Espresso machines bring the rich taste of coffee shops into our homes. They work by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee to create a concentrated and flavorful shot. While professional machines can be costly, many models now offer good quality without a high price.
For those on a budget, an espresso machine under $200 can deliver decent results. These machines often combine ease of use with features like built-in milk frothers and compact designs. They are suitable for beginners and casual drinkers who want to enjoy espresso without spending too much.
When choosing an espresso machine in this price range, there are a few key factors to consider. Coffee quality, pressure level, and ease of cleaning are important. Durability and extras like frothing ability also matter, since these affect how satisfying and convenient the machine is in daily use. We tested several machines to find the best espresso makers under $200 that deliver good taste and value.
Top 3 Espresso Machine: Comparison
We looked at three popular espresso machines under $200 to help you make a smart choice. Each has its strengths and fits different needs.
| Feature | De’Longhi EC155 | Mr. Coffee 69 SEC | Nespresso Essenza Mini |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Around $170 | Around $110 | Around $180 |
| Type | Pump | Pump | Capsule |
| Ease of Use | Moderate | Easy | Very Easy |
| Espresso Quality | Good | Decent | Consistent |
| Size | Compact | Larger | Small |
| Milk Frother | Yes | No | No |
The De’Longhi EC155 has a built-in steam wand for frothing milk, making it good for lattes or cappuccinos. It takes a bit more practice but delivers rich espresso.
The Mr. Coffee 69 SEC is simple and affordable. It’s best if you want a no-frills machine to make espresso quickly. It lacks a frother, so you will miss milk options.
The Nespresso Essenza Mini uses pods for easy, mess-free brewing. It has the smallest footprint and works well if you want consistent espresso without grinding beans. Milk frothing needs a separate device.
We recommend thinking about what is most important: operation ease, frothing, or compactness. Each machine meets different needs under $200.
Best Espresso Machines Under $200
We have tested and researched many espresso machines to find the best options under $200. Our list includes reliable, easy-to-use machines that deliver great coffee without breaking the bank. These picks offer good value for anyone looking to make espresso at home.
CASABREWS Espresso Machine
This espresso machine is a solid choice for anyone wanting good coffee at home without spending too much.
Pros
- Makes rich espresso with good crema
- Steam wand creates nice milk froth
- Compact and fits well in small kitchens
Cons
- Needs time to cool down after frothing milk
- Hot water function is a bit slow
- Pressurized portafilter limits some brewing options
We liked how the CASABREWS handled espresso shots. The coffee turned out smooth, and the crema layer made the drinks look like they’re from a café. The 20 bar pressure really helps pull great flavor out of the coffee grounds.
Using the steam wand, we were able to make creamy milk foam that improved our lattes. It’s not the strongest wand, but it does a good job for standard espresso drinks. The compact design meant it didn’t take much space on our countertop, which is great for small kitchens or apartments.
However, the machine needs a cool down period after frothing milk. Ignoring this caused it to enter an overheat protection mode a couple of times. Also, using hot water took longer than we expected, which is a minor inconvenience. The portafilter is pressurized, limiting some creative brewing styles, but for most users, it’s not a big deal.
Overall, this machine offers excellent value for its price if you want a reliable espresso maker with steam frothing.
HiBREW Espresso Machine
This machine offers great control and solid build quality for anyone wanting a good espresso without spending over $200.
Pros
- Strong 20Bar pressure for a rich espresso
- Customizable settings for temperature and shot size
- Durable stainless steel body that’s easy to clean
Cons
- Steam wand is a bit small and tricky to froth milk consistently
- Needs smooth surface for suction cups to hold well
- Can trigger “Hot” protection if you froth milk first
We found the HiBREW easy to operate right out of the box. The 20Bar pump delivers a nice crema, and adjusting temperature and shot volume lets us try different coffee styles. The controls are straightforward, which helps if you’re new to making espresso.
