So, you’re tired of going out every time to go to a coffee shop and buy your favorite espresso. And you’ve finally decided that it’s time to invest in an espresso machine.
That’s good. Having your own espresso machine has a lot of advantages. For one, you get to save a lot of money in the long run.
But with all the different models and options available, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you.
Don’t worry; we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll talk about the best espresso machine under $500.
We’ll also give you a buyer’s guide to help you choose the perfect machine for your needs.
Types of Espresso Machines
Espresso machines are divided into three main categories: super-automatic, semi-automatic, and manual.
Super-automatic espresso machines are the most expensive and can do everything for you.
They’re also the easiest to use since all you have to do is push a button and wait for your espresso.
Super-automatic espresso machines are good for you if you’re short on time or if you want to have a perfect espresso every time.
Semi-automatic espresso machines are the most popular type since they offer a good balance between price and features.
With a semi-automatic machine, you’ll have to grind the beans yourself and tamp them into the portafilter.
But once that’s done, the machine will do the rest of the work for you.
And finally, manual espresso machines are the most affordable but require the most work. With a manual machine, you’ll have to do everything from grinding the coffee beans to steaming the milk yourself.
But if you’re up for a challenge and want to save money, then a manual espresso maker is a good choice.
Now that you know the different types of espresso machines, let’s move on to our list of the best.
10 Best espresso machines under $500 – Our Picks
Here are the list in order below:
| Espresso machines | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
The Best Overall  |
| VIEW LATEST PRICE | |
Most Durable  |
| VIEW LATEST PRICE | |
Best heating system  |
| VIEW LATEST PRICE | |
Best in design  |
| VIEW LATEST PRICE | |
Most Compact  |
| VIEW LATEST PRICE | |
Best in Milk Frother  |
| VIEW LATEST PRICE | |
Best for Beginners  |
| VIEW LATEST PRICE | |
Most Convenient  |
| VIEW LATEST PRICE |
1. Gaggia Brera
The Gaggia Brera is a super-automatic espresso machine that became popular for its affordable price.
Super-automatic machines are usually worth a lot, so it’s surprising to find one under 500.
Aside from its price, the Gaggia Brera is also popular for its simple design and easy-to-use controls.
The machine has a push button with illuminated icons and an LED display, making it easier for you to choose the right settings.
It also has a built-in integrated ceramic burr grinder that can hold up to 250 grams of beans. The grinder has 5 different settings, so you can choose how fine or coarse you want your beans to be ground.
Additionally, it has a milk-frother for making cappuccinos, lattes, and other milk-based drinks.
This machine also features a 15-bar pump that can produce great-tasting espresso and a pre-infusion that allows the machine to soak the ground coffee before starting the extraction process evenly.
This results in a more flavorful espresso.
What’s more, the water tank, drip tray, and dregs drawer are all easily accessible, making it easy to clean.
Overall, the Gaggia Brera is an excellent machine for those who are looking for a super-automatic machine that is easy to use and doesn’t cost a lot.
Pros
- Simple design
- Easy-to-use controls
- Built-in grinder
- Milk frother included
- Easy to clean
- Affordable price
Cons
- Small water tank (1.2 liters)
2. Gaggia Classic Pro
If you’re looking for a semi-automatic espresso maker that’s under 500, the Gaggia Classic Pro is recommendable because of its durability and performance.
The machine is made of stainless steel, so it’s built to last. It also has a commercial-grade portafilter that can hold up to 14 – 16 grams of coffee.
The portafilter is made of brass, which is known for its durability. Additionally, it has a 58mm tamper that ensures a tight coffee puck for consistent extraction.
The Gaggia Classic Pro also has a 3-way solenoid valve that releases pressure after brewing, so you don’t have to wait for the machine to cool down before removing the portafilter.
This is a great feature if you’re in a hurry.
What’s more, the machine has a pre-infusion feature that moistens the coffee grounds before brewing, so you’ll get a more flavorful espresso.
If you believe that the features of this espresso maker suit your needs, then this might be the one for you.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Commercial grade portafilter
- 3-way solenoid valve
- Pre-infusion feature
- Has a hot water dispenser
Cons
- No built-in grinder
Gaggia Classic Pro may be able to meet your needs, so check it thoroughly.
3. Breville Duo Temp Pro
The 3rd on the list is the Breville Duo Temp Pro; a semi-automatic machine loved by many coffee enthusiasts, so you’ll probably love this too.
Whether you’re a beginner or already experienced in making espresso using espresso machines, you’ll be happy with this one.
Some people think an espresso machine worth less than 500 dollars can’t make a great cup of coffee, but this device will prove them wrong.
