Best Budget Espresso Machines

When you are looking for an espresso maker, choose one that produces rich, flavorful shots, and also that is able to steam milk efficiently. Some machines are fully automated and can do all of the work for you, but these typically sacrifice flavor and texture.

The De'Longhi Stilosa is an excellent simple option that's simple to use by beginners and doesn't take up a lot of counter space. It's also resistant to wear and tear.

Capresso EC50 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

The Capresso EC50 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine strikes an impressive balance between price and quality. It's affordable enough to be a great choice for beginners, yet it's robust and consistent enough that even experienced coffee drinkers will appreciate its strong flavor. It also comes with a milk frother that can be used to make cappuccinos or lattes in a matter of minutes.

When choosing an espresso maker, consider how often you'll use it and how many people will be enjoying your drinks. If you plan to make two or three cups per day, a single shot machine is sufficient. However, when you plan to serve coffee to guests frequently you might want an even larger capacity.

Some espresso machines come with a built in grinder and some require an additional unit. The latter is more convenient, but tends to produce less tasty coffee than the burr mill.

Select a model with a PID control. This feature electronically controls the temperature of the boiler, resulting in a more accurate and consistent results compared to mechanical thermostats.

A transparent water tank makes it easy to determine when it's time to refill and a brew chamber helps with cleanup. The machine can be directly connected to the water supply at your home to ensure a cleaner and more constant the brew.

CASABREWS' 3700Essential is great choice for those who want to begin making espresso without spending lots of money. Its performance isn't comparable to expensive models, but it is capable of producing strong shots with plenty of body and flavor. The machine's intuitive user interface is also simple to use.

A transparent, front-facing dial and a removable 42-ounce water reservoir are just a few of the features that make this espresso maker a great purchase. The machine also comes with two frothers, which can be switched between frothing and steaming (the first whips milk to make cappuccinos while the other injects hot air into milk to make lattes). The design of the water tank on this model is irritating. It's difficult to refill and can sometimes be awkwardly placed.

Breville Bambino Plus

The Bambino Plus is a great small machine that provides you with the ability to make cafe-quality lattes and espresso in your own home. It is simple to use and doesn't require any special knowledge or skills in coffee to operate, which makes it ideal for people who are new to making espresso.

It is equipped with several characteristics that help it distinguish itself from other machines that are priced at entry level. It comes with a PID that helps ensure precise temperature of the water during extraction. It employs a low-pressure pre-infusion method to extract the best flavor from your beans. It also has a fast warming time thanks to its ThermoJet system. This lets you start brewing in only three seconds. This can save you time in the morning, when you're trying to get ready.

Another great feature is that the Bambino Plus has a dedicated steam wand that can be used to make smooth, frothy and creamy milk for lattes and cappuccinos. It comes with two different settings for milk texture so you can customize the taste of your drink to your preferences. It can't produce the ultra-smooth microfoam that you can get from a professional machine but it still gives you some promising options as a beginner.


The Bambino Plus is an excellent little espresso machine. However it's not equipped with the same number of bells and whistles as Breville's more expensive models. It doesn't have a hot water spout, or a manual steaming option, and it only ships with filter baskets that are pressurized in North America. If you already own an espresso grinder that produces fine espresso grinds, this is an excellent alternative for those trying to get into espresso making at a low cost.

Its gimmicky appearance could put off some people however, the Bambino Plus is built well with real metal and precise tolerances. It is easy to clean, and it has built-in reminders to aid you in staying on the right track when cleaning and descaling. You will start saving money within a couple of weeks from expensive coffee shopping trips.

Philips 3200 Series

The Philips 3200 Series espresso machine is a great value price. It is a great choice for anyone who wants to cut down on the amount of trips they take to coffee shops and have control of the way their morning cup of coffee is prepared. This budget-friendly espresso maker is all-in-one, and has an integrated grinder and brew unit, as well as an automatic milk frother and hot water function. It also offers a range of beverage options, ranging including iced coffee, cappuccinos and lattes.

The machine is simple to operate and maintain. The My Coffee Choice feature allows you to alter the strength of your coffee according to your own preferences. The machine remembers your preferences for each drink. The machine is fitted with an AquaClean filtration system that, according to the company will keep it clean for up to 5,000 cups of espresso.

One disadvantage of this model is that it takes a little longer to brew shots than some other models. Although this isn't a huge issue, it could make some users uncomfortable. The grinder on the machine is a bit on the coarse side, which means it could require a larger size of a grinding chamber than other models.

Another advantage is the Philips 3200's programable timer which can be set to automatically start making coffee at certain time intervals. This is particularly beneficial for those with an active schedule. The machine includes a drip pan that is removable and can be taken off and cleaned quickly for faster cleanup. Philips comes with grease tubes to ensure that your brew unit is lubricated at minimum every two months.

The front-loading tank makes it easy to refill the machine. The reservoir can hold up to 1.7 gallon and the machine will inform you when to replace the filter or add water. The controls are simple to use and have a touchscreen interface. Its display will let you know when your coffee is ready, and various lights will show when the machine must be scaled down or if an error has occurred.

Hamilton Beach Espresso Maker

Hamilton Beach 40715 Espresso machine is a great choice for those looking to get the most value for their money. This budget-friendly machine lets you to make use of K-Cups, ground coffee, or pre-measured espresso pods. The built-in milk maker allows you to make lattes and cappuccinos that are of a high-quality café. This feature isn't often found in machines at this priced.

The 40715 is easy to use and maintain. The patented Slide and Lock Portafilter makes it easy to put in, lock into place, and then take your espresso out. A programmable clock lets you to set a particular time frame for brewing, ensuring that your espresso will always be ready when you need it. visit the next page -pause-and-serve function allows you to serve your espresso during brewing.

Another benefit of the 40715 is its convenient water tank with a large capacity. This can help you avoid needing refill your reservoir with water regularly, saving you both money and hassle. The machine's filter basket that is removable and dishwasher-safe components make it easy to clean and maintain.

The 40715 performs at the same level as other machines in its category. The 15-bar Italian pump helps to create a rich and flavorful espresso cup, while the adjustable steam control ensures that your beverages are always perfect. The timer that can be programmed and the automatic pause and serve function are other useful features.

While the Hamilton Beach 40715 has many positive aspects but there are a few things to consider before buying. One disadvantage is the small boiler capacity, which could cause water to cool too quickly, which can affect the extraction process. A permanent filter isn't included, so you might need to buy additional filters in the future.

Before purchasing take a look at the models at your local retailer. You can call ahead and ask whether the model you're looking for is in stock. Be sure to factor in shipping costs or the convenience of pick-up when you're shopping on the internet. If you're not pleased with your purchase, take advantage of the return policy provided by the retailer to exchange it for something else.