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The best espresso machine under 500 bucks can get you even better coffee than an expensive one in some cases.
But hey if you’re a passive coffee drinker, spending a thousand dollars for an espresso machine is a bit of an exorbitant venture.
But if you’re a serious coffee lover and you want to invest in the best espresso machine under 500, here’s your guide.
To achieve the perfect cup of joe with an espresso machine that is not fancy, smart, and ultra-fast is surely not impossible.
If you take my advice and invest in a good grinder and pair it with the best espresso machine under 500 bucks, they’ll take your beans from mediocre to exceptional.
Another thing that is important is to differentiate between a high-end espresso machine and a mid-range espresso machine.
A high-end machine will cost better, but produce better quality coffee – i.e., it will cost more but take less time for it to brew.
Ok, without any further ado, let’s look at the best espresso machine under 500 dollars.
What To Look For In An Espresso Machine Under $500?
Before we look at the best espresso machine under $500, let’s first take a look at the features to be found in many of these machines.
1. Brewing Capacity
The first thing I will urge you to look at is the capacity of the machine.
How many cups can it brew? It is thus therefore advisable to look at the capacity before making a purchase.
A good rule of thumb is to get a machine that can brew at least 8 cups of coffee.
That will save you a lot of time and headaches in the long run.
2. Water Reservoir Capacity
This also depends on how many people you have in your house, but normally it’s just one liter of water that you need for one cup of coffee.
So get a machine that has a large reservoir or is capable of holding more than one liter of water so that you don’t have to keep refilling it every now and then.
3. Size and Weight
There’s no point in buying a machine that will occupy a lot of space or that will be too heavy to lift when you want to move it from place to place.
So choose something light, portable, and easy to handle.
4. Heating System
If you plan on brewing any coffee at all, you should look for an espresso machine that has an appropriate heating system.
For instance, if the machine uses steam to brew your coffee, then it is important that the water can reach temperatures of about 200 degrees Fahrenheit or just below boiling point without being forced into the espresso puck by some sort of pump or motor.
5. Controls
Controlling the settings of your machine is another must since the more control you have, the greater options you have in terms of brewing strength.
Choose one with controls so that you can brew exactly what you want when you want it.
Some machines also supply information to tell you how much time it takes to brew your coffee and how much coffee is left in the filter.
This can be very useful for fast espresso drinkers who don’t want to waste time waiting for their drink.
6. Filters
Along with quality coffee comes quality filtration.
A good machine will have filters that are somewhat strong enough to eliminate sediment yet are not too harsh on your palate.
A bad machine will have filters that are too weak to remove sediment, but harsh on your tongue.
Choose a filter that is just right for you personally.
After reading all the above information in this article, you know what features to look out for in the best espresso machine under 500 bucks.
It’s time to put them into action when considering which machine you should buy.
Ok now let’s see in a list of six recommendations which one makes the best espresso machine under 500.
Best Espresso Machine Under 500
1. Nespresso Lattissima One
The Lattissima One is a one-touch system and is probably a device that I would classify as the best espresso machine under 500 bucks.
Why? Because I’ve tried it a few times and I was amazed!
The Lattissima One is compact and easy to use.
Just fill the milk jug, pop in a pod, slide your cup underneath, hit button number 2, and voila!
Equipped with a 34oz removable water tank, brewing 3-4 cups in one go should be a breeze!
With only one capsule and one touch of a button, you can brew your favorite coffee drink to perfection with this espresso machine under 500 bucks.
It’s easy to operate and less time is required for the coffee to brew.
With its compact size, it won’t take up much space on your kitchen counter or countertop.
Its stylish and ergonomic design and stainless steel finish will surely impress you around your friends and family.
Pros
Cons
2. Gevi Espresso Machine
One of the features that I look out for is a decent water tank. This is one important factor for every coffee drinker to consider when making a purchase.
I think this is the reason that the Gevi Espresso Machine tops the list of best espresso machine under 500 bucks.
The Gevi Espresso Machine holds about 33 ounces of water, which is more than enough to brew 4-5 cups of coffee in one go.
It’s made from high-grade abs plastic with the steam wand being in stainless steel.
Having this machine on your countertop presents a high-quality level.
It’s simple to use and easy to clean especially if you are not comfortable with complicated frills.
The Gevi espresso machine is a 20-bar pump pressure which is a great plus for the price.
Pros
Cons
3. Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus may be the most expensive on this list but it’s definitely worth the price.
This espresso machine is packed with some amazing features that you can’t find on some more expensive models.
For instance, some more costly machines don’t have the dose control grinding option which lets you control the quality of your coffee.
The portafilter can hold 19g of ground coffee which is the perfect dosage for a perfect espresso.
