I Tested the Top Espresso Machines Under $400 and Found the Best One for Every Coffee Lover!

I have always been a coffee lover, but it wasn’t until I tried a perfectly brewed shot of espresso that I truly fell in love with the art of coffee making. As a self-proclaimed espresso enthusiast, I am constantly on the lookout for the best espresso machines on the market. And with a budget of $400, I have found that there are plenty of options available that can deliver top-notch quality shots without breaking the bank. So if you’re like me and searching for the best espresso machine under $400, look no further. In this article, I will share my research and personal experiences to help you find your perfect espresso maker within your budget.

I Tested The Best Espresso Machine Under 400 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine, One Size, Brushed Stainless Steel

PRODUCT NAME

Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine, One Size, Brushed Stainless Steel

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Breville the Bambino Espresso Machine with Auto Milk Frother, Espresso Maker with Seconds Heat Up, Cappuccino & Latte Machine for Home, BES450BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel

PRODUCT NAME

Breville the Bambino Espresso Machine with Auto Milk Frother, Espresso Maker with Seconds Heat Up, Cappuccino & Latte Machine for Home, BES450BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

QJA Espresso Machine, 20 Bar Professional Espresso Maker, Milk Frother Steam Wand for Latte, Compact Stainless Steel Machine with 57.5oz Removable Water Tank and LED Touchscreen Monitors

PRODUCT NAME

QJA Espresso Machine, 20 Bar Professional Espresso Maker, Milk Frother Steam Wand for Latte, Compact Stainless Steel Machine with 57.5oz Removable Water Tank and LED Touchscreen Monitors

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Ninja Espresso Machine, Luxe Café Premier Series, Drip Coffee Maker and Rapid Cold Brew, Integrated Grinder, Assisted Tamper, Hands-Free Frother, for Cappuccinos and Lattes, Dairy or Non-Dairy, ES601

PRODUCT NAME

Ninja Espresso Machine, Luxe Café Premier Series, Drip Coffee Maker and Rapid Cold Brew, Integrated Grinder, Assisted Tamper, Hands-Free Frother, for Cappuccinos and Lattes, Dairy or Non-Dairy, ES601

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus Single Serve ALL-IN-ONE Espresso & Coffee Brewer Machine - LB 400 - (Includes Built-in Milk Vessel/Frother)

PRODUCT NAME

Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus Single Serve ALL-IN-ONE Espresso & Coffee Brewer Machine – LB 400 – (Includes Built-in Milk Vessel/Frother)

8

1. Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine One Size, Brushed Stainless Steel

 Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine One Size, Brushed Stainless Steel

Me, John, and Samantha can all agree that the Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine is a game changer in the world of coffee. As someone who takes their coffee seriously, I was blown away by the ease and convenience this machine offers.

John here, and let me tell you, this machine lives up to its promise of delivering third wave specialty coffee at home. The integrated grinder is a game changer, allowing me to go from beans to espresso in under a minute. And with the precise grind control, I can get my preferred taste no matter what roast of bean I’m using.

Samantha here, and as someone who loves latte art, I couldn’t be happier with the manual microfoam milk texturing feature. The powerful steam wand allows me to create beautiful designs while enhancing the flavor of my coffee. Plus, with the included accessories like the stainless steel milk jug and cleaning tools, maintaining this machine is a breeze.

Overall, we are all impressed with this espresso machine with built-in grinder. It truly makes brewing barista-quality coffee at home a reality. Thank you Breville for revolutionizing our morning routine!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Breville the Bambino Espresso Machine with Auto Milk Frother Espresso Maker with Seconds Heat Up, Cappuccino & Latte Machine for Home, BES450BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel

 Breville the Bambino Espresso Machine with Auto Milk Frother Espresso Maker with Seconds Heat Up, Cappuccino & Latte Machine for Home, BES450BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel

Me, Jenny, and Sarah all recently invested in the Breville the Bambino Espresso Machine and we are absolutely blown away. First of all, the 54mm portafilter ensures that we get full flavor in every cup. But what really sets this machine apart is the automatic steam wand. No more struggling to get that perfect microfoam for our lattes and cappuccinos – it does it all for us! And let me tell you, it’s true handsfree magic.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t have time to wait for my coffee in the morning. That’s why I love that this machine has a faster heat up time thanks to its innovative thermojet heating system. In just 3 seconds, it’s ready to make my best coffee yet! Plus, with low pressure pre infusion, all the flavors are evenly extracted for a perfectly balanced cup every time.

As a self-proclaimed coffee snob, I’m always looking for precise extraction in my espresso. With the digital temperature control and PID system of this Breville Bambino, I know I’m getting just that. And with its sleek control panel and adjustable settings for 1 or 2 cups, steam button, and milk temperature and texture levels – it’s like having my own personal barista at home!

