Best Espresso Machine Under $1000 – Buying Mistakes to Avoid

A budget of $1000 gives you access to many incredible espresso machines – so many that it can be hard to know where to start. With that kind of cash, you can try your hand at manual espresso or enjoy the ease of a one-touch cappuccino. 

How do you know which espresso machine to pick? You turn to experts like the Home Grounds team. We’ve tested and reviewed dozens of machines to bring you these picks for the best espresso machine under $1000. Plus, we offer some great tips to help you choose the right one.

The 9 Best Espresso Machines Under $1000

Here are our best espresso machines under $1000 this year. We’ve highlighted the best espresso makers for every style, so you’re guaranteed to find one for you. Not sure what you’re looking for? Skip ahead to the buyer’s guide to better understand your needs.

image	product	details
Best Overall Best Overall	Rancilio Silvia M	Semi-automatic machine Steam wand 2 L capacity	CLICK TO CHECK PRICE
Runner Up Runner Up	Breville Barista Pro	Automatic machine Steam wand 2 L capacity	CLICK TO CHECK PRICE
Best Super Automatic Espresso Machine Best Super Automatic Espresso Machine	Gaggia Anima Prestige	Super-automatic machine Automatic frothing carafe 1.8 L capacity	click to check price
Best Automatic Espresso Machine Best Automatic Espresso Machine	Breville Barista Express	Automatic machine Steam wand 2 L capacity	click to check price
Best Semi Automatic Espresso Machine Best Semi Automatic Espresso Machine	Bezzera New Hobby	Semi-automatic machine Steam wand 3 L capacity	CLICK TO CHECK PRICE
Best Manual Espresso Machine Best Manual Espresso Machine	La Pavoni Europiccola	Manual espresso maker Steam wand 0.8 L capacity	click to check price
Budget Pick Budget Pick	Flair 58	Manual espresso maker No milk steamer 90 mL capacity	CLICK TO CHECK PRICE
Best for Milky Drinks Best for Milky Drinks	Breville Barista Touch	Automatic machine Automatic/manual steam wand 2 L capacity	click to check price
Easiest to Use Easiest to Use	Philips 4300 with LatteGo	Super-automatic machine Automatic frothing carafe 1.8 L capacity	CLICK TO CHECK PRICE

1. Rancilio Silvia M – Best Overall

Specifications

• Machine type: Semi-automatic

• Milk system: Steam wand
• Capacity: 2 L
• Built-in grinder: No

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Rancilio Silvia celebrated its 25th birthday in 2022 and continues to impress as one of the most affordable commercial-quality espresso machines. For years, Rancilio manufactured solely commercial machines. When they introduced the Silvia as their first home espresso machine, they opted to keep the same durable commercial components, just tucked in a smaller package.

The robust build of the Rancilio Silvia espresso machine is its standout feature. It is frequently described as “built like a tank.” You can expect it to last decades with proper care. It has an iron frame, a stainless steel case, professional-grade components throughout, and a commercial-standard 58 mm portafilter. 

Rancilio Silvia is a single-boiler machine with an insulated brass boiler for excellent heat stability and improved energy efficiency. It is a semi automatic model with a simple rocker switch to start and stop a shot. It has impressively high steam pressure and a commercial-grade steam wand that set it apart from the crowd.

There is much more to say about this fantastic machine, so read our detailed Rancilio Silvia review before buying.

2. Breville Barista Pro – Runner Up

Specifications

• Machine type: Automatic

• Milk system: Steam wand
• Capacity: 2 L
• Built-in grinder: Yes

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When Breville released the Barista Pro in 2019, I was suspicious they had just added some flashy design features to the Barista Express and upped the price. I was wrong. The Barista Pro is a superior machine in many respects and certainly justifies its modest cost increase (1).

The biggest upgrade is the ThermoJet heating system. It reaches brew temperature in just 3 seconds, much faster than the older models. It also makes switching between brewing and steaming faster and yields superior steam pressure. Latte lovers rejoice!

The Barista Pro is an automatic espresso machine with programmable shot volumes, and it has an improved user experience thanks to the new backlit digital display. The built-in conical burr grinder has 30 grind size settings, nearly double the Barista Express, making it easier to dial in the perfect espresso shot with any coffee beans. Of course, there are all the other features expected from a Breville home espresso machine – a brushed stainless steel case, a dedicated hot water spout, and a pressure gauge.

Breville’s global business manager Phil McKnight says the friendly and cohesive design of all Breville products is a deliberate brand decision (2).

