Coffee is the most loved beverage in the world. Many coffee lovers spend many bucks on a premium coffee cup from an expensive cafe. However, not everyone can afford to have coffee daily at a cafe.
Therefore, we have brought you a list of top 6 Best espresso machines under $500 of 2021 so that you can have your favourite coffee at your home with the same flavor and aroma. Espresso machines have multiple features which can help you in brewing your favorite coffee recipe with no experience.
Moreover, they have made it easier for working people to have an energetic caffeine shot to start their day. Mainly, they make excellent quality espressos similar to what a barista can make.
Additionally, They come in different shapes, sizes and a varied price range so that everyone can afford them. You can get one of these espresso machines with a blind eye as we have already done a lot of research and testing on behalf of you.
- 6 Best Espresso Machine Under $500
- 1. Gaggia RI9380/50 Classic Pro Espresso Machine
- 2. De’Longhi BCO430BM All-in-One Combination Maker & Espresso Machine
- 3. Breville BES810BSS Duo Temp Pro Espresso Machine
- 4. Nespresso Lattissima Touch Original Espresso Machine
- 5. De’Longhi EC680M Espresso Machine
- 6. Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
- How to make a Latte with an Espresso Machine?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
6 Best Espresso Machine Under $500
| Design | Espresso Machine | Retailer |
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Staff Pick  | Check Price | |
Budget Pick  | Check Price | |
Best Pick  | Check Price | |
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1. Gaggia RI9380/50 Classic Pro Espresso Machine
Staff PickWhy we love it?
- With two boilers you can brew two cups of coffee simultaneously.
- The commercial steam wand offers frothed milk with microfoam texture.
- Easy to use rocker switches for keeping it simple for new baristas.
Available in six trendy color options this classic espresso machine can brew amazing espresso shots. This semi automatic model manufactured by Gaggia has easy-to-use rocker switches for anyone who loves to keep it simple. Also, it takes less heat up time as compared to other espresso machines in the list which is only 5 minutes.
Moreover, the commercial steam wand works perfectly for making creamier and bubbly milk froth. Additionally, you will be provided with a commercial styled 58 mm porta filter for an amazing extraction within minutes.
Moreover, you can place it anywhere you want because it can fit in tiny spaces easily. However, it does not have an inbuilt coffee grinder so you have to get a coffee bean grinder externally or use only ground coffee.
Pros
- Small footprint.
- Makes delicious espressos.Â
- Fast heat up time.Â
- Powerful.
Cons
- Weak build quality.
- Expensive.
Gaggia is one of the best and leading espresso machine brands when it comes to making commercial as well as domestic espresso machines. This one can be used anywhere you need.
Moreover, you can enjoy the taste of authentic espresso or cappuccino straight out of a cafe within a minute with its fast working. Also, it features a commercial solenoid valve, more than enough to be the best espresso machine under $500.
2. De’Longhi BCO430BM All-in-One Combination Maker & Espresso Machine
Budget PickWhy we love it?
- It has a 15 bar pressure pump which extracts the perfect flavors and aroma from the coffee grounds.
- Additionally, the machine comes with a steam wander which can provide you delicious Crema layer on the top of your coffee.
- Moreover, you will also get an inbuilt active carbon filter so that the water has no impurities.
Many people here may love coffee too. Don’t worry! We have got something for you too. Manufactured by DeLonghi, this espresso maker can also brew drip coffee simultaneously. Moreover, it can also make delicious cappuccinos and lattes.
Additionally, this all in one espresso machine also comes with a steam wand which can make velvety crema within minutes. Unlike other espresso machines, it also has an active carbon filter which keeps out those harmful contaminants.
Moreover, the water and coffee reservoirs are easy to handle because they are front loaded. Also, the water container capacity is large enough for big families. However, it is big in size so make sure you have the required kitchen space.
Pros
- Easy to clean.
- Large water container.
- Front loading system.
- 15 bar pressure pump.
Cons
- No water level indicator.
- Takes large space.
This espresso plus coffee maker will be the best choice if you or your family members love both. It is easy to use and handle. Moreover, it also comes with an auto shut off timer and a durable steam wand.
However, you will never know when the machine will run out of water because it doesn’t have a water level indicator. Otherwise, it’s all good, you can definitely consider this option.
3. Breville BES810BSS Duo Temp Pro Espresso Machine
Best PickWhy we love it?
- The machine extracts all the flavors perfectly by low pressure pre fusion.
