Best Cheap Espresso Machine: What is the Best Affordable Espresso Machine

Espresso drinkers will appreciate being able to make a barista-quality shot of espresso at home with a specialized espresso machines. While you can find an expensive commercial machine or a high-end espresso maker, you can also find great budget options if you want to make espresso at home without breaking the bank.

The best cheap espresso machine should come with a few key features that we’ll go over in more detail. We’ve also put together a list of the best budget espresso machines to help you enjoy espresso at home without splurging on an expensive machine.

Best Cheap Espresso Machines

Are you looking for the best budget espresso machine? We’ve put together a list of the best products to consider.

1. Calphalon Espresso Machine

• Quality: 5/5
• Price: 3/5
• Easy to use and clean: 4/5
• Taste: 5/5
• Rating: 4.5/5

This stainless steel espresso machine takes up a little more counter space compared to other models since it can brew two cups at once. With its 15 bars of pressure, it’s an excellent option for great-tasting espresso with plenty of crema.

We like the simple interface. There is a dial you can use to switch between single and double shot, or select the steam or hot water mode.

This machine uses a 58mm portafilter, which is ideal if you like to use more coffee for a stronger espresso. It features a precise temperature control and enough insulation to deliver a consistent temperature.

There is a convenient two-liter water reservoir so you don’t have to keep refilling the machine, and you’ll also get a steam wand. The machine comes with a cleaning pin, which is a great addition if your machine gets clogged with coffee grounds.

Pros:

• 15 bars of pressure
• Simple dial control
• Large water reservoir
• Precise temperature control

Cons:

• Takes up more space than other models
• On the higher end of the budget price range

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2. Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse

• Quality: 4/5
• Price: 4/5
• Easy to use and clean: 3.5/5
• Taste: 5/5
• Rating: 4.5/5

This impressive espresso maker will make you feel like a real barista. It comes with all the features you need to make espresso, latte, and cappuccino with a one-touch button.

This machine uses a pump that delivers 19 bars of pressure. It’s more expensive than some of the other options we recommend, but it’s still a great budget espresso maker if you’re willing to spend more to get some advanced features.

There are two ways to make coffee with this machine. You can use the one-touch controls to get a shot of espresso without having to adjust any of the settings. There are also one-touch buttons for making lattes and cappuccinos.

You can use the one-touch buttons to adjust the size of the servings and get a single shot or double shot. You can also switch to manual controls to personalize your drink. There is a learning curve for using the manual controls, but it’s not a major drawback since you can get started with the one-touch buttons and learn more about your machine as you experiment with different settings.

This espresso maker heats water evenly, which is very important for getting consistent results. You’ll also find a built-in milk frother and steamer. There is a milk reservoir on the side of the machine and you can use it to add steamed or whipped milk to your beverage. You can control the exact consistency of the milk, and remove the milk reservoir to store it in the fridge.

Lastly, the espresso maker comes with a built-in cleaning cycle!

Pros:

• 19 bars of pressure
• Simple one-touch buttons
• Built-in milk frother and steamer
• Cleaning cycle

Cons:

• Manual controls are more complex
• More expensive than other budget options

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3. DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Machine

• Quality: 4/5
• Price: 5/5
• Easy to use and clean: 3.5/5
• Taste: 5/5
• Rating: 4/5

We highly recommend this espresso machine because of its affordable price and impressive features. It’s your best bet if you’re looking for the best inexpensive espresso machine and want something that is close to the espresso you can get at a coffee shop.

This compact machine uses a stainless steel frame. It’s an excellent material choice for durability, even though the machine can feel heavy when you move it or store it.

The main reason to consider this budget espresso machine is the impressive 15 bars of pressure. It’s the same kind of performance you can find in some commercial models, and you’ll get a taste that is similar to the espresso you can order at your local coffee shop.

The controls are another noteworthy feature. There are two dials you can use to adjust the settings and craft the perfect cup of coffee.

You can use this machine to make single or double shots of espresso. There is a filter holder that allows you to pack enough coffee grounds for one or two espresso shots, and you can also use ESE pods if you want a simpler alternative.

We like the fact that this machine can keep the water reservoir at a constant temperature. It saves you time when you’re brewing more than one cup. There is a two-shot brewing cycle so that you can get two shots of espresso without waiting.

