Coffee is a beverage that few refuse to drink. Even many can’t start their day without a cup of good coffee. The more coffee lovers there are, the more coffee makers and coffee machine creators improve their products to satisfy their capricious customers and why not surprise them with their novelties. A good espresso-making machine is really important for coffee lovers. There are many espresso machines on the market with different prices and qualities. But real gurus are always looking for the Best Espresso Machines. In this review, I want to introduce you to the Best Espresso Machine Under 2000 so that you can make the best choice.
At this price range, you can buy good espresso machines that meet your needs. Of course, espresso machines offered in this price category should shine with their comfort, quality, and, their unique features.
The Espresso History
First of all, if you are not familiar with the history of espresso, let me say that it is quite interesting and worth knowing. Literally translated from Italian, Espresso means “Under Pressure”. As the name suggests, espresso is made with high-pressure water steam. Although the machine’s structure is quite complex, the technology of preparation is based on a very simple principle.
Finely ground coffee is measured in strictly defined proportions, poured into a special container resembling a spoon, and is leveled. The pressed coffee is then placed in an espresso machine in the appropriate drawer and fastened. Then, at a pressure of 9 bar, the steam passes through the ground coffee, infusing it, releasing large amounts of caffeine and flavors. The infusion process takes exactly 30 seconds. The result is a 30 ml drink, which is collected by leaking into a small espresso cup placed under the machine. Due to the pressure of the steam, you can see a layer of very famous golden foam on the coffee.
To tell the truth,
the espresso machine has come a long way from its creation until its final appearance and structure. It started in Italy, Venice. A Businessperson named Luigi Bezzera created it when he was trying to speed up the process of making coffee. Because he was a businessman and had a growing business, he was very concerned about the idea that coffee was brewed slowly. He was constantly on the lookout for ways to speed up the process. And so, after long experiments, he was able to create an espresso. For the first time in this device, the main working element was the steam.
However, it was significantly different in structure from the current Espresso machines. The tase was so strong and flavorous. It contained the best qualities of coffee beans. In other words, Luigi created both fast-made and of the best quality coffee. However, he was not so successful in making Espresso so popular as it is now. He soon met Desidero Pavoni, to whom he sold some of the rights to own the device. Pavoni then patented it. When espresso was already quite popular, people associated the name of its creation with Desidero Pavoni although the idea of creating an espresso machine and the very creation of itself began with Luigi Bezzera.
Later…
In 1947, in the Italian city of Milan, bartender-inventor Achille Gajia designed a semi-automatic coffee machine in which the necessary steam pressure was provided by a special lever, or in other words, “Lever”.
In 1961, Faema replaced the lever with an electric pump, which ensured a stable water steam pressure. More than a century later, you can find a wide range of espresso machines on the market with different features and prices. There are espresso machines for home use, restaurants, big events, coffee shops, and more. Today, there are various espresso machines, from semi-automatic to so-called super-automatic, that can ensure the complete cycle of making espresso from start to finish.
This drink, once loved by members of the European bourgeoisie, is very popular all over the world today, especially in cafes. Espresso is also the basis for several other coffee drinks, such as Cappuccino, Café Americano, and Caffe Latte.
Espresso parts
The espresso machine has the main parts: the portafilter, the boiler, the water tank, and the pump.
Portafilter
The portafilter is responsible for storing ground coffee. It looks like a sack that encloses with a drawstring. The ground coffee is placed in a basket attached to a large metal handle. The espresso comes out of the two taps under the filter. When you pour ground coffee into a portafilter pot, you can put some pressure on it by wrapping it a little. This helps to enhance the taste of the coffee.
Water tank
The espresso machine has a special tank for reserving water. Before making coffee, it is necessary to check the water level in the reservoir. In small espresso machines, the reservoir often has two half tanks. It is not a pressure component of the machine. Professional appliances usually have a water softener or filter inside the reservoir to prevent scale build-up.
