About this Video

• Video Title: The Best Espresso Machine Under £500
• Channel: James Hoffmann
• Speakers: James Hoffmann
• Duration: 00:22:20

Introduction

This video reviews five espresso machines priced under or around £500. Hoffmann tests each machine's build quality, ease of use, espresso quality, and milk steaming capabilities, ultimately aiming to guide viewers in choosing the best machine for their needs and budget.

Key Takeaways

• Lelit Anna (£350): Solid build, good espresso, but the water tank and steam valve feel cheap. The stock basket isn't ideal, and the drip tray is difficult to remove. Milk steaming was okay but not exceptional.
• DeLonghi Dedica (£189): The cheapest option, with a noticeable plastic build. Small footprint but light and prone to accidental button presses. The drip tray is small, but it has a float indicator. Espresso quality was decent but not outstanding, particularly with lighter roasts. Milk texturing was challenging.
• Rancilio Silvia (£529): Heavy and sturdy build; considered out of budget but often found around the £500 mark. Excellent portafilter and buttons, but the water tank is difficult to remove and the drip tray lacks an indicator. Espresso temperature is inconsistent. Milk steaming was powerful and effective.
• Sage Bambino Plus (£399): More expensive but with cheaper-feeling plastic build. Light weight makes it prone to movement on the counter. The portafilter feels cheap, but other details are generally good. Electronic steam controller, and milk steaming was surprisingly good and user-friendly. Espresso quality was decent but limited by the pressurized portafilter.
• Gaggia Classic Pro (£399): Solid build quality and very good espresso, but the portafilter doesn't feel premium. High pump pressure can create harshness. Temperature control needs improvement. Milk steaming was underpowered compared to the Rancilio.

Hoffmann made the following modifications before testing:

1. He replaced the pressurized portafilters on the Sage Bambino Plus and Gaggia Classic Pro with better baskets. He explained that these machines came with pressurized portafilters only, and switching to better baskets was an easy improvement that was worthwhile.

2. He also used a better basket for the Rancilio Silvia and Gaggia Classic Pro for espresso testing, because both came with 50ml portafilters.

He did not change the Lelit Anna's basket because he couldn't find a suitable replacement in time. This put the Lelit at a slight disadvantage in the comparison because its stock basket wasn't as good as the VST baskets used in the other machines.

The provided transcript does not state a single "best" machine overall. While James Hoffmann expresses preferences and highlights strengths and weaknesses of each machine, he ultimately leaves the choice to the viewer based on their individual priorities (budget, desired level of tinkering, importance of milk steaming, etc.). He does suggest that he would be torn between the Rancilio Silvia and the Gaggia Classic Pro if he had to keep one, but this is a personal preference based on his willingness to mod the machines.