The machine comes with a manual steam wand. You’ll have to hold a separate container under this wand and add the frothed milk to turn your espresso into a cappuccino. This manual feature gives you complete control over how much milk you add, but it’s not as convenient as a built-in feature that automatically adds steamed milk.

Cleaning is fairly easy. You can remove different parts, including the filter holder and the water tank. These parts are dishwasher safe. Overall, this machine offers the best value for its price tag.

Pros:

• 15 bars of pressure for an outstanding taste
• Compact and durable design
• Use ground coffee or ESE pods
• Two shot brewing cycle

Cons:

• No self-cleaning feature
• Manual steam wand

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4. EspressWorks All-In-One Espresso Machine

• Quality: 5/5
• Price: 4/5
• Easy to use and clean: 4/5
• Taste: 5/5
• Rating: 4.5/5

We recommend this bundle because it comes with everything you need to make a coffee shop-quality shot of espresso at home. It’s a great gift and an excellent option if you were planning on purchasing accessories separately.

You’ll get an espresso machine, two porcelain cups, a stainless steel cup for frothing milk, a portafilter with two baskets for single and double shots, and an electric coffee grinder. The coffee grinder itself fully justifies the price of the bundle.

We like the machine because it features 15 bars of pressure and simple controls. There is a touch button you can use to turn it on and off. The LED indicators will tell you when the machine is ready to start brewing.

You can make a shot of espresso in less than 45 seconds and expect consistent results every time. You can use the heating tray on top of the machine to warm your cup. The machine also features a steam wand and a removable 1.25-liter water tank.

Pros:

• Comes with accessories
• Simple touch button controls
• Fast and consistent results
• Electric coffee bean grinder is a great value

Cons:

• Bulkier than other machines
• You might not need the accessories

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5. Brewsly Espresso Machine

• Quality: 5/5
• Price: 4/5
• Easy to use and clean: 3.5/5
• Taste: 4/5
• Rating: 4.5/5

This product is one of the best cheap espresso machines for those with limited counter space. It’s only 6” wide, but you’ll still get plenty of great features in spite of the compact design.

The stainless steel construction makes this machine a durable option. It delivers 15 bars of pressure, and unlike other cheap espresso machines, you can see the current pressure thanks to the dial indicator. We like this feature because most manufacturers make claims about the pressure their espresso machine delivers, but you have no way of verifying the actual performance of the machine.

The controls of this espresso machine can be complex, but you’ll get used to them after a while. You can use buttons to make a single shot or double shot of espresso, adjust the temperature of the water and steam, or activate the manual steam wand.

Being able to control the temperature of the water and steam separately adds complexity, but it’s an interesting feature since you can experiment to find the right temperature combination.

Adjusting the steam temperature is interesting because you can get the exact texture you’re looking for when adding milk foam. However, it’s a manual wand so you’ll have to use a separate milk container and pour it into your warm drink yourself.

You can remove the drip tray for cleaning or to fit a tall latte glass under the machine. Note that this machine uses a portafilter.

Pros:

• Pressure gauge display
• Compact design
• Control water and steam temperature separately
• Durable stainless steel design

Cons:

• Can’t use ESE pods
• Controls can be complex to learn

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6. Sboly Steam Espresso Machine

• Quality: 3/5
• Price: 5/5
• Easy to use and clean: 4/5
• Taste: 3/5
• Rating: 4.5/5

This espresso coffee maker is one of the most affordable products we found. It’s a good value for the price, and the small size is convenient. However, you should know that this machine uses steam instead of a pump. You’ll only get 3.5 bars of pressure.

You can get a decent shot of espresso with this machine, but you won’t get the same kind of complex aroma and amount of crema you can expect when ordering a shot of espresso at your local coffee shop.

The controls are very simple. All you have to do is turn a knob and the machine will start brewing. There are some interesting features for the price, including a built-in thermometer so you can keep track of the water temperature.

There is also a built-in scale to help you weigh the coffee grounds, and you’ll find a steam wand attached to the machine. You can make from one to four cups of espresso, and even though this machine doesn’t work with ESE pods, you can get good results with coarse coffee grounds.

