10 Best Espresso Machines Under $200 – How Does Coffee Taste?

To brew the most delicious espresso shot you need to have a specialized machine. Now, this might sound like you need to make a large investment, however, you do not. There are many amazing entry-level espresso machines under $200 that provide great performance.

To save you the trouble of looking for your perfect match, we gathered all the information you need to learn all about the performance of the 10 best models.

The Rundown

Can You Get A Good Machine For $200?

While you won’t find professional models in this price range, you can easily buy a goof entry-level espresso brewer that provides great brewing as well as frothing results.

Usual Price Range Of Espresso Machines

Here is a short overview of how much generally espresso machines cost:

• decent, entry-level machines cost less than 200 dollars and come with basic brewing options and a frothing system.
• home espresso brewers range from 400 to 700 dollars and they come with more complex settings
• commercial-grade espresso machines start from 1000 and can cost as much as 30 000 dollars. They come with more portafilters, steam wands, a grinder, advanced programmable brewing settings, powerful boilers, pumps with a high extracting pressure, etc.

Are There Different Types You Can Choose From?

At this price point, you can only find automatic espresso machines. What this means is that it is up to you to grind coffee beans, add them to the portafilter, tamp them down, and turn the machine on to start the brewing process. The machine does the rest of the job for you.

Benefits Of 200 Dollar Models

Here are some benefits of purchasing an espresso maker for the price of under 200 dollars:

• first of all, their price – you won’t have to go over your budget for a good brewer
• they are very easy to use, meaning, they are suitable for beginners too
• each model comes with a frother so you can brew versatile specialized drinks

However, there are some downsides too:

• since all models are generally automatic ones, you don’t have different types you can choose from
• you do not have that many features and functions

Are These Machines Reliable?

Yes, even though they are cheaper, these espresso brewers are still very reliable appliances and you can expect them to last about 2 to 5 years or even more, depending on how you maintain a machine and how often you use it. However, you do need to be realistic, since they don’t come with as many settings, you won’t get professional barista brewing results.

Features & Functions You Can Expect

Once you cover all the pros and cons of buying a 200 dollar brewer, it is time to consider the features and functions they provide:

Machine’s Size & Quality

These machines generally range from 6 to 17 inches in length, 7 to 16 inches in width, and 7 to 14 inches in height. Quality-wise, they are either made out of plastic or stainless steel (or a combination o these two models). Stainless steel is always the best option, so if you do find a brewer that is still in this price range, go for it.

Simple Performance

As they don’t have any programmable features or functions, they provide a very simple performance. The only thing you should check is whether the machine times the shot for you or you need to do it manually. If the machine times the shot, it will dispense the perfect amount of espresso into your cup. However, if you need to do it manually, you are in control over how much coffee drips out – this way you can also control the strength of your brew.

Heating System

Most models come either with single boiler or a thermoblock heating system. What this means is that you can not brew espresso and froth milk at the same time. If you do, you won’t get good results with either part.

Extraction Pressure

Even though you are buying lower price espresso brewers you can still find models with high 15 to 20 bar extraction pressure. This means that you will get to enjoy a rich and flavorful brew with a thick consistency.

Brewing Capacity

When it comes to brewing capacity, you need to check the size of the machine’s water reservoir as it informs you how many brews the model can make without you refilling the reservoir. You can find models with a smaller one-cup reservoir as well as larger ones with a 2-liter water reservoir.

Shot Size Control

If an espresso machine provides you with any control, it will be the shot size. This means that you get to choose whether you want to brew a single or a double shot of espresso at once.

Milk Frother

Even the entry-level brewers provide you with the possibility of frothing milk. Although most models come with a manual frothing wand, you can find some that offer an automatic milk frothing system. The former is better if you want to level up your latte art skills.

Steam Control

The great thing is that you get to control how much steam is released during the frothing cycle, and this goes both for manual and automatic frothing systems. This means that you are in control over how smooth or thick milk froth you get.

Coffee Compatibility

Espresso machines at this price point are mainly made for use with ground coffee. However, you can find some that are compatible for use with ESE pods too.

Safety Features

Now, for the price of 200 dollars, you can’t expect features such as overheat protection systems, automatic shut-off programs, etc. Nonetheless, this does not mean that these brewers are not safe for use. They still feature a stable non-slip base, a coated portafilter handle, and a small cool-touch frother handle that keep you safe from heat burns, etc.

Ease Of Maintenance

These brewers are fairly easy to clean. There aren’t that many parts you need to clean so you can easily wash them under some mild water. Some even have dishwasher-safe parts so you can easily pop them in a dishwasher and let the machine do its job.

10 Best Espresso Machines Under $200

While the first model below offers a high 20 bar extraction pressure and a manual frothing wand, the second one uses a 15 bar extraction pressure and provides an automatic milk frothing system. Read on to find out more about their differences.

Laekerrt Espresso Maker

With its high, 20 bar extraction pressure, this prosumer espresso model easily extracts all the delicious flavors from your coffee grounds. It comes equipped with a PID temperature control chip that keeps its temperature stable throughout the brewing process. As a result, you get to enjoy consistent performance with every use.

Even though it does not come with many programmable features, you can control whether you want to brew a single or a double espresso shot at a time. You also get to control the amount of steam that is released during the frothing cycle by turning the small rotating knob on the machine’s side.

