Top 6 Espresso Machine Under 50 Dollars For Every Budget

Are you looking for an espresso brewer that comes at a more affordable price?

Then an espresso machine under 50 dollars might be the right fit for you!

Listed below, you can find my reviews of the 6 best models that offer optimal brewing performance. Check them out, compare their designs, features, and prices, and find out which model fits your budget the best.

The Rundown

What Can You Expect For A 50 Dollar Price?

For a 50-dollar price, you can find basic machines that use a somewhat lower extraction pressure, around 3 to 5 bars. As a result, it needs more time to brew espresso and there is the lack of the rich top espresso crema. You can find them in a form of small home machines, stovetop brewers, and portable single cup espresso makers.

Electric Home Machines

As the category implies, these machines need a direct power source to work properly. They use about 600 to 800 Watts of power and come with a steam wand. Apart from espresso, you can use them to make versatile espresso-based specialized drinks.

Moka Pot/Stovetop Machines

Moka pots or stovetop machines are made for use over a direct heat source. If you do opt for one, make sure to check its compatibility as it can be made for use over an open fire, gas, electric, induction cooktops, or all of the above.

Portable Manual Models

Manual machines are the smallest and the most convenient for transportation and use on the go. However, they do require the most hands-on approach. You need to add coffee, fill up the water reservoir with hot water (you need to have another heat source available, such as a kettle, to heat the water up), and create the needed pressure by making a few manual pumps. Although this might sound a bit too complicated, these brewers are fairly easy to use.

How Much Do Espresso Machines Usually Cost?

This depends solely on what you are looking for:

• entry level (beginner) models are the cheapest. They are made for espresso newbies that want to learn and hone their brewing experties. For this reason, they cost less than 200 dollars.
• home espresso brewers come in a somewhat wider price range. They cost anywhere from 400 to 700 dollars. In this case, their features do depend on the price (the cheaper ones have fewer features and functions than more expensive models).
• prosumer espresso machines are a perfect blend between a home and a professional machine. They certanly help you step up your game. Since they are an upgrade, they cost between 700 and 2000 dollars.
• commercial espresso makers start at a 2000 dollar price point and go up (even to 30 000 dollars). These are powerful professional models that are desigend to meet high requirements.

Are $50 Machines Worth Buying?

Of course, they are. There is no sense in not buying an espresso brewer just because you can not afford an expensive one. These machines are very easy to use and will help you get started in the world of brewing espresso (i.e. help you understand extraction pressure, heating process, etc.).

Pros And Cons: What Prevails?

Even though their price does not entail this, these models have many pros:

• very simple to use even if you know nothing about brewing espresso
• some come with a steam wand you can use to make versatile specialized beverages including cappuccinos, lattes, etc.
• since they come with fewer parts, features, and functions they require very little maintenance
• even the largest models are still fairly small and don’t take up a lot of space

However, we need to be realistic and say that there are some cons too:

• there is lack of control and adjustable features
• once you get the hang of their performance these basic machines simply won’t do it for you anymore and you will need to purchase another machine

Are These Machines Safe For Use?

Safety is not determined by the machine’s price. It depends more on the brand itself and the quality they represent. For instance, stovetop models can be considered less safe, but, most brands have this in mind so these machines come with safety valves, heat-resistant and coated handles that keep your hands safe, etc.

Some Things To Keep In Mind…

While we have established that these machines are indeed worth buying, you need to be realistic about your expectations. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing the best one:

Size And Portability

As we said, these machines are relatively small. The largest ones are 10.24 x 10.63 x 10.43-inch in size while the smallest is only 2.75 x 2.75 x 9.64 in size. As they weigh from less than a pound up to 5 pounds, they are suitable for traveling and on-the-road use.

Quality Of Its Design

At this price point, you can not expect stainless steel. However, this does not mean that these machines are of poor quality. Aluminum ones are quite durable, and if cared for properly, will last you a long time. Even the plastic ones are made out of food-safe materials that give them a bit more value.

Ease Of Use

To be clear, $50 machines are not really sophisticated. What this means is that they are very easy and simple to use even if you are a complete newbie.

Coffee Compatibility

The great thing is that you can find machines that work both with ground coffee and pods. While pods are more convenient, grounds will provide you with more authentic results. If you like the option of choosing, opt for a brewer that works with both.

Milk System

Only electric home models come with a milk system, i.e. a milk steamer. It comes in very handy if you want to make an espresso or a latte or even try some latte art.

Low Maintenance

Since these machines are so simple, they are very easy to clean. Just make sure that you avoid using any abrasive detergents as their materials will get damaged over time. Clean them with mild water, and some dish soap, and make sure that you always dry them up thoroughly.

Top 6 Espresso Machines Under 50 Dollars

GROSCHE Milano Espresso Maker

High-Quality Design
This coffee brewer features a high-quality aluminum design. Keep in mind that it is specially designed for stovetop use. You can use it over electric stoves, gas ones, and even over camping stoves. Note that it is not made for use over induction stoves.

Easy To Use
You won’t have any trouble using this camping machine properly. Simply add water to the brewer, add coffee to the filter, assemble the brewer, and place it over a stovetop. In a minute you will have a delicious brew that is ready to be poured.

Silicone Seal
Another convenient feature of this machine is its silicone seal. It is entirely made out of non-toxic materials to ensure that nothing affects the quality of your brew. Its main purpose is to prevent accidental leaks and maintain the pressure inside the boiler.

Safety Valve
You can be sure that this espresso machine is perfectly safe to use. It comes with a specially designed safety valve that keeps the internal pressure at its optimal level. Thanks to this feature you don’t have to worry that it might get too high and reach a dangerous point.

