irresistible body with low-pressure pre-infusion technology
- The silky, velvety mouthfeel of true microfoam milk
2. Gaggia RI9380 Best Espresso Machine Under 500
| Brand | Gaggia |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1.3 Liters |
| Color | Cherry Red |
| Product Dimensions | 8″D x 9.5″W x 14.2″H |
| Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Filter Type | Reusable |
| Style | classic,modern |
| Specific Uses For Product | Espresso Machine |
| Item Weight | 20 Pounds |
Overview: The Gaggia RI9380 is a high-quality espresso machine that offers rugged stainless steel housing, commercial-grade components, and easy-to-use controls. With its commercial three-way solenoid valve, 58mm chrome-plated brass portafilter, and commercial steam wand, this machine is designed to deliver consistent, high-quality espresso with every use.
Features:
- Rugged stainless steel housing
- Commercial-grade three-way solenoid valve
- Commercial-style 58mm chrome-plated brass portafilter and brew group
- Commercial steam wand
- Easy-to-use rocker switch controls
- Included components: Espresso Machine, Water Reservoir, Reservoir Lid, Drip Tray, Drip Tray Cover, Decompression Duct Tube, Portafilter, Pressurized Double Shot Basket, Commercial Single Shot Basket, Commercial Double Shot Basket, Tamper, Coffee Scoop
Benefits:
- High-quality construction ensures durability and longevity
- Commercial-grade components deliver consistent, high-quality espresso with every use
- Easy-to-use controls make it simple to brew your favorite espresso drinks at home
- Included components provide everything you need to get started brewing right away
- Commercial-style portafilter and steam wand allow for precise brewing and milk frothing, just like a professional espresso machine
Overall, the Gaggia RI9380 best espresso machine under 500 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality espresso machine under $500. With its rugged construction, commercial-grade components, and easy-to-use controls, this machine is sure to provide years of delicious espresso drinks in the comfort of your own home.
3. Breville Bambino Plus Best Espresso Machine Under 500
Product Details
| Brand | Breville |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 64 Fluid Ounces |
| Color | Brushed Stainless Steel |
| Product Dimensions | 7.6″D x 12.5″W x 12.2″H |
| Special Feature | Milk Frother |
| Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Filter Type | Reusable |
| Style | Modern |
| Specific Uses For Product | Home |
| Item Weight | 3.1 Pounds |
Overview: The Breville Bambino Plus is an espresso machine that promises to deliver café-quality coffee in a compact and efficient design. It boasts of using the same four key elements that commercial machines use to create third-wave specialty coffee at home.
Features:
- 54mm portafilter with 19g for full flavor
- Automatic milk texturing
- 3-second heat-up time
- Precise espresso extraction
Benefits:
- Rich, full flavor: The Bambino Plus promises to deliver a rich, full flavor by using a 54mm portafilter with 19g of coffee, which is the industry standard for creating café-quality espresso. This ensures that you get a full-bodied and flavorful cup every time.
- Perfectly balanced taste: With precise espresso extraction, the Bambino Plus promises to deliver a perfectly balanced taste that is not too bitter or too sour. This ensures that you get a delicious and well-balanced cup of coffee every time.
- Irresistible body: The Bambino Plus promises to deliver an irresistible body by using the right combination of coffee, water, and pressure to create a creamy and full-bodied cup of coffee.
- Silky, velvety mouthfeel: With automatic milk texturing, the Bambino Plus promises to deliver a silky and velvety mouthfeel that is reminiscent of your favorite café. This ensures that you get a delicious and satisfying cup of coffee every time.
In summary, the Breville Bambino Plus is a compact and efficient espresso machine that promises to deliver café-quality coffee at home. With its four key elements and automatic milk texturing, it promises to deliver a rich, flavorful, perfectly balanced, and satisfying cup of coffee every time.
4. PHILIPS 1200-Series Best Espresso Machine
Product Details
| Brand | PHILIPS |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1.8 Liters |
| Color | Black |
| Product Dimensions | 9.69″D x 14.61″W x 17.05″H |
| Special Feature | Milk Frother |
| Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
| Material | Plastic |
| Filter Type | Reusable |
| Style | 1200 Series Classic Milk Frother |
| Specific Uses For Product | Espresso Machine |
| Included Components | Coffee machine |
| Wattage | 1350 watts |
Overview: The Philips 1200-Series Best Espresso Machine Under 500 is a fully automatic espresso machine that allows you to enjoy the delicious taste and aroma of coffee from fresh beans, at the perfect temperature, thanks to its intelligent brewing system. It also comes with a classic milk frother that allows you to create a silky smooth cappuccino or latte macchiato with ease.