Pros:

• Simple knob control
• Small design
• Very affordable option
• Built-in thermometer and scale

Cons:

• Works best with coarse coffee grounds
• Only 3.5 bars of pressure

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7. Gevi Espresso Machine

• Quality: 5/5
• Price: 4/5
• Easy to use and clean: 4/5
• Taste: 5/5
• Rating: 4/5

We recommend this espresso machine because it’s an excellent value. It remains affordable and comes with an impressive range of features.

This espresso machine from Gevi uses a pump to deliver 20 bars of pressure. It’s the best affordable espresso machine if you’re looking for a machine that can extra more oil and flavor from the coffee grounds.

It heats water fast, and you can make a shot of espresso in less than 45 seconds. It comes with a versatile filter holder. There are two portafilter accessories that you can use for single and double shots, and you can also use ESE pods.

The machine features two heating elements that you can control separately to adjust the temperature for the water and milk. There is a rotating froth wand that is ideal for making cappuccinos or latte art.

Pros:

• Excellent value
• 20 bars of pressure
• Heats up water fast
• Two temperature controls

Cons:

• There is a learning curve for the controls
• There is limited space under the espresso spout

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8. Bonsenkitchen Espresso Machine

• Quality: 4/5
• Price: 5/5
• Easy to use and clean: 3/5
• Taste: 4/5
• Rating: 4/5

The sleek design of this affordable espresso machine will make a great addition to any modern kitchen. It features a powerful pump with 15 bars of pressure, and it comes with a feature that prevents overheating to preserve the taste of your coffee.

This espresso maker uses a portafilter. It gives you complete control over the kind of coffee you want to use, the quantity, and how finely you want to grind it. You can make one or two shots of espresso at once thanks to the double spout feature.

You’ll find a manual steam nozzle on the side of the machine. It makes milk foam quickly, but the machine doesn’t come with a milk pitcher.

These cheap espresso machines are also easy to clean, which will save you a lot of time in the long run. You can remove the drip tray, portafilter, high-pressure funnel, and other parts. There is a removable water filter with a capacity of 1.5 liters. It’s an interesting feature if you’re shopping for a machine that the entire family will use, and you can check the water level easily thanks to the transparent tank.

The controls are somewhat of a drawback. You’ll have to start and stop the brewing process manually. Using the buttons to start and stop brewing isn’t difficult, but the machine also has a dial with no labels that isn’t very intuitive.

Most shoppers say that brewing your first cup of espresso isn’t easy, and the instructions that come with the machine aren’t helpful. We’re confident that you’ll get used to the controls after a while, but keep in mind that you’ll have to check reviews from other shoppers to figure out how to make your first shot of espresso.

Pros:

• Enough pressure for a great-tasting espresso
• Make one or two espresso shots
• Prevents overheating
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Controls aren’t intuitive
• Doesn’t come with a milk pitcher
• Average performance rating

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9. Barsetto Espresso Machine

• Quality: 4/5
• Price: 4/5
• Easy to use and clean: 4/5
• Taste: 5/5
• Rating: 4/5

The Barsetto espresso machines are a little more expensive than some of the other options we recommend. However, it’s a great addition to your kitchen if you enjoy drinking espresso which is why we recommend it to the coffee lover looking to turn their kitchen into a cafe.

It’s a durable stainless steel appliance with a classic design. It takes up more space than compact machines, but it should be too cumbersome.

We like these budget espresso machines because they are easy to use. There are two large buttons to start brewing espresso and use the steam wand. The machine features LED indicators so you can keep track of which mode you have selected.

There is a central dial you can use to adjust the temperature of the milk and water. Being able to adjust the temperature of the steam is interesting because you can get the exact consistency you like when adding milk foam.

The machine features a durable pump with 15 bars of pressure. The internal heating element heats water evenly to extract aromas and oil from your coffee grounds.

There is a warming tray on top of the machine. It’s a noteworthy addition because warming up your coffee cup in advance will enhance the rich aroma of the espresso. It reduces the temperature difference when the machine pours the coffee into your cup, and it also helps with keeping the milk foam stable.

