5 Best Espresso Machine Under 1000 With Buying Guide

If you feel like you can’t wake up without an espresso, then by now,you’re hooked to these power shots. Congratulations, join the club. We are too! We love these energy drinks in the morning to wake up our senses and to get us to start functioning.

best espresso machine under 1000

Since you’re here, we’re assuming two things about you – one, you definitely have a special place in your heart for espressos, and two, you’ve already figured out how economical it is to just get an espresso machine at home.

Well, we support the reasons. So, we’re here to help. In this article, we have listed the top picks for the best espresso machine under 1000. We hope you’ll get yours in no time.

Get that machine and set yourself up for great mornings from here on.

Detailed Comparison Table

NameBean Container Frothing WandGrinder SettingsPrice
De’LonghiESAM3300 8.8 ouncesNo13Check Price
Gaggia Brera 59100250 gramsYes5Check Price
De’Longhi La EC9335M250 gramsYes5Check Price
Breville Maker BES880BSS22 gramsYesConical Burr GrinderCheck Price
Rancilio Silvia HSD-SILVIA12 ounces Yes 17Check Price

Things To Look at Before Buying The Best Espresso Machine Under 1000

If you want a satisfactory experience with your own espresso machine, then put some thought into it. Consider the following factors before purchasing your machine, and it won’t fail you.

Types of Espresso Machines

Making espressos is both an art and a necessity. This is why there are different types of espresso machines that are suited to your technique of making espressos.

1. Fully Automatic Espresso

There is no coffee-making ritual here. It’s a simple push and goes system that is designed for the person who just wants their espresso as quickly as they can get it. All you have to do for the perfect brew is switch the machine on, and so the rest will be managed by the machine.

 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

Everything from the volume of water to the grinding of the beans will be controlled by the machine – you don’t have to do anything else. Just wait for the brewing to be complete.

2. Semi-Automatic Espresso

These machines keep the coffee-making ritual alive. And not surprisingly, this is the most popular type of espresso machine there is in the market.

With these machines, you will need to grind the beans yourself and then tamp them out all by yourself. It has the portafilter, the boiler, and the activation switch for the extraction pump. If you enjoy the art and patience of making coffee, you will like this machine best.

3. Manual Lever- Espresso Machine

We wouldn’t recommend this is you if you aren’t an avid coffee lover/fanatic for a long time. This machine is the OG of espresso machines. With these machines, you will have full control overthe coffee making because of the complete manual working that the lever takes.

Types of Portafilter

The portafilter helps to extract coffee from the coffee grounds. This is the tool that holds the coffee grounds during the brewing process. Put some coffee grounds into the portafilter, tamp them down and run hot water through them.

You have two options here – the pressurized portafilter and the unpressurized portafilter.

1. Pressurized Portafilters

With these, you don’t need much training at all;you can go straight into making espressos.

There is a second wall on these kinds of portafilters that create pressure inside to keep the coffee grounds to a flat level. Just lightly brush the coffee grounds together to keep them together. That’s all. Pressurized portafilters make your work simpler without compromising on the final quality of the coffee made. 

2. Unpressurized Portafilters

These are the portafilters that have always been used for making espresso.

In order to use these, you will need a bit of training. You will need to tamp the coffee grounds to exactly the right level because these portafilters don’t have a second wall that will create pressure on the grounds.

Usually, these portafilters are made with better quality materials that ensure consistency in flavor.

The Right Grinder

Pre-ground coffee doesn’t taste as fresh as newly ground coffee. There are some machines that will have dedicated grinders built into their system, but most espresso machines don’t have that. If your machine doesn’t have a grinder, then get one that stands alone.

The job of the grinder is to grind your chocolate-covered beans to fine coffee powder that is ready for maximum flavor extraction. With a good grinder, you will be able to adjust the grind size. When the coffee beans are ground to the right size, you will achieve great flavor and consistency in your espresso.

Frothing Wand For Extra Fun

Many espresso machines nowadays come with a frothing wand that’s usually located right beside the grouphead. The frothing wand isn’t a vital part of your espresso-making procedure, but it sure does make things fun!

The job of the frothing wand is to add steam to milk in order to create a froth. The milk becomes texturized and lighter, which is incredibly delicious to put in your Cappuccino or latte.

Water Tank Size

You might choose to make coffee only for yourself, and you might choose to do it for a bunch of your friends altogether. Now you need to choose the size of the water tank before you buy your espresso machine.

If you make a lot of coffee and use it in batches, then we’d recommend you to get a machine that comes with a tank of 1.5 liters. This will also enable you to make coffee for a bunch of people at the same time if the occasion calls for it.

How Much Should You Spend on an Espresso Machine?

