8 Best Affordable Espresso Machines: Models For Every Budget

Espresso brewers used to require a very high investment only those of money could afford. Nowadays, you can find many cheap espresso machines that offer amazing features and performance.

We gathered all the important information you need to have when looking for a somewhat cheaper model. So let us get started!

The Rundown

What Do We Mean By Affordable?

First things first, we need to define “affordable”. In general, these espresso machines range from 50 to 150 dollars, depending on their size, design, performance, etc.

How Much Do Espresso Machines Usually Cost?

The usual price of an espresso machine depends on its category:

• entry-level espresso machines generally cost less than 200 dollars
• home espresso machines range from 400 to 700 dollars
• commercial espresso machines fit a range from 2000 to 30 000 dollars

The higher the price is, the more features and functions you can expect your brewer to have.

What Does An Affordable Model Entail?

Budget-friendly models usually provide the basic brewing performance and come equipped with an additional frothing wand. You can not expect too many features and functions, but they do offer some adjustments including:

• single or double shot control
• cup size control
• adjustable steam

Are There Different Types Of Espresso Machines Available?

Unfortunately no. Once you decide to limit yourself by price, there is not too much versatility you can choose from. Espresso makers at a cheaper price point are usually your basic, entry-level automatic machines.

Is It Worth Looking For An Inexpensive Brewer?

Of course, even if you don’t have that big of a budget available, there is no reason not to buy an espresso machine. Apart from their price, the advantages of more affordable models are:

• their simplicity – they don’t come with programmable features or functions so you don’t need any experience to use them. This also makes them suitable for beginners.
• frothing capability – espresso machines, in general, come with milk frothers. This means that you get to use them to brew versatile hot beverages such as cappuccinos, lattes, etc.
• low maintenance – since they don’t have too many complicated parts, they require very little maintenance. Also, this means that they are very easy to repair if the machine starts to malfunction.

Their only con, we would say, is the fact that you have no control over the brewing process. Once you get the hang of brewing espresso you might want to replace it with a machine that does offer some programmable features and control.

Are These Models Reliable For Use?

The price does not determine a machine’s reliability. It depends more on the brand and the quality they represent. Some brands you can always trust are DeLonghi, Gevi, Mr. Coffee, Krups, etc. If you are unsure whether the brand you like is a well-respected one, you can always check what customers that buy their appliances have to say on different forums such as Reddit.

What Can You Expect From Budget Espresso Machines?

Buying a somewhat more affordable model doesn’t mean you should simply go out and choose a random espresso brewer. Here are some things to consider before making a purchase:

Voltage & Its Importance

All American espresso machines use 120 Volts. If you opt for a machine made by a European manufacturer, that uses 240 Volts, you will need an additional converter (such as one shown in the picture below) to safely use the machine.

Wattage Rating

Budget espresso brewers use about 700 to 1500 Watts of power. The higher the power rating is, the more efficient performance the brewer provides.

Machine’s Size

You can’t go out and buy a large machine if you have a somewhat smaller space available. That being said, most models at the lower price point come in a compact size that is designed to fit onto standard-size countertop surfaces. Smaller machines come in a 9.45 x 9.45 x 11.22-inch size, while larger ones can be found in a 16.02 x 14.53 x 10.87-inch size.

Solid Design

Even though you are spending less money, this does not mean that you should settle for a poor-quality machine. If possible choose a stainless steel model. If not, plastic ones are still a good choice just make sure that the most important parts that come in contact with the brew aren’t made out of plastic.

Coffee Grinder

At a lower price point, you can not expect to find a machine that comes equipped with a coffee grinder. However, you might want to invest in a separate one as espresso tastes the best when it is brewed using freshly roasted and grounds beans.

Coffee Compatibility

While most espresso makers are compatible for use only with ground coffee, you can find some that are suitable for use with ESE pods too. These pods are ground coffee enclosed in a small, soft pod. Each one is weighted to ensure that you can easily brew a perfect espresso shot.