Learn more about this model in our complete review of the Breville Barista Pro.

3. Gaggia Anima Prestige – Best Super Automatic Espresso Machine

Specifications

• Machine type: Super automatic

• Milk system: Automatic frothing carafe
• Capacity: 1.8 L
• Built-in grinder: Yes

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Fewer super automatic machines fall in this price bracket, so don’t expect all the bells and whistles. But the Italian-made Gaggia Anima Prestige impressed us with its sleek design and useful features. 

The Prestige is the top end of the Gaggia Anima series because it includes a carafe for automatic milk frothing. This system can produce a cappuccino or latte macchiato at the press of a button, and you can customize milk volume to make your drink as creamy as you desire. Between uses, the removable milk carafe can be stored in the fridge, and a hot water tap takes its place.

The Anima Prestige grinds, brews, and froths at the press of a button. The built-in conical burr grinder has only five size settings, so it may be hard to dial in every coffee. But the clever Gaggia Adapting System learns your preferences and adjusts the grind cycle automatically. This machine allows you a decent amount of control, with five settings for coffee strength and three for temperature.

4. Breville Barista Express – Best Automatic Espresso Machine

Specifications

• Machine type: Automatic

• Milk system: Steam wand
• Capacity: 2 L
• Built-in grinder: Yes

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The award-winning Breville Barista Express has been topping Best Espresso Machine lists for years (3). And it remains one of the most approachable ways to make excellent espresso at home. It’s easy to use, affordably priced, and attractively styled. That’s why it’s our best automatic machine under $1000.

The Barista Express includes everything you need to master barista skills. The integrated conical burr grinder has been upgraded recently with stainless steel burrs and 16 grind size settings. You also get key accessories like a metal tamper, stainless steel frothing jug, and double and single-wall filter baskets.

The automatic Barista Express simplifies workflow with programmable volumetric shots. Grind directly in the portafilter, tamp the grounds, and slot the portafilter into the machine. Then push a button for a double or single shot and walk away. Or stick around to monitor brew pressure on the pressure gauge. The swivel-mounted steam wand is easy to use and powerful enough to create silky microfoam.

The Barista Express has some unexpected features for a machine at this price. It uses digital temperature control, guaranteeing accuracy and stability, and it’s adjustable between 196 and 204 F. The latest edition has a dedicated hot water tap, a nice upgrade from having the steam wand do double duty.

5. Bezzera New Hobby – Best Semi Automatic Espresso Machine

Specifications

• Machine type: Semi automatic

• Milk system: Steam wand
• Capacity: 3 L
• Built-in grinder: No

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The Bezzera New Hobby is our best semi-automatic espresso machine under $1000. It is similar to the Rancilio Silvia – just a bit cheaper and with a bit smaller boiler. Like Rancilio, Bezzera is an Italian company with a long history of espresso machine manufacturing. Founder Luigi Bezzera is generally credited with inventing the espresso machine (4)!

The New Hobby is the brand’s entry-level model, as in entry into the prosumer grade; it’s a big step up from average home espresso machines. It’s a semi automatic espresso machine with a commercial-style group head and 58 mm portafilter, a stainless steel exterior, and a 250 mL brass boiler. Notably, the New Hobby’s 3-liter water tank is the largest on this list.

The steam power of the New Hobby is its most impressive feature, especially for such a compact machine. With the professional steam wand, you can froth milk for an 8-ounce latte in under 30 seconds. A button allows you to refill the boiler manually after extended steaming.

6. La Pavoni Europiccola – Best Manual Espresso Machine

Specifications

• Machine type: Manual

• Milk system: Steam wand
• Capacity: 0.8 L
• Built-in grinder: No

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The La Pavoni Europiccola is an iconic Italian espresso machine, in production since 1961 (5). Over the past 60 years, the brand has introduced user-friendly modern features without compromising the gorgeous traditional aesthetic. Only the basic chrome-colored model is under $1000, but for a tad more, there are some beautiful gold and copper options available.

The Europiccola doesn’t have a water reservoir. Simply fill the 800 mL boiler and wait about 5 minutes for it to heat. Pulling a shot is as easy as lifting the lever and pushing it down again, although there are some nuances that you’ll enjoy mastering. 

The lever design provides a degree of control that a pump machine cannot match (6). It produces a soft pre-infusion that makes it easier to pull delicious shots. Indeed, many high-end automatic machines have pre-infusion stages programmed to mimic the shots of lever machines.

