6 Best Espresso Machines Under $1000

A $1,000 budget gives you access to many great home espresso machines. All types of espresso makers, from manual to fully automatic, are available at this price point, and there are plenty of very good ones.

Our top pick is the semi-automatic Rancilio Silvia M for its commercial-grade and long-lasting build.Perfect for someone who isn’t afraid of a learning curve and wants to get a little hands-on.

But, if you prefer a fully automatic machine, go with the Breville Barista Pro.

There are other good options as well. Here are the 6 best espresso machines under $1,000, depending on what you’re looking for.

Best Overall Espresso Machine: Rancilio Silvia M

Who Should Buy: The Rancilio Silvia M should be the first machine that everyone who wants a traditional (i.e. non-automatic) machine looks at. It’s a highly capable machine and the best value espresso machine for less than $1,000 (and perhaps at any price point). You might not be sure why the machine is referred to as “Miss Silvia” when you first get it, but you’ll affectionately be referring to her as Miss Silvia 20 years from now.

“Miss Silvia” will outshine most models on the list, and she’ll outlast virtually all of them. Instead of fancy features, you’ll find what’s needed to pull great espresso and an excellent build quality.

Rancilio exclusively produced commercial espresso machines for a long time, until the company entered the consumer market with the Silvia M in 2007. The model is comprised of Rancilio’s commercial-grade parts, but housed in a “consumer grade” body. That happens to be a consumer grade body that’s built around a solid iron frame and covered with strong stainless steel. There’s a reason the model is frequently described as being “built like a tank.”

What the Silvia M offers in durability, the model does lack in features. The design hasn’t been updated much since the machine debuted more than 25 years ago, still featuring just a logo, power switch, steam knob and three buttons (brew, hot water and steam). Those three buttons have technically been updated so it’s more clear what they do, but you’ll still think Rancilio just pulled buttons off of old machines from the 80s — even the clipart of the 90s is more stylish than these.

Without many features, there is a fairly steep learning curve for newer baristas who get the Silvia M. The commercial group head, full-size basket and professional steam wand work perfectly in experienced hands, but you might need to spend some time practicing with these first. As you get more advanced in skill, you can use all sorts of aftermarket accessories since the machine has a standard commercial group head (58mm).

One drawback even for experienced baristas is the Silvia M’s single boiler. Rancilio hasn’t developed the same consumer-grade heating systems that Breville or Gaggia have, because Rancilio focuses on commercial machines that use double boilers. The company used only a single boiler in its home model so that the machine could still fit in home kitchens.

Many single boiler machines are prone to inconsistent temperature control and overheating at the group head, but Rancilio has mitigated these issues as much as is possible. The boiler is encased in high-rated insulation so that the temperature remains stable even when pulling or steaming consecutively. The machine’s sturdy body, with all of its metal, acts as a large heat sink that helps keep the group head from overheating.

Runner-Up for Best Overall Espresso Machine: Breville Barista Pro

Who Should Buy: The Breville Barista Pro is a clear front runner if you want a more streamlined espresso-making experience. You can still take care of steaming milk and practice latte art if you wish, but there’s little that you actually need to do. When you just want a good beverage with minimal effort, this is the model to choose.

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If you’d like a much more convenient espresso-making experience, the Breville Barista Pro is the best automatic espresso machine under $1,000. It’s also a great machine regardless of what type of espresso make you want.

An automatic espresso machine simplifies pulling espresso, as the machine grinds, doses, tamps and pulls for you. This one can also steam milk for you as well, or you can manually handle that part of the drink-making. If you’re more of an americano person, a dedicated hot water spout is near the steam wand.

Thankfully, giving up control doesn’t mean sacrificing quality with the Barista Pro. The grinder has 30 distinct grind settings, which is more than any other automatic machine on this list and almost twice what the Barista Express has. The Barista Pro also allows you to program shot volume, monitor pressure throughout pulling, and adjust volume for future shots if you wish.

All options are selected/deselected through an intuitive and clear backlit display. The machine also uses a ThermoJet heating system that ensures temperature stability and greatly reduces overheating.

Breville is well-known for home espresso machines. While you’ll probably replace this model eventually, it’ll last for many years before you have to look for another espresso maker. When you do need another, Miss Silvia will still be waiting and you’ll be better prepared for her with more advanced barista skills.

