Best Budget Espresso Machines for 2023
An espresso machine could be the perfect solution if you're looking for a more affordable way to satisfy your coffee cravings. But with so many options available, it can be hard to know which one is best suited for you and your budget.
To make things easier, we've selected some of our top picks for the most cost-effective espresso machines that produce both delicious espressos and creamy milky coffees.
Our Choicest Selections
When it comes to choosing a cheap espresso machine that is right for you, it is important to consider what kind of coffee you prefer and what functionality you are looking for.
Whether you want a machine that can make single and double espressos, cappuccinos, or all three, there are a number of great options available.
Below we have highlighted 9 inexpensive espresso machines which feature various functions, from basic models with 9 bars in pressure up to those with steam and frothing capabilities.
Before deciding on the model that best suits your needs, take some time to review the product tags and features associated with each one to find the perfect fit.
De’Longhi EC702 Espresso Machine
The De Longhi EC7202 is an outstanding choice for making delicious espresso-based drinks right at home. This advanced machine offers plenty of features that are perfect for those who want to make the perfect cup of coffee without spending too much money. With dual functionality for grounds or pods and advanced temperature controls, you can easily brew a perfectly balanced espresso shot with ease.
This machine comes with a pressurized portafilter which helps to maintain optimum pressure on the coffee grounds, resulting in a more consistent and robust shot even when used by novice baristas. It also has two separate thermostats that allow you to regulate both water temperature and milk temperature, making it easy to craft the perfect cup every time. In addition, the filter holder can accommodate either one or two shots at once, and ESE pods for added convenience.
For those who prefer cappuccinos or lattes, this machine also features a manual wand that allows you to create your delicious microfoam. You won't have to worry about any mess either – its drip tray collects any overflow from your creations quickly and conveniently. Furthermore, this espresso machine has an optimal temperature control system, so there's no need to wait between cups – just keep brewing.
When it comes down to it, the De Longhi EC7202 is one of the best budget-friendly espresso machines available on the market today – highly recommended if you're looking for quality without breaking the bank. From its pressurized portafilter and dedicated thermostats to its dual cup capacity and ability to use ESE pods and grounds, this espresso maker can provide delicious results every time. And with its precision steam wand and overflow drip tray, you can easily craft professional-level drinks just like those served in cafés worldwide.
Mr.Coffee Espresso And Cappuccino Machine
The Cafe Barista is a great choice for those who want an easy-to-use cappuccino machine to make delicious milky coffee. It's fast, efficient, and comes with a recipe book that makes it simple to get started without guesswork. The removable water tank is also a plus, as it can be easily refilled and stored in the fridge.
The push-button operation of the Café Barista allows you to choose between single or double-shot espresso drinks. At the same time, its adjustable knob helps you achieve the perfect texture of creamy froth topping on your latte or cappuccino. Even better, the pitcher can be detached from the machine after each drink, so unused milk can be stored in the refrigerator until the next use.
In terms of espresso quality, this budget machine does not boast superb results but produces decent enough tasting coffee for making milky drinks. It won't wow you with its performance alone, but if you want barista-style beverages without too much effort, the Café Barista certainly delivers on that front.
This is an ideal pick for people looking for a more automated option when making milky drinks at home. While it may not have all of the bells and whistles of more expensive machines, this budget espresso maker offers convenience and ease of use at an affordable price point. Those who enjoy lattes and cappuccinos will appreciate that they don't need to guess or second guess themselves when using this machine - just follow instructions from the included recipe book, and voila. A delicious cup of milky coffee awaits.
Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma
The Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma is the perfect choice for home baristas due to its unique stainless-steel construction. This makes the machine both strong and resilient while also looking great in any kitchen setting.
It also has a thermal coil that keeps water at a consistent temperature and comes with several extras such as a tamping tool, measuring tool, cleaning tool, and stainless-steel frothing pitcher - all of which are necessary components for making quality espresso drinks. Furthermore, it has a built-in cup warmer, so your espresso remains hot until you're ready to drink it.
