If you're looking to install an espresso machine in your home at the most affordable price, you may have had trouble finding one in your price range without sacrificing quality.
It is true that you cannot buy the right espresso machine for your home. But how do you find one that has the features you need that won't break the bank?
In this guide, we'll show you what we think areThe 3 Best Home Espresso Machines Under $1,500.
We'll walk you through their features and why they're great choices.
We will teach you:
- Common points between espresso machines and how they affect daily use
- How do you know which one is right for you?
- Our Picks for the 3 Best Home Espresso Machines Under $1,500
Let's go in right away.
COMMON ESPRESSO MACHINE FEATURES
AUTOMATIC AND SEMI-AUTOMATIC MACHINES
One of the first things you'll see about an espresso machine is whether it's automatic or semi-automatic.
So what does that mean and what's the difference?
Automatic machines control the dosage for the user during processing. You insert the portafilter, press a button and the machine brews just the right amount of time.
With semi-automatic machines, the user must control the brewing cycle. With this type of machine, you can start and stop the brewing process at any time.
Vending machines are generally easier to use, but they are also often more expensive.
Semi-automatic machines have a slightly steeper learning curve, but they allow users to try drinks more and are generally less expensive.
You will find that many inexpensive espresso machines are semi-automatic for this reason.
TYPES OF BOILER
Boilers are an essential part of any espresso machine and will affect your daily use.
Typically, you'll see these types of boilers:
- Cauldron-Individuals
- heat exchange boiler
- Doppelkessel
Simple boilers are quite common on inexpensive machines. This means that there is a boiler used for brewing and cooking.
Perhaps the biggest advantage of this type of system is that the machine heats up faster because it only has one boiler. This construction is also very economical.
The disadvantage is that you cannot cook and steam at the same time, as the temperatures required are different for each function, so you have to wait after steaming and vice versa.
Kettles with heat exchanger streamline the beverage manufacturing process, allowing simultaneous steaming and preparation. They work with a pipe that takes the brewing water to the head of the group while the boiling water is separated.
Not only can these systems cook and steam at the same time, they can also be very powerful. The main downside is that you have to rinse the group's head before drinking to ensure that the water used to make the beer is at the right temperature.
The last type of boiler system, double boiler, means that one boiler is used for brewing and the second for cooking. These systems are particularly powerful, but have a longer warm-up time, as two different boilers must be heated when the machine is switched on.
HOW TO KNOW WHICH ESPRESSO MACHINE IS IDEAL FOR YOU?
An espresso machine is a significant investment.
You should make sure you pick one that you get the most out of so that it has features that suit your own needs.
Are you new to espresso? In that case, consider an automatic espresso machine, which is easier to learn.
You can also look for a semi-automatic espresso machine with automatic dispensing options to get the benefits of both types. So, as you improve your espresso preparation, you can switch from automatic dispensing options to manual dispensing.
If you're the type of person who needs to walk to work in the morning, you'll appreciate the speed at which a heat exchanger system heats up and the ability to brew and steam at the same time.
But if you want to spend more time focusing on each drink, or don't plan on making drinks often, a boiler system can meet your needs, and at a lower price.
TOP 3 DOMESTIC ESPRESSO MACHINERY UNDER $1,500
NUEVO SIMONELLI OSCAR II
That onenew simonelliOscar IIIt's an inexpensive machine that's powerful enough to use at home or in a small coffee shop.
This is the kind of machine that can grow with you. Although semi-automatic, it has programmable dispensing, so you can plan your brew cycles in advance and use programmed settings until you feel more comfortable.
So if you're looking for something flexible and powerful, consider the Oscar II.
- machine type:Semiautomatic
- Café Majestade Price:1.295 $
- Boiler:heat exchange
- Installation:pour over
- Construction of copper boilers:Boiler copper is not only efficient at conducting heat, but is also inherently antimicrobial.
- Programmable dosage:Worried about learning the basics of making espresso? You can program the right doses in advance and use them as you learn.
- Water level indicator:Never let low water levels catch you off guard again - the Oscar II will let you know when it needs charging.
- Cool Touch Wand:Coffee shop baristas around the world know what it's like to get burned by accidentally touching the steam nozzle of an espresso machine. With the Oscar II Cool Touch Wand, you don't have to deal with that painful experience.
- Cup warmer:Your drinks will stay warmer for longer when you serve them in pre-heated cups directly from the machine with the Oscar II cup warmer. As a bonus, it also doubles as a cupboard storage area if you're short on space.
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SILVANO EVO HIGH SPEED SANDER
With its impressive stainless steel construction, theSilvano Evo high speed millIt will look professional on any home counter.
Silvano Evo makes many advanced features available in the comfort of your home to enhance your espresso. A built-in shot timer means you can plan your shot dosage in one place, while brewing and steaming at the same time with the thermoblock kettle's brilliant design.
