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A cup of coffee doesn’t have to be expensive. Make the best quality espresso in the comfort of your own home with our list of budget espresso makers in this article!
Who doesn’t love a good cup of coffee?
But all coffee lovers know the pain of having to go to a coffee shop. It can get expensive, and you have to deal with a lot of people around you just to enjoy your morning brew.
Most espresso makers today are expensive, too. But what if we tell you there’s a budget espresso machine out there that can fit your needs?
All these budget espresso machines we’ve rounded up are under $125 in this article. Yes, you can have the best brew for cheap! Let’s dive in:
An espresso is an Italian method of coffee-brewing! Through 9-10 pressure bars and nearly boiling water, finely-ground coffee beans result in a thick cup of coffee. You know it’s a good espresso if there’s a layer of cream or crema on top.
If you want to wake up or chase the drowsiness away, an espresso machine is a good investment. Espresso shots contain more caffeine than other coffee beverages due to the process involved and smaller serving size.
How espresso makers work is pretty straightforward. First, water comes from a reservoir and a boiler comes into the picture to add heat. Pressurized water comes from the pump, which gives around 9 pressure bars.
The pressurized water mixes with the tightly ground coffee beans to create the creamy coffee we know. Aside from machine itself that can brew espresso, most espresso machines come with a steam wand for frothing milk and steaming hot water. That way, you have something for your latte or cappuccino cravings!
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The Cyetus Espresso Machine has everything you need for a good coffee brew under $100. Start by pre-heating your glasses in the cup warm-up rack that this espresso machine offers!
Then, add water, tamp your coffee grounds, install the portafiler, and let the 15 bars of pressure do their magic.
You don’t have to worry too much about getting the temperature right. The PBC intelligent temp control provides an accurate way for you to get the temperature you need for your coffee.
Plus, with the two-in-one filter holder, you can make two shots of espresso at once! You can transform this budget espresso machine to a latte and cappuccino maker with the steam wand, too.
Convenience also reigns supreme with this espresso maker. The two-in-one detachable holder can be cleaned easily — and you can use taller cups if you want to as well!
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If you want convenient, quality espresso, the Mixpresso Espresso Machine is the one for you. This coffee maker is compatible with all espresso pods. If you’re a fan of Nespresso, this line of affordable espresso machines is definitely for you!
It’s also for people who have limited counter space, or a small kitchen in general. The design of this affordable espresso machine is compact and lightweight, but it carries a large, detachable tank for you to fill up.
If you’re in a rush, you only have to touch one button in this coffee maker to get your caffeine cravings satisfied. Within twenty-five to thirty seconds, you can get your cup of coffee — with Short and Long shot options!
Each pod will be carefully extracted and will be full of flavor with 19 bars of pressure. The result is a hand-crafted barista-style shot. After you’re done, you can clean up easily with the removable dripping tray, and the automatic shut-off will make sure you save electricity.
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Get the perfect coffee cup every morning with the Bonsenkitchen 20-bar espresso machine. While compact, the actual espresso maker is deep, so you can save on space without sacrificing the opportunity for quality espresso.
It’s perfect for those who want a cup of coffee but constantly has to contend with busy mornings. The advanced rapid heating system makes sure you have a quick cup of coffee before you go to work.
There are two separate temperature systems, too. With the water thermostat and steam wand, you can make everything from lattes to mocha drinks!
Need to do something before fully savoring your coffee? The heated metal plate serves as a cup warmer, too. Clean up quick with the removable drip tray — or adjust it to accommodate larger glasses.
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With the SHARDOR Espresso Machine, you’re prioritized first. This coffee maker goes above and beyond to give you the tastiest espresso possible! The 15-bar pump makes brewing espresso a treat — you know you’re getting the most flavor and crema out of this best budget espresso machine.
As far as coffee makers go, this one is also quite versatile. It includes a steam wand to froth milk, so you can make lattes and cappuccinos on the go.
You don’t have to worry about accidentally messing up your coffee, either. The SHARDOR Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker comes with overheat and over-pressure protection to make sure you’re never missing out on the best possible flavors.
Entertaining people, or need more caffeine than usual? This coffee maker can accommodate up to two shots of espresso!
Plus, this inexpensive espresso machine is easy to clean. Just pop the drip tray into the dishwasher and you’re good to go! It has an auto-descaling and self-cleaning function, too.
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With one turn of a knob, you’ve got the tastiest espressos, lattes, and cappuccinos. With the BELLA Personal Espresso Maker, you can channel your inner barista! You no longer have to go through the hassle of going to your local coffee shop to brew coffee that you like.
This automatic espresso machine can serve double espresso shots, perfect for when you need an extra shot of caffeine or when you’re entertaining a guest or two. Serving with this budget coffee maker is easy enough — the steam pressurized safety cap makes sure there are no accidental leaks.
