Let’s face it, espresso machines are EXPENSIVE…. We're talking about the good ones. At least that’s what we’ve seen so far while we were searching for high-end espresso machines.
But that didn’t stop us though!
We took on the challenge to find the best espresso machine under $1,000. Although limiting our budget might eliminate some good candidates, our research has been quite fruitful! We are happy to report back to you with our picks for espresso machines under $1,000 that won’t break the bank while ensuring quality and keeping some of the features the high-end machines usually come with.
We really wanted to recommend at least 10 espresso machines, but only 8 of them met or exceeded our expectations.
You might want to give the reviews a read. We are confident that one of them will end up in your kitchen.
And if you’re one who likes to buy coffee every day, they might save you some money in the long run!
The definition of the 'best' varies based on each coffee lover's preference. So, we've put together a list with the best espresso machines under $1,000 for different categories, preferences, and price ranges.
If you’re looking for commercial-grade espresso right on your countertop, the Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine is an option you should be interested in.
Don't let the minimalist exterior put you off this semi-automatic espresso tech because it is both efficient and simple to use!
Trust us, sometimes less is more…
At a Glance
Features
This 34 lbs machine is built with stainless steel panels to maximize both its appeal and durability. Due to the compact design, it doesn't take too much space on the countertop.
It's got the commercial-grade group head which keeps the generated heat to a stable level and ensures superb extraction quality at the same time. But a fair share of thanks goes to its 58mm portafilter for flawless extraction. So much so that Beyonce might be envious…
What makes Rancilio Silvia stand out is its 12oz boiler capacity which is perfect for a single boiler. But what we liked most about it was how this brass boiler managed to deliver amazing steaming power. Its articulating steam wand helps with the total range of motion.
A slight downside is the recovery time between espresso shots and the steamer. It’s about 90 seconds, which means your espresso might be sitting for too long before pouring the steamed milk. However, this can be rectified by changing your workflow a bit - first steam then pull the espresso. So people might argue this is the correct way of preparing your milky drink.
The removable drip tray allows for easier cleaning, but don’t let it get too full or you might spill some water when removing it. And yes, its 1.8-liter water reservoir is removable as well.
With four switches on it, the operation is quite easy for anyone to handle. The starting switch has an indicator light, which turns off once the machine is done heating to let you know that the machine is ready to make your espresso drink!
There's a brew switch for activating the pump, a hot water button, and the last one is for the steam wand.
It’s also worth noting that this machine comes with a good quality tamper.
What we didn't like about Rancilio Silvia are the missing temperature and pressure gauge. Plus, it's not programmable either.
Another issue is that you will need to purchase a grinder separately as if you purchase this machine you should be using whole coffee beans!
Some Useful Specs
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The Barista Express Coffee Machine from Breville is one of the best automatic espresso machines you can ask for at this price range. You will love to have this compact machine as your next espresso maker once we are done reviewing it for you.
At a Glance
Features
When it comes to build quality, this 23 lbs machine can simply compete with the commercial espresso machines you see in coffee shops with its stainless steel framing.
Just like Popeye, keep it filled with spinach, or in this case espresso, and watch it rock your world… haha!
The conical burr grinder is of high quality and works relatively quickly and quietly. The built-in coffee grinder accurately grinds the perfect amount of ground coffee every single time to allow good extraction. However, it does not automatically tamp; the tamper is fixed to the machine itself. We would have preferred a stand-alone grinder.
The Barista Express comes with a grind size dial that helps select in determining the size of the grind to ensure the perfect espresso shot is pulled every time (this will need some adjustment based on the type of coffee you purchase).
The 8-ounce hopper is great at conveniently storing and keeping the espresso beans fresh.
PRO-TIP
Make sure to check out our list of the best espresso beans for your new machine!
Its 54 mm portafilter is made of stainless steel and has commercial-style spouts. However, we would have preferred a 58 mm portafilter as it would result in potentially better extraction and the choice of more espresso accessories. In addition, this machine comes with both single wall and dual wall filter baskets, in two sizes, for either a single or double shot of espresso!
