Best espresso machine for around $500

by **bwales** on Thu Nov 20, 2008 9:55 pm

Is there such a thing? I use an Isomac Rituale, but I'd like to get a less expensive machine for a young man starting out. Suggestions?
Thanks,
Bruce

by HB on Thu Nov 20, 2008 10:41 pm

The FAQ points to threads like Basic inexpensive espresso machine recommendations. Although I don't speak from experience, the entry level Gaggia espresso machines are frequently mentioned for their good cost/value (e.g., Gaggia Coffee).

by **Rybolt** on Fri Nov 21, 2008 3:13 pm

bwales wrote:Is there such a thing? I use an Isomac Rituale, but I'd like to get a less expensive machine for a young man starting out. Suggestions?
Thanks,
Bruce

There is a Gaggia Espresso de Luxe, same model I have over at 1st-line for about $240. Pretty reliable in my few years with it.

by **Beezer** on Fri Nov 21, 2008 7:57 pm

I'd also cast my vote for a Gaggia Coffee or Carezza. Good little machines for the money.

The Lelit PL 041 is also supposed to be quite nice, with a bigger brass boiler compared to the Gaggia's tiny aluminum one, and a three-way valve. I think the Lelit is still under $500. You can get them at 1st Line.

http://www.coffeegeek.com/reviews/consumer/lelitpl041

Don't forget to save $300 - $600 for a nice burr grinder.

by **hartwell** on Fri Dec 26, 2008 6:48 pm

I am a newbie to this list so this may have been asked many times.
I have a Briel thats about 5 years old and I want to get some thing new.
Want to spend some were between $300 and $500. What should I be looking at? :oops:

by HB on Fri Dec 26, 2008 6:57 pm

hartwell wrote:I am a newbie to this list so this may have been asked many times.

Indeed, I merged your question with the latest one I found by searching on 'inexpensive espresso machine'. Please elaborate on your selection criteria if the above suggestions are not helpful.

by **TUS172** on Fri Dec 26, 2008 8:29 pm

Partial:

Beezer wrote:I'd also cast my vote for a Gaggia Coffee or Carezza. Good little machines for the money.

I started with a Gaggia "Coffee" espresso machine... Hey for the money they are great. I got my 1st one from WLL. That with a Nemox Lux and you still under a 5 'C' bench mark...

by **hperry** on Fri Dec 26, 2008 8:49 pm

In this price range if I was just looking for straight espresso shots I'd keep my eye open for a used Caravel ($350 or so reconditioned). I keep being amazed by the shots I'm getting from it. My son, who had never made espresso before, consistently pulls great shots with it.

If I liked milk drinks and was willing to put up with a stovetop steamer and an espresso machine, I'd still do the Caravel - however, it would be less convenient at that point.

by **weasel** on Fri Dec 26, 2008 9:02 pm

It looks like 1st-line still has the screamin deal on the Rancilio Silvia - $499. I myself ordered one. Go to the Marketplace section of this site, there you should find the offer.

You might also do research on the Silvia, known as a finicky machine. She requires a very good grinder, and a learning curve.

For general research purposes:
An article I found useful is 'How to buy an espresso machine' on Coffeegeek.
There is also the Espressomyespresso website by Randy Glass.

by **IMAWriter** on Sat Dec 27, 2008 12:25 am

TUS172 wrote:I started with a Gaggia "Coffee" espresso machine... Hey for the money they are great. I got my 1st one from WLL. That with a Nemox Lux and you still under a 5 'C' bench mark...

This is a good suggestion here, as the grinder mentioned is certainly of good enough quality to get the young man on his way.
To the OP...whatever you do, make sure your budget has room for not only the grinder, but a decent tamper, milk pitcher, and a few cleaning supplies (about $50-$75 realistically.)

by **Todd Salzman** on Sat Dec 27, 2008 10:41 am

Take a real close look at the New Gaggia Baby. It is retailing all over the web for $399 and it has a chrome plated brass brew group and the commercial sized 58 mm chrome plated brass portafilter. Those other Gaggia machines mentioned in this post have this also but the Baby has the "Three Way Solenoid Valve" which puts it in another class. If you decide to go this direction make sure it is the new one with the reservoir located at the top & back of the machine.

Todd Salzman
Whole Latte Love

by **hartwell** on Sun Dec 28, 2008 1:22 pm

Thanks for all the info looks like I may go with a GAGGIA. Now I just have to find the one that will be best for me.

Jim
K7UDG/UA4PDG
hartwell@hartwell.net

by **zin1953** on Sun Dec 28, 2008 2:57 pm

I used a Gaggia Coffee for nearly 20 years . . . take a look at this.

by **hartwell** on Mon Dec 29, 2008 4:57 pm

Thanks all I did it I ordered a new baby class. Looking forward to getting it

by **TUS172** on Mon Dec 29, 2008 7:07 pm

hartwell wrote::D Thanks all I did it I ordered a new baby class. Looking forward to getting it

Congratulations... Keep us apprised as to how things are going!
What type of grinder are you going with?

by **hartwell** on Mon Dec 29, 2008 8:47 pm

Yes I know I have to spend more $ and get a good grinder. I have a Cuisinart DBM8 now. If I clean it after each use I can get some thing that look like espresso grind. Have been reading this list, wow lots of info.

Jim :twisted:

by **Endo** on Mon Dec 29, 2008 8:55 pm

Silvia for $499 still gets my vote. Still the best for the money. Not as finicky as people make out. Super build quality and excellent resale.

by **hartwell** on Sat Jan 10, 2009 7:06 pm

Well the new Gaggia came. Made my 1st espresso with it last night. 1st pull took 1 min. was a little bitter.

Reset the hand grinder tried again, This time 14 sec but did not have much creme. Looks like I have work to do.

Jim

by **annie** on Thu Mar 12, 2009 12:29 pm

i am new to this forum. i need help and advice on a new espresso machine. i owned a francisfrancis for the last four years and have loved it. it died this morning and i need help in finding a new machine. i would like to spend between $500-$750. any suggestions?

by HB on Thu Mar 12, 2009 1:32 pm

Annie, sorry to hear about your Francis!Francis! I merged your question with an existing thread on the same subject. Good luck, let us know if you have follow-up questions.


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