7 Best Espresso Machines Under $1500; Reviews

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Here’s some good news! With the very best espresso machines under $1500, you’ll be able to get quite close to a professional level in terms of cup quality.

The coffee and espresso market is saturated with tons of espresso machines under 1500 dollars that will brew your morning espresso to your liking. However, I chose the top 7 espresso machines under $1500 that I think you’ll really love.

Best Espresso Machines Under $1500

Comparison Table
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Best Espresso Machine Under $1500 - reviews

1. De'Longhi Dinamica Plus Espresso Machine

Specifications:
  • Machine type: Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
  • Integrated Grinder: Conical burr grinder with 13 grind size settings
  • Bean Hopper: 11.5 oz.
  • Bypass Doser: Yes
  • Water Reservoir: 61 oz.
  • Automatic milk frother
  • LatteCrema Milk Frothing System
  • Digital Touchscreen Display
  • Coffee Link App
  • Pot Function

The De’Longhi Dinamica Plus is a fully automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine that produces barista-style coffees at the touch of a button or via the app. 

At the front is a slick crystal clear 3.5-inch TFT touchscreen that helps the Dinamica Plus stand out from other espresso machines.

The machine has an integrated burr grinder on top, boasting 13 grind settings.

The top of the machine also has a bypass doser, meaning you can use a single scoop of pre-ground beans to make a coffee of your choice.

The front of the machine has adjustable coffee spouts, which offer the necessary clearance when using a taller cup. 

There’s also a hot water connection nozzle on the left, where you can connect either your hot water spout or a milk container.

The De’Longhi Dinamica Plus offers a range of adjustable settings including drink size, aroma, and amount of froth. On top of that, these can be saved in user profiles, making it simple to create the perfect drink to suit you every time.

This machine is hands down one of the best fully automatic espresso machines under $1500.

There’s also a removable 61oz. water container that has to be filled manually.

Why We Recommend It

The color touch display walks you through the setup and is very intuitive to use, displaying different beverages with clear images and there’s an accompanying app that allows further control. 

Drinks can be customized by the amount of coffee, amount and froth level of milk, aroma, and temperature. 

The grind level of the beans is also adjustable to ensure the perfect espresso. 

Drinks available include coffee shop favorites like cappuccino, latte, espresso, and flat white, but it can also pour a six-cup coffee pot or dispense just hot water for teas.

After every use, the machine automatically rinses everything through, so there’s minimal daily cleaning required.

The automatic milk frother can produce a mug of hot frothy milk in just under a minute.

The coffee link app connects to the machine via Bluetooth. It displays each beverage option and it is easy to navigate around the different drinks. 

It even allows for additional personalization of drinks that can’t be done via the machine.

Pros:
  • All drink recipes can be personalized
  • Sixteen one-touch coffee drink options
  • Automatic milk frothing
  • Simple interface with an app for additional control
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Lots of plastic

2. Gaggia Accademia Espresso Machine

Specifications:
  • Machine type: Super Automatic Espresso Machine
  • Integrated Grinder: Ceramic burr grinder with 8 grind size settings
  • Bean Hopper: 12 oz.
  • Bypass Doser: Yes
  • Water Reservoir: 54 oz.
  • Built-in container for coffee grounds
  • Integrated cup warmer 
  • Adjustable espresso length
  • Steaming wand that doubles as a hot water dispenser
  • Automatic cleaning and descaling

The Gaggia Accademia is an excellent super-automatic espresso machine with features that have been optimized for both specialty espresso and milk beverages. 

Thanks to its auto-frothing milk carafe, the Accademia can produce a fully customized cappuccino, latte macchiato, or latte at the push of a button. 

Moreover, the Accademia features a fully manual steam wand and a unique flow rate control valve that can increase or decrease water flow through the puck for extra rich espresso extractions or lighter long coffees without changing the grind settings.

The bean container has a capacity of 350 g, which is a decent amount for an office. 

The adjustable height spout makes it very easy to change between mugs of various sizes. The water tank holds up to 54oz and the machine has a detachable milk carafe for a convenient operation.

The machine is also custom-tailored to deliver 7 programmable drink options.

Another fantastic feature of the Gaggia Academia is the possibility to tweak your beverage to fine details. 

You can adjust your cup either before brewing, or even during the brewing everything from milk quantity to brew length, temperature, or strength for each drink individually.

