9 Best Espresso Machines Under 500 [2024 Reviews]

There is no doubt purchasing an espresso machine for home is a big deal. But if you are a regular coffee drinker, investing in one of the best espresso machines under 500 will actually save you money in the long run. 

Whilst it is possible to spend less than $500, at this price point there is a good range of quality coffee machines from the best espresso machine brands that are reliable, robust and can extract a great espresso.

If you looking to buy the best espresso machine under 500 you have come to the right place.

In these home espresso machine reviews I will cover the different types of espresso machines and explain which offer the best value at this price point. Plus I compare some of the best home espresso machine under 500 options currently on the market.

So whether you are looking for the best semi automatic espresso machine under 500, the best super automatic espresso machine under 500, the best automatic espresso machine under 500 or the best manual coffee machine under $500, I have no doubt you will find the best mid priced espresso machine for your home here.

Comparison Of The Best Espresso Machines Under 500

Below is a helpful table where you can compare all the best espresso machines under $500 reviewed in this article.

All of these coffee machines will have you preparing the perfect espresso in no time. In our espresso machine reviews under 500 below we discuss the features in more detail. 

Image	Model	Type	Top features	Our Rating	Price
	Breville Bambino Plus	Semi-automatic	Automatic milk frother 3 second heat time	5.0	CHECK
	Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro	Semi-automatic	Commercial steam wand Compact size	4.8	CHECK
	Breville Duo Temp Pro	Semi-automatic	PID Controller Pre-infusion	4.8	CHECK
	De’Longhi EC885M Dedica Arte	Semi-automatic	Large capacity filters Compact size	4.6	CHECK
	Gaggia Brera	Super-automatic	Integrated grinder Programmable control panel	4.6	CHECK
	Calphalon Temp iQ	Semi-automatic	PID Controller Pre-infusion	4.4	CHECK
	Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe	Automatic	One touch control panel Aeroccino milk frother	4.4	CHECK
	Nespresso Lattissima Touch	Automatic	Automatic milk frother 6 drink settings	4.6	CHECK
	Philips Carina 1200 Series	Automatic	Integrated grinder Programmable control panel	4.6	CHECK

Our Top Pick For Best Espresso Machine Under 500 2024

If you don’t have time to read and compare all of the espresso machines below, take a look at the Breville Bambino Plus for home baristas.

What To Consider When Buying The Best Coffee Machine Under $500

It can be a little bewildering when you try and compare espresso machines.

There are so many technical terms and different features. How do you decide what is the best espresso machine for home?

Here are 7 considerations to help guide you when comparing the best espresso machines for home use.

1. Understand The Different Types Of Machines

There are many types of coffee espresso maker. The three types we compare at this price point are:

• Semi-automatic
• Automatic espresso machines and
• Super automatic espresso machines.

An easy way to narrow your search for the best home espresso machine under 500 is to consider how you want to use the machine.

Semi Automatic Espresso Machines

With semi-automatic machines you are in full control of the brewing process.

You control the tamp pressure, extraction time and how the milk is heated and textured.

Automatic Espresso Machines

With an automatic coffee machine, the machine has more control.

Typically they have a built-in grinder or use capsules, preset programs and generally you have less control over the extraction process.

Usually you still need to froth the milk on these machines.

Super Automatic Espresso Machines

Super automatic espresso machines are the ultimate in hands off brewing.

They grind the beans (or use capsules), pull the espresso and heat the milk too.

These machines also tend to have a range of programmable options, but at this price point there is little ability to customize the brew.

If you don’t have an interest in learning the ins and outs of making coffee, an automatic espresso machine may suit you better.

On the other hand, if you are keen to experiment and learn, then a semi-automatic machine will give you more opportunity to develop your coffee making skills.

When comparing the best espresso machines under 500, most will be semi-automatic. Simply because you get more value on a semi-automatic machine at this price point.

We do recommend two automatic machines on this list. They offer outstanding value, but generally you need to pay a lot more for a high quality automatic espresso machine.

Considering an automatic? Click to read our review of the best automatic espresso machines.

2. Usability

If you drink coffee each day, usability is an important consideration. These are the things you will notice each day when you use the machine.

