An espresso machine is a small pressure vessel with a heater, a pump and precise temperature control. Those are not cheap to build well.
What the money buys
Boilers. Stainless or copper vessels, certified for pressure, with heating elements and controls. A dual boiler doubles this.
Brass group heads. Several kilos of machined brass, for thermal mass and stability.
Pumps. Vibration pumps are cheap; rotary pumps are not, and they are quieter and last far longer.
Temperature control. PID controllers, sensors, and the engineering to place them usefully.
Build materials. Stainless steel bodies, brass fittings and steel fasteners against plastic and aluminium.
What gets cheaper as prices fall
Plastic portafilters, thermoblocks instead of boilers, pressurised baskets, weak steam, and no parts availability.
The longevity argument
A €1,500 prosumer machine lasting 25 years costs €60 a year. A €300 machine lasting 6 years costs €50 a year and makes worse coffee throughout.
The expensive machine is often the cheaper one.
Where the value actually is
Below €400 — you are buying convenience. Expect a modest result.
€400 to €1,200 — the steep part of the curve. Real boilers, PID, proper steam.
Above €2,000 — diminishing returns, buying stability, aesthetics and durability.
The reminder
At every price, spend on the grinder first.
Last reviewed 8 August 2026