To let you monitor the pressure at the time of flavor extraction, the Barista Express comes with an analog pressure gauge. And to ensure optimal water temperature control, Breville has added a Thermo coil heating system.
The steaming system is on the slow side, taking about 60 seconds to heat the milk to 60 degrees Celsius, and it only features a single hole steam tip. However, the steam wand is attached to this machine with a ball joint, which allows for 360-degree rotation.
The auto-purge function is great for cleaning the automatic steam wand after you’re done using it, so you don’t end up with yucky dried milk inside the wand.
Plus, the makers of Barista Express didn't forget to add the removable dreg and drip tray to make the cleaning process easier. When you remove it, you will discover some storage space with tools.
Some Useful Specs
Breville the Barista Express Coffee Machine
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If you're an expert coffee connoisseur or if you just want a cool-looking espresso machine, almost as cool as Prince in a crop top, then you should pick this super manual espresso machine: the Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2.
It is portable, robust, and elegant. It is truly one of a kind!
At a Glance
Features
Along with being affordable, manual machines are the perfect example of elegance, and this one is no exception! Almost all the parts are made of aluminum and stainless steel, which offers great durability and a stylish look. Plus, this 7 lbs machine is quite portable, thanks to its Custom Carrying Case.
However, if you will travel with you will need to carry a grinder (preferably a manual coffee grinder in this case).
Whether you want hot or cold-pressed espresso, this manual coffee machine can give you both. Its silicone handle allows the user to have a solid grip and the pressure gauge helps monitor the pressure level. Given it's a manual machine, you can adjust the pressure as the coffee is being extracted.
The cylinder capacity of this machine is 70 ml which can yield up to 56 ml.
It also has a bottomless stainless steel portafilter, which improves the taste, flow dynamics, and consistency of every espresso shot.
Or if you prefer, you can choose to use the removable stainless steel spout instead.
The detachable brewing head and the drip tray allow for a quick and easy clean.
It can be time-consuming to pull an espresso shot with this machine, as it’s fully manual. That means you need to preheat it by pouring boiling water, grind the beans using a separate grinder and use a scale to measure your coffee dosage, tamp the ground coffee, pour boiling water again, and then assemble the machine while inserting the pressure gauge. Then after pulling the espresso you need to clean all the parts.
So to have that perfect espresso shot (and this machine is very capable), you will need some time and some skill.
So if you’re looking for a machine that does it all by pressing a few buttons, this is not the one for you. However, if you are willing to put in the time, this machine yields excellent espresso at a reasonable price.
Some Useful Specs
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It's time to introduce you to the best fully automatic espresso machine on our list… the ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso by De'Longhi.
It may not look as pretty as the other ones here, but it has stood the test of time since it was introduced over two decades ago. With its super affordable price for a super-automatic espresso machine, you should get this baby if you’re looking for a beginner’s machine that can prepare great espresso drinks by just pressing a few buttons.
At a Glance
Features
This coffee machine is built to brew coffee and make the coffee-making process a hands-free experience.
This is achieved thanks to its very intuitive user experience, which uses buttons and dials. The rotary & push-button control panel allows to easily set temperature control, cup size, and coffee strength.
It features a full 15 bar pressure pump allowing for a consistent espresso shot with great crema. On top of that, the double boiler system minimizes the waiting time between drinks cappuccino and espresso. Plus, the instant reheat function keeps the machine at an ideal brewing temperature. This means almost no waiting time between brewing and using the steam wand.
Although this is a fully automatic coffee machine, there is one extra step for milky drinks. The milk frother is manual, meaning you will need to add the milk to your espresso shot.
This might require a bit of a learning curve, but if you know how to froth milk or you are willing to learn, then you can create the perfect foam to go with your delicious espresso every time!
This can be a good thing as milk does not go through the machine which makes it easier to clean and more hygienic.
The cleaning process is made that much easier thanks to its extractable and compact brew unit.
It also comes with an auto shut-off system that you can adjust for up to three hours.
If you're used to drinking larger cups of coffee, you’re in luck, because the coffee spout’s height can be adjusted. Plus, the cup warmer feature can warm up your cup to ensure the best coffee-tasting results.
