You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars or get a commercial espresso machine in order to enjoy a barista-grade espresso shot at your home! In today’s article, we’ll provide you with a brief guide to help you pick the best espresso machine under $1,000 that you can find out there. Let’s jump right in!
In a Hurry? Here Are Our Top Picks
Top 7 Under $1000 Espresso Machines Available on the Market
Here’s a quick overview of the best under $1,000 espresso machines that you can find on shelves:
1. Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine
Let’s start with one of the overall best options in this price class. The Breville Barista Pro is an exceptional semi-automatic espresso machine that makes the process of making coffee truly enjoyable while it handles all the leg work for you!
The machine’s external body is made of brushed stainless steel which gives it both elegance and sturdiness with continuous use.
The machine comes with its own grinder that allows you to control both the amount of grounds and the size of particles for excellent dose control. Additionally, it has an option to make up to two shots of espresso in one go!
Both of these features as well as extraction temperature and others are controlled via an LCD screen, which makes the machine highly intuitive and incredibly easy to use!
The machine also controls the pump to optimize water pressure for consistent extraction and a fuller cup of velvety coffee every time!
The espresso machine also comes with a microfoam milk wand to help you create lattes and cappuccinos, extending the range of coffee drinks that the machine offers!
What We Like
- Heats up quickly and features an optimal extraction system
- The built-in grinder allows for precise and consistent dose control
- The frothing wand extends the scope of the machine
What We Don’t Like
- Despite being ultra-fast, you still need to transfer the portafilter yourself for brewing
2. Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine
The Calphalon Temp iQ is another decent semi-automatic espresso machine that gives you ample control over your coffee.
The machine is made of stainless steel, which offers durability and sturdiness all the while matching all kinds of kitchens and coffee corners.
The Temp iQ also comes with a built-in grinder, and while not being as sophisticated as the one in the Barista Pro, it still offers up to 30 different grind settings.
The machine lacks a display screen but it’s still remarkably easy to control and adjust to your liking. It comes with single and double shot filter baskets, allowing you to create up to 2 espresso shots at once.
Moreover, it has a large 2.8 liter water reservoir that spares you the hassle of frequent refilling. The machine comes with a simple steaming wand for lattes and cappuccino.
However, it requires some priming and may sputter a little while use. Yet, it’s an incredible machine for what it offers at such a reasonable price!
What We Like
- Relatively affordable price while offering multiple features
- Durable construction
- Large water reservoir that lasts for longer
What We Don’t Like
- The steaming wand sputters a little
3. De’Longhi Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine
If you prefer a super automatic espresso machine that will handle the entire operation from grinding to brewing, making it a perfect solution for busy mornings.
The Magnifica Super Automatic machine has a stainless steel body and is relatively more compact than other automatic options on the market.
The machine features a commercial-grade burr grinder that allows you to freshly grind your beans prior to use. It also has a second chamber for pre-ground coffee for extra convenience.
The machine is easily controlled via rotary dials or knobs for precision and simplicity, allowing you to adjust anything from cup size and temperature to coffee strength.
The machine features two Thermo blocks for accurate and quick water heating and it reaches optimal temperature in about a minute.
Additionally, the built-in manual steam wand allows you to enjoy lattes and cappuccinos with relative ease.
What We Like
- Features 2 one-click recipes for espresso and double espresso
- Easy to clean
- Compact for a super automatic system
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t feature automatic milk frothing
4. Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine with LatteGo
Although many people enjoy the coffee-making experience, others might prefer to save that time, especially during busy mornings. In that case, you’re going to love this fully automatic espresso machine from Philips.
The 3200 Series takes the automation a step further from the De’Longhi Magnifica. This one offers a milk frothing wand that automatically prepares lattes and cappuccinos.
The machine is made of polycarbonate plastic, so it might not be as rugged as the stainless steel ones, but it’s still a relatively durable option.
It comes with a ceramic grinder that offers 12 different grinding settings and lasts for up to 20,000 cups worth, so you don’t have to worry about replacing them anytime soon.
