5 Best Espresso Machines Under $1000 [Best Suited For Everyone]

Published on

best espresso machine under 1000

Here is our roundup review of the 5 best espresso machines under $1000.

In this review, you will learn which machine will be best suited for you whether you want a premium-end or budget-friendly espresso machine. 

I realized that not one espresso machine is going to suit everyone so I came up with a list that will satisfy different needs. For me, I found the Jura D6 to be the best overall but you may have an entirely different preference.

So, let’s get started:

Our Best Espresso Machines Under $1000

Our Best Espresso Machines Under $1000 Reviewed

Jura D6

Jura D6 Black
Best Overall

Features:

  • 64 ounce water reservoir
  • Programmable coffee strength and grind size
  • Milk cooler connection
  • Digital text display

Pros:

  • Large water tank capacity
  • Very simple to use
  • Durable for long term use
  • Brews superb espresso quality

Cons:

  • Pricey compared to the other espresso machines
  • Milk system can be frustrating
  • Bulky design

The Jura D6 is considered to be a gold mine of Jura espresso machines. It sits just under $1000 which is very inexpensive compared to other Jura machines and is a great alternative to the Jura E6. The Jura D6 can brew up to 7 different specialty drinks and includes integrated milk system functionality.

Although the Jura D6 is the best machine overall on this list, it can seem bulky to some people. This machine is not compact by all means but the bean hopper and water reservoir capacity makes up for its bulkiness.

So if you want a premium Jura machine that goes for under just $1000 then consider the Jura D6. You will get to experience the superb Jura brewing quality that everyone seems to go on about.



De’Longhi Dinamica

Best Premium

Features:

  • Iced coffee functionality
  • Smart mobile app functionality
  • Up to 3 customizable profiles
  • Range of specialty drinks

Pros:

  • Modern and sleek stylish design
  • Has a high level of programmability
  • Superb De’Longhi brewing quality
  • Very intuitive to operate

Cons:

  • On the pricier side compared to other espresso machines
  • Seems a bit plasticky for its price

The De’Longhi Dinamica is definitely the best looking machine between the rest of the espresso machines on this list. It has a sleek stylish design and has an intuitive display with up to 8 different specialty drinks and 13 different grind settings. I love the fact that his super automatic espresso machines come with a milk steamer instead of a typical milk frother too.

The one downside to this machine is it’s exactly $1000 which isn’t ideal if you are looking for a more budget friendly espresso machine. Most people may want a fully automatic milk frother instead of having to pour your own milk which is why I placed the Jura D6 first.

However, if you want a machine that makes iced coffee, has great brewing quality and range of functionality then the De’Longhi Dinamica is for you.



Breville Barista Touch

Best Semi Automatic

Features:

  • Intuitive digital display
  • Adjustable grind size and coffee strength
  • Adjustable milk temperature
  • Built in grinder
  • Automatic steam wand cleaning

Pros:

  • Excellent brewing quality
  • Easy to operate for a semi automatic
  • High level of programmability

Cons:

  • Difficult to find water filter replacements
  • Pricey

The Breville Barista Touch is one of the most luxurious semi automatic espresso machines and there’s a reason for that. This machine comes with an intuitive touch screen display which makes it easy to measure and tamp coffee grounds for each type of beverage.

What I love about this machine is that it’s surprisingly compact for such a premium espresso machine. This machine can brew 8 different specialty drinks, has a built in grinder and is easy to steam or froth milk. 

In my opinion, there isn’t a downside to this machine unless you are looking for a super automatic instead of a semi automatic espresso machine. The Breville Barista Touch is an ideal home espresso machine for brewing café-like beverages.



Nespresso Lattissima Pro

Best Pod Based

Features:

  • Digital touchscreen display
  • Self cleaning 
  • 6 specialty drinks
  • Built in milk frother

Pros:

  • One touch functionality
  • Excellent Nespresso quality beverages
  • Automatic cleaning and descaling function
  • Budget friendly

Cons:

  • Cannot use coffee beans or pre ground coffee
  • Small milk frother
  • Small water reservoir capacity

Nespresso machines are known for great espresso brewing quality as well as a variety of different flavors. The Nespresso Lattissima Pro is the most premium Nespresso machine competing with the Nespresso Creatista Pro. This espresso machine brews 6 programmable beverages including milk-based beverages and has an auto cleaning function too.

Although this machine is the top of the range Nespresso machine, it’s very budget friendly compared to the Jura A1 and Jura D6. The only downside to this machine is that pods may get expensive long term depending on how much coffee you drink.

So if you want great espresso quality and are not planning on brewing a lot each day then consider the Nespresso Lattissima Pro.



De’Longhi EC680M

Best Compact

Features:

  • Adjustable temperature control
  • Brews lattes and cappuccinos
  • Programmable temperature
  • Digital display

Pros:

  • Simple custom sized shot selector
  • Sleek and stylish design
  • Decent sized water reservoir

Cons:

  • Requires regular cleaning and maintenance
  • Has plastic frame which is not as good as stainless steel

The De’Longhi EC680M is definitely the most compact espresso machine on this list. It may be quite pricey for its size but it does make excellent espresso quality. Although it does not come with any advanced features, this machine allows you to brew a single shot, double shots, and use your own espresso pods.

The one downside to this machine is that it cannot brew multiple cups at the same time and is not a super automatic espresso machine. But it does come with a steaming wand in order to make milk based beverages.

The De’Longhi EC680M makes amazing espresso quality and can fit in any part of your home. So if you want a premium-end yet compact espresso machine, this one is to be considered.