Purchase this espresso machine if you're looking for an affordable model that doesn't sacrifice the advanced features favored in commercial settings.
- machine type:Semiautomatic
- Café Majestade Price:1.075 $
- Boiler:Monoblock-Thermoblockkessel
- Installation:pour over
- Built-in shot timer:Instead of buying a separate kitchen timer or using your smartphone, you can schedule your recordings with the Silvano Evo's built-in timer.
- Three position power switch:Protect your machine's boiler with the three-position power switch that allows you to fill the boiler without heating it. If for some reason the boiler does not fill, it means that it does not run dry during heating.
- Three-way solenoid valve:Stay clean and burn-free: Silvano Evo's solenoid valve relieves pressure in the portafilter after brewing, so you don't splash hot coffee grounds when you remove it.
- Pump pressure gauge:When you turn the machine on, the pressure gauge will let you know when it's ready to cook and brew.
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RANCILIO SILVIA
Those who are novice baristas will love thisRancilio Silvia.
While freshly ground espresso usually results in a tastier drink, grinding your own espresso can be a challenge. That's why this machine is capsule-friendly, which means you can use pre-ground espresso capsules.
If you decide you no longer want to use pods, the pod kit can be easily removed. That makes this a machine to keep using as you gain more experience.
select theRancilio Silviaif you are looking for a very affordable machine for beginners.
- machine type:Semiautomatic
- Café Majestade Price:$ 715
- Boiler:Simple Boiler (Note: This machine cannot make coffee and steam at the same time.)
- Installation:pour over
- Kessel-Thermowickel:Silvia's boiler thermal cover prevents it from losing heat. This makes the machine so energy efficient that you can save up to 8% more energy in standby mode.
- Extractable Capsule Kit:Perfect for anyone just starting out in the world of espresso production. This allows you to use ground espresso capsules instead of grinding your own.
- Compact Size:At 13.75 inches tall, 9.25 inches wide, and 11.25 inches deep, you can fit the Rancilio Silvia into even the narrowest countertop layouts.
- Cup warmer:Store your cups directly above the machine to save space elsewhere and keep your cups warm.
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FAQs
What is the highest rated espresso machine for home use? ›
- Best Overall: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine.
- Best Value: De'Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine.
- Best Single-Serve: Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine.
- Best Professional: Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine.
- Best with Grinder: Calphalon Espresso Machine.
The DeLonghi has a more powerful pump, at 19 bars to Breville's 15 bars, but either is plenty to produce a true espresso with a rich crema. Only the DeLonghi offers dual boilers, which guarantees the ideal temperature stability for optimal coffee extraction and milk texturing at the same time.
How much does a good espresso machine cost? ›A good espresso machine for home use, will set you back between $400 and $700, and they work very well at brewing great espresso without fuss. The price differences in the machines are often due to added features (like a PID controller), better heating elements, or the built of the machine.
What are the 3 types of espresso machines? ›There are three main espresso machine types, semi-automatic, automatic, and super automatic, and each type has a different level of oversight.
How do I choose an espresso machine for my home? ›- Portafilter Size. The size of the portafilter is a big thing to consider. ...
- Dual Boilers. ...
- Water Line Capable. ...
- Digital Temperature Control and PID. ...
- Other Considerations When Buying a Home Espresso Machine.
Manual Coffee Machines
Be a professional coffee-making barista in your own home with a manual coffee machine. These machines allow you to control every aspect of your coffee, from the strength to the texture of your milk. You'll never have to buy your coffee again with quality cuppas made for traditional coffee lovers.
De'Longhi S.p.A. (Italian pronunciation: [deˈloŋɡi]) is an Italian small appliance manufacturer based in Treviso, Italy.
What is the best coffee making machine on the market? ›- De'Longhi Dinamica Plus. Best high-end bean to cup coffee machine. ...
- Sage Bambino. The best coffee machine for compact design. ...
- Lavazza A Modo Mio Idola. ...
- Breville Bijou Espresso Machine. ...
- KitchenAid Filter Coffee Machine. ...
- Swan Retro One Touch Espresso Machine. ...
- Cuisinart Veloce. ...
- Hotel Chocolat The Podster.
- Budget.
- Type of espresso drinks.
- Frequency and quantity of drinks.
- Kitchen space.
- Grinder selection.
Here's a quick answer to the question: Affordable home espresso machines last between three to five years with regular use. Infrequent use can increase this lifespan even more. High-quality home espresso machines (aka, more expensive) can last up to twelve to fifteen years.
Do you save money buying an espresso machine? ›
In one of those articles, the next step is to say: if you buy an espresso machine and grinder, you will save $1,825 per year on coffee, which is to say, with a budget of $1,825, you could buy an espresso machine and grinder and accessories, and after one year you will live happily ever after making lattes for pretty ...
