Espresso lovers, are you looking for the perfect espresso machine?

Don’t settle for anything less than top-of-the-line espresso flavor with a budget-friendly machine. We understand that not everyone needs - or wants to invest in - an expensive commercial coffee maker, so we’ve rounded up some of the best espresso machines under $500 out there! Our buyer's guide will walk you through everything you need to know before making your purchase and provide helpful tips on what to look for while shopping.

With these great options, it’s now easier than ever to make delicious espressos right at home. Whether you are a beginner just getting into espresso culture or an experienced barista looking for quality equipment, these machines will help anyone make café-quality drinks without breaking their bank account.

Check out our buyer's guide today and find the perfect machine for your needs!

Check out this great video by Whole Latte Love

How We Choose The Best For You

It's hard to find a good espresso machine that doesn't break the bank.

Espresso machines can be expensive, and it's hard to know which one is worth your investment.

We've done the research for you. All of the espresso machines on this list are under 500 dollars on Amazon, so you can be sure you're getting a great deal. We'll also take a look at some of the best manual, semi automatic, Nespresso compatible and portable espresso makers available today.

Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

Best Semi Automatic Espresso Machine

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Why We Mention It

Grab an expert-level coffee experience right in the comfort of your own home. This compact, easy to use machine delivers professional-level results with exceptional ease of use. Featuring a powerful pump that steams and froths milk for a rich, creamy texture with remarkable speed, you can have restaurant quality espresso and cappuccino without ever leaving home.

The convenient design means it's simple to use as well! The intuitive interface takes the guesswork out of making espresso so you can create cafe-style drinks quickly and easily. And the full size mug holder accommodates most wide mouth mugs for maximum convenience. Enjoy a true professional quality brew without paying a fortune for it with the easy-to-use Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine!

Some Facts You Should Know

This semi-automatic coffee maker is designed with 3 functions—espresso maker, cappuccino maker and latte maker—to make any flavor of coffee you could ever wish for. Moreover, its 15 Bar Pump System provides rich-tasting espresso coffee while its trouble-free automatic milk frother removes any guesswork. On top of that, its one touch control panel allows you to easily select your favorite drink and its easy-fill, removable water and milk reservoirs make it simple to reuse time after time.

De'Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine

Best Manual Espresso Machine

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Why We Mention It

With an easy-to-use design and powerful performance, it'll become an essential part of your at-home coffee ritual. Enjoy the rich flavor of espresso without the bitter aftertaste that some machines can produce - this manual espresso machine creates smooth, intense espressos that you'll love. It looks great too, with its stylish design making a statement on any countertop.

Whether you're making one caffeinated beverage or twelve, this machine features multiple ground cup sizes to make customizing your daily fix as easy as possible. Best of all, this product is basic but worth it - quality at an affordable price makes it a great choice for anyone looking for an unbeatable espresso taste.

Some Facts You Should Know

With its contemporary and compact design, it fits perfectly on kitchen countertops, while still providing plenty of brewing options. The machine features a 15 BAR pump, so you can get an optimal pressure to extract a single or double espresso that comes out perfectly rich every time.

Plus, the manual milk frother allows you to create delicious cappuccinos, lattes and flat whites with ease. Built to last with its stainless steel boiler and robust design, you'll enjoy consistent performance for years and years. It even includes a port a filter and 2 filters for single or double espresso shots, plus a two-level cup holder that accommodates various sizes of coffee cups.

Nespresso Inissia Espresso Machine by De'Longhi

Best Nespresso Pod Compatible Espresso Machine

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Why We Mention It

The Nespresso Inissia Espresso Machine by De'Longhi is an ideal choice for those seeking delicious espresso in the comfort of their own home. This machine is designed to provide solid, compact and efficient results, while making sure that the user has a great cup every time. The drip tray and used pod holder are easily cleaned and make it easy to switch out new pods as desired.

In terms of operation, this machine makes it easy to get a perfect temperature shot of espresso. With its simple one-touch button design, a variety of flavors can be dispensed with just the press of a button. For those looking for larger cups, you can even hold down the button for up to 6 seconds until your desired amount is reached.

The Nespresso Inissia Espresso Machine by De'Longhi is slim in profile and fits both small and large countertops alike; no assembly or setup required—just plug the machine in and go!

Some Facts You Should Know

With its fast heating time of just 25 seconds and energy saving automatic shut-off, you’ll be able to get your quality espresso in no time at all. Every cup this machine brews is barista grade, offering you an impeccable single-serve cup perfect for indulging yourself or serving guests. The touch of a button allows you to choose from two different cup sizes: espresso (1.35 oz) and lungo (5 oz). For a classic espresso machine that offers the expertise of Nespresso and is user friendly, there’s no better option than the Inissia. Its size is efficient and compact, making it easy to store in any kitchen while still providing everything you need in an espresso maker.

