If you are in a hurry and want to find out which is the best espresso machine under 1000 dollars, I’d recommend the Rancilio Silvia as the best one.

3 best espresso machines under $1000 in 2023

Best espresso machines under $1000 in 2023

The espresso machines market for home use is growing, and many products available aren’t worth the price.

I wrote this review researching dozens of espresso machines and asking baristas and machine technicians to learn more about the key features.

Below is a detailed buying guide with the best espresso machines for less than 1000 dollars.

I did my best to avoid excessive technicalities. Still, please drop in the comment section any questions you have.

I am happy to help!

Now, without further ado, let’s know which are the best espresso machines for under 1000 dollars.

• Rancilio Silvia – Our Top Pick
• Breville Infuser Espresso Machine – Best Value in Espresso Machines under $1000
• Jura A1 – Best Super-automatic Machine without Steam Wand under $1000
• Jura D6 – Best Super-automatic Machine with milk frother under $1000
• Breville Barista Touch – Best Espresso Machine with built-in grinder under $1000
• La Pavoni Europiccola – Best Classic Espresso Machine under $1000
• Breville Bambino Plus – Best compact Espresso Machine under $1000
• Flair 58 – Best Non-Electric Espresso Machine under $1000

Do you have an espresso grinder?

Compak E5 OD Espresso Grinder

Why do we ask that?

Pulling the trigger on a 1K espresso machine without a good grinder is a waste of money. Indeed, a dedicated grinder for espresso will give you better results and will play a more prominent role than your espresso machine most of the time.

That’s why it’s so important to get an espresso grinder. For 1000 dollars, you can get a pretty good espresso machine, so it would be a shame to get awful espresso because of a mediocre coffee grinder.

In other words, if you’re in the market for an espresso machine, it’s important to remember that you’ll also need a dedicated grinder. That way, you’ll make great-tasting coffee at home.

One thing to remember is that buying two separate units is often better than one machine with a built-in grinder. That way, you can choose the best machine for your needs. Plus, you won’t have to replace both if something goes wrong with one of your appliances.

A few machines on our list have built-in grinders, but they aren’t our first option. We recommend building a custom-made espresso setup. Fully automatic espresso machines are very convenient, but they aren’t durable. You can get better espresso with a top-quality grinder like the Eureka Mignon Specialita, the DF64, or the Baratza Sette 270.

In short, an espresso grinder is essential to make great-tasting coffee at home. So don’t forget to budget for one when shopping for an espresso machine!

What to expect from an espresso machine under 1000 dollars?

Top-class espresso machines are expensive; you can find prosumer espresso machines for over 3000 dollars. Sure, you can get espresso machines for under 500 dollars. I’m not telling you you’ll get only cheap stuff under $1000. What I’m trying to tell you is that 1000 dollars won’t get you the absolute best espresso machine.

This price range is for mid-priced espresso machines. You’ll find great quality products here: every machine in our selection produces great espresso, has decent durability, and has a good brand behind it. The main differences are in aesthetics, convenience, and the range of drinks they can serve.

And there is the espresso-making experience factor too. Cheaper espresso machines will produce similar results, but their flimsy construction, poor-quality accessories, and overall design will break your heart. Well, if you’re a sensitive person. If not, they’ll get you a meh experience, like taking a crowded bus instead of driving a nice car or walking in a beautiful, clean park.

How to Choose the Best Espresso Machine Under 1000: Buying Guide

When looking for the best espresso machine under 1000, it is vital to consider some factors. How many espressos do you want to brew at once? What are your favorite coffee drinks? What features are important to you?

All these factors are essential when selecting the best machine for your needs. By considering them, you can make a sound decision that will meet your needs now and in the future.

For that purpose, I explain below the key features so you can make an informed decision.

The Three kinds of espresso machines: super-automatic, semiautomatic, and manual

There are three types of espresso machines: manual, semiautomatic, and super-automatic.

Super-automatic espresso machines are the best for beginners because they’re straightforward. They have built-in grinders; the best among them are programmable, with a menu of coffee drinks with milk. In our review, you’ll find two super-automatic espresso machines from Jura. We picked them because the manufacturer has a sound reputation for building long-lasting espresso machines, good customer service, and delivering great espresso drinks.

