10 Best Espresso Machines Under $500 In [June 2023]

In a Hurry? Our Top 3 Best Espresso Machines Below $500!

Superior For Reliability

Value For Money

Best Overall

Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS

Nespresso EN560B Lattissima Touch

Gaggia 59101 Brera Fully Automatic Machine

Power

1560W / 120V

1400W / 220V

1400W / 120V

Reservoir Size

64 oz

30 oz

40 oz

Frother Type

Automatic steam wand

Automatic steam wand

Pannarello Wand

Pressure Pump

15 bars

19 bars

15 bars

Check Price on Amazon

Check Price on Amazon

Check Price on Amazon

Superior For Reliability

Breville Bambino Plus BES500BSS

Power

1560W / 120V

Reservoir Size

64 oz

Frother Type

Automatic steam wand

Pressure Pump

15 bars

Check Price on Amazon

Value For Money

Nespresso EN560B Lattissima Touch

Power

1400W / 220V

Reservoir Size

30 oz

Frother Type

Automatic steam wand

Pressure Pump

19 bars

Check Price on Amazon

Best Overall

Gaggia 59101 Brera Fully Automatic Machine

Power

1400W / 120V

Reservoir Size

40 oz

Frother Type

Pannarello Wand

Pressure Pump

15 bars

Check Price on Amazon

Coffee is one of the world’s most popularly consumed beverages among all age groups. Many of you depend on a morning scoop of coffee to start your day. Having the right caffeine or cup of coffee will boost up your senses and mood. Brewing process of your own coffee in front of you will increase your beverage taste preference. 

Buying the espresso coffee maker for everyday use can be challenging, especially when you’re new to the field of coffee makers. With hundreds of brands choosing the right one in your budget that stands entirely on your requirements, it can be frustrating as it leads you to a confusing stage.

But you don’t need to worry anymore. If you get tired of searching 100 models and are still not satisfied, you arrive on the right page. We’ve prepared a list of the top-rated Best Espresso Machines Under $500 that not only saves your time but let you invest on something great. So, Grab your seats and make the right choice for your kitchen in your pocket price range.

Top 10 Espresso Machines Below $500

Which are the 10 Best Espresso Machines Under $500 in 2023?

1. Breville the Bambino Plus Espresso Machine

The Breville Bambino comprises the four keys elements that deliver cafe-style coffee. The four key features include a rich, full flavor, Perfectly balanced taste, Irresistible body, and Silky, velvety mouthfeel. This coffee maker also offers a single and double shot pressurized wall filter bucket, a 54mm metal tamper, and a 16 oz frothing pitcher. Also, it has a button display with the help that you can select your preferred quality.

This coffee maker itself is small in dimensions that will fit just about anywhere. Additionally, the water tank has a modest 64 fl. oz capacity, which gives you the freedom not to refill it after another cup you brew. It also includes an automatic mist wand for adjusting the milk temp and the texture to suit your taste. It enhances the taste of coffee and is vital for creating latte art. You can even achieve a balanced espresso using the right amount of coffee powder. 

Beyond the dosing, the Bambino Plus has an innovative ThermoJet heating system that extracts the optimal temp in 3 sec. However, the pre-infusion increases the pressure for allowing the ground coffee to be drawn-out evenly during the extraction for a balance.

2. Nespresso Lattissima Touch Original Espresso Machine

This Nespresso Lattissima delivers the perfect creamy latte in seconds with an advanced automatic frothing system. With 6 one-touch buttons, this coffee maker offers an exceptional convenience to enjoy at home, the pleasure of cafe-quality cappuccinos and lattes. The advanced technology will give optimal milk froth state. Adjust the wand regulator knob acc. to your taste.

This stylish, sleek machine is crafted in Italy that looks fantastic in any kitchen. It features a sliding drip tray for different cup sizes, illuminated buttons, and a removable milk carafe with a rinsing function. Its high-force19 bar allows for barista-way results. It offers a perfect extraction of intense to mild and fruit flavors from each coffee capsule. The fast heat-up mode reaches the ideal temp in just 40 seconds.