Pros:

• Durable stainless steel appliance
• Powerful pump with 15 bars of pressure
• Temperature dial
• Warming tray

Cons:

• No auto shutoff
• Makes one shot at a time

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10. IMUSA Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

• Quality: 3/5
• Price: 5/5
• Easy to use and clean: 4/5
• Taste: 3/5
• Rating: 4/5

This product is the best inexpensive espresso machine if you’re new to making espresso and can’t justify spending more on a machine. It’s one of the most affordable options available, and it delivers an impressive range of features for its low price tag.

This machine is small, compact, and easy to store. It’s convenient for occasional espresso drinkers or those who have a small kitchen.

It can create up to five bars of pressure. Keep in mind that more expensive machines can create more pressure to extract more oil and aromas from the coffee beans, but five bars of pressure is impressive for the price range.

This machine allows you to use coffee that you grind yourself rather than ESE pods. The controls are very simple and there are some light indicators. You’ll find a built-in steam feature so you can add milk to your beverage and make a latte or cappuccino.

The removable drip tray makes the machine easy to clean.

Pros:

• One of the most affordable espresso machines
• Use coffee that you grind yourself
• Simple controls and light indicators
• Removable drip tray
• Versatile machine thanks to the steam feature

Cons:

• Only five bars of pressure
• Uses a carafe instead of making espresso directly in a cup

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How to Pick the Best Budget Espresso Machine

The best inexpensive espresso machine will still set you back a few hundred dollars besides taking up some counter space. It’s a purchase you should research carefully, more so than just looking at the rating of the espresso maker, and there are a few important features to take into consideration.

Making Espresso

Before you invest in one of these cheap espresso machines, it’s important to understand what espresso is. Ordering a shot of espresso at your favorite coffee shop is probably something you do regularly, but how much do you know about this beverage?

Espresso is thicker and more concentrated than a regular cup of coffee. Instead of drinking eight ounces of it, coffee lovers typically enjoy one-ounce espresso shots.

The method used to make espresso is different. With a regular cup of coffee, water drips through coffee grounds at a slow pace. An espresso coffee maker uses pressure to create a jet of hot water that goes through finely-ground coffee.

With an espresso machine, water is close to its boiling point to extract oil from the ground coffee and create a shot of espresso with as much flavor as possible. It’s important to use tightly packed coffee with a fine grind size for the best results.

The hot water and air bubbles emulsify with the oil from the coffee grounds to create the crema, or the aromatic foam that you can find floating on top of your espresso. It’s crucial to invest in a machine that can heat up water to the right temperature while creating enough pressure for this reaction to take place, or you’ll end up with a shot of espresso that doesn’t have much crema.

Can You Make a Good Shot of Espresso with a Budget Machine?

The answer is yes, you can make a good espresso shot with budget espresso machines, but you should be wary of some of the low-budget options since they might lack important features. You need two key things for a good shot of espresso. Your machine should be able to get the water hot enough, otherwise it will extract less oil and flavor from the ground coffee beans.

You also need a machine that can create enough pressure for water to shoot through the packed coffee grounds. Without the right pressure, you’ll end up with a shot of espresso that lacks flavor. Budget espresso machines often use steam to create pressure, which is fine as long as these espresso makers can create enough pressure. If you’re willing to spend more, you can invest in a machine that uses a pump for more consistent results.

Are You Missing Out if You Get a Budget Espresso Machine?

If you’re willing to spend more on one of these espresso machines (think more than $500), you can get additional features for an even more enjoyable coffee ritual.

There are a few drawbacks to consider when it comes to expensive espresso machines though. They can be complex to use and not ideal if you want a quick solution for making a shot of espresso as part of a busy morning routine. Besides, expensive machines tend to have more features and can take up more counter space.

Most budget espresso machines don’t come with a temperature dial feature. It’s not a major issue, but some coffee lovers enjoy figuring out the exact temperature to use to extract the most flavor from different coffee beans.

You should also know that a lot of inexpensive machines use ESE pods. ESE or Easy Serve Espresso pods come with tightly packed coffee grounds in a paper filter. You usually get seven grams of coffee per pod.

It’s a standardized size and format that any brand can use, so it’s easy to find affordable ESE pods. It’s a quick way to prepare a shot of espresso, but you should consider a midrange machine with a portafilter so that you can grind your own coffee beans.

You can experiment with different grind sizes, mix and match different types of coffee beans, and use freshly ground coffee to get even more flavor in your espresso.

