Best Home Espresso Machines Under $500 | 2025
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Imagine waking up to the aroma of fresh espresso, crafted exactly to your liking, without leaving your home. We believe that investing in a home espresso machine will elevate your coffee routine with convenience, quality, and creativity. In 2025, you can enjoy barista-level performance at an affordable price. We’ve rounded up the best home espresso machines under $500 to help you transform your coffee moments into something extraordinary. Here are six exceptional options to get you started.
Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact powerhouse designed for coffee enthusiasts who want barista-quality espresso at home without the hassle. Its standout feature is its rapid 3-second heat-up time, thanks to the ThermoJet heating system, making it perfect for those busy mornings. The automatic steam wand produces velvety microfoam, ideal for creating latte art and enhancing milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.
With user-friendly controls and a sleek, modern design, the Bambino Plus is easy to use and fits seamlessly into most kitchens. However, it doesn’t come with a built-in grinder, so pairing it with a quality burr grinder is essential for the best results. The durable build and consistent performance make it a favorite among coffee lovers looking for a balance between convenience and quality.
Pros:
- Lightning-fast heat-up time.
- Automatic steam wand for consistent milk frothing.
- Compact and stylish design.
Cons:
- No built-in grinder.
- Limited advanced customization for expert users.
De’Longhi Dedica Deluxe
The De’Longhi Dedica Deluxe is a top choice for coffee enthusiasts seeking a compact yet versatile espresso machine. With its slim profile, measuring just 6 inches wide, this machine is perfect for kitchens with limited counter space. The Dedica Deluxe boasts three temperature settings and precise volumetric controls, allowing users to customize their espresso strength to their liking.
Its adjustable steam wand is ideal for creating creamy, frothy milk for cappuccinos and lattes, making it beginner-friendly for those new to milk frothing. While its smaller water tank may require more frequent refills, this is a minor trade-off for its sleek design and consistent brewing performance.
Pros:
- Space-saving design
- Customizable temperature and espresso strength
- Easy-to-use steam wand for milk frothing
Cons:
- Small water tank capacity
- Limited to single and double shots
Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse+
The Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ is an excellent choice for coffee lovers who value simplicity and convenience. Designed with an intuitive one-touch interface, it’s ideal for beginners or those who prefer a hassle-free brewing process. With a 19-bar pump, it delivers rich, flavorful espresso topped with professional-quality crema. The automatic milk frother ensures perfectly frothed milk for lattes and cappuccinos, while its compact design fits well on most kitchen countertops.
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly, with simple controls and automated features.
- Affordable price point compared to other machines with similar capabilities.
- Consistent performance for a variety of drinks.
Cons:
- Limited customization options compared to higher-end machines.
- Plastic tamper and portafilter may feel less durable
Nespresso Vertuo Next
If you’re looking for an espresso machine that delivers café-quality drinks with minimal effort, the Nespresso Vertuo Next is a solid contender. Designed with convenience in mind, this sleek and compact machine is part of the coffee pod family and is perfect for anyone who values great coffee without the steep learning curve of a manual espresso maker.
Pros:
- Easy to Use: One-touch brewing with automatic capsule recognition.
- Versatile: Brews both espresso and coffee
- Compact Design: Sleek, space-saving, and stylish in white.
- Eco-Friendly: Made with 54% recycled materials; capsule recycling program available.
Cons:
- Ongoing Costs: Capsules can be pricey for frequent coffee drinkers.
- Capsule Only: Requires Nespresso Vertuo capsules—no fresh grounds.
- Limited Control: No options to adjust brew strength or temperature.
- No Frother: A frother must be purchased for additional cost.
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De’Longhi Stilosa
The De’Longhi Stilosa is an excellent entry-level espresso machine, perfect for those new to home brewing. It delivers a robust and aromatic espresso comparable to more expensive models, making it a great value for its price. The Stilosa features a stainless steel milk frother, allowing users to create creamy lattes and cappuccinos with ease. Its compact design ensures it fits comfortably in small kitchens, while the straightforward interface makes it accessible for beginners.
Pros:
- Affordable and beginner-friendly
- Compact and space-saving design
- Produces quality espresso and froths milk effectively
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Requires manual effort for tamping and frothing
Breville Bambino
The Breville Bambino is a compact, beginner-friendly espresso machine designed for those who value simplicity without sacrificing quality. With its ultra-fast heat-up time of just 3 seconds, this machine is perfect for busy mornings or impromptu coffee cravings. The Bambino produces consistent, café-quality espresso thanks to its precise PID temperature control and pre-infusion technology, which evenly saturates coffee grounds for optimal extraction.
While it lacks a built-in grinder, the Bambino pairs well with a quality burr grinder, giving users full control over their grind size. Its manual steam wand enables you to create silky microfoam for latte art, though it might take some practice for beginners to master.
Pros:
- Compact size ideal for small spaces.
- Ultra-fast heat-up time.
- Consistent espresso quality with precise temperature control.
- Durable stainless steel design.
Cons:
- No built-in grinder (requires additional purchase).
- Manual steaming may have a learning curve for some users.
Keep in Mind
When selecting the right espresso machine, consider your specific needs:
- Space Constraints: The De’Longhi Dedica Deluxe’s slim design is ideal for small kitchens.
- Automation vs. Control: If you prefer automated features, the Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ offers convenience, while the De’Longhi Stilosa provides more hands-on control.
- Additional Equipment: Machines like the Breville Bambino Plus and Bambino lack built-in grinders, so you’ll need to invest in a quality grinder for optimal results.
It is possible to find good espresso machines under $500. Let us know if you add any of these espresso machines to your home coffee bar, and tag us on Instagram @the.coffee.collect to share with the coffee community!
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