One of the many great things about life is espresso. It’s a drink that can make almost anything better, and it’s perfect for those mornings when you need an energy boost to start your day off right.
Unfortunately, buying a quality espresso machine can be expensive, with many models costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best espresso machines under $200, so you can enjoy delicious espresso without breaking the bank.
Reasons why you deserve an espresso machine at home
If you’re anything like me, you love going out for coffee. But sometimes, it would be so much nicer to just stay in your PJs, make a cup of joe at home, and relax on the couch. I get it, though – espresso machines can be expensive, and they definitely require some investment.
But if you’re looking to cut down on your coffee shop habit (or you just want to be able to make cafe-quality coffee at home), an espresso machine is the way to go. Here are some reasons why:
You Can Save Money in the Long Run
Even if you opt for a lower-end espresso machine, you’ll still save money compared to buying coffee every day. The initial investment might be a little intimidating, but it will pay off – trust me.
You Can Make Your Favorite Drinks at Home
You’re not limited to just plain old coffee with an espresso machine. Based on firsthand experience, I know that you can make all of your favorite espresso-based drinks at home, including lattes, cappuccinos, and even iced coffees.
You Can Experiment with Different Flavors
When you make coffee at home, you have complete control over the flavors. This means you can experiment with different syrups and add-ins until you find your perfect drink. And if you get tired of your usual coffee routine, mix things up and try something new!
You Can Enjoy Cafe-Quality Coffee in the Comfort of Your Own Home
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a delicious cup of coffee in your own home. With an espresso machine, you can have cafe-quality coffee any time you want, without even leaving your house.
Now that we’ve gone over some of the reasons you might want an espresso machine at home, let’s take a look at some of the features you should consider when shopping for one.
Here are our top picks for the best espresso machine under $200:
1. Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
Benefits
- Easy to use – one touch control panel makes it simple to choose your drink
- Automatic milk frother takes the guesswork out of making cappuccinos and lattes
- Large removable water reservoir is easy to fill and clean
- 15 bar brew system
If you’re looking for the most feature rich espresso machine under $200, Mr. Coffee’s got you covered. The Café Barista is perfect for anyone who wants to make café-quality drinks at home.
The simple one-touch controls let you choose between single and double shots, and an automatic frothing system for cappuccinos and lattes. Plus, the milk reservoir is removable so you can store any leftover milk in the fridge.
With an easy-to-use design that does all the work for you, you might feel the need to add a tip jar for your Mr. Coffee barista. But we won’t judge.
So go ahead, whip up a delicious café-quality beverage and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Just don’t forget to invite your friends over to share in the experience.
2. De’Longhi ECP3420 Bar Pump Espresso
Benefits
- Brews authentic barista-quality beverages
- Foam texture can be customized to preference
- 15 bar professional pressure for quality results
- Rapid Cappuccino System for quick cup brewing
- Adjustable tray to fit larger cups
- Convenient water tank refill and removal
The De’Longhi ECP3420 Bar Pump Espresso machine is perfect for any coffee lover’s kitchen. With its ability to brew authentic barista-quality beverages, customizable foam texture, and rapid cappuccino system, this machine has everything you need to get your caffeine fix.
Consistent pressure is no problem with the De’Longhi ECP3420, thanks to its 15 bar professional pressure pump. Whether you’re making a single espresso or a tall latte, this machine can do it all.
And if you’re not in the mood to grind your own coffee beans, the De’Longhi ECP3420 also comes with an easy-serve espresso (E.S.E) pod holder for your convenience. So whether you want a quick cup of joe or a leisurely espresso, this machine has you covered.
And if that’s not enough, the sleek design and compact footprint make it a perfect fit for any countertop.
Adjustable foam means you can make a wider variety of drinks, from a flat white to a fluffy cappuccino.
The De’Longhi ECP3420 Bar Pump Espresso machine is the perfect all-in-one solution for any coffee lover.
3. KLARSTEIN Passionata Rossa Espresso Machine
Benefits
- Simple design that’s still stylish
- Powerful milk foaming
- Large water tank for multiple cups of coffee
The KLARSTEIN Passionata Rossa Espresso Machine is perfect for anyone who wants an easy to use and stylish machine. It has a large water tank, so you can make multiple cups of coffee without having to refill, and it comes with a milk frothing nozzle for making all sorts of delicious drinks.