Pump
The pump takes the water from the reservoir to the filter by passing it through a heat exchanger. The pump power works with electricity; it is the noisy element of an espresso machine. It helps to create the pressure that we need in the process of making espresso.
The boiler
The boiler is a wire-connected metal tube responsible for producing espresso to heat water from a pump. Heat exchangers are often the usual parts of larger, more professional espresso machines. Home espresso machines usually have a small kettle where you must pour water before making coffee. The advantage of the boiler model is that it does not heat water like heat exchangers. In both models, the thermostat regulates the temperature required to produce espresso.
Buying an espresso for about $ 2,000 is a really big expense. By paying such a price, each of us expects good quality, comfort, and long use. Of course, when there is a wide range of offers, it is not easy to orient yourself. But you can pay attention to a few points, which will guide you to the best options. So let’s see one of the best-known espresso machines and evaluate their features and quality!
Gaggia Accademia stainless steel Espresso Machine (model 1003380)
The creator of the Gaggia espresso coffee machine is Achille Gaggia, who loved coffee so much that he was obsessed with these ideas and decided to create an espresso machine that works without steam. The device used hot water pressure instead of steam. This softened the bitter taste that was noticeable before and which Achille did not like. This version also created the Lampo device, which provides a thin layer of cream, that many of you know.
Today, I will introduce you to one of Gaggia’s famous espresso machines known as Gaggia Accademia.
And so,
Gaggia Accademia belongs to the group of super-automatic espresso and coffee machines. It can make about 60 cups of coffee a day. It is very easy to use. You can understand how the machine works in a matter of minutes and start using it. Suitable for home, office use, where there is a lot of work and making coffee should be done quickly. The espresso machine is made in Italy.
The tank can be removed from the top or filled from the top. It holds only 54 oz water; includes a filter that you can turn off if needed. The box also has a water hardness test kit.
The grinder, of course, is a high-quality ceramic with 8 basic adjustable grinder settings and it can grind from 7 to 10.5 grams per serving of your coffee. There is also a version of pre-ground coffee.
There is an extra cleaning function for the brewing group if you do not want to remove it so often.
This machine weighs 17 kilograms, the coffee bean container weighs 340 grams, and the drip tray can hold 10 oz or 295 milliliters of spilled coffee. You can put glasses of different sizes and heights. The water tank can hold up to 1.7 liters of water. The appliance also has a milk carafe, which you can take out and put in the fridge, for example, to avoid the possibility of spoiling it. The milk jug also has a self-cleaning function. This espresso machine has 7 modes for making different drinks, from espresso to latte. You just choose the type of coffee and it will make it for you. Check the price here.
Specifications
Dimensions – 15.2″ x 11″ x 16.8″ (HxWxD)
Bean container- 12 oz
Water reservoir – 54 oz
Glass height up to -6.5″
Dual boiler
Front panel- stainless steel
Frame- durable metal
Frother – carafe, steam wand
Warranty – 1 year
Pros:
Fully programmable
detachable, self-cleaning milk carafe
Microfoam steam wand
Temperature control
Milk foam management
LCD touch screen
Cons:
The water tank is uploadable
54-ounce water tank
FAQ about Gaggia Accademia
- Can I use pre-ground coffee?
Yes, there is a special place in the device for pre-ground coffee. But you can use one glass at a time. You can also put the machine in a preselected option for preground coffee if you want to use it that way.
- Can I connect the machine to the waterline?
No, it can not be connected to the waterline.
- Can parts of the machine be washed in a dishwasher?
The drip tray and brew group can not be washed in the dishwasher. Wash the rest under running water.
Jura E6 22 Pounds Espresso machine (model 15070)
One of the best brands in the field of fully automatic coffee machines is the well-known manufacturer Jura. That is why I would like to introduce you to the Jura E6 Platinum model, to see its features and specifications.