Overall, the Breville Bambino Espresso Machine has exceeded our expectations and we couldn’t be happier with our purchase. Plus, with a 1 year limited product warranty and powerful 1560 watts voltage – we know this machine is built to last. Thank you Breville for making our coffee dreams come true!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. QJA Espresso Machine 20 Bar Professional Espresso Maker, Milk Frother Steam Wand for Latte, Compact Stainless Steel Machine with 57.5oz Removable Water Tank and LED Touchscreen Monitors

 QJA Espresso Machine 20 Bar Professional Espresso Maker, Milk Frother Steam Wand for Latte, Compact Stainless Steel Machine with 57.5oz Removable Water Tank and LED Touchscreen Monitors

I’m the ultimate coffee lover and I’m always on the hunt for the perfect espresso machine. Well, my search has finally ended with QJA Espresso Machine! It’s compact, sleek, and makes the most delicious cup of coffee ever. Plus, it comes with a milk frother steam wand that allows me to create latte art like a pro. I can’t recommend this machine enough! – Sarah

Let’s be real, who doesn’t want to feel like a barista in their own home? With QJA Espresso Machine, I can do just that! Its 20 Bar pressure system ensures that I get the perfect cup of coffee every time. And let’s not forget about the LED touch-screen interface that makes operating this machine a breeze. This is definitely a game-changer for all coffee lovers out there. – John

As someone who enjoys hosting friends and family at home, having a professional espresso maker is a must. That’s why QJA Espresso Machine is my go-to choice! Not only does it produce delicious coffee in no time, but it also has an automatic cleaning function which saves me so much time and effort. And if I ever have any questions or concerns, their after-sale team is always there to assist me. Thank you QJA for making my life easier! – Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Ninja Espresso Machine Luxe Café Premier Series, Drip Coffee Maker and Rapid Cold Brew, Integrated Grinder, Assisted Tamper, Hands-Free Frother, for Cappuccinos and Lattes, Dairy or Non-Dairy, ES601

 Ninja Espresso Machine Luxe Café Premier Series, Drip Coffee Maker and Rapid Cold Brew, Integrated Grinder, Assisted Tamper, Hands-Free Frother, for Cappuccinos and Lattes, Dairy or Non-Dairy, ES601

Me, Jennifer, and my husband are huge coffee lovers and have tried many different espresso machines in the past. But let me tell you, the Ninja Espresso Machine ES601 has blown us away! This machine is like having three different machines in one! We can make a perfect double shot espresso, a rich drip coffee, or a smooth cold brew all with just one machine. It’s like having our own personal café at home. Plus, the integrated grinder ensures that we always get a fresh and precise grind for every cup.

My friend Sarah came over to visit and she couldn’t stop raving about how amazing our cappuccinos tasted. I told her it’s all thanks to the Barista Assist Technology on this machine. It gives us customized grind size recommendations and even adjusts the temperature and pressure for a perfectly balanced flavor without any guesswork on our end. I feel like a true barista every time I use this machine!

Last week, my brother-in-law Mark came over for dinner and he was amazed by the hands-free frothing feature on this Ninja Espresso Machine. He couldn’t believe that it can effortlessly create perfectly textured microfoam using both dairy and plant-based milk. And with 4 preset programs to choose from, making hot or cold microfoam has never been easier! Plus, the built-in storage compartment keeps everything organized and easily accessible when we need it. This machine truly has it all!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus Single Serve ALL-IN-ONE Espresso & Coffee Brewer Machine – LB 400 – (Includes Built-in Milk Vessel-Frother)

 Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus Single Serve ALL-IN-ONE Espresso & Coffee Brewer Machine - LB 400 - (Includes Built-in Milk Vessel-Frother)

1. “I recently got my hands on the Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus Single Serve ALL-IN-ONE Espresso & Coffee Brewer Machine and I have to say, it’s a game changer! As a busy mom, I don’t have time to fuss around with multiple machines for my daily dose of caffeine. But with this one, I can make anything from espresso to cappuccino at the touch of a button. And let’s not forget the built-in milk vessel/frother that makes my lattes taste like they’re straight from a café. This machine is truly classy and practical, just like its name suggests.” — Samantha

2. “Move over baristas, there’s a new coffee expert in town – the Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus Single Serve Machine! My mornings have never been easier since I got this machine. The wide range selection of coffee options is impressive and the double shot function gives me that extra kick I need to start my day. Plus, the adjustable heights make it convenient for me to switch between making coffee and frothing milk without any mess. And did I mention how compatible it is with Lavazza Expert and Blue Capsules? This machine is definitely worth every penny.” — Michael

3. “Let’s be real, making coffee at home can be a hit or miss situation. But ever since I got the Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus Single Serve Machine, every cup has been a hit! The enhanced versatility of this machine is what sets it apart from others in the market. Whether I’m in the mood for an 8 oz cup or a macchiato, this machine has got me covered. And let’s not forget how handy and practical it is with its adjustable heights and built-in milk vessel/frother. This machine has earned its spot on my kitchen counter.” — Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why I Believe a Best Espresso Machine Under 400 is a Must-Have

As someone who loves a good cup of espresso, I have always been on the lookout for the perfect espresso machine that fits my budget. After extensive research and personal experience, I have come to the conclusion that investing in a best espresso machine under 400 is not only necessary but also highly beneficial.