The main advantage of super-automatic espresso machines is their convenience. They can make delicious coffee with the push of a button. Their usual downside is that they tend to be pricey, hard to clean, and many have durability issues. Moreover, you can often find better coffee grinders without a significant price difference.

Semiautomatic espresso machines are my favorites, so I recommend a semiautomatic espresso machine as the best in this price range. They give you an outstanding balance between convenience and the home barista experience. They don’t have a built-in grinder, but they have technical features to make espresso extraction and milk-frothing more reliable. Moreover, they are durable and well-built.

Finally, manual espresso machines are an excellent option for more hands-on experience. Depending on the type of machine, you can have more or less variability in espresso extraction. For this review, I included a true classic, La Pavoni Europiccola. The espresso-making experience with this lever espresso machine is fantastic and makes for a genuinely luxurious routine. The Flair 58, the golden standard of manual espresso makers, is my second recommendation in this price range. It has impressive quality, and the pre-heating feature puts it slightly ahead of more sophisticated machines like La Pavoni Europiccola.

In short, we recommend semiautomatic espresso machines as they allow for learning coffee-making and latte art skills. However, consider your preferences before choosing your favorite.

Group Head

The group head or the brew group is vital to any espresso machine. It is where the coffee grounds and water mix at high temperatures and pressure to create an espresso shot. The brew group should be easy to clean and do simple troubleshooting.

The best espresso machines have brew groups capable of keeping a steady temperature while managing the pressure. In our selection, all espresso machines have good-quality brew groups. In the case of the super-automatic espresso machines, the extraction technology is pretty different. Still, it emulates the pressure and temperature control in more conventional espresso machines like semiautomatics and manual espresso machines.

Dimensions

When looking for an espresso machine, it is important to check the size and weight. This is because you will want to ensure that the machine fits in the allotted space. Additionally, some machines are heavier than others, so you must consider that when lifting and moving the machine.

Most machines in our selection have a small footprint. The main limitations are for lever machines, like the Flair 58 and La Pavoni Europiccola. That is, in terms of the room available above them.

The widest machines in our selection have built-in grinders. In any case, it’s worth checking the specific dimensions of your favorite machine before buying.

Construction

One of the most important factors when buying an espresso machine is its building materials. Machines made from metal will last longer than those made from plastic. Additionally, the quality of the internal parts is even more critical.

Some features like touch panels, buttons, and switches are worth attention. Our favorite machines have good quality features that tend to be durable. Yet, touch panels become a liability over time compared to high-quality plastic or metal switches.

Digital Temperature Control (PID)

PID stands for a technology that controls the stability of water temperature. The thermostat is designed to heat up and cool down the boiler, making for inconsistent coffee results.

A digital temperature control based on PID technology provides consistency by ensuring the water temperature is at a specific level, resulting in a better espresso drink. And just as important, you’ll know the best temperature for each coffee bean.

Pressure gauge

A pressure gauge is an important feature when choosing an espresso machine. You can make the perfect espresso by brewing at around 9 bars of pressure. A pressure gauge allows you to adjust the force a coffee is brewed with. You’ll learn more about your espresso and adjust the grind size by checking the taste, body, and extraction time.

Water source

When looking for the best espresso machine, it is essential to consider the water source. Some machines can be plumbed, but most come with a water reservoir.

Using a water reservoir may initially seem annoying, but all machines in our selection have enough capacity to serve over 40 single shots without refilling.

Regarding your preference, remember that most espresso machines below 1000 dollars can’t be plumbed without advanced technical skills.

Steam wand

The steam wand is a small metal stick extending from the machine’s side. It’s used to heat and froth milk for drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.

The best espresso machines have professional-grade steam wands. Some pretty good machines in this list have good steam wands that emulate professional settings, and overall you’ll be able to get silky, frothy milk to practice your latte art skills.

The only exception is super-automatic machines like the Jura D6. Although they come with a milk frother, they don’t have a steam wand. Usually, milk frothers in super-automatic espresso machines accomplish a pleasant result, but it isn’t equivalent to a steam wand operated by a barista.

Heating speed

Modern espresso machines can be ready in minutes, if not in seconds. Most machines are incredibly fast for home use compared to commercial-grade espresso makers.

In this regard, most machines perform at their best after letting them heat for about 20 minutes before use. Even those capable of getting ready in seconds produce better espresso when the group head is hot.