It is suitable for both private and commercial use, so it can be used according to your needs. Manufacturer Jura is impressive with high-quality products and a wide variety of products. The devices are equipped with various functions and program versions to enable a huge amount of individuality.
This Jura E6 model belongs to the group of super-automatic espresso machines. For its price, it offers a number of great features such as an intelligent water system, programs variety, fast making. First of all, the machine is quite easy to use, as it is one of the super-automatic models, all you have to do is press the button and wait.
The Jura E6 espresso machine
has a pulse extraction process to get a good taste, which gives a natural, deep flavor to coffee. To get your best taste, you can customize the settings the way you want. For those who like really hot espresso filled with delicious cream, the device can prepare it for you. The coffee beans and water containers are quite large, which is really important and comfortable. It also has an energy-saving feature that you can use, so it is energy efficient. Can also be connected wirelessly.
However, most of the machine is made of plastic, which is not very good in terms of durability. You can not use pre-ground coffee, as there is no special place for it. Also, there are not many suggestions for making coffee drinks. Some customers also mention that the milk does not heat up as much as they would like. However, the Jura E6 espresso machine with this beautiful design has attracted many people and is considered one of the best choices on Amazon.
Specifications
Dimensions – 17.3 x 11 x 13.8 inches
Weight – 22 pounds
Pump – 15 bar
Bean hopper – 9,9 oz
Water tank – 63.6 oz
De’Longhi ecam 23120sb Magnifica S Espresso Machine
This DeLonghi espresso machine is a compact, super-automatic espresso machine. You can make different kinds of coffee drinks. If you have options for improvising drinks, know that you can change the temperature, the aroma, the brewing process. That means the device has a personalized feature. The machine uses pre-ground coffee and grinds coffee beans with 13 changing settings. The machine has a high-quality grinder, which gives an aroma to the coffee. The quality of the coffee grinder is really important because it ensures the taste of the coffee beans, how full the taste of the coffee will be. The machine is designed so that you will be able to make two cups of coffee simultaneously. With a milk steaming wand you can make a latte and cappuccino with steam. For more details and price you can check here.
Specifications
Dimensions – (w x d x h): 16×9.37×13.38 inches
Water tank – 60 oz:
Weight – 19.84 pounds:
Pump pressure – 15 bar:
Material – Plastic:
Saeco PicoBaristo espresso machine (model HD8927/47)
The Saeco PicoBaristo espresso machine will satisfy many with its capabilities. For its price, which is neither too expensive nor too cheap, Saeco PicoBaristo will perform mid-range espresso functions. Like other espresso machines, the Saeco PicoBaristo is easy to use. It has touch buttons located on the left and right parts. The grinder is quite good. It has 10 different grinding settings. You can save your favorite settings with 6 profiles. It is very compact in size and will not take up much space in your kitchen. It is also very profitable in terms of making coffee drinks because you can make 11 different types of drinks with the push of a button.
The detachable milk carafe makes delicious and hot Cappuccinos and Macchiatos with its milk frother. Thanks to the AquaClean water filter, the water is perfectly filtered, and before descaling, you can make 5000 cups of coffee. This really speaks to the quality, because it filters the water to make every cup of coffee. The Quick Heat Boiler will not get you to wait and will speed up the cooking process.
Using the memo function, you will be able to prepare drinks with your favorite settings.
The grinder is made of ceramic. Ceramic grinders do not emit the burnt taste or smell of coffee beans during grinding, which is the case with other materials. The appliance can also be used with pre-ground coffee if you wish. This ceramic grinder can grind coffee for at least 20,000 cups of espresso. See more details and check the price here.
Dimensions – 8.7 x 13.4 x 16.9 inches:
Material – Stainless Steel:
Weight – 20.6 pounds:
Capacity – 1.8 Liters:
Water Filter – AquaClean Filter:
Breville Barista Touch Stainless Steel Espresso Machine
(model BES880BSS)
Breville company offers a wide range of kitchen products. This Barista Touch Espresso Machine complements the range of these devices and is part of the Barista Series, which can prepare your desired drink for you with the push of a button. The name suggests that it is close to making professional coffee but without suffering and difficulties. Let’s take a look at the features of this model.
