Best Espresso Machine Under $500

crazy by Editorial Staff | Updated on July 26th, 2023

Are you willing to buy a good espresso machine but your pocket is limiting you to those available under $500? Need help to find a suitable one in this particular price range? Then you have to the right place. In this piece, we have listed five decent espresso machines up for grabs. Here is the list:


Breville BES840XL/A The Infuser Espresso Machine

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two white ceramic mugs on coffeemaker

Featuring a special volumetric and programmable mode, this machine lets you comfortably override factory settings to prepare the brew you are craving for. It first wets the ground without brewing and utilizes 15 bar pressure to pull the shots. 

The built-in PID thermometer further makes sure you always brew your coffee at the right temperature. It also features a “dry puck” mode that bangs out the used grounds of the portafilter. That means you don’t have to get your hands and sink all the messy. Besides, it is also BPA free.

Key features

  • A pre-infusion function that applies low water pressure at the beginning of the extraction to gently expand grinds for a uniform extraction
  • Auto purge function that automatically regulates water temperature after steam for optimal espresso extraction temperature
  • A1600w thermocoil heating system with an integrated stainless steel water coil that accurately controls water temperature
  • Accessories: coffee scoop, single & dual wall filter baskets, stainless steel jug, cleaning disc & tablets, cleaning tool, and water filter with holder.
  • A 15-bar Italian pump that provides complete volumetric control – preset, manual over-ride or re-programmable volumes

Pros

  • Super easy to use and the water filter is easy to change
  • Machine produces great coffee quality
  • Makes espresso with thick crema

Cons

  • Pressure gauge stops working after some time
  • Espresso is not hot; cups need to be pre-warmed

Breville BES810BSSUSC Duo Temp Pro Coffee Machine

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This is yet another budget coffee machine from Breville that has a special place in your house. It is packed with cool features such as cutting edge PID temperate technology that allows you to pull shots consistently all the time and a unique pre-fusion that slowly increases the pressures. Overall, the Breville Duo Temp Pro Coffee Machine is worth the dollars you will drop to own it.

Pros

  • Create micro-foam for your drinks with its manual steam wand
  • Has digital temperature control (PID) technology that keeps the brewing temperature stable
  • Automatic purging to prepare the system for the next use

Cons

  • Quite hard to familiarize how to operate this machine
  • You need to be watchful and turn it off manually

Gaggia Classic Espresso Maker

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Do you still think the 90’s espresso makers were the best? If yes, then this unit might be the one you have been looking for. Its design hasn’t changed since 1991 though now it features some cool technologies that make it more appealing and efficient. 

It is compact enough to fit even small places in your kitchen, has a commercial 58 mm portafilter made from chrome-plated brass, and importantly, it won’t let you down if looking forward to making your espresso the Italian way.

Pros

  • Can use either coffee pods or coffee grounds
  • Has commercial-grade portafilter for a more consistent espresso
  • 55-watt pump for steaming and brewing with less recovery time

Cons

  • Pump is awfully loud 
  • Takes much longer to steam milk, the steam wand is short
  • Blunt design and color, not captivating

Gaggia Ri9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine

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Any intermediate brewer will love this unit. It measures 9.5″ x 8″ x 14.2″, weighs 210lbs, and utilizes 17-1/2-bar pressure plus a three-way solenoid and high-voltage boiler to make more tasteful coffee. So, if brewing more than just for yourself, this unit won’t disappoint.

Both its portafilter and group head are made of marine-grade, heavy-duty brass with chrome plating, hence ensuring the temperature generated during the brewing process remains stable.

Additionally, it has a cup warmer, a combined hot-water and frother dispenser, and a coffee tamper. Not only that but it also has a 7-gram measuring scoop, a 72 oz removable water tank, and a single and double-shot stainless-steel filter basket. 

It doesn’t allow much customization of your brew hence ideal for coffee lovers who prefer a more automated experience. It earned itself a rating of 4.6/5 on amazon plus a ton of positive reviews.

Key features

  • Commercial three-way solenoid valve. Capacity water tank – 2,1 liter
  • Rugged Brushed Stainless Steel housing
  • Commercial-style 58mm chrome-plated brass portability and brew group
  • Easy-to-use rocker switch controls 
  • Commercial steam wand. Rotating steam want movement type

Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus

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Most coffee makers are designed to use a dosage of 11-13 grams of ground coffee; this one makes use of 19-22 grams of coffee for perfect professional flavor. It utilizes its lower pressure pre-infusion and 9 bar extraction pressure to get that rich flavor for you. Not only that, but its automatic milk frother also gets you exactly that micro-foam you want in your cup. Besides, with its auto steam wand, you can prepare great latte arts, while enhancing the flavor of your coffee.

This unit also uses a thermojet heating system to start brewing in 3 seconds and to prepare your coffee in half a minute or less. Plus, it has a digital temperature control (PID) that makes sure you always brew at the right temperature.

Pros

  • 3-second heat up and fast brewing
  • Has 64oz removable water reservoir
  • Small footprint with beautiful design, great for every kitchen

Cons

  • Smaller drip tray means you still need a few trips from the machine to the sink
  • Lacking in features, given its price
  • Doesn’t have ‘hot water dispensing’ capacity

What to consider in an espresso machine under $500

black coffeemaker

When searching for an espresso machine under $500, there are several factors you should consider to ensure you get the best value for your money. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

Type of Machine

Espresso machines fall into three categories: manual, semi-automatic, and super-automatic.

  • Manual machines offer total control over the brewing process, allowing you to grind the beans, pre-wet the grounds, and pull the shot.
  • Semi-automatic machines take over some aspects of the process, such as regulating pressure, making the brewing process easier while still leaving room for personal adjustments.
  • Super-automatic machines automate the entire process. With the press of a button, these machines grind the beans, tamp the grounds, and pull the shot, providing a hassle-free experience.

Tamper

A good tamper is key to brewing a great espresso. It helps pack the grounds into the portafilter, eliminating air pockets that could interfere with the extraction process. Make sure your espresso machine includes a tamper, and if not, consider investing in a quality one.

Steam Wand

Most espresso machines under $500 feature a steam wand for milk frothing. This is a must-have feature if you enjoy drinks like lattes or cappuccinos. A steam wand injects air into your milk while heating it under pressure, creating a creamy foam.

Water Filter

A replaceable water filter can enhance the quality of your espresso by purifying and softening the water used in the brewing process. Ensure your espresso machine comes with an effective and easy-to-replace water filter.

Programmable Volume

This feature allows you to adjust the amount of water used in each shot, which can impact the strength and flavor of your espresso. It’s especially useful if you enjoy larger beverages like lattes or cappuccinos that require more water.

Built-in Coffee Grinder

Some espresso machines include a built-in grinder, which can save you the cost and space of purchasing one separately. Burr grinders are preferable to blade grinders because they grind the beans evenly for maximum flavor extraction and tend to be quieter.

In conclusion, by considering the type of machine, tamper, steam wand, water filter, programmable volume, and whether or not it has a built-in grinder, you can ensure you’re investing in an espresso machine that meets all your coffee-making needs without exceeding your budget.

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Editorial Staff

The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.