This machine will look great on your kitchen countertop with its brushed stainless steel finish and colorful accents. Plus, it’s easy to keep clean thanks to the removable drip tray. If you’re looking for an espresso machine that’s both easy to use and stylish, the KLARSTEIN Passionata Rossa Espresso Machine is the perfect choice.
4. Gevi 20 Bar Compact Professional Espresso Coffee Machine
Benefits
- Brews authentic barista quality drinks like your favorite cafe
- Low-pressure pre-infusion for stronger espresso
- Espresso volumetric control for customized drinks
- Fast heating system so you can enjoy a cup of espresso in 45 seconds
- Powerful milk wand creates barista-quality micro foam
The Gevi 20 Bar Compact Professional Espresso Coffee Machine is an excellent machine for anyone who wants to make delicious espresso without spending a fortune.
This machine has many features that make it stand out from the competition, such as low-pressure pre-infusion and volumetric control. This infusion system means you can get a great cup of espresso in just 45 seconds.
You’ll be able to customize your drinks just the way you like them with this machine. Plus, the fast heating system means you won’t have to wait long for your next cup of espresso.
Lastly, the cup warmer ensures that your cups are always at the perfect temperature, so you can enjoy the full flavor of your espresso.
5. Flair Manual Espresso Maker Classic
Benefits
- Manual espresso machine that is easy to clean and transport
- Produces professional-quality shots of espresso
- Made from durable stainless steel and aluminum
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
Flair manual espresso machines are perfect for anyone who wants to make a professional quality espresso shot without all the fuss. It’s made with quality materials like stainless steel and aluminum is easy to clean, and comes with a custom-fitted travel case so you can take it wherever you go.
With its simple design and construction, the Flair is perfect for anyone who wants to handcraft their own shots of espresso anywhere they go. Plus, it comes with a 3-year warranty so you know it’s built to last.
As a manual espresso machine, you can use it anywhere there’s hot water and a coffee grinder. If you want to ensure you apply the perfect amount of pressure each time, Flair has an optional pressure gauge kit. Because it’s portable you can enjoy a delicious cup of espresso at home, at work, or on vacation.
6. Capresso Cafe TS Touchscreen Espresso Machine
Benefits
- Touchscreen interface is easy to use
- Sleek design is small enough for limited counter space
- Includes four preset buttons for popular espresso drinks
- Stainless steel lined Thermo-Block heating system ensures perfectly brewed espresso
The Capresso Cafe TS Touchscreen Espresso Machine is perfect for those who want an affordable machine without sacrificing quality.
This machine has a sleek design and comes with a touchscreen interface that makes it easy to use. Plus, it has four preset buttons for brewing espresso, steaming milk, making cappuccinos or lattes, and preparing hot water.
It features a 15-bar stainless-steel lined Thermo-Block heating system that heats water immediately before brewing and then delivers perfectly brewed espresso while producing consistent high-quality steam for preparing lattes and cappuccinos.
The compact design makes it perfect for small spaces, and the on/off button with a 30-minute shut-off energy-saving feature makes it easy to use.
7. JASSY Espresso Coffee Machine
Benefits
- 19-bar high-pressure pump
- One-touch brewing function makes it easy to use
- Automatic cleaning and descaling keep it going
- Built-in milk tank for making lattes and cappuccinos
The JASSY Espresso Machine is an amazing espresso machine that won’t break the bank. With its high-pressure pump and one-touch brewing function, you can easily make delicious espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes.
Not to mention, the built-in milk tank and automatic cleaning and descaling function make this machine super easy to maintain. With the one-touch brewing function, you can customize your cup of espresso exactly how you like it without having to tweak anything.
All of this thanks to the 19-bar high pressure pump that creates the perfect amount of pressure for flavor extraction.
8. Gevi Espresso Machine 15 Bar Pump Pressure
Benefits
- 15 Bar professional Italian pump
- Dual temperature control for espresso shots and milk
- Create rich and creamy foam for cappuccinos and lattes
- Easily removable drip tray and water tank
- Top warmer pre-heats espresso cups
Gevi has some amazing home espresso machines that are perfect for those who don’t want to spend a fortune to get their favorite drink. This machine can make any coffee drink you like with double temperature control. This allows you to control the temperature of your espresso shots separate from the milk, making it easier to create the perfect drink.
The steam wand is also powerful, allowing you to create rich and creamy foam for your drinks. Not only does this machine have great features, but it’s also easy to use and clean. To clean, just remove the drip tray and water tank.