Buy On Amazon

BELLA Personal Espresso Maker

Permanent Coffee Filter
The great thing about this machine is that it comes with a permanent coffee filter. This means that you won’t have to spend any additional money purchasing the one-time paper filters. Make sure that you clean it after every use to ensure that it provides you with lasting performance.

Glass Decanter
Note that this espresso machine comes with a fully transparent glass decanter. It provides you with enough capacity for up to 4 cups of coffee. It also features visible level markings that will inform you about the amount of coffee you have left inside the carafe.

Steam Wand
The best thing about this brewer is that it comes with a very powerful steam wand. Thanks to this feature you will be able to steam milk and create a delicious froth in just a few simple steps.

Coffee Scoop
Included with this machine comes a highly convenient coffee scoop. It is specially designed to ensure that you can add the right amount of coffee to the machine and always achieve optimal brewing results.

Buy On Amazon

STARESSO Portable Espresso Machine

Convenient Design
When it comes to finding a perfect travel brewer, this model might just be it. It is specially designed to ensure that you can carry it around in your hands and transport it in your bag, a backpack, etc. Because of its exterior design, you will be able to have a firm grip on it.

Simple Performance
Even though it is a manual model, it provides you with a very simple brewing performance. Fill up its water chamber with fresh water, add coffee grounds or a pod to the basket, and attach its top part to the base. Once you do that, turn the top button counterclockwise, and make a few manual pumps.

Easy To Clean
Since this model can be completely disassembled, you won’t have any trouble keeping it clean. Make sure that you give it a thorough clean after every use to ensure that the brewer remains bacteria-free and safe for use.

FDA-Approved Design
The best thing about this machine is that its design is completely FDA-approved. Thanks to this feature you can be sure that it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals that can often be found in plastic materials.

Buy On Amazon

IMUSA Espresso/Cappuccino Maker

Versatile Use
The best thing about this brewer is that it is specially designed to brew versatile coffee-based beverages. It works perfectly for coffee, macchiato, cappuccino, etc. No matter which beverage you decide to brew, you will get the most delicious results.

5 Bar Pressure
Note that this machine uses a 5 bar extraction pressure to provide you with the best brewing results. However, since this isn’t an extremely powerful extraction, this brewer might be a better choice for home use.

Removable Drip Tray
You won’t have any trouble keeping this machine clean. Its bottom drip tray is completely removable from the unit to ensure that you can give it a thorough clean after every single use.

UL Certified
Another thing worth mentioning is that this home machine is UL certified. This means that a representative sample has been tested and approved to meet specific safety requirements set by the UL.

Buy On Amazon

Primula Aluminum Espresso Maker

High-Quality Construction
This espresso coffee maker also features high-quality aluminum construction. It provides it with the needed stability and structure. It also comes with a certified stainless steel safety valve which is a much safer solution than the brass ones.

Non-Drip Spout
The important thing worth knowing is that this brewer also provides a very quick performance. Additionally, because of its specially designed non-drip spout, you don’t have to worry that you might spill your coffee all over while pouring yourself a cup of freshly made brew.

Heat-Resistant Handle
Both the handle and the top knob of this espresso maker under 50 are made out of heat-resistant material. This is a very important feature especially because it is made for stovetop use. You won’t have to worry about suffering an accidental heat burn while handling the brewer.

Lowest Price
When compared to the rest of the listed models, this is the most affordable option on this list. It costs less than 20 dollars which makes it the perfect choice for everyone who is looking for a more budget-friendly option.

Buy On Amazon

Gevi Espresso Coffee Machine

2In1 Brewer
The best thing about this model is that it is a highly convenient 2in1 brewer. This means that you can choose whether you want to brew coffee using coffee grounds or coffee pods. Ether way, you will get the most delicious results.

Quick Performance
Another great thing about this machine is that it provides a very quick performance. By taking about 25 to 40 manual presses, you can have a completed brew in about 70 seconds.

15 Bar Pressure
As opposed to the previous model, I reviewed in this post, this machine uses a bit higher 15 bar pressure. It will extract all the delicious flavors from your coffee. Thanks to this feature you will be able to enjoy a delicious flavorful cup of coffee, just like the one you would get in a coffee shop.

High Thermal Insulation
It also provides you with very high thermal insulation. It is specially designed to keep your fingers safe from accidental heat burns that often happen due to the high water temperatures inside the brewer.

Buy On Amazon

Can These Machines Brew Good Espresso?

Well, yes. You won’t get the authentic barista-like results you would get with a high-grade machine, but you can still make a nice cup of espresso with these machines.

Risks Of Buying A Cheaper Model

When buying a somewhat cheaper appliance there is always the risk of it being a poor quality one. However, to ensure that you don’t get stuck with something you don’t like, you can always check out what a+other people have to say about the machine. Online retailers, such as Amazon, have comment sections on the bottom of every page where you can find what customers have to say about a certain appliance.

What About Their Life Expectancy?

Whether this is something we want to admit or not, at an inexpensive price also comes a cost-effective design. While espresso machines are usually made to last 5 to 15 years, these are machines of higher quality, durability, and performance. At this price point, you can expect to get about 2 good years from your machine.

Can You Spare More Money?

To be straight and forward, no. You can find some machines that cost around 30 dollars, but the 20-dollar difference is not really worth it. You will only end up with some kind of a portable, single-serve model that is made out of cheap plastic.

What Can You Get For A Bit Higher Price?

Now, this depends on how much you are willing to invest. If you add additional 20 dollars to your budget, you won’t notice too much of a difference between the models you can choose from. However, if you have a bit more wiggle room, and are willing to spend up to 200 dollars, you can find great home espresso machines that even offer s few controls such as cup size, strength, volume, etc.