Best Espresso Machine Under $500: 7 Amazing Home Espresso Makers That Won’t Break the Bank

Long story short: The Breville Duo Temp Pro is the best espresso machine under 500 overall. You can buy it here.

As a barista who worked on at least half a dozen machines at cafes, I know when you look to get a machine for home use and are on a budget, you need to pick which features matter most to you. That’s why we’ve vetted each espresso machine on this list for capabilities, quality, and who they’re best suited to. 

For me, Breville makes some of the best espresso machines on the market. Their Duo Temp is one of the best semi-automatic machines in any price range. From its high-quality construction and manual frothing freedom to auto-purging after each use to keep your espresso extracting at the right temperature, it’s a well-balanced choice for under $500.

But that’s not the only espresso machine that won’t break the bank but still make good nespresso consistently. From a focus on the frother to our picks per machine type, keep reading for our guide to the best espresso machine in the $500 range. Ready to choose a machine? Let’s go!

An Overview of the Best Espresso Machines Under $500 

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This best inexpensive espresso machine comes with a high-power 1600W element for high-pressure steam and faster heat-up to create the micro-foam necessary for café quality coffee. This takes your home coffee-making experience to another level. 

One of the many benefits is the speedy heat up as it gets your coffee ready without having to wait too long. It also has a 1.8L water tank that’s easy to fill, reducing the time between your cups of coffee. For those who enjoy milk-based coffees, the steam wand performance is top-notch allowing seamless milk frothing. 

Who Should Buy This?

Whether you are a novice looking for your first home espresso machine or a seasoned barista with a love for perfect coffee extraction, this price-friendly machine is ideal for you. The Breville Duo Temp Pro is a reliable, great-value-for-money espresso machine for those who appreciate good quality home-brewed coffee. 

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The device, compact yet efficient, uses automatic steaming to evenly heat and texture milk. It produces a silky smooth microfoam that’s just perfect for latte art. No more inconsistent or burnt milk which often happens with amateur manual frothing. One of its benefits is the precision temperature control that makes it easy to achieve an optimal espresso extraction.

If you enjoy the process of manually frothing milk or prefer a larger, more industrial-sized machine, then the Breville Bambino Plus may not be your cup of tea.

In its essence, the Breville Bambino Plus with its top-notch milk frother has successfully broken the barrier of professional-quality coffee making in the at-home sector and has set a high standard for brewing a great cup of coffee, with no fuss and minimum effort. 

Who Should Buy This?

This high-tech barista-grade machine is suitable for anyone who appreciates excellent coffee but lacks the technical skills or time to craft the perfect brew manually.

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It comfortably combines the functions of a standard coffee maker with the sophisticated intricacies of an espresso machine. A standout feature is its ability to brew coffee and make espresso simultaneously, saving precious time during hectic mornings.

The machine is user-friendly with an intuitive control panel that allows easy switching between settings and adjusting brewing intensity. The frother on this machine provides an added touch of elegance, producing creamy froth for cappuccinos and lattes.

On the downside, parts of the machine can be challenging to clean, and it might be too large or complex for people who prefer a simpler, single-serve brewing machine.

But overall, the De’Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine provides a breadth of luxury and convenience in home brewing that few machines in its category can match, making it a remarkable choice at this price point. 

Who Should Buy This?

De’Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine is perfect for people who love variety in their coffee routine without having to invest in different machines for each type of brew. And for those who regularly host gatherings, the dual brewing option can conveniently cater to guests with different coffee preferences.

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The Lattisima is perfect for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate the convenience of using capsule coffee but still want the quality and taste of traditional espresso. The machine’s ability to produce barista-quality beverages at the touch of a button is truly impressive. However, if you value the customization and control that comes with traditional espresso machines or prefer to use your own coffee grounds, this machine may not be the best fit for you. 

Who Should Buy This?

The Nespresso Lattissima Touch Espresso Machine is a top-tier capsule espresso machine that offers both convenience and exceptional quality. Its user-friendly features, quick heating time, and ability to produce barista-quality beverages make it a standout choice for coffee lovers with a convenience bias. 

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This espresso machine’s main features include its fully automatic functions — grind, dose, tamp, and brew; all at the touch of a button. This hands-off approach means incredible coffee with hardly any effort.