The stainless steel frame looks sleek and feels sturdy. Cleaning is simple since fingerprints don’t show much. However, the steam wand is smaller than expected. While you can create foam for lattes, it takes some patience to get it consistent.
One thing to note: frothing milk before pulling espresso can cause the machine to overheat and pause. We recommend making your espresso first to avoid interruptions. Overall, this machine fits well for those who want basic but customizable espresso options without a big price tag.
De’Longhi ECP3630 Espresso Machine
This espresso machine offers solid home brewing for good espresso and creamy cappuccinos without overspending.
Pros
- Brews strong espresso with adjustable settings
- Creates creamy milk froth for cappuccinos and lattes
- Compact design fits easily on most kitchen counters
Cons
- Takes time to master the right coffee grind and dose
- Water tank is small and needs frequent refilling
- Some parts require regular cleaning to avoid clogging
We found this De’Longhi model reliable for everyday use. It handles single and double shots well, and the frother adds good texture to milk. It’s nice that it keeps the right temperature for back-to-back cups without waiting.
The machine’s metal design feels sturdy, and the removable water tank makes refilling easy—though we wished it held more water. Adjusting the drip tray for taller cups was helpful when making bigger drinks.
Cleaning takes a little effort, especially the frother and drip tray, but it’s manageable. Overall, it’s a strong choice if you want decent espresso and milk drinks at home without spending more than $200.
CHULUX Slim Espresso Machine
We recommend this espresso machine if you want a compact, easy-to-use device that makes strong espresso and good milk foam without spending too much.
Pros
- Fast heating, ready in about 30 seconds
- Powerful 20-bar Italian pump for rich espresso
- Compact design fits small kitchens or offices
Cons
- Steam wand takes some practice for perfect froth
- Plastic parts feel less durable than metal
- Water tank size means refills for multiple drinks
The CHULUX Slim Espresso Machine heats up quickly, which saves time in the morning when we just want a quick espresso shot. The 20-bar pump really hits the spot for that strong, flavorful coffee with a nice crema.
Using the steam wand to froth milk is simple but requires a bit of skill to get creamy foam for cappuccinos or lattes. We liked the compact size since it fits nicely on a crowded kitchen counter without taking up too much space.
Overall, this espresso machine made it easy to enjoy café-style coffee at home without complicated steps. It feels sturdy enough for regular use, though some plastic components could be tougher. The water tank holds enough for a few cups but needs refilling if you make multiple drinks in a row.
Atatix Espresso Machine
This espresso machine offers excellent value with strong pressure and a reliable milk frother, making it a solid choice for home espresso lovers on a budget.
Pros
- Powerful 20-bar pressure delivers rich, flavorful espresso
- Milk frother produces creamy, smooth foam
- Compact design fits well in small kitchens
Cons
- Cleaning the machine can be a bit time-consuming
- Some parts feel mostly plastic rather than metal
- Manual settings may have a short learning curve
Brewing on this machine felt straightforward once we got used to the controls. The 20-bar pump really makes a difference in extracting good flavor compared to other budget models. Espresso tasted bold with a nice crema on top.
The milk frother worked well for making lattes and cappuccinos. It creates a velvety foam that helped us enjoy café-style drinks at home. The compact size is a plus if you don’t have much counter space.
On the downside, cleanup took some extra effort because of the removable parts. It’s mainly plastic but feels sturdy enough for daily use. Overall, this machine is a dependable option if you want a professional-style espresso without spending over $200.
Gevi 20 Bar Espresso Machine
If we want a solid espresso maker under $200 that delivers good coffee and smooth milk froth, the Gevi machine is a smart choice.
Pros
- Powerful 20-bar pump for rich coffee extraction
- Strong steam wand creates creamy microfoam fast
- Compact stainless steel design fits nicely on any counter
Cons
- Takes some time to learn how to get the best shot
- Water tank could be larger for frequent use
- Slightly noisy during steaming process
The Gevi espresso machine feels sturdy and well-built when using it. It really shines with its milk frother. The steam wand turns milk into a silky foam quickly, which is great for cappuccinos at home. We liked how the controls are simple enough without too many confusing buttons.