Jura A1

Best Entry Level

Features:

  • All new Aroma G3 Jura grinder
  • One touch functionality
  • Adjustable coffee strength
  • Adjustable water hardness

Pros:

  • Small and compact
  • Amazing Jura espresso quality
  • Energy efficient

Cons:

  • Expensive compared to the other espresso machines
  • Cannot make milk based beverages
  • No digital display

The Jura A1 is considered to be Jura’s entry level espresso machine and is one of the least expensive machines Jura offers. What I really love about this machine is that it has the same superb brewing quality as every other Jura espresso machine. The Jura A1 has a good level of programmability which makes it perfect to customize your espresso shots and black coffees.

The one downside to this machine is that it is one of the most expensive espresso machines on this list and does not include a milk frothing system. This machine is really for someone who wants the latest Jura machine but is not concerned about milk-based beverages. 

This machine is definitely worth your budget if you’re an espresso purist like me and want high consistent brewing quality for years. It may be somewhat pricey but the Jura A1 will last you a lifetime.



Buyer’s Guide

When choosing the best espresso machine for under $1000, it’s important to look at the overall value of the espresso machine. This buyer’s guide will help you choose which factors influence your buying decision the most:

Espresso Quality

When it comes to espresso shot quality, you want a machine that has a good level of programmability in order to adjust to your preferred shot. Other factors that also contribute to espresso shot quality is the grinder type and the coffee extraction technology.

Jura machines are overall the best when it comes to brewing amazing espresso quality. Their machines come with the Aroma G3 grinder, Pulse Extraction Process, and a high level of programmability. They also manage to maintain the espresso quality over the long term unlike many other espresso machines. Other brands to look at are Nespresso, De’Longhi, and Breville when it comes to producing a superb shot of espresso.

Milk Frother

If you like brewing milk based beverages, you need to look at a machine that comes with an automatic milk frother or has milk frothing capabilities. The Nespresso Lattissima Pro does an ‘okay’ job at frothing milk but the De’Longhi Dinamica and Jura D6 are going to do a better job at blending the milk in.

When it comes to a milk frother vs using a steam wand, I tend to prefer the way a steam wand froths milk as you can also make your own latte art. I suggest looking at the Breville Barista Touch or De’Longhi EC680M if you’d like to make café-like cappuccinos.

Programmability

It’s ideal for espresso machines to have a good level of programmability as it will allow you to customize espresso shots to your preference. Sometimes you want an espresso shot to be stronger by adjusting the grind size and coffee strength or even perhaps the temperature.

All these espresso machines have some level of programmability but there are some that allow you to fully customize beverages. I recommend looking at the Jura D6, De’Longhi Dinamica, and the Breville Barista Touch if you’re a fan of semi automatics. These machines are going to have the most programmability such as coffee strength, grind size, and milk settings.

Super Automatic vs Semi Automatic vs Pods

The biggest factor that you’ll need to consider is what type of espresso machine you want. There is a major difference when it comes to super automatic vs semi automatic vs pod-based espresso machines. 

The super automatic will be better suited for someone who wants fully automatic brewing experience. You won’t need to measure any ground coffee into a portafilter like a semi automatic espresso machine. 

The semi automatic is going to be better suited for someone who wants to manually craft their beverages. This is done by creating latte art and tamping coffee grounds to create a unique espresso flavor. These machines are usually a little cheaper so it will also save you some money if you’re on a budget.

The pod based machines like a Nespresso is going to be the most ‘automatic’ espresso machine as you just need to plug in a pod into the machine. Most people use a pod based machine because of its price but don’t realize that pods do get expensive in the long run.

Size and Dimensions

When it comes to sizing and dimensions, it really depends on what you want out of an espresso machine. A larger espresso machine is going to mean a larger water reservoir, bean hopper capacity, and grounds bin. This is handy if you’d like to brew multiple cups in one setting without needing to refill or empty anything. I recommend looking at the Jura D6 or De’Longhi Dinamica when looking at larger espresso machines.

A smaller and more compact espresso machine is going to be better suited for you if you’re lacking kitchen counter space or want a machine for individual use. You’re going to also save more money on a compact machine if you’re willing to sacrifice capacity. The Jura A1 is a compact super automatic espresso machine however, the De’Longhi EC680M is even smaller and is a semi automatic instead.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning these espresso machines won’t require much effort as they all require exterior cleaning and a descale every now and then. Machines like the Jura D6, Jura A1, and De’Longhi Dinamica will be a little more automatic when it comes to giving your machine a deep clean. The Breville Barista Touch is basically a super automatic which will make it easier to clean too.

In terms of maintenance, you’re going to want an espresso machine that will brew consistent espresso quality over the long term and avoid servicing as much as possible. The Jura, Breville, and De’Longhi machines are quite consistent with its brewing quality however you may run into a few services if not maintained properly over long term. But the Nespresso Lattissima Pro is the easiest to maintain and you will rarely ever have to take this espresso machine in for a service.

Pricing

Pricing is probably the least of your concern when it comes to looking for an espresso machine in this situation. If you are looking for an espresso machine under $1000 then all of these machines meet the criteria.

But if you were wondering which machine is the least expensive in this list then it’s definitely going to be the De’Longhi EC680M and Nespresso Lattissima Pro.

The Verdict

All these espresso machines are best suited for different people so it really comes down to your overall preference. However, I personally love the Jura D6 and De’Longhi Dinamica. These are the best super automatic espresso machines to consider but if you like semi automatics then consider the Breville Barista Touch.

Before deciding on which espresso machine under $1000 is best for you, make sure to read through our buyer’s guide to help assist you on your final buying decision. 

Make sure to read our guide on the best espresso machine for under $400 if these machines are over your planned budget.