If there are any, cleaning up is easy with the drip tray! Plus, you’ve got a cool-touch glass decanter with a drip-free spout.
This personal espresso machine is hassle-free, no-mess, and perfect for espresso brewers.
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Lacking kitchen space but want an espresso machine anyway? Out of all the best cheap espresso machines we’ve got, the SOWTECH Espresso Machine may be for you.
Brewing espresso has never been easier. With one touch, you can have the tastiest budget espresso in town! The one-touch management knob makes sure it can be operated by all ages and backgrounds.
Measure out your needed water accurately with the included graduated carafe. Plus, they also have a separate milk frother that can steam milk to create the best lattes and cappuccinos right there in your own home! It comes with an anti-burn function, too.
Plus, this espresso maker is best for those who are looking to save on counter space. It’s lightweight and compact without sacrificing functionality. You can have your coffee machine without having to feel cramped.
Need to clean? The detachable tray makes it easy for you. This is the best cheap espresso machine you can get on the market!
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There’s no need to look for a used espresso machine when you can get a brand-new, semi-automatic espresso machine with ICUIRE. For a budget espresso, this espresso maker comes with a 20-bar professional pump that makes every cup taste like an expensive purchase.
It could even be two cups at once — this espresso maker can do double shots for your caffeine cravings or when you’re entertaining guests! Aside from a well-crafted espresso, you can use the automatic milk frother to make delicious lattes and cappuccinos.
The touch-screen control panel has adjustable controls to make sure every cup you make is customized with rich flavor. The large capacity of the water tank allows you to make multiple cups of delicious espresso as you see fit!
The perks don’t end there. This espresso maker also comes with a heated tray for your cups. Plus, there’s also an installed detachable dripping tray that’s dishwasher-safe for your cleaning needs.
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This completely manual espresso machine is the portable coffee maker you need for travel and daily coffee needs. Staresso is easy to carry, and has no need for batteries or power to operate. Yes, you can take it anywhere – from a different house to a hiking trip!
As portable and lightweight as this espresso maker is, it still has a 20-bar pump for extracting the most flavor when your brew espresso. You can either use coffee pods or pre-ground coffee espresso beans. It’s compatible with nearly everything!
As far as affordable espresso machines go, Staresso is durable and comes with a lot of perks. Have your cup of coffee anytime, anywhere, and brew espresso in under a minute. The internal stainless steel material will last you a long time.
So if you’re on the hunt for the best budget espresso machine, this portable Staresso one can be the best fit!
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Get the best espresso machine for cheap with the Yabano Automatic Espresso Machine. In just a few minutes, you can have the best budget espresso at your fingertips! The pressure gauges shows you the accurate pressure you need for the best possible flavor in your cup.
Plus, it’s easy to use and beginner-friendly! There’s an easy operation panel that you can use to customize everything with this budget espresso maker.
If you ever get the craving for a latte or cappuccino, you don’t have to look beyond espresso makers. This budget espresso machine comes with a built-in steam wand that has milk steaming for the best possible lattes and cappuccinos.
You can split the espresso you make between two cups, too! The two-spout design makes everything possible.
Stainless steel cup filters are included as well, along with a steam wand cleaning tool and removable water tank for easy clean-up. Aside from stainless steel cup filters, the entire espresso machine is stainless steel as well, making it look sleek and elegant.
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Among the best espresso machines, this completely manual espresso maker stands out! Unlike most espresso makers, the Neo Flair Espresso Maker boasts an all-manual management with a hand lever press.
The custom Flow-Control Portafilter allows you to restrict the flow of the water that helps ensure proper pressure and extraction. Yes, that’s all you need to do — you don’t need equipment or any complicated process. These espresso makers are simple and straightforward!
Clean easily with a detachable brew head. You also know that this machine is built to last, with stainless steel and aluminum cast materials to keep it durable.
When looking at a budget espresso machine, you can either settle for a single boiler or look into a dual broiler. It all depends on your needs!
If you’re more of a single-cup person in the morning, a single broiler will do just fine. However, if you’re making back-to-back drinks or entertaining guests, a dual broiler may be necessary. After all, you’ll be using the espresso maker a lot!
That being said, you should assess how often you’re going to be using the espresso machine before investing into it.
Sure, you want a machine that can make a good espresso. However, you get the most bang out of your buck if the said machine can be flexible with its drinks!
It’s best to get an espresso machine with a built-in steam wand or milk frother. That way, you can access lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and other drinks straight from one machine.
It’s also wise to look into what kind of espresso shots you can pull from the machine — either short or long. Make sure you can fit in larger glasses for bigger coffee drinks as well!
Ideally, you want something that doesn’t take up too much space. Many of the best, affordable espresso machines can get bulky, so you want to look for something more compact. However, that doesn’t mean you should compromise the space needed for a water reservoir and other functionalities an espresso machine must have!
