6 Best Espresso Machines Under $3000 (Tested For A Month)

My quest for the perfect cup of coffee led me to explore the world of high-end espresso machines.

I wanted to check if expensive espresso machines truly make a difference, so I embarked on a mission to find the best espresso machine under $3000.

After meticulous research and hands-on testing, I'm thrilled to share my findings and reviews.

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6 Best Espresso Machines Under $3000

1. Jura E8 Automatic Coffee Machine - Best Overall

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One of the standout features of the Jura E8 is its automatic milk frothing system, which takes the guesswork out of creating lattes and cappuccinos.

With a simple button press, the machine automatically froths the milk to the perfect consistency and dispenses it into your cup. It's like having a personal barista right in your kitchen.

The E8 is equipped with an Aroma G3 stainless steel conical burr grinder.

For me, the grinder is what makes or breaks a fully automatic machine, as it determines the espresso quality.

Another one of E8's impressive features is the Pulse Extraction Process.

What truly impressed me is the machine's ability to craft a staggering 17 different coffee drinks.

From the classic espresso to the indulgent macchiato and everything in between, the Jura E8 covers it all and does all of this with minimal effort required on your part.

Just select your drink of choice, and the machine takes care of the rest.

Overall, this single-boiler espresso machine is one of the best Jura offers and is an excellent choice in terms of value.

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2. Philips Saeco Xelsis - Best Super Automatic

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The Philips Saeco Xelsis revolutionizes the daily coffee routine with its impressive features and comes pretty close to being the best espresso machine under $3,000.

The Xelsis has a Coffee Equalizer touchscreen, simplifying the brew process to a tap.

This machine can brew a whopping 15 different coffee drinks, ranging from classic espressos to indulgent milk-based concoctions.

It also has eight user profiles. Everyone can customize their preferred coffee settings, ensuring every cup is tailored to individual tastes.

Xelsis also has a top-of-the-line stainless steel ceramic burr grinder (something I think every best espresso maker should have).

Plus, the Aquaclean water filter is a real-time saver, eliminating the need for descaling for up to 5,000 cups!

Maintenance is a breeze thanks to the HygieSteam self-cleaning system, which automatically takes care of the milk system.

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3. Profitec PRO 500 - Best Semi-Automatic

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What makes the Profitec Pro 500 stand out is the commercial-grade lever-operated E61 group head.

This feature not only enhances thermal stability but also provides mechanical pre-infusion, resulting in consistently excellent espresso shots.

This is also a heat exchanger espresso machine, which means simultaneous brewing and steaming, making it a time-saver for busy mornings.

The reason why I think this is one of the best heat exchanger espresso machines is that it comes with a PID.[1]

The Pro 500's PID lets you set a temperature (which means you can adjust the brewing temperature to a specific coffee roast).

Then, the PID monitors the temperature to make sure there aren't any fluctuations.[2]

The Profitec Pro 500 also has a vibratory rotary pump with isolating pump mounts.

Vibratory pumps tend to be loud, but that’s not the case on this heat exchange machine. It’s isolated, which means it’s a quiet vibration pump.

With a generous 2.8-liter water reservoir, the Pro 500 reduces the need for frequent refills, making it a convenient choice for a home espresso machine.

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4. Breville Oracle Touch - Best Hybrid 

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The Breville Oracle Touch falls between a semi and a super-automatic due to the automatic dosing and tamping.

This best espresso machine automatically grinds, doses, and tamps your coffee!

Also, you don't have to worry about the puck quality, your tamping technique, channeling, etc.

You load the espresso machine with coffee beans, and the machine grinds and tamps as soon as you lock in the portafilter.

Another impressive feature of the Oracle Touch is a stainless steel conical burr grinder with 45 settings!

This precision ensures you can achieve the ideal consistency for your espresso shots, which is a critical factor for flavor.

Also, this is a dual-boiler espresso machine, which means simultaneous steaming and brewing. No more waiting between brewing and frothing milk, making the morning coffee routine more efficient.

The automatic steam wand takes the guesswork out of milk frothing, delivering consistently creamy and velvety microfoam hands-free.

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5. Jura S8 - Best Range Of Coffee Drinks

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It has the AromaG3 Grinder, which, as the name says, preserves the coffee grounds' aroma.

Like on the E8, this is a conical burr grinder, so you'll have a consistently rich and aromatic brew that never disappoints.

The S8 also has the Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System (IPBAS - automatically determines the amount of coffee and dispenses the correct amount of water) and the Pulse Extraction Process (PEP - forces water through freshly ground beans, giving you a richer flavor in your cup), ensuring every espresso shot is flavorful.

