8 Best Espresso Machines Under $2000: Best Bang For Your Buck

Although we are all often bound by our budgets, investing in a good espresso machine is something you must do if you are truly passionate about brewing espresso. The good news is that an espresso machine under 2000 dollars will allow you to do just that. Within this budget, you can find amazing brewers with pro-grade features and performance.

We gathered all the important information to ensure that you can make your choice as easy as possible. So let us get started.

The Rundown

What Kind Of Espresso Machines Can You Buy For Under $2000?

Once you decide to spend up to 2000 dollars on an espresso machine, you want to be sure that you will get your money’s worth. Here we included answers to some burning questions you might have.

Is $2000 Enough For A Pro-Grade Espresso Brewer?

The answer is yes, you can easily find an espresso brewer with a 2000 dollar budget that provides professional-grade features and functions. This includes a durable stainless steel design, high extraction pressure of 15 to 20 bars, grinding and frothing controls, etc.

Is Spending $2000 On An Espresso Machine Too Much?

This is not an investment you have to make every day. So, if you are really set on purchasing a high-quality espresso machine, no, it is not too much. Good home espresso machines generally cost from 400 to 700 dollars while commercial brewers range from 5000 to 30000 dollars. For a $2000 price, you can get a good prosumer espresso brewer.

A Term All Espresso Aficionados Know: “Prosumer Espresso Machine”

A “Prosumer” machine is a specially designed espresso maker that offers professional-grade performance and features of top-rated commercial models but is essentially made for home use.

Pick “The One” Espresso Machine For You

If you are just getting started in the brewing world, a super-automatic machine is the best way to go. You only need to set the desired program and the machine will do the rest. However, if have some skills and are willing to put in some effort, a manual espresso brewer might be the right choice for you. A semi-automatic brewer is a golden middle that does the work but at the same time allows you to control its performance.

Espresso Machine Under $2000: Get The Most Out Of It

A good espresso machine does come at a higher cost, but it also provides many amazing features and functions you just might not get with a more affordable model. Check out the key features that an espresso machine for under 2000 dollars should meet.

Machine’s Size

The first and foremost feature you need to consider is the size of the machine. It is very important as you don’t want to end up with a bulky model you can’t fit on your countertops. Somewhat smaller models feature 9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1 In size while the larger ones feature 14 x 16.5 x 18.5 In size.

Quality & Durability

You can never go wrong with buying a stainless steel model, as it is one of the most durable materials that can withstand the high demands of professional use. It also ensures the lasting lifespan of the appliance, anywhere from 5 to 15 years depending on its maintenance. Design is also important as it defines how the machine’s controls are arranged, is its water reservoir accessible, etc.

Boiler Type

Although you can find espresso machines with a single boiler, double boiler, and a heat exchange boiler, with a 2000 dollar budget you should go for a double-boiler espresso machine. Its only downside is that it needs a bit more time to heat up than the other two. However, it is also more powerful and efficient, and as a result, allows you to brew and froth at the same time without compromising the results.

Brewing Capacity

The brewing capacity of the machine is determined by its water reservoir, boiler type, and extraction pressure. A 3-liter water reservoir allows you to brew coffee without having to refill it so often. Dual boilers need a bit more time initially to heat up but they maintain the temperature better and ensure consistent results. Finally, a 20 bar extraction pressure will allow you to pull an espresso shot in only a few seconds, meaning you can make more savings per hour.

Adequate Pressure

If you want to achieve the brewing results you would get in a coffee shop, you need to buy an espresso machine with a powerful pump that creates about 15 to 20 bar extraction pressure. It will capture all the delicious aroma from your grounds, provide that perfect coffee crema, and help you make an espresso shot in about 25 to 30 seconds.

PID Temperature Control

While this is not something all espresso brewers on the market have to offer, with a $2000 budget you can easily find the model that does. A Proportional Integral Derivative control system adjusts the water’s temperature in small increasements rather than waiting for it to cool down and activate the thermostat. As a result, you are able to pull much more consistent espresso shots.

Group Head – Why Is It Important?

The group head is important as it regulates the heat and defines which portafilters are compatible with the espresso machine. Although there is not a standard model, “E61” is a mid-century Italian group head that is often used in commercial espresso brewers by many manufacturers. As it is made out of heavy brass material, it maintains the needed temperature consistency. As it is so widely used, you won’t have any trouble finding a replacement part if you ever need one.

Not Only For Espresso

Keep in mind that espresso machines are not made only for espresso. Since they come equipped with a frothing wand or an automatic frothing system, you can use them to brew any kind of espresso/milk-based beverage. This includes lattes, cappuccinos, caffè macchiato, etc.

Additional Features & Controls

Once you cover all the must-haves, you can look for additional features such as a built-in grinder, bean hopper, water filter, self-cleaning mechanism, etc. Also functions such as bean-grind control, adjustable aroma strength, additional customizable brewing programs, and so on.

Control Panel

You want to be sure that you can control all the mentioned features as easily as possible. A simple, user-friendly, touch control display will allow you to do just that. At this price point, most espresso brewers come with a front-mounted control panel with a backlit display.