Extraction Pressure

This is the most important feature of any espresso machine. 15 bar machines will allow you to pull a barista-style espresso shot. 9 bar are still good, but you might experience somewhat poor brewing quality with machines that offer a 5 or 3.5 bar extraction pressure. Learn more about how extraction pressure affects brewing performance in this post.

Ease Of Use

Let’s face it, buying on a budget means that you are not looking for a highly sophisticated machine. So, make sure that the brewer you buy provides the simplest performance possible and that it is very straightforward to operate.

Single Vs. Double Shot

If you are the only one using an espresso machine, a personal brewer that provides a single shot at once is probably all you need. On the other hand, models that can produce double shots at once can come in handy if you need to make multiple servings at they provide double the efficiency and save you a lot of time.

Brewing Capacity

You can find machines that dispense espresso straight into a cup but also ones that come with a small carafe that can hold several servings at once. The great thing is that even if you opt for the latter version, you can still choose the capacity you want to brew. By doing so, you can avoid using the carafe. Simply set the single-shot option and brew directly into a cup.

Steaming Wand

Inexpensive espresso makers don’t come with an automatic frothing system but rather have manual steaming wands. This does not have to be a downside since they provide a much higher control level over the whole steaming performance. You can choose whether you want to make a silky smooth foam or a thick milk froth.

Water Tank Capacity

You usually need only 1 ounce of water to brew a single espresso shot. However, a machine with a somewhat larger water reservoir allows you to brew multiple servings without having to refill it too often.

Ease Of Cleaning

To ensure that your espresso always has its optimal flavor, you need to make sure that the machine and all its parts are always clean. Make sure that the brewer you buy has removable parts that are easy to wash. An upside can be if they are dishwasher-safe so you don’t have to spend too much time cleaning them manually.

8 Best Affordable Espresso Machines

While the first model below offers the higher 20 bar extraction pressure, the third one comes with a carafe that can hold up to 4 servings at once. Read on to learn more about their differences.

Gevi Espresso Machine

This beginner machine comes with a powerful thermoblock heating system. It uses 1350 watts of power and ensures that you can brew espresso shot after shot without compromising the brewing results. It also offers separate temperature controls for the brewing and frothing system to ensure that you can adjust the temperature of both to your liking.

Even though its steaming wand is manually controlled, you can still achieve amazing results with it. Most importantly, you are in control over how much steam is dispensed during the steaming process. A small rotating control knob is located just above the steaming wand to ensure that you can easily make desired adjustments.

Buy On Amazon

DeLonghi Espresso & Cappuccino Machine

Although this Italian model fits a lower price range, it still provides a powerful, professional-grade extraction pressure of 15 bars. This means that you will be able to extract all the flavors and oils from your coffee grounds and enjoy a barista-style brew from the comfort of your home.

Its 3in1 filter holder is specially designed to ensure that you can choose whether you want to brew espresso using ground coffee or ESE pods. You also get the option of choosing between a single and a double espresso shot.

Buy On Amazon

Bella Personal Espresso Maker

As opposed to the previously reviewed models, this machine under $50 comes equipped with a small glass carafe that can hold up to 4 servings at once. It features a convenient spout for a mess-free pour and a cool-grip handle that makes it much easier to use. It also features visible level markings that let you know how many servings you have left to pour.

Its frothing wand is positioned on the side of the machine to ensure that you can easily use it. You can use it to create silky smooth milk crema or thick froth depending on whether you want to make a latte or a cappuccino.

Buy On Amazon

Mr. Coffee Dual Shot Espresso Maker

This German brand model features a simple light indicator for on, off, brewing, and frothing functions that let you know which option is on. All indicators are located on the front side of the machine to ensure that you can easily check the machine’s current status.

Its water reservoir is located in the back of the unit but is completely removable so you should not have any problems refilling it or cleaning it when required. The bottom drip tray is also removable from the machine to ensure that you can always keep it clean and ready for the next use.