There are quite a few espresso machines in the market that will prove to be unworthy of the amount of money that is asked for them.

And then there are some machines that will miraculously cost only around $50.

Such cheap espresso machines will for sure be able to make your coffee, but the difference in flavor, taste, and experience will be significant.

Before you are tempted to make purchases from the lower end of the spectrum, let us tell you that the smartest thing to do is actually to stay in the $500 – $800 range.

In this range, the coffee you make will be at par with the ones that you buy at expensive cafes. Machines, at this range, are able to create barista-like espressos for you because they have four major components – a stainless steel base, a drip tray, a water reservoir, and a steam milk frother.

Some cheap espresso machines will have a Mokapot. Even though this keeps things simple, be aware that the coffee made with a Mokapot machine will taste just like regular stovetop coffee and not like the ones made by the barista in your favorite cafe.

You will find decent automatic espresso machines under $300 range,  but these won’t give you the perfect taste of cafe coffee either. If you are an avid coffee lover, just get one in the range of $500 to $900 so that you aren’t disappointed or wasteful with your money.

5 Best Espresso Machine Under 1000

We are incredibly proud of all our 5 finds here. All the best espresso machines in the market are listed here below, so take a quick look.

1. De’Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica

This is a patented machine with a special “cappuccino system”that you can’t find in any other brand. Its frother mixes milk and steam at once in order to create a creamy, rich froth that you won’t be able to get enough of. 

The bean container has a capacity of 8.8 ounces, which is plenty to make about 10 cups of coffee. There are a lot of programmable settings that are easily accessible and easy to use because of the rotary and push buttons in the control panel.

De'Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Best Quality Under 1000

This machine has another patented system in it called the Direct-to-Brew system. The system ensures that your coffee brews quickly with nosplatter so that it is later easy to clean and maintain. You can clean this machine without using any chemical cleansers and thereby extend its longevity.

If you want the best coffee with this machine, we suggest you use medium roast beans that do not have any visible oil on them. Such beans will keep the machine working in its prime state without clogging up the insides.

The machine has a charcoal water filter that filters out all the toxins from the water so that each cup of coffee feels fresh with every sip. There is also an energy-saving mechanism installed in the machine with the command to turn off the power connection to the machine if it is left unused for 3 hours straight.

Pros

  • Has a twin brewing cycle
  • Can make perfect espressos, cappuccinos and lattes
  • Very easy to clean because of the direct-to-brew system
  • Bean container capacity is enough to make coffee for groups
  • Advanced cappuccino system mixes milk and steam at the perfect balance
  • Energy-saving: shuts down after 3 hours of inactive power

Cons

  • The grinder is very faulty
  • Unresponsive customer service

Specification Table

Model NumberESAM3300
ManufacturerDelonghi
ColorSilver
Capacity1.8 Liters
Dimensions11 x 15.3 x 14.4 inches
Weight23.1 pounds
MaterialStainless Steel
InputButtons
Power1350 watts
Warranty2 Year Warranty

2. Gaggia Brera Super Automatic 59100

This user-friendly coffee maker comes with a Pannarello wand that is placed right beside the brewer. The wand is generally used for frothing lattes and cappuccinos, but if you are making americanos and other teas, then you could use it as a hot water dispenser.

Now the three important components of the machine – the drip tray, the dregs drawer, and the water tank are all located perfectly within your reach. Stand in front of the machine, and they will be at your disposal – only a hand’s reach away. This makes it easy to use, clean, and maintain.

Gaggia Brera Super Automatic 59100

110 to 120 volts of energy will be required to make the machine run at full capacity. The push-button controls on this machine make it easy to use. There is also an LED display that comes with illuminated icons to help you get an intuitive experience overall.

They have rapid steam technology incorporated into the machine. This will help you to heat up the water quicker than with most other brewers.

The bean container in this machine has a capacity of 250 grams, which can roughly make around 35 cups of coffee straight up. You can make coffee for the whole day and even for big groups all at once.

Finally, to ensure that your coffee has the right drip of flavor and consistency, make sure that you use a cup that is no longer than 3.25 inches to 4.5 inches in height.