Brewing espresso with this machine gave us deeper flavors than some other budget machines we tried. The built-in pressure gauge helps monitor extraction so shots do not taste weak or burnt. It’s convenient to make Americano or hot water for tea right after.
One drawback is the tank size, which means refilling often if you make many cups. Also, the steam wand makes a bit of noise but not enough to disrupt the kitchen. Overall, this is a reliable espresso maker that gives good value for under $200.
IMUSA Espresso Maker
This espresso machine is a solid choice for anyone wanting a simple, affordable way to make espresso and cappuccino at home.
Pros
- Makes up to four espresso shots at once
- Easy to clean with removable drip tray
- Comes with built-in milk frother
Cons
- Exterior can feel a bit cheap due to plastic build
- Manual operation means a learning curve
- Water reservoir is small, needs frequent refills
We found the IMUSA Espresso Maker easy to use after a few tries. It heats up quickly and brews espresso that tastes better than you might expect for the price. The four-cup capacity is great when making coffee for friends or family.
The milk frother works well enough to make creamy cappuccinos. It isn’t fancy but gives a nice foam that holds up well. Cleanup is straightforward thanks to the removable parts, which helps keep our kitchen tidy.
One downside is the plastic body, which feels less sturdy compared to metal machines. It also demands manual control, so some patience helps with getting your desired coffee strength. The small water tank means we top it off frequently, but this is common in this price range.
Overall, it fits well for us as a budget-friendly espresso option that still produces good coffee and lets us enjoy homemade drinks.
CASABREWS 3700 Espresso Machine
This espresso machine offers a solid home brewing experience with strong pressure and a useful milk frother for under $200.
Pros
- Powerful 20-bar pump delivers rich espresso shots
- Milk frother creates creamy foam for lattes and cappuccinos
- Compact stainless steel design fits well in small kitchens
Cons
- Takes time to learn frothing technique for best milk texture
- Water tank is decent size but a bit tricky to detach
- No pressure gauge to monitor extraction during brewing
We found the CASABREWS 3700 delivers good flavor thanks to its strong pump. The coffee comes out hot and aromatic, which surprised us at this price point. The espresso is thicker than many cheaper models, making it a good choice for those who enjoy rich shots.
Using the steam wand was fun but needed some practice to get the milk foam just right. It creates nice micro-foam that can improve your drinks, though beginners might need a few tries. Cleaning the wand after use is necessary but straightforward.
Space in our kitchen was saved by the compact footprint. The brushed stainless steel looks clean and modern. The water tank holds enough to brew a few cups before needing a refill, though removing it requires a little care. Overall, it’s a reliable machine for everyday espresso lovers on a budget.
Neretva Espresso Machine
This machine offers a solid espresso experience with good pressure and temperature controls for under $200.
Pros
- Strong 20-bar pressure for rich espresso
- Accurate temperature control with visible display
- Compact size fits easily in small kitchens
Cons
- Plastic parts feel less durable
- Takes time to master the steam wand
- Water tank is removable but not very large
We found the Neretva espresso machine easy to use once we got familiar with its functions. The temperature display helped us keep track during brewing, giving a consistent taste that was better than many budget models.
The steam wand worked fine for frothing milk, but it needed a few tries to get nice foam for latte art. It’s not perfect for experts but does enough for everyday coffee lovers who want cappuccinos or lattes.
Size-wise, this machine fits well on a small counter without much space taken. It’s mostly stainless steel, which looks sleek but also has some plastic parts that feel less sturdy. Overall, it’s a reliable option if you want a good espresso maker without spending too much.
Shardor Espresso Machine
This espresso machine offers solid coffee quality and useful features at a budget-friendly price.
