Best Budget Espresso Machines

When shopping for an espresso machine, choose one that can make rich, delicious shots and steams milk well. Some machines are completely automated and complete the job for you, but they often sacrifice taste and texture.

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

Capresso EC50 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

The Capresso EC50 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine strikes an impressive balance between quality and price. It's affordable enough to be a great choice for beginners but it's also robust and stable enough that even experienced espresso drinkers will be able to enjoy its bold flavor. It also comes with a versatile milk frother that can whip up lattes and cappuccinos in minutes.

Think about how many people you will serve your espresso to and how often you will make use of the machine. If you plan to make one or two cups of espresso per day, then a single-shot espresso machine will suffice. However, if you want to serve guests frequently, a larger capacity may be required.

Some espresso makers come with an integrated grinder, whereas others require a separate unit. This is more convenient, but it tends to produce a less tasty coffee than a burr mill.


If you want to get the best possible espresso, choose a model that has a PID controller. This feature is electronically controlled to regulate the temperature of the boiler, which gives an accurate and consistent result than a regular mechanical thermostat.

A transparent water tank allows you to see when to refill it, and the movable brewing chamber reduces cleaning time. The machine can also be connected directly to the water supply in your home to make a cleaner and more regular the brew.

The CASABREWS 3700Essential is a excellent option for those who want to get started with espresso making without spending a fortune. It's not as great as high-end machines, but it makes strong shots that are full of flavor and body. The machine's intuitive user interface is also simple to use.

This espresso maker is a fantastic purchase because it comes with a front-facing dial that is clear and has a removable water reservoir of 42 ounces. The dual frother can be switched between steaming to frothing. (The first one whips up milk for cappuccinos, while the latter injects heated air into milk in order to make lattes.) The design of the water tank of this particular model is a bit snooty It's difficult to fill and is awkwardly positioned.

Breville Bambino Plus

The Bambino Plus espresso machine is a small, compact machine that lets you make lattes and espresso of cafe quality at your own home. It is simple to use and doesn't require any special knowledge or expertise in the field of coffee making. This makes it perfect for people who are new to the art of espresso-making.

It comes with a few features that distinguish it against other entry-level models. For instance, it comes with an PID that helps ensure that the temperature of the water is accurate during extraction. It employs a low-pressure pre-infusion method to extract the best flavor from your beans. ThermoJet technology allows for rapid heating. This allows you to begin brewing in only three seconds. espresso machine with milk frother can save your time in the morning when you're trying to get ready.

Another good thing 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 settings for milk texture, so you can alter the taste of the flavor of your drink to your preferences. It can't produce the ultra-smooth, microfoam you get from a professional blender, but it still gives you some promising options as a beginner.

The Bambino Plus is an excellent small espresso machine. However, it does not have the same number of bells and whistles as Breville's more expensive models. It does not have an spout for hot water as well as steaming by hand. It only ships in North America with pressurized baskets. However, if you already have a good grinder that can make an espresso with a fine grind, this is an ideal alternative for those looking to begin espresso at a reasonable cost.

The Bambino Plus may look like toys but it's constructed from real metal. It also has extremely tight tolerances. It is easy to clean and comes with built-in reminders that help you stay on track when cleaning and descaling. You will start saving money after a few weeks from expensive coffee shopping trips.

Philips 3200 Series

The Philips 3200 Series fully automatic espresso machine provides a lot of functionality for the price. It's a great option for those looking to reduce cafe coffeehouse trips and gain control of your morning cup of joe. This budget-friendly, all-in-one espresso maker includes an integrated grinder and brew unit, as well as an automatic milk frother and hot water function. It also offers a range of drink options, from cappuccinos to iced coffee and lattes.

The machine is easy to use and maintain. The My Coffee Choice feature allows you to adjust the strength of your beverage according to your own preferences. The machine will remember your preferences for every drink. The machine also features an AquaClean filter, which the company says will keep it free of scale buildup for up to 5 000 cups of coffee.

This model has a downside in that it takes more time to make the shots than other models. While that's not a big issue, it could cause some users to be uncomfortable. The grinder on the machine is slightly on the coarse side, and may require a higher grind size than some other models.

The Philips 3200 also has an adjustable timer which can be programmed to automatically begin brewing coffee at a specific time. This can be particularly helpful for busy schedules. The machine includes an adjustable drip pan that can be taken off and cleaned easily for a quicker clean-up. It's important to lubricate the brew system every two months. Philips provides a grease tube with the machine.

Another great feature is the front-loading water tank that makes refilling the machine a breeze. The reservoir can hold up to 1.7 gallons, and the machine can inform you when it's time to change the filter or add more water. The controls are easy to use and have a touchscreen interface. The display will inform you when your coffee is ready, and various lights will let you know when the machine needs to be descaled 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 for their money. This budget-friendly model comes with the ability to use both ground coffee and K-Cups or pre-measured soft espresso pods, giving you the most versatility. A built-in milk frother also lets you make cafe-quality cappuccinos and lattes, another feature not commonly found in machines at this price.

The 40715 is simple to use and maintain. Its patent-pending Slide and Lock portafilter makes it simple to insert, lock in place, and then extract your espresso with ease. A programmable clock allows you to set a specific brewing period, so that your espresso will always be ready when you need it. The auto-pause-and-serve feature allows you to pour your espresso mid-brew.

The 40715's huge water tank is a further benefit. This can help you avoid needing to refill your reservoir frequently, which will save you both time and money. In addition the dishwasher-safe components and a filter basket that is removable make it easy to clean and maintain.

In terms of performance the 40715 is at par with other machines in this category. The 15-bar Italian espresso machine makes an incredibly flavorful, rich cup of coffee. The adjustable steam control ensures that your coffee is perfect every time. The programmable timer as well as the automatic pause and serve function are other useful features.

While the Hamilton Beach 40715 has many positive attributes however, there are some things to consider before making a purchase. One disadvantage is the limited boiler capacity, which could cause water to cool too quickly and spoil the extraction process. Another concern is the lack of a permanent filter, which may require you to purchase additional filters in the future.

Before making a purchase, check out the options at your local shop. You can also call ahead to see if they have the specific model you're looking for. Be sure to factor in shipping costs or the convenience of pick-up if you're ordering on the internet. If you're not happy with your purchase, you can always avail a retailer's return policy to exchange the item for a different one that's more suitable.