This coffee maker can help you achieve the espresso coffee of your goal with its low-pressure pre-infusion system, 15-bar Italian pump, and 1600W power.
When it comes to the heating system, this device is also equipped with a Thermocoil heating system that can help you control the water temperature.
It also features a pre-infusion function that allows the coffee grounds to expand before brewing, resulting in a better cup of espresso.
The machine also comes with a Purge Function that can automatically adjust the water temperature after steaming, so you don’t have to do it manually. This is helpful, especially for beginners.
The Breville DuoTemp Pro is straightforward to use as well. The controls are simple, so you won’t have a hard time figuring it out.
The design of this machine is also one of the things that I love about it. It has a compact design, so it won’t take up a lot of space on your kitchen countertop.
In addition, the build quality is great as it’s made with high-quality brushed stainless steel materials.
However, some users may find the water tank to be small since it only has 61 fl oz (473 ml) capacity, so you might need to refill it more often if you make a lot of coffee.
Pros
- Low-pressure pre-infusion system
- 15 Italian bar pump
- 1600W heating system
- Compact design
Cons
- Small water tank
- Some users find the machine difficult to clean.
4. Calphalon Espresso Machine
The Calphalon Espresso Machine is also a beginner-friendly manual automatic espresso machine with many features.
Talking about its build, I can say that this machine is made with high-quality stainless steel materials that make it durable and will surely last long.
The looks of the machine are also sleek and modern, that’s why for me, it’s a great addition to your kitchen.
Given its low price, the performance of this coffee maker is also surprising.
The interface is simple to use, and after the brewing process is complete, you’ll notice a thick crema on top, which will give your cup a perfect look.
The precision heating technology of this machine is also worth mentioning because it ensures that the water is heated to the perfect temperature for brewing, resulting in a great cup of espresso.
Thermoblock heating and PID temperature control are available in this machine as well, which further ensures that your coffee is heated perfectly.
The machine also comes with a 2L (67 oz) removable water tank, making it easy to refill when needed.
Pros
- Precision heating technology
- Sleek and modern design
Cons
- Some users reported that it’s slightly loud
- Some users find it difficult to attach the portafilter
5. Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus is a manual espresso machine that is popular for its small footprint and being compact.
This is a great machine for you if you have a small kitchen.
Despite its small size, the Breville Bambino Plus can still produce great-tasting espresso. It has a 15-bar pressure pump that can extract all the flavor from the coffee grounds.
Additionally, it has a low-pressure pre-infusion feature that evenly soaks the coffee grounds before brewing, so you’ll get a more flavorful espresso.
The machine has a built-in steam wand that allows you to froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes.
The steam wand is also adjustable so that you can froth milk to your desired consistency.
The Breville Bambino Plus comes with a tamper and a 54 mm portafilter, so you can get started making espresso right away.
Overall, the Breville Bambino Plus is a great machine for people who are looking for a compact espresso machine that can still produce great-tasting espresso.
Pros
- Small footprint
- 15-bar pressure pump
- Pre-infusion feature
- Built-in steam wand
- Comes with a tamper and portafilter
Cons
- No built-in grinder
If you think this is the one for you, and you want to read more about it, you can check my detailed review about this machine.
6. De’Longhi 15 bar Pump Espresso Maker
The De’Longhi 15-bar Pump Espresso Maker is the one if you are looking for an entry-level coffee maker.
It’s a semi-automatic espresso machine, so it doesn’t require much work.
Although it’s not very reliable and not that durable because some parts aren’t made with high-quality materials, this espresso maker is still a good choice if you’re just starting out and want to get into making espresso.
The machine has a 15-bar pump to deliver a flavorful espresso.
Additionally, it has a self-priming feature that eliminates the need for pre-heating. This is a great attribute because it saves time.
Another thing that you’ll love about this espresso is the Swivel jet frother, which is great if you like frothing milk for your espresso.
What’s amazing about this espresso machine is you can use pods or ground to brew coffee. So much for a less than 500 espresso machine!
Pros
- 15 bar pump
- Swivel jet frother
- You can use pods or ground coffee
Cons
- Not very reliable
- Some parts are made with low-quality materials
7. Breville Cafe Roma
Now, if you’re a beginner and looking for a device that will familiarize you with the entire process, then the Breville Café Roma is a great machine for you.
Why? Because this espresso maker is straightforward to learn. It’s also great for those who are already experienced in making espresso.
Breville Cafe Roma is a semi-automatic espresso maker, which means that it will do most of the work for you.
However, you will still need to put in some effort to make a great cup of espresso.
What I love about this device is the performance and quality of the coffee, which I think is the most vital part of an espresso machine. I believe it provides excellent value for money.
