Best Espresso Machine Under $500
The Breville Bambino Plus is our top pick for beginners who want an easy-to-use espresso machine under $500. Choose the Breville Bambino if you want more room in your budget for a grinder, or the Gaggia Classic Pro if you prefer a more hands-on machine and are comfortable with a steeper learning curve. Below, each pick includes what reviewers liked, what to watch out for, and the sources we used. Prices are approximate.
1Breville Bambino Plus
Best fit for a beginner who wants an easy-to-use machine and wants to stay under $500. It’s a beginner-friendly option under $500, and new users report being happy with it as a first machine.
What reviewers like
- Beginner-friendly first-machine pick
- An option under $500
Watch out for
- At about $500, it uses nearly the entire budget
- Plan for a separate grinder; the machine price alone does not cover a full setup
2Breville Bambino
A strong lower-cost choice if you want to leave room in the budget for a grinder. It is an entry-level machine, and beginners may get good results more easily with it than with the Gaggia.
What reviewers like
- Costs about $300, leaving more budget for a grinder
- Entry-level machine
Watch out for
- Beginner advice favors the Bambino generally, without comparing every feature
3Gaggia Classic Pro
A capable option if you want a more hands-on machine and are comfortable with a steeper learning curve. It is a top pick under $500, though beginners may find the Bambino easier to get good results with.
What reviewers like
- A review publication names it a best-under-$500 machine
- At about $456
Watch out for
- Less beginner-friendly than the Bambino
- Leaves little room in the budget for a grinder
Describe your exact situation and the parrot will find your best match.