By the way, even if you forget to clean the machine, don’t worry because its Decalcification Indicator will work as a reminder for you.
In terms of cons, this machine is unable to steam and brew at the same time. However, this is typical of most super-automatic machines.
Another con is its heavy use of plastic - it just does not feel as premium as other machines. However, this does not mean that it’s an unreliable machine. It’s one of the veterans in the super-automatic espresso machine market, and for a reason.
Finally, the grinder is quite noisy. This could be an issue if you plan on using it early in the morning while the rest of the household sleeps.
Some Useful Specs
De'Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine
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You already know how good this brand is at making semi-automatic espresso machines.
But now, they've stepped into the world of manual coffee machines with their BES810BSS Duo Temp Pro Espresso Machine for those who want to be more in control of the process or those who want to learn the basics.
This machine also made our top list of the Best Breville Espresso Machines!
At a Glance
Features
The stainless steel construction of this Breville coffee machine is beautiful and made to last. It is very aesthetically pleasing with its compact minimalist design.
Thanks to its low-pressure pre-infusion, its PID technology, and its 54 mm stainless steel portafilter, the Breville Duo-Temp Pro pulls very good espresso shots.
As noted, the 54 mm portafilter is of high quality, just make sure to preheat it beforehand. A 58 mm one would be better, but at this price range, this is perfectly acceptable.
And if you like latte art, then you will love the micro-foam milk texturing produced by this machine! It’s a bit slow, typical of thermoblock heaters, but this also allows for greater control when steaming.
It has a maintenance indicator to let the user know when to clean it up. This is handy as it’s good to be reminded to maintain your machine to ensure it lasts for a long time.
Similar to other Breville machines, the drip tray hides a storage area with several handy tools to keep your espresso machine in top shape.
Like the finest espresso machines, this one has auto-purge on its feature list. This means you’ll have to wait very little between steaming and pulling your espresso shot!
This machine does not come with a grinder so you will need to purchase one separately to fully enjoy its potential.
Some Useful Specs
Breville BES810BSS Duo Temp Pro Espresso Machine
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If you have a tighter budget but don't want to miss out on homemade espresso and cappuccino system, then this affordable espresso machine is the right pick for you.
This compact, efficient, and stylish espresso machine can fit on any countertop as it doesn't require much space.
At a Glance
Features
Team De'Longhi has always been focused on quality, and the Dedica EC680 is no exception. Its most attractive features are its beautiful compact design and low price.
The controls are user-friendly and intuitive with one dial and three buttons. The machine allows you to customize your coffee beverages with its unique flow stop feature. That means holding the single-cup or double-cup buttons, and the machine will remember the extraction time you like.
The low price does not mean a poor espresso though. With its 15-bar professional pressure, you can easily create a delicious cup of espresso with a rich crema on top.
This machine startups very quickly in approximately a minute. For reference, higher-end boiler machines can take up to 10 to 15 minutes to warm up.
Both the water tank and drip tray are removable and dishwasher safe, which makes the cleaning hassle-free. Plus, the double drip tray allows you to use mugs and cups up to 4.7 inches (12cm) tall.
The auto shut-off system is perfect for those who are forgetful, just like myself. In case you forget to turn it off, it will do it itself after 20 minutes of idle time.
One of the drawbacks of this machine is its frothing system. Likely due to its small heating coil, the machine can cool off and interrupt the steaming process, if you used the steaming wand to pour hot water or purge it. However, the foam quality is great.
Similar to some espresso machines here, this De'Longhi does not include a grinder. You’ll need to purchase one separately.
If you live in a large household, this machine may not be for you given its small water tank capacity; especially if you like water-based drinks such as regular or iced americanos.
Some Useful Specs
De'Longhi Dedica EC680 Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
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Cafelat Robot Barista Manual Lever Espresso Maker is one the most eye-catching espresso machines we’ve seen so far.
But this robot-looking manual espresso maker is not only stylish. It makes great espresso too.
