Espresso machines bring the café experience into your home, letting you enjoy rich, strong coffee any time you want. They work by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee to produce a concentrated shot called espresso. For many people, having an espresso machine is a way to save money and customize drinks without going to a coffee shop.
When looking for an espresso machine under $200, you want something that balances quality and affordability. These machines often are compact and simpler than professional models but can still deliver good espresso shots. They may include basic features like a steaming wand or straightforward controls, making them suitable for beginners or those on a budget.
The key things to pay attention to are the build quality, ease of use, and the ability to control water temperature and pressure. These factors affect the taste and consistency of your espresso. Maintenance and cleaning are also important because they help the machine last longer. We tested several models to find the best espresso machines under $200 that brew good coffee and are easy to use and maintain.
Best Espresso Machines Under $200
We have reviewed many espresso machines to find the best options that cost less than $200. Our list includes reliable, easy-to-use machines that deliver good coffee without breaking the bank. These models offer great value for anyone looking to enjoy espresso at home.
CASABREWS Espresso Machine
This machine gives solid espresso and milk frothing for under $200, making it a smart choice for beginners and casual drinkers.
Pros
- Makes espresso with good crema and rich flavor
- Strong steam wand for frothing milk well
- Compact and stylish stainless steel design
Cons
- Needs cooling time after frothing milk
- Preset portafilter limits espresso customization
- Takes time to learn pressure adjustments
We found this espresso maker easy to use right out of the box. The 20-bar pump pushes excellent shots with lovely crema, and the steam wand creates creamy foam that really lifts lattes and cappuccinos. It’s clear the machine is built well, with a stainless steel surface that cleans up quickly.
The removable water tank makes refills simple, and it fits well in small kitchens or offices. One thing we noticed is the machine needs a break to cool down after steaming milk, which slows us down a bit when making multiple drinks. Also, the included portafilter is pressurized, so experimenting with grind size and tamp pressure is limited.
Overall, it’s a great entry model. The pressure gauge helps us learn how to tweak extractions. For anyone wanting decent espresso and frothy milk without spending a lot, the CASABREWS is a practical choice that performs better than expected for the price.
CASABREWS 3700 Espresso Machine
This espresso machine offers solid coffee quality and a decent milk frothing system for its price, making it a strong choice under $200.
Pros
- Consistent espresso shots with good flavor extraction
- Powerful steam wand for creamy milk froth
- Compact design fits well in small kitchens
Cons
- Sometimes the double shot doesn’t auto stop
- Learning curve to get perfect milk foam
- Water tank needs careful filling to avoid spills
We found the CASABREWS 3700 easy to set up right out of the box, especially thanks to clear instructions. Using the 20-bar pressure system makes the espresso strong and aromatic, closer to what you expect from a coffee shop. The shots pull consistently once you get the hang of tamping and dosing.
The milk frothing wand worked well, producing rich and creamy foam for lattes and cappuccinos. It took a few tries to get the technique right, but the result stayed steady after practice. The machine’s size is a big plus. It fits nicely on our counter without taking up much room, which is handy for tight kitchens.
Some minor frustrations surfaced with the double shot option occasionally not stopping automatically, so we had to watch closely during brewing. Also, the removable water tank is convenient but spills if we’re not careful when refilling. Overall, for under $200, this machine gives good value for anyone wanting a semi-automatic espresso setup at home or office.
Atatix Espresso Machine
This espresso machine offers great value for those who want espresso and milk drinks at home without spending a lot.
Pros
- Strong 20 bar pump makes good espresso extraction
- Easy-to-use milk frother adds creamy foam
- Compact size fits small kitchens well
Cons
- Can be a bit noisy when brewing
- Takes some time to warm up before use
- Cleaning the milk frother needs extra care
We found the Atatix espresso machine delivers solid shots with good crema thanks to its 20 bar pressure system. It feels sturdy with a stainless steel body that looks sharp on the counter. Brewing coffee was simple, and the dual shot options let us adjust strength easily.
The milk frother worked well to make rich, smooth froth that improved cappuccinos and lattes. Though it’s not a commercial machine, the frother’s performance was better than expected for the price. You can also customize your extraction time if you want stronger or lighter coffee.
Cleaning is generally straightforward, but the frother needs attention so milk doesn’t clog it. The machine warms up automatically but can take a minute longer than some pricier models. For a budget machine, it’s reliable and compact, perfect for home or small office use.
De’Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine
This espresso maker offers solid performance for its price and is a good choice for those starting to make espresso at home.
Pros
- Makes rich espresso with good pressure
- Manual frother creates creamy milk foam
- Compact and easy to clean design
Cons
- Takes some time to master tamping and frothing
- Not ideal for heavy daily use or large batches
- US voltage only, may not work outside the US
We found the 15 bar pump delivers consistent espresso shots with a nice crema. The manual steam wand requires practice but helps make authentic cappuccinos and lattes once you get the hang of it.
The machine’s stainless steel boiler feels sturdy and heats up fairly quickly. Cleaning is simple since the parts are accessible, and the small footprint fits well on most kitchen counters.
While it isn’t meant for commercial use, this machine is a great value for hobbyist espresso lovers who want a hands-on experience without spending too much. The included tamper and two filter options let us control the brewing easily.
CASABREWS 5418 PRO Espresso Machine
This espresso machine is a solid choice for those who want quick brewing and strong steam performance without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Heats up very fast, saving time
- Steam wand creates creamy milk foam quickly
- Compact design fits well in small kitchens
Cons
- Pressure gauge glass fogs during use
- Needs both hands to secure portafilter firmly
- Coffee temperature can be less hot than expected
We appreciated how fast the CASABREWS 5418 PRO reached brewing temperature. It took only a few seconds, which meant less waiting and more fresh coffee. The steam wand was powerful and turned milk into smooth foam almost instantly, great for cappuccinos or lattes.
The machine is easy to use despite being semi-automatic. It fits nicely on our counter without taking too much space. However, we did notice the pressure gauge sometimes fogged up, making it harder to read while brewing.
On the downside, locking the portafilter required both hands and felt a bit tricky due to the machine’s light weight. Also, the coffee didn’t always come out piping hot, so preheating cups separately is a good idea.
Overall, this espresso maker offers excellent speed and decent quality for under $200. It works well for those wanting decent espresso with quick milk frothing in a small package.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best espresso machine under $200, we need to focus on a few key features. These features affect the machine’s performance, ease of use, and the quality of espresso we get.
First, pressure is very important. Espresso needs at least 9 bars of pressure to extract flavor well. Machines with lower pressure may produce weaker coffee.
Next, consider the water reservoir size. A bigger tank means we can make more cups before refilling. This is helpful if we drink espresso often or serve guests.
We should also look at the ease of cleaning. Machines that are easy to clean save us time and help keep the espresso tasting fresh.
Heating time is another factor. Some machines heat up quickly, so we don’t have to wait long to brew. This is good when we need a fast cup of coffee.
Lastly, think about the size and design. A compact machine fits better in small kitchens. Also, choose a design that matches our style and is easy to use.
| Feature | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure | Around 9 bars | Proper espresso extraction |
| Water Reservoir | Larger if making many cups | Less frequent refilling |
| Ease of Cleaning | Removable parts and simple design | Maintains taste and saves time |
| Heating Time | Quick heating time | Convenience |
| Size & Design | Compact and user-friendly | Fits kitchen and simple use |