Ease of cleaning and maintenance

Cleaning an espresso machine is not as difficult as you may think.

It is important to learn how easy it is to take apart and clean the different elements, such as the drip tray. Some parts may require soaking or specialist cleaning materials.

The hardest to clean are espresso machines with built-in grinders, most of the time. Mainly because they are a 2-in-1 appliance, and keeping the grinder clean is as important as the machine itself.

Additionally, super-automatic espresso machines have a reservoir for the used pucks, and it’s always better to clean this part daily for sanitary reasons.

For the rest of the espresso machines, checking the recommended descaling cycles and instructions for cleaning and care is crucial.

Price

We picked only good value machines for this selection. Indeed, some espresso machines are a bit pricey, but they have sound quality in performance, durability, and looks.

Remember that prices can change; some machines may exceed the budget over the year and at some retailers. The best espresso machine on our list, the Rancilio Silvia, has been under 1000 dollars for years, so it’s a pretty solid option. More affordable machines like the Breville Bambino Plus and the Flair 58 should always be below the maximum budget if you want the best price.

Still, we encourage you to check the options in our review. And more than that, to look at the features that will move the needle for you.

Best Home Espresso Machine under 1000 dollars

Knowing where to start when finding the best home espresso machine for under 1000 dollars can be tough. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you make the right decision for your needs.

The Breville BES500BSS is our top pick for several reasons. Firstly, it has an impressive set of features for the price point, including a built-in grinder and 15 bar pump pressure. It’s also straightforward, with a simple control panel and intuitive design. Finally, it produces consistently great espresso shots time after time.

If the Breville isn’t quite right for you, the Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine is another option worth considering. This model has been around for years and is often praised by coffee aficionados for its quality shots. However, it does require a bit more manual input than some of the other machines on this list, so keep that in mind if you’re not particularly experienced in making espresso.

Finally, we recommend avoiding machines that don’t have any ratings yet. This could mean two things: either they haven’t been released onto the market long enough for people to review them, or they’re not up to scratch. In either case, it’s probably best to steer clear for the time being.

We hope this guide has helped narrow your search for the best home espresso machine for under 1000 dollars. Consider your needs and preferences before making a decision and happy brewing!

Rancilio Silvia – The Best Espresso Machine under $1000 | Our Top Pick

Pros:

• Professional barista experience: the 58 mm portafilter, steam wand, and overall machine design make you feel like a professional barista. Ergonomic design, solid construction, and top-quality materials provide this machine’s unique sense of craftsmanship. These features make the Rancilio Silvia the best machine for home baristas who want to fine-tune their espresso-making skills and knowledge.
• Delicious, top-notch espresso: the Rancilio Silvia delivers great espresso. It’s built and designed for that. All parts are commercial grade, from the portafilter to the group head and the single boiler. Although a temperature controller would make things easier, you can get espresso just like that from your favorite café with the Rancilio Silvia.
• Superior durability: few espresso machines get such overwhelming praise for durability. And no other under $1000 has customers saying once and again that they have had a Rancilio Silvia for more than 5, 10, and 15 years without any major issues. A true workhorse, the Rancilio Silvia is easy to service and maintain, and the manufacturer keeps a healthy inventory of spare parts. With such a reputation, it isn’t hard to sell if you ever want to upgrade to a fancier prosumer machine.
• Great capacity and heating system: the Rancilio Silvia has a 67 fl. oz water reservoir, which is among the best in this price range for home use. Moreover, its single boiler holds 12 oz, which is better than most competitors. The cherry on top is its steam power, which is exceptionally good for a single boiler machine. Unlike other lower-quality espresso makers, the Rancilio Silvia offers you a smooth workflow to prepare espresso and froth milk back to back.
• Top-class milk frothing capability: it’s a great espresso machine for latte art champions and enthusiasts. For beginners, it might be frustrating because the steam wand is just like any other commercial-grade espresso machine. You have to know what you’re doing, but if you do, you’ll get silky, smooth, perfect frothy milk for your cappuccinos, flat whites, and café lattes.