At a Glance
Features
There's no way to deny that this espresso machine has an amazing design and a unique way of operating. Its metal body is built to last.
Keep in mind that this machine is more for showing off to your friends and family unless you are a true espresso coffee aficionado willing to put it in the time. After all, this is a manual espresso machine.
The workflow when using this machine may be a bit unconventional - for example, you need to fill the basket (with long walls) with coffee, tamp it down, and add the dispersion screen on top of the coffee. And then you add the water.
When pulling the espresso shot, keep an eye on the included pressure gauge to ensure the pressure is maintained between 8 and 9 bars. It does take quite a bit of force to maintain 9 bars of pressure.
The super cool machine comes with a detachable double spout to make single shots with ease. However, it’s absolutely not needed and may cool down your shot (it is quite heavy) so if you use it, you should preheat it by tossing it under hot water.
Cleaning it is also very easy, as all you need to do is rinse the parts with water.
To prevent messes, it comes with a silicone drip mat.
Like other manual machines, you will need to buy a grinder, and a separate steaming system if you like milky drinks.
Another drawback is the lack of space between the robot legs. If you want to pull that perfect espresso shot you should use a scale to see how much espresso you’ve pulled. The lack of space makes it a challenge to find a scale that fits below your espresso cup.
Some Useful Specs
Cafelat Robot Barista Manual Lever Espresso Maker
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If you are searching for a more hands-off experience with your new espresso machine, then the Gaggia Anima Prestige Super-Automatic Espresso Machine is perfect for you. As the name suggests, this machine is super-automatic, which means you only have to press a couple of buttons and voilà, your drink is ready in seconds!
At a Glance
Features
As one of the best espresso machines out there, this one has every single feature you can probably ask for. Its Bean-to-cup feature does everything from brewing to frothing. On top of that, it has one-touch buttons for lattes, macchiatos, cappuccinos, and espresso.
The LCD screen provides a very pleasant user interface and serves to notify when the machine requires maintenance, when to empty the bean hopper, when to descale your espresso machine, and when the water tank is almost empty.
It doesn't matter how hot you like your coffee, because this machine has three temperature options for you, including Max/184.5 °F, Med/182.9 °F, and Min/177.5 °F. Plus, it has a low energy mode to conserve energy.
Significantly, the espresso pull is great, even for a machine that does not use a portafilter.
As we mentioned earlier, this espresso machine is super hands-off. This also applies to frothing milk, with a built-in milk carafe and automated steaming!
One of the strengths of this machine is its compact size. Many other super-automatic espresso machines are bulky, and counter space can be premium for many people.
The only issue we had with this machine was the cleaning process and time. Although the brew head is removable, the frothing system is cumbersome and time-consuming to use. If you are looking for something simpler, you should also check out our Gaggia Brera review!
Some Useful Specs
Gaggia Anima Prestige Super-Automatic Espresso Machine
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There are a few things to consider when you are looking to buy an espresso machine. The best machine for someone does not mean it’s the best for you. For example, do you simply want to press a button and get your espresso? Or do you actually like to go through the ritual of manually pulling your beloved shot?
Here are a few things to keep in mind during your search:
Generally speaking, there are 3 main types of espresso machines: Manual, Semi-Automatic & Super-Automatic.
If you're looking for total control over your espresso-making process, then a manual espresso machine is the right choice for you as it doesn't come with any automated systems or digital controls. So you get to have complete control over the brewing process. Plus, you learn the most through trial and error and slowly tweaking until you achieve the perfect espresso drink!
Given the lack of moving parts, these machines tend to have higher durability at a reasonable price.
A semi-automatic espresso machine has a combination of both automatic and manual components. It will definitely be easier to use than a manual espresso machine, and quicker to master. But you don't get to enjoy the benefits of learning the art of pulling the perfect espresso shot.
Usually, semi-automatic machines use a portafilter system but do not come with a grinder. So you will need to grind your own beans, dose them, and tamp them out.
Semi-automatic machines are becoming more sophisticated so they can have user interface systems that signal you when it’s time to clean or descale your precious baby.