Why We Recommend It

The Accademia offers plenty of room for customization. From its seven pre-set drink options to its manual milk-steaming option, you can tailor-make any coffee drink to suit your taste.

The detachable brew group and milk container make maintaining the Accademia simple. 

In addition to 7 brew styles, the Accademia also has milk-steaming options for minimal, normal, or no froth. 

In total, the Accademia has 8 grinder settings, 3 strength settings, 3 pre-infusion settings, 3 temperature settings, and 4 milk foam settings. 

With stainless steel paneling, a compact shape, and a bright display, the Accademia looks professional and sturdy.

The auto-frother delivers smooth silky microfoam and instantly combines it with an espresso shot to make your cappuccinos, lattes, and such.

You won’t have to spend additional money on add-ons such as a tamper, grinder, or water filter because this machine already has all those functions built-in. 

Pros:
  • Super-automatic & very easy to operate
  • 15 bar pump
  • Double boiler for faster brewing
  • Built-in grinder and milk frother
Cons:
  • 1-year warranty
  • Small water reservoir
  • Expensive

3. De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro Espresso Machine

Specifications:
  • Machine type: Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
  • Integrated Grinder: Stainless steel conical burr grinder with 8 grind size settings
  • Bean Hopper: 8.8 oz
  • Water Reservoir: 84.5 oz
  • Frother: 360-degree swivel wand (manual)
  • Warranty: 2 years + 1 additional year upon machine registration

Although La Specialista Maestro may look quite intimidating with various dials, knobs, a tamp, a built-in water flow meter, and an automatic milk frother with a fully manual milk steaming wand, it’s actually quite easy to use.

The 8.8-ounce bean hopper sits on top of the machine, and you simply choose to tweak various aspects of a coffee’s character such as dose size, grind, brew temperature, and more.

It has a ‘smart tamping station’ that refers to a level-controlled process after the grinding and dosing is done. It’s a manual pull to compress and level the grinds and works very effectively. 

The milk froth wand offers an excellent range of movement, twisting out parallel to the machine and back again over the latte drip tray. 

This one of the best semi-automatic espresso machines for under 1500 dollars also comes with a Lattecrema System in addition, which fits on top of the stainless steel milk jug to offer frothy coffees. 

Six coffees are on offer for pre-set selection; Espresso, Cappuccino, Long Black, Coffee, Flat White, and Latte. 

During brewing, there’s an eight-second pause for a pre-infusion phase in which the machine wets the top of the coffee to ensure even extraction before the coffee starts to flow.

Why We Recommend It

An overwhelming strength of the machine is just how clean and seamless it all is, from the tamp to maintenance, it’s all very simple and requires even less effort than it does to make a coffee. 

The controls are a tactile combination of buttons, handles, and dials which add to the hands-on experience. 

Water hardness level, coffee temperature, auto-shut-off time, and its energy-saving modes are all settings that can be adjusted.

You’ll love the guidance of the milk wand’s dial-control, which is adjustable depending on the level of froth desired for the coffee.

This machine is a modern classic. Its construction is robust, every component has a hefty quality feel and with its guidance, you can go from a coffee beginner to a barista at home. 

This is an investment espresso maker that encourages creativity, as well as bringing flair to a kitchen.

Pros:
  • High-quality appearance
  • Steam wand with plenty of power
  • Heats up quickly
  • Produces fantastic milk foam
  • 6 programmed beverages 
  • ESE pod compatible
  • Fold-down espresso cup holder
Cons:
  • Long pause before steam wand begins
  • Water tank access at the back

4. Jura E6 Automatic Coffee Center

Specifications:
  • Machine type: Super-Automatic Espresso Machine
  • Integrated Grinder: AromaG3 grinder
  • Bean Hopper: 9.9 oz
  • Water Reservoir: 63.6 oz
  • Frother: HP1 milk system with interchangeable spout
  • Warranty: 2 years or 6,000 brew cycles
  • Specialty beverage buttons: 7 programmed beverages
  • Brew sizes: Espresso (0.5-2.5 oz) to long coffee (0.5-8 oz) plus up to 15 oz of hot water

The E6 is a simple, yet intuitive super-automatic design from JURA that is more hands-on than the others. It’s capable of brewing and steaming all the espresso standards with the press of a button and turn of a dial. 