- It also has a cleaning alert so you don’t have to remember or guess the right time to clean it.
- Moreover, they also provided an attached steam wand which creates microfoam consistency.
With a water reservoir capacity of 61 ounces the Breville manufactured model is the best choice for a large family or a small company. It comes with low pressure perfusion just like a commercial grade espresso maker which makes sure all the flavors are extracted in the coffee. Moreover, the easy-to-use dial is less confusing than any automatic espresso machine.
Moreover, the highly mobile steam wand will let you froth the milk with microfoam texture. It also has maintenance alerts which will let you know the perfect time of cleaning and descaling. However, there are no preset functions for latte and cappuccino and it’s somehow loud like a commercial espresso maker.
Pros
- Heats quickly.
- Makes excellent espressos.
- Easy to use dial.
- Maintenance indicator.
Cons
- Loud.
- May leak.
If you are thinking of starting a small coffee business or if you enjoy pulling out espresso shots on your own, then this one is the best choice for you. It extracts coffee with the low pressure perfusion, exactly what high end Breville commercial espresso machines use.
Moreover, it is easy to use and maintain with its dial and maintenance indicator. However, it can waste water because of leakages. Otherwise, it is a better option to go for.
4. Nespresso Lattissima Touch Original Espresso Machine
Why we love it?
- The inbuilt and removable milk frother makes it easier to make coffee recipes, including milk.
- Moreover, there are 6 preset coffee functions which can be personalized as per your preferred cup sizes.
- With the power of 1400 W, it can serve your favorite coffee within seconds.
Automatic espresso machines can make many tasks easier such as brewing espressos, frothing milk to the desired consistency and so does this Lattissima touch espresso maker. It has everything a coffee lover desires.
The speciality of this model is it includes 6 preset functions which will provide your preferred coffee recipe within minutes. Additionally, it takes only 40 seconds for the inbuilt milk frother to make tasty and velvety froth for your cappuccino or latte cup.
Moreover, you don’t have to remember the exact date of last descaling because this machine features a descaling alert. Lasly, the Lattissima touch uses OriginalLine espresso capsules so you can choose any third party espresso capsules of your choice. You can also check the best Nespresso capsules.
Pros
- Fast milk frother.
- Compact design.
- 6 preset functions.
- Includes descaling alert.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Hard to clean.
You can get any of these best Nespresso machines if you want them for your office or for a commercial coffee business because they can brew any coffee recipe within minutes. The Lattissima features 6 preset coffee functions for single touch operation.
Moreover, you don’t have to measure and tamp the coffee grounds because these machines use coffee capsules. Therefore, it is a great option to go for if the cost of those expensive capsules doesn’t affect you.
5. De’Longhi EC680M Espresso Machine
Why we love it
- They made the compact and sleek design to fit anywhere on your kitchen top.
- You won’t have to worry about the amount of espresso in your cup because of its automatic stop feature.
- It also includes a feature that maintains the optimal temperature so that you can make as many cups you need without a break.
DeLonghi is a trusted brand which can never disappoint us when it comes to espresso makers. One such model is this DeLonghi EC680M which has a sleek design and can adjust anywhere on your kitchen or table top.
Moreover, the stainless steel finish and premium looks will definitely be an eye-catcher. Additionally, the machine also includes features such as automatic flow stop which pours the right amount of espresso.
Moreover, you don’t have to waste your precious time while the machine heats because it can maintain an optimal temperature between shots. Also, the build quality is up to the mark and can last for more than 6 years. However, you wont be getting a twin brewing cycle with this espresso machine but the espresso quality is worth the price
Pros
- Nice design.
- Lightweight.
- Good build quality.
- Heats up faster.
Cons
- Only one boiler.
- Does Not fit large cups.
People having trust in DeLonghi brand will definitely get this compact and simple espresso machine. Moreover, it will last longer than many espresso machines in this list with its amazing build quality.
However, when it comes to a steam wand its not a great option because it’s so small and the water temperature is not that hot while extraction of espresso. However, if you want a small espresso machine then it will be a great option for you.
6. Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
Why we love it?
- Features 3 preset functions for making espresso, cappuccino and latte. Also they can be programmed .
- It comes with an inbuilt automatic milk frother that is capable of making delicious Crema.
- Moreover, it has 3 trendy color options to select from for your kitchen color scheme.
Available in 3 trendy color options this espresso and cappuccino maker will be an eye-catcher on your kitchen top. Coming from a well-known and trusted brand this model will never disappoint you for the coffee and build quality.