The name says it all! Think Superman, but in espresso machine form...
When you're looking for complete hands-off convenience in the espresso-making process, then this is the right choice for you.
Even though you lose some control over the coffee-making process, these machines sure do make things quite easy and seamless. No wonder some of them can cost thousands, but we were able to find great machines below that range.
There are two types of built-in grinders in espresso machines. There are burr and blade grinders. Blade grinders are good for speed and convenience. On the other hand, burr grinders are more consistent and durable.
If you want good espresso coffee don’t cheap out on the grinder. We’ll tell you right now, don’t bother with blade grinders. The grain size will be inconsistent.
In case you're planning to grab a machine that doesn't have a built-in grinder, then make sure you're picking the right grinder (a ceramic burr grinder ideally!).
Click here to read our detailed review of the Bodum Bistro Burr Grinder or our best manual grinders out there!
While shopping for your next home espresso machine, don't forget to check the bean hopper and water tank capacities.
The last thing you want is a machine that requires constant refilling. And we all know that the tanks always run out at the most inconvenient times… Am I right?
Our suggestion is to go with at least 1.5 to 2 liters for the water tank, and at least 0.5 ounces for the bean hopper.
If you live alone though, this bean hopper and water tank capacities shouldn’t be much of an issue.
Not everyone is a fan of milk frothing, especially the purists who like the coffee black all the time. Plus, espresso machines with frothers can add quite a bit to the total cost.
So if you only drink black coffee, there is no point in paying for a milk frothing system if you’re not going to be using it.
But if you're aspiring to learn latte art, then choose one with a built-in milk frother.
Having a simple interface makes a machine easy to operate, and the same goes for espresso machines as well. Make sure the one you're picking is convenient enough for you to operate and does not eat up too much of your time in the process.
Plus, whether it's super-automatic, semi-automatic, or manual, you still will have to clean it up. So, make sure the one you're getting is easy to clean. And for that, you have to check out if the assembling and disassembling are convenient enough or not.
While choosing espresso machines, price is considered to be one of the most crucial factors here. In this post, we have presented espresso machines under $1,000, but even below $1,000, there is a big price range.
One important thing to remember: if you are one to buy coffee every day, then even the most expensive machine on this list will save you money in the long run.
Other Reads:
If you're looking for a name, then we'd say the Rancilio HSD-SILVIA Silvia Espresso Machine is the best one we've seen so far. But that doesn't mean it'll be the best for everyone as every coffee lover has their own preferences.
Absolutely! Assuming you buy a $3 coffee every day - that’s already $1,095 per year spent on coffee alone! In other words, you will recover the cost of a brand new espresso machine within approximately a year!
What makes the price of espresso machines so high are the materials they're built with. These high-quality materials are made to sustain high temperatures and pressures. The higher the quality of materials used, the higher the cost to manufacture them, and thus why they're expensive!
No, espresso is not bad unless you're consuming it excessively. The FDA recommends a maximum caffeine intake of 400 mg per day, so don’t exceed that!
Descaling is the process of cleaning up the mineral build-up in coffee makers and espresso machines. It's better to perform descaling every 3 to 6 months, or according to the manufacturer's instructions.
It's the brewing method that makes these two types of coffee machines differ from each other. A coffee maker pours hot water over freshly ground coffee beans. The water absorbs the flavors and oils from the beans while draining down. This process involves a smaller amount of coffee beans but more water, along with low pressure for extracting the coffee flavor.
On the other hand, an espresso machine uses a low amount of hot water, which is forced through the espresso coffee beans. The process involves high pressure for a specific amount of time. As a result, you get a smaller amount of coffee with a thicker and creamier texture.
So we've done the hard work of finding and reviewing the best espresso machine under $1,000. Now is your turn to make the decision as to which one is best for you.
We are confident that your decision will be easy because of our detailed guide!
Let us know which one you chose and how much you love it 😍
This article is intended for informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace professional medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Do not consume any type of coffee, tea or herbal infusion if you are allergic to it. The information in this article is not intended to treat serious medical conditions. Please seek professional medical advice before using home remedies.
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