Questions to ask include:

• Is it an easy espresso machine to use?
• Is the water reservoir easy to fill?
• Are the buttons simple to use?
• Is the drip tray removable?
• How easy is it to clean the machine?
• Can you fit your favourite mug under the portafilter?

We highlight the main usability features in our reviews of espresso machines under $500 below to help you with your choice.

3. Temperature Control

Maintaining a consistent temperature when brewing and steaming milk is a critical aspect of making good coffee at home.

Many of the best coffee machine under 500 options have a single water heater. This means the machine can complete one task at a time – heating the milk or extracting the coffee.

The challenge is these two activities have different temperature requirements and so there are a few different ways this is managed:

• Some coffee machines have a single thermometer to manage temperature.
• Other good espresso machines have dual thermometers to help deliver more consistent temperatures for both milk steaming and extraction.
• Some of the best coffee machines under $500 feature PID controllers.

PID controllers are an advanced mechanism that helps maintain temperature within a small range and are a common feature on more expensive machines.

4. Design

Let’s face it, everyone wants a nice looking espresso machine. Especially if it is sitting on full display in your kitchen.

However, design is a very personal thing. Big, small, shiny, coloured, buttons or levers – everyone likes different things.

Consider the design when you compare espresso machines and whether it will suit you and your home.

5. Quality Of The Steam Wand

If you are a fan of milk based espresso beverages, a quality steam wand should be high on your list of requirements for at home espresso machines.

Learning how to create creamy microfoam will transform your coffee at home experience from good to great.

In order to make microfoam you need a powerful steam wand that can maintain a consistent temperature.

Pannarello attachments

Pannarello steam wands are included on many home espresso machines by many coffee machine brands.

They can be helpful on a beginner espresso machine or if you don’t often steam milk.

However they can make it difficult to create perfect microfoam due to the large bubbles formed by some wands, so we recommend learning to texture milk without the panarello attachment too.

It really doesn’t take long to master a manual steam wand and the results will be far superior.

So if you love milk based coffees we suggest you check to see if the panarello attachment is removable.

6. Size

On a practical note, consider where you will store the espresso machine and how much space you have in your kitchen. Many countertop espresso machines are on the large size.

Check the dimensions of your preferred machine and ensure it will fit in the space you have in mind.

7. Price

Ultimately you probably have a budget in mind when researching the best home espresso machine under 500.

This is one of the easiest ways to narrow your search when buying an espresso machine.

We suggest you set your budget and choose the machine in your price range that meets your requirements.

We review $500 coffee maker options here – you can spend less, but there is a noticeable step up in the quality, design and construction of espresso machines priced from $200 to $500.

Summary Of The Best Home Espresso Machine Under 500 Models Reviewed

To recap, here are the best home barista machine models reviewed in detail below. Read on for the full reviews!

• Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine
• Breville BES810BSS Duo Temp Pro Espresso Machine
• De’Longhi EC885M Dedica Arte Automatic Espresso Machine
• Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
• Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine
• Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine
• Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe Espresso Machine
• De’Longhi Nespresso Lattissima Touch Original Espresso Machine
• Philips Carina 1200 Series EP1220/04 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
• Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine

Best Espresso Machine Under $500 Reviews

Now that we have covered off how to compare espresso machines, let’s take a detailed look at the top options in our best automatic and best semi automatic espresso machine reviews.

1. Gaggia Classic Pro Review

The Gaggia Classic Pro RI9380 is the newest model, replacing the 14101 Classic espresso maker, a long time firm favourite amongst the home barista community and one of the best rated espresso machines. 

This Italian company have been making espresso machines for over 70 years and are one of the most respected names in the industry.

The Gaggia Classic Pro espresso machine is a powerful machine housed in stainless steel with a slightly retro design. It can pull a great espresso and deserves its place on our list of top espresso machines under 500.

Gaggia Classic Pro features:

• High quality 15 bar pump pressure
• Single aluminium boiler
• Chrome plated brass group head and portafilter
• Portafilter compatible with ese pods 
• Combined steam wand and hot water dispenser 
• Simple switches to control power, brewing and steam
• Large 72 oz water reservoir 
• Standard 58mm portafilter.

