Espresso Without Compromise: Unveiling the Best Espresso Machine Under $500

With a lot of research, I’m listing out the best espresso machine under $500 you could buy in the market. Most of us start out our day with a nice and fresh cup of coffee in the morning. And I’m no exception to the average. I love my coffee. One of the best items I’ve ever purchased was an espresso machine. The reason I say that is not just because it brews the best coffee I ever had. The cost of the espresso machine has made up for itself in the money I saved on Starbucks and other coffee I used to buy from a coffee shop. It’s also good to remember that these machines are not just an espresso machine. They will also make cappuccinos, cafe lattes and cafe mochas so it really could be a coffee shop in your home.

I hope that you have the same experience that I had with my machine where you not only look forward to your coffee, but you’re also putting money back in your wallet. An espresso machine is a committed purchase, especially, if you’re looking at a higher end one. Hopefully, you’ll find this information valuable to help you make a well informed decision.

What Is Espresso?

A shot of espresso is made by forcing about 1.5 ounces of hot water through tightly packed, finely ground espresso coffee. What should come out of the machine is a dark brown and slightly thick liquid with a small amount of crema on top. Crema is a foam that kind of looks like the head on beer. Variables can be changed in how espresso is made from the temperature of the water to how finely the coffee beans are ground. The more finely the coffee is ground, the slower the espresso comes out. Generally, it should take about 25 seconds for the water to pass through the coffee.

What separates espresso apart from regular coffee is the time it takes to make espresso. Other methods, including drip coffee, take time for water to flow through the coffee beans and into your pot. Generally, it should take about 25 seconds for the water to pass through the coffee when your making an espresso. Espresso machines pressurize and shoot near-boiling water through finely ground coffee beans packed tightly into something like a hockey puck.. This method gives you a complex, aromatic, and caffeine-packed shot of coffee in under thirty seconds.

What Else Can An Espresso Machine Do?

No matter how much you spend on your espresso machine they all do pretty much the same thing. And that is to force hot water through finely ground coffee. An actual espresso is a drink that is more popular in Europe than in the United States. Luckily, many of your favorite drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos are made by an espresso machine.  The difference between all of the drinks is the ratio of coffee to milk. Let’s take a look below at what makes up each drink.

Pure Espresso

Proper Espresso is served in small demitasse-style cups and consumed promptly after extraction in the following types of servings:

1. Ristretto: The “short shot” is the first ¾-ounce of espresso in an extraction, which many believe is the absolute perfect espresso.
2. Single Shot: A 1-ounce shot of espresso.
3. Lungo: Otherwise known as the “long shot”, this is a 1 ½-ounce shot of espresso.
4. Double Shot: This is not just a 2-ounce shot of espresso. This shot uses twice the amount of coffee in the portafilter, whereas the lesser shots use the same single serving.

Espresso Macchiato

A macchiato is a very simple drink with shot of espresso and a layer of foamed milk. If you prefer your espresso to take charge of your drink’s flavor, you will probably enjoy an espresso macchiato.

Espresso Con Panna

An Espresso Con Panna is a shot of espresso with a layer of whipped cream.

Cafe Breva

A Cafe Breva is a shot of espresso with steamed half and half otherwise known as light cream.

Cappuccino

A Cappuccino, named for its similarity in color to the robes of Capuchin monks, is simply a shot of espresso with steamed, wet milk, not necessarily slathered with a frothy, dry foam.

Cafe Latte

This is very popular drink in America probably due to its sweet, mellow flavor. One shot of espresso is mixed with 6 to 8 ounces of steamed milk, then topped with foam. Without the foam it’s officially known as a Flat White. Since it’s hard to find a latte in the super-sized United States smaller than 12 ounces, a double shot of espresso is common. If you prefer greater amperage via caffeine, up the number of shots!

With a few minor variations, this also goes by the name Café con Leche or Café Au Lait, depending on whether your coffee spirit is channeling Spanish or French.

Cafe Americano

This is essentially a watered-down shot of espresso with the resulting flavor arriving very close to simple, brewed coffee. So a Cafe Americano is one espresso shot with 6-8 ounces of hot water.

Flavored Espresso Drinks

Since many of us drink our coffee with some added flavor you can add flavored syrups to any of the drinks mentioned above. I add vanilla or caramel when making a cappuccino. Of course, I always make a double for a tall coffee.

