Do you want to prepare café quality espresso in your home? Choosing a high-end machine can make a big difference. Obvious the best espresso machine under $500 performs great than those that come for less than $100 or $200. Pretty expensive coffee makers come with a full range of features that allow you to brew like a barista. The right machine can quench your desire for quality espresso, creamy milk, lungo, cappuccino, and latte!
In this espresso machine review, we shall focus on some high-end coffee brewers that perform great at home and in the office. It is a good idea to compare two or three models before making an ultimate choice.
Table Of Contents
Top 5 espresso machines under $500 comparison chart
 |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gaggia Brera Superautomatic Espresso Machine | Breville 800ESXL 15-Bar Triple-Priming Die-Cast Espresso Machine | Breville BES840BSXL The Infuser Espresso Machine | Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine | De'Longhi EC860 Espresso Maker |
| 10 x 15.5 x 11.5 inches | 15 x 16 x 13 inches | 10.2 x 12.5 x 13.2 inches | 25 x 13 x 12 inches | 10.6 x 12.2 x 12 inches |
| 19 pounds | 18 pounds | 17 pounds | 22 pounds | 15.4 pounds |
| - | 15 Bar | 15 Bar | 17.5-bar | 15 bar |
| - | 2.2 L | 1.8 L | 72-ounce | -- |
| 2 Colors | 1 Color | 3 Color | 1 Color | 1 Color |
| Stainless Steel | Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Super-Automatic | Semi-Automatic | Semi-Automatic | Semi-Automatic | Semi-Automatic |
| 4.0 Out of 5 stars | 4.2 Out of 5 stars | 4.3 Out of 5 stars | 4.0 Out of 5 stars | 3.7 Out of 5 stars |
Best espresso machine under $500 reviews 2018
1.Gaggia Brera Super-automatic Espresso Machine ( Highly recommended )
On top of the list today is the Gaggia Brera Super-automatic espresso machine. This machine remains on top because of its compact design that is more spacious and efficient compared to other machines in this class. Apart from the compact design, the machine has got superior technology which makes it challenge other heavyweight in the industry. It is capable of making two rich espresso shots at once, through the dual-headed brew group.
This is the machine that will guarantee you convenience with a whole grinding, extraction and even dosing process fully automated into one machine. You can easily access all the daily used components such as grounds disposal, drip tray, water tank, and coffee bean container on the front of the machine. This actually makes it easy when cleaning and maintaining the machine.
The push button controls and large display gives intuitive user friendly interface of the machine. There is also dedicated icons used when brewing, grinding, and steaming functions that have been color coded. The Gaggia Brera utilizes completely the automated process which learns users desired drink volume, temperature and strength. The machine is also good in making a complete frothed cappuccino.
Pros
- This is one of the lowest priced super-automatic espresso machines in the market.
- Minimal footprint. Because of its compact shape, the machine does not take a lot of space on the counter.
- Automatically descales.
- Both the water reservoir and drop container are accessible on the front part.
- It has five different adjustments to select from how fine you need your coffee grinds.
Cons
- It has a minimal capacity.
- Since most of it is plastic, many individuals have complains that plastic parts fail easily.
- Tall cups will not fit.
- It does not like oily beans.
2.Breville 800ESXL 15-Bar Triple-Priming Die-Cast Espresso Machine
Breville 800ESXL espresso machine is perfect those who want a combination of beauty and functionality. It is a beautiful machine that features quality features allowing you to brew your own coffee like a barista. This coffee maker looks aesthetic on your kitchen counter. With this espresso machine, you will not have to visit your local café for coffee. A fast preheating system and Italian made pump combine to offer you a perfect cup of coffee.
A 15 bar Italian pump ensure your get fine ground coffee. This pump grinds every coffee bean while extracting the much-desired flavor. If you are keen on the taste, this espresso machine is worth your consideration. A purge function auto-adjusts water temp after steam for prime espresso extraction temperature.
Triple prime pump system releases three bursts of hot water that moisten the ground coffee to ensure extraction to the fullest flavor. With this system, you will acquire better tasting coffee. A thermoblock heating system ensures fast preheating so you will not wait for long when preparing your coffee.
With 2.2l water tank, you will prepare numerous shots without constant refilling. This large water tank is very handy when your friends visit. The water tank is removable for fast and simple cleaning. Hence, you will always prepare healthy fresh coffee.
Durability is a one of the selling points of this espresso machine. It features a durable stainless-steel housing that makes the machine very durable. So you are assured of preparing quality coffee for long.
