The Best Espresso Machine Under $500: Top 7 Options For You

Do you ever think of having automatic espresso at your home? Why do you have one? Well, perhaps the best part about having an automatic espresso machine at home is the luxury it brings to your everyday routine. 

You’ll feel like a barista in your own home, impressing your friends and family with your barista skills. And it’s not just a dreamlike thing; you can save money by skipping the daily visit to the coffee shop.

Now you must be thinking about the high price tag of automatic espresso machines. Well, you’re thing right, as high-end super-automatic espresso machines are a true investment for a coffee lover. 

But worry not, if you’re on a tight budget, or a beginner and want to learn skills on an affordable espresso machine, I’ve got a list of top espresso machines. So, you can choose the best espresso machine under $500.

And don’t think that these machines can’t prepare a perfect espresso shot. You can still enjoy your drinks with The Best Espresso Machine Under $500

The Best Espresso Machine Under $500

Here’s the list of our top 7 best espresso machines under $500

Breville Duo Temp Pro – Best Overall

The Breville Duo-Temp Pro Espresso Machine allows you to make café quality coffee in the comfort of your own home. Duo-Temp includes digital PID temperature control and powerful steam to ensure your coffee is made perfectly every time.

The Duo-Temp Pro utilizes low-pressure pre-infusion to achieve a balanced and delicious coffee, just like commercial machines. What’s the function of pre-infusion? Pre-infusion ensures that the extraction of the coffee is even. And even extraction results in a rich and full flavor.

And the thing which I like the most about the Duo-Temp Pro is its 4 keys formula. 

Using this formula, the Duo-Temp Pro allows you to create a coffee that is not only delicious but also has a professional quality.

Here’s another thing!

The Breville Duo Temp Pro Espresso Machine allows you to extract one or two espresso shots simultaneously. So, no more waiting for another cup of espresso. 

Again, with the manual control feature, you can determine the volume of each espresso shot, depending on your preference. 

The Breville Duo Temp Pro espresso maker offers 1 or 2-cup single or dual wall filter baskets, depending on whether you are using freshly ground beans or pre-ground coffee. You can also use the Razor dose trimming tool to ensure that the filter basket is properly filled.

Does Duo Temp Pro offer milk-based drinks?

Certainly, the steam wand on the Duo Temp Pro allows you to steam and froth milk, which is perfect for making classic espresso drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes. With this feature, you can enjoy a variety of espresso drinks right in the comfort of your own home.

So why not invest in the best espresso machine under $500, the Breville Duo-Temp Pro Espresso Machine? With its precision, reliability, and ease of use, it’s sure to become your companion in your daily coffee routine.

Breville Infuser Espresso Machine – Best valued

For coffee lovers, the taste of a well-balanced espresso is something that cannot be beaten. But how do you achieve that perfect flavor?  Can you have the best espresso machine under 500 dollars?

Well, the Breville Infuser Espresso Machine has the answer! 

Unlike other machines that start with bursts of high pressure, the Infuser starts with a gentle, low pressure that expands the coffee grinds evenly. This ensures that all parts of the coffee puck receive even pressure, resulting in optimal flavor extraction.

The Breville Infuser Espresso Machine gives you a third-wave specialty coffee experience right at home with its 4 keys formula. You’ll get the perfect dose of beans, optimal water pressure, precise temperature control, and microfoam milk for that oh-so-Instagram-able latte art.

The Infuser also comes with automatic temperature settings and programmable volumetric control. This feature makes it stand out from other machines in its price range. The pre-infusion technology, thermocoil heating system, and PID temperature control technology are additional key features that set it apart.

Want to create latte art like a pro? The Infuser’s high-power steam wand will help you do just that. With its fast heat-up time and ability to create microfoam milk, you can make delicious, velvety milk for your latte or cappuccino.

Another premium feature of the Infuser Espresso Machine is its Auto Purge feature. After steaming, it automatically purges the heating system, which ensures your next espresso shot is extracted at the right temperature.

The Infuser even has an ‘Empty Me!’ indicator to let you know when the drip tray is full and a ‘Clean Me’ alert to keep everything in tip-top shape.

And with the included accessories like the

You’ll have everything you need to start brewing your perfect cup of coffee. And don’t worry about space – the included accessories can be stored on the machine’s storage tray.

Finally, keeping the high-end features in mind, I’ll say that Breville Infuser Espresso Maker is no doubt the best espresso machine under $500. You can enjoy espresso like the best automatic machines from the premium line.

Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2 – Best Manual Espresso Machine

Automatic espresso machines can be a dream for every coffee lover, but you can’t neglect the other side of the picture.

Wondering what’s the downside of automatic espresso machines?

Well, you can’t have complete control over coffee making process. Therefore, I’m sharing the best espresso machine under $500, which offers you control over the brewing process.

So, experience the art of pulling espresso shots with the Flair PRO 2 – a 100% human-powered manual espresso press. Take control of your espresso-making process with this manual espresso machine that produces professional-quality espresso shots.

You can enjoy complete brew control with the Flair PRO 2, right from the comfort of your home or wherever you are. Simply add 70ml of boiled water and up to 24 grams of dose to yield a 56 ml shot with a beautiful crema. 

But, don’t forget to pair it with a burr grinder for the best results. Burr grinders come with sharp blades to grind the beans fine and faster. If you want a coffee machine with a built-in burr grinder, then must go for Jura coffee machines.

The next amazing feature of Pro is Its custom pressure gauge with an Espresso Zone of 6-9 BAR which can create cafe-quality manual espresso extractions. 

The pressure gauge provides immediate visual feedback while pulling shots. And the machine can handle different brew ratios so that you get the perfect cup every time.

Plus, Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2 comes with a precision-cut carrying case. Which makes it the perfect on-the-go espresso maker.

The Flair PRO 2 has a removable stainless steel spout and an all-stainless steel bottomless portafilter for a better brewing experience. 

Moreover, the cleaning and portability of Flair Espresso Maker is another facility for coffee lovers. It is the only manual espresso maker with a detachable brewing head which allows easy cleaning.

Finally, the Flair PRO 2 is a portable and easy-to-use manual espresso maker that allows you to control the entire process from grind to extraction. With its custom pressure gauge and ability to handle different brew ratios, you can create cafe-quality espresso shots right in the comfort of your home. 

Breville Bambino Plus – Best Compact Espresso Machine

Breville is all about build and quilty, and once again, the Bambino Plus coffee machine is designed to provide barista-quality performance. 

Bambino Plus delivers the four key elements of cafe-quality coffee: rich, full flavor, perfectly balanced taste, irresistible body, and silky, velvety mouthfeel.

How does the Bambino Plus achieve such delicious results?

It all starts with a 54 mm portafilter with a generous 19-gram dose of freshly ground beans. All this process ensures the unique aroma and intense flavor of the coffee.

And thanks to digital temperature control technology, you can be sure that the water temperature is just right for a perfectly balanced taste every time.

But the Bambino Plus doesn’t stop there. It comes with some unique features that make it the best espresso machine under $500. 

Unique features of the Bambino Plus include a 3-second heat-up time, 19-gram dose for full flavor, low-pressure pre-infusion, and automatic microfoam milk texturing. 

These features and the innovative ThermoJet heating system allow you to achieve the optimum extraction temperature quickly and consistently, so you can make barista-quality coffee without leaving your home.

And what stands it apart from other machines for under 500 dollars is its automatic microfoam milk texturing system. Along with all these special features, Bambino Plus is easy to use and easy to clean.

Overall, the Bambino Plus is a high-quality machine that delivers on its promise of barista-quality coffee at home, but there may be better choices for those looking for extensive customization or a more affordable option.

Gaggia Classic Pro Espresso Machine – Best Classic Machine

Well, if I say that Gaggia Classic Pro is an entry and pro-level espresso machine, then you may wonder. But yes, it’s true. Classic Pro es an entry-level Semi-automatic espresso machine, but there’s something else.

In fact, Gaggia Classic Pro is not just your average entry-level semi-automatic espresso machine – it’s an upgraded and enhanced version with all the features and capabilities of a commercial-grade machine.

Now, the features that make it the best espresso machine under $500 are a commercial-style 58mm chrome-plated brass portafilter and brew group.  

This commercial-style portafilter, made of durable chrome-plated brass, has the same size and style as commercial machines found in cafes and coffee houses.

It also comes with an improved commercial steam wand that can texture milk into a velvety microfoam which is ideal for creating latte art.

Another amazing feature of dual usability. If you’re an expert barista then you can pull expert espresso using its commercial single and double-shot baskets 

And on the other hand, if you like traditional decaf or espresso you can use the pressurized basket for pre-ground or ESE pods. 

For further ease, Classic pro has dual heating elements that heat the boiler quickly. This makes it brew-ready in just five minutes and steam-ready in just 30 seconds.

Gaggia Classic Pro machine has a modern design with easy-to-use rocker switch controls and indicator lights. And the most amazing feature is Pro’s operating panel. 

