Having already considered the best espresso machine under $300 and $500 in our previous series of articles, we can now focus our attention on the best espresso machine under $1000. These are machines that require you to use only the very best coffee, so you are actually better off buying a 500 dollar espresso machine and the best coffee on the market, than anyone of the ones on this list and an average quality coffee. However, if you are in a position where you can actually invest both in good coffee and a high quality espresso machine, these are your best choices. We have looked both at the price of the machine and at its performance, and we have also taken into consideration the history the manufacturer has because at this high end gourmet level of espresso machines, having perfect control over the temperature of the water at all times, using just the right filtration system to obtain the perfect foam without any of the coffee grains, and many more other details that need to be taken into consideration. So if you are ready to make the huge investment into a high end espresso machine, you can be sure that you will be getting the very best cup of espresso, cappuccino or latte every day, without having to know anything else about making coffee.
1. DeLonghi ECAM22110SB Compact Automatic Cappuccino, Latte and Espresso Machine
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One of the biggest reasons why you would invest almost 1000 dollars in an espresso machine is because you may not want to deal with the headache of grinding the coffee just right, heating the water at the right temperature and making sure there is not steam left, or taking apart haft the frothing stick just to clean it. That is precisely why the DeLonghi ECAM22110SB Compact Automatic Cappuccino, Latte and Espresso Machine is our number one choice. It has a complex filtration system that allows you to use simple tap water and it will get rid of all the impurities so you will enjoy the perfect cup of coffee. It has a two stage espresso system, where it will first saturate with water the coffee and only then push through the high pressure hot water, so you will get the full flavor from the grains of coffee. It also has its own grinding system, so you can just put in the beans and it will grind them to the perfect size. The end result is an espresso with a thick creamy layer on top. From there all you have to do is to use the frothing wand to make the perfect cappuccino and latte.
2. Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine
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There is a cheaper alternative that works almost as good as the DeLongi we have just talked about and it is the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine. It has the same coffee grinding system so you do not have to worry about guessing the perfect grinding size. It has a brilliant coffee filtration system that creates a very rich, thick and delicious foam on top of the espresso. The frothing wand is made from aluminum and it is relatively easy to clean, although not as easy as on the DeLongi. However, the one feature that really drew us to the Breville and made us choose it as our number 2 choice is the purge function that adjusts the temperature of the water back down, after you have used the frothing wand so your second cappuccino will taste just as good as the second one.
3. Rancilio HSD-SILVIA Silvia Espresso Machine
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As we started looking for the best espresso machine we decided that reputation was a pretty difficult thing to earn in the coffee business, so the moment we had a chance to feature an espresso machine made by the famous Rancilio company we decided we had to try it and feature it here. The Rancilio HSD-SILVIA Silvia Espresso Machine is an entry level, home use espresso machine, because Rancilio usually makes commercial machines. This model actually uses the entire group head from the commercial espresso machines, so the only difference is in the pressure the machine creates. 15 bars are more than enough for home use, but for a coffee bar setting, it would not be enough to keep up with the demand. The steam wand is also of commercial level and can be easily cleaned with just a blow of steam and a good wipe.
4. Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine
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We usually do not have any problems decideing on what should be our number one choice, but with the DeLongi we have already talked about and the Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine, we had a really hard time. Eventually we went with the DeLongi because of the price, but the Breville is definitely one of the best espresso machines on the market. It uses a dual boiler system so the steam generation unit functions independently from the espresso unit. In this way the temperature of the water is perfectly controlled on both sides of the machine. There is also an electronic PID system to further control the temperature perfectly. In effect this could be a small gourmet coffee shop’s espresso machine, so it is more than able to handle the requirements of a home. The LCD display is also a nice touch, making it a perfect fit on a modern kitchen counter.
5. DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine
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Since we started with a DeLongi, it seems fitting to end with one and the DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine would have been our best choice for a budget solution if it hadn’t been for the Breville BES870XL that we have talked about. The DeLongi is a bit more expensive than the Breville but it does give you the option of actually brewing an actual cup of coffee, besides the more popular espresso shot. And you still get the option of frothing milk for a cappuccino. So, despite its relatively high price, you do get a lot out of features for the money.