Aeropress Original Coffee and Espresso Maker

Best Portable Manual Espresso Maker

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Why We Mention It

This innovative device is designed for convenience, eliminating bitterness and acidity with its rapid brewing technology. It also keeps pesky grit out of your drink unlike a French press, no mess required! Clean-up takes a matter of seconds with its innovative plunger that wipes the chamber clean as you brew. Plus, you can take it anywhere thanks to its lightweight, compact design – it even comes with an optional filter cap so convenient packing is easy!

Whether you’re headed on a long journey or just running around town, you can bring your own fresh cup of joe in this hearty product developed right here in Silicon Valley and made in America.

Espresso Machine FAQs

Espresso machines can be confusing and intimidating, especially if you’re a first-time buyer.

Do you need an expensive machine to make great espresso? What are the different types of machines? How do I froth milk for my cappuccino?

Our list of FAQs about espresso machines is here to help. We answer all the questions you may have about espresso machines, from how they work to how to use them. Plus, we provide tips on choosing the right machine for your needs and budget.

What Is An Espresso Coffee Machine?

An espresso machine is a device designed to brew coffee by forcing hot water through tightly packed, finely ground coffee beans. It is used to make high-quality espresso drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes, ristrettos and americanos.

What Are The Different Types Of Espresso Machines?

There are two main types of espresso machines - manual and super automatic. Manual espresso machines require more skill from the user to brew espresso while super automatic machines are easier to use but often come with a higher price tag.

How Do I Choose The Right Espresso Machine For Me?

When choosing an espresso machine it's important to consider your budget and how much time you're willing to spend learning how to use it. If you're looking for an easy-to-use machine that requires minimal effort then a super automatic espresso machine may be the best option for you. Alternatively, if you want more control over the brewing process then a manual machine might be better suited to your needs.

Can I Use Pre Ground Coffee In An Espresso Machine?

Yes, most espresso machines allow you to use either pre-ground or freshly ground coffee beans depending on what type of machine you have. Some models may even have built in grinders so that you can grind the beans directly in the machine without needing any extra tools or equipment.

What Drinks Can You Make With An Espresso Machine?

Commonly referred to as "espresso based drinks", there are many popular drinks that can be made using an espresso machine such as cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos and flat whites. Additionally, some models also include features to make other kinds of hot drinks like soy hot chocolate or tea lattes.

How Does Latte Art Work On An Espresso Machine?

Latte art involves pouring steamed milk into shots of espresso in order to create decorations like hearts or leaves on top of each drink. This art form requires steady hands and precise movements in order for it to look beautiful when completed - something that many baristas take pride in perfecting over time with practice!

Are Super Automatic Espresso Machines Easy To Use?

Yes, super automatic espresso machines are very easy to use as they do most of the work for you including grinding the coffee beans and frothing the milk automatically at just a touch of a button! This makes them ideal for busy households or cafes where staff need quick access to quality espressos without having too much knowledge about how each stage works individually.

How Much Maintenance Does An Espresso Machine Need?

Depending on which type of espresso machine you have (manual or super automatic), maintenance requirements will vary greatly. Generally speaking though, most models should be cleaned after every few uses in order for them to function properly and last their expected lifetime which should always be taken into consideration when making your purchase decision!

How do I froth milk for my cappuccino?

Frothing milk for cappuccino and other espresso based "milk drinks” can seem intimidating, but it is actually quite an easy process that doesn't require any fancy equipment. In order to froth your milk correctly, you'll need a cup of cold whole or semi-skimmed cow’s milk, some kind of frothing device (such as a handheld electric whisk), and optionally some flavored syrups.

First take the cup of cold milk and pour it into your frothing device. Then turn on the whisk until there are small bubbles forming in the liquid – this should take about 30 seconds to a minute. Once you have bubbles begin to form at the top surface, continue stirring until a thick foam appears which will float on top of the liquid. This should be done for approximately 2 minutes total for best results.

Once you have poured off most of your foam into one glass container or directly onto your coffee drink (depending on what kind you are making), you may want to add syrup or sugar if desired before adding more foam atop. To give an even richer flavor with more consistency throughout, combine together both foamed gently warmed up with heated up regular non-foam liquid right before serving – this way neither will overpower one another creating memorable lattes!

As long as you follow these basic steps along with being patient while mixing/stirring all ingredients well – congratulations are in order since now every cappuccino or latte made by yourself is set up for success!

What Is The Best Espresso Machine For You?

There you have it! A selection of the best espresso machines under 500 dollars, perfect for anyone who loves coffee but doesn't want to spend a fortune on a machine. Click the check price button next to your favorite model to see the latest pricing information on Amazon. Enjoy your new espresso maker!

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