9 Best Espresso Machines Under $2,000 in 2024

This is our review of the best espresso machines under $2,000. Keep reading to learn more.

I’m always on the hunt for the best high-quality espresso machines. Because of this, I spent hours researching some of the best higher-tier espresso machines.

We went with the Breville Dual Boiler as our number one choice because it comes from a brand known for durable machines. The inclusion of a dual boiler makes it best for entertaining guests, since it’ll reheat quicker after making each drink.

Since it’s a semi-automatic machine, you must put manual input into all your drinks. If you want something that’s more automatic, we provide alternatives.

Let’s get to it.

Top 9 Espresso Machines Under $2,000 for Home

1. Breville Dual Boiler: Best Overall
2. Rancilio Silvia Pro X: Best Performer
3. LELIT Elizabeth: Budget-friendly Machine
4. Breville Oracle: Best Fully Automatic
5. Quick Mill Alexia Evo: Best Semi-automatic
6. Profitec Pro 300: Best Dual Boiler Machine
7. Rocket Espresso Appartamento: Best for Small Spaces
8. Izzo Alex-Duetto-3: Best Manual Machine
9. Breville Barista Touch: Best for Australia

Best Espresso Machines Under $2,000

I’ll cover the specifications of each machine, advantages and disadvantages, why I chose each machine, and who they’re best for.

If you’re a beginner with a big budget, you’ll find this information helpful:

• Dimensions:
  • D: depth
  • W: width
  • H: height
• PID = proportional integral derivative: monitors water temperature & makes minor adjustments to keep it to a set temperature.
• ESE = Easy Serve Espresso: pods with pre-ground beans to make brewing drinks easier.

I’ll cover other tidbits you may not understand under the section where I cover choosing the best machine.

You can find all our Espresso Machines Under $2,000 if you’re looking for commercial models.

1. Breville Dual Boiler: Best Overall

Breville Dual Boiler is a fantastic machine for anyone who wants to serve multiple drinks back-to-back without paying a fortune.

However:

It’s a semi-automatic, you must perform almost every espresso-making step manually. With the exceptions of water pressure and flow. This machine type gives you more control over your drinks than fully-automatic and capsule machines. But less so than manual machines.

It’s a happy medium.

The boiler is also one of the machine’s strong points. Since it’s a dual boiler, it’ll heat much quicker than devices with thermoblock and single boilers. Ideal for making multiple drinks back-to-back without waiting.

Considering the inclusion of a dual boiler and the fact it’s from Breville (known for durable machines), it’s well worth the price. So long as you don’t mind the lack of automation.

The digital temperature gauge is easy-to-read. You won’t need to put as much guesswork into what the temperature gauge says. And the fact that it comes in multiple colors makes it easier to fit into your kitchen’s theme.

Because it’ll stand out among most appliances. It’s enormous and unideal for smaller kitchens.

But it uses PID temperature control [1]. That makes it work best for keeping your machine at a consistent temperature. With such temperatures, your machine will bring out more of your beans’ flavor. Which could even make cheap beans taste much better.

One of the biggest deal killers is the lack of a removable water tank. Because of this, you can’t remove the tank for easy cleaning. And you must fill a separate pitcher and bring it to the machine. Requiring a bit more time.

Here’s a machine that’s a bit smaller.

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2. Rancilio Silvia Pro X: Best Performer

The Rancilio Silvia Pro X is an excellent machine for homes that want a somewhat compact, yet robust machine that’ll last for years.

It is a semi-automatic machine. It could require a learning curve if you’re unfamiliar with them. As they require you to perform almost every step of espresso-making manually.

Fortunately, the included dual boiler reduces the time needed to heat your machine. It also allows you to steam milk and brew your drink simultaneously.

This machine includes various quality-of-life features that give it amazing value like:

• PID control: Manages temperature to ensure beans retain flavor.
• Pre-infusion: Improves espresso shot quality by pre-wetting beans.
• Optional steamer: Focus your machine’s pressure on brewing when milk frothing isn’t needed.
• Programmable wake-up timer: Automatically powers on & warms the machine.
  • Great for warming your device before you wake up: Helps you make a drink quicker before work.

