Best of · 15 products

Best Espresso Machines Under $1,000

The best espresso machines under $1,000, ranked by our review scores. Most people buying their first serious machine land in this band: built-in grinders, temperature control and faster heat-up all appear here, and the list shows which machines publish those specs and which only claim them.

How this list is ordered

Ranked by arithmetic, not opinion. Every score is worked out from the specifications each maker publishes, so you can open the working on any product page. Anything commercial is labelled and sits outside that order, and how we score explains what each criterion measures.

Espresso Machines Under $1,000, ranked by score

scored on what the maker publishesOpen a row for the score working
  1. 1 Breville Barista Express Impress BES876From $799.957.7

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction9.2
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing6.5
    Build Quality & Durability7.2
    Ease of Use & Learning Curveweakest link5.3
    shot timer and pressurised basket not publishedcarries 12 of the 80.5 points scored
    Maintenance & Cleaning10.0
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics9.4
    Value for Money6.8
    Price from$799.95
    Score7.7
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic with built-in grinder
    Built-in GrinderYes
    Automatic MilkNo
    Body MaterialStainless steel
    Read the Breville Barista Express Impress BES876 review →
  2. 2BrevilleBarista ProFrom $849.957.6

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction9.2
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing6.5
    Build Quality & Durability8.2
    Ease of Use & Learning Curveweakest link4.7
    shot timer and pressurised basket not publishedcarries 12 of the 80.5 points scored
    Maintenance & Cleaning10.0
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics8.1
    Value for Money6.4
    Price from$849.95
    Score7.6
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic
    Built-in GrinderYes
    Automatic MilkNo
    Body MaterialBrushed stainless steel
    Read the Breville Barista Pro review →
  3. 3BrevilleBarista Touch BES880BSSFrom $987.997.6

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction6.5
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing7.5
    Build Quality & Durability8.2
    Ease of Use & Learning Curve7.3
    shot timer and pressurised basket not published
    Maintenance & Cleaning10.0
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics8.8
    Value for Moneyweakest link5.6
    carries 10 of the 80.5 points scored
    Price from$987.99
    Score7.6
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic with built-in grinder
    Built-in GrinderYes
    Automatic MilkYes
    Body MaterialStainless steel
    Read the Breville Barista Touch BES880BSS review →
  4. 4Gevi20Bar Super Automatic Espresso MachineFrom $699.997.1

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction10.0
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing6.0
    Build Quality & Durability7.2
    Ease of Use & Learning Curveweakest link5.3
    shot timer and pressurised basket not publishedcarries 12 of the 80.5 points scored
    Maintenance & Cleaning6.7
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics6.2
    Value for Money7.1
    Price from$699.99
    Score7.1
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic
    Built-in GrinderYes
    Automatic MilkNo
    Body MaterialStainless steel
    Read the Gevi 20Bar Super Automatic Espresso Machine review →
  5. 5GaggiaClassic Evo Pro RI9380/49From $4996.9

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction6.5
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing6.0
    Build Quality & Durability7.8
    Ease of Use & Learning Curveweakest link4.0
    shot timer and pressurised basket not publishedcarries 12 of the 80.5 points scored
    Maintenance & Cleaning9.2
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics6.2
    Value for Money9.2
    Price from$499
    Score6.9
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic
    Built-in GrinderNo
    Automatic MilkNo
    Body MaterialSolid steel housing with brass, Stainless steel
    Read the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro RI9380/49 review →
  6. 6BrevilleInfuser BES840XLFrom $336.506.8

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction8.5
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing6.0
    Build Quality & Durability7.6
    Ease of Use & Learning Curveweakest link2.7
    shot timer and pressurised basket not publishedcarries 12 of the 80.5 points scored
    Maintenance & Cleaning5.8
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics5.6
    Value for Money10.0
    Price from$336.50
    Score6.8
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic
    Built-in GrinderNo
    Automatic MilkNo
    Body MaterialStainless steel
    Read the Breville Infuser BES840XL review →
  7. 7De'LonghiLa Specialista Arte EvoFrom $699.956.6