Best Super-Automatic Espresso Machine: Gaggia Anima Prestige

Who Should Buy: Get the Gaggia Anima Prestige if you want great espresso without much work. Once you find your preferred settings, the machine will perfectly replicate that beverage every time you press the button.

There aren’t a lot of super-automatic espresso machines under $1,000, and those that do often make sacrifices in quality. The Gaggia Anima Prestige perfectly balances super-automatic functionality, budget and features, though. It’s capable of making great espresso with ease.

A super-automatic espresso machine is designed to give you unparalleled convenience. Just load the beans, fill the milk and put your cup in place. The only other work you have to do is pressing a button. The Anima Prestige will do the rest, prepping grounds, pulling shots, steaming milk, and even pouring everything together.

Like with the Barista Pro, convenience doesn’t require much compromise when using the Anima Prestige. A digital display lets you select the amount of milk, strength of espresso (5 settings) and brew temperature (3 settings). You’ll find a perfect combination among these options that’ll create the ideal drink you want.

The one compromise that this model does make is in the grinder, which has only 5 distinct grind settings. Gaggia tries to make up for that by using an Adapting System that adjusts grind based on the coffee beans and your learned preferences, but there’s no getting around such a limitation in grind setting.

Unfortunately, most super automatics around this price point sacrifice grinding in some way. If you have to make that sacrifice for extreme convenience, the Gaggia Anima Prestige makes up for it with lots of options.

Best Manual lever Espresso Machine: La Pavoni Europiccola

Who Should Buy: Consider the La Pavoni Europiccola if you want the best shots and aren’t afraid to work toward pulling them. You’ll eventually pull truly astounding espresso, and the process of getting your skills to that point can be great fun.

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As a manual lever espresso machine, the La Pavoni Europiccola offers an entirely different espresso-making experience. You literally do everything when making espresso with a manual machine — including even pulling the lever that generates pressure. Among these machines, the Europiccolas form and function together establish it as the best lever espresso machine under $1,000.

The form of the Europiccola is the first thing you’ll notice. It looks like a vintage machine from the days when baristas had to literally pull espresso shots, and that’s largely because it is from those days. The cylindrical boiler, long lever, and almost steampunk-like knobs and handles have no comparison among more recent machines.

Basic chrome is the only version of the Europiccola that’s available new for less than $1,000. If you’re handy, though, look at the used ones that have copper or gold accents. They’re unmatched works of art.

Even the most experienced baristas will face a learning curve, as there aren’t many machines that require you to dose, grind, tamp and actually pull shots (by depressing the lever). You naturally have to steam too, but that’s a bit easier than getting the perfect shot.

Temperature management is also tricky, as the model is prone to quickly overheating after brewing a few drinks or just being on for a while. Make sure you pull espresso soon after the machine is preheated and ready, and it’s best to not make more than 2 drinks in a row. If you need to pull consecutive shots, cooling the portafilter in ice water as you prepare grounds helps counter the group head that gets extremely hot.

Once you master the pulling motion and temperature management, the Europiccola will pull the best shots of any machine on this list, and of almost any machine you might put in your kitchen regardless of price. Not every shot will pull perfectly, but those that do will showcase coffees in ways that you’ve never tasted them.

Do be aware of that nothing is surrounding the boiler, including neither insulation nor housing. The Europiccola leaves a cylinder of pressurized boiling water right on your counter with no protection stopping anyone from touching it. The occasional brush with a forearm isn’t too bad, but you certainly don’t want little kids reaching for that boiler when the machine is on (or has recently been turned off).

If you’re comfortable with any DIY projects, don’t shy away from used Europiccolas. The machine is extremely simple in its design, a lot of OEM and aftermarket parts are available, and there are plenty of online guides for making even major repairs. Plenty of ones that are 50+ years old are still pulling shots better than today’s new non-manual machines.

Best Espresso Machine for Large Gatherings: Bezzera New Hobby

Who Should Buy: Shortlist the Bezzera New Hobby espresso machine if you’re frequently entertaining guests, and enjoy serving them espresso beverages for morning pick-me-ups or after-dinner drinks. You won’t have to refill the water reservoir, and you’ll show off your skill with the semi-automatic design.