The S8 has plenty of customization options. You can choose between 10 coffee strength levels, 3 levels of brewing temperature, and 3 levels of hot water temperature.

Plus, the addition of WiFi connectivity means you can control the machine from wherever you are, ensuring your coffee is ready when you want it.

Jura S8 can make 15 coffee specialties. You can get everything from ristretto to latte, cappuccino, flat white, milk foam, and hot water.

Overall, the Jura S8 is one of the best home espresso machines. You can even use it in smaller commercial establishments.

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6. Nuova Simonelli Musica - Best Prosumer

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This machine has heat exchange system, which means you can brew and steam simultaneously.

This is a game-changer for those who appreciate the efficiency of making espresso and frothing milk simultaneously.

It is also a good choice if you want a commercial espresso machine for a smaller cafe or restaurant.

It uses a professional 58 mm filter basket, which means more coffee and more flavorful shots.

Musica has several design options: black or Lux version, which has LED lights if you want an espresso machine with more pizzaz.

The 2-liter boiler volume contributes to temperature stability and provides ample steam power for frothing milk to perfection.

Finally, Musica has some high-end features, such as programmable volumetric dosing, which means the espresso machine can automatically start and stop the brew process.

Or, you can opt for manual dosing, where you stop the pouring, which lets you get the exact amount of coffee you want.

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Best Espresso Machines Under $3000 Compared For You

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Things To Consider When Buying An Espresso Machine For Commercial Use

Get The Right Type Of Espresso Machine

Most espresso machines fall into one of these groups:

• Prosumer Machines — Are designed for coffee enthusiasts who want professional-grade features without the complexity of a fully manual device. 
  
  These machines typically offer high-quality components, great build quality, precise temperature control, and advanced brewing options.
  
  They are an excellent choice for small cafes or dedicated coffee aficionados. Profitec Pro 500 and Nuova Simonelli Musica are two great prosumer machines for smaller commercial establishments.
  
  
• Semi-Automatic Machines — Are favored by baristas who want more control over the brewing process and to fine-tune extraction.
  
  They often come with advanced features like PID temperature control and adjustable pressure, making it possible to pull perfect shots consistently.
  
  
• Manual Espresso Machine — Require a deep understanding of the espresso-making process, as you must control every parameter, from grind size to extraction time.
  
  While they offer the utmost control, they can be time-consuming and require a steep learning curve. If you run a busy establishment, a manual machine isn't the best choice, as you won't have enough time to operate it.
  
  
• Super-Automatic Machines — Handle everything from grinding the coffee to brewing the espresso and frothing milk. 
  
  While they are usually extremely easy to use, they may sacrifice some control over the final product and are generally more expensive machines.
  
  Jura and Philips are among the best super-automatic brands and can be used in commercial settings.

When spending between $2000-$3000 for commercial use, consider a prosumer or semi-automatic.

Prosumer machines strike a balance between professional-grade features and user-friendliness.

Semi-automatics offer more control over the brewing, which is ideal for experienced baristas.

Avoid manual machines unless you have the expertise and time to invest in manual operation.

If you want a super-automatic, choose one with a lot of programmability options, such as the Jura.

Aim For Commercial Level Performance

In the $2000-$3000 price range for commercial espresso machines, performance should be top-notch. Here's what to look for:

• Grinder performance — A high-quality grinder ensures that the coffee is ground consistently, a critical factor in achieving balanced extractions. 
  
  Keep in mind that Profitec Pro 500 and Nuova Simoneli don’t have a built-in grinder, so you’ll have to buy a separate grinder, which is another expense.
  
  
• Milk frother — If you make a lot of milk-based drinks, the milk frother should excel at producing creamy microfoam. 
  
  Nuova Simonelli Musica has a four-tip milk frother, so you can create a good microfoam and work on latte art. However, it requires a learning curve. If you want automatic milk frothing, choose Philips Xelsis.
  
  
• PID controller — Ensures stable temperature and great espresso, such as on the Profitec Pro 500.
  
  
• Portafilter — Is found on semi-automatics. It should be 58 mm for the best results. The Pro 500, the Musica, and the Oracle Touch all have a 58 mm filter basket.

Know The Type of Boiler System

You can choose between these espresso boiler systems:

• Heat exchange boilers — Heat exchange boilers are a practical choice for commercial use. They allow simultaneous brewing and steaming, reducing wait times between drinks. 
  
  This efficiency is essential during busy periods in a cafe, ensuring that your customers receive their orders promptly. The Pro 500 and the Musica have heat exchange espresso boilers with large volumes.
  
  
• Dual boilers — Offer even greater control over temperature stability. With a separate stainless steel boiler for brewing and steaming, you can maintain precise temperatures for both functions and have expertly crafted coffee. 
  