Maintaining an exquisite balance, the Tchibo machine grinds coffee beans to perfectly uniform granularity, ensuring a robust and full-bodied flavor in every cup. Its built-in milk frother provides a dense, creamy froth, perfect for cappuccinos or lattes. As for the look, it’s sleek, modern, and space-saving, fitting flawlessly into any kitchen décor.

However, those seeking the highest degree of customization and control might be better off with other models. Also, if noise is a significant concern, then other quieter, albeit possibly more pricey, espresso machines might suit you better. 

Overall, the Tchibo Fully Automatic machine packs impressive features and advanced technology at an affordable price range, making it one of the best options under $500. This machine elegantly bridges the gap between affordability and sophistication, offering value and quality in a single investment. 

Who Should Buy This? 

The Tchibo Fully Automatic Coffee & Espresso Machine is for you if you want coffee shop-style espresso, coffee, and milk-based drinks at home but don’t want to invest the time or effort into making them manually. It’s also perfect if you love the single-serve, pod/capsule approach that Nespresso and Keurig offer, but can’t stand the waste and extra expense of buying the pods or capsules.

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This professional-grade espresso maker extracts rich, full-bodied coffee consistently. Additionally, it comes with a large 1.4 Litre removable water tank, which means you can brew multiple cups before having to refill. Lastly, KitchenAid makes complementary products, like a burr grinder, so you can add on to your collection over time if you want a matching espresso-making set.

Who Should Buy This?

This is perfect for espresso lovers who want a hands-on experience in brewing their coffees or for those who crave the professional-style coffee experience at home. Given its multiple features, affordability, and premium construction, it’s a remarkable choice if you want good value for the money without compromising the coffee quality you crave. 

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Moreover, the built-in grinder provides freshly ground coffee for each shot, making it a great option for coffee enthusiasts who value the freshness of their brew. The machine also flaunts an advanced frother design for a latte and cappuccino preparation, offering a café-style experience at home.

On the other hand, if you are restricted by space or find routinely cleaning kitchen appliances a bother, you might want to consider other compact, easy-to-clean options in the market. Despite a few caveats, though, the GE Profile continues to wow its users with its efficiency, customization, and unmatched quality for the price. 

Who Should Buy This?

This GE espresso machine is one of the top choices for coffee aficionados who appreciate grinding their own coffee beans and customizing their brew’s strength with a little help from smart features. 

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Picking a Top-Quality Espresso Maker for Under $500

The best espresso machine isn’t necessarily the most expensive, but the one that produces the quality of the espresso you love.

When you’re choosing the best espresso maker for you, there are several factors to consider like the quality of the espresso it produces, user-friendliness, price point, and functionality.

Other useful features — such as a built-in grinder, water reservoir size, ease of use, durability, brew-strength control, maintenance required, and programmability — should also influence your decision. We go deep into those factors below.

Remember not to rush the buying process. The perfect espresso maker for you may not be for someone else. Take your time to ensure that you find one that hits the sweet spot between quality and affordability. 

Built-in grinders

Built-in grinders are often found in advanced coffee machines and espresso makers. They are an integrated mechanism that grinds coffee into a fine powder right before brewing for maximum freshness and flavor.

This grinder, particularly if it’s a burr grinder, operates on the basis of two revolving abrasive surfaces (the “burrs”) between which the coffee beans are crushed into consistent size pieces.

The ground coffee is then directed into a separate compartment, ready to be brewed. Burr grinders are preferred over blade grinders because they produce a more uniform and adjustable grind which in turn makes for better-tasting coffee. 

Water reservoir size

It may not seem important at first, but the size of your water reservoir will matter if you plan on doing a lot of regular espresso brewing.  A larger water reservoir allows you to use your espresso machine for longer periods of time without needing to refill it, making it an advantage if you plan on making multiple servings or cups of espresso at a time.

The size of the water reservoir you need will depend on the volume of espresso you plan on brewing. Some machines even have the ability to connect directly to a water line, providing a continuous supply of water without the constant need of refilling, but you typically only need that setup in a coffee shop.

While smaller machines may have water reservoirs of around 0.5 liters, sizeable machines designed for commercial or heavy use may hold several liters of water. Therefore, if you’re a frequent drinker or using the machine in a communal place with multiple users, it’s best to consider an espresso machine with a larger water reservoir.

If you rarely use your machine or just make one cup at a time, a smaller reservoir should suffice. For example, a person living alone might be perfectly fine with a 1-liter water tank, but a small cafe would require a machine with a much larger tank. 