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Bazzera might not be a household name among home baristas, but the company has been making espresso machines for decades. Luigi Bazzera is usually credited with inventing the first espresso machine in Italy. The company has a long history of making commercial machines. The New Hobby Espresso is Bezzera’s home espresso machine.

You’ll notice several similarities between the Bezzera New Hobby and the “best overall” Rancilio Silvia M. Both machines have a similar dated look, only feature a few basic buttons, and are semi-automatics capable of making good espresso drinks. Both also have commercial-grade components, which are most noticeable in the 58mm group head and professional steam wand.

The most important differences between the two lie inside the machines. The New Hobby isn’t as tank-like as Miss Silvia, although Bazzera’s machine is still extremely sturdy. The New Hobby also has a 3L water tank, which is 50% larger than the Silvia M’s and bigger than any other model on this list.

Such an oversized water tank makes the Bezerra New Hobby the best espresso machine for large gatherings. You’ll be able to make everyone cappuccinos, lattes or americanos when entertaining, and probably not need to fill the water tank at all. Just remember to press the button that transfers water from the reserve tank to the smaller boiler as the boiler gets low. This is simple and quick, and won’t disrupt your workflow so long as you don’t forget to.

Best Espresso Machine for Large Families: Phillips 4300 With LatteGo

Who Should Buy: Check out the Phillips 4300 with Latte Go if lots of people in your family like espresso drinks, and you don’t want to be making everyone’s beverage. No other model listed is as easy for everyone to use (and clean).

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The Phillips 4300 (definitely with LatteGo!) isn’t stellar in how well it will brew your drink. It’s stellar in how well it will brew the drink of everyone in the house.

Even young kids can use the milk steaming function to make themselves hot chocolate with a dry mix. Young kids making hot chocolate without interrupting you? That’s an instant best espresso (or hot cocoa) machine for large families in any parent’s book.

The functionality of the Phillips 4300 is operated through an easy-to-use digital interface. Select from any of the many preset beverages, choose one of up to five saved customized drinks, or just pick your profile. Each person can create a user profile that’ll save their drinks and preferences.

The LatteGo feature, which you’ll surely want, makes the machine so easy to clean that kids can do it after making their hot cocoa. A two-part detachable container goes directly into the dishwasher, and there aren’t any tubes to clean out. The only other thing to do is descale the machine — after 5,000 shots thanks to the Aqua Clean filter.

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What You’ll Find in a $1,000 Espresso Machine

The $1,000 price point is where you don’t have to make many sacrifices when selecting a home espresso machine. You’ll find that all of these machines are well equipped, especially when making no more than several drinks at a time.

Because these machines are generally equipped and built well, you can focus on preferences more than necessities. Do you want a hands-on machine that lets you tinker with every variable? Would you rather get a great-tasting latte with just the press of a button? These are the main questions you should be answering when comparing models.

Note on Espresso Grinders

No espresso machine will shine without a good espresso grinder. A common guideline is to spend 70% of your budget on an espresso maker, and the remaining 30% on an espresso grinder. A $200-$300 espresso grinder is much more important than spending that much for another peripheral feature. (Espresso grinders are more precise than standard coffee grinders, but only grind within the fine grind range of espresso.)

Depending on your current setup and desired experience, there are a few ways to go about getting a grinder:

• Upgrading Equipment: Many home baristas looking at the $1,000 price point are upgrading an entry-level machine. In this case, upgrade your espresso machine now and save up for a higher-end grinder when you can.
• New Hands-On Machine: Manual and semi-automatic machines provide hands-on experiences that require you to dose, grind and tamp the coffee. You can preferably split your current budget 70/30, and shouldn’t have a problem finding a great machine and grinder combination (especially if you can stretch the budget to $1,100-$1,200). You might alternatively get a machine now, and purchase preground espresso until you’re able to get a decent grinder.
• New Hands-Off Machine: Automatic and super-automatic machines automate the espresso-pulling process, and all have built-in grinders. Make sure to check how many different grind settings the built-in grinder has, though, as this determines how well the machine can “dial in” shots.

Looking for slightly cheaper options? Check out these buying guides:

• Best Espresso Machines Under $500
• Best Espresso Machines Under $200

Last update on 2023-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API