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction5.0
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing6.5
    Build Quality & Durability8.8
    Ease of Use & Learning Curveweakest link4.7
    shot timer and pressurised basket not publishedcarries 12 of the 80.5 points scored
    Maintenance & Cleaning8.3
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics6.2
    Value for Money6.6
    Price from$699.95
    Score6.6
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic
    Built-in GrinderYes
    Automatic MilkNo
    Body MaterialStainless steel
    Read the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo review →
  8. 8GaggiaE24 RI9380/46 Espresso MachineFrom $4496.5

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction6.5
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing5.5
    Build Quality & Durability7.2
    Ease of Use & Learning Curveweakest link2.7
    shot timer and pressurised basket not publishedcarries 12 of the 80.5 points scored
    Maintenance & Cleaning7.5
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics6.9
    Value for Money9.5
    Price from$449
    Score6.5
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic
    Built-in GrinderNo
    Automatic MilkNo
    Body MaterialSolid steel housing
    Read the Gaggia E24 RI9380/46 Espresso Machine review →
  9. 9BrevilleBarista Express BES870XLFrom $692.996.4

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction8.5
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing6.0
    Build Quality & Durability7.6
    Ease of Use & Learning Curveweakest link4.7
    shot timer and pressurised basket not publishedcarries 12 of the 80.5 points scored
    Maintenance & Cleaning5.0
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics5.0
    Value for Money6.5
    Price from$692.99
    Score6.4
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic with built-in grinder
    Built-in GrinderYes
    Automatic MilkNo
    Body MaterialStainless steel
    Read the Breville Barista Express BES870XL review →
  10. 10Mattino ProMattinata Espresso MachineFrom $159.996.4

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction5.0
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing5.5
    Build Quality & Durabilityweakest link4.8
    carries 16 of the 80.5 points scored
    Ease of Use & Learning Curve6.3
    shot timer and pressurised basket not published
    Maintenance & Cleaning8.3
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics6.9
    Value for Money10.0
    Price from$159.99
    Score6.4
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic
    Automatic MilkYes
    Read the Mattino Pro Mattinata Espresso Machine review →
  11. 11De'LonghiClassic Signature Espresso MachineFrom $224.996.3

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction5.0
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing5.0
    Build Quality & Durability7.2
    Ease of Use & Learning Curveweakest link3.3
    shot timer and pressurised basket not publishedcarries 12 of the 80.5 points scored
    Maintenance & Cleaning7.5
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics6.9
    Value for Money10.0
    Price from$224.99
    Score6.3
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic
    Built-in GrinderNo
    Automatic MilkNo
    Body MaterialStainless steel
    Read the De'Longhi Classic Signature Espresso Machine review →
  12. 12De'LonghiDedica EC680MFrom $149.956.0

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction5.0
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing6.0
    Build Quality & Durability6.7
    Ease of Use & Learning Curveweakest link2.7
    shot timer and pressurised basket not publishedcarries 12 of the 80.5 points scored
    Maintenance & Cleaning6.7
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics5.0
    Value for Money10.0
    Price from$149.95
    Score6.0
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic
    Built-in GrinderNo
    Automatic MilkNo
    Body MaterialStainless steel
    Read the De'Longhi Dedica EC680M review →
  13. 13De'LonghiStilosa EC260BKFrom $104.995.7

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction5.0
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing5.0
    Build Quality & Durability6.4
    Ease of Use & Learning Curveweakest link2.7
    shot timer and pressurised basket not publishedcarries 12 of the 80.5 points scored
    Maintenance & Cleaning5.8
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics5.0
    Value for Money10.0
    Price from$104.99
    Score5.7
    Machine TypeSemi-automatic
    Built-in GrinderNo
    Automatic MilkNo
    Body MaterialStainless steel, Plastic
    Read the De'Longhi Stilosa EC260BK review →
  14. 14 Flair 58 Plus 2From $6995.5

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction6.5
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturingweakest link2.0
    carries 16 of the 80.5 points scored
    Build Quality & Durability8.9
    Ease of Use & Learning Curve2.0
    shot timer and pressurised basket not published
    Maintenance & Cleaning6.7
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics6.9
    Value for Money5.5
    Price from$699
    Score5.5
    Machine TypeManual lever
    Built-in GrinderNo
    Automatic MilkNo
    Body MaterialStainless steel
    Read the Flair 58 Plus 2 review →
  15. 15FlairClassic Manual Lever Espresso MakerFrom $1595.2