The biggest downside from this machine comes from the lack of a removable water tank. A feature that would make cleaning and refilling easier. It also doesn’t directly connect to your home’s water line.

A feature that would eliminate the need for a water reservoir.

Want a cheaper option? Keep reading.

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3. LELIT Elizabeth: Budget Friendly

LELIT Elizabeth is great for anyone on a budget yet wanting a top-notch espresso machine. I’ll cover all the features that make it amazing in a second.

But first. It’s a semi-automatic machine. Meaning, it won’t make drinks for you. You must time your shots, grind and tamper your beans, and brew your drink.

Let’s start with the boiler. I’m going to repeat this information a million times throughout this piece. A dual boiler allows you to steam milk and brew your drink simultaneously. It also heats your water quicker than other boiler types.

Great for making drinks quicker. And compared to other machines in this price range, you can’t beat a 10-minute warm-up time.

For convenience, they added the LELIT electronic control system (LLC). It’ll activate all these features when turning on your machine:

• Pre-infusion: Moistens beans to release more of their flavor into drinks.
• Automatic washing cycle: Flushes water from the group head.
• Automatic purge: Releases steam.
• Monitors extraction profiles: Along with steam, water, & coffee temperatures

These make it well worth the price. Many machines around this price point don’t look this good and have such a collection of features.

It does only have 8–11 bars of pressure, though. Not ideal for anyone who wants to make drinks with a more bitter taste. And if you’re looking for a machine with a water tank that’s easy to clean and refill, this isn’t the best choice.

LELIT needed to cut corners somewhere. They made a lot of the piping/tubing with teflon, which aren’t as durable as copper and steel. Meaning this machine may not last as long as its competition.

However, it should last at least 3 years. Considering it has a warranty that lasts that period.

Let’s move onto a machine that’ll do most of the work for you.

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4. Breville Oracle: Best Fully Automatic

The Breville Oracle works best for anyone wanting a fully-automatic espresso machine while retaining some control over their drink. To tailor it to their preferences.

That said, it usually costs slightly more than $2000.

A fully-automatic (or super-automatic) espresso machine does all the work for you. For instance, it’ll grind, time shots, and brew your drink.

The included dual boiler lets you steam/froth milk and brew drinks simultaneously. And it heats much quicker than thermoblock or single boilers. Great for entertaining guests and making multiple drinks back to back.

The inclusion of pre-infusion adds additional value to this machine. This wets your coffee beans early to ensure even shot extraction. Excellent for maintaining flavor. Pair this feature with Breville’s reputation for long-lasting machines, then prepare your wallets (or card) [2].

Because this machine’s worth the money. Though, some vendors may charge over $2,000 for it.

You can remove the bean hopper despite not having a removable water tank. Making it much easier to clean. Speaking of the grinder, it uses steel burrs instead of ceramic. The latter is material many super-automatic machines use.

Steel burrs heat up fast and can make your beans lose flavor. However, the burr doesn’t lose sharpness as quickly as ceramic ones. Ensuring it’ll last longer before needing a replacement.

It does retain many features semi-automatic machines have to ensure control over your drink. For instance, it gives you control over your drink’s steam and extraction time. And once you find a preference, save it into the machine as 1 of the 13 programmable drinks it allows.

You may not like the lack of control over your drink that semi-automatic machines offer. I have a solution.

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5. Quick Mill Alexia Evo: Best Semi-automatic

The Quick Mill Alexia Evo is an ideal option for folks wanting a compact yet high-quality espresso machine. It’ll work great for people who live in small apartments, tiny homes, or compact kitchens.

It uses a single boiler, though. You can’t simultaneously brew drinks and steam milk. And it doesn’t heat as quickly as thermoblock or dual boilers.

But the included E61 group head adds significant value. As it’s the most renowned group head among baristas. Due to its ability to last a long time. This is critical since the component pushes water through your machine’s portafilter.

Pair that with the machine’s stainless steel body, and you can rest easy knowing it’ll last a long time. Making it worth the cost.