The 15-bar high pressure delivers rich-tasting espresso and the heated cup holder keeps your espresso cups warm and ready for the next shot.
Whether you’re an experienced barista or just starting out these are great budget espresso machines for the home.
9. Laekerrt 20 Bar Espresso Maker with Milk Frother
Benefits
- Equipped with an Italian made 20 bar pressure pump
- PID chip ensure less fluctuation int temperaturestability
- The milk frothing wand is adjustable, so you can make latte or cappuccino with ease
- Sleek and stylish design
Laekerrt has an Italian-made 20 bar pressure pump for a perfect making espresso at home. All the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction, so you’ll always get a smooth, balanced cup of coffee.
The PID precise temperature control chip keeps the machine at a stable and appropriate temperature for extracting coffee so that you can enjoy delicious espresso every time.
This machine is beginner-friendly. The buttons on top are easy to understand, and the manual comes with easy to follow instructions.
The milk frothing wand is adjustable so you can make latte or cappuccino with ease. It’s also easy to clean, thanks to the included cleaning pin to help get in the tight places.
This machine is a great addition to any kitchen, thanks to its sleek and stylish design. The navy blue color is both mysterious and mild, making it a distinctive choice for your home espresso desires.
10. STARESSO Portable Espresso Machine
Benefits
- Rich, authentic espresso without spending a lot of money
- Portable and easy to use
- Pressure valve can easily meet the requirements of Italian extraction
- Newly upgraded stainless steel inner tank
STARESSO has some of the best machines on the market, and they’re affordable too! You can get rich, authentic espresso without spending a lot of money.
Not only are these machines affordable, but they’re also portable and easy to use. It produced a nice and thick crema, and the espresso had a great flavor.
This device works by using a manual pressure pump to create 15-20 bars of pressure. With a little are work and some hot water, you can make espresso in about a minute.
The STARESSO is also compatible with Nespresso coffee capsules so that you can use your favorite pods on the road.
Finally, the newly upgraded stainless steel inner tank is food contact safe and effectively prolongs the lifespan of your machine.
BONUS: De’Longhi 15 bar Pump Espresso Maker
Benefits
- Easily brew barista-quality espresso and cappuccino
- Choose between ground espresso or E.S.E pods
- Two separate thermostats for water and steam pressure control
- Manual frother mixes steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth
- 15-bar professional pressure for quality results
- Rapid Cappuccino System maintains the optimal temperature
- Convenient water tank is easy to remove, refill, and reattach
I had to add this as a bonus, and here’s why. The De’Longhi 15 bar Pump Espresso Maker used to be one of the best machines under the $200 price range, but with recent supply line issues, the prices of many devices have gone up. With that said, this machine is still worth considering.
The De’Longhi 15 bar Pump Espresso Maker is a great machine for making espresso, cappuccino, and latte. The machine has a unique patented dual filter holder that allows you to use either ground espresso or E.S.E pods.
The Sempre Crema Filter enhances the brewing process to produce a perfect crema, while the E.S.E. (Easy Serving Espresso) Filter makes espresso preparation simple and convenient.
It comes with a convenient water tank that is easy to remove, refill, and reattach. The machine also has a durable, high-quality stainless steel boiler that ensures many years of delicious espresso.
The Rapid Cappuccino System is a great feature that allows you to brew cup after cup of espresso or cappuccino without having to wait in between. This is possible because the system maintains the optimal temperature, so you can always have a hot cup of coffee at a moment’s notice.
The system is also easy to clean, with a removable water tank and drip tray that make cleanup a breeze. Overall, the Rapid Cappuccino System is a great feature that makes this machine an excellent choice for those who love their coffee.
What to Look for in an Espresso Machine
Here are some of the most important features to keep in mind when shopping for an espresso machine:
Ease of Use
First and foremost, you’ll want to find a machine that is easy to use. After all, making a great cup of espresso shouldn’t be rocket science. Look for machines that have straightforward controls and clear instructions. Make sure the controls are clearly labeled and within easy reach. And take a close look at the brewing process to make sure it is straightforward. The last thing you want is to end up with a cup of burnt coffee because you couldn’t figure out how to operate the machine!
Coffee Quality
Of course, you also want an espresso machine that makes delicious coffee. This means choosing a machine with good hot water pressure, a quality boiler, and a proper basket. Some low end machines cut corners in these areas. They may only provide pressurized filter baskets or lack a proper steam wand. These features are important for making quality espresso, so make sure to choose a machine that has them.