The dual-wall filter system allows for a thick crema on each shot of espresso, and the 15-bar thermoblock pump guarantees great-tasting shots each time. While there may be some limitations, such as an inability to adjust temperatures or an inability to assess whether the water tank is empty without disassembling the machine, these drawbacks don't detract from this product's superior performance when compared to other machines on the market.
Overall, if you are looking for dependability and excellent taste in your espresso drinks, then the Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma is an ideal choice for home barista use. With its durable construction and high-performance components, you can enjoy delicious espressos each time you use it. Moreover, its included extras make it easier than ever before to make cafe-quality coffee drinks that can rival those served in any top coffee shop around town.
De Longhi EC155 15 Bar Pump Espresso Machine
The De Longhi EC155 is an affordable espresso machine that delivers decent coffee with little effort. It is one of the best budget espresso machines you can find on the market for less than $100, coming with a steam wand for further customization. Despite its low cost, it does come with some drawbacks – most notably in the form of an inconsistent drink temperature and lack of fitting capacity for larger mugs underneath the nozzle.
Regarding budget espresso makers, this one from De Longhi is hard to beat considering its price range. If you're willing to put in a bit more time and effort while getting familiarized with the device and its different functions, you can make a tasty cup of espresso quickly and easily. Additionally, its removable drip tray allows for easy cleaning up after your brewing session has concluded.
However, not all is perfect; since it uses a pump to make the espresso rather than some other type of extraction process, it will struggle with lighter roasted beans due to their lower flavor concentration. To really take advantage of what this machine offers, darker roasted beans are recommended - though these may require more grinding before they can be used.
If you're looking for an inexpensive but reliable espresso maker that won't break your bank account but still deliver good results, look no further than the De Longhi EC155. With a bit of practice and familiarization, this brewer can produce delicious drinks at home in no time, making it an ideal choice for those who want quality coffee without spending too much money upfront.
Mr.Coffee Automatic Dual Shot System
This espresso machine offers great value for its price. It's small enough to fit on almost any countertop and has a thermal block heating system that quickly warms up the water, so you won't have to wait long for it to be ready. Plus, it has a manual steam wand that lets you make lattes and cappuccinos with creamy steamed milk.
The machine doesn't have as many temperature controls as some of the higher-priced models, but it still produces a decent shot of single or double espresso with its 15-bar pump. Its 40oz water reservoir can also brew multiple shots quickly, making it ideal for larger households or busy coffee shops.
As for maintenance, the espresso machine is fast and easy to clean, ensuring your coffee drinks taste great every time you use them. Its smooth push-button operation also makes it great for those just starting out brewing their own espressos at home.
Overall, this device provides an excellent balance of convenience and quality. Its affordable price means most budgets can accommodate it while still getting good results from each shot they pull.
The thermal block heating system ensures rapid heat-up times, so you don't have to wait long before having your favorite cup of espresso or cappuccino anytime you want one. In addition, its included steam wand makes creating delicious lattes and cappuccinos easy. With proper care and cleaning, this device can provide reliable service without fail over years of use.
Nespresso Vertuo Evoluo Coffee Machine
Nespresso Vertuo is a unique espresso machine that comes with an Aeroccino 3 milk frother. It's perfect for those who are looking for an upgraded Keurig-like machine, as it is essentially an automatic espresso maker that utilizes coffee capsules instead of whole beans.
It has a sleek and modern aesthetic, making it ideal for any kitchen countertop. To make the perfect shot of espresso, this device reads the barcode imprinted on each capsule and automatically adjusts the brewing parameters accordingly.
This Nespresso system can be operated with just one touch, making it incredibly convenient and easy to use for those who aren't accustomed to the traditional methods of creating a perfect shot of espresso. Even though you may not have control over creating your brew, this coffee maker will still deliver excellent results every time with its double shot or single options.
