Equipping yourself with the best espresso machine under $1500 will save you the hassle of rushing to the coffee shop every time you want a shot of foamy, rich, and dark espresso. You can make a wide array of espresso flavors with the following machines.
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My Top Espresso Machine Under $1500 Recommendations
The best espresso machine under $1500 is versatile. It will offer you the convenience of grinding coffee beans and extracting a high-quality shot of espresso in your kitchen. The following espresso machines are easy to use, making them suitable for both espresso esports and beginners.
Best Overall Espresso Machine Under $1500: Philips 3200 Series Automatic Espresso Machine
Whether you are a coffee brewing connoisseur or novice, you will love the convenience and ease of use that comes with the Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine.
This machine comes with an intuitive control panel that features a drinks menu where you can set different elements for your drink, such as strength, water, and milk.
Unlike the Gaggia Carezza Deluxe Espresso Machine, this machine comes with an indicator light that lets you know when to refill the water tank, clean out the excess coffee grounds, or descale the machine.
It features a ceramic flat burr with up to 12 grind settings, allowing you to grind the beans to the size you desire. Like the Breville Barista BES870XL Espresso Machine, you only need to flip up a lid on top of this espresso machine and then add the pre-measured coffee into the chute.
Unlike the 47 ounces water reservoir capacity in the Gaggia Carezza Deluxe Espresso Machine, the Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine features a 0.476 gallons water reservoir, so you don’t have to keep refilling.
Pros
- User-friendly control panel allows you to brew espresso without barista skills
- Unlike the Gaggia Carezza Deluxe Espresso Machine, you can brew espresso using coffee beans or ground coffee
Cons
- Produces some noise when grinding coffee beans, making it unsuitable for office use
- Power button is challenging to push, especially if you do not place your finger on the right spot before pushing
- With Philips 3200 Series enjoy the delicious taste and aroma of coffee from fresh beans and perfect...
- EASY BEVERAGE SELECTION: Easily select your favorite drinks in just one touch with 6 beverage...
- LATTEGO MILK SYSTEM: Effortlessly make silky-smooth milk froth, even with plant-based alternatives...
Best Espresso Machine Under $1500 With Automatic Temperature Control: Breville Barista BES870XL Espresso Machine
If you are looking for an espresso machine that will give you precise control over the size of your coffee bean grind regardless of the type of bean you’re using, you can’t go wrong with the Breville Barista BES870XL Espresso Machine.
Like in the Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine, you can toss your coffee beans into the machine and have your espresso ready in less than one minute if you’re in a hurry.
To get a distinctive character, intense flavors, and aroma of the coffee, you need to have the right dose of around 0.67 to 0.78 ounces of ground coffee beans. Otherwise, the resulting espresso will taste weak and watery.
Typically, this espresso machine uses a 15 bar pump. Like the Gaggia Carezza Deluxe Espresso Machine, it uses an initial low pre-infusion pressure to allow the water to soak into the grinds and then uses the high nine bar pressure during the extraction process.
These pressure variations result in a sweet, rich, and dense espresso. Unlike the Gaggia Carezza Deluxe, this machine has digital temperature control, ensuring optimal temperature for better espresso extraction.
Pros
- Pressure variations during the brewing process make the final espresso rich and viscous
- Clean me light helps to remind you when to clean and maintain the machine, prolonging its lifespan
Cons
- Small water reservoir will need frequent refills
- Bottom water catcher fills fast, and you need to empty it frequently
- The Breville Barista Express delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula...
- DOSE CONTROL GRINDING: Integrated precision conical burr grinder grinds on demand to deliver the...
- OPTIMAL WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and...
Best Versatile Espresso Machine Under $1500: Gaggia Carezza Deluxe Espresso Machine
The Gaggia Carezza Deluxe Espresso Machine is a versatile machine you can use to brew espresso and froth milk beverages such as a latte and cappuccino. It features a pressurized portafilter that prepares espresso from both ESE pods and ground coffee.
However, the Gaggia Carezza Deluxe doesn’t have an integrated grinder, so you cannot use coffee beans like in the Breville Barista BES870XL. This machine enhances the extraction process for even and rich espresso by pre-wetting the coffee grounds before brewing.
If you’re pro energy saving, you will love the automatic power-down feature that powers it down to save energy if you don’t use it for nine minutes.
Unlike the Breville Barista BES870XL, this machine comes with a heated metallic cup warmer which helps to keep the cups warm so your espresso won’t lose heat after serving.
It also features a double basket that can hold up to 0.63 ounces of ground coffee, allowing it to brew a richer and fuller espresso. Unlike the Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic, the 47 ounces water reservoir requires frequent refills.