Milk Frothing
If you want to be able to make lattes and cappuccinos at home, milk frothing is a must. Espresso machines that have a steam wand or automatic milk frother are your best bet. These features make it easy to get the perfect amount of foam for your drinks. Because the steam comes from the boiler, you need to make sure the boiler is powerful enough. A low-quality boiler can be slow to heat up and may not provide enough steam pressure for proper frothing.
Brewing Options
When it comes to espresso machines, sometimes less is more. Choose a machine with straightforward controls and a simple design. If all you need is a machine to make varying espresso shots and that’s it, then don’t waste your money on a model with bells and whistles that you’ll never use. On the other hand, if you want a machine that can do it all – from making espresso to frothing milk – then look for a model with more features. Just make sure you know how to use them all!
Water Capacity
Last but not least, you’ll want to consider the water capacity of the espresso machine. If you plan on making coffee for a group of people, or if you just want to be able to make multiple drinks in quick succession, choose a machine with a large water tank. This will save you from
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning an espresso machine can be a bit of a chore, so you’ll want to find one that is easy to clean. Look for machines with s removable brew group and other parts that can be washed in the dishwasher. And make sure the machine comes with a descaling solution to help you clean the coffee maker on a regular basis. Certain models even have a descaling indicator light that lets you know when it’s time to clean the machine.
Price
Finally, you’ll want to consider the price when shopping for an espresso machine. Espresso machines can range in price from around $100 to several thousand dollars. It’s important to find a machine that fits your budget and meets your needs. Keep in mind that the most expensive machine is not necessarily the best. There are plenty of great machines available at a variety of price points. Do your research and find the one that’s right for you.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, choosing an espresso machine is a personal decision. But if you’re looking for a great machine that won’t break the bank, any of the machines on our list would be a good choice.
What about Nespresso?
Nespresso coffee makers are able to make an incredibly delicious drink. And with their Vertuo line of machines, they have taken things to a whole new level. For this article, we were only considering machines that brewed espresso in a more traditional method. However, if you’re interested in trying a Nespresso machine, we recommend checking out our article on the best Nespresso machines.
Nespresso coffee makers are able to make incredibly delicious drinks. And with their Vertuo line of machines, they have taken things to a whole new level. For this article, we were only considering machines that brewed espresso in a more traditional way. However, if you’re interested in trying a Nespresso machine, we recommend checking out our article on the best Nespresso machines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best cheap espresso machines?
The best espresso machine is one that meets your individual needs. You should consider factors such as budget, ease of use, and features when deciding which machine is right for you. A quality budget espresso machine should still be able to produce a consistent shot of espresso, no matter the price.
What are some important features to look for in an affordable espresso machine?
When shopping for an espresso machine, there are several features to consider. Look for machines with adjustable temperature control, a powerful steam wand, and a built-in grinder. Additionally, you may want to consider a model with programmable settings so you can customize your coffee experience.
What kind of maintenance do I need to do on my espresso machine?
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your espresso machine running smoothly. Cleaning the portafilter and group head after each use will help prevent clogs and buildup. Additionally, descaling your machine every few months will help remove any mineral deposits that can affect the taste of your coffee.
What is the best espresso machine for beginners?
If you’re just getting into making your own espresso, a semi-automatic espresso machine is the way to go. These machines are easy to use and come with features that make brewing perfect espresso shots a breeze. Additionally, many of these models come with built-in steam wand for frothing milk, so you don’t need an extra appliance.
Can you use store bought ground coffee in an espresso machine?
Yes, you can use store-bought ground coffees in an espresso machine that uses a pressurized portafilter basket. However, it’s best to select a finer grind for your espresso machine, as this will produce better extraction and flavor.
What is a manual frother?
A manual frother is a wand-like device that is used to froth and steam milk for making cappuccino, latte, and other espresso drinks. Most manual frothers have an adjustable knob on the handle so you can control the amount of foam in your drink.
Can manual espresso makers make cappuccino and latte?
Yes, manual espresso makers can be used to make cappuccino and latte, but they require a bit more effort than automatic machines. You’ll need to use a manual frother to steam the milk before adding it to your shot of espresso. Additionally, you’ll want to perfect your pour to get the right texture and consistency for your drink. With practice, though, you’ll be able to make delicious cappuccinos and lattes in no time!