If you use 19-22g of freshly ground coffee beans, you will get a coffee with a rich flavor and taste. If you use less than this dose, the taste of the coffee will be weaker and you will feel more watery coffee. Therefore, in the case of this device, use this dose and you will get a delicious taste.
Another feature of the device is Digital temperature control.
This precisely regulates the water temperature, which is very important in terms of getting a balanced taste. With the next Intuitive touch screen display, you can adjust the temperature, the texture of milk, the strength of the coffee. You can save your settings in your own name and just click on your personalized profile next time. You can create such profiles for 8 people. With the help of a steam wand you can adjust the temperature of the milk, the texture according to your needs. Innovative ThermoJet heating system will not let you wait. In just 3 seconds it will heat up immediately. Check the price and many more details here.
Specifications:
Dimensions – 12.7 x 15.5 x 16 inches
Water Tank – 67oz:
Weight – 26.8 pounds:
Portafilter – 54mm, material – stainless steel:
What to consider when buying an automatic espresso machine?
It should be easy to clean
As espresso machines are naturally associated with milk, coffee, and water, you need to keep them clean. Otherwise, you will have corrosion, hardening, or contamination. Choose a machine with a portable water tank, milk carafe, as it will be easy to remove, clean, dry, and replace.
Descaling
It accumulates milk solids, chemical residues, coffee beans, and fragments as it passes through the milk system. Therefore, you need to “dismantle” the machine regularly. One of the most important aspects to consider is how often your coffee machine needs to be descaled. Some espresso machines can make up to 20,000 cups of coffee after which you will need to have descaled it. Innovative ones even can send you notifications about it, so it will be more convenient for you.
Material
Pay special attention to the machine material. What it is made of will ensure the longevity of your espresso maker. Most of the inside of the espresso is made of stainless steel, which is good. In the case of metal, it is stronger and less malleable. But also value the materials on the outside. In any case, metal is better than plastic. The probability of breaking and melting is lower in the case of metal. Of course, plastic is not so bad, but metal is stronger and makes less noise when working.
Dimensions
Invest in a compact and efficient machine, as it is easy to use. However, do not compromise on that. Small does not mean inefficient.
The usage
There are very simple espresso machines and there are machines with various functions that have very different settings. In fact, there is no good option here. The question is whether you like it or not. If you like high-precision espresso machines with different functions, choose that one, and if you only need one cup of coffee without these functions, choose that option. But real coffee lovers like to improvise and create flavors that the technique has made possible.
Grinding adjustments
Although the espresso machine is automatic, you need to be able to customize your coffee. Some people like dark roasted, finely ground coffee, while others prefer medium roasted, coarsely ground beverages. Your espresso machine needs to have grinding settings so you can customize it to your needs.
Brew Group
Some automatic coffee machines offer a portable brew group, while others perform programmed self-cleaning procedures. Since the main function of brewing takes place in the brewing group, choose a machine that allows you to clean it. It is very important to keep the machine in a good operating state.
Style and design
Design is also important. It creates a mood and atmosphere around your kitchen. Look for espresso machines with beautiful designs. For example, machines with steel combinations are the most fashionable on the market and almost do not go out of fashion.
Programmability
Espresso machines work on heavy automation. However, technological advances have made it possible to program these machines to make customized or personalized drinks. Invest in the latest espresso machines if you are a tech-savvy person. In such models, you can create user profiles and save drinks selection and recipes. Some high-end machines also allow you to operate using smartphones, tablets, Bluetooth, and voice assistants.
