Introduction
Espresso machines are known for brewing thick concentrated coffee known as espresso. Since the first machine was built way back in 1884, espresso machines have become very popular among coffee lovers. But for a long period, espresso machines have been branded as the machine for the rich due to their high price tag. But thanks to the advance in technology today anybody including those on a tight budget can own an espresso machine and brew their favorite cup of espresso in the comfort of their own home. However, the problem with budget espresso machines is that not all of them of good quality. You have to be extra careful when shopping for one so that you don’t regret it later.
We understand that finding a high-quality espresso machine while on a tight budget is not easy. That is why we have reviewed hundreds of budget espresso machines on the market on your behalf and listed the best budget espresso machines. All espresso machines that we have listed below have been tested and proven to brew quality coffee. They also have great reviews and ratings from verified buyers. We have also included a buyer guide to help you make an informed decision when shopping.
10 Best Budget Espresso Machine Reviews and Features
1. De’ Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super Automatic espresso and coffee machine
On top of our list is the De’ Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic espresso and coffee machine. The reason why this espresso machine has topped our list is that it is equipped with many features including the patented Cappuccino system that is found in high-end express machines. If you are looking for an express machine with great features but you are on a tight budget, then look no further than De’ Longhi ESAM3300.
De’ Longhi ESAM3300 features an easy to use rotary and push-button control panel with programmable menu settings and a bean container with a stunning capacity of 8.8 ounces. The patented, easy to clean, and compact direct to brew system grind beans instantly, creating a perfect espresso. However, to get the best grinding performance, you are advised to use beans with less visible oil.
This espresso machine brews each cup automatically to the perfect richness, temperatures, and density. You can also customize the settings to prepare a unique cup of espresso. The control panel that it features is strategically located and easy to use. To change cup size, coffee strength, or temperature, all you need to do click one-touch buttons on the control panel.
De’ Longhi ESAM3300 is equipped with a patented cappuccino system frother that mixes milk and cream instantly to create a rich, creamy froth. The 13 adjustable settings allow you to choose the ideal setting to get the best grinding results. The second chamber also features a pre-ground setting.
Another great thing about this espresso machine is that it is easy to clean and also requires little maintenance. In fact, De’ Longhi ESAM3300 requires half the cleaning time than many competitor machines. It also does not require regular chemical cleaning tablets as it is the case with other espresso machines.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Energy-saving (turns off automatically after 3 hours)
- It has multiple settings that allow you to brew custom espresso drinks
- Consistent brewing every time
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not the strongest frother
2. De Longhi EC680M Dedica 15 bar pump espresso machine
De Longhi EC680M is ideal for people who want to brew like a pro. Whether it is a cappuccino, latte, single or double espresso, this espresso machine will brew quality coffee like the one you usually enjoy at your favorite coffee house.
The manual frother that it features mixes milk and steam to create a rich creamy froth for evenly textured drinks, just the way you enjoy it at your favorite coffee shop. The three in one filter holder included in this machine has a holder for one espresso shot, a holder for two shots, and one holder for an easy serve espresso pod.
If you prefer a larger size coffee cup, then this is the right machine for you. De Longhi EC680M accommodates taller cups. The bottom tray of this espresso machine is easy to adjust, a feature that allows you to fit taller cups. It is also equipped with a removable water reservoir.
De Longhi EC680M is made of stainless steel that is durable and resistant to rust and corrosion. This means that regardless of the conditions that this machine is subjected to, it will still maintain its original look. Its sleek design not only makes it attractive but also helps to save space. This machine can easily fit on your kitchen’s countertop. This machine is also very easy to use and is highly recommended for beginners. The automatic flow stop that it features dispenses the right amount of express, thus eliminating guesswork.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Accommodates tall cups
- Made of stainless steel
- Sleek design that saves space
- Removable drip tray and water reservoir
- Idea for beginners
- Brews espresso with great consistency and deep rich flavor
- Affordable
Cons:
- Prone to leaking
3. Breville BES840XL/A the infuser espresso machine
If you are on a tight budget but looking for a quality espresso machine, then Breville BES840XL/A is a great option for you. The machine brews espresso with great consistency and deep rich flavor.
