Best Espresso Machine Under $500 For Your Kitchen

1. Gevi Compact Professional Espresso Machine

4.3 out of 5

The Gevi Compact Professional Espresso Machine features a unique 2-in-1 extraction system to enjoy your coffee how you want. The espresso machine’s 2-in-1 powder and Nespresso capsule extraction systems give you the choice of using ground coffee or capsules. 

The coffee machine’s innovative portafilter accessories are compatible with the Nespresso coffee capsules. On the other hand, its impressive extraction system and 51mm stainless steel extraction head guarantee rich and delicious coffee flavors. The espresso maker integrates an advanced extraction system with 1.35KW power and a 20-bar high-pressure Italian pump for complete extraction. 

The extraction system also features a low-pressure pre-infusion with segment pressure control for optimal flavor. The machine’s complete design also lets you enjoy more than a cup of espresso. Using the machine, you can brew lattes, cappuccinos, and other specialty coffees. 

A powerful steam wand with a 360-degree swivel action steam wand allows for perfectly textured microfoam. In just 40 seconds, you can turn milk into silky smooth foam and easily create latté art. Moreover, the wand features a removable tube for easy cleaning.

Pros

• The compact design fits most kitchen countertops.
• Warmer grill keeps cups/mugs warm for a cozy cup of coffee
• The 2-in-1 design lets you brew using ground or capsule
• Removable drip tray and water tank for easy cleaning and refilling

Cons

• Lacks built-in grinder for brewing fresh bean-to-cup coffee

2. Primula Stovetop Espresso and Coffee Maker

4.5 out of 5

Whether you want to brew coffee traditionally or in the wilderness, the Primula Stovetop Espresso and Coffee Maker is a good option. At less than $50, this cheap espresso maker lets you brew the best coffee without needing electricity, gas, or any other power source. 

All you need is hot water and a stovetop to brew the coffee. Also known as a Moka pot, this coffee maker helps you craft classic Italian espresso or Cuban coffee. With a 6-cup capacity per brew, the Moka pot is sufficient for a small to medium-sized family. 

Whether you are out camping, fishing, or backpacking, this coffee maker comes to the rescue of any coffee lover. The use of cast aluminum material and a safety release valve control water pressure for the perfectly extracted coffee flavors. The best part is you don’t need any expertise to do so. The Moka pot does everything for you.

Pros

• Available in a choice of silver, black, and red options
• Cast aluminum construction for even heat distribution and optimal flavor and aroma
• Easy-to-clean components
• Compatible with any type of stovetop

Cons

• You can’t brew any specialty coffee

3. Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

4.4 out of 5

If you want to enjoy more coffee-making convenience, the Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine is an excellent tool. The semi-automatic 3-in-1 machine is an espresso, cappuccino, and latte maker. 

A 15-bar pump system complements the machine, ensuring your brew rich-tasting coffee. A trouble-free automated milk frother also fine-tunes your coffee flavors, eliminating any guesswork. You will even find a single-touch control panel that lets you enjoy a delicious cup of espresso, latte, or cappuccino with a single button push. 

All you do is set your cup, pick your coffee of choice, and continue with your tasks, only to return to a fresh cup after a few minutes. On the other hand, a self-cleaning feature ensures you enjoy a clean and untainted cup of coffee every time. 

Pros

• Programmable design for automated brewing
• Automatic frother doesn’t require any barista skills
• Fine-tuned extraction ensures you never make a terrible cup of coffee
• Single touch control panel for more convenience

Cons

• Frother may not always be consistent

4. De'Longhi ECP34 Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

4.3 out of 5

The De’Longhi ECP34 Espresso Machine allows you to test your barista skills. The 15-bar professional pressure machine lets you brew every cup you like. It features multiple modification features to fine-tune each cup to your liking. 

This coffee maker even lets you decide whether you want a barista-style single or double espresso, cappuccino, or latte. On the other hand, an advanced cappuccino system with a manual frother artistically mixes steam and milk for rich and creamy foam and evenly textured drinks. 

This system also develops the ideal temperature within minutes, eliminating log waists between each brew- just like an actual coffee shop espresso machine. 

Pro

• Adjustable/removable tray accommodates even taller cups
• Brews ground coffee and pods
• Ideal for intense coffee lovers with its single and double espresso brew capacity
• Narrow and fits small spaces

Cons

• Requires some skill to produce the best frothing results

5. Yabano Espresso Machine

4.1 out of 5

The Yabano Espresso Machine is an excellent beginner friendly for people starting to make their own coffee at home. While it features an ultra-compact design, the espresso maker can craft up to 4 espresso cups per brew. 

