Is a ₹23,000 Espresso Machine Really Worth the Splurge?

There’s something undeniably luxurious about pulling a rich, crema-topped espresso shot in your own kitchen. With India’s growing community of home brewers and coffee lovers, it’s no surprise that espresso coffee machines—once reserved for high-end cafés—are now entering more homes. But here’s the question that stirs up every beginner’s hesitation:

Is spending ₹23,000 on an espresso machine truly worth it?
In this blog, we unpack what you really get for that espresso machine price—from brewing capability to build quality—and whether it's a smart investment for your daily cup.

Understanding What You’re Paying For

Let’s start by breaking down what goes into the cost of a mid-range espresso maker priced around ₹23,000:

1. Pressure Pump System (15–19 Bars)

This is the beating heart of your machine. It’s what forces water through finely-ground coffee at high pressure to extract a true espresso shot. Budget machines (under ₹10,000) often struggle to maintain the ideal 9-bar extraction pressure, resulting in sour or weak coffee.

A ₹23K espresso coffee machine typically features a vibratory or thermoblock pump that consistently delivers the necessary pressure for rich crema and intense flavor.

2. Temperature Control & Heating

Great espresso depends on stable water temperature—around 90–96°C. In this price segment, machines often include a thermocoil or thermoblock heating system, which heats water rapidly and keeps it within a tight range. Some models even allow minor temperature adjustments for more control.

3. Build Quality: Stainless Steel vs. Plastic

At this espresso coffee machine price, you're likely to find metal body panels, better boiler materials (aluminum or brass), and higher-grade seals and gaskets—meaning longer life, fewer breakdowns, and more consistent performance.

What to Expect at ₹23,000 (Feature Snapshot)

Who Is It For?

Spending ₹23,000 on espresso makers makes sense if you’re:

• A home brewer upgrading from instant or pod machines
  

• A latte or cappuccino lover who wants real milk texture
  

• An espresso purist seeking crema and bold flavor
  

• A daily café-goer spending ₹200/day on coffee
  

Let’s Do the Math:

₹200 per cup × 25 days/month = ₹5,000/month
In just under 5 months, the machine pays for itself.

Not to mention: more control, more fun, and no coffee runs in pajamas.

Performance Test: What a ₹23K Machine Can Do

Take the Budan Espresso Machine, for example (available at Something’s Brewing for around ₹23,000). Here's what it offers:

• 15-bar pressure pump
  

• Dual outlet portafilter (brew 2 espressos simultaneously)
  

• Steam wand for flat whites or lattes
  

• Compact stainless steel housing
  

• Removable 1.5L+ water tank
  

• Quick warm-up (60–90 seconds)
  
  

Testers report a major improvement in shot quality over sub-₹10K machines—richer crema, fuller body, and better flavor clarity.

Return on Taste: Is It Actually Better?

Yes—significantly.

Compared to entry-level machines or moka pots, a ₹23,000 espresso maker gives you:

• Crema-rich espresso thanks to stable pressure
  

• Flavor clarity—acidity, sweetness, and body stand out
  

• Milk frothing capability for authentic microfoam
  

• Workflow efficiency and consistency
  

All this translates to café-quality espresso in your kitchen, without compromise.

The Intangibles: Ritual, Creativity & Convenience

Beyond specs, the real joy lies in the experience:

• No waiting in lines
  

• Personalization—your beans, your grind, your way
  

• A new skill to master
  

• A ritual that adds calm and intention to mornings
  

Plus, these espresso coffee machines often become the heart of your home coffee bar—functional and beautiful.

What About Maintenance?

Good news—machines in this price range are user-friendly and relatively easy to clean.

Routine maintenance includes:

• Backflushing (if applicable)
  

• Descaling every 2–3 months
  

• Purging the steam wand after each use
  

• Wiping portafilter and group head daily
  

These small steps make a big difference in taste and longevity.

Top Picks Around ₹23,000 in India

Looking for the best espresso makers under ₹25K? Here are top-rated options:

• Budan Espresso Machine – Compact, reliable, solid build, great local support
  

• DeLonghi EC685 Dedica – Sleek, modifiable, and consistent shot delivery
  

• Gaggia Viva Prestige – A semi-automatic feel with great finish
  

• Philips 3200 LatteGo – A little higher in espresso machine price, but fully automatic
  
  

Pro Tip: Pair your espresso machine with a burr grinder like the Budan Electric Grinder or Timemore C2. Even the best machine can’t compensate for stale or uneven grinds.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth ₹23,000?

If you’re drinking espresso-based drinks daily and love café-style coffee, absolutely yes.

For the price, you get:

Real crema and pressure-based extraction
Durable build quality
Milk steaming for lattes and cappuccinos
A hobby and ritual rolled into one
A machine that pays for itself in 4–5 months

The Bottom Line

A ₹23,000 espresso coffee machine isn’t just another kitchen appliance—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. It gives you freedom, flavor, and focus. While it won’t rival a ₹1L La Marzocco, it gets close enough to keep you satisfied at home.

So if you're asking, “Is it really worth it?”—here’s your answer:
Go for it. Your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you.

Want a Recommendation?

 Explore the Budan Espresso Machine at Something’s Brewing—a dependable, feature-rich model that punches far above its weight in quality.

Need help with grinders, cups, or beans? Drop your questions—we’re always brewing ideas.