For a more full-bodied espresso and decidedly thicker crema, the E6 pre-infuses coffee using JURA’s Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System, followed up by the Pulse Extraction Process, which pulses water through the grounds in short intervals to get the most out of the extraction.

Navigating the Jura E6 is incredibly easy, and it’s just as simple to keep clean, especially with the Clearyl Smart water filter installed in the 63.6oz. reservoir to ensure great-tasting coffee and reduce the need for descaling.

It has two spouts that help you get coffee for two in the fastest way. Yes, the two spouts can work simultaneously.

The integrated burr grinder is quiet and grinds beans at a very fast rate with no loss of quality either.

The Jura E6 comprises a nice little TFT display situated front and center of the machine. 

Why We Recommend It

This one of the best automatic espresso machines under $1500 comprises a unique state-of-the-art brewing system which they call the intelligent pre-brew aroma system or I.P.B.A.S for short.

It is a brewing unit where you select an amount of ground coffee to have a small portion of water extracted onto it. 

This allows the aroma of the coffee to be then passed through the Pulse Extraction Process ensuring the best coffee aroma and taste you can get from your beans.

Jura E6 is compatible with Jura Smart Connect for operating remotely using your smartphone or tablet. You can even brew coffee drinks using your voice. In order to control the machine, first, you need to place the Bluetooth receiver in the appropriate location of the machine. 

Without ever needing to touch a steaming wand, you can have exactly the type of frothed milk you like.

From fine foam to light and airy, you decide how you like it and let the Jura E6 handle the rest.

Pros:
  • TFT color LCD display with backlit
  • Customizable settings & memory
  • Energy-saving mode
  • Wireless capability
  • Built-in burr grinder
Cons:
  • No self-cleaning feature
  • You cannot use pre-ground beans

5. Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine

Specifications:
  • Machine type: Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
  • Integrated Grinder: Conical burr grinder with 30 settings
  • Bean Hopper: 8 oz
  • Water Reservoir: 67 oz
  • Frother: Automatic milk frother
  • Custom Settings: 8 beverages can be programmed 

The  Breville Barista Touch allows you to make café-quality lattes and cappuccinos at home with ease.

It has an intuitive touch screen display that lets you choose from a menu of pre-programmed specialty coffees or create your custom beverage to suit your taste buds using the built-in grinder for fresh ground beans on demand. 

From the screen, you select from espresso, Americano, latte, flat white, or cappuccino. You can use the default settings or customize those drinks including grind duration, your espresso — so you can do a single, a double, or timed duration extraction 

Also, the fast 3-second heat-up allows you to prepare coffee on demand.

It’s 67 oz. water tank is made of BPA-free plastic and is easy to fill. It also has a filter, which keeps impurities from the water to end up in your cup of coffee.

Its automatic milk frothing technology is capable of producing the perfect milk foam without any intervention on your part. 

Because of the micro-foam technology you can conveniently enjoy your perfect latte whenever you want without any hassle.

Why We Recommend It

This is one of the best semi-automatic espresso machines under $1500 and it looks expensive and classy. Just about everything is customizable. The grind-size. The amount of coffee per shot. The amount of time your coffee is brewed for. The temperature of your milk. The amount of froth in your milk. And shifting between different settings is done with a simple tap on a touchscreen. 

Brew temperature is PID controlled for accuracy. 

The machine has automatic pre-infusion. That wets the coffee and slowly builds up to full brewing pressure for deeper more aromatic extractions.

The ThermoJet heating system of this espresso machine is capable of heating up to the right temperature in a matter of seconds.

The exterior is predominately metal. It comes with a water filter, a variety of tools, and a frothing pitcher. The drip tray slides out the front and behind that is a box for holding tools and accessories.

The Breville Barista Touch has systems in place that make cleaning a very easy task. 

The steam wand also has a cleaning system that will start the moment you push it back down. 

Pros:
  • Brushed stainless steel exterior
  • Adjustable milk temperature and texture control
  • Adjustable coffee intensity
  • Five possible beverage preparation
  • Milk wand automatic cleaning system
  • Integrated grinder
  • PID control temperature
Cons:
  • Single boiler.
  • A bit expensive.
  • Grouphead can be a bit messy with coffee puck sticking.

