The Best Espresso Machine Under £500

Summary

In this review, five espresso machines under £500 are evaluated, ranging from the budget-friendly DeLonghi Dedica at £189 to the Rancilio Silvia at £529. The Lelit Anna, Sage Bambino Plus, and Gaggia Classic Pro, all priced at £399, are also assessed. The video covers build quality, ergonomics, espresso extraction, and milk steaming capabilities. The Lelit Anna impresses with its solid build, while the DeLonghi Dedica, though affordable, lacks quality. The Rancilio Silvia offers commercial-like steaming but requires temperature consistency. The Sage Bambino Plus excels in milk texturing with its feature-rich design, and the Gaggia Classic Pro, despite its nostalgia, could benefit from modifications for better performance.

Takeaways

• 💰 The video reviews five espresso machines priced under or around 500 pounds, providing a follow-up to a previous video on the best machine under 100 pounds.
• 🏷️ The machines evaluated include the Lelit Anna at 350 pounds, DeLonghi Dedica at 189 pounds, Rancilio Silvia at 529 pounds, Sage Bambino Plus at 399 pounds, and Gaggia Classic Pro also at 399 pounds.
• 🔧 The reviewer intends to use the machines mostly in their stock condition, with a minor exception of using a better basket for the portafilter on certain models.
• 📏 The Lelit Anna and Gaggia Classic Pro, which came with pressurized portafilters, were switched to better baskets for testing, placing the Lelit at a slight disadvantage due to its stock basket.
• 🌍 The selection of machines was based on their broad availability worldwide, aiming to provide the widest utility to viewers.
• 🔍 The testing process involves reviewing each model's build, ergonomics, and performance in making espresso shots and steaming milk.
• 📊 The Lelit Anna was praised for its solid build but criticized for its water tank and drip tray design.
• 💸 The DeLonghi Dedica, being the cheapest, showed its price in the build quality, with a plastic feel and small drip tray.
• 💪 The Rancilio Silvia was noted for its tank-like build, high-quality components, and powerful steam wand, but had temperature control issues.
• 📈 The Sage Bambino Plus had a focus on features over build quality, with a light body and electronic steam controller, offering good milk steaming capabilities.
• 🛠️ The Gaggia Classic Pro had a good build but required modifications for optimal performance, including temperature and pressure adjustments.

Q & A

What is the price range of the espresso machines discussed in the video?

The video discusses espresso machines priced under or around 500 pounds.

Which espresso machine was the most expensive in the video?

The Rancilio Silvia was the most expensive, priced at 529 pounds, although it has been seen around 500 pounds.

What is the price of the DeLonghi Dedica espresso machine mentioned in the video?

The DeLonghi Dedica is priced at 189 pounds, making it the cheapest in the category discussed.

What is the main criterion for selecting the espresso machines for review in the video?

The main criterion for selecting the espresso machines was their broad availability in different parts of the world.

What is the issue with the Lelit Anna's stock basket according to the reviewer?

The Lelit Anna's stock basket is not as good as a VST basket, which puts it at a slight disadvantage in terms of espresso quality.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the build quality of the DeLonghi Dedica?

The reviewer finds the build quality of the DeLonghi Dedica to be as expected for its price, noting the use of plastic and a small drip tray.

What feature does the Rancilio Silvia have that the reviewer appreciates?

The reviewer appreciates the Rancilio Silvia's high-quality build, particularly its weight and the feel of its buttons and switches.

What is the reviewer's experience with the Sage Bambino Plus in terms of build quality?

The reviewer finds the Sage Bambino Plus to have a build quality that feels cheaper than its price suggests, due to the extensive use of plastic.

What is the reviewer's connection to the Gaggia brand?

The reviewer's first coffee job was with Gaggia UK in 2003, selling Gaggia Classics, which adds a personal element to his review of the Gaggia Classic Pro.

What is the reviewer's general opinion on the espresso quality from the machines in the video?

The reviewer finds that while all machines can produce good espresso, some have issues such as temperature stability and pump pressure that could affect the quality, and he suggests modifications for better results.

How does the reviewer assess the milk steaming capabilities of the espresso machines?

The reviewer tests the milk steaming capabilities by timing how quickly each machine can steam 150 grams of cold milk to 60 degrees Celsius and discusses the quality of the milk texture produced.

What is the reviewer's final recommendation for someone interested in purchasing an espresso machine from the reviewed models?

The reviewer suggests that the choice depends on the individual's priorities, such as build quality, milk steaming capabilities, and willingness to modify the machine for better performance.