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Mr. Coffee Espresso Maker

Now, this German model does offer some adjustments. It comes with pre-programmed settings for espresso, cappuccino, and latte and also has pre-programmed sup size adjustments. However, you also have the option of manually customizing every setting to your liking.

Its frothing system is fully automatic. This means that you only need to fill up the milk reservoir and the machine does the rest based on the brewing settings you choose. It is worth mentioning that it does come with an additional steam control knob so you can control its frothing performance if you want to.

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De’Longhi Espresso Machine

This Italian espresso brewer features a full stainless steel housing. Its control panel is front-mounted and has a control knob you can use to turn the brewer on and off and switch it from brewing to steaming cycle. It also features light indicators that let you know when the machine is on and when it is ready for use.

It comes equipped with a 3in1 filter holder you can use to brew a single or a double espresso shot. It also features a specially designed filter basket you can use to brew with ESE pods. You can use it to brew espresso, as well as to make espresso/milk-based beverages such as lattes, and cappuccinos.

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Gevi Espresso Machine

The amazing thing about this model is that it provides an active temperature control system and offers 2 separate thermostats. Thanks to this feature you can keep both the brewing and the frothing temperature at an optimal level. Combined with a powerful 15 bar extraction pressure, you will get amazing results with every use.

Another thing worth mentioning is that the top heated metallic plate works as a convenient cup warmer. This is a great feature as it ensures that the flavor of your brew won’t be influenced by the cold from the espresso cup.

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Cuisinart Stainless Steel Espresso Maker

This espresso maker can brew either one or two cups of coffee at once. The great thing is that it is compatible for use with both ground coffee and coffee pods. It uses a high 15 bar extraction pressure to ensure that you always get the optimal brewing results.

You can use its frothing wand to steam milk as well as to dispense hot water. The latter option can come in very handy especially when you need to make a quick cup of tea, hot chocolate, or even oatmeal for breakfast.

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Yabano Espresso Machine

This machine is also very easy to use. Everything you need to do is fill up its water reservoir, add ground coffee to the filter and tamp it down, lock the portafilter safely in its position, and start the brewing process. It is a great choice for espresso, latte, cappuccino, and caramel macchiato.

You won’t have any trouble keeping this espresso machine clean. Its bottom drip tray is completely removable from the machine as well as its water reservoir. You can easily clean them out under some milk tap water.

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Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine

This brewer comes with a patented slide-and-lock filter holder that makes the machine much easier to use. Simply fill the filter up with ground coffee, tamp the grounds down, and lock the portafilter in its place. It works well with both espresso pods and ground coffee.

The great thing about this brewer is that it is specially engineered for use in somewhat smaller space-saving kitchens. Its small footprint ensures that you can fit it atop any countertop surface. Due to its size, you can also easily store it away in kitchen cabinets.

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Krups Espresso Maker

This is another automatic home machine that uses a high 15 bar extraction pressure during its brewing cycle. As a result, you will be able to enjoy all the delicious flavors from the coffee grounds. Most importantly, your brew won’t have the burned coffee flavor.

Its steam nozzle provides sufficient steam and froths the milk to the perfect consistency for lattes and cappuccinos. The great thing is that the lower part of the tube is completely coated to ensure that your hands don’t get in direct contact with the high heat.

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Capresso Espresso Machine

This affordable machine features an ABS plastic housing with elegant stainless steel accents. Its control panel consists of a simple control knob you can switch between on and off, and a brewing and steaming cycle. Smal light indicators will let you know if the machine is on or off.

Its swiveling frothing wand is designed to provide you with a perfect milk froth for versatile specialized beverages. Its only downside is that you can not control the amount of steam that is released during the steaming cycle. Once you get the desired froth simply turn the steaming cycle off.

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Michelangelo Espresso Machine

Due to its sleek profile, this brewer takes up a minimal amount of counter space. This makes it a great choice for use in somewhat smaller kitchens, or even RVs and campers, that simply don’t have enough room for larger appliances. It is also very easy to store away.

With its high 1450 Watt power rating and an efficient 15 bar extraction pressure, it provides amazing results in the shortest time possible. As a result, you will be able to pull a perfect espresso shot in less than one minute.

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Is There A Machine Even Cheaper Than 200 Dollars?

Of course, you can find espresso makers for around 100 dollars. The manual espresso makers are also very cheap. You can save additional money by buying a somewhat smaller, portable models such as Wacaco Minipresso GR Espresso Machine. It is made for manual use and can brew only one espresso shot at a time.

Is It Profitable To Buy Cheaper Models?

It may be profitable buying electric machines for about 100 dollars. These models have all the same features as standard espresso machines. However, their parts are not as quality as the parts of more expensive models such as $200 machines. Moreover, the lifespan is shorter so it may be better to spend 100 dollars more and you will have a device that will serve you for years.

Other mentioned models such as travel and handheld can’t really supstitute an electric model. Actually, there are not purposed to supstitute it. These items are designed just for special occations such as travel and camping where it’s not possible to use regular machine. For that reason, it’s profitable to buy these cheaper models but not as a supstitute for electric machines.

What Can You Get If You Invest A Bit More?

On the other hand, if you decide to invest additional 100 dollars, you can find a bit larger models such as EspressoWorks Espresso & Cappuccino Machine. It provides a higher brewing capacity and comes equipped with a frother and an additional coffee grinder to ensure that you always get the freshest brewing results possible.