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The Best Espresso Machines Under $200 – USA 2022

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Scott

October 10, 2023

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Espresso is a wonderful thing. It’s dark, rich, and packed full of flavor. Whether you enjoy it black or topped up with creamy steamed milk to make an indulgent cappuccino, espresso never fails to start your day on the right footing.

Buying an espresso every day from your local coffee shop can quickly add up over time and for most of us, this isn’t really an affordable option.

Brewing espresso at home is not as intimidating as it may appear and with a little practice, you’ll find that it quickly becomes second nature. The next piece of good news is that you don’t need to break the bank in order to buy a machine that enables you to do this.

There are a range of decent espresso machines available for under $200 and to save you time and money, here are ten top picks. Whether you prefer super-automatic or semi-automatic there are both kinds here on this list and if you want frothy, foamy milk then there are plenty of choices here.

Check out these ten fantastic espresso machines retailing for less than $200 and if you like the look of any one in particular then click the ‘Price and Reviews’ button to check current prices on Amazon.

The Best Espresso Machines for Less Than $200

To start us off, we have De’Longhi with this Semi-Automatic machine plus a steam wand.

• 1. Top Choice – De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine
• 2. Runner Up – Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Maker
• 3. Best For Cappuccino – Mr. Coffee Café Barista Espresso Machine
• 4. Best Semi-Automatic – Gevi Espresso Machine
• 5. Best Super-Automatic – Nespresso Pixie Espresso Machine by Breville

1. Top Choice – De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine

It can be difficult to find a high quality coffee maker when you’re on a budget but the De’Longhi Stilosa is the answer to all your prayers. It’s a neat little coffee maker with an easy-to-use dial on the front and works very efficiently to pull a delicious shot of espresso.

With a 15-bar pump and a stainless steel boiler, this machine has everything it needs to extract the fullest flavors and aromas from your coffee beans. It comes with the necessary portafilter and different sized baskets to brew single or double shots.

The steam wand allows you to get hands-on with frothing milk so you can perfect your latte art. Another great feature is the drip tray has an adjustable height setting so you can brew into different-sized coffee glasses. For a little more money you can choose a bundle that includes the frother jug or coffee glasses to save you buying these separately.

This is the top pick today thanks to the very low price point of this option, It’s not the most impressive machine ever but it can brew you a delicious espresso for well under $200.

2. Runner Up – Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Maker

The runner-up today features a compact design and one-touch brewing. This Nespresso machine has swapped out the pump system for a centrifusion one. The machine reads the barcode and spins the capsule to extract all the delicious coffee flavors producing coffee with a very thick crema.

You can choose from a single or double shot of espresso, a 5 oz cafe lungo, or a 7.77 oz cup of coffee. All you need to do is add the capsule and press the brew button. The machine heats up in only 15 seconds and energy-saving mode means the machine will power off after 9 minutes of inactivity.

The position of the water reservoir is adjustable to fit in any space making this machine a versatile option that’s perfect for any home.

3. Best For Cappuccino – Mr. Coffee Café Barista Espresso Machine

If you’re looking for a machine that is optimized for brewing rich and creamy cappuccino then look no further. This espresso machine by Mr. Coffee is a 3-in-1 espresso, latte, and cappuccino machine. The 15 bar pressure pump ensures the best coffee with every brew.

You have to take the steps to load the portafilter and get brewing espresso but the automatic milk system does all the rest. It froths and foams the milk before dispensing it directly into your coffee cup.

A one-touch control panel means all you need to do is press a button to brew your choice of espresso drinks. The water and milk reservoir are removable making them easy to refill and to clean.

This machine is the perfect balance between automated and hands-on coffee brewing and has a cappuccino system that can rival any coffee shop.

4. Best Semi-Automatic – Gevi Espresso Machine

A semi-automatic espresso machine gives you hands-on control of most aspects of the coffee brewing process without making it too tricky. You get to load up the portafilter, tamp the coffee down, and then start the brew cycle. The steam wand means you are in control of the milk frothing process as well.