The panel has been split up into three switches for power, brewing, and steaming, and each switch has its own indicator light to inform you when the machine is on, ready to brew, or ready to steam.

If I talk about the build, again classic pro beats its price and becomes an affordable espresso machine as it comes with stainless steel housing. It also has a 2.1-liter capacity water tank.

Overall, the Gaggia Classic Pro is a top-quality espresso machine that offers commercial-grade features in a compact and durable design.

Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine – Best Warranty

Enjoy the perfect cup of espresso with the 15-Bar Italian pump of the Calphalon Temp IQ Espresso Machine. The Temp iQ features a user-friendly dial interface that lets you select steam, hot water, and pre-programmed single and double shots.

Its 58mm cafe-sized porta filter holds more ground and ensures even water dispersion and extraction for a perfect flavor. 

IQ’s thermoblock heating technology and PID temperature control deliver even heat for consistently great-tasting espresso. The pump delivers the right amount of pressure for maximum flavor extraction and produces a beautiful layer of crema for your espresso.

The pre-infusion feature gently blooms the espresso grounds for optimally extracted espresso. The Calphalon Temp IQ Espresso Machine has a removable 2.0L water reservoir with a lid for easy filling. It also has a cup warming tray for espresso-ready cups.

It also comes with a steam wand that froths milk for creating cappuccinos, lattes, and other drinks, just like in coffee shops.

Finally, the Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine is good for coffee enthusiasts who want to make cafe-quality espresso drinks at home. So, go for this best espresso machine under $500, with premium features to brew a perfect coffee at home.

Read Detailed Calphalon Espresso Machine Review.

Tchibo Fully Automatic Coffee & Espresso Machine – Best serving espresso machine

Here comes another top espresso machine under $500. Meet The Tchibo, the bean-to-brew, a single-serve coffee machine resulting from 70 years of European coffee tradition with expert engineering.

It’s easy to enjoy freshly ground and brewed coffee with just a push of a button, without any pods or waste. You can choose from 2 oz. Energizing espresso, 6 oz. Medium cup, or 8 oz. piping hot brew.

The compact size (W 7″ x H 12.4″ x L 15.6″) makes it easy to fit on any counter. The Tchibo also includes amazing features, such as an elegant LED panel with touchscreen operation. 

As a bonus, Tchibo includes two 12-ounce bags of whole bean coffee (1 Barista Espresso and 1 Espresso Barista Milano Style).

The Tchibo Fully Automatic Coffee & Espresso Machine is a good choice if you prefer a simple and convenient workflow to learn barista skills. It is also a great option with limited counter space, as it has a compact design. 

But It may not be a good option for people who enjoy making milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, as it doesn’t come with a milk frother.

However, it’s a bit pricey, and if you’re tight with your budget, you can also check the best espresso machine under $200.

Final Verdict

So, in My final words, the best espresso machine under $500 is the Breville Duo Temp Pro. It is an excellent choice for a high-quality espresso machine under $500. With its precise temperature control and powerful steam wand, it easily delivers rich and flavorful espresso.

Its compact design and user-friendly interface make it a great option for both beginners and experienced baristas. While it may require a bit of practice to perfect your technique, the results are well worth it. If you’re in the market for an affordable, yet top-performing espresso machine, the Breville Duo Temp Pro is the way to go.

If you are on a low budget then espresso under $100 can be a good option for you.

How To Choose the Best Espresso Machine Under $500

Here’s a brief guide for you if you’re looking for an espresso maker under $500, there are many great options to choose from. Here are some factors to consider when making your selection:

Type of espresso maker 

There are several types of espresso makers, including manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic. Manual machines require the most skill and effort, while fully automatic machines are the easiest to use. Consider how much control you want over the brewing process and how much effort you’re willing to put in.

Ease of use 

Make sure the machine you choose is easy to use and clean. Look for features like programmable settings, automatic milk frothers, and removable water tanks.

Quality of espresso

The most important factor in choosing an espresso maker is the quality of the espresso it produces. Look for machines with high-quality boilers, powerful pumps, and precise temperature controls to ensure a rich, flavorful espresso.

Size and design 

Consider the size and design of the machine, especially if you have limited counter space. Look for compact machines that fit easily on your countertop and complement your kitchen decor.

Price 

Finally, consider your budget. While you can find high-quality espresso makers for under $500, more expensive models may offer additional features or higher-quality components.

Considering these factors, you can find the best espresso maker under $500 to fit your needs and budget.

FAQs