Moreover, the 54 oz water capacity is perfect for a large number of people together. You will be provided with 3 preset functions for espresso, cappuccino and latte. Additionally, you can also personalize them as per your preferences.
Also, an inbuilt milk frother with a dial is included for making delicious Crema on the go. This semi automatic espresso machine can brew espressos within minutes. However, the drip tray is pretty small to accommodate large cups.
Pros
- Fast brewing.
- Makes amazing espressos.
- Inbuilt Milk frother.
- Stylish and compact design.
Cons
- Loud.
- Built quality is low.
This is the cheapest espresso machine in the list of best espresso machines under $500. However, it has all the semi automatic features a top end espresso maker has. Mr coffee brand always comes up with good deals with good quality products so you can blindly go for this one. It is a perfect choice for people who like to experiment with their beverages because it also includes an inbuilt milk frother.
How to make a Latte with an Espresso Machine?
Latte is famous for its thick consistency and superb taste. What makes a cappuccino different from a latte is the milk consistency and there are no distinct layers in a latte. Here we have given a quick recipe on how you can easily make a cup of latte at your home with an espresso maker.
For making a cup of latte you will require this following items:
- Espresso machine.
- External milk frother (if inbuilt is not included).
- coffee grinder (if you use whole coffee beans).
- 4 oz milk (Preferably whole fat milk).
- 4 oz water.
- 2 tsp coffee grounds (any type you prefer).
- coffee grinder (if you use whole coffee beans).
- latte cup.
- Chocolate syrup or cocoa powder and cinnamon powder (optional).
Before moving ahead, make sure your espresso machine is clean. You can also check our article- how to clean an espresso machine for detailed information.
Now, with no delay, lets move to the recipe
Step 1: Fill the water container with 4 ounces of water. Moreover, make sure the water container is clean.
Step 2: Attach the plug to the main switch and start the machine. Now your machine will enter the preheat mode.
Step 3: Remove the porta filter from the group head and add 2 teaspoons of coffee grounds into it, tamp it until there are no air bubbles and attach it to the group head again.
Step 4: Place the latte cup below the nozzle and on the drip tray. Now, pull out an espresso shot by clicking on the double espresso button. Otherwise pull out two espresso shots.
Step 5: If you have a milk frother start it simultaneously with the espresso machine and add the 4 oz milk into it. Within minutes the steamed milk will be ready. Moreover, if you have a steam wand, pour the milk into a container and start the steam wand while keeping its nozzle at the surface of the container and stop after you achieve the desired microfoam consistency.
Step 6: Once your espresso shot is poured slowly add the steamed milk into the cup. Fill it to the rim as the milk ratio is â…” in a latte.
Step 7: If you love art, you can try making latte art on your freshly brewed latte cup. Additionally, you can also add some chocolate syrup or sprinkle some cocoa powder or cinnamon powder on the top of the Crema layer.
Step 8: After enjoying your delicious self made latte, now it’s time to clean the machine. Run a cleaning cycle through the machine and clean it inside out if you are not going to use it for that day. Moreover, make sure there is no moisture left.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to use an espresso machine?
Yes absolutely, these espresso machines are not only easy to use but also easy to clean. With a single touch to button you can have your preferred coffee recipe within minutes. You can use its user manual or watch online tutorials.
Can you make regular coffee in an espresso machine?
No, you can’t brew regular coffee in an espresso maker because the extraction method and overall process is different for brewing an espresso. However, you can have a coffee plus espresso maker for making both simultaneously.
How often should an espresso machine be cleaned?
You should clean your espresso machine daily by running a simple cleaning cycle and wiping the steam wand with a cloth. Moreover, make sure the machine is descaled every 2 months for a good espresso consistency.
How many bars of pressure should an espresso machine have?
The pressure of an espresso machine ranges from 5 to 19 bars but for having the best espresso experience, your machine needs to have at least 7 bars of pressure for a great coffee extraction.
Conclusion
Espresso machines are of great use for working people, especially coffee enthusiasts. Moreover, these machines are easy to use with their preset functions and amazing espresso brewing skills.
Additionally, they can be cleaned easily within minutes. However, for a long life you will have to take good care of your espresso machine. We have listed the best espresso machines under $500 so that you can have the best espresso machine under your budget.
Moreover, you can also check our other articles with different price ranges. Top 8 best espresso machines under $1000, top 6 best espresso machines under $300 and top 6 best espresso machines under $150.