6. De'Longhi Magnifica XS Espresso Machine

Specifications:
  • Machine type: Super-Automatic Espresso Machine
  • Integrated Grinder: Conical burr grinder with 13 settings
  • Bean Hopper: 8 oz
  • Water Reservoir: 60 oz
  • Frother: Automatic milk frother
  • Warranty: 2 years

The DeLonghi Magnifica XS Super Automatic Espresso Machine is a compact, feature-packed, beautiful espresso machine. 

Its single stainless steel thermoblock boiler design provides energy savings while quickly heating fresh water for brewing and steaming. 

The patented manual steam wand with the special cappuccino tip and frother easily prepares latte and cappuccino. It mixes steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth for perfect drinks every time.

Easy to use rotary and push-button control panel includes a convenient selector dial that allows you to choose the strength of your coffee. 

There are four buttons that are preset for a single shot of espresso, a double, one long coffee, and two long coffees. 

All four buttons can be reprogrammed to whatever quantity of water you prefer. 

Additional features include 4 programmable temperature settings, energy-saving auto shut-off, instant reheat, and a counter for the number of cups brewed. 

It comes integrated with a silent grinder which has a total of 13 powerful control and settings.  There is also the option to brew using pre-ground espresso. 

Why We Recommend It

The DeLonghi Magnifica XS is one of the best fully-automatic espresso machines under $1500 with an easy to figure out control panel.

It also includes an instant reheat function and automatic shut-off after 4 hours of inactivity. The milk frothing wand makes it easy to make your own cappuccinos. 

The easy-to-operate control panel includes various menu settings for changing the strength of the coffee and also the cup size.

Adjustable spouts let you use just about any size or shape coffee cup. The machine also includes a water filtration system.

The included cappuccino frother uses a patented technology designed by DeLonghi for a rich, creamy froth every time.

The Magnifica XS is perfect for anyone willing to invest in a high-end espresso machine for home use.

Pros:
  • Extremely intuitive controls and user interface
  • Fast heat-up
  • Brews both espresso and coffee
  • Programmable water hardness setting
  • Customized Drinks
  • Easy-To-Use
  • No Waiting
Cons:
  • Louder than most espresso machines
  • Single boiler espresso machine

7. Sage The Barista Pro Manual Espresso Maker

Specifications:
  • Machine type: Manual Espresso Machine
  • Integrated Grinder: Conical burr grinder with 30 settings
  • Bean Hopper: 8.8 oz
  • Water Reservoir: 67.7 oz
  • Frother: Automatic milk frother
  • Automatic and manual pre-infusion

The Barista Pro is also designed with a clear user interface that allows the desired settings to be made effortlessly and intuitively. 

You can set the degree of grinding and the consistency of the milk foam and also choose whether you want to brew one or two cups of espresso at the same time.

The Sage is also equipped with a milk frothing system that allows you to prepare coffee specialties that are based on espresso and refined with milk or milk foam, like latte and cappuccino, for example.

The machine comes with a set of four wall filter baskets, the so-called Razor precision dose trimming tool, a beautiful 480ml stainless steel milk jug, which is needed for foaming the milk. The machine also comes with a tamper, a water filter, and a cleaning kit.

The Barista Pro feels well built, as the main body and drip tray’s metal finish feels premium and the included portafilter is noticeably sturdy.

It features the Thermojet technology that lets the Pro heat up and be ready to pour a shot of espresso only three seconds after it’s been turned on.

Why We Recommend It

T Sagehe Barista Pro looks and, in the main, feels like a high-quality machine. There’s no touchscreen or fancy display here and the simple LCD screen on our model is surrounded by an expanse of matte black metal.

The Sage SES878 Barista Pro is undoubtedly one of the best espresso machines under 1500 dollars, and I can recommend it without reservation about its price range. 

A big advantage of this machine is the extremely fast heat-up time. The operating temperature is reached in just three seconds.

State-of-the-art technology contributes to the Barista Pro to ensure that the coffee is always perfect. 

Professional pre-infusion and a temperature that remains constant during the extraction process are among the many advantages of this model.

The high level of convenience of the integrated grinder is yet another aspect that underlines the excellent price-performance ratio of this espresso machine.

Another key feature is that this is a volumetric machine. This means that it accurately measures how much water it’s pushing through each time and does so consistently.

