Best Espresso Machines Under $500 at Costco

A review of the espresso makers at Costco Wholesale

Costco offers a wide variety of espresso makers from simpler Nespresso capsule machines to fully-automatic, all-in-one espresso machines, that cost up to $2300. That’s why we decided to go over the best espresso maker at Costco under $500.

Espresso models available can vary from store to store. However, you can check online and get almost any one they have.

Great thing about buying from Costco online is that you can return products to any physical store.

Table Of Contents

Table of Contents

If you’re looking for a specific coffee maker at Costco and it’s not available at your local store then you can order it online.

Java Groove's Choice

The Best Espresso Machine at Costco

The Mr. Coffee One-Touch is the best espresso machine available at Costco. This is due to the amount of features packed into the machine, yet still an affordable price.

Read the Review

Great thing about buying from Costco online is that you can return products to any physical store.

Understanding What Kind of Espresso Machine You Need

If you’re new to espresso that’s great, but be prepared to make mistakes and learn. You’re probably not going to make a perfect latte the first try. It’s easy to learn and it’s rewarding…literally. Think of the money you’ll save!

Semi-automatic espresso machines require a bit of knowledge to operate. The espresso machine must be calibrated, heated, and the right amount of grinds should be added and tamped correctly.

Then there is the aspect of frothing milk. If this sounds like a bit too much work then consider a fully-automatic espresso machine… but also be prepared to shell out a bit more cash.

Then there are the Nespresso espresso machines. While not true espresso machines, it is great for those that are not espresso snobs or too picky about the true essence of espresso. Nespresso machines at Costco are a great way to get espresso without the fuss of an espresso machine (or the cost of a fully-automatic).

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Nespresso Vertuo Next

Nespresso is available everywhere from Target to Costco & everywhere in between.

Although not a true espresso maker, the Nespresso Vertuo Next produces espresso-like flavors if you purchase the right capsule.

This is more geared toward those that enjoy lattes, cappuccinos, flavored macchiatos, etc., but without the fuss of an espresso machine. If you like sugary Starbucks coffee drinks, then this is an easy choice.

As of this writing the Vertuo Next was one of the newer Nespresso machines. The Vertuo Next cannot be found any cheaper anywhere else than Costco. Keep in mind you have to be a member to get the 169.99 price.

The functionality cannot be simpler. Capsule machines avoid human error almost entirely. Keep the water reservoir full, pop a sealed capsule of coffee into the machine, and press the only button on the machine.

It comes with 42 assorted capsules to start you off. Nespresso makes very flavorful coffee that users rave over. With the large variety of capsule flavors available, you can be sure you’ll find at least one you like. Also beats the monotony of large bags of the same flavor coffee from Costco.

Comes with a separate milk frother that is also very easy to use. Nespresso provides value for the price in terms of ease of use and quality of flavor. Which is beneficial for the casual espresso drinker.

Costco Link

Amazon Link

Drawbacks

Calling it an espresso maker is a misnomer. There are capsules that offer an espresso flavor and if you're not an espresso connoisseur then you’ll be fine.
Be prepared to be stuck in the Vertuo ecosystem. There are barcodes that can be identified by the Nespresso maker, which let the machine know appropriate variables to get the beverage right. However, the capsules are not sold everywhere and you must buy Vertuo capsules.
Can be expensive. Especially if there is more than 1 person drinking coffee more than once a day.
Bluetooth functionality is a gimmick.

Nespresso CitiZ & Milk by De'Longhi

The Nespresso CitiZ is a classic compact espresso maker. The compact design makes it a great choice if you are limited on counter space.

The milk frother has several features. It can froth warm up to 150 degrees or cold. There are 2 spinning whisks that allow you to adjust the amount of froth or foam (or both) you would like. Definitely generates a nice foam for your espresso.

The Nespresso CitiZ uses a different technology than the VertuoLine. The Virtuo uses a centrifugal type system. Whereas the CitiZ uses a 19 bar pump that isn’t as powerful as the VirtuoLine spinning immersion type.

