When you think about an espresso machine you probably think of brewers that range between 100 and 5000 dollars tops. However, the truth is that the most expensive espresso brewers come at a far higher cost.
Here we gathered all the important information about the models that range from 5000 to 23000 dollars. Why are they so expensive, what do they offer, where can they be used, etc. Find all answers to these questions below.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
The Rundown
★★★★★
With its separate electronically adjustable ceramic disc grinders, this brewer ensures the freshest brewing results.
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★★★★☆
Its simple control panel ensures you can easily adjust the performance of this brewer to your likings.
Jump To Review
★★★★☆
With its steady 9 bar extraction pressure, this brewer allows you to brew consistent espresso shots with every use.
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What Do We Mean By “The Most Expensive”?
We covered models that range from expensive to the most expensive and luxurious models:
- “Affordable” expensive machines – To be straight, the “affordable” term does not imply cheap. Here, we are talking about models that cost less than 10 thousand dollars and can be found in restaurants, coffee shops, etc. They are usually super-automatic and can also be used for home use.
- “Mid-range” expensive models – Mid-range brewers range from 10 to 20 000 dollars. They are usually automatic and the perfect fit if you are not a professional barista that will know how to handle a semi-automatic brewer but don’t want to end up with a super-automatic one that controls everything for you.
- “The most expensive” brewers – These include the ones that cost more than 20 000 dollars. They fit the semi-automatic type as they are designed for professional baristas that can appreciate pressure and volume control, temperature adjustments, etc.
Is Their Price Justified?
These espresso machines owe their high price to the quality level and performance you can expect with every espresso shot you make. Their main benefits are:
- Uniqueness – While this is not true for everyone, there are some people that appreciate the uniqueness of expensive items. This goes for espresso machines too. Brewers that cost $500 000 will be made only in a small batch, meaning, there might be 3 models in the entire world.
- Quality – It is undeniable that espresso brewers at the higher end are made out of exceptional materials. The higher the price is, the more exceptional design you can expect. This means that you can find brewers with solid gold and silver parts, etc.
- Unparallel flavor – Although we all know that the price isn’t the only measurement of the final product’s quality (in this case espresso), you can expect amazing flavors from expensive models. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be able to withhold their price. Keep in mind that these special flavors, such as earthy tones, and levels of extraction aren’t something that every coffee consumer will appreciate and enjoy. It is meant for those crazed with a perfect espresso cup.
Different Brands You Can Find
Apart from the most expensive coffee machine brand – Javabot, you can also find espresso brewers from:
- van der Westen Speedster
- Elektra Belle Epoque
- The Siphon Bar
- Rancilio Classe
- Slayer Espresso
The Most Expensive Espresso Machines: What Can You Expect?
Since you are investing a lot of money into an espresso brewer, you want to be sure that you get your money’s worth. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Exceptional Quality
First and foremost, quality. From the models we reviewed below, you can notice the quality of the durable stainless steel construction, copper boilers, etc. However, the more expensive brewers can have parts of real gold and silver.
Wattage Rating
Expensive machines feature a wattage rating from 1500 Watts to 8000 Watts. While the former ones are an efficient choice for home use, the latter ones are more powerful, and therefore a much more suitable choice for restaurants, bars, and all environments that need a brewer that offers quality and efficiency.
Boiler System
At this price point, we don’t even have to talk about heat exchange or single boilers. You want a brewer with double boilers that can support the brewing and frothing function independently. What this means is that you can brew espresso and froth milk simultaneously and expect perfect and consistent results with each.
Brew Heads
While you can still get a single-serve brewer, with a large budget you can easily find brewers with 2 and even 3 brew heads. While there is no sense in buying such a large brewer for a small coffee shop, if you are in a real coffee business, this is something you want.
Coffee Grinders
For a higher price, you can find espresso machines that come equipped with 2 separate coffee grinders and even an additional powder-coffee dispenser. They ensure you can choose between different coffee beans and make versatile brews with a simple switch between the two.
Frothing Wands
In general, all espresso machines come with a milk frother or a frothing mechanism. This is true for the most expensive models too. Cheaper, super-automatic models offer automatic frothing performance. However, more expensive brewers come with multiple frothing wands you can control separately.