  One of the best dual boiler espresso machines is Oracle Touch, as it also has PID, which means top-notch temperature control when you start brewing.
  
  
• Single Boilers— Are usually found on super-automatics. These machines may struggle to keep up with the demands of a busy cafe, leading to longer wait times and potential inconsistencies in coffee quality. 
  
  Jura and Philips have only one boiler. However, they have good temperature consistency and heat up quickly.

Look For A Temperature Control System

A temperature control system, such as a PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) controller, is essential for maintaining consistent brewing temperatures.

A PID controller offers precise temperature regulation throughout the brewing process.

This consistency ensures that each shot of espresso is brewed at the optimal temperature for extracting the best flavors from the coffee grounds.

Profitec Pro 500, Oracle Touch, and Musica all have PID controllers. Jura and Philips don’t come with a PID.

However, these machines use other technology for perfect temperature stability, and I’ve never experienced temperature fluctuations.

Make Sure It Will Fit On Your Counter

Think about the machine's size and placement:

• Dimensions —Check the machine's dimensions to ensure it fits comfortably on your kitchen counter. Measure both the countertop space and any overhead clearance to accommodate the machine.
  
  
• Counter space — Consider how much counter space the machine will occupy, taking into account other appliances and accessories you may have. Ensure that you have enough room for other essential kitchen tasks.

Ultimately, the espresso machines under the $3,000 price range aren't the most compact.

If you want a compact and modern take on the espresso machine, check out Jura E8, S8, and Oracle Touch.

These are among the most compact machines you can get at this price point.

Check The Capacity

Assessing the machine's capacity is essential to ensure it meets your needs and workflow in a home and commercial setting. Consider the following:

• Water tank capacity — A larger capacity reduces the refilling frequency. So many machines designed for commercial use often have larger water tanks, typically ranging from 2 to 5 liters or more. 
  
  Oracle Touch and Pro 500 have the largest water tanks on this list at 84 oz and 94 oz. Philips Xelsis is only 57 oz.
  
  
• Bean hopper capacity — A larger hopper can hold more coffee beans, reducing the need for frequent refilling. For example, both Jura S8 and E8 have a 10 oz bean hopper capacity, which can fit almost an entire bag of coffee beans.
  
  
• Drip tray and used grounds container — These should be sufficiently large to accommodate the expected volume of espresso production without constant emptying. Jura S8 and E8 are again great examples, as their coffee grounds containers hold 16 pucks.
  
  
• Espresso capacity — Check how many shots the espresso machine can make in succession. This is especially important for a commercial establishment. 
  
  Generally, HX espresso machines, such as the Pro and Musica, have great temperature control, so you can make many shots one after the other.

Does It Use Pour-Over or Direct Connect Water Supply?

Consider the water supply method of the espresso machine:

• Pour-over — Machines with pour-over capabilities have a built-in water reservoir you manually fill. This provides flexibility in placement. However, it may require more frequent refilling, making it less suitable for high-volume commercial settings.
  
  
• Direct connect — Some machines can be plumbed directly into a water supply. This ensures a continuous water source, ideal for busy cafes. However, it requires access to a water line and proper installation.

Nuova Simonelli Musica espresso machine gives you both options, so you can choose what works better for you.

Make Sure It Can Stand The Test Of Time

Durability and build quality are crucial for commercial espresso machines. Think about:

• Materials — Examine the materials used in the machine's construction. Stainless steel is a common choice for its durability, resistance to corrosion, and ease of cleaning. High-quality materials contribute to the machine's longevity.
  
  
• Build quality — A well-constructed machine should feel solid and sturdy, with attention to detail in its design and assembly. Avoid machines that feel flimsy or cheaply made.
  
  
• Brand reputation — Research the manufacturer's reputation for producing reliable and long-lasting espresso machines. Established brands with a history of quality tend to offer machines that stand the test of time.

In terms of durability, stainless steel is better than plastic. That being said, Jura and Philips use durable, hard plastic, so you won't have issues with the build.

However, if you're set on stainless steel espresso machines, choose Musica or the Pro 500.

Don’t Forget About Cleaning & Maintenance

Espresso machines require regular cleaning and maintenance:

• Ease of cleaning — Assess how easy it is to clean the machine. Components such as drip trays and used puck containers should be easy to access and clean. For example, Philips Xelsis is front-loading, making using and cleaning easy.
  
  
• Replacement parts — Check the availability of replacement parts and their cost. Ensure the manufacturer provides access to essential components, such as gaskets, seals, and filters.
  
  
• Manual vs. automatic cleaning — For example, the Xelsis has a wand with automatic cleaning, which means less work for you. Also, Jura and Philips have water filters, so you’ll hardly ever have to descale these espresso machines.

