If you’ve ever been in the market for an espresso machine, you might have been a bit taken aback by the rather high price range that they come in. It can be a little overwhelming, especially since getting a good quality one means spending a bit more.
So, you may be wondering why exactly espresso machines are so expensive. We understand your curiosity, so we’ve taken the time to tell you everything you need to know regarding espresso machines and their pricing.
Why Are Espresso Machines So Expensive?
Well, to put it simply, espresso machines are made with more expensive parts than traditional coffee makers and they’re a bit more complicated to make, as well.
Not only that, but even if you’re looking to get a home espresso machine and not a $10,000 commercial one, you still want to make sure that whatever you’re purchasing is reliable and won’t break down on you or make bad espresso.
Expensive Parts
The most prevalent reason that espresso machines are so expensive is because of the price of the parts needed to make such an advanced appliance.
A few of the pricey and important parts include the brew group, the thermoblock, and the boiler and pressurestat which are necessary for consistent temperature and pressure while brewing.
These parts, among many others, add to the expensive price commonly seen in espresso machines. Of course, that’s not the only reason they can be a big investment.
Production
Because espresso machines aren’t in high demand, they aren’t mass-produced.
This means that they are then more expensive due to the low demand and low competition. This becomes more true the more commercial the machines get, but can still be said for those made for home use.
With the high cost of parts and production comes a high sales price, but there’s still one more reason why espresso machines cost as much as they do.
Dependability
You might notice that there are a few cheaper options compared to most espresso machines on the market, but with a lower price comes a lower dependability chance.
The reality is if you purchase a high-quality espresso machine made with high-quality materials, you’re going to get a more dependable machine.
For example, commercial machines are even more expensive because of how durable their materials are for commercial use.
While you will be using your machine significantly less than a coffee shop would, it’s important you’re still investing in a machine that isn’t going to break quickly and can brew some great-tasting espresso.
How Are Espresso Machines Different From Other Coffee Machines?
Espresso is a more concentrated form of coffee because it is made through pressurized, hot water rather than the slow-filtering method used in drip coffee makers. Because of this, the machine has to be made very differently than any other coffee machine.
Though there are manual espresso machine options that allow you to make espresso by hand, they are much harder to use and require a lot of work compared to an actual espresso machine.
In the end, to get quality espresso shots at a quicker pace, it’s best to spend the money on a good espresso machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
While you may have your main question answered, there are most likely a few others you have now that you know the reason for expensive espresso machines.
Is it Worth Buying an Espresso Machine?
If you’re someone who likes to make their own coffee at home, or you want to get into the craft of whipping up your own latte, then we highly recommend getting your own espresso machine.
This is an investment that can save you money, expand your creative abilities, and make your coffee crafting easier.
Can You Make Good Espresso With a Cheap Machine?
A cheap espresso machine typically means it’s made with cheaper parts, and therefore is less reliable than a more expensive one.
However, that’s not to say that there aren’t decent espresso machines out there that come at a cheaper price and can whip up some pretty good espresso shots.
What Are the 3 Types of Espresso Machines?
The three types of espresso machines can vary, but they are usually considered to be semi-automatic, automatic, and super-automatic espresso machines.
Semi-automatic machines allow you to start and stop the pull of the espresso and froth your own milk.
Automatic machines start and stop the pull of the espresso for you, but allow you to froth your own milk.
Super-automatic machines start and stop the pull of the espresso, grind the beans for you, and can even froth milk! Of course, these features vary across different brands and machines.
What Price Is Best?
This question depends mostly on what you’re looking for out of an espresso machine and how you plan on using it.
As we mentioned earlier, it’s not impossible to find machines within a certain price range, but typically machines over at least $500 can get you good espresso shots, good milk frothing, and maybe even a few other features.
How Long Will an Espresso Machine Last?
This again depends on the type of espresso machine you buy, as a more expensive machine will typically last longer than a cheaper one.
A general range, however, lies between 5-15 years, with factors such as quality and user frequency affecting this time.
How Much Do Starbucks Espresso Machines Cost?
Since Starbucks uses commercial espresso machines, they typically range around $18,000, which is a lot compared to home espresso machines.
However, Starbucks needs something super durable since they pull espresso all day, every day.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the reason why you’ll find espresso machines to be very expensive compared to regular coffee makers is that they have to be.
Not only are they required to provide pressurized, hot water in order to pull espresso, but they are also made of expensive materials, it costs a lot to make them, and they have to be durable.
If you like to make your coffee at home, or you’re looking for a way to craft your favorite latte within the comfort of your own kitchen, it’s smart to look into purchasing an espresso machine.
While you might be a little thrown off by the pricing of most machines, we assure you it can be a sound investment if it’s something you’ll find yourself using frequently.
Happy Caffeinating!