Cons:

• No built-in digital temperature control: the standard Rancilio Silvia doesn’t include any PIDPID controller to deal with temperature variability. Sadly, this means a lot of guesswork while dialing your espresso with this machine. However, you can get a Rancilio Silvia with a pre-installed PID and preinfusion system for a few hundred more. Some home baristas prefer to service their espresso machines and upgrade them at home for a few bucks, but that compromises the manufacturer’s warranty.
• Slow start: few things have changed from the original 1997 Rancilio Silvia. And the Rancilio Silvia heating technology has advanced, but not in terms of the starting speed. The Rancilio Silvia takes some minutes to get ready, which is pretty different from modern espresso machines for home use.
• Learning curve: there’s a downside to the professional espresso-making experience. The Rancilio Silvia offers little assistance dialing your espresso without any temperature display or pressure gauge. Besides, it takes some barista skills to get the best out of this machine.

Breville Infuser – Best Value in Espresso Machines under $1000

Pros:

• Great espresso extraction: the Breville Infuser has several features that help beginners to get more reliable results. This machine has a PID controller for temperature adjustment, optimal pressure management, and a 54 mm good-quality portafilter. In other words, the Breville Infuser Espresso Machine is designed with precise and repeatable espresso extraction in mind.
• Good milk frothing system: the Breville Infuser has a top-class steam wand replicating the barista experience. I like this feature because it’s perfect for latte art. Moreover, the steam wand is well-built and has enough mobility to froth milk appropriately.
• Sound heating technology: the Breville Infuser gets ready for the first espresso in less than a minute. Several users recommend turning the machine on 15 minutes ahead for optimal results, but it isn’t entirely necessary. The waiting time between dialing espresso and frothing milk is also a few seconds.
• Superior feedback and user interface: the Breville Infuser punches above its level here, offering more information to dial your espresso. It’s great for espresso aficionados and coffee geeks who like to tweak all variables.
• Appealing design and aesthetics:  the Breville Infuser has a solid and sleek design in stainless steel. Moreover, it comes in three colors, giving you more space to experiment with your home color palette.

Cons:

• 1-year limited product warranty. Surprisingly, competitors and even more affordable Breville espresso machines have a more extended warranty. If you buy directly from Breville, extending the warranty is quite reasonable. Still, it’s annoying not having a solid warranty as a default.

Jura A1 Espresso Machine – Best Automatic Espresso Machine without milk frother

Pros:

• Great espresso: Jura’s espresso extraction technology (PEP) and the built-in Aroma G3 grinder make the Jura A1 the best automatic espresso machine without a milk frother. It’s perfect for espresso lovers who don’t have time or interest in learning barista skills. You’ll only have to pick good coffee beans, fill the hopper, and press a button. The learning curve is relatively short here, and you can make great espresso after little experimentation. It’s surprisingly easy to get delicious espresso with the Jura A1.
• Superior construction and durability: few automatic espresso machines in this price range have the build quality, such as the Jura A1. Inside-out, it’s a top-quality machine made to last and perform at its top for years.
• Programmable, customizable, and JOE app compatible: you can streamline your espresso routine with the Jura A1. You can program your favorite coffee strength and espresso drinks, and it’s JOE app compatible, which enables you to set your drink remotely.

Cons:

• No milk-frothing system: if you ever want to make a cappuccino, you’ll want to have a separate milk frother within reach.
• Limited capacity: the Jura A1 has a 36.8 fl. oz water reservoir. Although it’s enough for a bunch of espressos, it’s almost half our list average. So, if you’re preparing many Americanos, you might need to refill the tank often.

Jura D6 Espresso Machine – Best Automatic Espresso Machine with a milk frother

Pros:

• Delicious espresso and coffee drinks: Jura’s proprietary technology offers great espresso consistently. The best Jura espresso machines include an excellent grinder and advanced espresso extraction technology. Although the Jura D6 is an earlier model, it’s no exception here. It takes little practice to learn the best grind size and preferred strength. You might need to adjust when getting new coffee beans, but this machine is quite reliable. Additionally, you quickly get frothy drinks done.
• Customization: the Jura D6 has adjustable coffee strength, water level, and temperature.
• Straightforward control panel: this machine has one of the simplest control panels, despite having a wider range of custom options. Additionally, it’s one of the sturdiest and most durable.
• Water filtering system: the Jura D6 has a smart system that warns you when to change the water filter. Moreover, the water filtering system helps you control the water quality so that your coffee isn’t ruined by hard water or chemicals in tap water.

