Buying Guide: What to Look for in the Best Espresso Machines under $200
Machines under $200 won’t give you access to all the luxurious settings a high-end espresso machine has to offer. However, it will cover all entry-level necessities needed to brew up a satisfactory cup of coffee!
Manual, Semi-Automatic or Fully Automatic:
Espresso machines under $200 come in 3 forms- manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic.
The manual one puts all the hard work on your shoulders while the fully automatic one brews up a cup of coffee on one touch or two.
The semi-automatic ones, however, let you change the settings of the machine to your own liking. It’s suggested that you choose accordingly.
Pump Pressure:
Except for the Nespresso machines that work with modern centrifusion technology, all machines work on a bar pump. Most machines stated above work with high pump pressure.
A high pump pressure, usually the ones around or above the 15-bar pump, extracts the delicate coffee flavors and presents you with an aromatic cup of coffee with unctuous crema. So, be sure to pick a machine with high pump pressure.
Type of Coffee:
Do you prefer coffee grounds, coffee pods, or simply capsules?
All the Nespresso machines work with personalized capsules from the company. Although the machine initially comes with a few free pieces, in the long run, buying capsules can become more money consuming.
Additionally, if you want to settle for a simple espresso or lungo, all the machines mentioned above will work. On the other hand, if you want to incorporate the function of making lattes or cappuccinos in your machine, choose one that comes with a milk frother. Otherwise, you’ll need to buy one separately.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Below you will find the answers to all the frequently asked questions we encounter.
01. Can An Espresso Machine Make Regular Coffee?
02. What Coffees Can Be Made From An Espresso Machine?
Regular espresso machines pump out single or double shot espressos and lungos (a drink like americano). Machines that come with a milk frother usually can make cappuccinos and lattes. You can add ice to these drinks to make iced americano and other iced versions of your coffees.
03. Can I Use Pre-Ground Coffee In An Espresso Machine?
Espresso machines make espresso from finely ground coffee beans. Pre-ground coffees generally have a coarse grind size. Although you can use pre-ground coffee, it is not strongly recommended.
04. Can I Use Ground Coffee In An Espresso Machine?
You can but you won’t get the level of flavor that you will get using espresso grounds. Espresso grounds are much finer than coffee grounds.
05. How Do I Use An Espresso Machine At Home?
If the machine is fully automatic, usually all it needs is the press of a button or two. If it is semi-automatic or manual, refer to the instruction guide that comes with the machine to fully understand its functions.
06. How Do I Steam Milk With An Espresso Machine?
Pour fresh, cold milk of your choice (preferably, whole milk) in the milk jug. If it has an automatic milk frother then the machine will do all the work for you. You just need to attach the milk holder in its designated position.
If the machine is equipped with a steaming wand, then you need to manually froth the milk by inserting it into the jug and rotating it till the milk foams up.
Long Story Short
If you want to make cappuccinos, americanos, lattes or simply shots of espressos, investing in an espresso machine must be in your bucket list.
So, soothe your inner caffeine freak and choose the best espresso machine under $200 for you from our detailed review. Share with us, in the comment section below, which machine you’re going to try out and why!
Although you can’t become an expert at coffee making overnight, you sure can satisfy your cravings and save money for the long term if you have one of these babies at home! It turns out that you really don’t have to spend a fortune to afford a good espresso maker after all!
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