Maintenance Level

If you buy an espresso machine for less than $2000 with a self-cleaning system for both the brewing and frothing part of the machine, you don’t have to do much. Simply keep the exterior of the machine clean. If you don’t, make sure that you clean the portafilter, group gasket, frother, and all removable parts of the machine using mild dish soap (or a special cleaning solution) and mild water.

8 Best Espresso Machines Under $2000

While the Saeco PicoBaristo espresso brewer provides a super-automatic performance, La Pavoni professional espresso machine is made for those who are willing to put in some manual effort to brew a perfect shot. Read on to learn more.

Saeco PicoBaristo Espresso Machine

With its simple control panel, 15 pre-programmed beverage settings, and additional 6 customizable profiles, this Italian machine provides you with complete control over its performance. It comes equipped with long-lasting ceramic grinders and an automatic milk frothing system that comes with its own hygiesteam function that keeps it clean.

Although this espresso machine for under 2000 dollars comes with a single boiler, its quick-heating technology allows you to immediately brew espresso. The patented AquaClean water filter purifies the water inside the tank and also ensures that you don’t have to descale the brewer for up to 5,000 cups.

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Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine

Its integrated ceramic coffee grinder combined with the dose control grinding system ensures that the perfect amount of grinds is dispensed into the portafilter with every use. Since the brewer uses optimal water pressure, you will be able to capture all the delicious flavors and aromas from your grinds in your brew.

Another thing worth mentioning is that its frothing wand creates the perfect froth for lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, etc. You can adjust the milk’s temperature and texture to your likings and as a result brew barista-style espresso/milk-based beverages. Due to its super automatic performance, you will need only a few seconds to get it right.

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La Pavoni Professional Espresso Machine

This espresso brewer features a chrome construction. It comes on a simple on/off switch on the left bottom side that automatically starts the machine. It offers a 1000 Watt power system that will help you get the best results with every use. It is the perfect blend between an automatic and a manual machine.

There are a few simple steps you should follow to pull the best espresso shot. Fill the water reservoir, add finely ground coffee beans to the portafilter, and pul the front lever up. The extraction pressure depends on how quickly or slowly you press the ever down.

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Miele Countertop Coffee Machine

This espresso machine features a simple, direct sensor control panel. It offers a simple backlit display and additional light indicators that help you make the desired adjustments as easy as possible. Its water reservoir is located on its size and is very easy to access, remove, and refill.

The great thing about this German machine is that you can easily brew directly into both smaller and larger cups. This is because its coffee spout is height-adjustable. You can easily pull it down or push back up depending on your needs.

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Gaggia Accademia Espresso Machine

This is another espresso machine that allows you to choose wheter you want to brew using whole beans or pre-ground coffee. It includes a built-in grinder and a bean hopper to ensure that you can easily switch between the two whenever you like.

Note that this brewer offers both a frothing wand and an additional automatic milk frothing system with a 0.5-liter capacity milk carafe. The carafe is completely removable from the machine to ensure that you can easily clean it. Most importantly, you can store it inside the refrigerator to ensure that the leftover milk does not go to waste.

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Jura Coffee And Espresso Center

Due to its simple TFT display, this high-end machine is very easy to use and control even for inexperienced users. It offers 8 different brewing specialties you can switch between with a simple touch of a button.

It offers a large capacity water reservoir that can hold up to 101-ounce of water. Its bean container can hold up to 17.7-ounces of your favorite coffee beans while the coffee grounds container holds enough grounds to make up to 25 brews.

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De’Longhi La Specialista Espresso Machine

Thanks to its specially designed dynamic pre-infusion system, this brewer provides perfect density for each coffee dose. Its coffee grinder offers sensor grinding technology, a digital dosing dial, and 8 adjustable grinding settings you can adjust depending on the brew you want to make.

This is another espresso machine that comes equipped both with an automatic frothing system and a frothing wand. While the former is perfect for creating the barista-style latte crema, the latter allows you to create a thick froth for a cappuccino.

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Quick Mill Alexia Evo Espresso Machine

Although this 15 bar machine can not brew an espresso and steam milk at the same time, it does provide great results separately. With its PID temperature control system, you can set the desired brewing temperature and expect minimal fluctuations from the set temperature.

Its Ulka 52 Watt vibratory pump comes with a specially designed thermal overload protection system that keeps it safe from potential damages. It also comes with an additional pulsar that reduces its noise up to 25%. As a result, the brewer is relatively quiet during use.

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Life Expectancy Of An Espresso Brewer Under $2000

An espresso machine that fits into the 2000 dollar budget will last you anywhere between 5 to 15 years. Keep in mind that this is influenced by the brand and the quality they represent, the type and complexity of the machine, and mainly the frequency of use.

If Cared For Properly, It Will Last Much Longer

Here are some general tips you should follow to ensure your brewers lasting performance:

• clean it at the end of every day
• every 3 months check its group gaskets, group head, and the boiler water quality; test the flow rate, the water’s temperature, and all switches on the machine (and replace if necessary)
• every 6 months service the steam assembly, remove the machine’s panels and remove the built-up dust, and clean the boiler level probe
• annually inspect steam and hot water valve, expansion valve, anti-suction valve, waste pipe, portafilter basket, and the brew actuator bearing