Pros:
  • Contemporary and classy appearance
  • Easy-to-operate LCD display control panel
  • Starts up in just three seconds 
  • Rapid brewing and steaming transition
  • Powerful milk-steaming
Cons:
  • More costly than the Barista Express model
  • Grinder loud when in use

How To Choose The Best Espresso Machine Under $1500

With so many different types of espresso machines that are available for under 1500 dollars, how do you determine which one is ideal for you?

Don’t worry, I have broken this down into a few factors you should take into consideration before parting with your hard-earned cash.

1. Types of Espresso Machines

With a budget of 1500 dollars for your espresso machine, you’ll be presented with the following types of machines.

a) Manual Espresso Machines

Manual espresso machines are the only machines that give the user full control over the entire brewing process. It doesn’t have automated systems and digital controls. Rather, you determine how you want to make each espresso shot and mix everything manually.

b) Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines

A semi-automatic espresso machine’s basic composition is a boiler, a portafilter, and a switch for extraction. With a semi-automatic espresso machine, the user is still responsible for grinding the espresso, extracting and steaming or frothing the milk. 

c) Automatic Espresso Machine

An automatic espresso machine is quite similar to that of a semi-automatic espresso machine. The major difference is that an automatic machine contains a microprocessor. These are utilized for programming the perfect espresso drink. 

At the same time, instead of a one-button machine, an automatic machine will come with numerous options depending on the size and grade of espresso.

d) Super-Automatic Espresso Machines

These machines possess the full capacity and features to do it all. One of the most notable features of a super-automatic espresso machine is the built-in coffee grinder. Aside from putting the beans inside the machine, the entire machine does all of the work. 

All the user is required to do is program the machine and clean it. 

2. Machine size

Size is the first thing you should consider when making plans to buy an espresso machine. Do you have enough space in your kitchen for a large machine, or you can only spare a few inches for one? Fortunately, these machines come in a wide range of sizes that make it easy to find one in an appropriate size.

3. Bean Hopper & Water Tank Capacity

If you’ll be using the machine throughout the day, or if several of you will be preparing espresso each day, you need a machine that can store 50-70 oz of water and a bean hopper capacity of 8 oz. This is enough to make 6-8 cups of espresso and should eliminate the need to refill the water after pouring a shot.

4. Steam wand

If you are partial to a milky coffee like a latte or cappuccino, a steam wand is a vital part of your espresso machine.

This is a small metal stick extending from the side of the machine that you can adjust.

Steam wands have adjustable gauges so that you can achieve the perfect foam and temperature of your milk frothing.

5. Grinder

Choose between an espresso machine with a built-in grinder or one that uses a separate, stand-alone grinder. Fully-automatic espresso machines come with a built-in grinder, so this is one less detail to worry about. With semi-automatic machines, however, you will have to purchase a grinder.

6. Programmability

At a price point of 1500 dollars, espresso machines give you the freedom to automate the brewing process. 

The programming feature allows you to customize the espresso machine as you like. You can control the temperature, choose different descaling options, set the timer, automatically turn the machine on and off, and in the most advanced models, customize these settings for several users. 

7. Ease of cleaning 

Espresso machines have a reputation for being impossible to clean, but this is not always the case.

Regardless, it is vital to clean your espresso machine regularly to keep it in working order and help the machine’s longevity.

It is good to research how easily the machine is to take apart and how to clean the different elements, such as the drip tray and the exterior of the machine.

8. Number of users

If you have a large household, take into consideration how often you’ll need to make espresso how much of it. You’ll want a machine that can accommodate the amount of use and be able to meet the demand.

Conclusion

To recap, the best espresso machine under $1500 is the De’Longhi Dinamica Plus Fully Automatic Espresso Machine. It makes delicious coffee, can froth milk easily, includes a built-in coffee grinder, and offers exceptional value for money.

For less than $1500, you can pick up a really good espresso machine that is highly functional, pulls a fantastic shot, and froths a mean cappuccino.

In this price range, you’ll find both semi-automatic and super-automatic machines, so you can choose whichever machine suits your brewing style best.

Written by:
Picture of Shiv Kumar
Shiv Kumar

Shiv has been a coffee fanatic since caffeine became a necessity in college, and since then, his enthusiasm has only grown. He specializes in espresso machines and single-serve coffee makers.

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