The machine has a remarkably intuitive touchscreen control panel, allowing you to prepare up to 5 different types of coffee beverages, all with a single touch! All that thanks to its LatteGo wand that automatically froths and mixies your drink with steamed milk.
The espresso machine is quite easy to clean with multiple dishwasher-safe parts for extra convenience.
The package can also include an AquaClean filter and water hardness test strips to optimize the water quality for a superior cup of coffee!
What We Like
- A fully hands-free system that grinds, brews, and steams the coffee automatically
- Large control panel with touch display
- Dishwasher-safe parts
What We Don’t Like
- The milk container lid is unstable while operating
5. Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine
The Gaggia Brera is another super automatic option that doesn’t cost as much as other options in this class. However, it offers awesome performance and an excellent coffee-making system!
The machine has a sleek and minimalistic design that will look well on your counter, whether you opt for the silver or the black one. It also has multiple buttons with an LED screen that illuminates brightly for clear and simple controls.
The machine does a great job at optimizing the temperature of the extraction. You can also control the grind size, although it has a pretty small grinding chamber.
One of the few drawbacks of the espresso machine is the relatively small water tank. This one is 1.27 quarts, which might require you to refill it with water almost every other day, depending on how much you use the device.
Despite that, both the grinder and the water reservoir are quite easy to clean. It also helps that the product comes with a one-year warranty for a worry-free purchase.
What We Like
- Easy to control and clean
- Minimalistic and stylish design
- Affordable price tag
- Backed with a 1-year warranty
What We Don’t Like
- Small water reservoir
6. DeLonghi Nespresso Lattissima Pro Espresso Machine
If you’re buying an espresso machine to maximize the level of convenience and save yourself the time and hassle to make coffee, you might as well take it a step further and get a capsule-based espresso machine!
These ones use recyclable aluminum coffee pods that are pre-ground and directly brew them into your favorite espresso shots.
What’s great about the Nespresso Lattissima Pro by DeLonghi is that it comes at a fraction of what other espresso machines may cost you.
Not only that, but they’re also incredibly efficient and compact, making them ideal for small kitchens.
Despite that, the machine has a superior 19 bar extraction system, which guarantees excellent taste and texture to your coffee!
The machine also has a 16-ounce milk reservoir, which allows the machine to automatically brew your favorite lattes and cappuccinos, all with a push of a button! The milk carafe is easily removable and you can keep it in the refrigerator and use it directly.
What We Like
- Ideal for those who prefer capsule and pod-based espresso shots
- Inexpensive
- Speed up in a matter of seconds
What We Don’t Like
- You’ll need to buy espresso capsules for the machine
7. Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine
Last but not least, if you enjoy the hands-on experience of making coffee, the Rancilio Silvia is your way to go.
This machine is ideal for anyone looking for a machine that lets them prepare a barista-grade espresso shot with both precision and accuracy.
The machine looks and performs exactly like commercial-grade espresso machines, and they also use the same quality materials that Rancilio Silvia uses while making their commercial ones.
One of the things that makes this machine unique is that you can also use it with coffee pods and capsules using a simple adaptor kit, making it a complete powerhouse to enjoy all kinds of coffee drinks!
What We Like
- Commercial-grade performance and classic espresso machine design
- Compatible with both coffee grounds and pods
- Fully articulating steam wand for easy use
What We Don’t Like
- The drip tray has a very limited capacity
Things to Keep in Mind While Shopping for an Espresso Machine
With the variety of options on the market, choosing the ideal pick for you might be a little challenging.
To help you with this process, let’s have a look at some of the most essential aspects to consider for an espresso machine:
Material and Construction
The golden standard to measure the durability and sturdiness of an espresso machine is the materials used while building it.
Author Note: This also extends to any internal parts as well as accessories like the portafilter. The best espresso and coffee machines are typically made of stainless steel rather than plastic.
Although they might cost you a little more, they make it up by a longer-lasting investment that handles intense use much better.