Features:
- Intelligent brewing system: This feature ensures that the coffee is brewed at the perfect temperature and with the right amount of pressure for a perfect cup of coffee.
- Classic milk frother: The milk frother allows you to create silky smooth cappuccinos or latte macchiatos with ease.
- Grind size and amount adjustment: The machine allows you to adjust the grind size and amount of coffee for a customized cup of coffee.
- Easy to use: The machine is fully automatic, making it easy to use for anyone.
Benefits:
- Fresh taste and aroma: The machine uses fresh beans, ensuring that your coffee has a delicious taste and aroma.
- Perfect temperature and pressure: The intelligent brewing system ensures that your coffee is brewed at the perfect temperature and pressure for a great cup of coffee.
- Customizable: With the ability to adjust the grind size and amount of coffee, you can customize your cup of coffee to your liking.
- Easy to use: The machine is fully automatic, making it easy to use for anyone, even those who are not experienced baristas.
5. Wirsh Machine Best Espresso Machine
Product Details
| Brand | wirsh |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1000 Milliliters |
| Color | Staniless Steel |
| Product Dimensions | 12.2″D x 5.5″W x 11.9″H |
| Special Feature | Integrated Coffee Grinder, Removable Tank, Cup Warmer, Milk Frother, Jug |
| Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Style | Home Barista Pro |
| Included Components | Filter |
Overview: The Wirsh Espresso Machine is a home barista pro-bean-to-espresso coffee machine that offers barista-style coffee in the comfort of your own home. It comes with an integrated conical grinder that offers bean-to-fresh espresso coffee every time, and the on-demand grinding technology automatically delivers coffee grounds directly into the portafilter with just one touch.
Features:
- Integrated conical grinder: The machine comes with an integrated conical grinder that offers bean-to-fresh espresso coffee every time.
- 30 grind settings: The integrated grinder has 30 grind settings and stainless steel conical burrs that guarantee a consistent grind-to-particle size.
- 58mm commercial portafilter: The machine is built with the café size 58mm portafilter that disperses water evenly for the best-tasting brew.
- Gentle pre-infusion function: The low-pressure pre-infusion gradually increases the pressure when the brew starts which helps ensure all coffee flavors are extracted out evenly during the extraction for a great cup of espresso.
- Precise temperature control: The machine has a proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller that monitors and controls the thermoblock heating system to ensure water is delivered at the precisely right temperature for optimal espresso extraction.
- Powerful steamer: The powerful steamer whips up creamy milk froth texturing for professional cappuccino and latte art creation.
Benefits:
- Fresh coffee every time: The Wirsh Espresso Machine offers bean-to-fresh espresso coffee every time, ensuring that you get fresh coffee every time you make a cup.
- Consistent grind: The 30 grind settings and stainless steel conical burrs guarantee a consistent grind to particle size.
- Even water dispersal: The 58mm commercial portafilter disperses water evenly for the best-tasting brew.
- Great cup of espresso: The gentle pre-infusion function ensures that all coffee flavors are extracted out evenly during the extraction for a great cup of espresso.
- Optimal extraction: The precise temperature control ensures water is delivered at the precise right temperature for optimal espresso extraction.
- Professional cappuccino and latte art creation: The powerful steamer whips up creamy milk froth texturing for professional cappuccino and latte art creation.
6. Zstar Machine Best Espresso Machine
Product Details
| Brand | Zstar |
| Color | Silver |
| Product Dimensions | 12.59″D x 13.5″W x 12.59″H |
| Special Feature | Integrated Coffee Grinder, Removable Tank, Cup Warmer, Milk Frother, Auto Clean Function |
| Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
Overview: The Zstar Machine Best Espresso Machine is a professional-grade espresso maker that comes equipped with a built-in food-grade conical burr grinder, two professional 58mm portafilters, and a powerful steam wand for creating microfoam milk. It also features low-pressure pre-soaking and precise water temperature control to ensure optimal espresso extraction.