Along with the size, you should look for something that is aesthetically pleasing as well. Whether you’re into an all-matte black look, something sleek and elegant, or a touch of color, you’re sure to find something that fits your tastes.
This is the whole point of our article, but we want to emphasize it nevertheless. Yes, there are fancy espresso machines out there, but are you getting value out of your purchase?
Make sure that whatever espresso machine you buy not only fits your needs but your wallet as well. There’s an affordable espresso machine out there for you! Quality doesn’t have to be compromised when you go for a budget espresso machine.
Manual Espresso Machines
A manual espresso machine may also be known as a lever espresso machine. Unlike automatic espresso machines, you’re more involved in the espresso making than usual. You use either a spring piston or direct lever.
With a spring piston, you release the lever and it releases pressure. With a direct lever, you apply the exact needed pressure to extract the espresso.
You have complete control over the pressure needed, so there’s also more pressure on you to extract the shot properly!
Manual espresso machines will need more care in regards to grind, temperature of the hot water, and quality of the coffee.
Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines
Semi-automatic makers allow you to have a semblance of control over the coffee makers while still helping you out in the entire process. Usually, with a semi-automatic coffee machine, you can upgrade your skill level in handling espresso.
Semi-automatic espresso machines feature boilers, portafilters, and an extraction switch. Most of the time, the operations of a semi-automatic espresso machine are automated, but you have the control when extraction begins and ends.
Automatic Espresso Machines
Automatic espresso makers, meanwhile, are completely automated. That means you don’t have to control anything over the brewing process! As far as cheap espresso machines go, an automatic one reduces the most human error.
If you want a consistent brew, many of the best cheap espresso machines out there are automatic. You have to easy-to-use controls and everything about the machine allows for convenience. Coffee makers can step away from the unit while the espresso process goes on.
Capsule Machines
Ever seen those coffee capsules? There are inexpensive espresso machines built just for them! These coffee capsules are typically single-portion. You fill the water tank, put in the espresso pod, press start, and let the machine do the work.
Super Automatic Espresso Machines
There aren’t a lot of cheap espresso machines that are super-automatic, but they’re a good investment nevertheless. They may be the most expensive option from all these types, but the consistency it offers is well worth the price!
The easy-to-operate technology programs everything from grinding to frothing. Control the espresso production from start to finish with a super-automatic machine.
Save Time
There’s no need to wait in line for others to finish their order, or to have your order called out in the middle of a busy morning. Instead, you can make your own coffee in the comfort of your home, with only you to serve.
What’s more, you get to spend more time with your partner and family. At the same time, you have more freedom to do your morning routine. There are budget espresso machines out there that are completely programmable, so you don’t have to do much but turn a knob or press a button.
Espresso makers don’t just get you that caffeine fix — they also save you a lot of time while doing so!
Save Money
Have you ever tried to count just how much it cost you to have your coffee fix every day? Well, you could try to sum it all up… But we promise you the ending sum isn’t something you’d like.
The truth is, we spend a lot of money on coffee. This is where investing in a budget espresso maker can help you out! Just spend all that money you use everyday for a single cup of coffee on a machine that can make you hundreds of cups — all you need to do is operate it.
In contrast, the amount you spend on coffee grounds and espresso makers themselves are cheaper than spending on a cup of coffee every single day.
Gain Experience
In addition to saving time and money, you also get a return of investment in gaining experience. Not only do you learn how to make an espresso, but you can transform the best budget espresso machines to be a latte and cappuccino maker as well!
Wow your guests with the amount of drinks and flavors you can do, or dive in head-first to the world of coffee with your experience.
Get Consistent Quality Coffee
Let’s admit it — not every cup of coffee you buy is that good, especially when you’re experimenting with new shops and products. However, with an espresso maker, you get consistent quality coffee at your fingertips — all under your control.
Get your machine up and running. Warm up the machine before you start using it!
Start with cold milk in a container. Turn on the steam wand – if you have one with your machine or espresso brewing accessories – and plunge it just below the surface of your milk. Let it froth milk until you reach your desired consistency!
After steaming the milk, add it into your single or double espresso shot. Congratulations, you’ve made a latte!
Yes, you can make good espresso with a cheap espresso machine. How a cup of espresso tastes doesn’t depend on how pricey the espresso machine is, but how much pressure the espresso maker delivers.
Barometric pressure is where decent espresso comes from in the first place. However, the higher bars of pressure, the better is not the rule for quality espresso! It’s best to keep the bar between 7-15 bars of pressure. Reaching 20 can make the resulting espresso over-extracted and bitter.
If you use regular coffee beans for an espresso machine, the resulting espresso may come out sour. To make the best quality espresso, use dark roasts in your home espresso machine.