Programmable Features
These machines allow you to program their brewing temperature, volume, control the dosing system, adjust the pressure pump, stop the flow according to your likings, etc. Models that come with pre-programmed settings allow you to make the desired adjustments with a push of a button.
Plumbing System
Somewhat smaller models still come with water reservoirs. However, larger brewers require direct plumbing. While this means that they are not as flexible, i.e. you can’t simply move them around, they have a constant water supply so you never have to worry that you might run out of water at the restaurant’s busy hour.
Versatile Certificates
If this is something truly important to you, you won’t have too much trouble trying to find an expensive model with versatile efficiency and safety certificates. These many include UL, CE, ETL, ISO, etc.
10 Most Expensive Espresso Machines
Each of the listed models provides great value and efficiency. The first one offers automatic performance, has a bit lower power rating, but comes with programmable controls and 2 separate coffee grinders. The third one, on the other hand, is semi-automatic but offers a much higher power rating.
Jura Giga Coffee Espresso Machine
SPECIFICATION:
Material: Stainless Steel, Aluminum
Voltage: 110V-120 V
Type: Automatic
Certification: None
This automatic espresso brewer features a durable stainless steel design with aluminum accents. It comes with a simple touch control panel that provides you with up to 28 different brewing specialties you can choose from, wheter you feel like brewing coffee or espresso.
The amazing thing about this model is that it comes equipped with 2 separate ceramic disc coffee grinders. Both are electronically adjustable to ensure that you can easily choose how coarse you want your grounds to be. They are mounted atop the machine so you can easily refill them when needed.
Size:
Safety:
Funcionality:
PRICE RANGE
from $5500 to $6500
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon) and discounts
REASONS TO BUY:
- Provides versatile customizable options
- Smart system for Bluetooth connection
- A powerful dual thermoblock heating system
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Takes up a lot of counter space
- JOE app is not so much user friendly
Miele Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine
SPECIFICATION:
Material: Metal, Plastic, Steel
Voltage: 220-240 V
Type: Automatic
Certification: None
The great thing about this brewer is that it provides you with both single-serve and a carafe coffee function. It comes equipped with a milk steaming hose and a glass milk container to ensure that you can start using the machine the minute you get it.
Amongst its many features and functions, it also offers a WiFiConn@ct function, a cup warmer, a simple touch screen display, a built-in top-mounted grinder, etc. Even though it is expensive, this espresso machine is much more suitable for home use.
Size:
Safety:
Funcionality:
PRICE RANGE
from $5000 to $6000
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon) and discounts
REASONS TO BUY:
- Commissioning lock ensures that the machine can’t be turned on accidentally
- A removable brew unit makes it very easy to clean
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Suitable for home use
Chef Prosentials Espresso Machine
SPECIFICATION:
Material: Stainless Steel
Voltage: 220 V
Type: Semi-Automatic
Certification: ISO9001:2008, CE, RoHS
Its powerful 11-liter double boiler heating system ensures that this brewer can easily make up to 150 cups of delicious espresso in only one hour. This makes it suitable for use in busy restaurants and coffee shops. Since its brewing and frothing systems come with their boiler, you can easily brew and steam at the same time.
Keep in mind that this brewer creates a consistent 9 bar extracting pressure throughout the brewing process. It may not be as high as 15 bars, but it ensures an efficient extracting process. Since it comes with 2 brewing groups, you can work on 2 separate orders at once.
Size:
Safety:
Funcionality:
PRICE RANGE
from $6000 to $6500
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon) and discounts
REASONS TO BUY:
- Comes with an in build rotary pump
- Features an efficient double boiler heating system with an 11-liter capacity
REASONS TO AVOID:
- A somewhat lower 9 bar extracting pressure
Rancilio Espresso Machine
SPECIFICATION:
Material: Stainless Steel
Voltage: 220 V
Type: Fully Automatic
Certification: CE, ETL
This expensive stainless steel brewer comes with a smart power management system that makes it an energy-efficient choice. It features a boiler pressure gauge thanks to which you can easily check and adjust its pressure using external controls.