Its energy-saving mode turns off the machine after 9 min of idleness. Furthermore, the machine comes with a descaling alert. So when it needs to be descaled, it will alert you. 

3. Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine

This Gaggia espresso maker is a compact, super-automatic espresso machine capable of forming anything from espresso to cappuccino. It has a manageable front panel with gentle buttons and an LED screen. The keys help brew and create a list of drinks, both classic and custom, as you want. Some other features include the automatic shut-off, programmable clock, decalcification, and low water indicator.

One of the great features that everybody wants in their coffee machine is a “Grinder.” And the Gaggia comes with a grinder. The Brera has a flat ceramic burr grinder and a bypass doser, and you can easily brew a whole bean or coffee grind with them. It has five settings that perfectly grind the seeds for your drink.

Also, the hopper is airtight, which keeps the aroma of coffee beans fresh. You can even use the “smart system” to adjust the grind speed and setup. However, you can also prepare a texture milk drink with its milk steam wand. An intake hole tube air right into the milk to create creamy foam for specialty beverages.

4. Gaggia Classic Pro RI9380/46 Espresso Machine

The Classic pro is designed and manufactured in the outskirts of Tuscany, the heart of espresso. It has mechanical rocker switches made with the same durable material used on commercial products. The independent switches offer gratifying brewing, power, and steaming ease when flipping the keys. The body is constructed of one-piece, 17 gauge stainless steel. 

It has marvelous features for making trained coffee. Brew like an expert with its industrial style 58 mm portafilter. It is the same size that is used by most cafes and coffee houses. This implies a high capacity to hold coffee grounds. Also, it has both a single or double filter net. A single shot basket holds up to 8-10 grams of coffee powder, and the other basket 16-22 grams. The coffee machine has a commercial-grade steam rod that offers full control while steaming and frothing. However, this machine is capable of creating latte art also. 

It is equipped with a 3-way solenoid valve that is found in cafe machines. The 3-way solenoid valve relieves pressure off the coffee for a dry, easily discarded puck. Apart from this, the valve also makes back-flushing possible and reduces the stress on internal components.

5. Breville BES810BSS Duo Temp Pro Espresso Machine

Breville is well known for its cafe-quality coffee. The high technology used by Breville is PID heat control that checks the water temp for a precise mechanical thermostat. This Pro coffee machine is much easier than other devices that make it easier to use, however, the similar model Breville bes840xl infuser espresso machine also delivers optimal flavor in every cup.

It has an auto purging heat system that ensures your next espresso will extract at the right state. A rich and caramel-colored espresso starts with a low-pressure pre-infusion that soaks the grinds and allows water to pass through the coffee during the high-strain extraction process. Both the model from breville, the Breville bes840xl and this Duo Temp Pro delivers the process via a 15 bar Italian pump that results in a rich, sweet and viscous beverage.

Moreover, this steel infuser espresso machine comes with a commercial-grade portafilter, a milk wand, and a one-dial controller. Since it offers you two essential parts to select control over the steam or hot water. However, it can extract one or two espresso cups at the same flow. Its 1 and 2 cups filter case offers you to use fresh coffee grinds or pre-coffee ground beans.

On the other hand, its 360° rotating steam rod makes the steaming and frothing effortless. This high-power element delivers sufficient steam to create micro-foam enhancing flavor. Overall, this superb machine brings out a delicious mixture of coffee and milk that excites your tasting bud.

6. De’Longhi EC680M Espresso

The new Dedica single-serve machine provides the perfect espresso and cappuccino at home. No matter how small your kitchen is, it takes up to 6 inches of space on your countertop. This machine provides you the power to brew real cafe-quality beverages. The manufacturers place this machine in a semi-automatic single-serve category, but it works the same as automatic models. However, it comes with a cup warmer plate, three buttons on the top to control your brewing.