Lastly, remember that larger espresso machines consume more power and space. This should also be taken into account when determining the appropriate water reservoir size. 

Ease of use

A lot of this comes down to the type you pick, from manual to super-automatic to Moka pots. Easy to use can come at the cost of customization and control over shaping your espresso experience, but it doesn’t have to. 

The best espresso machines offer user-friendly interfaces, clear instructions, and straightforward maintenance procedures. Some models even feature touch screens and smart functions, allowing beginners to make excellent espresso without any hassle.

On the other hand, manual machines can provide greater control over the brewing process, but can often have a steeper learning curve.

Durability

It may seem like a given, but some machines are more durable than others. Choose an espresso machine built of high-quality materials. This means that the machine is less likely to break down and require repairs or replacements. Some common materials used in the construction of espresso machines are stainless steel, brass, and copper – all of which are renowned for their durability and longevity.

Stainless steel is popular for its ability to resist corrosion and staining. Brass is excellent at maintaining heat, making it perfect for parts of the machine that become hot. Copper, besides being a good heat conductor, also is anti-bacterial properties.

Plastic components should be avoided if possible because they can crack or break more easily. While the initial cost might be higher for a machine featuring higher quality materials, it will likely save money in the long run as it should last longer. 

Brew-strength control

Another thing to consider when buying an espresso machine is the level of control you’re going to want over the brewing process, not just now, but in the future. “Brew-strength control” refers to the ability to adjust the strength of your coffee. It involves altering the amount of water and coffee grounds used in each brew.

Some espresso machines have multiple settings for brew strength, allowing you to enjoy a variety of coffee styles – from strong, concentrated espresso shots to lighter, more diluted brews.

Users who like to tweak their brew to their liking would benefit from a machine with good brew-strength control. On these machines, you can adjust the water-to-coffee ratio, brewing temperature, and brewing time to manipulate the espresso’s strength and taste.

On the other hand, beginners or those who prefer convenience may be more attracted to automatic machines with preset brewing options. While these offer less control over the brewing process, they are easy to use and can brew consistently good coffee with a press of a button.

The level of brew-strength control required will vary considerably depending on your tastes and preferences. Understanding what you want from your machine in terms of involvement and taste preferences can help you to choose a model that offers you the features to satisfy your brewing needs both now and in the future. 

Required maintenance

How much do you mind cleaning your machine? Some are more complex than others. And often high-quality espresso machine choices in a 500 budget range won’t also include self-cleaning — though some may in exchange for other features.  

Regular maintenance is crucial for all espresso machines to ensure they keep producing great quality coffee and last as long as possible. This would typically involve regular rinsing after use and weekly cleaning, which might involve disassembling various parts of the machine and descaling every few months depending on the hardness of your water.

If you’re not the type to invest time in maintenance, you might be better off deciding on a machine that has automatic cleaning cycles. However, it’s essential to note that even automatic-cleaning espresso machines will still need regular manual cleaning. Keep this in mind while making your decision as maintenance could potentially be a time-consuming part of owning an espresso machine. 

Steam wands and milk frothers

Do you want an espresso machine with steam wand? You may not if you only drink espresso without anything else. If you’re looking for an espresso machine with options, though, I’d go for one with a steamer.

At the 500 price point, it’s not hard to get a great espresso machine with a wand or frother. But you should know what you need to make your favorite espresso drinks.

A steam wand is a vital component of an espresso machine, used to steam and froth milk for drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. A wand forces pressurized steam through the milk, warming it up and creating tiny bubbles that give the milk a velvety texture. An automated frother works quite similarly but does not require the same level of control and attention as a steam wand. Many modern espresso machines come with built-in frothers, but stand-alone devices can also be bought separately.

In terms of choosing between the two, it largely depends on your preference. A steam wand allows you greater control over the temperature of your milk, and many feel it achieves a better texture. But it can be harder to clean, and it requires a little practice to use effectively.

Milk frothers, on the other hand, are convenient, easy to use, and usually easier to clean. But depending on the model, you may have less control over the frothing process.

Both tools can create delicious, coffee-house-style milk for your espresso, so it really comes down to which one better fits your lifestyle. An experienced barista might prefer a steam wand for its greater control and adaptability, while a convenience-focused coffee lover might enjoy the simplicity and ease of a milk frother.

What are the various kinds of espresso makers? 