It comes with a free 120-ounce glass carafe with brewed espresso directly dripping into the cup. A removable milk tube lets you make specialty coffee. The milk tube and large glass carafe mean you can make multiple cups for your family or friends in a single brew.

Pros

• Comfortable control knob for easy operation
• A water reservoir cap prevents leakage for mess-free operation
• Makes multiple specialty coffee cups n a single brew
• Doesn’t take up much space on the counter

Cons

• The brewing process is a little slow

6. De'Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine

4.4 out of 5

The De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine brings modern coffee-making closer to your kitchen. The modern and sleek-looking espresso machine adds style and class to your kitchen countertop while blending well with any interior décor. 

But, what truly makes the coffee maker stand out is the versatile coffee-making abilities. The machine lets you enjoy single or double-shot espresso from ground coffee or coffee pods. If you want to go a step further, the integrated milk frother steam wand lets you make specialty coffee drinks.  

A stainless steel boiler built into the coffee maker ensures you enjoy consistently hot water. The choice of stainless steel gives it a robust finish and ensures a clean, rust-free hot water supply.  

Pros

• 2-level adjustability accommodates small and large cups
• Comes with all the necessary accessories – including scoop and single/double pod filter
• Manual frother for fine-tuning your coffee texture
• Brews ground coffee and pods

Cons

• The frother is attached too close to the body to make maneuvers difficult

7. Gevi Fast Heating Automatic Espresso Machine

4.3 out of 5

The Gevi Fast Heating Automatic Espresso Machine brings a modern coffee shop standard machine to your kitchen counter. However, this espresso machine is built much smaller and comes at a fraction of the price. This doesn’t mean it compromises the coffee-making capabilities. 

Integrating an advanced Thermoblock Fast Heating technology, the 1350W coffee maker heats up in just 45 seconds. The fast heating technology pairs well with its 20-bar pressure system, ensuring each cup is more fragrant and rich in crema. 

However, its most prized feature is its adjustable espresso making – whether single shot, double shot, or manual control to determine the amount yourself. It also features a 360-degree rotating stainless steel wand for rich creamy froth for specialty coffee and latte art.

Pros

• Built-in thermostat provides the perfect coffee temperature every time
• Easily adjusts the amount of coffee to brew – automatically or manually
• Clean white finish
• Quick brewing 

Cons

• Steam wand location requires you to use a deeper container during frothing

8. Breville Bambino Espresso Machine

4.4 out of 5

If you want a splurge, the Breville Bambino Espresso Machine is worth every penny spent for any serious coffee drinker. The all-around espresso machine lets you grind beans, brew espresso, and even make specialty coffee. This coffee maker lets you enjoy ultra-fresh coffee from bean to cup every morning. 

An integrated dose-controlling grinder lets you enjoy consistent and balanced espresso. An automated steam wand features automatic microfoam milk texturing and temperature control abilities for the ultimate foam texture. An auto-purge feature balances out the steam to maintain a consistent temperature for every cup of espresso.

Pros

• Offers optimal flavor and aroma extraction
• Fast heat up (in just 3 seconds) and brewing
• Professional quality frothing functionality
• Sleek and compact, brushless look

Cons

• A little expensive

9. Calphalon Espresso Machine

4.5 out of 5

The Calphalon Espresso Machine integrates a boutique look and classic professional style design for the ultimate coffee-making experience. The coffee machine has a 15 bar pressure Italian pump that guarantees optimal flavor extraction and beautiful crema. 

The pump‘s functionality is complemented by a 58mm café size portafilter which holds more coffee and adds flavor. On the other hand, the Thermoblock heating technology maintains even heat and temperature in every cup. The dial interface makes everything easy, whether it’s the stainless steel wand function or simple espresso brewing.

Pros

• Automated dial interface 
• Convenient pre-programmed brewing 
• The large 2L water reservoir
• Warming tray to keep cups and mugs warm

Cons

• Hidden water tank makes it difficult to track the water level

10. Gaggia Classic Pro Espresso Machine

4.6 out of 5

The Gaggia Classic Pro Espresso Machine doesn’t come cheap but guarantees coffee shop-quality espresso. While maintaining excellent brewing quality, the espresso machine’s upgraded modern design offers a noiseless operation. 

The commercial-style coffee maker features a show-stopping rugged brushed stainless steel housing with a rotating steam wand. The espresso machine also lets you brew your coffee how you want, whether using pre-ground coffee or ESE pods. The semi-automatic commercial style 58mm portafilter guarantees optimal flavor and aroma extraction. 