For added convenience, the Nespresso Vertuo comes with a sampler pack of various coffee capsules so users can try out different flavors and discover which ones they enjoy most. However, remember that this brewer is only compatible with brand-specific coffee capsules, not other grounds or beans. Additionally, some plastic components are prone to breaking over time if not handled properly, resulting in costly repairs or replacements down the line.
Overall, the Nespresso Vertuo is an excellent choice for those who appreciate convenience and affordability when it comes to their espresso needs.
Nespresso ENV155BAE VertuoPlus
This stylish Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Machine is a great addition to any kitchen. It's easy to operate and will adjust automatically to the optimal brewing settings. With the Aeroccino 3 milk frother included, you can easily whip up frothy lattes, cappuccinos, and other café-style drinks right in your own home.
The main difference between this model and other Nespresso machines is its water reservoir. This machine has an attached cylinder, while others have an integrated reservoir built into the machine's body. Despite this, they both heat water in just 15 seconds, so you don't have long to wait for your cup of coffee.
In addition to its 15-second heat-up time, this espresso maker offers a range of features that make it easy and convenient to use. To start off, a gift set of Vertuo capsules is included so you can sample different flavors immediately. The machine also has a container for used capsules, which discreetly stores them away until disposal.
Furthermore, a simple button press can brew up to five different sizes of cups, from Espressos to Alto coffees. To top it off, each capsule contains a code that is read by the machine, which then adjusts its parameters accordingly, so you get exactly what you want every time.
All in all, this Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Machine looks great on any countertop, as well as provides delicious café-style drinks any day of the week. Its exceptional features, such as fast heat-up time and auto adjustment capabilities, plus the added bonus of the Aeroccino 3 milk frother, will certainly keep everyone happy.
Krups XP3208 Pump Espresso
The Krups budget espresso machine is the perfect option for those looking for an affordable way to make espressos at home. It's straightforward to use, making it great for beginners and coffee lovers alike. The machine is also compact enough to fit on most countertops, taking up minimal space in your kitchen.
This small machine packs a punch, featuring a 15-bar pump that extracts maximum flavor from ground coffee beans when brewing. Plus, its manual steam wand lets you precisely customize the froth and texture of your homemade latte or cappuccino. Two-shot settings are available - one or two shots - allowing you to create drinks with the desired strength.
It's worth noting that this Krups model doesn't have some of the features found in more expensive machines; its build quality may not be as durable either. Additionally, it may not be suitable for those who prefer sharp espresso shots due to the potential lack of intensity in flavor.
Nevertheless, if you're looking for an affordable way to make barista-style espresso drinks at home, the Krups budget machine is a great option that won't break the bank.
Flair Espresso Maker
The Flair Espresso Maker is a unique and beautiful manual espresso machine that is perfect for coffee aficionados searching for a portable brewing experience. This device allows users to make espresso shots with a rich crema by loading ground beans into the slot, adding hot water, and pushing down.
A pressure gauge in the package indicates the desired target pressure range, and a tamper tool is also included to ensure that the right amount of pressure is applied when adding ground coffee to the press.
Moreover, this machine can be taken apart for easy cleaning purposes and even comes with its own padded carry case to accompany you wherever you go. Its compact design ensures that it won't take up too much space in your bag, plus its sleek aesthetic makes for an artistic statement.
Suppose you're looking for a manual espresso maker that provides you with the perfect double shot without needing complex automation or fancy equipment. In that case, this is definitely one to try out. It may take some time to use and isn't suitable for people who enjoy milky coffees, but if you don't mind a bit of elbow grease, then this invention will be just what you need. Plus, it also makes an ideal gift for any coffee lover in your life.
How To Choosing an Espresso Machine on a Budget
Before investing in an espresso maker, it can be worthwhile to consider a few key points that will help ensure you're getting the perfect machine for your needs. Ask yourself the following questions:
How Much Do You Know?
If you're looking for an espresso machine that fits into your budget, there are several different types to choose from.
The most basic is a non-electric press, which requires manual effort and skill to create the perfect cup of espresso. If you have some experience making coffee, this machine might be ideal for you since it gives you full control over the brewing process.