The Gevi espresso machine can manage up to 20 bar pump pressure to extract the richest crema and it has two thermostats, one for coffee brewing and one for milk frothing. This means it can regulate water temperature control without ever burning the coffee.

With a little practice, this machine can brew a very tasty and consistent cup of espresso and can steam milk like a professional machine can. Whether it’s a single shot or double shot of espresso you need, this machine has all the necessary equipment so you can brew coffee straight away.

5. Best Super-Automatic – Nespresso Pixie Espresso Machine by Breville

If you need your coffee fast and you don’t want to mess around with ground coffee and filters then you need a super-automatic coffee maker. The Pixie Nespresso machine is an originaline machine so it uses the aluminum capsule surrounding the coffee pod to create 19 bars of pressure to extract all the flavor from the coffee grounds.

At the touch of a button, you can brew espresso or cafe lungo in a variety of flavors using your favorite Nespresso pod. It even has a removable drip tray to accommodate larger cup sizes.

It’s super compact in size and easily fits onto any countertop. Just choose the right capsules and you can have any type of coffee from bold to iced. The only downside is you do need to use the compatible capsules for Nespresso machines, which can get expensive over time.

Espresso Machine Buyers Guide

Semi-Automatic vs Super Automatic

A big consideration you need to make when choosing the right coffee maker is whether you want a semi or super-automatic option.

A super (or fully) automatic machine is self-priming and adjusts pretty much all the settings for you, automatically. This means all you really need to do is press a button and coffee is brewed for you. It’s a great option if you want quick coffee without any hassle but not so good if you like to tweak and adjust the brewing parameters.

A semi-automatic espresso machine allows you to choose your filter basket size and load this up with coffee grounds. You manually tamp the coffee down and attach the filter holder to the machine. This is a bit more work than the fully automated options but gives you more control over the brewing process so you can tweak the coffee flavor to perfectly suit you.

Cup Sizes

Different coffee makers will give you different options when it comes to cup sizes. A classic espresso machine usually gives you the option of brewing a single shot (1 ounce) espresso or a double shot (2 ounces). Make sure the option you choose comes with compatible baskets for the size of shot you’re after.

Super-automatic machines can vary in the size options available and some will even brew full cups of coffee as well as espresso.

Removable Water Tank

A removable water tank is a handy feature as this makes it easy to refill and clean. Just make sure you properly fix it back in place otherwise they can end up leaking!

If your chosen model doesn’t have a removable water tank then it’s worth checking the design to ensure you can refill it without any hassle. For example, a top-filling tank that’s placed at the rear of the machine can be problematic if it’s placed under a low kitchen cabinet.

Milk Frother

If you love specialty coffee like cappuccinos and lattes then a milk frother is a must. These are typically in the form of steam wands or automatic frothers. Steam wands are the better choice for high-quality milk frothing as they allow you to create the thickest microfoam. They are a bit more tricky to get the hang of and do require some practice.

Automatic ones are best if you want results immediately and are keen on a consistent cappuccino.

Don’t Forget the Grinder

An essential thing you’ll need if you want to brew espresso at home is a good-quality coffee grinder. Grinding your own whole coffee beans ensures the richest flavor possible and gives a fresher tasting cup of coffee.

It’s important to use a burr grinder when brewing espresso as these ensure an even, consistent fine grind that is not possible to achieve with a blade grinder.

F.A.Q.s

What is a good quality espresso machine under $200?

Our top pick is the De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine. It’s a quality build, easy to use, highly functional, and makes delicious espresso.

What are the benefits of a coffee machine?

Although espresso machines are relatively expensive to buy, they do save you money in the long term. If you enjoy a cup of coffee every morning then it can quickly add up. A coffee machine at home also means you can enjoy delicious coffee from the comfort of your bedroom, kitchen, or anywhere, without having to go out to buy it.

What are the differences between the De’Longhi EC155 and the DeLonghi EC155?