Breville BES840XL/A is equipped with a pre-infusion function that applies low water pressure at the beginning of the extraction, expanding the grinds gently for even extraction. The 1600 watts Thermo coil heating system that it features and integrated stainless steel water coil accurately controls water temperature for consistent and quality brews. This machine two has to settings including single or double shot volumetric control and manual override.
The Auto purge function that it features automatically adjust the water temperature for optimal espresso extraction. On the other hand, the 15 bar Italian pump provides manual override, complete volumetric control preset, or re-programmable volumes.
Breville BES840XL/A comes with multiple accessories including a coffee scoop, single and dual filter baskets, cleaning disc and basket, water filter with, and a cleaning tool. The built-in PID temperature control delivers water precisely at the right temperature in a two-degree Celsius increment, allowing you to brew a cup of espresso with deep rich flavor.
Pros:
- Precise espresso extraction
- Flexible shot control
- Easy to use and clean
- Made of stainless steel
- Lightweight and compact
- Comes with multiple accessories
- Affordable
Cons:
- Vibrates a lot when brewing
4. Cuisinart EM-100NP1 1.66 Quart Stainless steel espresso maker
Cuisinart EM-100NP1 1.66 Quart Stainless steel espresso maker is equipped with incredible features that most espresso makers within its price range don’t have. This espresso machine will allow you to brew quality espresso, latte, or cappuccino – hot or, flavorful, rich, and fresh in the comfort of your home, anytime you want it. It is made of stainless steel that is extremely durable and resistant to rust and corrosion.
This espresso machine is equipped with 15 bars of pressure that enable you to brew a perfect cup of espresso with deep rich flavor and a creamy cream to coat its surface. The 53-ounce removable reservoir that it features allows this machine to brew and hold a large amount of espresso at once. This machine can brew 1-2 shots of espresso with prepackaged coffee pod or with ground espresso coffee.
Cuisinart EM-100NP1 1.66 Quart Stainless steel espresso maker has a cup warmer at the top of the machine that ensures that your cup and espresso remain warm after brewing. It is also equipped with an easy to clean drip tray that catches any extra espresso that may miss your cup thus ensuring that there is no wastage. The machine has a knob located on the top side that you can use to switch between using the steam wand and espresso brewing.
Cuisinart EM-100NP1 1.66 Quart Stainless steel espresso maker also comes with a tamping tool and milk pitcher that allows you to create a perfect cup of espresso with ease. This machine is built to North American electrical standards and comes with a user manual, troubleshooting document, and a video for easy setup.
Pros:
- Large cup warming plate
- Removable 53 ounce water reservoir that can brew a lot of espresso at once
- Easy to clean and sue
- Comes with a detailed user manual
- Complied with North America electrical standards
- Affordable
- Made of stainless steel
Cons:
- No automatic shutoff
5. Breville BES810BSS Duo Temp Pro Espresso Machine
Coffee lovers know the importance of pre-infusing the grind. With Breville BES810BS, this feature is inbuilt, meaning that you will always get quality and consistent extractions while brewing. Another great feature of this machine is that its PID temperature controller is programmable in two-degree increments, which helps to reduce fluctuation during extraction thus giving your espresso a consistent flavor.
The 15 bar Italian made pump that it features start with low pressure to bloom coffee ground then gradually increases pressure for consistent extraction. The high power (1600W) delivers sufficient steam to create a micro-foam enacting flavor. It also enables you to create the latter art. On the other hand, the low-pressure pre-infusion ensures that all flavors are drawn out evenly during extraction for a balanced tasty cup.
Breville BES810BSS is one of the few espresso machines within this price range that lets you know when it needs maintenance. The auto-purge feature allows you to purge the heating system automatically after steaming to ensure that your next espresso is extracting at the right temperature. This machine also has an ultra-wall filter system that creates a super layer of creamy crema. The front enhancer that it features allows you to create a fluffy layer of foam while the cup warming plate helps to keep your espresso warm after brewing.