Features:
- Built-in food-grade conical burr grinder with 15 size options
- Two professional 58mm portafilters
- Italian ULKA 15 Bar Pump
- Precise water temperature control (PID)
- Powerful steam wand for creating microfoam milk
- Low-pressure pre-soaking
Benefits:
- Evenly grinds coffee beans for desired flavors
- Ensures true full-bodied crema for velvety cafe-quality espresso
- Extracts coffee beans at a consistent pressure and delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring a rich and balanced taste
- Creates silky and creamy milk for latte art and a perfect blend of sweet milk and full-flavored espresso
- Low-pressure pre-soaking gently expands the grinds for even extraction, preventing bitter and sour flavors and creating a balanced-tasting cup
- Comes with a complete package of accessories for convenient use and cleaning
7. Gaggia RI9380 Classic Pro Espresso Machine
Product Details
| Brand | Gaggia |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 4.5 Pounds |
| Color | Brushed Stainless Steel |
| Product Dimensions | 8″D x 9.5″W x 14.2″H |
| Special Feature | Commercial Style 58mm Portafilter, Commercial Steam Wand for Milk Frothing, 3-Way Solenoid Valve for Easy Disposal of Coffee Grounds |
| Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Filter Type | Reusable |
| Style | Classic, Modern |
| Specific Uses For Product | Making Espresso |
| Item Weight | 8.5 Kilograms |
Overview:
The Gaggia RI9380 Classic Pro Espresso Machine is a high-quality, rugged espresso machine with a commercial-style design. It features a three-way solenoid valve, a 58mm chrome-plated brass portafilter, and a commercial steam wand for milk frothing. This machine is built with brushed stainless steel housing, which makes it durable and resistant to wear and tear.
Features:
Three-way solenoid valve: This feature helps to regulate the pressure during brewing, ensuring that the coffee is extracted at the optimal pressure.
58mm chrome-plated brass portafilter: The commercial-style portafilter is designed to hold more coffee, which makes it ideal for making larger servings of espresso.
Commercial steam wand: The steam wand is perfect for frothing milk and creating latte art.
Brushed stainless steel housing: This material makes the machine durable and long-lasting, as well as easy to clean.
Easy-to-use controls: The rocker switch controls are intuitive and easy to use, even for beginners.
Large water tank capacity: The machine has a 2.1-liter water tank, which means you won’t need to refill it as often.
Benefits:
High-quality espresso: The Gaggia RI9380 Classic Pro Espresso Machine is designed to produce high-quality espresso with optimal pressure and extraction.
Commercial-grade features: The commercial-style portafilter, steam wand, and three-way solenoid valve make this machine ideal for home baristas who want to create café-quality espresso drinks.
Durable and long-lasting: The brushed stainless steel housing and commercial-grade components make this machine rugged and resistant to wear and tear.
Easy to clean: The stainless steel housing is easy to clean, and the three-way solenoid valve makes it easy to dispose of coffee grounds.
Large water tank capacity: The large water tank capacity means you won’t need to refill it as often, which makes it ideal for busy households or offices.
Easy to use: The simple rocker switch controls make it easy to operate the machine, even if you’re new to making espresso.
8. Sincreative Semi Automatic Best Espresso Machine Under 500
| Brand | Sincreative |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 92 Fluid Ounces |
| Color | Brushed Stainless Steel |
| Product Dimensions | 12.8″D x 11.2″W x 16.5″H |
| Wattage | 1500 watts |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 120 Volts (AC) |
| Model Name | CM5700A-UL |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Human Interface Input | Buttons |
| Package Type | Standard packaging |
| Item Weight | 26.8 pounds |
Overview: The Sincreative Semi Automatic Best Espresso Machine Under 500 is a great choice for home baristas who want to brew the perfect coffee. It features a built-in conical burr grinder, manual microfoam milk texturing, optimal pressure system, and a stylish and user-friendly design.
Features:
- Built-in conical burr grinder with 15 adjustable grind settings
- Manual microfoam milk texturing with powerful steam wand
- Optimal pressure system with 20 bar pressure and digital temperature control (PID)
- Simple and clear dial interface for selecting steam, hot water, and pre-programmed single and double shots
- Detachable 92oz transparent water tank
- Brushed stainless steel design
- How-to videos available for common issues
Benefits:
- Precise grind settings allow for total control over the level of grind, resulting in the best flavor from any choice of coffee beans.
- Manual microfoam milk texturing enhances flavor and enables creation of latte art for a barista-quality experience at home.
