Best Espresso Machine Under $500

If you don’t have an espresso machine in your house, you really don’t know what you’re missing. Imagine waking up everyday and not having to leave the house to get your coffee fix. It’s life changing. 

But I’m lucky. I’ve been a barista for decades, and so I’ve had coffee kit like this in my house for a long time. But as the years have gone by, these machines have become cheaper and cheaper, without losing quality. 

So I decided to show you that you can easily pick up the best espresso machine under $500 online. To prove it, I researched as many machines as I could. The list below is the fruits of my labor. 

By far, I was blown away by the Gaggia Classic Pro Espresso Machine. The sheer power you get out of this small machine is mind-boggling. It’s not even the frills or features the manufacturers have added, it’s just the overall quality. The machine works amazingly well, is sturdy, and will probably grace your kitchen year after year without quitting on you. 

But there are other options worth considering. There’s plenty on this list that could make you happy. 

So let’s get started. 

1. Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine – Best Overall

Small but mighty may be the best description of the Gaggia Espresso Machine. It won’t take up much counter space, but it looks great while brewing your espresso. The color choices are a nice perk, and the affordability is on point. But beyond that, the Gaggia is the best overall espresso machine under $500 for a long list of reasons.

You won’t have to wait around for a quality espresso with the Gaggia. It heats up quickly, and the commercial steam wand lets you get as creative as you want with your microfoam. A small amount of trial and error (there are only a few buttons to master) will pay off in the form of a predictable, comforting cup of espresso day after day.

If taste, functionality, and convenience are all must-haves on your list, the Gaggia is the best overall solution to your espresso needs.

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2. Breville BES840BSXL The Infuser Espresso Machine – Best Splurge

Admittedly, the retail price is not exactly $500, but hear us out. Though it’s closer to $600, the Breville’s features make the few extra dollars worth the investment. Plus, you can often find it at a lower price depending on which retailer you select. 

Clearly, the Infuser is the best option if you can splurge a little. But here’s why it’s worth the price: maximum control over flavor. Simply put, the highlight of the Breville is the ability to dial in each cup of espresso. You have control over the bean amount, the water pressure, exact temperature fluctuations, and you can microfoam your milk for epic espresso art.

At the same time, the Infuser is also forgiving; there’s not much you can do to ruin a cup of espresso, even if you’re less experienced with home brewing. The Breville automatically cools after each cycle, so the temperature control is inherent, and you’ll always get the perfect espresso.

With regular cleaning — including decalcifying on a regular basis — your Infuser will go the distance, making it a sound investment if you need quality espresso all day, every day.

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3. EspressoWorks 15-Bar, 7 Pc All-In-One Barista Bundle Set (1350W) – Best For Small Offices Or Large Households

As our highest-value pick, the EspressoWorks All-In-One Barista Bundle set is well worth the money. It is ideal for large families, a small café staff, and coffee-addict couples. With a suite of on-board features, you can entertain the crowd with nearly unlimited espresso-based recipes. 

What’s more, it takes only 45 seconds to heat up! An advanced thermo-block heating system is designed to get the job done quickly, so no waiting around for a hot cuppa. 

You might experience the usual espresso machine issues, such as having to clean the many intricate parts that this machine comes with and taking some time to read the instructions and set it up. But with a 24/7 customer hotline, EspressoWorks really works to satisfy all buyers. 

With three different color designs (including red) that each feature a 15-bar pump pressure system, the EspressoWorks model can whip a pretty mean espresso or cappuccino every time. You won’t have to worry much about watery coffee or bitter shots thanks to authentic Italian precision. 

The Espressoworks Espresso Machine packs a punch for the low price it’s listed at. It touts itself as a ‘barista kit’, with a grinder and milk pitcher (along with some other coffee goodies) included in the price of the machine. 

But while extra gadgets are nice and all, but does it make a good cup of coffee? The answer is yes. People who have purchased this machine constantly compliment the quality of the espresso it produces. Although keep in mind, a lot of that has to do with the beans as well. 

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4. Breville Nespresso Essenza Mini Original Espresso Machine – Best In

Value

When we think of espresso machines, we usually think of these bulky behemoths that use up all the counter space. Fortunately, with the Nespresso Essenza Mini espresso machine, that’s not the case. 

Geared towards more modern, sleek, and edgy styling, this baby effectively and efficiently gets the job done all at a moderately-priced deal. The Essenza Mini requires one magic touch from you. With its 19-bars of pressure, you wouldn’t believe how such a quiet little thing can produce shots better than your favorite café. 

Not to mention, it’s not only compact but nicely portable, so you can hide it away from other coffee-snobs in the house! 

Plus, the Essenza even has an energy-saver mode where it automatically turns off after 9 minutes. When you do reboot it, it takes only about 25 seconds to wake up fully. 

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Honorable Mentions

Mr Coffee Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

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The Mr Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine is a semi automatic, 3 in one espresso, cappuccino and latte maker with a professional, 15 bar pressure pump for fantastic tasting coffee. 

It’s a pretty solid machine, especially for anyone who is new to barista skills. Because it’s semi automatic, it’ll froth the milk for you, removing any of the guesswork behind whether your milk is ready to pour or not. 