Pros:
- Brews espresso with a rich, full, and balanced taste
- Made of high quality and durable material
- Easy to use and clean
- Affordable
- Creates good crema
- Compact
Cons:
- Does not turn off automatically
6. Mr. Coffee one-touch CofeeHouse espresso maker and cappuccino machine
If you are looking for an espresso machine that is affordable, durable, and convenient, then look no further than Mr. Coffee one-touch CofeeHouse espresso maker and cappuccino machine. If you want to skip long lines at coffee shops and brew quality espresso in the comfort of your home, then this is the right espresso machine to use. With a press of a button, you can make cappuccinos, espressos, and lattes in minutes.
This espresso machine features a 19 bar Italian pump that delivers ideal pressure to extract robust coffee flavors. The easy one-button interface allows you to control this machine with ease, meaning that will not have to rely on guesswork as it is the case with other espresso machines. You can switch from a single shot to a double shot with a simple press of a button. For instance, pressing the button once will instruct the machine to prepare a single shot while pressing it twice will instruct it to prepare a double shot.
The thermocouple heating system that it features evenly heats the water thus allowing you to prepare hot espresso with deep rich flavor. The removable milk reservoir that it features is not only easy to fill but also easy to clean and store leftover milk in the fridge.
Mr. Coffee one-touch CofeeHouse espresso maker and cappuccino machine come with a metal filter attached to a strong handle. It is also equipped with two filter baskets for double and single shots. A pair of retractable drip trays that accommodate large and small cups sits below the brew head. The automatic milk frother that it features turns your favorite milk into a light frothy foam in minutes.
Pros:
- Adjustable cup stray that fit short and tall mugs
- Removable milk reservoir that you can use to store leftover milk in the fridge
- Automatic milk frother
- Easy to use and clean
- One-touch control panel
- Affordable
- Compact
Cons:
- Loud frother
7. Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine
Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine is made of an iron frame and stainless steel panels that are durable, resistant to rust and corrosion. This material is also easy to clean. The patented ergonomic 58mm porta filters that it features enables seamless extraction. In fact, the filters used on this machine are the same as those used on Rancilio commercial espresso machines.
The boiler that this machine is equipped with has the largest volume capacity of any home espresso machine. The chrome-plated boiler can hold up to 0.3 liters and produces outstanding steaming power. It also has exceptional recovering power between shots.
Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine is equipped with a stainless steel wand that steams high-quality latte milk. The steel knob that it features allows you to control steaming power with ease.
Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine Its compact design makes it ideal for people with limited kitchen space. It is also very attractive and will complement the overall look of your kitchen. Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine comes with a plastic tamper, 7-gram coffee scoop, and two filter baskets (double and single).
Pros:
- Ergonomic porta filter handle
- Excellent extraction quality heat stability
- Easy to use and clean
- Compact design
- Affordable
- Made of stainless steel
Cons:
- Some customers complain that this machine is not durable
8. Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso machine
Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso machine is one of the best-selling espresso machines on the market today. Most people like this machine because it is compact, affordable, durable, and equipped with excellent features.
This machine features an automatic steam wand that allows you to adjust milk texture and temperature to suit your taste. This is important because it enables you to create barista-quality microfoam which is crucial for creating latte art. The innovative Thermo jet heating system that it is equipped with allows this machine to achieve optimum extraction temperature in three seconds. The 54-millimeter porta filter with 19 grams dose allows you to achieve a balanced and consistent espresso with deep rich flavor.
The low-pressure pre-infusion system gradually increases pressure and also helps to ensure that all flavors are drawn out evenly during extraction for a consistent and balanced tasting cup. The PID that it is equipped with delivers water accurately at the right temperature for optimal espresso extraction. On the other hand, the auto-purge system purges the heating system automatically after steaming, allowing your next espresso to be extracted at the right temperature.
Pros:
- Low-pressure pre-infusion
- Faster heat uptime
- Automatic microfoam milk texturing
- Precise espresso extraction
- Easy to use and clean
- Affordable
- Compact
Cons:
- It is quite noisy
9. Gagged RI9380/46 Classic Pro espresso machine
Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso machine is one of the best entry-level espresso machines on the market. The rugged brushed stainless steel housing that it features is super durable and resistant to rust and corrosion.
