How much does an Espresso Machine Cost?
Most espresso machines can cost you anywhere from $100 to $500 but some are even more expensive than that.
A high-end machine usually comes with more features but it might not necessarily be the best fit for you. If you don’t know where to start, keep reading, we have everything you need to know about espresso machine price ranges and features. Let’s take a look.
The Beginners
> Price Range – $100 – $300
If you’re a beginner looking to buy your first espresso machine, you should consider opting for a less expensive espresso machine for your needs. Beginner-level espresso machines usually require more time in between two consecutive espresso shots.
Most beginner-level espresso machines are mostly semi-automatic, this makes pulling a good espresso shot heavily dependent on the barista’s skills. This might make them an excellent choice for those wanting to develop their home barista talents and move on to move sophisticated machines.
However, if your goal is only to pull yourself an espresso shot in the morning, you might want to purchase a fully automatic espresso machine instead. Fully automatic machines are more expensive than semi-automatic or manual machines and your best bet is to buy a used machine at a lower price.
Keep in mind that most machines in this price range don’t have an inbuilt grinder. You will have to purchase your grinder separately. Alternatively, you can buy pre-ground coffee from the store.
The Home Barista
> Price Range – $300 – $500+
If you’re looking for a machine that compliments your experience and skills as a barista, you might want to buy an espresso machine with better features. Higher-end espresso machines come with added features such as precise temperature control, pressure gauge, and programmable shots.
Super-automatic machines are great for café and office environments but they come at a higher price tag. Automatic espresso machines can also automatically froth milk. This feature allows you to have a cup of cappuccino or latte at the touch of a single button.
Machines in this price range will often come with descaling indicators as well as in-built tampers. Many advanced-level espresso machines also come with inbuilt grinders. These machines will also allow you to customize the fineness of the ground with adjustable settings.
What to Expect
If you’re still unsure about what kind of espresso machine to buy, it might be beneficial for you to have a clear idea of what to expect in an espresso machine in your budget’s range.
$100 Price Range
In this price range, you will get all the bare minimum features you need to make your espresso. Most lower-end semi-automatic espresso machines fall in this category. You will have to be realistic about the features you want in your espresso machine in this price range.
Most machines in this range will not come with an inbuilt grinder. Some espresso machines like the Mixpresso espresso machine can have very strong water pumps but lack a steam wand. You also won’t be able to adjust the pressure or temperature of the water for your espresso shot.
Their simplistic design and mode of operation make them perfect for people who are only looking to make a simple shot of espresso without any experimentation. If you’re picky about your coffee, espresso machines in this price range might not suit you.
Features:
- Manual or semi-automatic extraction
- Generally, low extraction pressure but can be 15 bars in some cases
- No inbuilt grinders or tamper
- Unlikely to have a descale indicator
- The machine may or may not have a steam wand
- Single boiler only
- Relatively smaller water tank, detachable in some machines
- No temperature or pressure control
- Passable brew quality
$200 price range
The $200 range is where you can begin to expect some consistency in the features of a decent budget espresso machine. Almost every espresso machine in this range will have a steam wand, a decently powerful water pump, and a decent brew quality.
As a beginner, $200 – $299 can be the best price range for you. This is mostly because the most affordable automated extraction espresso machines fall in this category. Unless you’re interested in improving your barista skills, a low-cost semi-automatic espresso machine with automated extraction will fulfill all your coffee needs.
Semi-automatic machines in this price range also allow for some minor experimentation for complete beginners. This is also the price range to find some beginner-level, cappuccino makers. Some machines like the Chefman 6-in-1 espresso machine even come with an internal cleaning feature.
Still, it is unlikely for you to find a good super-automatic machine in this price range. This means that you will likely need to buy a separate grinder to use alongside your espresso machine.
Features:
- Semi-automatic extraction
- Generally decent extraction pressure of 15 bars or more
- No inbuilt grinders, most grinders sold alongside the machine are inadequate
- May have an internal cleaning mode for descaling
- Most machines have a steam wand or come with a built-in milk frother with a detachable milk reservoir
- Single boiler mostly
- Decently sized water tank, mostly detachable
- Minimal temperature and pressure control on some machines
- Decent brew quality
$300 Price Range
The $300 territory is where we start getting a bit of everything in a machine. Espresso machines in this price range come with smarter temperature controls with powerful water pumps. You will also start seeing espresso machines with inbuilt grinders in this range.
Espresso machines in this price range can have outstanding flavor extraction, robust designs, longevity, smart temperature management, and separate boilers. However, it’s hard to find a machine in this range that does all these things at once.
The $300 price range is the common ground for professional baristas and beginners. Machines like De’Longhi EC702 perform excellently in the hands of a trained barista and is great for beginners to practice with as well. If you’re not looking to become a professional barista, it’s not recommended to spend more than this.
Features:
- Semi-automatic and fully automatic extraction
- Strong extraction pressure of 15 bars or more
- Some models are available with inbuilt grinders
- Can have an internal cleaning mode for descaling
- Most machines come with a steam wand or automatic milk frother
- Can have two boilers to simultaneously froth milk, and brew espresso
- Decent tank capacity, mostly detachable
- Smart temperature and pressure control on some machines
- Good brew quality
$500 Price Range
Espresso machines worth more than $500 can be called luxury appliances. In this price range, you can choose from semi-automatic, fully automatic, and super-automatic machines. Considered the ultimate affordable espresso machine, you can find a machine that fulfils all your needs and then some!
The espresso machines in this price range are for master baristas or die-hard espresso aficionados. You can have top-tier semi-automatic machines with precise control over temperature and pressure. Super-automatic machines can be programmed to make the perfect cup of coffee for you.
Features:
- Semi-automatic, fully automatic, and super-automatic extraction
- Strong extraction pressure of 15 bar or more
- Can have inbuilt grinders
- Almost every fully automatic and super-automatic machine has a descaling mode
- Will have a good quality steam wand or milk frother with programmable settings
- Can have two boilers to simultaneously froth milk and brew espresso
- Decent tank size, mostly detachable
- Customizable temperature and pressure controls
- Outstanding brew quality
Final Thoughts
The best espresso machine for you depends on what you want to accomplish with it. You can enjoy a good espresso with almost any machine as long as you know what you’re doing. Ultimately, your ideal espresso machine depends on your feature preference and budget.
More expensive might not necessarily equal better for your needs but you are likely to get a greater range of features. We hope this has given you some clarity when it comes to choosing your espresso machine!