However, it’s a bit noisy. Less than ideal if you’re making coffee at an ungodly hour (e.g., 5 AM).

And it’s not the easiest machine to clean since the water tank is hard to access.

Need an espresso maker that heats faster? I have an alternative.

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6. Profitec Pro 300: Best Dual Boiler

The Profitec Pro 300 works best for anyone who wants a long-lasting machine with a massive water tank. At the same time, who has the counter space to fit this gigantic beast.

It’s a semi-automatic espresso maker. Meaning, you control almost every step of making espresso. Except for the water pressure and boiling parts.

Many manufacturers will use cheap plastic or flimsy Teflon for their tubing. This machine uses braided stainless steel and copper, instead. These materials conduct heat better and will last much longer.

Reducing the period before you’d need to replace your machine. And with a 3-year warranty, expect this baby to last at least a few years.

Despite its price point, it doesn’t include pre-infusion. That’s a problem if you prefer making espresso with light roasts, but not as much so for dark and medium roasts. And depending on where you buy it, the machine may cost over $2,000.

In addition to its high-quality materials, it includes an E61 group head. These contain the heating elements for distributing water. But this model has the most reliability and stability. Ensuring it’ll last longer than typical group heads.

However, this type of group head leads to a longer warm-up time. Don’t expect to make a bunch of drinks back-to-back. Once the machine heats up, it’ll have great consistency. Ensuring your coffee beans retain the most flavor.

You might want a smaller machine. Hang tight; I have an alternative.

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7. Rocket Espresso Appartamento: Best for Small Spaces

The Rocket Espresso Appartamento is the best machine for small spaces due to its compact size and massive water tank. Usually, machines with such big tanks would take up more space.

It’s semi-automatic. You’ll have more control surrounding tailoring shots to your preferences. Meanwhile, the machine automates pressure and boiling.

This machine has various inclusions that make it worth its value. It’s beautiful and will fit most kitchen themes. It has an extended warranty period, meaning it should last longer than competing machines. And it uses a E61 group head.

These group heads are responsible for heating and dispersing water into your machine’s portafilter. You want these to last a while; because they’re a pain (and expensive) to repair. E61 group heads tend to last longer than their counterparts.

It takes longer to heat, though. Making it unideal for brewing many drinks in a row. However, it can steam/froth milk and brew at the same time. Saving you a bit of time when making your drink.

I found it difficult to find significant cons for this machine. It doesn’t include a pressure gauge, which a machine under $2,000 should. And it can’t connect to your water line, which would eliminate the need for you to refill your water tank continually.

And reduce the chance of spills.

Another downside only applies to those who love bitter coffee (me). It goes up to 14 bars of pressure, meaning you can’t get a more bitter-tasting drink.

Let’s check out another high-quality machine that isn’t as compact.

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8. Izzo Alex-Duetto-3: Best Manual Machine

The Izzo Alex-Duetto-3 is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to use knobs and levers to control every part of their espresso-making.

It is a semi-automatic machine. Meaning it’s not wholly manual, but you retain most control over brewing your espresso. Except for applying pressure and boiling water. However, the included knobs make it feel like a manual maker.

The dual boilers make it so you can brew your drink and steam milk simultaneously. Meanwhile, it heats quicker than machines with other heating elements (e.g., single boiler).

It uses an E61 group head. The highest-quality group head you can get due to it lasting longer than its competitors. However, it heats the slowest.

And you can connect it directly to your plumbing. Eliminating the need for a water reservoir. This is advantageous because it’ll reduce the chance of spills tanks usually lead to. And you’ll have fresh water with every shot.

Then it includes pre-infusion, which wets your beans before brewing. This ensures even flavor extraction and leads to a more flavorful drink.

When considering these options, sure, it’s worth the money.

Don’t care too much for this option? Here’s another one.

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9. Breville Barista Touch: Best for Australia

The Breville Barista Touch is an excellent addition to households who want to entertain guests, or offices. Due to its ability to make multiple drinks quickly. It’s a great pick for Australians due to Breville’s international warranty policy.