Improvements in the new model include the commercial steam wand, an updated frame, improved pump mounting for less noise and updated controls.

With its simple switches it is an easy machine to use. The large 72 oz water reservoir means less refilling and the 58mm portafilter is equivalent to commercial machines.

Its compact size at 9.5″ x 8″ x 14″ also makes it a good choice for small bench tops and kitchens.

The chrome plated brass group head and portafilter assists retain heat and the three way solenoid valve ensures dry pucks and an easy clean up. 

This machine can produce consistent high quality espresso shots, and the new model has a commercial quality steam wand, which is a great improvement on the old model.  

Sadly there is no PID controller on the Gaggia Classic, although it is possible to manually add one if you are mechanically handy. 

Gaggia has a loyal following amongst coffee drinkers worldwide and there are user forums where you can seek advice on how to get the  most out of your machine. 

Gaggia Classic Pro vs Breville Infuser

When comparing the size of the Breville Infuser vs Gaggia Classic, the Gaggia has a smaller footprint but has a larger water reservoir and larger 58mm commercial portafilter. 

Note the cup clearance is shorter than the Breville Infuser and you will need some demitasse cups to fit under the portafilter on the Gaggia Classic Pro.  

While the Gaggia may have less features than the Breville Infuser, it is a super reliable machine that can produce consistently good espresso at a slightly cheaper price.

It is one of the best $500 coffee maker options for brewers of espresso coffee. 

>> Click here to check the price and read more reviews

2. Breville Duo Temp Pro Review

Best Beginner Espresso Machine

If you want to learn how to make great coffee at home, the Breville Duo Temp espresso machine is one of the very best entry level espresso machines at this price point.

Breville Duo-Temp Pro features:

• High quality 15 bar Italian made pump
• PID controlled thermocoil heating system
• Auto purge function for better temperature control
• 360 degree swivel stainless steel high pressure steam wand
• Low pressure pre-infusion function
• 61 oz removable water reservoir

The Breville Duo Temp Pro has high quality stainless steel construction and many features reserved for more expensive machines, plus it gives you full control over every step of the process.

The Duo Temp Pro is 11″ x 10″ x 13″ in size, which is the average size of others on our list.

Note that espresso volume is manually controlled and you can pull 1 or 2 shots at a time.

It also comes with a great range of quality coffee accessories including a stainless steel milk pitcher, tamper, dose trimmer and 4 filter baskets.

What is the difference between the Breville Duo Temp Pro vs Infuser?

The Breville Infuser used to be under $500 but is sold for well over this price point. If you are wondering what the difference is between the Breville Infuser vs Duo Temp Pro here are three:

• The Infuser has programmable buttons to control shot volume. The Duo Temp does not.
• The Infuser has advanced temperature control to modify water temperature.
• No pressure gauge to monitor extraction pressure on the Duo Temp.

Despite these differences the Duo Temp is still an excellent machine for the price. If you want to read more about the Infuser, see more reviews here.

The Breville Duo Temp is a great option for anyone starting out on their espresso at home journey and we think it is one of the best manual espresso machine under 500 options on our list.

>> Click here to check the price and read more reviews

3. DeLonghi Dedica Arte EC885M Review

Best Small Espresso Machine Under $500

If you secretly love the sleek narrow design of the Nespresso, but are an environmentally aware kind of person looking for the full fresh bean experience, the DeLonghi Dedica Arte manual espresso machine is a match made in heaven. 

DeLonghi have been in the business of espresso coffee machines for a long time and are rated highly for their quality and reliability.

DeLonghi Dedica Arte features:

• 1300w power and 15 bar Italian pump 
• Thermoblock heating system
• Stainless steel construction
• Removable water tank (35 oz)
• 1 and 2 cup programmable shot buttons

This powerful small espresso machines has a thermoblock heating system. Due to its small size it will be ready to pull your first shot in under a minute. 

It has 2 programmable shot buttons and automatic flow stop, portafilter baskets for both ground coffee beans and ese pods, programmable water hardness and a built in descaling program. 