DeLonghi vs De’Longhi is just a variation in the spelling of this brand. The EC155 is a budget espresso machine that works well to brew great-tasting coffee.

What is the estimated price range for a good espresso machine?

A good quality espresso machine typically starts at $500 and goes up from there. Some machines retail for around $2000 and professional models can cost even more than this. It is possible to brew good coffee with a more affordable machine, they’re just not as durable.

More Espresso Machines Reviewed

Capresso Stainless Steel Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

This 15-bar pump espresso machine by Capresso is inexpensive to buy and makes coffee as good as the original Italian espresso. It’s semi-automatic so does take a bit of practice to get the best quality espresso possible.

Two filter baskets mean you can choose between a single or double-shot espresso and there’s a thumb guard on the portafilter that reduces the risk of burns. You can place your coffee cups on the cup warmer on top to get them nice and toasty before you start brewing coffee.

The simple-to-use dial allows you to easily switch to steam mode so you can use the frothing wand to create cappuccinos and lattes. It even has an automatic rinsing cycle that maintains the proper brewing temperature between making espresso and steaming milk.

Gevi 15 Bar Pump Espresso Coffee Machine

This professional-looking espresso machine by Gevi is a favorite amongst coffee lovers as it’s an affordable option that brews the most delicious tasting coffee. The stainless steel housing is ultra-durable and the 15-bar professional pump is fully capable of brewing the richest and most delicious coffee.

A warming tray on top and a removable drip tray is nice extra design features that make the machine even more user-friendly. Dual thermostats independently control the hot water temperature for coffee brewing and the milk frothing.

With the option of a single or a double shot, thanks to the different sized filter baskets included you can choose whichever one suits your mood. It may be a small machine but this option is capable of delivering plenty of flavor.

Espresso Machine 20 Bar Coffee Machine With Foaming Milk Frother Wand

Another neat little espresso machine, this option is the epitome of functional and affordable. With a high-pressure, 20-bar pump it easily extracts the rich and full flavor necessary to brew good espresso. It comes with two brew baskets so you can choose a single or double shot option and simple button controls make it easy to get brewing.

It has a steam wand attached with a dial control to allow you to fine-tune your milk frothing. The water tank can hold 900ml and it’s removable so very easy to clean and refill. The drip tray and water tank are also dishwasher safe so easy to keep clean.

With room for two mugs to preheat on top of the machine, this little option has everything you need to brew great-tasting coffee.

Espresso Coffee Machine Cappuccino Maker

If you prefer your coffee maker to be a bit more automated then this Cappuccino maker by Jassy is the one for you. It has all the benefits of a semi automatic espresso machine but the milk frother is fully automatic.

This means you get to load up the portafilter, tamp it down, and then you just press a button to brew any kind of coffee. The milk is frothed in a tank attached to the machine and then delivered into your coffee cup.

The water tank is optimized to avoid leaks, dry burning, and the machine will switch itself off when not in use. With this machine, you have the option of brewing single or double espresso, cappuccino, and latte macchiato. It’s easy to use and has a self-cleaning cycle to save you the hassle.

Wirsh 15 Bar Espresso Maker with Commercial Steam Frother

Last up, this semi-automatic espresso maker is featured due to its neat design and functionality. It’s sleek and stylish with smooth, stainless steel housing and the drip tray comes away so you can brew into larger cups if you prefer.

Like most of our options listed, this one also comes with the option of single or double shot brewing with easy buttons controls for brewing. A 15 bar pump means you’ll always get the pressure just right for coffee brewing.

The slim design of this machine makes it easy to fit in any kitchen. It’s a great option if you’re short of space or new to espresso brewing. It works really well and is very easy to use.

Final Thoughts

So that’s it for budget espresso machines. Whether you’re looking to get brewing like a barista or if you’d prefer an easier to use, programmable option, there’s a budget machine for you. You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy delicious coffee as these fantastic choices give you everything you require!