- Optimal pressure system ensures optimal espresso extraction, drawing out all the flavors of the coffee bean during the extraction process.
- User-friendly design with simple dial interface and detachable water tank make it easy to use and maintain.
- Stylish brushed stainless steel design looks beautiful on any kitchen countertop.
- How-to videos are available for common issues and customer support is readily available to solve any problems that may arise.
9. EspressoWorks Best Espresso Machine Under 500
Product Details
| Brand | EspressoWorks |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Product Dimensions | 16″D x 25″W x 17.3″H |
| Special Feature | Compact |
| Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Style | All-In-One Barista Pro Series Espresso Machine & Cappuccino Maker |
| Included Components | 2 shakers |
| Wattage | 1350 watts |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
Overview: The EspressoWorks Barista Pro Espresso Machine is an all-in-one espresso maker that grinds espresso beans, brews one to two shots of espresso, steams milk, and dispenses hot water for an Americano in minutes. This compact, countertop-friendly machine is ready to use in under 60 seconds and comes with 30 pieces to help you create your own coffee bar at home.
Features:
Thermoblock heating system: The 15-bar espresso maker boasts a thermoblock heating system that heats up quickly, so you can make your espresso drinks in no time.
Espresso bean grinder: The .5 lb coffee bean hopper funnels to a conical burr grinder with 15 grind settings, so you can get a fresh espresso shot with every pull.
Steam wand: The built-in steamer wand steams and foams your milk for delicious cappuccinos and lattes.
Control panel: The easy-to-use control panel allows you to choose your grind, shot size, and milk frothing options.
30-piece set: The cappuccino machine comes with 29 other pieces for your own coffee bar, including a detachable water tank with handle and removable lid, stainless steel frothing pitcher, tamper, 4 glasses, 2 shakers, grounds knock box, and more.
Compact size: The EspressoWorks machine measures 12.4″ x 12.6″ x 13.66″ and has a water capacity of 77 oz or 2.3 liters, making it a great option for smaller kitchens or apartments.
Benefits:
Barista-grade drinks at home: The all-in-one design of the EspressoWorks Barista Pro allows you to create barista-grade espresso drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and americanos at home.
Ready in under 60 seconds: With its quick heating system, the espresso machine is ready to use in under 60 seconds, so you can make your drinks quickly and easily.
Freshly ground espresso: The espresso bean grinder ensures that you get a fresh shot of espresso every time you use the machine.
Complete coffee bar set: The 30-piece set that comes with the machine allows you to create your own coffee bar at home, complete with all the accessories you need.
Compact and countertop-friendly: The compact size of the machine makes it a great option for smaller kitchens or apartments, and it won’t take up too much space on your countertop.
Easy to clean: The included steam wand cleaning pin and drip tray make it easy to clean the machine after use, ensuring that it stays in good condition for longer.
10. COSIKIE Best Espresso Machine with Grinder Under 500
Product Details
| Brand | COSIKIE |
|---|---|
| Color | Silver |
| Product Dimensions | 13.5″D x 13″W x 18.5″H |
| Special Feature | Coffee Grinder, Removable Tank, Milk Frother, Thermal, Programmable |
| Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
| Material | Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Plastic, Metal |
| Filter Type | Reusable |
| Style | CK5700 |
Overview: The COSIKIE Espresso Machine with Grinder is an innovative all-in-one coffee maker that allows you to brew your favorite coffee drinks in the comfort of your own home. With its built-in grinder and milk steaming wand, this machine is perfect for anyone looking to make barista-quality coffee at home.
Features:
- Espresso machine with grinder: This machine allows you to grind your own coffee beans for a fresh and flavorful cup of coffee.
- Coffee grinder with 15 settings: The grind knob with 0-15 settings lets you control the grind size and deliver precise, consistent grinding.
- Milk foaming system: The powerful milk foaming steam wand enables you to texture creamy, rich microfoam milk to create amazing milk foam art and enhance the flavor of your brews.
- PID temperature control: The PID temperature control technology precisely controls water temperature for a perfectly balanced coffee extraction and maximum flavor potential.
- Professional 20 bar pressure system: The professional pressure pump ensures the high quality of espresso every time with a better taste and richer texture.
- User-friendly design: The COSIKIE Espresso Machine is designed to be easy to use, with simple buttons and operation, allowing you to make your favorite coffee drinks quickly and easily.