On the other hand, if you prefer things to be easier, then an automatic espresso and cappuccino maker could be better for you. This machine will do all the work for you and provide consistent results every time.
For those who don't have any barista experience and are starting from scratch, a machine with an automatic milk frother may be a great option. With this feature, all you need to do is press a button and let the machine do its job, creating creamy foam for your drinks in no time at all.
Another option is to purchase an espresso maker that's compatible with capsules or pods; this makes the process even easier as it eliminates the need for measuring grounds or tamping down coffee beans - simply load up your pod, press a button, and enjoy. However, keep in mind that capsule-based devices don't offer much variety in coffee selection; thus, they may not appeal to those who like more options.
Do You Need the Steam Milk Option?
If you are looking for the perfect espresso machine to whip up all your favorite milky drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, then you might need one with a steam wand or automatic frother. Alternatively, suppose you are more interested in perfecting espresso shots and seeking a barista-level experience. In that case, a hand-operated semi-automatic espresso machine may best suit your needs.
Regarding budget espresso machines, not all will include an option for steaming and frothing milk. Depending on the model, there could be a manually operated wand, an automatic frother, or no way at all of creating those thick foamy textures associated with latte art. For instance, the Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma boasts an extra feature of being able to function as a cappuccino maker thanks to its steam wand.
Those with their hearts set on a budget espresso machine with steam and frothing capabilities should consider the type of coffee brewing they prefer most. If it's making milky coffee drinks that you favor, look out for models that include such components since they can help you quickly and easily create delicious beverages. However, if it's mainly just espressos that you enjoy drinking, then investing in a hand-operated semi-automatic espresso maker may be more suitable for you instead. That way, you can focus more on honing your craftsmanship when crafting shots without worrying about extra features that may not necessarily have much use in achieving your desired flavor profile.
What is Your Standard for the Perfect Cup of Espresso?
Coffee lovers know that delectable espresso results from precision in its brewing process. Depending on how particular a person is about their espresso, they may prefer an easy and quick espresso maker or one with more features and options for precisely dialing their desired espresso flavor. With some of the higher-end machines, it's possible to control both the temperature of the water used and the temperature for frothing the milk for a creamy cappuccino. But even those on a budget can find machines with precise controls that will allow them to craft that perfect cup of espresso.
One key factor in making great espresso is having a rich and balanced crema--the layer of foam on top of a freshly-brewed shot. To ensure this layer is consistently achieved, excellent home brewers will often require an additional filter. Finding the right machine with these exact features can be difficult, but when you come across it, you'll be able to enjoy delicious coffee without breaking the bank.
Making quality espresso isn't just about finding the right machine; it also requires attention to detail and mastering the art of brewing coffee. Depending on your taste preferences and level of expertise, you can adjust factors such as grind size, tamping force, extraction time, and temperature, which affect flavor, aroma, and crema consistency.
Cleaning factor
Maintaining the best espresso machines is extremely important to ensure you get a great shot of espresso every day. If you want your espresso machine to last, you must keep up with regular cleaning and maintenance.
This may mean weekly or monthly cleanings, depending on how frequently it is used. Water reservoirs need to be rinsed often so that any buildup does not accumulate.
It is also important to check for any clogs or buildups in the pipes, filters, and wands. If not taken care of, these could ruin the flavor of your espresso shots.
The Final Verdict
Finding the right budget espresso machine is all about preference and needs. Whether you are looking for a semi-automatic with a manual wand or an automatic machine with additional frothing and steaming options, there is a model out there for everyone. Pay attention to the features and capabilities of each machine so that you can find one that suits your preferences perfectly.
Check out Lifeboost Coffee Medium roast.
References:
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/article/best-espresso-machines/?sh=20f6cb970eb6
- https://www.thecupcoffeehouse.com/best-budget-espresso-machines/
- https://www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/best-espresso-machines
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/top-espresso-machines-under-100-765535
- https://www.techradar.com/best/best-espresso-machine-2021-make-barista-quality-coffee-at-home