This is an all-in-one machine that holds a 15 bar pump, thermoblock heating system, and many more. You will find a button option on the front panel for selecting the single or double espresso cups. Good looks aside; its attraction lies in being able to produce rich, creamy milk foam. It has a Panarello milk wand that performs so well that it could heat enough for two lattes. Its manual frother allows you to customize the milk as pr your need. Additionally, the cup warmer tray allows various mugs sizes to use beneath the spout.

Overall, its 1-liter tank is so capable of brewing two shots at one time. Thanks to its thermoblock technical point that heated the water in less measure and delivered espresso at a perfect temp.

7. Gaggia Carezza DeLUXE Espresso Machine

The Carezza Deluxe Machine brews coffee using a pressurized filter basket. It is suitable for home and office brewing as it can work with pre-coffee ground and easy serve pods. Apart from this, it is easy to use and hassle-free to operate. With classic milk frother, it turns ordinary milk into creamy milk froth to make cappuccino or latte. 

It comes with a pressurized double-walled filter holder that enhances the extraction of crema and allows crema isolation to make espresso creamier. Further you don’t have to worry about water as its boiler temperature gauge monitors the boiling water.   

Best of all, this machine allows simultaneous brewing. It also features a descale warning feature that indicates whether a descale cycle is required. This helps prolong the life of the machine. Furthermore, its water reservoir is removable and has a clear window for monitoring levels. The tank accepts the Mavea Intenza plus water filter that removes chlorine and softens hard water to improve flavor.

8. De’Longhi EC702 Espresso Machine

If you are just starting in the world of espresso, this EC702 semi-automatic espresso maker gives you plenty of space to learn brewing espresso at home. It is easy to use a machine with good technical support for all important functions. It has a self-priming operation that allows the broiler to heat up and prepare for a brew on its own. 

This machine gives you the freedom to control things like pressure and water temperature. It has a patented dual thermostat system so that you can monitor and set temperatures for the water tank and frother separately. Not only this, but it also allows you to control the amount of coffee you want to brew at once.

De’Longhi EC702 is ESE pod compatible, so you can easily brew espresso if you don’t have time to grind your beans. Apart from this, the machine comes with a Rapid Cappuccino System that allows you to brew your espresso, steam, and froth milk and then go back to brewing to prepare another cappuccino. On the other hand, the patented milk frother is efficient for steaming and frothing milk. It does a decent job in steaming the milk. However, the bubbles produced during frothing are too big – not the perfect velvet milk.  

9. Breville Nespresso Pixie Original Espresso Machine

This compact and single-serve coffee maker operates with a high-pressure 19 bar pump. It is ergonomically designed to take up less space, thus perfect for apartments with limited storage space. Its simple interface allows you to choose between espresso or a lungo. 

The Nespresso Pixie is handy and easy to use, thanks to its intuitive design. With thermoblock technology, it requires 25 seconds to brew an espresso. Apart from this, you can use cups of different sizes thanks to a drip tray that can be either removed or folded. 

It works only with Nespresso premium coffee capsules. It includes 16 capsules that deliver great aroma, flavor, preserve freshness, and keep spills and messes from happening. Besides, the water tank is removable, which makes it easy to fill and clean. 

10. Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

This Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista comes with an in-built frother and various brew modes. It has all the basic capabilities for novices who are just starting out in the espresso world. It can make espresso beverages with the touch of a button. 

With this semi-automatic machine, you can easily brew plain espresso, cappuccinos, or lattes. Its milk frother is automatic, so you don’t need to worry about milk frothing. When it comes to cleaning, its water and milk reservoirs are removable and easy to clean. It comes with two different size filter baskets, a single-shot size and a double. Further, there are two drip trays for catering full-size mugs or smaller cups.   

How to choose The Best Espresso Machine Under $500?​

When purchasing a new machine, just keep these things in mind on what to look for in an espresso machine. It is not hard at all just to be sure about your needs.

1. What can an espresso machine makes

​Many espresso makers perform similarly to your fav cafe and not just settle at espresso but also deliver you other unique beverages. If you don’t want to stay on one drink, search for a machine capable of making Macchiato, Cappuccino, Latte, Mocha, Louga, espresso shots, and other milk textures drinks. It’s easy to find an espresso machine with a frother.