Cons:

• Price: although the market is constantly changing, the Jura D6 is close to the budget maximum.
• A bit outdated: the Jura D6 is a great espresso machine, but it isn’t the most advanced in the Jura D series. The company has released several similar products since the Jura D6 was in the market, with more advanced grinders and extraction technologies. Still, it’s excellent value for the price, and it’s in production precisely because many people still want to get the Jura D6.

Read our review of the best affordable super-automatic espresso machines for more options.

Breville Barista Touch Espresso Maker – Best Espresso Machine with a built-in grinder

Pros:

• Intuitive, programmable, and superior functionality: the Breville Barista Touch has a touch control panel for easy operation. This machine lets you select different coffee drinks, adjusting coffee grounds’ coarseness, milk temperature, and texture. Additionally, it has eight programmable settings to customize drinks and the overall workflow.
• Excellent versatility: unlike most automatic espresso machines, the Breville Barista Touch has some semiautomatic features that add to its versatility. For instance, it lets you pick between hands-free milk-frothing or operating the steam wand manually. Likewise, the default drinks menu has five different drinks with a good range of customizations.
• Good-quality built-in grinder: espresso machines with built-in grinders tend to have mediocre ones. The Breville Barista Touch has a good grinder, 30-grind size settings, and hardened stainless steel conical burrs.
• Design and construction: many automatic espresso machines in this price range come in plastic. The Breville Barista Touch has a nice stainless steel finish with good-quality parts. Each element looks and feels good, from the 54 mm pressurized portafilter to the drip tray.

Cons:

• Durability and technical support: with all these bells and whistles, the Breville Barista Touch sacrifices durability. According to several customers, the touch panel and the grinder can start to fail after a couple of years. In terms of warranty, the manufacturer offers a 2-year repair warranty. We have found that the manufacturer’s customer and technical service is okay but not stellar.
• Learning curve: don’t let the intuitive interface create false expectations. Knowing how to get good espresso from this machine is challenging. You’ll spend some time sorting out your preferred settings, from the grind size, extraction time, and water temperature.

If you wonder why I picked the Barista Touch over the Barista Express, the reason is simple. The Breville Barista Touch is a newer model with more advanced technology, superior construction, and better performance.

Breville Bambino Plus – Best Compact Espresso Machine

Pros:

• Ready in seconds: unlike most espresso machines, the Breville Bambino Plus heats in seconds. As a result, you can start your espresso routine without waiting, and it’s smooth to switch from espresso-making to milk frothing.
• User friendly: the panel has a few buttons, and they are intuitive to use. Most complexities of espresso-making go for adjusting the grind size. The Breville Bambino Plus doesn’t add any complications to the process.
• Good customization options to froth milk: the Breville Bambino Plus punches above its weight here, as in many other features. It includes a hands-free setting, which is very convenient. But it lets you use the steam wand manually, and I love that because you can learn how to make latte art with this affordable and compact espresso machine.
• Compact and well-built: only the Jura A1 is as compact as the Breville Bambino Plus on our list. The Bambino Plus looks good, has a small footprint, and it’s solid. I love how it can fit most countertops and espresso bars without compromising construction quality.
• Good capacity: for its size, the Breville Bambino has a great water reservoir with a 64 fl. oz capacity. It’s surprising, considering how smaller it’s, comparing it with other machines with a similar capacity, like most machines in this list.
• Comes in a wide range of colors: many people love the Breville Bambino Plus because of the colors available. You can choose from nine different colors, and they all look well-finished and sleek.

Cons:

• Entry-level accessories and portafilter: it isn’t surprising to find medium-quality accessories for this price. Yet, it’s worth noting that if you want to upgrade your game, you’ll quickly replace the default portafilter and tamper.
• Limited features to adjust extraction variables: many espresso machines in our list have panels to read pressure and temperature levels. The Breville Bambino Plus has none of this but two buttons to adjust milk frothing variables. For extraction, it only offers adjustable settings to make single and double espresso.

For more details, you can read our comparison between the Breville Bambino and the Bambino Plus.

