Top 10 Portafilter Espresso Machines Under £1,000
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The Best Home Espresso Machines for Barista-Quality Coffee on a Budget
If you’re serious about brewing great coffee at home, a portafilter espresso machine is essential. These machines give you full control over your espresso—just like a professional barista—making them perfect for anyone looking to level up their home setup.
In this guide, we’ll cover the top 10 espresso machines under £1,000 that use traditional portafilters, helping you get the most flavor, crema, and consistency out of every shot. Plus, we’ve included direct links to compatible portafilters from Crema Shed where available.
✅ Best Portafilter Espresso Machines Under £1,000
1. Gaggia Classic Pro (~£489)
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Boiler Type: Single
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Portafilter Size: 58 mm
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Why Buy: A cult classic with commercial parts and modding potential
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Best For: Espresso purists and home barista beginners
🔗 Get the Matching Portafilter:
58mm Bottomless Portafilter for Gaggia Classic Pro – Crema Shed
2. Rancilio Silvia (~£579–£700)
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Boiler Type: Brass
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Portafilter Size: 58 mm
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Why Buy: Heavy-duty, durable, and great steam power
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Best For: Experienced users ready for precise espresso control
3. Sage Bambino Plus (~£399)
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Boiler Type: ThermoJet
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Portafilter Size: 54 mm
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Why Buy: Compact, fast, and beginner-friendly with great milk texturing
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Best For: New baristas who want fast results
🔗 Get the Matching Portafilter:
54mm Bottomless Portafilter for Sage Bambino Plus – Crema Shed
4. Sage Duo-Temp Pro (~£250)
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Boiler Type: Thermocoil
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Portafilter Size: 54 mm
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Why Buy: Affordable entry point into manual espresso with decent steam performance
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Best For: Beginners seeking hands-on experience
🔗 Get the Matching Portafilter:
54mm Bottomless Portafilter for Sage Duo-Temp Pro – Crema Shed
5. Lelit Anna PL41TEM (~£600–£700)
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Boiler Type: Thermocoil with PID
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Portafilter Size: 57 mm
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Why Buy: Great temperature control and milk frothing power
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Best For: Users upgrading from entry-level machines
6. Sage Barista Express (~£529–£729)
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Boiler Type: Thermocoil
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Portafilter Size: 54 mm
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Why Buy: Built-in grinder, strong steam wand, easy workflow
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Best For: Beginners wanting an all-in-one solution
7. De’Longhi Dedica EC685/EC785 (~£200–£350)
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Boiler Type: Thermoblock
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Portafilter Size: 51 mm
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Why Buy: Stylish, compact, and very beginner-friendly
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Best For: Small kitchens and casual espresso fans
🔗 Get the Matching Portafilter:
51mm Bottomless Portafilter for De’Longhi Dedica – Crema Shed
8. Ninja Luxe Café Barista System (~£499)
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Boiler Type: Thermocoil
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Portafilter: Pressurised system
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Why Buy: All-in-one brewing system with automated features
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Best For: Convenience-focused users who want multiple drink options
9. Breville Dual Boiler (BES920) – sometimes under £1,000
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Boiler Type: Dual boiler
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Portafilter Size: 58 mm
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Why Buy: Café-grade consistency, advanced features, superb value
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Best For: Serious home baristas
10. De’Longhi Stilosa EC230 (~£100–£150)
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Boiler Type: Thermoblock
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Portafilter Size: 51 mm
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Why Buy: Budget-friendly option that still delivers on flavor
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Best For: Beginners or occasional espresso drinkers
💡 What to Consider When Choosing a Machine
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Portafilter Size: 58 mm is standard in commercial machines; smaller sizes like 54 mm or 51 mm are common in home models
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Boiler Type: Dual boilers give best performance, but single or thermoblock machines are more budget-friendly
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Steam Wand Quality: For flat whites and lattes, a proper steam wand makes all the difference
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Temperature Stability: PID control = better consistency
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Upgrades & Accessories: Can you use a bottomless portafilter? Add a precision basket? That matters!
🛠️ Upgrade Your Setup at Crema Shed
Find barista-quality accessories to match your machine:
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Bottomless portafilters
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Precision filter baskets
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Distribution tools
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Tamping mats
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Cleaning kits
🔎 Shop Espresso Accessories Now →
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a beginner looking for your first machine or a seasoned espresso lover ready to upgrade, there's a portafilter espresso machine under £1,000 to match your needs. With the right tools and a bit of practice, you'll be pulling espresso shots that rival your local café.
And don’t forget—a good machine deserves a great portafilter. Shop Crema Shed’s collection to complete your setup.