Both its manual steam wands come with protective sleeves that make them much safer for use. The additional hot water dispenser can be easily used to brew versatile beverages including americano, tea, or hot chocolate. It also offers customizable time-controlled dosing.
Size:
Safety:
Funcionality:
PRICE RANGE
from $9000 to $9500
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon) and discounts
REASONS TO BUY:
- High cup clearance for larger coffee cups
- Independent heat exchanges for brewing and steaming cycles
REASONS TO AVOID:
- A somewhat smaller 5-liter boiler capacity
Franke Super Automatic Espresso Machine
SPECIFICATION:
Material: Black Chrome
Voltage: 220 V
Type: Super Automatic
Certification: None
This machine consists of a refrigerator with a 1-gallon milk reservoir, a coffee brewer, and an additional flavor station. It offers 2 separate grinders/reservoirs for 2 different coffee types and an additional, smaller reservoir, for powder coffee.
Its practical 8-inch control display provides you with multiple, pre-programmed brewing specialties. You can choose and set the desired one with a simple touch of a finger. Even though this brewer is made for commercial use only, its daily output should not cross 150 cups.
Size:
Safety:
Funcionality:
PRICE RANGE
from $22000 to $23000
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon) and discounts
REASONS TO BUY:
- You get a coffee brewer, milk refrigerator/frother, and a flavor station
- 2 grinders/reservoirs and an additional one for powder coffee
REASONS TO AVOID:
- It is not recommended that it produces more than 150 cups per a day
La Pavoni Commercial Espresso Machine
SPECIFICATION:
Material: Stainless Steel
Voltage: 230 V
Type: Volumetric
Certification: ETL
As opposed to the previously reviewed models, this Italian machine comes equipped with a water softener. This is an amazing thing as it keeps the machine safe from damages that are often caused by hard water. It also means that you won’t have to descale the machine as often.
Another thing worth mentioning is that this brewer comes with 3 separate brewing groups and a 22.5-liter boiler that will provide you with a minimum of 200 servings in only one hour. The machine is ETL certified so you can rest assured that it is perfectly safe to use.
Size:
Safety:
Funcionality:
PRICE RANGE
from $11000 to $12500
depending on eCommerce offer (Majesty Coffee) and discounts
REASONS TO BUY:
- Features a retro look of the 50’s style Italian Café
- Offers 3 separate brewing groups, 2 pivoting steam wands, and an additional hot water spout
REASONS TO AVOID:
- There are no additional programmable features
Nuova Simonelli Espresso Machine
SPECIFICATION:
Material: Stainless Steel
Voltage: 220 V
Type: Automatic
Certification: None
This is another high end machine that comes equipped with a simple touch control display. It allows you to adjust the dosage, brewing temperature as well as steam, and group temperature. It is located on the front of the machine to ensure you can easily access it and adjust its parameters to your needs.
Note that this expensive brewer offers a programmable on/off timer too. This makes it a much more energy-efficient choice as the on/off feature ensures that no power goes to waste. Its super-automatic performance leaves you with very few things to worry about.
Size:
Safety:
Funcionality:
PRICE RANGE
from $13000 to $13500
depending on eCommerce offer (Majesty Coffee) and discounts
REASONS TO BUY:
- User-friendly design makes it easy to use
- Comes with many pre-programmed brewing settings
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Its super-automatic performance leaves you with little control over its brewing parameters
UNIC Stella Espresso Machine
SPECIFICATION:
Material: Stainless Steel
Voltage: 220 V
Type: Auto-Volumetric
Certification: None
The main thing to know about this machine with a steamer is that it features a plumbed design. This means that it does not come with a water reservoir but rather requires a direct water hookup to work properly. Its dual boiler system provides an 11.5-liter capacity and allows you to make about 100 servings in a single hour.
Another thing worth mentioning is that this machine provides you with control over its pre-infusion process. You get to adjust both its time and the pressure. The best thing is that this is independent for each brewing group.