Semi-Automatic or Automatic
Semi-automatic machines are espresso machines that will do every step automatically, such as grinding, brewing, and steaming the milk.
However, you’ll need to transfer the portafilter from one station to the other yourself. These machines are great for those who enjoy the process of making coffee.
On the other hand, super automatic or fully automatic machines are the ones that handle the entire operation with a single push of a button, which is easier to use and more suitable for those with a tight morning schedule.
Control Panel and Ease of Use
The user interface is your window to properly control and adjust all the aspects of the espresso shot you’re making with the machine.
The key element in any control panel to be a good one is simplicity and clearness. Every button, dial, or rotary knob on the system should specify its function and give you ample control of the espresso shot parameters.
Of course, machines with LCD, LED, or touch screens allow for much more intuitive and easier control of the machine’s settings, but you should also keep the price and other features in mind while deciding.
Reservoir Capacity
Another important aspect to keep in mind while choosing an espresso machine is the capacity of the reservoirs of the device.
This mainly includes water reservoirs but should also extend to other containers, such as bean drawer and milk carafe.
If you’re bothered by refills, the ideal machine for you should have at least 1.8 liters of capacity, along with a minimum of an 8-ounce drawer for the beans.
Ease of Cleaning
Taking care of your espresso machine will help it stand the test of time, which is why you need a machine that helps you with the cleaning.
The easiest machines to clean are those with easy access to compartments and wide mouths that allow you to reach inside.
Some modern devices also offer removable and dishwasher-safe parts or self-cleaning buttons, making it much easier to maintain your espresso machine.
Programmability
One of the perks of having an espresso machine is that you can optimize every aspect of the shot to your liking.
Author Note: Some machines also offer programmable systems, which save your adjustments and parameters and enable you to brew the ideal coffee for you with a single push of a button!
Additionally, super automatic espresso machines will also offer dedicated one-click buttons for standard espresso and double espresso shots.
Built-in Milk Steamer Wand
The milk steamer is a solid feature in mid-tier espresso machines under $1,000. While choosing a machine, make sure that the want is durable and doesn’t sputter while steaming the milk.
An articulating wand is also a great bonus to make the steaming process easier and extend the range of motion of the wand.
Some machines might also offer a frothing option in addition to steaming, which is essential for making a variety of milk-based coffee drinks. This option is usually found in super-automatic espresso machines.
Built-in Grinder
Not all espresso machines have a built-in grinder. Yet, almost all medium to high-budget espresso machines will have one.
Make sure that the grinder has durable burrs that last for a long time. Moreover, check that the machine offers adjustability features for controlled grinding as well as dosing.
Pods Compatibility
There are two types of espresso machines, the first one is the standard machine that uses ground coffee and a portafilter to extract and brew the shot.
The other type is the pods or capsule-based machine. These espresso machines use pre-ground store-bought pods and capsules to make espresso, which is much more convenient and easier to use than standard machines.
Author Note: The choice here depends on your personal preferences, although espresso machines at such a price would give you a similar level of convenience with a much wider range of adjustability and control.
Wrap Up
There you have it! A complete guide that walks you through everything you need to know before buying the best espresso machine for under $1000!
At such a decent budget, you should expect an outstanding espresso machine with great performance and a wide variety of features. For that reason, we recommend the Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine.
Despite not being the priciest option on the list, this one has met and surpassed almost all our standards for a complete espresso machine!
The machine isn’t only durable and precise but also incredibly fast and easy to use. It comes with a built-in grinder and steamer to prepare a mesmerizing cup of java in less than a minute!
However, if you’re looking for a more convenient espresso that spares you the hassle of grinding, dosing, and cleaning, you should go for the DeLonghi Nespresso Lattissima Pro Espresso Machine.
This one is a great choice if you prefer instant espresso pods. It’s also ultra-compact and ideal for budget-conscious buyers who would appreciate saving on the costs of the machine!
Stay caffeinated friends!