That’s because it’s a super-automatic machine. It’ll grind, tamper, and brew drinks for you. This model includes a touchscreen UI with multiple drink choices. You select the drink, it chooses the best grind, pressure, milk froth, and shot timing.

As with most machines on this list, the Touch uses a dual boiler. It’ll heat your drinks much quicker than thermoblock or single boilers. Best for making many drinks back-to-back.

It doesn’t include pre-infusion like many other models on this list, but considering it’s under $1,500 and a fully-automatic machine, you’re likely not aiming for the most optimal taste. Since you sacrifice control over your drink for speed.

It’s still worth the money. Especially since Breville is known for selling espresso makers that’ll last for years.

I have mixed thoughts on cleaning accessibility.

It’ll automatically clean your steam wand, a win. But there’s no descaling notification or automatic descaling. You’re stuck setting calendar events to let you know when to descale your machine. Or you’ll clean it once your coffee tastes funky.

And it’s difficult to access the water tank, which makes it difficult to clean and refill.

But the dosage grinding is an excellent perk. You’ll only grind what you need instead of letting your beans rot in a hopper. Ensuring you get the most taste out of your coffee.

The PID control also ensures your beans will retain their flavor. Since it continually makes minor adjustments to heat your machine. However, the stainless steel burrs used in the grinder COULD negatively impact their flavor.

These burrs heat up more than ceramic burrs, which could burn some of your beans’ flavors and produce a more bitter taste. But they last much longer.

That’s all, folks.

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How to Choose the Best Espresso Machine Under $2,000

Here’s how to shop for an espresso machine:

Checklist	Why it’s Important
Water Pressure	Determines drink flavor.
Ease of Use	Won’t require a steep learning curve.
Time to Heat	Determines time required to make the next drink.
Design	It should fit into your kitchen—design- and size-wise.
Price	Should fit within your budget.
Brewing Capabilities	What it can brew.
Additional Features	Takes less time to brew & provides better-tasting drinks.

The following sections will cover details to mind when shopping. Machines under $2,000 will likely exceed all the points I’ll explain. But it’s good to know what you’re getting yourself into.

For more info, read our article on the ultimate guide to buying a guide.

You don’t want regrets when buying an espresso machine this expensive.

1. Water Pressure

• <7 bars: under-extracted; super sour
• 7–9 bars: Mild flavor & a bit sour
• 9 bars: sweet spot; balanced flavor & excellent starting point
• 15 bars: stronger-tasting drink, but not too bitter
• >15 bars: over-extracted drink; excessively bitter

Bars measure the amount of pressure surging through your beans in the portafilter. Ideally, you want 9 bars of pressure, which all machines under $2,000 will have [3]. You’ll get a stronger, more bitter, taste when going above 9 bars and under 15.

Some machines in this range don’t go up to 15 bars. A disappointment to bitter flavor lovers.

Refer to the number of bars under each section. Use those to gauge your desired taste.

2. Time to Heat

• Temperature control: Maintains machine temperature.
• Boiler type: Time it takes to heat the machine.
• Time to heat frother: Time it takes to heat milk frother/steamer.

All points above lead to making your next drink quicker. The faster it heats, the sooner you’ll get your fix. Before emphasizing, let’s check out all the boiler types:

• Double boilers (best): Heats the quickest.
• Thermoblock (runner-up): Balances price & speed.
• Single boiler (worst): Heats the slowest.

Many espresso machines under $2,000 SHOULD have dual boilers, which will reduce the time between drinks the quickest. Some others may have a single boiler, which is the slowest.

I’ve seen a lot of machines under and around the $500 mark that have thermoblocks.

But if you have the extra money, go for dual boilers. Especially if you’re entertaining guests or buying a machine for an office.

3. Design

• Size: Compact(ness)
• Aesthetics: Whether it looks good.
• Materials: Stronger materials equals longer lifespan.
• Water reservoir size: Determines time required before next refill.

Many espresso makers under $2,000 and above $1,000 will have double boilers, built-in grinders, and other features that increase their mass. Making them not ideal for studio apartments, small kitchens, or tiny coffee carts.

Most manufacturers (99% of them) will make appliances in this price range out of stainless steel. A material that’ll make them last much longer than plastic machines. Due to their ability to resist wear and tear.