If you’re shopping for an espresso machine, it’s essential to understand the main types of espresso machines available in the 500 range. Generally, espresso machines fall into four main categories:

1. Manual espresso machines offer the most control over the brewing process, though they require the most work.

Manual machines like the Flair Espresso Machine may allow for a higher level of customization, but they also require a significant amount of skill and understanding of the espresso-making process. These machines require you to grind the beans, tamp the coffee grounds, and pull the shot yourself.

2. Semi-automatic machines balance manual control with automated brewing.

These strike a balance between ease of use and control over the brewing process. They automatically regulate the water pressure and temperature, but you need to grind the beans and tamp the grounds yourself.

3. Fully automatic machines handle all aspects of brewing espresso.

Automatic espresso makers usually make consistent espresso automatically, but leave the milk frothing and other elements up to you.

4. Super-automatic espresso machines even grind the coffee for you. 

The super-automatic machine is designed to be as simple to use as possible. They grind the beans, tamp the coffee, and pull the shot with just the press of a button. Many even froth milk for you, making them perfect for crafting cappuccinos and lattes. This extra convenience does come at a cost, as they’re significantly more expensive than semi-automatic or manual machines.

Along with the main categories above, there are also other kinds of espresso machines based on how they generate the pressure that is required to force water through the coffee grounds. These can further be classified into:

1. Pump-Driven Machines: These are the most common type used in commercial settings and at home. They create pressure using an electric pump.
2. Lever-Driven Machines: Also known as piston-driven machines, these were the first kind invented. To create pressure, a lever or handle is manually pulled.
3. Steam-Driven Machines: Instead of directly forcing water through coffee grounds, steam-driven machines push boiling water through the espresso by using steam pressure.
4. Air-Pump Driven Machines: These machines use an air pump to force hot water through the espresso grounds. They are usually portable and use smaller capsules of coffee rather than loose grounds.
5. Capsule Machines: These machines use pre-packaged capsules or pods filled with coffee grounds, which simplifies the brewing process at the expense of control over the taste and strength of the coffee.
6. Built-In Machines: As the name suggests, these machines are integrated into kitchen cabinetry or appliances. Although they’re capable of making high-quality espresso, their high cost makes them a rarer sight.
7. Stove-Top Espresso Makers: Also known as Moka pots, these are simple, portable gadgets where water in the bottom chamber is vaporized by heat and forces its way through a puck of grounds. Moka pots are relatively easy to use and low cost but don’t offer high-quality results or control over the process. 

They consist of two chambers, one for water and one for coffee grounds, placed on a stovetop. The steam pressure from the heating process pushes the water through the coffee, into the top chamber. They’re not technically espresso machines, as they lack the pressure required to make real espresso.

That said, they produce a strong, espresso-like coffee that can make a decent base for milk-based coffee drinks. 

8. Ultra-Automatic Machines: The latest evolution of the espresso machine, an ultra-automatic machine that does everything from grinding the beans to foaming milk. It’s all completely hands-off and programmable. 

Remember, the best machine for you largely depends on your personal preferences and how much control you want over the espresso-making process. 

Who Should Buy A Home Espresso Machine?

An espresso machine is for you if you want the convenience, savings, and pleasure of making your own espresso at home. It’s for people who appreciate the distinctive flavors and aromas of home-brewed coffee, and cherish the ritual of brewing espresso themselves.

You have the freedom to experiment with different beans, grinds, and brewing techniques to create your own perfect cup.

Home espresso machines are also made for you if you are looking to cut down on the cost of frequent cafe visits. You can enjoy a quality espresso any time without breaking the bank.

Lastly, It is also a great fit for people who love entertaining. Serving espresso at home after a meal, or during a brunch, not only adds a touch of elegance but also initiates interesting conversations about coffee. So, if you value quality, convenience, saving money, and the joy of crafting your own espresso, an espresso machine is for you.

Best Espresso Machines Under $500: Final Thoughts

Choosing the best espresso machine can be daunting, especially for first-timers. But the good news is that the $500 price range opens you up to incredible options.

In my expert opinion, the Breville Duo Temp Pro espresso machine is it if you’re looking for the best espresso machine in this price range.

It’ll not only produce delicious espresso, but you have full control over the volume and extraction of the shots. This machine isn’t going to spit out cheap espresso. Its pressure builds over time in the shot pulling, so you’ll have a balanced shot of espresso with lovely crema.

To order yours, pick one up at your local retailer or get a good deal on Amazon here.

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Best Espresso Machine FAQs