Another feature that I love about this espresso machine is its water tank capacity of 64oz.
This means that it can brew up to 8 cups of coffee before refilling which can be a big deal especially if you have a big family.
The Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus sports an advanced automatic steam wand that gives the perfect foam for your lattes, cappuccinos etc…
This is the best espresso machine under 500 bucks because it packs in most of the features that higher-priced models.
I personally love this machine because of its simple design, high-quality brews, and easy-to-use features.
The Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus also is one of the fastest espresso machines on the market.
With its Thermojet system, the extraction time for your espresso is only 3 seconds which makes it the fastest machine on this list.
This is an excellent feature if you love your coffee to be brewed fast.
In my opinion, it’s also one of the most elegant machines I have ever come across.
Pros
Cons
4. Breville BNV220CRO Vertuo
If you have a tight budget but still want to create barista-grade coffee at home, you can go for the Breville BNV220CRO Vertuo.
It’s among the most affordable espresso machine under 500 bucks on this list, so it would be a wise decision to have one in your kitchen.
Its glossy black finish gives it the sophisticated look that you need for any kitchen countertop.
The number one feature I like about this espresso machine is its ability to brew 4 different brew sizes such as:
- Espresso (1.35 oz)
- Double Espresso (2.7 oz)
- Gran Lungo (5 oz)
- Regular Coffee (7.7 oz)
The Breville BNV220CRO Vertuo has a pretty decent water tank that can hold about 40 ounces which can offer 5 great cups of joe in just a few minutes.
If you’re looking for a rich and flavorful crema with a good head of foam, you better pick up the Breville BNV220CRO Vertuo.
Because it can produce a perfect crema that is similar to that of professional baristas.
The Breville BNV220CRO Vertuo also has a warm-up time of 15 seconds only.
So, I can guarantee you that your extraction will be done fairly quickly and the hot water will be ready for you to start brewing after a few minutes.
Overall, it’s an affordable machine that offers great performance and you won’t regret buying this product.
Pros
Cons
5. Keurig K-Cafe Single-Serve
The Keurig K-Cafe system holds a large water reservoir of 60oz which is always my first concern before choosing an espresso machine.
So, I appreciate the fact that the Keurig K-Cafe doesn’t take up too much space on my kitchen counter and can brew up to 6-7 cups of coffee in a single fill.
The Keurig K-Cafe comes with an automatic milk system with a frothing wand unlike other models of the same price.
The crema might not be as good as that of the Breville BES500BSS but it’s still pretty decent.
Making some lattes and cappuccinos with it is definitely possible.
If you love enjoying your coffee in a large travel mug, you’re in luck!
The Keurig K-Cafe Single Serve Coffee Maker accommodates a travel mug of up to 7″2 tall.
Want to brew your own coffee without using the Keurig K-Pods?
No worries!
You can easily brew your own coffee grounds thanks to its compatibility with the My K-Cup Universal Coffee Filters.
If you’re a big-shot coffee lover then this machine might be for you.
Pros
Cons
Similarities Among The Top 5 Espresso Machines Under 500
After researching for the best espresso machines under 500 bucks, I noticed that all these units mentioned above have some similarities.
And therefore, I guess that would make your decision less difficult.
Here are a few of the similarities I noticed:
Overall, I think that all these units are great for beginners but also suitable for coffee experts.
Which One Makes The Best Espresso Machine Under 500?
Well, I guess that’s for you to decide.
Taking into consideration that all these espresso machines are pretty affordable, I would say that the BES500BSS Bambino Plus is the best espresso machine under 500.
Overall, it’s an excellent machine that offers all the smart features you would want from a good machine, as a beginner in coffee making.
But if you’re looking for a machine with better performance, then maybe the Keurig K-Cafe is your best option.
It’s not only affordable but also offers a great coffee taste that will surely impress you even if you’re a professional barista.
To wrap it up, if you’re just starting out in the world of coffee making and don’t have much to spend, then I suggest choosing one of these units to see how amazing they are…
Of course, I also recommend reading other articles on our website before making your final decision on which one to purchase.
Also, don’t forget about our guide on Best Coffee Makers Under 100.
If you have any questions or comments related to this article, feel free to leave them in the comment section below.
Final Thoughts on The Best Espresso Machine Under 500
As I’ve mentioned before, I would mostly recommend the Breville BES500BSS as the best unit under 500 bucks for a beginner to espresso making.
Overall, all these models are pretty great at what they do and will definitely give you your money’s worth.
In fact, I would say that they are all great choices for those who want to try out some tasty espresso drinks without spending too much.
I hope that my article will help you choose the best espresso machine under 500 and improve your coffee-making experience at home, with your friends and family.
Happy Coffee Making!