The water reservoir point speaks for itself.

4. Ease of Use

Make cleaning easier by keeping an eye out for these features:

• Touchscreen interface: Allows you to choose programmed drinks.
• Removable components: Makes cleaning & maintenance easier.
• Descaling notification: Notifies you when it’s time to descale.
• Automatic descaling: Descales your machine for you.

Descaling is when you remove mineral buildup from your machine. Ensure it runs smooth and your coffee doesn’t taste funky. It’s maintenance you should perform every month or 2.

To make this process less painless, many machines under $2,000 will include an LED that notifies you when it’s time to descale. To remove guesswork and unnecessary maintenance. Some devices will also do the descaling for you.

Automation at its prime.

Many super-automatic espresso machines include a touchscreen UI with programmed drink options. For instance, if you want it to make a latte, tap “Latte” on the screen, and it’ll brew the ratio of milk froth and espresso to make that drink.

The removable components (e.g., drip tray) make cleaning less painful. And since you should be able to remove these components, it prevents any residue from building up and causing strange smells in your kitchen.

5. Coffee Machine with Grinder vs. Separate Grinder

The following sections will cover the differences between machines with built-in grinders versus buying a separate one. It’s important to understand the differences, since you’ll find various models with grinders.

1. Built-in Grinder

Only super-automatic espresso machines will include built-in electric coffee grinders. These grind your beans and guide them to the portafilter for you.

However, let’s dive into the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Tailors coffee grinds to your drink: e.g., best grind consistency for latte
• No need to transfer grounds between machines

Cons:

• Not as durable of burrs; ceramic doesn’t last as long as steel *
• Demands more counter space; can’t store a built-in grinder separately
• Machines cost much more

Get a machine with a built-in grinder if you care more for convenience and speed than taste. Many machines under $2,000 are super-automatic and include grinders.

2. Separate Grinder

So long as you’re not using ESE pods, you’ll need a coffee grinder for your beans. Leaving you to buy a separate grinder.

Let’s explore whether it’s worth it:

Pros:

• Easier to store
• Better grind consistency: Dedicated machines grind beans better.
• Don’t need to replace the entire espresso machine if the grinder breaks.
• More durable burrs: High-quality models use titanium burrs.

Cons:

• Creates more of a mess
• Must transport grounds from grinder to espresso maker

Since you’re spending around $2,000 for a machine, I recommend getting a separate grinder for espresso. Even if you get a super-automatic machine. Grinder models over $400 are much quieter, have features that prevent beans from losing flavor, and have more consistent grinds.

Let’s explore the second point. Some grinders have specific motors that prevent beans from overheating. Something that would usually make beans lose flavor.

6. Brewing Capabilities

• Shot preparation methods: Doppio, ristretto, etc.
• Included milk frother: All machines in this price range include them.

All machines under $2,000 will produce the following drinks:

Americano	Cortado	Long macchiato
Black Eye	Guillermo	Rápido y Sucio
Cappuccino	Galão	Café Crema
Dripped Eye	Irish Coffee	Freddo Cappuccino
Flat White	Café Medici	Affogato al Caffe
Latte	Café Breve	Mocha
Lazy Eye	Vienna Coffee	Cubano
Manilo Long Black	Macchiato	Zorro
Red Eye	Espresso Romano	Marocchino

List of espresso drinks espresso machines can make.

Unless you’re getting a fully-automatic machine, you’ll need to know the ratios for each drink yourself. Some models under the aforementioned machine include a touchscreen UI that will tell it to make certain drinks for you (e.g., flat white).

Handy if you’re short on time.

7. Quality-of-life Features

Let’s compare a bunch of luxury features:

Feature	Description	Best For
Pre-Infusion	Moistens coffee grounds before extraction.	Optimal taste
Cup Warmers	Heat cups to maintain espresso temperature.	Maintaining ideal serving temperature
Programmable Settings	Customize settings like temp., vol., and strength.	Personalized espresso
Automatic Tamping	Applies consistent pressure to compact coffee grounds.	Convenience
PID Temperature Controller	Maintains water temperature.	Temperature consistency

Many machines under $2,000 will include features that improve your quality-of-life, such as the aforementioned. However, I haven’t seen too many with automatic tamping. And some didn’t induce PID temperature control.