The boiler type
One possible feature that determines the price of your machine and the quality of your coffee is the type of boiler. The boilers hold water and milk so that it does not boil so much or spill. Moreover, they produce steam, distribute water at boiling point, give a rich texture to milk, and all are necessary for delicious coffee. There are different types of boilers in the market, like single, dual boilers also versions with heat exchangers. Below we can see what each of them is in fact.
What are the types of boilers in espresso machines?
Single boiler
In one boiler espresso machine, the boiler has one heating element with two heating stations. One thermostat is set to the temperature range for making coffee, and the other produces steam-boiling water or steam. These simple machines are relatively inexpensive. However, do not prepare espresso shots and steam milk at the same time. When steaming from espresso and when doing the opposite, wait for the water to come to the right temperature.
Double boiler
Here the pump works with two boilers. It sends water to them separately. One heats the water to a steam temperature and the other heats the water to a brewing temperature. So, the one goes to steam boiler and the other to brew boiler. Most double boiler machines have a digital temperature controller to fully control the temperature of both boilers. These machines are expensive but have higher control for both espresso and steam.
Heat exchanger
The heat exchanger has only one boiler, which provides the steam temperature. But inside it has another, a smaller so-called boiler that allows the heat exchanger rod to pass through it. At the end of the extraction, the pump draws cold water from the water tank and passes it through a heat exchanger. And so, through this process, the water starts to heat up. The heat exchanger may have temperature fluctuations before extraction, which is not the case with double boilers. In double boilers in this case the temperature is very clearly maintained during the extraction. However, in terms of water heating, the heat exchanger heats up faster.
FAQ
1.How do you clean an automatic espresso machine?
Empty the drip tray, tank and trash can every day. Thoroughly clean the parts of the milk foam and cappuccino system. Wash the brew group once a week if it is removable. Clean the body with a clean cloth.
Clean the inside compartments with water. Descale your machine monthly, quarterly, or annually based on water content usage.
2. How often should an espresso machine be descaled?
It depends on how used the machine is and the hardness of the water in your area. Modern espresso machines have an indicator to indicate when to descale. If not, descaling it once every two months is a good practice.
3. What happens if you do not descale the coffee machine?
Hard water is high in minerals. Their accumulation impedes the flow of water in the machine, which does not allow water to reach the optimal boiling temperature.
Therefore, if you do not regularly descale your coffee maker, it is not possible to get the full flavor from the coffee beans. Your coffee may not be hot enough. And in extreme cases, contamination can cause the machine to stop working.
4. Which is better, the one with the pump or the steamer?
Pump machines are more expensive and of a higher quality than steam coffee machines. In the case of a pump, the machine heats water to a specific temperature and has intense pressure. The pressure of the pump is higher than in the case of steam, which results in a good taste of coffee. So you will have a rich taste of coffee if you use a pump-driven espresso machine.
5. What are the differences between Manual, Semi-Automatic, and Super Automatic espresso machines?
Manual machines are already considered very old machines. In fact, they have already been pushed out of the market and are no longer advertised. But every machine created has its own history and you can use it for demonstrative purposes.
In the case of a semi-automatic machine, you can adjust the boiler temperature, turn the pump on and off, as well do the grinding process. We can say that it differs very little from the manual, but it is still used.
Super Automatic espresso machines are fully automatic machines. They make any of your coffee drinks at the touch of a button. They have innovative functions and make coffee more delicious.
Conclusion
Each espresso machine has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. As espresso machines serve a specific purpose, it should not be difficult to decide which type is right for you. Using an espresso machine saves time and effort. After feeding the beans, then you need to take your drink. Choose an espresso machine that fits your needs and best budget. Perform a test run to detect hardware and technical issues. So, choose from the above-mentioned espresso machines under 2000. Enjoy your homemade morning or midnight cup just the way you like it.
Coffee has been and always will be at the tables of our homes, cafes, and especially in our hands. It gives the comfort and wonder minutes that release our stressed mind or fulfills with new energy. These machines are a great help in these life-happening moments. So let’s enjoy it!