Pros

  • Contains a Pannarello frothing wand that doubles as a water dispenser
  • Makes lattes, cappuccinos, americanos and teas as well
  • Bean container carries 250 grams of beans at once
  • Suitable for cups that are 3.25 to 4.5 inches in height
  • Everything from the drip tray to the water tank is at hands reach
  • Heats up water really quickly due to the rapid steam technology incorporated

Cons

  • Side door magnet is weak – door keeps opening
  • Descaling light malfunctions
  • Takes a lot of time to clean, dry, and lubricate the brew unit every time
  • Grounds container gets clogged up if not cleaned after every two double shots

Specification Table

Model Number59100
ManufacturerGaggia
ColorSilver
Capacity40 Fluid Ounces
Dimensions18 x 10 x 13 inches
Weight18 pounds
MaterialStainless Steel
InputButtons
Power1250 watts
Warranty1 Year Warranty

3. De’Longhi La Specialista EC9335M

This machine comes with a grind sensing technology that will make sure that your coffee is grinded to perfection every time so that every shot of espresso gives you that rich barista-coffee feeling while costing you much less in actuality.

There is a bean sensor in place, too – the role of the bean sensor is to notify you whenever you run out of grounds. This is a feature that makes sure that your coffee always has the same consistency in flavor and taste.

De'Longhi EC9335M La Specialista Semi-Automatic

The tamping station is a simple pleasure to use. It’s very easy to operate as well. All you need to do is to pull out the lever in order to automatically tamp the ground coffee with the right amount of pressure.

Due to the lever system, you won’t have to detach the portafilter either. This will give you the cleanest coffee-brewing experience you can have at home without compromising the quality of your coffee.  

La SpecialistaDe’Longhiis equipped with a dual heating system with a temperature control unit that stays active to ensure stable temperatures in the milk texturizing and coffee extraction method.

There are two heating systems in the machine that are independent of each other. One system will thermoblock the coffee that is being extracted, and the other one will steam milk and froth. 

From the advanced latte system, you can now choose the type of froth you want. You can have micro-foaming froth if you want to practice doing art on your latte, and you can also get a rich froth for your Cappuccino simultaneously.

Pros

  • Has a sensor grinding technology and a bean sensor as well
  • Smart tamping station lets you tamp your coffee without removing the portafilter
  • Dual heating system with an active temperature control unit
  • The advanced frothing system lets you choose different consistencies in froth
  • 1-second quick start feature helps you to make excellent espressos super fast
  • In the kit,you’ll find a descaling solution, cleaning brush, and a milk pitcher

Cons

  • Grinder stops working after a few months of consistent use
  • The hopper cannot be taken off to reduce the amount of beans inside
  • Grinder settings do not work well enough to bring flavor intensity

Specification Table

Model NumberEC9335M
ManufacturerDe’Longhi
ColorMetal
Filter TypeReusable
Dimensions15 x 14.48 x 17.5 inches
Weight29.7 pounds
MaterialStainless Steel
InputButtons
Power1450 watts
Warranty2 Year Warranty

4. Breville Maker Barista Touch BES880BSS

Third-wave coffee is all the rage right now. It is the era for a new type of coffee that hits the intricate balance between complexity, sweetness, and a distinctive taste to perfection.

Making this coffee is a feat on its own, and not many machines below $1000 can boast that they can make it. But the Breville Barista Touch is one that is able to make this coffee for you. Are you excited?

These machines have four key formulas that ensure smooth flavors through grind quality. There is an integrated grinder built into the machine, which turns the beans straight to espresso within a minute!

Breville Barista Touch

Inside the machine is an integrated conical burr grinder that delivers the correct amount of coffee with each dose at super high precision so that you achieve such intense flavors at home that you could only think to be possible in barista-made coffees.

The dose-controlled grinder is a single touch system, and it doesn’t get any simpler than this. If you aren’t trained at making espressos, then you will love this machine even more for what it can do.

This machine ensures the perfect level of low-pressure infusion. The pressure builds up gradually and reaches the optimum level to ensure that the flavors are extracted perfectly.

There is an advanced ThermoJet heating system built into the machine, which can reach optimum extraction temperatures in under 3 seconds.

You will also find an auto steam wand that will help you to texture the milk to perfection while also adjusting the temperatures in order to brew the best coffee of your life.

Pros

  • Contains a precision-controlled single-touch conical burr grinder
  • Digital temperature control to ensure the best extraction
  • Touch screen display lets you adjust coffee strength, milk texture and temperature
  • Water pressure gradually builds up to achieve maximum extraction  quality
  • ThermoJet has a superior heating system that reaches optimum level in 3 seconds

Cons

  • Brew temperatures do not rise above 145 F
  • Water filter is expensive and niche-protected

Specification Table

Model NumberBES880BSS
ManufacturerBreville
ColorBrushed Stainless Steel
Capacity67 Fluid Ounces
Dimensions12.7 x 15.5 x 16 inches
Weight26.8 pounds
MaterialStainless Steel
InputTouchscreen
Power1680 watts
Warranty1 Year Warranty

5. Rancilio Silvia HSD-SILVIA

This one is very user-friendly. Mostly because the portafilter on this machine comes with a handle, and this saves you time and effort when you need to tamp the coffee grounds. The top part of the machine is flat and serves as the perfect tray for your espresso cups.

