Espresso machines are popular for making strong, concentrated coffee quickly at home. They use pressure to force hot water through finely ground coffee, creating a thick, rich shot of espresso. Many people enjoy espresso for its bold flavor and the base it provides for drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
Inexpensive espresso machines give you a way to enjoy espresso without spending a lot. These machines usually have simpler designs and fewer features than high-end models. While they might not be perfect for coffee experts, they can deliver good espresso for everyday use.
When choosing an inexpensive espresso machine, it’s important to look at factors like build quality, ease of use, and how well the machine controls temperature and pressure. Size and maintenance needs also matter, especially if you have limited space or want an easy-clean machine. Understanding these points helps you pick a machine that fits your routine and budget. Next, I’ll share what I found to be the best inexpensive espresso machines.
Best Inexpensive Espresso Machines
I have tested several budget-friendly espresso machines to find the best options. These machines offer solid performance without costing too much. Below, you will find my top picks for value and quality.
IMUSA Espresso Maker
I would recommend this espresso maker for anyone wanting a simple, affordable way to make espresso and cappuccinos at home.
Pros
- Easy to brew up to 4 cups at once
- Includes milk frother for cappuccinos
- Simple to clean with removable drip tray
Cons
- Plastic exterior feels less sturdy
- Manual operation may take practice
- Water tank is small, refills often needed
This IMUSA machine offers a straightforward espresso experience without extra features that add cost. It’s compact and lets you prepare a few cups quickly. The milk frother helps if you like creamy drinks like cappuccinos.
The build uses plastic casing, which keeps it lightweight but not as durable. The unit is manual, meaning you need to control it yourself. This may be a downside for those who want a hands-off option.
Cleaning is made easier by the removable drip tray and filter. Just keep in mind the water tank is not large, so expect to refill if making multiple drinks. Overall, this is a budget-friendly choice for fresh espresso at home.
Chefman CraftBrew Espresso Machine
This espresso machine offers strong coffee and easy milk frothing at a low price, making it a solid choice for those on a budget.
Pros
- Brews rich espresso with a 15-bar pump
- Includes a milk frother for lattes and cappuccinos
- Compact design with a removable water tank
Cons
- Frother sometimes does not heat milk enough
- Pressure gauge may not always reach ideal levels
- May produce weaker espresso if not used correctly
The Chefman CraftBrew is designed to give you café-style espresso without needing a big machine or a high price. Its 15-bar pump helps create bold coffee with good crema. You can make single or double shots with simple controls that let you change how strong or mild your coffee is.
The built-in milk frother adds convenience, letting you make cappuccinos and lattes at home. The frother works well for heating milk, but sometimes it may not reach the best temperature for thick froth. Still, it is easy to clean and fits nicely next to your other kitchen tools with its stainless-steel look.
I like how the water tank is large and removable. It means less filling up and quick cleaning. This machine is a good pick if you want quality espresso without spending a lot, as long as you don’t mind some small trade-offs in milk heating and pressure control.
De’Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine
This espresso machine is a solid choice for those who want a simple and durable device to make good espresso at home without spending too much.
Pros
- Compact and sleek design fits well on most kitchen counters
- Powerful 15-bar pump for good espresso extraction
- Manual steam wand helps create creamy milk froth
Cons
- Requires some effort to master manual frothing
- Not suitable for very tall cups, despite two level cup holder
- Could be tricky to use filters not designed for this model
The Stilosa packs a lot in a small size, so it won’t take up much space on your counter. It also looks good with its stainless steel details and black finish.
The 15 bar pump is a strong point. It provides the right pressure to get rich espresso shots every time. Having both single and double filters is helpful for making the amount you want.
Milk frothing needs practice but can deliver nice foam for lattes or cappuccinos. The machine also comes with a sturdy tamper that helps get a good coffee puck for better taste. Cleaning is fairly simple, which is important for keeping it working well over time.
De’Longhi Linea Classic
I think this espresso machine is a solid choice for anyone who wants quality coffee without a lot of extra features or complexity.
Pros
- Steady 15-bar pressure for good espresso extraction
- Easy to use presets for single or double shots
- Compact design fits well in small kitchens
Cons
- No option to control water temperature manually
- Steam wand can be tricky for beginners
- Might be louder than some expect
The De’Longhi Linea Classic offers reliable pressure to pull espresso shots that taste close to café quality. It has a simple, clean Italian design that doesn’t take up much space. The machine’s temperature control uses smart technology to heat water quickly and keep it steady.
I found the preset buttons useful because they take the guesswork out of measuring coffee shots. The steam wand has two settings which can create smooth milk froth and microfoam. This makes it a good fit for anyone who likes lattes or cappuccinos but doesn’t want to master complicated frothing.
Some users mention that the machine doesn’t let you adjust water temperature, which can affect the flavor. Also, if you’re new to frothing milk, it may take some trial and error. Overall, it balances quality and simplicity well for the price.
CASABREWS Espresso Machine
I find this espresso maker a solid choice for anyone wanting good coffee with milk frothing without paying too much.
Pros
- Easy to get rich espresso with a nice crema
- Powerful steam wand for creamy milk froth
- Compact, stainless steel design fits small spaces
Cons
- Needs cooling time after steaming milk
- Can be tricky to adjust pressure and grind
- Water tank size might require frequent refills for multiple cups
This machine delivers strong 20-bar pressure shots that bring out a good flavor. The milk frother lets me create lattes and cappuccinos with smooth foam. It looks sharp in stainless steel and doesn’t take much counter space.
I noticed you have to wait a bit after frothing milk before making espresso again to avoid overheating. Some patience is important to get the perfect balance of pressure and taste.
For those new to espresso, the machine may require some practice to dial in the settings correctly. Still, it’s a good compact unit for home or office use, especially at its price.
Buying Guide
When I look for an inexpensive espresso machine, the first thing I check is the type of machine. There are manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic machines. Manual ones give you control but need skill. Automatic machines are easier but may cost more.
Next, I focus on the build quality. Even a budget machine should feel solid and durable. Plastic parts are common, but I prefer machines with at least some metal components for longer use.
The water reservoir size matters. A bigger tank means fewer refills. I usually look for a machine with at least 40 ounces of capacity if I make coffee often.
I always check the boiler system. Machines with a single boiler can overheat quickly, so a thermoblock or dual boiler is better. It keeps the water temperature steady for good espresso.
Steam wand quality is important if I want milk drinks. A strong steam wand helps froth milk better. Some machines have automatic frothers, but manual wands usually give better results.
Here’s a quick table of key features I consider:
| Feature | What I Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Machine Type | Semi or fully automatic | Ease of use |
| Build Quality | Metal parts preferred | Durability |
| Water Tank Size | 40 oz or more | Fewer refills |
| Boiler System | Thermoblock or dual boiler | Consistent temperature |
| Steam Wand | Strong manual or automatic frother | Better milk frothing |
I also make sure the machine has easy controls. Simple buttons or knobs help avoid confusion. Cleaning should be straightforward, too, since maintenance affects how long the machine lasts.