La Pavoni’s build quality is spectacular. The La Pavoni Europiccola espresso machine is mainly cast brass and stainless steel, and the simple design leaves little to go wrong. It’s not uncommon to find decades-old models still in use.

7. Flair 58 – Budget Pick

Specifications

• Machine type: Manual

• Milk system: None
• Capacity: 90 mL
• Built-in grinder: No

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The Flair 58 is the brand’s most expensive model, but at well under $1000, it’s a very affordable espresso machine. You’ll have plenty of cash left to invest in a great burr grinder or milk frother. 
The design of the Flair 58 is beautiful, almost sculptural, with a matte black finish and blonde wood accents. It is an update that keeps true to the Flair aesthetic, according to Flair Head of Brand Andrew Pernicano (7).

Flair released their first lever machine in 2016. In the years since, they’ve been gathering user feedback on how to make it even better. That feedback has finally culminated in the Flair 58. 

First, they added an electronic heater to the group head. This speeds workflow by avoiding the need to preheat and improves temperature stability. Next is the commercial-standard 58 mm portafilter that fits a full 20-gram dose and permits using third-party accessories like precision baskets or calibrated tampers. The last major change is the redesigned lever, which makes it easier to control extraction pressure and play with flow profiling.

8. Breville Barista Touch – Best for Milky Drinks

Specifications

• Machine type: Automatic

• Milk system: Automatic/manual steam wand
• Capacity: 2 L
• Built-in grinder: Yes

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The outstanding Breville Barista Touch pairs the convenience of a super automatic machine with the coffee quality of something more hands-on. For delicious milk-based drinks from a user-friendly package, you can’t beat it.

The main feature of the Barista Touch is the stunning full-color touchscreen display. Scroll through it, and you’ll find eight pre-programmed specialty coffee drinks plus tons of options for customization. Once you’ve chosen your drink, the machine will grind, dose, extract, and even automatically froth milk. All you need to do is move the portafilter, mug, and frothing pitcher to the right place at the right time.

I was most impressed by the automatic steam wand. The quality of steamed milk you’ll enjoy at the press of a button is truly outstanding.

Like the Barista Pro, this model features the upgraded ThermoJet heating system. It’s ready to brew in just 3 seconds and switches to steaming nearly as fast. PID temperature control ensures stable and accurate water temperature for brewing and steaming. 

The only small letdown with this machine is that the built-in conical burr grinder has just 15 settings, half as many as the Barista Pro and even fewer than the Express.

9. Philips 4300 with LatteGo – Easiest to Use

Specifications

• Machine type: Super automatic

• Milk system: Automatic frothing carafe
• Capacity: 1.8 L
• Built-in grinder: Yes

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The Philips 3200 series of super automatic espresso machines are popular for their ease of use and low cost. But if you have the budget, we suggest upgrading to the new 4300 series. You’ll enjoy the same compact and user-friendly package but with more control over your drinks, more drink options, and easier cleaning.

All super automatic espresso machines are easy to use for brewing great espresso, but we awarded this one “Easiest to Use” because it is just as easy to clean. This is largely due to the patented LatteGo milk frothing system. The two-part detachable milk container has no tubes or plumbing; cleaning it is as easy as popping it in the dishwasher. This model also includes an AquaClean filter, which lets you pull up to 5000 shots before descaling.

The 2-inch color display makes it simple to access this model’s many features, including an integrated grinder and a bypass chute for pre-ground coffee beans. There is a large menu of preset drink options, and you can program up to five custom drinks. You can even establish user profiles to save your recipes. Brewing your favorite drink, whether a plain espresso or a custom latte macchiato, becomes as simple as pressing a button.

How to Choose the Best Home Espresso Machine Under $1000

You know you love delicious espresso, you know your budget, and you found this article. So you’re off to a great start when it comes to finding the perfect espresso machine. This buyer’s guide teaches you how to turn $1000 into the espresso maker that best meets your needs. If your budget is a little lower, check out our top rated espresso machines under $500. Or in case your budget is way below that, then here are the best ones that cost below $200.

Manual or Automatic: Choosing Your Type of Espresso Machine 

A thousand-dollar budget gives you access to all espresso machine types, each of which has pros and cons. More automated machines are easier to use, but they give the user less control, making it harder to achieve true espresso perfection. Manual espresso makers give you total control, but that leaves plenty of room for user error.