What is 2 shots of espresso called? ›Doppio - Italian for “double,” doppio is a double shot of espresso and is the gold standard. Most coffee shops serve a doppio, or double shot, as the default order when you ask for an espresso.
What does it mean 15 bar and 20 bar for espresso machine? ›A 15 bar espresso machine can at most, force heated water through coffee at 15x the present atmospheric pressure of the earth. A 20 bar espresso machine should technically be capable of forcing heated water through coffee at and up to 20x the present atmospheric pressure of the earth.
Do cheap espresso machines make good espresso? ›Cheap espresso machines tend to have less pressure, which doesn't quite capture all the possible flavor chemicals. However, it is still possible to create a strong cup as long as you use fresh beans and a proper espresso grind.
Is espresso better in glass or ceramic? ›Therefore, when you pull an espresso shot into a ceramic cup, more of the energy from the shot goes to heating up the cup than it does in the stainless steel and ceramic cups. Bottom line? Our shots were cooler in the ceramic cups than in the stainless steel and glass cups.
Are DeLonghi espresso machines good? ›DeLonghi coffee devices are popular because they are reliable and well-manufactured. Most of them have a warranty of two years, so you're covered if something happens. They have a huge range of espresso makers — more than 20 — so you can find something for your needs and budget.
What machine does Starbucks use for espresso? ›Starbucks uses a machine called Mastrena. It is a brand that was developed exclusively for Starbucks by a Swiss company called Thermoplan AG. Starbucks uses super automatic machines that have built in grinders and a computerized menu that make the espresso making process as easy and quick as possible.
Is DeLonghi a good brand? ›When it comes to kitchen appliances, DeLonghi has a long-standing reputation for well-made and well-priced products. Their machines are made with the user in mind – produce a unique cup of espresso at a push of a button while admiring the elegant, compact design that is the signature style of the DeLonghi brand.
What's the difference between a coffee machine and an espresso machine? ›An espresso machine uses high pressure to force water through coffee within only a few seconds. Coffee makers rely on the power of gravity to gradually pull water through the filters.
Why does restaurant coffee taste better? ›It's a Grind
They tend to be a fraction of the size of commercial grinders, which makes them less efficient: They heat up faster because they're working that much harder to get the job done, and heat can negatively impact flavor before the water even touches the grounds.
What is the number one best tasting coffee? ›
- Best Overall: La Colombe.
- Best Budget: Cafe Bustelo.
- Best Splurge: Intelligentsia's Choice.
- Best Espresso: Stumptown Hair Bender.
- Best Flavored: Chicago French Press.
- Best K-Cups: The Organic Coffee Co.
- Best Decaf: Peet's Decaf Major Dickason's Blend.
Arabica beans: In contrast with the Robusta coffee beans, Arabica beans are known for their mild taste, so they are a better option for people who don't like bitter coffee. On top of that, Arabica beans have a sweeter taste, contrasting with the bitterness of coffee.
Are Smeg and DeLonghi the same? ›Smeg and DeLonghi are two completely separate brands.
Is Breville made in China? ›All Breville® products, including the BOV860 Smart Oven® Air Fryer, are designed and engineered in Australia, manufactured in various locations and assembled in China.
What is the difference between 15 bar and 20 bar espresso machine? ›A 15 bar espresso machine can at most, force heated water through coffee at 15x the present atmospheric pressure of the earth. A 20 bar espresso machine should technically be capable of forcing heated water through coffee at and up to 20x the present atmospheric pressure of the earth.
Which is best Gaggia or DeLonghi? ›Delonghi GranDama 6620 vs.
While both the Delonghi GranDama 6620 and the Gaggia Accademia are both Italian-made superautomatic espresso machines with OTC capabilities and stainless steel housings, Delonghi is able to offer stronger, hotter espresso drinks with twice the warranty at a lower price point.
Better espresso machines will have 15 BARs. Those 15 BAR espresso machines have enough power to initiate a brewing with 10-11 BARs of pressure, thus yielding delicious coffee.
What does 15 bar or 20 bar mean in an espresso machine? ›15 bars is the max amount of pressure the pump in the espresso machine can apply during brewing. While that is the max amount of pressure, it doesn't mean espresso should be extracted at such high pressure. The recommend extraction pressure is about 8 or 9 bars.
How many bars is perfect espresso? ›Pressure 101
When making espresso, you usually want nine bars of pressure, or nine times the weight of the pressure at sea level. “Espresso has a long history, and the best espresso is extracted at nine bars” Stephen tells me.
The FDA recommends consuming no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine a day which is about 6 espresso shots. To get the health benefits while staying within the healthy limit, try to stick to less than that.
How many bars should a good espresso machine have? ›
Nine bars is considered ideal for high-quality espresso, though you can also get solid extractions from seven or eight bars. If you're thinking of using more bars than that, reconsider! It's all about balance in the world of espresso, meaning too many bars can be just as damaging as not enough.