Pros
- Easy to use with a clear touchscreen
- Produces rich espresso with good milk froth
- Compact design fits well in small spaces
Cons
- Temperature control can be tricky to get right
- Buttons take some time to understand
- Limited steam wand reach for larger cups
We found the Shardor espresso machine straightforward to set up and nice to look at in the kitchen. The touchscreen made it simple to choose single or double shots, and the milk frother gave us creamy foam that improved our lattes and cappuccinos.
The espresso flavor was strong, thanks to the 20-bar pressure system. However, adjusting the temperature was less intuitive, and sometimes the coffee didn’t come out as hot as expected. We recommend warming up your cup beforehand.
Cleanup is easy with the removable water tank and drip tray. Overall, the Shardor hits well above its price point if you want a machine for home or office use without spending a lot.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best espresso machine under $200, we focus on key features that matter most for quality and ease of use. It is important to know what you need before you buy.
First, check the type of machine. Manual machines let us control brewing time and pressure but need more skill. Automatic machines are easier and faster but may limit customization.
Next, look for brew pressure. A good espresso needs about 9 bars of pressure. Machines with less may not extract full flavor from the coffee grounds.
We also consider water temperature control. Consistent heat helps make a better espresso. Some machines offer adjustable temperature settings, which is a useful feature.
The steam wand is crucial if we want to make milk-based drinks like lattes or cappuccinos. Keep in mind the ease of cleaning the wand and how well it froths milk.
Size and build quality matter too. Smaller machines save counter space. Machines with stainless steel parts usually last longer than plastic ones.
| Feature | Why It Matters | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Brew Pressure | Extracts espresso well | Around 9 bars |
| Water Temperature | Consistency in brewing | Adjustable or stable heating |
| Steam Wand | For milk frothing | Easy to use and clean |
| Size & Build | Fits your space, lasts longer | Compact, strong materials |
Finally, check the ease of cleaning. Machines with removable parts save us time. Also, look for simple controls if we want to avoid a learning curve.
FAQS
What should we expect from an espresso machine under $200?
We can expect basic features that make good espresso without extra tools. These machines usually have smaller tanks and simpler controls. They still deliver strong coffee but might lack some advanced settings.
Are these machines easy to clean?
Yes, most models under $200 are designed for easy cleaning. We usually need to remove parts like the portafilter and drip tray. Regular cleaning helps keep the machine working well.
Can we use pre-ground coffee or only pods?
Most budget espresso machines allow us to use pre-ground coffee. Some might also accept pods, but ground coffee is more common in this price range. This gives us flexibility in choosing our beans.
How fast do these machines make espresso?
They generally take 3 to 5 minutes to heat up and brew. While not as quick as high-end machines, they still save time compared to manual brewing methods.
| Feature | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Boiler Type | Usually single boiler |
| Pressure | Around 15 bars (ideal) |
| Milk Frother | Basic steam wand or none |
Are these machines durable?
They can last for years with proper care. We should avoid overuse and follow the maintenance steps. Materials might be plastic or metal, so durability varies among models.
Conclusion
We found that there are good espresso machines available under $200 that offer solid performance for everyday use. These machines provide a balance between price and quality, making them suitable for people who want decent coffee without spending too much.
When choosing the best option, we suggest looking at features like ease of use, durability, and the quality of the espresso shot. Simple controls and a reliable steam wand are important if you enjoy milk-based drinks like cappuccinos or lattes.
Here is a quick checklist to help us decide:
- Price under $200
- Good build quality
- Consistent espresso extraction
- User-friendly controls
- Capability to steam milk
Remember, some machines might lack advanced features found in costly models but can still meet daily espresso needs. Our main goal is to find a reliable, affordable option that works well in a home setting.
We encourage testing a few machines if possible. This hands-on experience helps us understand which machine fits our routine and taste preferences best.
By focusing on practical features and real-world use, we can confidently select an espresso machine that delivers value without overspending.
