Espresso Machines for less than $500

[DanM]

I was wondering what machines I should look at for less than $500. I doubt that SWMBO will let me buy one, but it doesn't hurt to look.

Dan

[HungryC]

I'm happy with my Breville machine (around $400, can't remember the model #)...I ditched the pressurized, double-wall portafilter and got a single-walled one. That helped a bit, as did a proper tamper. ETA: my Bialetti stovetop moka pot (less than $40) makes excellent coffee, too.

Edited December 9, 2010 by HungryC (log)

[lancastermike]

Look at the Gaggia line. I have the Gaggia Classic, it does not look much like the new model but has worked fine for me for years and years

[Pilori]

Gizmodo just did a review of the Mypressi Twist, which is the handheld espresso maker. I have no idea how reputable Gizmodo is in terms quality reviews of coffee accessories, but it's an interesting option none the less. $170 + a $200 quality burr grinder is less than $500...

Link: http://gizmodo.com/5707531/mypressi-twist-review-home-espresso-dynamo

[Chris Amirault]

The Rancilio Silvia (Amazon link here) is a favorite of many around these parts. Ours is almost exactly ten years old and we use it 2-3 times per day. It's a bit outside your price range, but I'm now unable to drink espresso outside the house within Rhode Island state limits due to being spoiled.

[weinoo]

Of course, once you look at the Silvia, you have to look at a proper grinder too. Putting the total way out of the OP's budget.

[Alex]

It depends how much grinding and tamping you want to do. If you don't mind the heresy, as some would say, of an automatic machine, Costco has the Saeco Odea Go II for $399.99 shipped, until December 19. Ours has been hissing away merrily for nearly two years now. Do the regular maintenance (e.g., clean the brew group), put up with a couple of quirks, and life is good.

[bmdaniel]

I'd recommend home-barista.net for equipment advice - haven't pulled the trigger on anything besides an aeropress myself (which makes very serviceable 'espresso' and is highly recommended if you don't want to bite the bullet on the machine), but have done a lot of "window shopping" there.

[bmdaniel]

Of course, once you look at the Silvia, you have to look at a proper grinder too. Putting the total way out of the OP's budget.

I currently use an aeropress and a mazzer mini - obviously a little out of cost balance between machine and grinder but the nic thing is the grinder will last and be there when I'm ready to step up (hopefully to an Alex duetto ii in the next year or so).

[weinoo]

Of course, once you look at the Silvia, you have to look at a proper grinder too. Putting the total way out of the OP's budget.

I currently use an aeropress and a mazzer mini - obviously a little out of cost balance between machine and grinder but the nic thing is the grinder will last and be there when I'm ready to step up (hopefully to an Alex duetto ii in the next year or so).

I actually think that's the best way to approach it. You'll always have a great grinder, which along with excellent beans, is the key to good coffee.

[DanM]

It depends how much grinding and tamping you want to do. If you don't mind the heresy, as some would say, of an automatic machine, Costco has the Saeco Odea Go II for $399.99 shipped, until December 19. Ours has been hissing away merrily for nearly two years now. Do the regular maintenance (e.g., clean the brew group), put up with a couple of quirks, and life is good.

Some think that cars with automatic transmissions is heresy. But is gets the job done and serves most well. With a 9 month old terror, having the machine do 95% of the work has definite benefits.

Dan

[scubadoo97]

Fully automatic machines will give you a more consistent level of performance but the quality may be lower than with a semi-automatic machine where you can produce stellar coffee sometimes, but it is more dependent on the user and the stars lining up properly

[daves]

When my wife's decade old single boiler machine died, we were set on getting a super-automatic. A visit to a large coffee equipment store convinced us otherwise. The machines were ready to be used, and we both sampled espresso (same beans, same water) from a super-auto and an E61 group machine. First up was the super-auto: we thought the super-auto was pretty good, and you can't beat the simplicity. Well, it was pretty good until we tried the shot from the E61. Suddenly the super-auto shot tasted flat and 2-dimensional. The E61 shot was great, and we ended up with an E61 HX machine.

I wish I had stayed even longer and played with temperature control with different beans. That learning experienced moved me to a pid-controlled double boiler with fantastic temp control less than a year later. I really didn't like the randomness of the HX cooling flush...

Dan, you don't mention where you're located. Is there any chance that you can visit a well stocked store and actually taste the espresso from the machines? In the Seattle area there is Seattle Coffee Gear. In NY, there's Chris Coffee. There might be more.

Oh and the Mypressi produces phenomenal espresso when paired with fresh beans and care to make sure that the device and water is up to temp. The Twist, a quality hand grinder, and a small Bodum kettle is part of my travel kit.