Pros

• Fully controllable, rotating commercial-style steam wand
• Pressurized baskets deliver gourmet-style thick crema layers
• 3-way solenoid valve improves brew and cleaning results
• Easy-to-use rocker controls

Cons

• No collection or frothing cup included

11. Inissia Espresso Machine

4.5 out of 5

If you are a fan of Nespresso coffee, the Inissia Espresso Machine allows you to enjoy its authentic flavors daily. Integrating the Nespresso capsule system, the coffee maker lets you enjoy exceptional flavors and aroma from sealed and recyclable pods.

The espresso machine comes with 16 complementary capsules with individual aromas so you can pinpoint your favorite flavors. The best part of this ultimate flavor-extracting machine is it only takes 25 seconds to brew your cup, no matter the flavor or coffee type. 

Pros

• 16 free coffee capsules to try out
• Energy-saving auto shutoff 
• Fast heating time even when you just turn it on
• Two coffee cup sizes – i.e., espresso and regular

Cons

• Capsule-only machine compatible with Nespresso pods

12. Breville Nespresso VertuoPlus Espresso Machine 

4.6 out of 5

The Breville Nespresso VertuoPlus Espresso Machine’s revolutionary brewing system perfectly balances smooth taste, rich crema, and full body. The espresso machine guarantees incredible coffee quality with just a single-touch brewing system.

Whether you want espresso or single-serve coffee, the machine brews a cup in just 25 seconds after turning it on. You can use the brewer to make a range of signature coffees. The Vertuo brews anything from dark and intense to mild and smooth. You can curate 5-ounce or 8-ounce cups and single or double-shot espresso.

Pros

• Comes with 16 complementary coffee capsules and a 10-count storage container
• Brews a wide range of signature coffees
• Rotating the water tank lets you put it where it’s convenient for you
• Uses recyclable, environmentally clean capsules

Cons

• Only compatible with Nespresso Vertuo capsules 

13. wirsh Espresso Machine

4.3 out of 5

If you have a family of coffee lovers, the wirsh Espresso Machine is an excellent addition to your home. The espresso maker comes with a 42-ounce removable water tank, sufficient to avoid multiple refills. The coffee machine also has a commercial-style steam wand for those who want specialty coffee, such as lattes and cappuccinos. 

Thanks to its advanced features, the coffee machine is also made powerful with a shortened brew time. These include an original Italian 15-bar pressure pump, 1.45KW instant thermo-blocking heating systems, and an automated flow meter. These ensure optimal pressure, temperature control, and volume for consistent flavors and aromas. 

Pros

• Large water tank
• Commercial-style flavor and aroma extraction
• Powerful heating system
• Bright LED lights for use even in the dark

Cons

• High power and no auto shut-off

Factors to Consider When Buying An Espresso Machine

Are you feeling overwhelmed by these impressive coffee makers above? Can’t decide which espresso machine to get? One way to make it easier is to know which factors to look out for to suit your needs. Here are the common factors you want to consider when choosing the espresso machine you want.

Type

There are several types of espresso machines. 

Semi-Automatic

The most popular option, a semi-automatic espresso machine, is typically used in specialty coffee shops. This is because it allows the barista to completely control the brewing variables. While the machine’s pump drives water to the group head, the barista has to do other tasks manually. 

These include grinding beans, tamping the bean grounds, controlling extraction time, and steaming the milk. This type of espresso machine is excellent for those who want to put their barista skills to use. It is also great for curating specialty coffees and allows you to control the flavor of your drink.

Automatic

Automatic machines feature pumps that drive water through the group head and automate extraction time. This means you don’t have to worry about controlling extraction – a simple button push brews the coffee for you. Still, you must grind, tamp, and steam (for specialty coffees. 

You can even find super-automatic espresso machines, also known as bean-to-cup machines. These machines feature a built-in grinder and automated frothing features. But this means you don’t have control over the brewing and can cost you an arm and a leg.

Space

Space is a pretty important factor to consider for home-use coffee makers. These machines come in different sizes. So you have to determine the ideal size to fit your kitchen counter. Other coffee makers, such as Primula Stovetop Espresso and Coffee Maker have a unique portability design. 

Its Moka pot design is compact and requires no power outlet or gas source. This means you can travel or go outdoors with it. 

Brewing Frequency

Are you planning on drinking a single cup a day? Are you caffeine crazed coffee maniac? Or do you want to brew more volume for a large family? The answers to these questions are essential in determining the type of espresso machine to get. 

A smaller dual boiler or regular single boiler espresso machine is ideal for single-cup brewing daily or less frequently. Yet if you plan on giving the machine a good run on its brewing, you want to go for a more giant dual boiler machine.