I liked it’s color options. So many machines are just grey or black these days. But this Mr Coffee espresso machine comes in red, silver or white. Enough to fit into most people’s color schemes I would think. 

Calaphon Espresso Machine and Steam Wand

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The Calaphon Esresso Machine and Steam Wand is a nice piece of technology. It does the same as a lot of the espresso in this post, along with a few more interesting features. 

It has a preinfusion phase, which blooms you coffee so it’s in an optimal state to be extracted by the 15 bars of pressurised hot water. It really does make a difference to the overall flavor of your coffee.

I also liked how the water tank is fully removable. While many machines have an easy fill feature, not many allow you to completely remove the tank. Trust me, its the easiest way to fill it!

It’s also intelligent! With an easy to use turn dial, you can flip between single and double espresso, as well as steam and ordinary hot water for steaming milk and making tea. It does it all!

Buying Guide: Things To Consider Before Buying Espresso Machine Under 500

Nowadays, it’s not impossible to find espresso machines under $500. Most work just as great as those that cost nearly thousands of dollars! However, there are still several things to consider with these mid-range espresso machines. 

Features

No matter what you need an espresso machine for, there are several key features to consider:

Capacity

Check how much water and what amount of coffee beans the machine can handle. Also explore how many cups of coffee it can produce within each brew session. If you tend to drink a lot, a higher-capacity machine is more suitable. You may also consider the size of the machine, unless you have a dedicated counter for your coffee needs.

Water Storage

Most espresso machines have a built-in water tank that can make, on average, eight cups of espresso. The more premium machines can connect to a fridge with a water dispenser and thus, require a more fancy setup. Depending on how much coffee you drink per day, you might like (or pass on) these features.

Cleaning

Most machines have a removable tray and water tank to clean, and these parts may be dishwasher-friendly. Find out how many intricate parts your machine contains and what kind of soap is safe to clean them with. Thorough cleaning is a chore but worth the effort to protect your investment.

Storage

Depending on the size of your kitchen, a classic espresso machine can be quite hefty and take up a decent amount of counter space. Determine whether you want your espresso machine on the countertop or if you want a stowable or portable model for tucking out of sight.

Common Espresso Machine Problems And Troubleshooting Tips

Regardless of how high-end your model is, it is inevitable that it won’t last forever. However, by consistently maintaining it well, you can reduce such risks. Here are several common problems with any espresso machine and how to remedy them:

• When it doesn’t work at all: Have you checked for whether the power source is turned on? As obvious it may be, it is still a common misstep. Also, check for whether its electronic timer is out of sleep mode or if the heat position is set correctly. 
• When it leaks: With a leaking machine, you may want to check whether the water is clear if the water pipe is not blocked off. See if the drip tray is properly cleaned out. If the leakage continues, switch off the power and water supply and restart.
• When the espresso tastes bad: Did you thoroughly clean the filter? Also, consider inspecting the quality of your coffee bean and whether the water is clear. Plus, make sure the grinder settings are correct.

Popular Use Cases 

Depending on your individual needs, there are two common use cases for espresso machines that are under $500:

Espresso Machine For The Home

Depending on how much you love (or are addicted) to coffee, then an espresso machine at home will save you money in the long run. Here is some popular espresso machine type for the household:

1. Manual machines: Uses a lever to create the required pressure for extracting espresso. It does take more effort than other machine types and is more ideal for one who has time and likes the highest-quality sip. 
2. Prosumer machines: Relatively more complex and more for professional use (e.g., café). It requires you to control the espresso parameters, regulate the grinder, check the tamper pressure, and so on. So, it’s not a simple and quick brew when you’re usually rushing to work. But if you’re a pro barista already or aspire to be one, while having some money to spend, this type might be for you. 
3. Semi-automatic machines: Requires relatively less work and the common features are programmable, temperature control, and a digital display. If you’re a bit tech-savvy and appreciate the machinery aspect while still owning some control over your joe, then this type might be ideal for you. 
4. Fully automatic and capsule machines: With the most minimal effort, you’ll get somewhat consistent effort each morning. Usually, all you have to do is ensure there’s enough coffee and water, popping in a capsule if needed, push a button, and voila! Although there’s no messy grounds leftover, the single-use capsules can create more waste in the environment. You can find reusable pods, however, if this style plus producing less waste appeals to you.

Espresso Machine For The Office

Compared to espresso machines for cafes, those for an office usually serve a smaller group size. Whether you need one for your salon, retail store, small bar, or more, you likely need something quick, reliable, and easy as your business can get hectic at times. This also means the power to control your espresso quality is relatively low in importance. 

So, depending on your shop’s budget, we recommend considering an automatic and capsule machine or a vending machine.

Final Thoughts

That’s all I have today. I hope if you only take one thing away from this post, is how affordable and available these machines are. You literally have no excuse not to become a coffee snob! 

I love the Gaggia Classic Pro. I could talk about it forever because of just how good it is. But what’s good for me, isn’t always the best for you. So keep your eyes peeled, and look for what matters to you. 

But don’t just take my word of it. Change your morning routine forever and get yourself one of these fantastic espresso machines for under $500. 

Also, don’t forget to check me out on social media. It’s the best way to keep up to date on all my latest posts!