Pros
- Incredibly beautiful
- Thermo block heating system for fast heating
- Very durable
- Large water tank
Cons
- You have to unplug the machine manually
- It may be noisy when in operation
3.Breville BES840BSXL Infuser Espresso Machine ( 3 colors )
A well-flavored espresso draws it flavor from every coffee bean. The Breville BES840BSXL Infuser does exactly that! This machine starts off with a steady, low pressure to mildly expand the grinds. Then, full pressure is applied. Thus, all parts of the coffee puck get even pressure for optimal flavor extraction. With this espresso machine, you will be your own barista.
This coffee maker is automatic to ensure you prepare your espresso without guessing. Some automatic operations include temperature settings. Also, the machine comes with programmable features such as volumetric control.
It features pre-infusion technology and a thermocoil heating system. This heating system ensures steady and even temperatures for quality espresso. A PID temperature control technology ensures constant temperature during the brewing. If you have been using a hectic coffee machine, it is the time to bring advanced technology to your home!
This great coffee maker comes with a cup warmer to prevent the need for constant warming. Also, it comes with a feature that eliminates excess water from the filter basket after your coffee is extracted. This feature enables the grounds to form a dry puck for easier cleanup.
You will appreciate the fact that this espresso machine is very energy efficient. It features a sleep mode after one hour of inactivity and auto-shuts off after 3 hours. An extra-tall cup clearance allows you to brew your espresso directly into travel mugs.
Pros
- Drip tray is simple to clean
- Instant hot water feature
- Relatively small footprint
- Noise free operation
Cons
- You have to purchase the grinder separately.
- Smaller water tank
4.Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine
Users have fallen in love with the Gaggia 14101 Classic due to its exceptional functionalities. In fact, the machine is among the best sellers. It offers commercial grade quality espresso right at the comfort of your home. You will not have to keep searching for the best espresso around the local cafes!
It features rugged construction of heavy-duty materials to ensure durability. So you will use it to prepare quality espresso for long. The outer stainless steel housing makes the unit ergonomic and simple to clean just by wiping with a piece of cloth or towel.
If you want performance in espresso performance, this machine may be a good choice. It features forged brass components that stabilize temperature. This feature combines with 3-way solenoid valve and an independent expansion valve to ensure you get quality results with simple operation. The unit features standard 58 mm filters to offer ample room for brewing dark, rich espresso.
This espresso machine comes with 17-1/2 bar pump that finely grounds coffee beans for better-flavored espresso. A high-voltage boiler allows quick warm-up times, a feature that is very handy when you are in a hurry.
You will other great features of this coffee espresso which include cup warmer and a frothing wand for crema. A hot-water dispenser allows you to prepare tea hassle free. The unit also comes with a coffee basket, single and double-shot stainless-steel filter basket and 7-gram measuring scoop.
Pros
- Large removable water reservoir
- Stainless steel housing
- Frothing wand for creamy milk
- High-voltage boiler
Cons
- It is bulky and heavy weighing about 22 pounds
- It is costly
5.De’Longhi EC860 Espresso Maker
The De’Longhi EC860 Espresso is designed to help you enjoy credible Italian barista-quality espresso at home. You will experience simple pleasure and ritual coffee brewing with this one-touch automatic cappuccino system. With this great espresso machine, you are assured of getting rich and creamy cappuccino each time.
If you want a versatile espresso machine, this model is worth consideration. It allows you to enjoy barista-quality espresso drinks such as cappuccinos, and lattes. You will also make Italian macchiato with rich, long-lasting foam. When you choose the De’Longhi EC860 Espresso, you will have the chance to prepare all these recipes at the comfort of your home.
It gives you a chance use easy serving espresso pods or ground coffee. You can simply scoop your lovely ground coffee into the filter. Or you can select from numerous easy serving espresso standard coffee pods. So this espresso machine offers you the chance to choose the ingredients of your favorite espresso drinks.
This espresso machine comes with a detachable steam wand that allows you forth your milk for hot chocolate or espresso drinks. You can also detach this steam wand and replace it with an automatic cappuccino system. This feature allows you to froth milk inside the milk container just with a button touch.
Pro
- Heats up quickly
- Automatic milk frother prepares quality cappuccino
- Simple to clean
- Offers quality espresso drinks each time
Cons
- Cup height can’t exceed 4 inches
- Relatively expensive
With a good espresso machine, you can prepare rich, better tasting espresso drinks at home. You will save on café espresso but capitalize on quality taste. If you want to enjoy these features, you may check the best espresso machine under 500. These quality espresso machines make you a barista at home! Although, they may be relatively expensive, the coffee makers in this review are functional, beautiful and durable.
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