Since you’re buying such a pricey machine, I hope you’ll understand your preferences by now. Think of those preferences, then see whether the above features will help you meet them. If not, then all the feature does is add costs to your machine.

5 Types of Espresso Machines Compared

Here are all the different types of espresso machines available:

Machine Type	What it Automates	Best for
Super-automatic	Everything	Automated traditional espresso
Semi-automatic	Pressure & water flow	Graduating from manual machines
Automatic	Grinding, tamping, & brewing	Balancing cost & automation
Manual	Nothing	Learning the basics
Capsule	Everything	Convenience, cost, & speed

The following sections will cover the price of each machine, what it automates, its advantages, and who it’s best for.

1. Super-automatic / Fully-automatic Machines

• Average price: $800–$5,000 (varies by model).
• Automation: Grinding, brewing, water flow, & pressure.
• Advantages: Top-notch convenience, consistency, & variety.

Super, or fully, automatic espresso machines automate espresso making. All you do is place your beans in the hopper and let the machine do its work. However, you lose the ability to control how your drink turns out.

For instance, you may not have as flavorful of drink as semi-automatic or manual machines. These machines are an excellent choice for offices, entertaining guests, or making a quick espresso in the morning before work.

You’ll find plenty of high-quality fully-automatic espresso machines under $2,000 that include various quality-of-life features like PID temperature control.

2. Semi-automatic Machines

• Average price: $200–$2,000 (varies by model).
• Automation: Pressure & water flow.
• Advantages: Control, consistency, & user-friendliness.

Semi-automatic machines allow you to retain almost full control over making espresso, except for water flow and pressure. It’ll also boil the water, preventing you from having to transfer water from a kettle to your machine.

Most espresso machines are semi-automatic. However, you’ll find MANY high-quality models from notable brands under the $2,000 mark. And they’ll include luxury features like pre-infusion and PID.

3. Automatic Machines

• Average price: $300–$3,000 (varies by model).
• Automation: Pressure, water flow, & shot timing.
• Advantages: Consistency, time-saving, & ease of use.

Automatic espresso machines cost a bit more than semi-automatic counterparts, but save time by automating shot timing. It’s a great option for those who want a bit of control, yet don’t want to waste seconds timing their shots.

You’ll definitely find these machines under the $2,000 price point.

4. Manual Machines

• Average price: $100–$800 (varies by machine).
• Automation: Nothing; do everything by hand.
• Advantages: Mastery, customization, & mechanical simplicity.

Manual espresso makers require your hand at every step of the process. Fantastic for beginners and experts who want to tailor every detail of their drink to their preferences.

Most machines fall under the $800 mark, making it not as a luxury option as the above choices.

5. Capsule Machines

• Average price: $100–$700 (varies by machine).
• Automation: Brewing & water flow.
• Advantages: Simplicity, consistency, & minimal mess.

Capsule coffee machines brew coffee or espresso by spewing water through pre-filled pods/capsules. Resulting in a quick and tasty drink.

When thinking of these machines, Nespresso comes to mind. As they make the “best” capsule machines. However, they price almost all their machines under $500. Making them not applicable to this piece.

However, it’s an option to consider if you’re looking to diversify your espresso brewing methods.

FAQs for Best Espresso Machines Under $2,000

Here are frequently asked questions about espresso machines under $2,000.

Our Verdict

Here are the best 3:

1. Breville Dual Boiler: Heats fast & is from a reputable brand.
2. Rancilio Silvia Pro X: Durable & produces great-tasting drinks.
3. LELIT Elizabeth: Affordable, durable, & includes features like pre-infusion.

We chose the semi-automatic Breville Dual Boiler as the best overall espresso machine in this price range. It’s affordable, yet provides every quality-of-life feature one could want with this machine type. For instance, the dual boiler.

Want a machine that’s still good, but not as expensive? Consider our recommendations under $1,000.