Pros
- With a weight of 13.2 pounds, it is the most lightweight on my list, making it suitable for carrying around
- Pre-infusion and the pre-wetting feature ensures even and rich extraction
Cons
- Without a grinding feature, you can only use ESE coffee pods or pre-ground coffee
- Pump doesn’t prime automatically, and you might end up with a vapor lock when you run out of water
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing...
- FROTHING FOR MILK BEVERAGES: Pannarello wand frothing for cappuccinos & lattes. Wand doubles as a...
- Brewing features: pressurized porta filter brews both ground Coffee and ESE pods. Pre-infusion...
Features to Consider in the Best Espresso Machine Under $1500
Espresso machines come in different types, some being manual, others semi-automatic, and others fully automatic. They also vary in size, features, capacity, and build quality. The table below breaks down some of these variations for easier digestion.
| Espresso Machine | Construction Material | Mode of Operation | Water Capacity (Ounces) |
| Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine | Plastic | Fully Automatic | 60 |
| Breville Barista BES870XL | Steel | Semi-Automatic | 67 |
| Gaggia Carezza Deluxe | Plastic | Semi-Automatic | 47 |
Durability
Different espresso machines are constructed using different materials, which reflects on their durability. Some espresso machines feature a plastic top and bottom construction with stainless steel sides, some feature a complete plastic construction, and others feature metal construction.
Typically, an espresso machine constructed of metal will be more durable and can maintain the heat better than one constructed of plastic. For instance, the steel construction of the Breville Barista BES870XL Espresso Machine makes it more sturdy, durable, and reliable than the plastic constructed Gaggia Carezza Deluxe Espresso Machine.
Remember that many electric parts in an espresso machine will require extra care and maintenance. That means a manual espresso machine will tend to be more durable than a fully automatic one.
Ease of Cleaning
It is advisable to check the features of the espresso machine to ensure you can clean it using your readily available around-the-house tools. Some high-end espresso machines, such as the Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine, are easy to clean and even come with an indicator light that reminds you it is time to clean.
Size
Espresso machines come in varying sizes, and you need to consider the available space in your kitchen before choosing an espresso machine. The big espresso machines will have some extra features or can brew two espresso shots at a go.
That means you will need to make a trade-off between the extra features, the output, and the kitchen space. The size of the espresso machine will also determine the size of the water reservoir and how frequently you will need to refill it.
Keep in mind that some models, such as the Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine and the Breville Barista BES870XL Espresso Machine, have grinders that need refilling from the top, so you need to make sure your kitchen cabinet has enough space vertically for such.
Ease of Use
Espresso machines are not equal when it comes to usability, and some will have extra features that make them easier to use than others. For example, a manual espresso machine will need barista skills to extract a rich and fuller espresso.
A fully automatic espresso machine such as the Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine comes with extra features that make it easy to use even for a novice.
For the automatic espresso machines, you will only need to set the elements of the drink you desire from the drinks menu in the control panel. Even if you are a coffee brewing connoisseur, you may opt to use a fully automatic espresso machine to save time.
Integrated Coffee Grinder
Some espresso machines can only use pre-ground coffee. Others, such as the Breville Barista BES870XL Espresso Machine, have an integrated coffee grinder, and you only need to toss your coffee beans into the machine.
If the espresso machine doesn’t have a built-in coffee grinder, it means you need to purchase pre-ground coffee or have a separate coffee grinder. Typically, brewing your espresso using freshly grounded coffee beans can make a significant difference in the aroma and flavor of the espresso.
Unlike having an espresso machine and a coffee grinder as separate appliances, having an espresso machine with an integrated coffee grinder will help save counter space.
Cup Warmer
Usually, heat will seep from your hot espresso if you serve it in cold cups. You can help maintain the warmth of your espresso by serving it in warm cups.
Instead of warming your cups in a different appliance such as a microwave, you can consider going for an espresso machine that features a cup warmer such as the Gaggia Carezza Deluxe Espresso Machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should I Clean an Espresso Machine?
You should clean the espresso machine when the indicator light alerts you to clean it. If you’re making one shot in a day, it is advisable to clean it after every use. However, if you tend to prepare several shots in a day, you can clean the machine after several uses.
Should I Turn Off the Espresso Machine at Night?
Yes, it is advisable to turn off the espresso machine at night and at any other time you are not using it. Typically, this gives the machine time to cool gradually, minimizing the wear and tear from thermal contractions and expansions.
Final Thoughts
With the best espresso machine under $1500, you can enjoy an intensely flavored espresso from freshly ground coffee beans in the comfort of your home. Regardless of your barista skills, you will love the convenience and versatility the above espresso machines offer.