    How it scored

    Shot Quality & Extraction5.0
    non-pressurised basket, bottomless available and pump not published
    Steam Power & Milk Texturing3.5
    Build Quality & Durability5.0
    Ease of Use & Learning Curveweakest link2.0
    shot timer and pressurised basket not publishedcarries 12 of the 80.5 points scored
    Maintenance & Cleaning5.0
    plumbable and bottomless not published
    Workflow & Ergonomics6.9
    Value for Money10.0
    Price from$159
    Score5.2
    Machine TypeManual lever
    Built-in GrinderNo
    Automatic MilkNo
    Read the Flair Classic Manual Lever Espresso Maker review →
⇄ Compare
01PIDBreville Barista Express Impress BES876
7.7Very good

Breville Barista Express Impress BES876

The Barista Express with the tamping done for you, so the shot is repeatable from day one

Boiler
Thermocoil heating system with PID temperature control
Pressure
9 bar
Material
Stainless steel
Machine type
Semi-automatic with built-in grinder
from$799.95
02PIDBreville Barista Pro
7.6Very good

Breville Barista Pro

Home baristas who want a fast, all-in-one espresso machine with an integrated grinder and minimal wait time

Boiler
ThermoJet
Pressure
9 bar
Material
Brushed stainless steel
Machine type
Semi-automatic
from$849.95
03Built-in grinderBreville Barista Touch BES880BSS
7.6Very good

Breville Barista Touch BES880BSS

A household where more than one person makes milk drinks and nobody wants to learn to steam

Boiler
ThermoJet
Pressure
15 bar
Material
Stainless steel
Machine type
Semi-automatic with built-in grinder
from$987.99
04PIDGevi 20Bar Super Automatic Espresso Machine
7.1Very good

Gevi 20Bar Super Automatic Espresso Machine

Home baristas wanting an all-in-one espresso machine with integrated grinder and steam wand

Boiler
Double volume boiler
Pressure
20 bar
Material
Stainless steel
Machine type
Semi-automatic
from$699.99
05Gaggia Classic Evo Pro RI9380/49
6.9Decent

Gaggia Classic Evo Pro RI9380/49

Anyone who wants commercial fittings at home and expects to keep the machine for a decade

Boiler
Single uncoated aluminium boiler
Pressure
9 bar
Material
Solid steel housing with brass
Machine type
Semi-automatic
from$499
06PIDBreville Infuser BES840XL
6.8Decent

Breville Infuser BES840XL

Someone who already owns a grinder and wants the shot control without paying for a second one

Material
Stainless steel
Machine type
Semi-automatic
Ships to
US
from$336.50
07Built-in grinderDe'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo
6.6Decent

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo

A grinder, a real steam wand and cold brew in one machine

Boiler
Thermoblock. De'Longhi does not publish how many
Pressure
15 bar
Material
Stainless steel
Machine type
Semi-automatic
from$699.95
08Gaggia E24 RI9380/46 Espresso Machine
6.5Decent

Gaggia E24 RI9380/46 Espresso Machine

Commercial parts in a domestic machine, made in Italy and meant to be serviced

Pressure
9 bar
Material
Solid steel
Machine type
Semi-automatic
Ships to
US
from$449
09PIDBreville Barista Express BES870XL
6.4Decent

Breville Barista Express BES870XL

Somebody buying their first proper espresso setup who wants the grinder in the same box

Material
Stainless steel
Machine type
Semi-automatic with built-in grinder
Ships to
US
from$692.99
10Auto milkMattino Pro Mattinata Espresso Machine
6.4Decent

Mattino Pro Mattinata Espresso Machine

Home baristas seeking an affordable cappuccino machine with milk frothing capability

Boiler
Dual thermal block
Pressure
20 bar
Machine type
Semi-automatic
Ships to
US
from$159.99
11De'Longhi Classic Signature Espresso Machine
6.3Decent

De'Longhi Classic Signature Espresso Machine

A compact pump machine with a pressure gauge, for somebody learning to dial a shot

Boiler
Thermoblock
Pressure
15 bar
Material
Stainless steel
Machine type
Semi-automatic
from$224.99
12De'Longhi Dedica EC680M
6.0Decent

De'Longhi Dedica EC680M

A kitchen with no worktop to spare, where six inches of width decides the purchase

Boiler
Thermoblock
Pressure
15 bar
Material
Stainless steel
Machine type
Semi-automatic
from$149.95
12 of 15 shown

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