Iced Coffee

Making iced coffee is more difficult than you’d think. Coffee with ice cubes makes for watery, cold coffee. So you need to begin with a strong coffee. Even stronger than you would normally brew hot. Try bolder tasting, dark roasts. Brew it strong. You can double brew by pouring hot coffee back onto fresh grinds – like pouring the coffee back into the coffee maker and brewing again. You can add ice then, but it’s best to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight so the ice doesn’t melt so fast.

Once chilled, pour over ice and mix with whole milk or, even better, half and half, to taste. Favorite syrups, like chocolate for an iced mocha, can go in to the mix now. Just be sure to use all of that energy or an afternoon workout.

Best Espresso Machines Under $500

Now that we went all the way through what espresso is and all the different types of coffees you could make let’s get to the list of the best espresso machines under $500.

1. De’Longhi ECP3630 Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

Well, I listed this espresso machine first because this is the espresso machine that I have and I love it. I’ve had it for almost three years now without any issues. It’s fast. It’s powerful. It does exactly what it’s supposed to do. One my favorite things about it is the stem wand (the thing that froths the milk) is made of rubber. This makes for easy and quick cleanup. The steam tip comes off for a quick rinse or wash. The only thing that I don’t like about this machine is that it’s difficult to tell how much water is left in the water reservoir. Without an LED underneath I’m having to open the lid to check. Since the machine is under my cabinet I need to pull the whole machine out to see inside the water reservoir.

Why This Is The Best Espresso Machine Under $500:

1. 15 bar professional pressure assures quality results every time.
2. Second tier drip tray to accommodate larger cups.
3. Removable 37 ounce water tank. Full stainless steel housing.
4. Self priming operation for minimum start up preparation.
5. Two Separate Thermostats – Water and steam pressure are controlled separately, so you can make espresso or cappuccino at the perfect.

2. Mr. Coffee BVMC-ECMP1102 Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

The Mr. Coffee Café Barista brews espresso and automatically froths milk for cappuccino and latte selections. You don’t need to be a barista to create custom drinks like your favorite coffeehouse. Simply pick a single or double shot filter and select your grounds. Then fill the milk reservoir and choose your brew. You’re ready to go!

A recipe book is included to help you create impressive coffee drinks—from Espresso Martinis to Raspberry Cappuccinos to Choco-Nutty Lattes.

Why This Is The Best Espresso Machine Under $500:

1. Semi-automatic 3-in-1 espresso maker, cappuccino maker, and latte maker.
2. 15-bar pump system brews rich-tasting espresso coffee.
3. Trouble-free automatic milk frother removes the guesswork.
4. One-touch control panel for drink selections.
5. Easy-fill, removable water and milk reservoirs.

3. DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine

The Delonghi ESAM3300 is capable of preparing espresso, coffee, cappuccino, latte drinks, and more. This super-automatic machine features a unique beans-to-brew system that grinds coffee beans right before brewing for exceptionally aromatic espresso. The appliance comes equipped with two stainless-steel boilers that provide excellent heat distribution, as well as an instant reheat function, which keeps the machine at an ideal temperature. It doesn’t matter how long the interval is between cups. In addition, its quiet burr grinder automatically grinds beans and can be set to a specific grinding level, but the unit can also be used with ground coffee if preferred.

The front panel offers easily accessible controls for the on/off switch and cappuccino system. The quantity of water and coffee can also be adjusted to suit individual tastes from long or short to weak or strong. Its patented cappuccino system rotates 180 degrees to allow for any size milk container, plus the coffee spigot height can be adjusted to accommodate all different cup sizes. You can choose from a classic espresso cup to a tall mug.

Even more, the unit’s exclusive cup tray keeps cups warm before use, and its three-hour automatic shutoff provides added safety. Other highlights include a 60-ounce removable water tank, a handy water-level indicator, a 7-ounce bean container, an electronic steam and coffee thermostat, rinse and decalcification auto programs, and a removable drip tray for easy cleanup. Made in Italy, the 1,150-watt espresso/coffee machine measures 17 by 13 by 18 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

Why This Is The Best Espresso Machine Under $500:

1. Patented “Cappuccino System” frother that mixes steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth.
2. Easy-to-use rotary and push button control panel with programmable menu settings and beans container capacity is 8.8 ounces.
3. Grinds beans instantly with the patented, compact and easy-to-clean “Direct-to-Brew” system. Use your favorite coffee beans to create your perfect espresso. Beans with less visible oil, usually a medium roast, are recommended for best grinder performance.
4. MAINTENANCE: De’Longhi machines require half the cleaning time of other brands, unlike competitor machines, which require chemical cleaning tablets monthly.