Top Features to Look for with an Affordable Espresso Machine

Whether you are a coffee lover that just needs the best rated appliances, or perhaps a caffeine addict that needs your daily fix of caffeine and is considering switching from a coffee maker to one of these espresso machines, there are some features that you will want to plan ahead for. The best budget espresso machine should include the following features.

Construction and Quality

An espresso maker heats up water close to its boiling point. It then shoots this hot water to create a pressurized jet.

Quality is key because you need a machine that can withstand high water pressure. You won’t have to worry about hot water leaking from the machine if you invest in a well-designed product.

Capacity

Pay attention to the capacity of the water reservoir. The standard espresso shot size is one ounce, but some machines have a higher capacity and allow you to make a double shot, which is great if you’re making coffee for two people.

Size

Even though budget espresso machines tend to be smaller, it’s still an appliance that will take up space in your kitchen. Look for a compact design if you want to save space.

Portafilter Vs. ESE Pods

A machine with a portafilter gives you the possibility to prepare your coffee grounds yourself. ESE pods are easier to use and it’s also easier to clean your espresso machine after using an ESE pod. However, a portafilter opens up more possibilities.

Easy to Use

If you’re new to making espresso or want a machine you can use to make a quick shot of espresso in the morning, it’s best to opt for a machine that is compatible with ESE pods. Avoid machines with complicated controls.

Easy to Clean

You should clean up your espresso machine regularly to get rid of coffee ground residues. Is it easy to open the machine and clean it? If you want a machine that can steam or froth milk, look for a self-cleaning feature so you don’t have to clean the milk reservoir every time you use your espresso machine.

Extras

You can find cheap espresso machines with a built-in milk frother or steam wand. These features make your machine more versatile since you can use them to make a latte or cappuccino.

Rating

Although you should take these with a grain of salt, as they can be fictitious or purchased, you'll want to check the ratings of the espresso maker you plan on buying. Customer feedback is one of the best ways to get an honest review of your machine.

FAQ

Are you still hesitating about which cheap espresso machine is the best option for you? Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Best Espresso Machine

If you want the best machine, you'll need to be willing to spend a few extra dollars. We have gone ahead and provided our list, as well as our top recommendations for the best espresso machine. If you just want a quick cup, stick with the Caphlon from our list.

What Is the Best Inexpensive Espresso Machine?

We think the best inexpensive espresso machine is the Caphlon Espresso Machine. It’s affordable and you can make a great tasting shot of espresso with the 15 bars of pressure. You can use ground coffee or ESE pods, and the machine includes a steam wand.

Can You Make Good Espresso with a Cheap Machine?

The answer is yes, but it’s important to consider how much pressure the machine delivers. You’ll get better espresso with a machine that uses a pump and that delivers at least 15 bars of pressure. You can save money by choosing a machine with less pressure, but you’ll notice a difference in terms of taste.

What is the Best Espresso Machine Under $500?

If you’re willing to spend more on your espresso machine, we recommend the Caphlon. This machine uses a pump that delivers up to 19 bars of pressure. The additional pressure is interesting because it will reveal a more complex aroma when you brew a shot of espresso, and the self-cleaning cycle is a convenient addition.

What is the Best Espresso Machine Under $300?

If you’re looking for value, we recommend the Caphlon Espresso Machine. This bundle includes a quality espresso machine, an electric coffee grinder, and more accessories. It’s one of the best buys in this price range because you can make excellent espresso and won’t need additional accessories.

What is the Best Espresso Machine Under $200?

In case you missed it, we actually did a guide on this topic where we gave our recommendation for the best espresso machine under 200 dollars. For what it is worth, the majority of machines on this list also fit within that price range as well!

What is the Best Espresso Machine Under $100?

The Sboly Steam Espresso Machine is a good buy if you want to stay under $100. It doesn’t deliver the same kind of pressure as the other machines, but there are some interesting features. You’ll get a built-in thermometer and scale, as well as a manual steam wand.

Coffee Lover Conclusion

You can make espresso at home without spending a fortune on a machine, simply by adding one of these cheap espresso machines to your lineup. We think the Caphlon Espresso Machine is the best budget espresso machine because it’s a durable appliance with all the features you need to extract the full flavor and aroma from your favorite ground coffee beans.