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Capresso EC50 Review: Is This Espresso Machine Still Worth It?
Reviews·Updated October 12, 2026·2 min read
The Capresso EC50 was a popular budget pump espresso machine. Here's what it offered, where it fell short, and what to buy instead now that it's been retired.
In the mid-1990s, the American coffee market was just discovering European-style espresso at home. Capresso, founded in New Jersey in 1994 and closely tied to Swiss coffee machine maker Jura, set out to bring Euro-style coffee makers, espresso machines and grinders to American kitchens. The EC50 was one of its best-known budget espresso machines.
2026 update: The Capresso EC50 is no longer sold new; major retailers have retired the model. You may still find one used. This review covers what it offered and the best current alternatives if you're shopping today.
“A solid budget machine in its day, but today's entry-level espresso machines offer more for the money.”
Capresso EC50 Stainless Steel Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
Design
The EC50 has a black and stainless steel exterior with a classic café look. It's compact at about 11.5" x 10.2" x 7.2" and weighs around 8 lbs, so it fits easily on most countertops.
Features
- 15-bar pump with a stainless-steel-lined thermoblock heater for fast heat-up
- Patented stainless steel sieve (filter) designed for easy brewing
- Self-locking filter holder for simpler cleanup
- Removable 42-ounce water tank
- Metal cup-warming platform on top
- Steam wand for frothing milk for lattes and cappuccinos
Common Complaints
Owners reported several recurring issues:
- Leaks or breakdowns after relatively short use
- Plastic parts that felt flimsy
- Limited space under the spouts, which restricted cup sizes
- Watery, soupy pucks left in the filter after brewing
- A weak steam wand
- A fragile water tank
Overall, owner ratings were mixed, averaging around 3 out of 5 stars.
Best Alternatives to the Capresso EC50
- Breville Bambino: heats up in about three seconds, includes pre-infusion and has a capable steam wand. Our favorite budget espresso machine.
- De'Longhi Stilosa: one of the most affordable pump espresso machines, with a manual steam wand.
- De'Longhi Dedica: just 6 inches wide, with fast heat-up and a steam wand.
- Gaggia Classic Evo Pro: a step up with a commercial-style 58mm portafilter and a powerful steam wand.
The Verdict
The Capresso EC50 was a decent budget espresso machine in its day, but reliability complaints and a weak steam wand held it back. Since it's no longer sold new, we recommend one of the alternatives above. For more options, see our guides to cheap espresso machines and the best espresso machines under $200.
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