4. Breville BES840XL/A the Infuser Espresso Machine

The Breville BES840XL has both automatic features, like temperature settings, and programmable features like volumetric control. The key features that set it apart from other espresso machines in its price range are the pre-infusion technology, the thermocoil heating system, and PID temperature control technology.

Also, other helpful features include a cup warmer on the top of the machine and a feature that removes excess water from the filter basket after coffee extraction. So the used grounds form a dry puck for quicker cleanup. The machine goes into ‘Sleep Mode’ after 1 hour and automatically shuts off after 3 hours. There is extra-tall cup clearance for brewing directly into travel mugs.

Other touches include an ‘Empty Me!’ indicator that lets you know when the removable drip tray is full and a ‘Clean Me’ cleaning alert. The storage tray houses the included accessories. Lastly, all parts that come in contact with water and coffee are BPA free.

Why This Is The Best Espresso Machine Under $500:

1. The pre-infusion function applies low water pressure at the start of the extraction to gently expand grinds for an even extraction.
2. There’s a 1600w thermocoil heating system with integrated stainless steel water coil accurately controls water temperature. Settings : Single or Double Shot Volumetric Control & Manual Over-ride.
3. An auto purge function automatically adjusts water temperature after steam for optimal espresso extraction temperature.15 bar Italian pump provides complete volumetric control – preset, manual over-ride or re-programmable volumes.
4. Accessories: single & dual wall filter baskets, coffee scoop, stainless steel jug, cleaning disc & tablets, cleaning tool, water filter with holder. Also note that there is a “Black Plastic” insert inside the stainless steel bowl of the portafilter, this is meant to reduce heat loss experienced when espresso hits cold metal also prevents any “splashing” from the dual wall pressurized filter baskets.
5. There’s a PID temperature control that delivers water at precisely the right temperature adjustable in 2 degree Celsius increments. Voltage-220 – 240 Volts. Power-1700 Watts.

5. Capresso 118.05 EC PRO Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

Featuring an advanced pump boiler system and two filter choices, the commercial-grade Capresso EC PRO Professional Espresso and Cappuccino Machine is the ideal choice for brewing cafe quality espresso and cappuccino at home. The EC PRO is equipped with two filter options that allow coffee lovers at any skill level to prepare barista-quality espresso. The heavy-duty double spout espresso filter, designed for beginners, is convenient and easy to use, brewing one or two espressos at a time.

The filter’s sieve helps produce an ideal brew quickly and easily, by creating optimal pressure without having to perfect tamp or grind size. Ideal for expert home brewers and those looking to improve their barista skills, the EC PRO’s bottomless espresso filter lets users brew barista style. Unlike the double spout filter sieve, the pressure in this sieve is built up based on grind size and tamp. The bottomless sieve produces a richer, thicker crema and a hotter brew because the espresso has less contact with the surfaces of the portafilter.

Why This Is The Best Espresso Machine Under $500:

1. The bottomless espresso filter lets you brew barista style and perfect your technique.
2. Advanced pump boiler maintains a reservoir of hot water at the perfect temperature for faster and more consistent results.
3. State-of-the-art boiler increases brewing pressure and temperature stability.
4. 15 bar pump provides optimal pressure for rich crema, the thin layer of foam that marks a perfectly brewed espresso.
5. Commercial-style power frother for perfectly foamed or steamed milk for delicious cappuccinos and lattes.

How To Make The Perfect Espresso

Last Thoughts On Espresso Machines

As I mentioned at the start of this article I love my coffee. When I bought my first espresso machine I didn’t actually plan on the purchase. I saw a great deal at Costco on my first espresso machine and it was an impulse purchase. Although I didn’t like the machine itself it still made really good coffee! In fact, it was so good it made me decide to buy a better machine. Quite frankly, my current machine is not that expensive. It does a great job making great coffee. Outside of when I travel, I don’t think I bought a coffee from a coffee shop in the last two years.

The first time you use an espresso machine it could be a little intimidating. Obviously, you want to make sure you do all the right things. We all want a good cup of coffee. But the learning curve is a very short one and it’s actually fun to make the coffee. There are a lot of quality espresso machines in the market. I’m confident that all of the ones I listed will brew an excellent cup of coffee. Hopefully, I gave you enough tools and information to find you the best espresso machine under $500 for your personal tastes and preferences.