While the quality and depth of flavour in the resulting espresso is perhaps not as good as larger machines, it is an excellent alternative to the Nespresso suite of machines.

Note there is no dual temperature control function so you will need to wait in between pulling shots and running the steam wand to ensure you are running at the right temperature. 

Dedica Deluxe vs Dedica Arte

The biggest difference when comparing the Delonghi Dedica Arte vs Dedica Deluxe is the upgrade to a commercial manual steam wand, which Delonghi calls the My LatteArt Steam Wand.

This is a significant improvement on the adjustable cappuccino system on the steam wand with a regulator ring on the older versions.

Another difference between the Dedica Deluxe vs Dedica Arte is the change to high capacity filter baskets, up to 18g, which helps offset the smaller portafilter width and improves the quality of the espresso.

The cup clearance is another difference when comparing the Delonghi Dedica vs Dedica Deluxe and Dedica Arte models. The DeLonghi Dedica Arte has a flexible drip tray to fit taller cups which is a great feature.

Note that the portafilter is smaller than most other machines and you will need to look for a 51mm tamper like this one.

At only 13″ x 6″ x 12″ it will comfortably fit on any countertop.

This DeLonghi espresso coffee machine is a well featured home espresso maker with the support of a great company and is the best espresso machine under 400 dollars in our list. 

>> Click here to check the price and read more reviews

4. Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine Review

Best Espresso Machine For Under 500 (Overall)

What we love about Breville espresso machines is just how many high-end machine features are included on their mid-range machines including the Breville Bambino Plus espresso machine.

Breville Bambino Plus features:

• High quality 15 bar pressure pump
• PID controlled thermajet heating unit
• Automatic steam wand
• 3 second heat time
• Auto purge function for better temperature control
• 360 degree swivel stainless steel high pressure steam wand
• Pre-infusion function

The two features that make this small espresso maker such a good espresso machine for home baristas are the:

• Automatic steam wand: Set your preferred milk temperature and foam quantity and the machine does the rest with the use of a unique sensor in the tray of the machine. The result is perfect textured milk every time. 
• Rapid heating time: the Breville Bambino is ready to go in just 3 seconds.

There is a large 64 ounce water tank, cup warmer, 54mm portafilter and a modern stainless steel casing.  It also comes with a full suite of accessories including tamper, frothing pitcher and pressurized baskets.

The compact dimensions of the coffee machine are 12.5″ x 7.6″ x 12.2″.

When comparing the Breville Bambino Plus vs Duo Temp Pro, the key differences are the automatic steam wand, rapid heating time and auto button control found on the Bambino.

If you are comparing the Bambino Plus vs Infuser, the Breville Infuser includes the pressure gauge and fully manual steam wand for full control over milk texturing, so they are quite different machines.

The difference between the cheaper Breville Bambino vs Bambino Plus is the automatic steam wand with adjustible temperature and texturing on the Bambino Plus. It is these features that make this machine so easy to use and so attractive to beginner home baristas.

This Breville espresso coffee maker is a really simple espresso machine to use and it is one of the best compact espresso machine options on our list. 

It is a great choice if you want to enjoy milk based espresso coffee, but are nervous about learning how to make barista quality textured milk. 

It is packed full of great features for the home barista and the automatic milk texturing feature is what makes it really stand out as the best semi automatic espresso machine under 500 on our list.

>> Click here to check the price and read more reviews

5. Gaggia Brera Automatic Espresso Machine Review

Best Super Automatic Espresso Machine Under 500

If you are looking for a budget super automatic espresso machine then the Gaggia Brera super automatic espresso machine is a great choice.

You might recall we mentioned it is tough to find a good quality automatic machine in this price range. The Brera espresso machine is the exception, with many positive Gaggia reviews.

This quality espresso machine offers a lot of great features for people looking for an automatic machine.

Gaggia Brera features:

• 15 bar stainless steel boiler
• Programmable volume and coffee strength
• 40 ounce water reservoir
• 8 oz integrated ceramic burr grinder with 5 settings
• Direct beans to brew system for ultimate freshness
• Pre-Infusion function

Unlike many automatic machines it has a simple control panel. There are just 2 programmable settings and 3 coffee strength settings. 

