These Budget Espresso Machines Deliver Café-Quality Coffee

Final Verdict

The Casabrews 3700 Essential is our top pick for its beginner-friendly setup, compact size, and ability to consistently brew strong espresso. It’s a reliable machine that’s easy to use and fits well in small kitchens. If you’re looking for a similar option with solid performance and great value, the Coffee Gator Espresso Machine is another standout worth considering.

How We Tested Espresso Machines

To reflect how people use espresso machines, we commissioned a diverse group of testers to evaluate top-rated models, from high-end machines to more affordable picks, like the ones on this list. While some testing took place in a lab, many of these machines were used at home for at least a month. This at-home testing gave us a closer and more personal understanding of how each machine performs in a real kitchen. We paid attention to how it fits into a daily routine, what quirks show up over time, and whether it’s something we would actually want to use every day.

• Brew Quality: We brewed a variety of drinks to assess each machine’s strengths. For espresso, we looked at body, flavor, crema, and extraction. If a machine included a milk frother or steam wand, we evaluated foam quality, milk temperature, and ease of use. We also used fresh beans across multiple roasts to ensure the machine could consistently bring out good flavor.
• Ease of Use: Each machine was evaluated for how intuitive it was to set up, operate, and clean. We looked at differences between automatic and semi-automatic models, specifically whether the machine stopped the shot on its own or required manual timing. For non-electric models, we also considered how physically involved the brewing process was and how practical it felt for daily use.
• Value: We also considered whether a machine lived up to its price or exceeded expectations. This is an important factor, especially since some affordable models can match the performance of more expensive machines. When a lower-priced option delivers comparable brew quality or features, we make note of it.
  

About Our Testers

• Our lab team has spent collective decades working in professional kitchens, developing recipes, and testing kitchen gear.
  
• Derek Rose has been the coffee and tea expert for The Spruce Eats since 2019. He tested the majority of items on this list, including the Coffee Gator Espresso Machine, Casabrews 3700 Essential, Bialetti Moka Express, and Wacaco Nanopresso. He spent at least one month using these devices in his own home to review them, and he has even used some of them consistently for years.

What to Look for in a Budget Espresso Machine

Single or Double Shot

Most espresso machines can brew either a single or double shot. While some machines are designed for just one shot at a time, many standard models come with a portafilter that allows for a double shot. In fact, most cafés serve double shots as the default, so having that option at home offers a more authentic and efficient experience. It’s a great fit for anyone who enjoys a stronger cup or often makes espresso for two. Pulling a double shot just requires slightly more grounds and gives you more coffee without doubling the effort. Most machines that can pull a double shot can still brew a single by adjusting the dose, so you’re not locked into one or the other.

Frothing Capability

Some machines come with a built-in milk frother or steam wand, allowing you to make cappuccinos, flat whites, and more. This adds versatility but also means more cleaning and maintenance. If you regularly make milk-based espresso drinks, it’s a useful feature. If not, you may prefer a machine without one or opt for a separate milk frother to use only when needed.

Ease of Use

Espresso machines can be more complex than drip brewers, so ease of use makes a difference. Some models offer just a few buttons for simple brewing, while others allow more customization. Many electric machines are either automatic, stopping the shot on their own, or semi-automatic, meaning you’ll need to stop the shot manually. Non-electric models tend to require a more hands-on brewing process. Think about how much control you want and how involved you’d like to be each morning.

Ease of Cleaning

Cleaning is a daily part of owning an espresso machine and helps keep it performing well. Some models are easier to clean than others. Features like removable water tanks and dishwasher-safe parts can help, but most machines require flushing water through the system and wiping down components. Choose a machine with a cleaning process you can stick with.

FAQs

Why is my espresso weak?

If your espresso tastes weak or under-extracted, there are a few things to troubleshoot. First, check the roast date on your beans. If they’re more than a few weeks old, try using fresher ones, ideally roasted within the last week. Next, make sure you’re using the right amount of coffee. Elika Liftee, the director of education at Arkansas-based roaster Onyx Coffee Lab, recommends 17 to 22 grams for a double shot. Also, check your grind size and tamping pressure. Grounds that are too coarse or unevenly tamped can lead to weak espresso.

It’s also worth confirming that your espresso machine is reaching the proper brew temperature. The ideal range for espresso is between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit. If your machine isn’t getting hot enough, that could be the issue. If none of these adjustments fix the problem, it may be time to have the machine serviced.

What coffee beans do you use for an espresso machine?

You can use any coffee beans in an espresso machine. Beans labeled as "espresso" are usually a dark roast, which helps highlight deeper, chocolatey flavors and reduces acidity under pressure. That said, there’s no rule that says you can’t use lighter roasts or experiment with different origins and flavor profiles.

Morgan Eckroth, content marketing specialist at Onyx Coffee Lab, recommends buying whole beans, checking for a recent roast date, and supporting a local roaster when possible. "Whole-bean is always going to taste better," says Eckroth. "The next thing I usually look for, if possible, is to find a local roaster. That usually implies that the coffee is fresher than something that’s being shipped across the U.S. And the other thing that’s a high priority for me is looking at the roast date. Usually, what I look for is, hopefully, something roasted in the last week."

What are bars of pressure?

Bars of pressure measure how much force your espresso machine uses to push hot water through ground coffee. Many machines advertise 15, 19, or even 20 bars of pressure, but that number can be misleading. What actually matters is the pressure at the group head—where extraction happens.

As Liftee explains, nine bars is the sweet spot for brewing espresso. To achieve this, machines typically require a 15-bar pump. Anything higher than that doesn’t mean a stronger shot; it just means the pump is capable of delivering more pressure, though it won't be used. So, when you see machines labeled with 19 or 20 bars, know that you’re still getting the same nine-bar extraction used in cafés.

What is a portafilter?

A portafilter is the handheld metal basket that locks into the espresso machine and holds the ground coffee. It’s where the brewing process begins, and it plays a key role in how the espresso is extracted. Portafilters come in two types: pressurized and non-pressurized.

Pressurized portafilters are more forgiving and help maintain pressure, even if your grind or tamp isn’t perfect, making them great for beginners. Non-pressurized portafilters offer more control and are preferred by more experienced home baristas. Most machines include one by default, but higher-quality or heavier portafilters can often be purchased separately if you want to upgrade.

How do you tamp espresso?

Tamping is the act of pressing ground coffee into the portafilter to create an even surface before brewing. The goal is to remove air pockets and make sure the puck is uniformly dense so water flows through evenly.

"Once the coffee starts pushing back at you, that's really all the pressure you need," says Liftee. Tamping too lightly can lead to under-extraction and weak flavor. Tamping too firmly can create too much resistance and cause water to channel around the puck, leading to uneven extraction.

It’s also a good idea to wipe any stray grounds off the lip of the portafilter before locking it into place. Stray grounds can prevent a proper seal and even end up in your final shot.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

This piece was written by Cheyenne Elwell, a food writer and product tester with experience reviewing espresso machines, coffee gear, and kitchen appliances. She brings a hands-on approach to testing and has contributed to several coffee-focused roundups for The Spruce Eats. Every machine in this guide was selected based on collective testing insights, long-term use, and firsthand evaluation.

Sources

We consulted Elika Liftee, the Director of Education at Onyx Coffee Lab, and Morgan Eckroth, the Content Marketing Specialist at Onyx Coffee Lab, to gain more insight on espresso and espresso machines. Elika is a two-time winner of the US Brewers Cup and Morgan is the 2022 United States Barista Champion. Onyx Coffee Lab is a café and roastery based in Rogers, Arkansas.