Best espresso machine for around $500

[bwales]

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

[HB]

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).

[Rybolt]

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.

[Beezer]

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.

[hartwell]

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?

[HB]

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.

[TUS172]

Partial:

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...

[hperry]

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.

[weasel]

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.

[IMAWriter]

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.)

[Todd Salzman]

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

[hartwell]

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

[zin1953]

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

[hartwell]

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

[TUS172]

: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?

[hartwell]

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

[Endo]

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.