La Pavoni Europiccola – Best Classic Espresso Machine

Pros:

• Great espresso and milk frothing: after learning a few tricks, you can get top-class espresso from this machine. It takes some training, but no barista has ever complained of a La Pavoni Europiccola performance. If you have the skills, it will deliver great espresso. The same happens with the steam wand. It works well and lets you froth milk, just as it should be, to get a silky cappuccino or a caffè latte.
• Classic look: few machines have the aesthetic appeal of a La Pavoni Espresso Machine. It’s a gem of a find with an old-fashioned charm. Some prefer a Rolls to a Ferrari, and La Pavoni is a Rolls, for that matter.
• Durability: a true workhorse, hundreds of customers praise the Europiccola for its solid construction and top-quality parts. As a result, La Pavoni Europiccola is a long-lasting espresso machine.
• Compact: perfect for most home espresso bars, La Pavoni Europiccola is small and can fit most countertops. The only thing to measure with extra care is that you need room to pull the lever appropriately.

Cons:

• Basic accessories: the accessories included make a mismatch with the machine’s aesthetics. It feels like a Rolls-Royce and a cheap key chain. This plastic tamper is included in models that cost about half or less than the La Pavoni Europiccola. I recommend ordering a professional tamper with this machine. The portafilter, on the other hand, is good enough. If you order the version with wood accents, it’s a beautiful portafilter. Still, the included portafilter doesn’t offer the ergonomics and style you get from the best machines, like the Rancilio Silvia.
• Challenging to master: this machine is a classic, and the looks and experience sacrifice the user interface. James Hoffmann recommends using group temperature strips, while others prefer using an IR thermometer. The thing is, you don’t have PID controls or any other feature to tweak water temperature. Moreover, pressure varies depending on the strength and technique for pulling and pressing the lever. This machine is for people who love a challenging experience and become proud of taming a complex machine. Not for convenience-oriented people.

Flair 58 Espresso Maker – Best Manual Espresso Maker

Pros:

• Great espresso-making experience and results: the Flair 58 delivers! Most customers praise the experience of dialing espressos with the Flair 58. Simpler models from Flair, like the Signature and the PRO series, can provide good espresso, but the Flair 58 is better. The built-in pre-heating feature helps to get a more reliable and consistent extraction. Moreover, the whole espresso-making experience feels like true craftsmanship at work.
• Portable and light: the Flair 58 is still a portable device for an espresso maker. It weighs 8 pounds, so it isn’t a feather, but it’s easy to carry on, and you can grab it for a road trip or even air travel without too much of a problem. If you ever get out of the grid, you might use it without the pre-heating function, which is impossible with the rest of the machines on this list.
• Compact: it’s pretty narrow, so it takes little room to fit in. The major limitation to operating it is the height, which doesn’t seem excessive. Once assembled, the lever up reaches 24.5 inches tall, which tends to be prohibitive for settings with cabinets above the espresso maker.

Cons:

• No-milk frother: you’ll have to get a separate milk frother if you like to make frothy coffee drinks like cappuccinos, café lattes, and flat whites. It’s better for espresso and Americanos if you heat extra water while preparing your espresso.
• No-water reservoir: the Flair espresso makers aren’t for people looking for efficiency and convenience.
• Pricey: many people would be surprised to compare the price of the Flair 58 with other popular machines on our list, like the Breville Bambino Plus. Even our top pick, the Rancilio Silvia, is just a couple hundred dollars above. Looking at Flair espresso makers, the Flair 58 is the best among them. But we aren’t sure it’s worth that price compared to other espresso machines.

The Verdict: Best Espresso Machine under $1000

Looking at the balance between value, price, and espresso-making experience, the Rancilio Silvia is the best espresso machine for under 1000 dollars.

The Rancilio Silvia is durable, it can be easily upgraded and serviced, the manufacturer has a sound reputation, and it performs like a commercial-grade espresso machine.

Other options are worth considering if you’re looking for a more convenient experience, like the Jura D6, which serves you a drink at the push of a button. And on the other extreme, the La Pavoni Europiccola provides a classic and more challenging experience.

Our review includes solid options to pick from, accommodating a wide range of coffee enthusiasts. Hopefully, you found a machine that makes the click for you!

Are you curious about more affordable espresso machines?

Our team has reviewed and analyzed tons of espresso machines in almost all possible price ranges. Check out our reviews to find the best espresso machines for your budget:

• Best espresso machines under $500

• Best espresso machines under $300