Best espresso machine for around $500 budget
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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
Thanks,
Bruce
- HB
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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).
Dan Kehn
- Rybolt
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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.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
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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.
https://www.coffeegeek.com/reviews/consumer/lelitpl041
Don't forget to save $300 - $600 for a nice burr grinder.
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.
https://www.coffeegeek.com/reviews/consumer/lelitpl041
Don't forget to save $300 - $600 for a nice burr grinder.
Lock and load!
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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?
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
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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.hartwell wrote:I am a newbie to this list so this may have been asked many times.
Dan Kehn
- TUS172
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Partial:
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...Beezer wrote:I'd also cast my vote for a Gaggia Coffee or Carezza. Good little machines for the money.
Bob C.
(No longer a lever purist!)
LMWDP #012
(No longer a lever purist!)
LMWDP #012
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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.
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.
Hal Perry
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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.
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.
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This is a good suggestion here, as the grinder mentioned is certainly of good enough quality to get the young man on his way.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...
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.)