The steam wand doubles as a hot water dispenser for tea and there is easy front access to the water reservoir and used puck container.

Note the removable brew group will require regular cleaning to prevent blockages and the grinder doesn’t really tolerate oily beans. But the direct beans to brew system results in the freshest grinds for every cup of coffee.

The exterior casing is stainless steel and it is a surprisingly compact espresso machine at 12.4″ x 10″ x 17.5″.

If you are comparing the Gaggia Brera vs Breville Barista Express (see below) the Brera is more automatic as it manages the bean tamping for you.

So while both machines have inbuilt grinders, the Barista Express gives you more control over the tamp pressure and extraction time.

If you are looking for the best super automatic espresso machine under 500, you can’t really go wrong with this coffee and espresso maker from Gaggia.

>> Click here to check the price and read more reviews

6. Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine Review

The Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine is one of the best affordable espresso machines under 500.

With a simple interface, shot volume programming, a fully manual steam wand and rapid heat up time, this is a fully featured home espresso machine for coffee lovers.

Calphalon TempiQ features:

• 15-bar pump pressure
• Swivel stainless steel steam wand
• 58mm portafilter
• Stainless steel thermoblock
• PID controller
• Pre-infusion function.

The water heater is a 1350w thermoblock with a stainless steel element. The inbuilt electronic PID temperature control reduces temperature fluctuation. 

The stainless steel steam wand makes steaming milk a breeze. The wand doubles as a hot water spout which is convenient for warming cups and making americano style coffee.

Combined with the auto purge function the machine delivers optimum temperature for both espresso and steam. As a result the machine can pull consistent high quality espresso shots and produce creamy microfoam.

Grinds are first soaked in water at low pressure to gradually expand the coffee grinds and ensure a more even infusion. The pressure is then increased to produce perfect espresso and crema. 

The Calphalon espresso machine comes with 2 options for 1 and 2 cup coffee. Each button is programmable with full volumetric control. You have flexibility to set your preferred volume.

With a large 67 oz water reservoir, refilling is less frequent and the tank is easily removed to fill. The size is pretty standard for this type of machine at 12.2″ x 9.8″ x 12.8″ and it comes with a generous 3 year warranty.

Also included with the Calphalon espresso machine is a range of accessories including stainless steel pitcher, tamper and cleaning pin.

With a range of intuitive design features and the ability to pull consistently good espresso, the Calphalon Temp iQ is a great option and one of the best home espresso machines at this price point.

>> Click here to check the price and read more reviews

7. Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe Espresso Machine Review

If you love the convenience of single serve pod machines but want to enjoy latte and cappuccino style coffees, the Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe is a great option for your next home espresso machine. 

Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe features:

• 19 bar of pressure
• 15 second warm up time
• 60 oz water reservoir (adjustable)
• 17 count used capsule container
• One touch button

The Vertuo Plus makes latte making simple with the addition of the Aeroccino milk frother.

A one touch control panel is all you need – the machine uses Nespresso’s Centrifusion technology uses barcodes on the pods to determine the extraction required for the ideal drink ranging from 5 oz to 18oz cups and single or double espresso.

The Aeroccino frother is included with the machine and can froth both hot and cold milk.

It is nice and compact at 5.6-9.1″ x 12.8″ x 14.1-16.7″ (depending on the position of the water tank). The capsules are recyclable through the Nespresso recycling program.

The sophisticated black finish will look great in any kitchen.  Note there are other colors and finishes available too.

If you are looking for a Nespresso espresso machine with milk frother this is a good choice. 

It is a popular choice as a home espresso machine and for vacation homes too and overall is the best Nespresso machine under 500.

>> Click here to check the price and read more reviews

8. Nespresso Lattissima Touch Original Espresso Machine Review

If you love coffeehouse style coffee drinks and enjoy the convenience of automatic espresso machines, the Nespresso Lattissima Touch automatic espresso machine makes coffee brewing simple. 

Nespresso Lattissima Touch features:

• 19-bar pressure
• 40 second heat time
• One touch drink recipes
• Adjustable height drip tray
• Removable milk container
• Auto-off function

This pod machine includes 6 one touch recipes for drinks such as a latte and cappuccino. Simply turn on the machine, add a capsule and choose your preferred drink.

