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Most Recommended Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines under $1,500

Updated

If you're on the hunt for a new semi-automatic espresso machine for under $1,500, check out Curated Experts' top most recommended picks within this budget. Note, however, that we don't believe in "best of" lists here at Curated – everyone is different and we believe in finding the best gear for you and not generally for the masses. Be sure to chat with a Coffee Expert here on Curated to receive personalized advice on the best semi-automatic espresso machine for your needs.

Matthew W., Coffee Expert
Roger Brown, Coffee Expert
Matt S, Coffee Expert
By Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine ExpertsMatthew, Roger, Matt and others

Breville the Barista Pro Espresso Machine

$212.49
$849.95
75% off
4.56(993)
The Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine is a semi-automatic machine that's perfect for both experienced and inexperienced baristas. It's equipped with a built-in grinder, PID temperature control, and 30 grind settings, ensuring high quality and consistent espresso. The machine heats up in just 3 seconds and features an excellent steam wand for frothing milk. However, the machine may require additional investment in accessories or upgrades, as the included tamper is not of the best quality.
Ideal for
  • Experienced and inexperienced baristas
  • Those who want high quality and consistent espresso
  • Those who prefer a machine with a quick heat up time
  • Those who need a built-in grinder for optimizing espresso taste and performance
  • Those who prefer a semi-automatic machine that blends automatic and manual features
Not ideal for
  • Those who prefer fully automated machines
  • Those who prefer a machine with a stepless grinder adjustment
  • Those who prefer a machine with standard size (58mm) portafilters or standalone grinders
  • Those who prefer a machine with a sturdy tamper
August Croft, Coffee Expert
Janelle G., Coffee Expert
David Boyer, Coffee Expert
by Curated experts August Croft, Janelle G., David Boyer
The Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine is a perfect blend of digital function and manual experience, making it an ideal choice for beginners in the espresso world. The machine stands out with its touch-screen control center that provides tutorials, maintenance operations, and multiple programs for enhanced control. It also features Thermojet technology for quick use and advanced controls for manual operation when users want to get creative. The machine's quick heat time and consistent temperature make it perfect for serving multiple guests in a row.
Ideal for
  • Beginners in the espresso world
  • Users who appreciate digital functions and manual experience
  • Users who want to serve multiple guests in a row
  • Users who want quick heat time and consistent temperature
  • Users who want to get creative with manual operation
Not ideal for
  • Users looking for a more hands-on espresso making experience
  • Users who find changing grind settings tricky
  • Users who do not want to deal with a bit involved cleaning process
Brooke Burnett, Coffee Expert
Caleb Jones, Coffee Expert
Adam L., Coffee Expert
by Curated experts Brooke Burnett, Caleb Jones, Adam L.

Ascaso Steel DUO Espresso Machine

$947.50
$1,895.00
50% off
The Ascaso Steel DUO Espresso Machine is a semi-automatic powerhouse ideal for home baristas seeking a high-quality espresso experience. Its double heating system allows simultaneous brewing and steaming, while programmable shot volumes, temperature control, and pre-infusion features ensure a consistent, cafe-style drink. Its sleek, vintage design and professional materials make it a stylish addition to any kitchen. However, it requires understanding its advanced features and time to dial everything in.
Ideal for
  • Home baristas seeking a high-quality espresso experience
  • Those who want to brew and steam simultaneously
  • Users who appreciate programmable shot volumes and temperature control
  • Fans of sleek, vintage design
  • Those willing to spend time understanding and dialing in advanced features
Not ideal for
  • Those looking for a machine that does everything for the user
  • Users on a tighter budget
  • Those who are not willing to spend time learning how to use a semi-automatic machine
Matt S, Coffee Expert
Adam L., Coffee Expert
James Lovett, Coffee Expert
by Curated experts Matt S, Adam L., James Lovett
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The Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine is perfect for coffee lovers who crave cafe-quality espresso at home. Its automated features, including the Impress tamping system and the Touch system, ensure perfect tamping and ease of use. It also comes with a built-in grinder, making it a great choice for those who want a semi-automatic machine that does most of the work for them.
Ideal for
  • Coffee enthusiasts who want cafe-quality espresso at home
  • Users who prefer automated features for ease of use
  • Individuals who want a semi-automatic machine that does most of the work
  • People who appreciate a machine with a built-in grinder
  • Those who want a machine that can steam alternative milks
Not ideal for
  • Individuals who enjoy the process of making coffee by hand
Eric T, Coffee Expert
Matthew W., Coffee Expert
Westin H., Coffee Expert
by Curated experts Eric T, Matthew W., Westin H.
The Rancilio Silvia Pro X Home Espresso Machine is a robust choice for low volume commercial use or for the experienced home barista. Its dual boilers offer precise temperature stability and the ability to pull shots and steam milk simultaneously. Despite its lack of plumbing capabilities, its high output and easy control over water temperature and steam delivery make it a top choice for those wanting to bring the cafe experience home.
Ideal for
  • Low volume commercial use
  • Experienced home baristas
  • Those seeking a machine with dual boilers
  • Those who value temperature stability and control
  • Those who want a high output machine
Not ideal for
  • High volume commercial use
  • Those who prefer a machine that can be plumbed into a water line
Janelle G., Coffee Expert
TV
David Boyer, Coffee Expert
by Curated experts Janelle G., Tiffany Velasco, David Boyer
The Quick Mill Silvano Evo Espresso Machine is a semi-automatic espresso machine that is perfect for those who want a professional coffee shop experience at home. Its dual boiler functionality allows users to steam and pull shots simultaneously, while the programmable PID and solid state relay ensure precise temperature control. The machine's 58mm portafilter and cup warmer add a professional touch. Despite its high-quality stainless steel construction and hefty weight, it's surprisingly affordable.
Ideal for
  • Coffee enthusiasts who want a professional coffee shop experience at home
  • Those who appreciate high-quality, durable construction
  • Users who want the ability to steam and pull shots simultaneously
  • Those who value precise temperature control
  • Budget-conscious consumers looking for a high-performing, affordable espresso machine
Not ideal for
  • Those who require a hot water spigot
David Boyer, Coffee Expert
Eric T, Coffee Expert
Matthew W., Coffee Expert
by Curated experts David Boyer, Eric T, Matthew W.
The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Espresso Machine is a top-notch choice for both small businesses and home baristas. It's perfect for those who want to enjoy professional quality espresso without leaving their kitchen. The machine's key features include programmable timed dosing, soft infusion system, ergonomic steam lever, and a copper heat exchange boiler that allows simultaneous brewing and steaming. Its extended articulating steam arm and reverse mirror enhance the espresso-making experience, while its compatibility with a standard pod kit adapter adds versatility.
Ideal for
  • Small coffee shops and restaurants
  • Home baristas seeking professional quality espresso
  • Users who value efficiency and consistency
  • Those who appreciate user-friendly machines
  • Coffee enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with brewing options
Not ideal for
  • Those who prefer a double walled steam wand
Shelby Lewis, Coffee Expert
Caleb Ogren, Coffee Expert
Roger Brown, Coffee Expert
by Curated experts Shelby Lewis, Caleb Ogren, Roger Brown

Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine

$699.99
$2,799.95
75% off
4.34(717)
The Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine is a semi-automatic espresso machine that is perfect for coffee enthusiasts who want to learn the technical aspects of being a barista. It offers a touchscreen operation for easy use and efficiency. The machine comes with a fully integrated conical burr grinder that automatically grinds, doses, and tamps 22 grams of coffee into the portafilter. It also has a pre-infusion function that gradually increases water pressure to gently expand the espresso grounds for ideal flavor development. The machine allows you to create, save, and name up to 8 customizable coffee settings. However, it may not be suitable for impatient coffee drinkers who aren't willing to take the time to learn and understand how to dial in espresso.
Ideal for
  • Coffee enthusiasts who want to learn the technical aspects of being a barista
  • Users who prefer an easy-to-use and efficient machine
  • Users who want to create, save, and name their own coffee settings
  • Users who prefer a machine with a fully integrated conical burr grinder
Not ideal for
  • Impatient coffee drinkers who aren't willing to take the time to learn and understand how to dial in espresso
Caleb Jones, Coffee Expert
Natasha de Carvalho, Coffee Expert
Holly Bastin, Coffee Expert
by Curated experts Caleb Jones, Natasha de Carvalho, Holly Bastin
The Breville Dual Boiler Espresso Maker is a dream come true for coffee enthusiasts who value precision and consistency. Its advanced heating system allows for simultaneous espresso extraction and milk frothing, making it ideal for those who love their lattes and cappuccinos. With programmable functions and enhanced features like a descaling function for cleaning and a 'Razor-dose' trimming tool, this machine offers a customizable and consistent brewing experience.
Ideal for
  • Coffee enthusiasts who value precision and consistency
  • Those who enjoy lattes and cappuccinos
  • Users who appreciate customizable brewing options
  • Individuals who prioritize machine cleanliness
  • Users seeking consistent extraction for perfect espresso
Shelby Lewis, Coffee Expert
by Curated expert Shelby Lewis

Breville Oracle Espresso Machine

$1,099.98
$2,199.95
50% off
The Breville Oracle Espresso Machine is a semi-automatic machine that is perfect for those who want a blend of automation and control in their home espresso making. It's packed with features like an automatic grind, dose, and tamp system, a dual boiler system for simultaneous milk steaming and shot pulling, and a heated grouphead for consistent temperatures. It also offers 45 grind settings for customization and options for either volumetric or timed shots, and manual or automatic steaming.
Ideal for
  • Home espresso enthusiasts who want a blend of automation and control
  • Users who appreciate the convenience of an automatic grind, dose, and tamp system
  • Those who value the ability to steam milk and pull shots simultaneously
  • Coffee lovers who want to customize their espresso with 45 grind settings
  • Users who want the option for either volumetric or timed shots, and manual or automatic steaming
Not ideal for
  • Those who prefer to do more by hand, such as tamping
Janelle G., Coffee Expert
David Boyer, Coffee Expert
Westin H., Coffee Expert
by Curated experts Janelle G., David Boyer, Westin H.

Most Recommended Espresso Machines Under $1000

Most Recommended Espresso Grinders under $500

Most Recommended Espresso Grinders

Most Recommended Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines

Most Recommended Entry-Level Espresso Machines

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Result Summary
  1. Breville the Barista Pro Espresso Machine
  2. Breville the Barista Touch Espresso Machine
  3. Ascaso Steel DUO Espresso Machine
  4. Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine
  5. Rancilio Silvia Pro X Home Espresso Machine
  6. Quick Mill Silvano Evo Espresso Machine
  7. Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Espresso Machine
  8. Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine
  9. Breville the Dual Boiler Espresso Maker
  10. Breville Oracle Espresso Machine
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