It is possible to find the best espresso machines for under $500. While there are certainly more expensive machines that offer more advanced features and higher levels of performance, there are also a number of excellent options available in this price range. These machines are often capable of producing professional-grade espresso and other specialty coffee drinks, and they come equipped with a range of features to help you get the most out of your coffee.
Some of the best espresso machines under $500 may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, but they can still offer excellent performance and value for money. It is worth considering your needs and preferences when searching for the best one, as some machines may be more suitable for certain users than others.
The Best Espresso Machines under $500 - 5 Models to Consider
There are a number of excellent options available for under $500 that offer excellent performance and features. Let's take a look at them.
1. Gaggia Classic Pro RI9380
As one of the best espresso machines under $500, the Gaggia Classic Pro boasts a range of features that ensure consistent and high-quality espresso shots. The pressurized basket and commercial basket options, both made of durable chrome-plated brass, allow you to use your own grinder for cafe-quality drinks.
The machine's control panel has been redesigned with three switches for power, brewing, and steaming, each with its own indicator light to show when it's on and ready to use. The Gaggia Classic Pro has dual heating elements that allow the boiler to reach brewing temperature in around five minutes and steam temperature in 30 seconds.
Additionally, the machine's vibration pump has been mounted in a way that reduces noise during brewing, making the Classic Pro a reliable choice for those looking for a quieter espresso machine.
The redesigned stainless steel frame also offers improved access to the water reservoir and a more streamlined look. Finally, the 3-way solenoid valve, commonly found in commercial machines, helps to release pressure from the coffee for a dry, easy-to-dispose puck.
2. Gaggia Brera
The Gaggia Brera is a versatile and compact super-automatic espresso and coffee machine that can prepare a wide range of drinks, including espresso, cappuccino, and more. It features a Pannarello wand for steaming and foaming milk, perfect for lattes or hot cocoa. The Gaggia Brera is designed with a small footprint, measuring just 12.4 inches in width. Its front-loading dreg drawer and water reservoir make it easy to fit under most kitchen cabinets, saving valuable counter space.
The Gaggia Brera allows you to brew with either whole beans or pre-ground coffee, thanks to its ceramic burr grinder and bypass doser. Its Adapting System also adjusts the grinder's operation based on your preferred beans, ensuring a consistent and personalized brew every time.
The Gaggia Brera has a Rapid Steam feature that quickly heats up to steam temperatures, allowing you to steam milk on demand in under ten seconds. Its stainless steel front panels give it a classic and sleek look, making it a stylish addition to any kitchen.
The Gaggia Brera has a removable brew group that can be easily removed for regular cleaning and maintenance. Its water reservoir and dreg box are both front-loaded for easy access, and the machine has a user-friendly interface with dedicated buttons and an LED screen that makes it easy to brew and customize a variety of drinks.
3. De'Longhi Nespresso Lattissima
We consider this machine to be one of the best espresso machines under $500 because it offers great value for the money. The De'Longhi Lattissima Touch is a one-touch espresso machine that allows you to quickly and easily prepare creamy lattes with its advanced automatic frothing system. Its sleek design makes it a must-have for latte lovers. It features a sliding drip tray that accommodates different glass and cups sizes, illuminated buttons for easy use, and a removable milk container with a rinsing function.
The De'Longhi Lattissima Touch's automatic frother produces rich and creamy foam that lasts longer than competitors' frothers. Additionally, the machine's large milk carafe allows you to make multiple cups in a row without needing to refill.
The machine has a fast heat-up system and a 19-bar high-pressure pump that allows it to quickly prepare milk-based recipes in less than 40 seconds. It's also designed with an easy insertion system for capsules and automatic piercing and brewing for added convenience. In addition, it has an alert system that tells you when it needs to be descaled, and it comes with a descaling pipe to make the process easier.
The De'Longhi Lattissima Touch offers a variety of Nespresso flavors to choose from, including intense, mild, fruity, and decaf options. It comes with a convenient internal storage container that automatically collects used capsules for easy recycling. When it's full, you can simply empty the container and recycle the capsules.
4. Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp iQ
The Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Maker is an all-in-one machine that allows you to grind, extract, and froth coffee to make coffeehouse-quality drinks at home, eliminating the need to go to a coffee shop. It has a sleek and stylish stainless steel design that is both attractive and durable, making it a reliable choice for years to come. It can also enhance the look of your kitchen.
This espresso machine comes with a milk frother for added convenience, a powerful steam wand that allows you to froth milk and create microfoam for cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, and cappuccinos. It is equipped with a 15-bar Italian pump that helps extract maximum flavor from the coffee grounds for a bold and intense espresso brew.
The Calphalon Temp iQ uses dual thermoblock technology to brew espresso and steam milk at the same time, ensuring precise temperature control for professional-grade results. It gently heats cups to the ideal temperature for serving espresso, just like your favorite coffee shop.
Read Also: Best Espresso Machines under $300
This model features a pressure gauge that provides visual feedback on the extraction pressure levels to help you achieve the ideal brew settings. It has a large, 58 mm portafilter similar to those used in coffee shops, which helps evenly distribute water over the espresso grounds for a full-flavored and authentic-tasting brew.
5. De'Longhi Dedica EC680B
The De'Longhi Dedica pump espresso machine is often considered to be one of the best espresso machines under $500 on the market. It is a traditional and compact machine that allows you to enjoy perfect espresso and cappuccino drinks. It has a slim 6-inch design that saves on counter space and is crafted with skill and passion. Its ultra-compact design means you can still enjoy traditional espresso and cappuccino experiences even with limited space.
The Dedica espresso machine has a patented manual cappuccino system that produces rich, thick foam for an exceptional beverage. You can customize your drink with the flow stop feature, which allows you to choose between 1 or 2 shots of espresso, so you can create the exact drink you want.
The Dedica pump espresso machine is designed for optimal performance and features an easy-to-use control panel with illuminated buttons. The thermoblock technology in this espresso machine allows it to heat up to the ideal brewing temperature in less than 50 seconds, making it easy to create authentic Italian espresso in a timely manner. Overall, the Dedica machine simplifies the art of espresso making.
Conclusion
Each of the best espresso machines under $500 we mentioned caters to different types of users and has its own set of features and capabilities. It can be difficult to choose the best one for your needs, as there are many factors to consider.
Some of the things you might want to think about when comparing these five espresso machines include their price, size, performance, and features. Here is a brief overview of who each of these machines might be suitable for:
Gaggia Classic Pro
This machine is suitable for those who prefer a more hands-on approach to making espresso and want a traditional-looking machine.
Gaggia Brera
This machine is suitable for those who want a more modern-looking machine with a built-in coffee grinder.
De'Longhi Nespresso Lattissima
This machine is suitable for those who want an easy-to-use machine that uses Nespresso capsules.
Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp iQ
This machine is suitable for those who want a fully automatic machine with a built-in coffee grinder and milk frother.
De'Longhi Dedica EC680B
This machine is suitable for those with limited counter space who want a semi-automatic machine with a slim design.
All in all, selecting one of the best espresso machines under $500 that is suitable for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your budget, the size of your kitchen, and how much control you want over the brewing process when making your decision.
Ernest Brewer is a 35-year-old man with a passion for blogging, diving, and traveling. In his free time, Ernest can be found exploring the depths of the ocean, discovering new and exciting destinations, or kicking back and watching a good movie.