All the materials that went into the making of this are of the top standard, and they are able to ensure stability even at very high heat levels.

Rancilio Silvia  HSD-SILVIA

The Rancilio Silvia comes with a steam wand that will help you get texture in your coffee at your desired levels. With the steaming wand, you will be able to precisely control the pressure of the steaming well so that your coffee has a rich consistency that is just to your liking.

This machine is solely for making espressos, so you won’t be able to fit regular American cups in it. Get a double shot glass, a steel frothing cup, and then take the coffee in it to later mix them together as you please.

The body of this machine is incredibly durable, and it will last you a long time because of this.

Pros

  • Amazing Italian design that is simple enough for a noob to understand
  • Very simple to use
  • Comes with a portafilter that helps in extraction
  • Has a steaming wand for frothing the milk
  • Durable body and ergonomic features

Cons

  • Water reservoir and the drip tray are both very small

Specification Table

Model NumberHSD-SILVIA
ManufacturerRancilio
ColorStainless Steel
Capacity0.3 Liters
Dimensions9.2 x 11.4 x 13.3 inches
Weight30.8 pounds
MaterialStainless Steel
InputButtons
Voltage110 Volts
Warranty3 Year Warranty

Espresso Making Tips And Tricks

In order to get the best out of your machine, you need to use the basics of espresso making right from the get-go. How your coffee comes out after that will depend on the quality and build of your machine.

Espresso Making
  • Ace The Timer

Use a timer to select an extraction run for no more than 20-25 seconds. The timer should be used because you have to be exact – if your coffee beans are grinded for less than 20 seconds, then the espresso will lack power.

But if the beans are grinded for more than 25 seconds, then your espresso will be too strong – the taste will turn bitter.

  • Heat Up The Portafilter

Before you use the portafilter, make sure that it is heated up. If the portafilter is cool, your coffee grounds will lose heat, and that will cause a damping effect on the flavor.

Don’t worry if the portafilter doesn’t come with a heating element – just take it out and run hot water through it. That will do the trick. Pull out an empty shot before you pour the coffee grounds in.

  • Tamp To Perfection

Make sure that you tamp the coffee grounds hard into the portafilter so that it stays at a uniform level. To ensure perfection at this level, it would help you to get an actual tamper and a tamping mat.

Do a light tamp at first so that the coffee gets distributed evenly. And after that, apply a pressure of about 30 pounds to ensure a smooth extraction.

  • Clean Your Machine

You have to clean your machine every time after use. Clean the portafilter and the screen with your hands for a more thorough cleanse.

  • Maintain Coffee Proportion

In order to make shots that are consistent in flavor, you have to use the same proportion of coffee every time. If your coffee machine doesn’t come with a dosing chamber, then a doserless grinder will work just as well.

For the perfect single shot espresso, use 7 grams of ground coffee. By extension, this means that a double shot will take about 14 grams of coffee, no more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are espresso machines so expensive?

Espresso machines are so expensive because the materials put into their construction have to be considerably high in quality.

The machine has to run stable temperatures, and for this, the materials have to be able to retain such temperatures without becoming tapered themselves.

High-quality stainless steel, brass, and metal run at high prices;therefore, the net cost for the machine ends up amounting to a high net price.

Is DeLonghi a good brand?

DeLonghi is a good brand in terms of versatility. They make a lot of espresso machines that come at various price points.

These machines are quite affordable as well. If you are getting an espresso machine in your home for the very first time, then we would recommend this brand to you.

Can I use regular pre-ground coffee in an espresso machine?

Absolutely, you can. If you’re thinking about whether your coffee machine will be able to handle it or not, then the answer is yes.

However, we wouldn’t want you to do this because you will be doing an injustice to the machine. It won’t be able to extract the rich aromatic flavor from pre-ground coffee, and so it won’t be able to give you that barista-like experience either.

Are super-automatic espresso machines worth it?

Super-automatic machines are fully automated machines that will make your coffee fast without asking for much involvement from you. The espressos will be highly satisfactory too.

The caveat is that you will need to spend quite some time cleaning up after you’re done. Since the parts are all automated, you must clean extra thoroughly because if any part stays clogged up, there will be trouble the next time you try to make coffee.

Conclusion

Espressos are so good at waking you up that it almost feels like they should be illegal. But thank god that they aren’t.

Without a good machine at home, espressos are an expensive remedy. But we hope this article has helped you find the best espresso machine under 1000.

No longer do you have to burn through your wallet to recharge yourself in the morning. Make your coffee at home, save your wallet and save your day!