The Café Roma also comes with a 1.2L (40 oz) removable water tank, making it easy to refill when needed. Aside from that, it also comes with a coffee tamper so that you can press the coffee grounds evenly into the filter basket.
This espresso machine’s build quality is also excellent. Almost all of its parts are made with stainless steel, so you can stay assured that it’ll last for a long time.
However, pre-infusion is unavailable in this machine. So if that’s something you’re looking for, you might want to check out other models.
And just like the other machines mentioned above, this espresso machine doesn’t have a built-in grinder, so you’ll have to buy a separate one.
Overall, the Breville Cafe Roma is the right one for you if you want a great cup of espresso without spending a lot of time and effort.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Built-in steam wand
- Durable stainless steel
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a built-in grinder
- No pre-infusion
8. Nespresso Pixie Original
If you love Nespresso machines because of their convenience, then you’ll love the Nespresso Pixie Original.
This device is one of the most popular Nespresso machines because it’s very easy to use with just a two-button operation. You can choose between espresso and Lungo, and the machine will do the rest.
It’s programmable, so you can choose the volume of your coffee. It also has a fast heating system, so you don’t have to wait long for your coffee.
The machine comes with a 24-ounce (709 ml) removable water tank that’s easy to refill. And because used capsules are recyclable, you don’t have to be concerned about their negative impact on the environment.
What’s more, the Nespresso Pixie Original is very compact, so it won’t take up a lot of space on your kitchen countertop. It’s also lightweight, so you can easily move it around.
However, the downside of this machine is that it doesn’t have a milk frother, so you’ll need to buy one separately if you want to make lattes or cappuccinos. Additionally, it isn’t very sturdy, so you need to handle it with care.
Pros
- Easy to use with just a two-button operation
- Programmable
- Fast heating system
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Doesn’t have a milk frother
- Not so sturdy
How to Choose the Best Espresso Machine
Now that you know the best espresso machines under 500 dollars, it’s time to choose the right one for you. Here are some things to consider:
First, think about what you’ll use the machine for. If you just want to make coffee for yourself, then a simple machine like the Nespresso Pixie Original will be enough.
But if you want to make lattes and cappuccinos, then you’ll need a machine with a milk frother.
Second, consider the size of the water tank. If you make a lot of coffee, then you’ll need a machine with a large water tank so you won’t have to refill it often.
Third, think about the design. If you want a compact machine that won’t take up a lot of space on your countertop, then choose a machine with a compact design.
Fourth, consider the features. If you want a machine with a lot of features, then the Breville DuoTemp Pro might be the one for you. But if you just want a simple and convenient coffee maker, then you might like the Nespresso Pixie Original.
Finally, think about your budget. If you have a tight budget, then choose a machine like the Nespresso Pixie Original.
But if you’re willing to spend more, then choose something like the Breville DuoTemp Pro.
No matter which you choose, you’ll be able to enjoy a great cup of coffee at home. So, pick the right machine for you and start enjoying your coffee today.
Is it worth buying an espresso machine?
If you’re a coffee-lover, then I think it’s definitely worth it to buy an espresso machine. With it, you’ll be able to make coffee just the way you like it.
You can also experiment with different coffee recipes and find new ways to enjoy your coffee.
Plus, an espresso machine is a great addition to any kitchen. It’ll make your kitchen look more like a coffee shop.
So, if you’re looking for a way to upgrade your coffee-drinking experience, then I think an espresso maker is definitely worth the investment.
Final Verdict: The Best Espresso Machine Under 500
So what’s the verdict? The best espresso machine under 500 for us is the Gaggia Brera.
This is a great deal because it is super-automatic at a very affordable price. It also has some great features, so what else could you possibly look for?
Remember, when choosing an espresso machine, it’s important to consider what you’ll use it for, the size of the water tank, the design, the features, and your budget.
With so many great options listed above, you’re sure to find the perfect machine for you.
I hope this article has helped you narrow down your choices and find the perfect machine for you.
FAQs
How do I know if my espresso machine is good?
If you’re not sure if your machine is good, then I recommend reading online reviews. There are many coffee forums where coffee lovers share their experiences with different espresso makers. Another way to know if an espresso machine is good is to ask for recommendations from friends or family.
How much should you spend on an espresso machine?
The amount you should spend on an espresso machine depends on a number of factors, including your personal budget and the features you need. But you don’t really have to spend a lot to get a high-quality espresso maker. There are a lot of affordable espresso machines in the market that will satisfy you.
Do espresso machines save money?
Yes, espresso machines definitely save money in the long run. In addition, they save you time and energy since you won’t have to go to a coffee shop every morning.