The commercial steam wand that it feature provides full control while frothing and steaming milk. This machine is also capable of producing tight microfoam for latte art. It is also equipped with 3 ways solenoid valves that are mostly found in commercial espresso machines. The inbuilt pressurized filter baskets allow you to get consistent shot quality and a thick layer of crema.
The superior pump mounts help to dampened sound produced by the machine while brewing. This means that the noise produced is incredibly low. The dual heating element that it features heats the boiler fast making it brew ready in about 5 minutes and steam ready in about 30 seconds. The gagged RI9380/46 Classic Pro espresso machine control panel has three switches including power, steaming, and brewing. Each switch has its own indicator that lets you know when the machine is on, ready to steam and ready to brew.
Pros:
- Very attractive design
- It brews silently
- Unique and quality frame made of stainless tell
- The dual heating elements that heat the boiler fast
- Easy to use rocker switch control
- Compact
- Easy to use and clean affordable
Cons:
- Some customers complain that it breaks down fast
10. Breville BES878BSS Barista Pro Espresso Machine
Breville BES878BSS is equipped with an intuitive interface that provides all information you need to help you brew high-quality espresso at home with ease. The innovative Thermo jet heating system that it features enables the machine to achieve optimum extraction temperature in less than three seconds and instant transition from espresso to steam.
The integrated conical burr grinder with dose control delivers the right amount of coffee on demand for deep rich flavor. You can also adjust the grind size and dose to brew coffee that meets your specifications. The 54mm porta filter with 19-22 grams ensures that you brew espresso with the right consistency and balance. The digital temperature control (PID) helps to deliver water at the right temperature for optimal espresso extraction
Breville BES878BSS is equipped with a low-pressure pre-infusion that gradually increases pressure thus ensuring that all flavors are drawn out evenly during extraction for uniform and balanced testing. The powerful steam wand allows you to hand texture micro-foam milk to create latte art and also enhance your espresso flavor.
Pros:
- Intuitive LCD
- Fast heat uptime
- An integrated conical burr grinder
- Easy to use
- Deliver consistent and balanced flavor
- Affordable
- Made of brushed stainless steel
Cons:
- Quite bulky
Best budget espresso machine buyer guide (factors to consider)
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Consider ease of use
One important thing to consider when buying an espresso machine is the ease of use. This factor is important, especially if you are new to using an espresso machine. The last thing you want is buying an espresso machine that will give you a hard time to operate. The control panel should be strategically located and the buttons well labeled for easy access and use.
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Ease of cleaning
Espresso machines need to be clean regularity to function optimally. The buildup of residues and grounds can hamper the machine’s performance and even alter the flavor of your espresso. Some machines are easy to clean while others are quite challenging to clean. If you want to be on the safe side, ensure that you buy a machine that is easy to clean.
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Water reservoir
The water reservoir is the tank used for generating steam for milk frother and making espresso. The size of the water reservoir will determine the amount of espresso you will make. Therefore, if you want to make high quality of espresso without refilling the tank, then you should purchase an espresso machine with a large water reservoir.
Frequently Asked Question FAQs:
Q: Can a budget espresso machine serve me well?
Ans: Yes, if you buy a high-quality budget espresso machine it will serve you well for a long time. However, you need to be very careful when choosing one. Ensure that you purchase one that has crucial features that you are looking for. It should also have great reviews and ratings.
Q: How much does budget espressos machines cost?
Ans: Cheap espresso machine price range between from $200 and $500
Final verdict
In conclusion, you don’t need to have a lot of money to purchase a high-quality espresso machine. It is possible to purchase a high-quality espresso machine even when on a tight budget. The espresso machines that we have listed above are not only affordable but are also of high quality. If you purchase any of them, then we guarantee you that they will serve you for a long time. They also have great features that will make your espresso brewing fun and stress-free. We recommend them for anyone looking for high quality but affordable espresso machine.
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