Those who are just espresso lovers and don’t want steamed milk then buy a machine without this feature. On the other hand, the rest can consider this feature if they’re going to add different beverages to their list.

2. Types of Espresso Machines

The main difference you will find while purchasing is the varieties of espresso makers available in the market and how easy they are to use.

• Manual Espresso Maker

It is one of the essential machines for those who don’t mind putting some work into their espresso. These machines are tricky for the beginners, as it is challenging to use as it gives the operator full control over the extraction process. The process starts from grinding to tamping the coffee grinds and removing the portafilter by the operator.

Your extra work can pay off, though, manual espresso coffee makers. It allows you to control every part of the process of making a shot or end up with a perfect shot according to your preference.

• Semi & Super Automatic Machines

Semi-automatic and super-automatic machines take ease of use to the extreme. They both are some in a few features. The idea behind this type of machine is to make the process easy by pressing a button. They convert the manual function into an automatic type like integrated burr grinder, temperature regulator, automatic milk frothing, digital display. It also comes with a high-quality Thermo coil heating system, PID digital temp control technology, auto-purge, and many more.

They even use an electric pump instead of a manual lever to pressure the hot water through the coffee. Both machines come with a large water tank, making them much more efficient for a large gathering as they even perform faster than manual coffee makers. Only the one difference that makes the semi-automatic different from fully automatic.

The auto on/off feature. In the semi-automatic, the operator has to start and stop the extraction process. And on the other side, the automatic engines employ a one-touch system that automatically starts and ends the process. Both engines produce excellent product consistency.

3. Built-in Grinder

There are two types of grinding when it comes to the espresso maker. Some have a grinder or some are without a mill. Coffee makers without a blender will need to buy a separate grinder or use a pre-grinded coffee according to your preference. Some of the brands are capable of using capsules for your beverages that allow trying different flavors.

In case you want to save your time and don’t want to spend it on the ground, go with a built-in grinder that is most convenient. Most of the built-in mills are found in automatic devices, adjustable grinding settings, and hoppers to use a pre-coffee ground.

4. Milk Frother

If you don’t want to drink straight espresso daily, look for a machine that has a steam milk wand. There is a bit of learning everything when you’re trying it the first time.

Many of the models come with a manual wand and others with built-in frothing options. With a push of a button, the devices heat up automatically and mix your milk and steam to create a rich, velvety mouth cream. However, many of the espresso makers also offer a large, removable milk tank and a carafe to froth in it.

5. Programmable Settings

Most of the automatic devices are compatible with having programmable settings. These coffee makers are programs to provide control over the amount of hot water dispersed, temperature, cup selection, and many more features by a push-on programmed button.

You can even program the machine according to your preference. Some devices will even let you program the settings for multiple individuals. It also keeps your choice in mind for the next time. So everyone in the house can make their perfect shot more efficiently.

6. Durability

Many of the higher-end coffee makers come with a warranty, which can give you some idea of its durability. Before purchasing, you should get through its details and know how much the machine can handle. Proper grade devices should be able to work all day without malfunctioning. The type of material used in the making can also make a difference.

However, espresso makers are made mainly of metals and tend to last long and maintain the heat more efficiently. Find out the capacity to hold beans and hot water and how many cups it can make within each brewing sitting. If you want to brew a lot then go and get a higher-capacity machine.

Frequently Asked Questions ​​

1. Can I use ground coffee in an espresso maker?

Yes, you can, but you will not get the same flavor that you get from espresso grounds. Espresso grounds are much finer than your regular ground.

2. Is it okay to drink espresso daily?

The researches show that the caffeine level required for an optimal heart is about four hots worth a day, though everyone’s caffeine concentration is different. But don’t overload it as 50 shots of espresso would kill you.

3. How long does an espresso maker take to heat up and brew?

The ideal time of heat up is 5-10 minutes starting once it gets heated; it takes just 30 seconds to brew your coffee.