Looking for an espresso machine but don’t want to break the bank? No problem! There are plenty of great espresso machines on the lower end of the price spectrum that are still great little pieces of equipment. Cheap espresso machines may be a great way to start out or if you are simply on a budget.
With that said, when finding the best espresso machine for your needs there is still a lot to take into consideration. To help you out we’ve pulled together the best cheap espresso machine options on the market complete with consumer reviews.
How to pick the right espresso machine?
While there are many great cheap and low-cost espresso machines on the market, there are still some factors you will need to take into consideration before you purchase. Some of the things you may want to ask yourself include:
How much tinkering do you want to do with your machine?
Some people like to tinker with their espresso machines, and others do not! Some want to be able to press a button and have espresso rather than fine-tuning the machine settings. If that is the case, you may want to consider a super automatic machine or even a machine that takes ese pods.
How versatile do you need your machine?
Some machines only take ese pods and don’t have many brew setting, while other machines have multiple brew settings, can take grounds and pods, can brew double or single shots, can accommodate both large and small cups, and can even froth or steam your milk. The more versatile the machine, the more money you will likely pay. However, it is important that you get a machine that suits your needs even if you spend a little more money because you will thank yourself in the long run!
What special features do you want to have?
Espresso machines have slightly different features and generally, the more you pay, the more features you get. Some extra bells and whistles may include a larger water storage tank, a built-in steamer or milk frother, low water level indicators, ready-to-brew indicators, a heated tray, the ability to do a double shot, and even the ability to brew your espresso directly into a slightly larger cup. If not having a certain feature will be a deal breaker for you, make sure to check that out thoroughly before you swipe your credit card!
What are the best espresso machines when you’re on a budget?
We’ve compared hundreds, if not thousands, of user reviews and real-life testimonials on espresso machines, and we’ve found the best that work within a budget and are even incredibly low-cost! Happy shopping!
1. Breville Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker
The Breville Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker is a beautiful stainless steel espresso machine with a 15 bar pump. Its dual-wall filter system allows you to get the most delicious crema, it has a built-in enhacned frother, and even has a cup warming plate. The drip tray is removable for easy cleaning, there is a large removable water container, and the water container even has an external water window so that you can see when the level is low.
For the price, this espresso machine really packs in the features. Breville is a trusted brand on the market that continues to produce quality espresso machines that receive high user reviews. Oh yea, it also comes with a one-year warranty which is fairly standard among espresso machines. You will need to purchase your own tamper and frothing pitcher.
All I can say is WOW! My teenage daughters and I love espresso & designer lattes, This machine made it a BREEZE for us to give up all the overpriced designer cafes in our area. My uncle is a snobbish coffee drinker and spent over $1,500 on a fully automated Capresso machine. You could buy a couple dozen of these Breville machines for the price of his.. and you know what? It’s a few seconds more work but the coffee is JUST AS GOOD!
2. Espressione Café Minuetto Professional Thermoblock Espresso Machine
What makes the Espressione Café Minuetto Professional Thermoblock Espresso Machine unique as a cheap espresso machine is that it has the ability to brew from your own coffee grounds or ESE pods, making it a highly convenient and versatile machine. This has similar features to other espresso machines such as a 15 bar pump, a heated plate, a removable drip tray, a 1-liter removable water container and a one year warranty. It weighs just 14.2 pounds and will leave a fairly small footprint on your counter top or in your office.
Let me start off by saying this product is defiantly worth every penny. I’ve never written a review before but this product deserved it. I myself have been a barista for multiple years. Let’s just say that I’ve become accustomed to good coffee. Now that I’m a stay at home mom, I wanted the product without the price. This espresso maker pulls shots that are as good as the big expensive machines.
3. De’Longhi 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
The De’Longhi 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker may be the cheapest espresso machine on this page, but it is the one we personally have and it is worth every penny! Not only do we own two of these machines, but we’ve also recommended this machine to over 5 different friends and family members that have each purchased their own and love it to bits.
This espresso maker is also great because of its versatility with brewing from coffee grounds or espresso pods. Personally, we like to experiment with different types of ground coffee, but I’m sure the pods would work fine too.
This machine is equipped with various features including a removable drip tray for easy cleaning, a removable water container with a window to indicate when the water level is low, a built-in milk frother, is self-priming which means it’s ready to go in just a couple of minutes (no biggie for us), and it always brews at the perfect temperature.
You will need to purchase your own coffee cups (these are the ones we use with the machine), tamper and frothing pitcher. These really help to enhance the espresso-drinking experience, especially the cups!
I bought this three years ago in 2013. Every 8 months or so I run a cleaner through it, I also only use filtered water. It still works magnificently. I am blown away by the longevity of this machine, and the fact that it still makes a perfect espresso every time.
Small and compact, which is great for not taking up counter space! Found it fairly easy to operate and clean. It was a good purchase for someone that doesn’t want to spend hundreds on an espresso machine.