Size:
Safety:
Funcionality:
PRICE RANGE
from $15000 to $19000
depending on eCommerce offer (Majesty Coffee) and discounts
REASONS TO BUY:
- Separate control panels for each brewing group
- Comes with a large cup warmer that helps you dry up clean cups
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Isn’t as flexible as it requires a direct plumbing system
Nuova Simonelli Traditional Espresso Machine
SPECIFICATION:
Material: Stainless Steel
Voltage: 220 V
Type: Volumetric
Certification: None
This model is a great choice for use in hotels, restaurants, and professional coffee shops with high demands. It comes with 2 brew heads, 2 milk frothers, and an additional hot water sport you can use to quickly brew tea or hot chocolate.
Both its brew heads feature a slightly raised design thanks to which you can make not only a small espresso shot but also a cappuccino, delicious latte, etc. With its user-friendly LCD, you can easily manage boiler pressure, dosage, infusion process, etc.
Size:
Safety:
Funcionality:
PRICE RANGE
from $15000 to $18000
depending on eCommerce offer (Majesty Coffee) and discounts
REASONS TO BUY:
- Very easy to use with programmable features
- Provides an energy-efficient performance
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Requires high-end maintenance and has a higher repairing cost
Nuova Simonelli Aurelia Espresso Machine
SPECIFICATION:
Material: Stainless Steel
Voltage: 220 V
Type: Volumetric
Certification: None
This is another brewer made by Nuova Simonelli. As opposed to the previously reviewed models, this one comes with 3 brew heads, each with its own set of controls. The high-resolution touchscreen displays ensure you can make desired adjustments without fussing over the instruction manual.
With its pulse jet technology, this brewer allows you to stop and start the coffee flow when you want. Its T3 technology system ensures that you can enjoy amazing thermal stability throughout the brewing process. Since it consists of several insulated copper boilers, you can independently control the temperature of each brewing head.
Size:
Safety:
Funcionality:
PRICE RANGE
from $17000 to $17500
depending on eCommerce offer (Majesty Coffee) and discounts
REASONS TO BUY:
- Provides an efficient soft infusion process
- Offers manual dosing controls
REASONS TO AVOID:
- This model is not capable of steaming milk automatically
What Are The Most Expensive Coffee Espresso Machines In The World?
If you thought the machine with the price of 10 000 to 20 000 dollars is expensive, you didn’t meet the really expensive one! There are a few machines over 20 000 dollars but we will present you 3 most expensive machines in the world. These models are not available for sale as usual coffee makers but are purposed for big cafe brands that can actually afford it.
Javabot Coffee Machine
The most expensive machine in the world is the Javabot coffee brewer. It is listed for 1,000,000 dollars. As you can assume, it is not commonly used in cafes because it’s created by the team of Roasting Plant, a company that owns luxury cafes in New York City, Detroit, Denver, San Francisco, Minneapolis, and London. Only there you can see the machine and also drink a coffee brewed by the Javabot.
The amazing thing about this machine is that it does the full process for each espresso shot you order. It starts by roasting selected coffee grounds, then immediately grinds them and brews an espresso shot. The result is a truly stimulating and flavorful cup of coffee. So the secret of their popularity is in the roasting. The interesting fact about this machine is that it was actually created in the garage during experimenting with a vacuum cleaner and coffee beans.
Slayer Three Group Espresso Brewer
A much more affordable, but still expensive option is the Slayer Three Group Espresso Brewer which costs about 30 000 dollars. It offers a high power rating of 8000 Watts, many amazing features, and is certified according to UL, NSF, and CE safety requirements. Unlike the Javabot, this machine is available for sale but usually for popular cafes and companies, whose budgets are actually the only ones that can afford it.
Rancilio 11 Xcelsius Espresso Machine
In comparison with the million-dollar Javapot, the Rancilio’s machine is pretty cheap. It costs around 26 000 dollars. The touch screen makes it look luxurious and practical to make a coffee for the optimal time of brewing. Rancilio is an Italian brand that, thanks to this respectable machine, should get the name of “Lamborghini in the coffee world”.
To Wrap It Up
Out of all listed models, I recommend purchasing Jura Giga Coffee Espresso Machine. It provides powerful performance, comes with 2 coffee grinders, and offers a user-friendly control panel with the versatility of pre-programmed beverages. You won’t get wrong nor with any other expensive model since they all offer excellent performance. Just consider if a model you want to buy includes all the important features such as grinder, frother, multiple programs. That means it’s worth your money.
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