Buy On Amazon

Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine

This is another espresso machine that uses a powerful 15-bar Italian pump. It can easily extract a delicious brew both from ground coffee or pre-measured soft pods. No matter which option you choose, you can get exceptional brewing results with every use.

Note that this brewer can easily make 2 servings at once. This feature can come in very handy especially if you have company as it saves you a lot of time. You can also make a single espresso cup with a double espresso shot if you feel like enjoying a somewhat stronger brew.

Buy On Amazon

Capresso Espresso Machine

This espresso maker features a durable stainless steel exterior design. It provides the machine with the needed quality and a bit more elegant design. It also makes it much easier to clean and maintain as you don’t have to worry about rust, corrosion, or stains.

The metal plate atop the brewer works as a cup warming tray. It allows you to heat your espresso cups so you don’t have to pour freshly brewed espresso in cold cups. By doing so you are avoiding the possibility of the brew changing its flavor once it comes in contact with a cold cup.

Buy On Amazon

Krups Espresso Coffee Maker

Since it uses a high, 15 bar extraction pressure, this home espresso brewer ensures great results with every espresso shot. You never have to worry that your brew might feel watery or have a butter taste. Instead, it will be rich in flavor and have a thick consistency.

It also comes equipped with a steam nozzle that can easily steam the milk to the perfect consistency. The entire bottom part of the steam nozzle is completely coated and even has a small silicone grip to ensure that you can handle it safely without worrying you might suffer a heat burn in the process.

Buy On Amazon

Premium Levella Espresso Machine

As is the case with all these models, this machine also comes in a compact size. Thanks to this feature you won’t have too much trouble finding the perfect place for it atop your countertops. You can even store it away in a kitchen cabinet if you are not planning to use it for a while.

While this brewer does not come with many features, it does come with a small “lock” light indicator and a small control knob on its side. It also comes with a glass carafe you can use both for brewing espresso and for safely steaming the milk.

Buy On Amazon

Can A Cheap Machine Make Good Espresso?

Yes, you can easily pull a delicious espresso shot with an inexpensive machine. You only need the machine to provide hot water and powerful extraction pressure. The water’s temperature is important as cold water can not pull all the coffee oils and flavors from the grounds. If the extraction pressure is too low, you will end up with a watery espresso shot. On the other hand, if it is too high, your espresso will have a burnet flavor.

Are There Any Problems You Might Come Across?

If you do opt for a machine that offers a somewhat poorer quality, you might experience some issues such as unexpected leaks. There is no way to ensure that the machine does not have such problems. However, you can read customer reviews to check if there are reports of any problems with the model you like. You will find this in the comment section below the product on sites such as Amazon, Walmart, eBay, etc. by clicking on the “see all reviews” you will get a detailed view into what customers have to say.

How Long Can You Expect A Cheap Model To Last?

Espresso brewers, in general, are made to last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. However, with a lower price also comes a cost-effective design. If the machine is mostly made out of plastic, you might see some damage over time. We would say that you can expect to get about 2 good years from an inexpensive machine. A little trick you can use is to check how long of a warranty the manufacturer provides for the machine. Although this is not something that defines how long the brewer will last, it does let you know how much trust the manufacturer has in its quality. Most machines you can buy for 50, 100 or 150 dollars have a warranty of 1-2 years.

Is There A Way To Save More Money?

There is always room to save a bit more money, however, you will need to give up on some features. For instance, if you cut your budget down to 60 dollars, you can find mini brewers, such as Wacaco Minipresso GR, that are designed to make a single shot at a time. This model in particular is a great choice if you often spend your time traveling.

What Can You Get If You Decide To Invest A Bit More?

On the other hand, if you are willing to invest a bit more money, up to 500 dollars, you can find espresso machines that:

• use a slow pre-infusion process
• come equipped with temperature control
• offer adjustable cup size servings
• feature programmable dosing
• come with different portafilters
• can easily steam milk on demand
• feature a convenient warming tray
• are equipped with a lot of additional accessories