That being said the crema on the CitiZ is more traditional and the espresso comes out a bit stronger.

Depending on the size, the CitiZ takes approximately 2 minutes to pull a shot. Keep in mind, the machine is just as loud as a Keurig, some argue it is louder.

Costco Link

Amazon Link

Drawbacks

Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse Espresso Machine

The Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse at Costco is an upgrade from the Mr. Coffee Barista. It’s a semi-automatic espresso maker. There are some programmed features but you have to tamp your shot yourself.

The CoffeeHouse One-Touch automatically foams milk. You can adjust the amount of milk froth easily.

The buttons are pre-programmed for ease of use. The machine also has self-cleaning functionality. Comes with 2 ceramic cups.

Costco Link

Amazon Link

Drawbacks

Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine with Grinder and Steam Wand

Calphalon (pronounced Kal-Fa-Lon) espresso machine has been added to the espresso lineup at Costco. This is a 3-in-1 espresso machine that has a built in grinder and steam wand. This is one of the few budget 58mm available.

If you’re a espresso snob you may have to tinker with it a bit to dial in the espresso machine. There are some drawbacks that have simple work-arounds that make this a wonderful machine that gives the Breville Express a run for the money. Especially since it has a built in grinder and is about $200 cheaper.

You may see this in other locations under different names such as the SunBeam Barista Max or the Oster Xpert Espresso. The Calphalon IQ appears to have used this design.

- The steam wand is a traditional style with one nozzle. It sits on a ball-joint to give you some room to work.

- The grinder is consistent. However, it is sensitive. Meaning, if you move 1 setting, it will make a significant change. The numbers are more of a gauge. The grinder may appear slow if you’re used to commercial grinders.

- It is a PID controlled espresso machine, therefore you are able to adjust the temperature up to 4 degrees (2 degrees each way).
- 2.8 liter water tank
The portafilter is 58mm. However, that is where the positives end. The portafilter feels cheap and doesn’t retain heat. It feels like it gets up to 80 degrees. The portafilter is proprietary 3 prong, so you’re limited by upgrade features. The spouts are wide, so if your espresso shot is narrow, it will make a mess.
That being said we’ve found two 58mm portafilters that fit the IQ:
- - Zeafree Bottomless Filter
- FUIKEING Bottomless
Tamp is cheap plastic. Here are some suggested 58mm tamps:
- - Adjustable distributor hand tamper
- Premium Barista Tamper – Stainless Steel with Handle
The steel pitcher that is included is of great quality.
You will need a scale with this machine. Or an SS dosing cup.

Above $500

Jura Ena 8 Superautomatic Espresso Machine

The Jura ENA 8 makes a bold statement aesthetically and has the tech inside to back it up. There is a lot of features packed into the relatively small footprint.

The water tank is encased in a jewel-facet water column that holds 36 ounces. There is one-touch brewing available and maintenance features too.

There are a few of these super all-in-one coffee makers at Costco. This Jura coffee maker is the best for your buck. At $1,499 it is pricy.

Unfortunately they didn’t have them at any of the local stores. I’ve read the reviews and sometimes they have refurbished ones on sale in-store.

Check availability at Costco.

You can check the price and availability on Amazon here as well.

Want to Learn More About the E8?

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Espresso Accessories at Costco

De'Longhi Espresso Machine Maintainance Kit

Capresso Milk Frother

Looking for a milk frother at Costco?

Capresso is known for quality, so you know this milk frother is going to make it quick and easy with its simple dial.

Whether you’re looking for hot, warm or cold foam, this frother has you covered. If you’re looking for hot milk there is another attachment so your milk doesn’t burn.

Easy to Use

There are icons on the machine that show which mode is currently selected. Rotate the dial to get your desired milk temperature. It’s easy to clean too. You can immerse the entire pitcher in water and rinse out.