Benefits:
- Brew your favorite coffee drinks at home: With the COSIKIE Espresso Machine, you can enjoy barista-quality coffee drinks in the comfort of your own home.
- Fresher, more flavorful coffee: With the built-in grinder, you can grind your own coffee beans for a fresh and flavorful cup of coffee every time.
- Customizable coffee drinks: With the 15 grind settings and the option to choose your strength with classic Espresso, cappuccino, or producing steam to heat liquids or beverage, you can customize your coffee drinks to your liking.
- Perfect milk foam every time: The powerful milk foaming steam wand allows you to texture creamy, rich microfoam milk to create amazing milk foam art and enhance the flavor of your brews.
- Precise temperature control: The PID temperature control technology precisely controls water temperature for a perfectly balanced coffee extraction and maximum flavor potential.
- High quality espresso every time: With the professional 20 bar pressure system, you can ensure high quality espresso with a better taste and richer texture.
- Easy to use: The user-friendly design of the COSIKIE Espresso Machine makes it easy to use, with simple buttons and operation, allowing you to make your favorite coffee drinks quickly and easily.
Types of Espresso Machines
There are four main types of espresso machines on the market, each with its unique features and benefits. These include:
Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines: Semi-automatic espresso machines require some manual control from the user. They feature a pump to create pressure, a boiler to heat water, and a group head to hold the coffee grounds. The user must grind and tamp the coffee beans, fill the portafilter, and start and stop the extraction process manually.
Automatic Espresso Machines: Automatic espresso machines are similar to semi-automatics but come with programmable features to automate the brewing process. These machines can grind, tamp, and extract the coffee automatically, making them a popular choice for those who want convenience and consistency.
Super Automatic Espresso Machines: Super-automatic espresso machines are the most advanced and feature-rich type of espresso machine. They automate the entire process from grinding to extraction to frothing milk, making them the most convenient and easy-to-use machines. They are also the most expensive.
Manual Espresso Machines: Manual espresso machines require the most effort and skill from the user, as they lack automation. They consist of a lever to create pressure, a group head, and a boiler to heat water. The user must grind and tamp the coffee beans, fill the portafilter, and manually control the pressure and extraction time. These machines require some practice to master, but they provide the most control over the brewing process and can produce excellent espresso shots.
Each type of espresso machine has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on your needs and preferences. Consider your budget, skill level, and desired level of convenience when choosing the best type of espresso machine for you.
Factors to Consider When Buying an Espresso Machine Under $500
When buying an espresso machine under $500, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best value for your money. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:
Type of Espresso Machine: Consider which type of espresso machine best suits your needs and skill level. If you’re new to espresso making, a semi-automatic or automatic machine may be a good option. However, if you want more control over the brewing process and don’t mind putting in more effort, a manual machine may be a better choice.
Size: Espresso machines can vary in size, so consider how much space you have available in your kitchen. If you have limited counter space, look for a compact machine that won’t take up too much room.
Ease of Use: Consider how easy the machine is to use and clean. Look for features like removable water tanks, easy-to-clean drip trays, and intuitive controls.
Water Tank Capacity: The size of the water tank will determine how many shots of espresso you can make before refilling. Look for a machine with a water tank capacity that fits your needs.
Pressure: Espresso machines require a certain amount of pressure to extract the coffee properly. Look for a machine with a pressure rating of at least 9 bars for optimal results.
Durability: Consider the quality of the machine’s build and materials. Look for machines made from durable materials like stainless steel or aluminum that are designed to last.
Brand Reputation: Choose a reputable brand that offers good customer service and a warranty. Read reviews from other customers to see their experiences with the machine.
By considering these factors, you can find the best espresso machine under $500 that meets your needs and preferences.
FAQs
A steam wand is used to heat and steam milk for latte art, while a frother is used to create foam for cappuccinos and other espresso-based drinks.
While you can technically use regular coffee beans in an espresso machine, it's recommended to use espresso-specific beans that are roasted and ground to a finer consistency.
It's recommended to clean your espresso machine after each use to ensure optimal performance and taste. This includes wiping down the steam wand, emptying the drip tray, and descaling the machine periodically.
A single shot of espresso uses around 7 grams of coffee and produces around 1 ounce of espresso, while a double shot uses around 14 grams of coffee and produces around 2 ounces of espresso.
The brewing time for a shot of espresso can vary depending on the machine, but it typically takes around 20-30 seconds to extract a shot of espresso.