Here is a quick rundown of the different espresso machine types and their benefits:

• Manual espresso machines don’t have a pump. Your physical strength is needed to pull a shot, generally using a lever. They give you complete control, including over extraction pressure, and are wonderfully silent.
• Semi automatic espresso machines use a pump to generate pressure, but the user is still responsible for every other aspect of brewing – grinding, dosing, tamping, and shot timing.
• Fully automatic espresso machines are similar to semi automatic, but they take shot timing out of the hands of the user. Instead, a timer or flowmeter stops the shot at a pre-programmed point. This can make your morning routine more efficient, freeing you to do other things as coffee brews.
• Super automatic espresso machines are like having a private barista. They grind, dose, tamp, and extract – all at the touch of a button. Many also froth milk and have automated cleaning cycles.

Boiler vs. ThermoBlock

You’ll find single boiler machines and machines with thermoblock or thermojet heating systems at this price range. A heat exchanger or dual boiler that lets you brew and steam simultaneously will cost a bit more.

Espresso machines with boilers are more toward the prosumer end of the spectrum, similar to commercial models. They take longer to heat up – 10 to 15 minutes – and are more challenging to descale, but they have superior temperature stability and better steam power. You’ll get closer to true cafe-style espresso drinks. 

Thermoblocks have the advantage of heating up very quickly – in just a few seconds – and they switch faster between brewing espresso and steaming. They take up less space, making for more compact machines overall.

Milk Frothing Systems

The milk frothing system is a key feature of an espresso machine for anyone who loves milk-based drinks. Typically, an espresso machine will have a steam wand or an automatic frothing system like a carafe.

Choose a machine with a steam wand if you want to replicate cafe-style steam milk, especially that silky latte texture. Mastering a manual steam wand takes practice, but the results are worth it. And you can impress friends and family with your latte art! 

Automatic frothing milk systems usually consist of a detachable carafe in which milk is heated and aerated. In more expensive machines, the auto-frothing system might be internal. These systems require no user skill beyond pushing a button, but they can’t match the consistency of perfectly steamed milk. Some models offer adjustable controls to set milk temperature or texture – crucial if you enjoy lattes and cappuccinos, which use two different types of milk froth.

An automatic steam wand like that of the Breville Barista Touch is a nice middle ground. It offers the convenience of one-touch operation with the quality of steamed milk, and skilled users can operate it manually. For machines without a milk system, like the Flair 58, a separate milk frother is a great accessory.

What Capacity Means for Espresso Machines

Capacity is a variable term for espresso machines, but we’re generally talking about water capacity. In automatic espresso machines, that means the size of the water reservoir – often in the range of 1 to 3 liters at this price. A larger reservoir doesn’t need to be refilled as often, which is a perk for heavy users. However, it also means a larger overall footprint, a con for those with limited counter space.

The manual lever machines on this list don’t have a reservoir. For the La Pavoni, the capacity is the size of the boiler, which is 16 ounces. You can expect to pull 4 to 6 shots in a row before you need to refill the boiler and wait for it to return to brewing temperature. Steaming milk also uses boiler water. The Flair 58 has neither a boiler nor a reservoir. Its capacity is the volume of hot water you can add to the brew chamber. The 90 mL capacity of the Flair yields up to 55 mL of espresso, enough for single or double shots but not a lungo.

Built-in Grinder Pros and Cons

Many machines in this price range have built-in burr grinders. An integrated grinder simplifies workflow, especially in the case of super automatics, and saves space on your countertop. It also tends to be cheaper than buying a separate machine and grinder. However, a separate grinder offers more flexibility for different brewing methods. And if you buy from a company that specializes in grinders, you’ll likely get a better quality burr set and more grind size options. 

Breville and Gaggia make standalone coffee grinders as well as some of the best espresso machines, so their integrated grinders are of reasonable quality.

The Verdict

A thousand dollars is a great budget for investing in a high-quality espresso machine. It takes you out of the realm of cheap plastic appliances and provides access to feature-filled automatic models or commercial-grade prosumer machines. The machines on this list vary in their style of operation and design, but they all share delicious espresso in common.

Our top pick is the Rancilio Silvia. It’s best known for its barista-level espresso quality, durability, and build quality. As a commercial machine shrunk to home size, it may not be the most stylish, but it is built to last. 

The runner-up, the Breville Barista Pro, is a better pick if you want something more user-friendly. This attractive fully automatic espresso machine is packed with features, including a built-in grinder, ThermoJet heating system, and backlit digital display.