How Much Does It Cost To Run?

You’ll need to regularly buy coffee beans for your espresso machine. But that’s not all the cost espresso machines accrue:

• Energy consumption — Assess the machine's energy efficiency. Some espresso machines, such as the Juras, are designed with energy-saving features.
  
  
• Maintenance costs — Factor in the costs of routine maintenance, including cleaning supplies. For example, you won’t have to descale the Philips and the Jura often, which means less water usage. 
  
  
• Professional servicing — Check how easy it is to find replacement parts and if professional servicing is available in your area. Generally, parts for popular machines such as the Philips and Jura are easy to find, but it may be more difficult for the Profitec and Nuova Simonelli.

How Long Is The Warranty?

Here's what to look for in terms of espresso machine warranty:

• Warranty duration — Check the length of the warranty. A longer warranty period provides peace of mind and indicates the manufacturer's confidence in the machine's durability. Jura, Philips, and Nuova Simonelli have a two-year warranty, while Profitec and Breville’s warranty is one year.
  
  
• Coverage — Review the warranty coverage to understand what components and issues are included. Comprehensive warranties cover a broad range of potential problems, while limited warranties may only apply to specific parts or defects.
  
  
• Optional extended warranties — Some manufacturers offer the option to purchase extended warranties for added protection beyond the standard coverage, such as the Profitec.

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Does An Expensive Espresso Machine Make A Difference?

Yes, an expensive espresso machine can make a significant difference in the quality of your coffee.

Here are several ways in which an expensive machine can impact your coffee:

• Build quality — Best espresso machines are often constructed with high-quality materials, such as stainless steel, brass, and commercial-grade components.
  
  
• Temperature stability — Premium machines are equipped with advanced heating systems and PID controllers that maintain consistent water temperatures. This stability is crucial for achieving precise and repeatable extractions, leading to better-tasting espresso.
  
  
• Grinding precision — Some expensive machines have integrated conical burr grinders that offer precise grind settings.
  
  This level of control ensures that your coffee is ground to the optimal size for espresso, ensuring balanced extractions. Jura, Phillips, and Breville Oracle Touch all have top-notch grinders, with Oracle Touch coming ahead with an impressive 45 settings.
  
  
• Steam performance — Premium machines often feature powerful milk frothers that can steam milk and create microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. This is essential for creating latte art.
  
  
• Programmability — You can customize shot volumes, brewing temperatures, and extraction times. A good example is Jura machines, which are among the best home espresso machines in terms of programmability.
  
  This level of customization enables you to customize drinks to your exact preferences and gives you complete control when you brew espresso.
  
  
• Aesthetics — Expensive espresso machines often feature elegant and sleek designs. They can be a beautiful addition to your kitchen or coffee shop, enhancing the overall ambiance, such as Rocket espresso machines.

However, keep in mind price isn’t everything. Proper coffee beans, grinder quality, barista skills, and recipe precision also play significant roles.

While an expensive machine can elevate your coffee experience, it's just one piece of the puzzle.

Related Article - Best Espresso Machines Under $5000

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FAQs

How much should a decent espresso machine cost?

How much a decent espresso machine costs can vary widely depending on your specific needs and preferences. Generally, you can expect to spend anywhere from $300 to $1,500 for a home espresso machine that produces quality espresso. Commercial espresso machines range from $2,000 to well over $10,000, depending on factors like capacity, features, cosmetic and mechanical improvements, and brand reputation.

What coffee machine does Dunkin Donuts use?

The specific coffee machine Dunkin Donuts uses can vary by location and the type of equipment they choose to use. Generally, most locations use the BUNN coffee brewer.

How much is a Starbucks coffee machine?

The cost of a Starbucks coffee machine can vary widely based on the specific model and features, but they are generally quite expensive, often costing several thousand dollars each. These machines are made by well-known manufacturers like La Marzocco, Nuova Simonelli, and Franke.

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What’s the Best Premium Espresso Machine Under $3,000 For You?

You won’t go wrong with any of these best home espresso machines under $3,000.

They have excellent flow control, can steam milk and create latte art, have PID controls, large water reservoirs, programmable settings, stainless steel boilers, and a durable plastic or stainless steel construction.

The main choice you need to make is between semi-automatic espresso machines or fully-automatic ones.

If you want an entry-level espresso machine with integrated grinders and an intuitive interface, choose Jura E8 or Phillips Xelsis.

If you want to do some work, but not all, go for the Breville Oracle Touch.

Resources:

1. https://www.thermopedia.com/content/832/
2. https://sea.omega.com/ph/prodinfo/temperaturecontrollers.html