In next to no time you will have a barista-style coffee drink to enjoy thanks to the rapid heat up system. The drink settings can also be adjusted to suit your personal preferences.

An advanced milk frother takes all the guess work out of texturing your milk as it is completely automatic and delivers the frothed milk straight into your cup.

The milk carafe is also large enough to make multiple cups of coffee without having to refill and is removable to store in the fridge to minimize any wastage.

A sliding drip tray accommodates small and large cups and the removable milk container has an automatic rinsing function. 

The machine will also tell you when it needs to be descaled and will automatically switch off after 9 minutes of inactivity. At 6.8″ x 12.6″ x 10.15″ it is well suited to fit on most kitchen benches.

This machine is made in Italy by DeLonghi and has a sleek, classy design that will look great in the kitchen.

If you are looking for the best automatic coffee machine under $500, the Nespresso Lattissima Touch will not disappoint.

>> Click here to check the price and read more reviews

9. Philips 1200 Series Automatic Espresso Machine Review

If you are looking for the best fully automatic espresso machine under 500 then the Philips Carina super automatic espresso machine is a great choice.

There are not many good quality super automatic machines in this price range. But the Philips 1200 Series is one of the better quality options if you are looking for an automatic espresso machine.

Philips Carina features:

• 15 bar thermoblock
• Programmable volume and coffee temperature
• Front loading large 60 ounce water reservoir
• 10 oz integrated ceramic grinder with 12 settings
• Direct beans to brew system for ultimate freshness
• Classic panarello milk frother

The simple control panel allows you to program the coffee length and temperature for up to 2 drink settings.

The steam wand doubles as a hot water dispenser and there is easy front access to the water reservoir and used puck container which holds 10 used pucks.

The exterior casing is plastic and it is reasonably compact at 17″ x 9.5″ x 14.5″.

Gaggia Brera vs Philips 1200 Series

When comparing the Gaggia Brera vs Philips Carina, they are very similar machines.

Both have front loading water tank and used puck trays. The tank is slightly larger on the Philips, as is the grinder capacity and number of grind settings.

Both machines have the pannarello steam wand for manual brewing and have a removable group head for easy cleaning, but the Gaggia Brera has stainless steel housing instead of plastic like the Philips.

If you are looking for the best super automatic espresso machine under $500, you can’t really go wrong with this coffee and espresso maker from Philips.

>> Click here to check the price and read more reviews

Best Espresso Machine With Grinder For Over $500

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine Review

If you plan to purchase a separate grinder, another espresso machine to consider is the Breville Barista Express. 

I know we are getting off track from the espresso machines under 500 dollars – to be clear this espresso machine is more than $500, but overall may cost you less.

With all of the features of the Breville Infuser but with the addition of an integrated grinder, home espresso machine reviews consistently rate the Breville Barista Express as one of the best entry level espresso machines on the market.

It is more expensive than any of the coffee espresso machines we have listed here and if you are comparing the Breville Barista Express vs Bambino Plus, the Bambino has many of the high quality features found on the Barista Express, without the built in grinder.

The high quality integrated grinder is why I included this machine on the list. Good coffee grinders are not cheap, so overall you will likely save money if you are in the market for the best espresso machines with grinders.

The Breville Barista Express is a worthy challenger to the machines on this list for those who can stretch the budget a little more than $500! 

>> Click here to check the price and read more reviews

Conclusion

I hope our espresso machine reviews under 500 have helped you decide which is best for your home.

To get the most out of your new machine, be sure to use the best beans for espresso machines. 

If you are still undecided and considering a fully integrated coffee machine, we review all the best espresso machines with grinders here. 

If you want to spend a little less, see the best espresso machines under $300 or check out our reviews under 200 here. All our espresso machine reviews can be found here.

If you are based in Australia, you can find the best home coffee machines in Australia here.

More coffee articles

• Best Coffee Beans
• Gift Ideas for Lovers of Coffee
• Best Coffee Roaster Machine for Home
• Best cappuccino cups
• Best low acid coffee beans

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.