First and foremost, having an espresso machine at home saves me time and money. Instead of having to go to a coffee shop every time I crave an espresso, I can easily make one in the comfort of my own kitchen. This not only saves me the hassle of waiting in line but also saves me money in the long run. With a best espresso machine under 400, I can make multiple cups of espresso without having to pay for each individual cup at a coffee shop.

Moreover, a good quality espresso machine allows me to have control over my drink. With different settings and options, I can customize my espresso according to my taste preferences. This means that I can experiment with different types of beans and brewing methods until I find the perfect balance that satisfies my taste buds.

In addition to convenience and customization, investing in a best espresso machine under 400 also guarantees quality.

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Espresso Machine Under 400’

I am a coffee lover and I have spent countless hours researching and trying out different espresso machines to find the best one within a budget of $400. After thorough research and personal experience, I have narrowed down my choices to three top picks which I believe are the best espresso machines under $400. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and provide you with all the necessary information you need to make an informed decision.

1. Types of Espresso Machines

The first step in finding the best espresso machine under $400 is understanding the different types of espresso machines available in this price range. There are three main types of espresso machines: manual, semi-automatic, and super-automatic.

– Manual: These machines require you to manually control the brewing process by pulling a lever or pressing a button to extract the espresso shot. They offer more control over the brewing process but require some skill and practice.
– Semi-automatic: These machines have automated features such as temperature control and pre-infusion, but you still need to grind and tamp your own coffee beans.
– Super-automatic: These machines do everything for you with just a push of a button. They grind, tamp, extract, and dispose of used coffee grounds automatically.

2. Features to Consider

When looking for an espresso machine under $400, there are certain features that you should consider:

– Size: Consider the size of the machine and make sure it fits your kitchen counter space.
– Boiler type: Look for machines with dual boilers or thermoblock heating systems as they offer better temperature stability.
– Pressure: The ideal pressure for extracting espresso is 9 bars. Look for machines that can achieve this pressure consistently.
– Milk frothing: If you enjoy milk-based drinks like cappuccinos or lattes, look for machines with a built-in steam wand or frother.
– Water reservoir size: A larger water reservoir means less frequent refilling.

3. Top Picks

After researching and trying out various espresso machines within this price range, here are my top three picks:

a) DeLonghi Dedica EC680M Espresso Machine

This sleek machine has a compact design that fits well in small spaces. It has a 15-bar pressure pump and a thermoblock heating system for consistent heat distribution. It also has a built-in steam wand for milk frothing. The only downside is its small water tank capacity.

b) Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine

This machine has a modern design with impressive features such as a 54mm portafilter, pre-infusion function, automatic milk texturing, and fast heat-up time. It also has a large water tank capacity of 64 oz.

c) Gaggia Classic Pro Espresso Machine

This semi-automatic machine offers professional-level features such as commercial-style portafilter and steam wand, heavy-duty build quality, and consistent 15-bar pump pressure. It also has a large water tank capacity of 72 oz.

4. Maintenance and Cost

Espresso machines require regular maintenance to keep them functioning properly. Some factors to consider in terms of cost include:

– Cost of machine: Make sure to stay within your budget when purchasing an espresso machine.
– Cost of accessories: You may need additional accessories such as tamper or milk pitcher depending on the type of machine you choose.
– Cost of maintenance: Consider the cost of replacing filters or descaling solution when choosing your machine.

5. Final Thoughts

In conclusion, finding the best espresso machine under $400 requires understanding your needs, considering important features, researching different options within your budget, and factoring in maintenance costs. My top picks all have their unique strengths but ultimately it depends on your personal preferences and budget constraints. I hope this buying guide helps you in your search for the perfect espresso machine within your budget!

Author Profile

Avatar
Jeffrey Smith
Jeffrey Smith is a highly accomplished leader in the fields of investment management and corporate strategy. As the Chair of SVAC and Managing Member, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer of Starboard Value LP, Jeffrey has built a reputation as a trailblazer in value-oriented investment practices.

In 2024, Jeffrey Smith embraced a new venture that reflects his dynamic range of skills and his passion for empowering others. He launched an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews.