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We Found the Best Espresso Machines Around $100 and Under

We found quality picks that are affordable too

 Best espresso machines around $100 and under collaged against purple spiral background

The Spruce Eats / Amelia Manley

While some espresso machines come with thousand-dollar price tags, there are many affordable alternatives, including ones with built-in milk frothers to make lattes and cappuccinos. This list covers the bargain picks that, despite their low price, can be relied upon to make delicious espresso and all the wonderful drinks you can make with it, day in and day out. We even tried out some options.

How We Tested Espresso Machines

We have tested dozens of espresso makers at different prices over the years, from high-end options to budget machines like these. Some espresso makers were assessed in our Lab, while the majority of items on this list were tested at home by members of our review team for at least one month. This gave our team the time to get up close and personal with each machine and experience it as if it were their primary brewing device.

We Observed

  • How the drinks tasted: The most important detail we focused on in the testing process was the quality of the drinks that the espresso machines produced. This started with espresso shots and branched to other drinks like lattes and cappuccinos if the machine had a milk frother. We differentiated between the various elements of taste in our reviews. For example, we discussed whether an espresso shot was acidic, bitter, sweet, complex, over-extracted, under-extracted, and more.
  • What features the espresso machine has: Budget espresso makers like these tend to have similar features, at least in comparison to higher-priced options, which have much more variance. Nonetheless, we noted what features and settings each espresso maker was equipped with. That included whether it had a milk frother, automatic or manual brewing, as well as adjustable settings like espresso strength, temperature, or milk froth amount.
  • The dimensions of the machine: We measured and weighed all of the espresso makers on this list. Espresso machines in this price range are typically small enough to fit most kitchen setups, and some are even designed to be portable. In addition to the espresso maker's dimensions, we took into account other aspects like whether the water reservoir was detachable and if two espresso cups could fit underneath the portafilter.

We Rated

  • Brew Quality: After making multiple drinks with an espresso maker, we rated its overall brew quality on a 1 to 5 scale. For an espresso shot, we assessed its taste, body, and crema. For a latte, we looked at how well the milk was steamed or frothed, what temperature it reached, and the amount of milk foam produced. We used different coffee beans in our taste tests to ensure freshness and have a variety of flavors to look out for.
  • Ease of Use: This section not only includes how easy it was to make an espresso drink but also how easy the machine was to set up out of the box and clean after brewing. We tested non-electric espresso makers that were more hands-on, but the majority of options we looked at were electric and had varying levels of automation; some dispensed the proper amount of water automatically while others required users to shut off the water after an espresso shot was pulled.
  • Value: Another key part of our product analysis was deciding whether an item lived up to its price tag or not. Over the years, we have tested espresso makers that performed well but were more expensive than similar models. So, we rated every espresso maker's value for money and decided if we would recommend the item to others or purchase it for ourselves before adding it to this article.
Hand holding cup under Casabrews 3700 Essential Espresso Machine frothing milk

The Spruce Eats / Derek Rose

Best Overall

Casabrews 3700 Essential Espresso Machine

Casabrews 3700 Essential Espresso Machine

Amazon

What We Like
  • Value for money

  • Easy to use

  • Slim design

  • Automatically pours shots

What We Don't Like
  • Running hot water before use is recommended

For a bargain price, the CASABREWS 3700Essential provides everything you need in an espresso maker. It's easy to use, has a strong milk frother for lattes and cappuccinos, and most importantly it brews tasty espresso shots.

I tested the machine firsthand and was impressed by the results. The espresso has a lot of flavor, body, and just the right amount of acidity to create a more dynamic taste. Although, the crema falls a little short of that of high-end espresso makers. The 3700Essential is also intuitive and easy to use. There are four simple buttons on the interface, and as soon as you lock in your portafilter and select a serving size, the machine brews and automatically dispenses a single or double espresso shot.

Like some other espresso brands, CASABREWS recommends running a serving of water before brewing to fully preheat the machine. It's only a slight hassle, though, and it's certainly not mandatory to get good espresso. Overall, this is a great value option for coffee lovers who don't want to splurge on a thousand-dollar machine.

Frothing/Steaming: Yes | Dimensions: 13 x 6.5 x 12.2 inches | Wattage: 1350 | Voltage: 120 | Warranty: One-year limited

Best Value

Coffee Gator Espresso Machine

Coffee Gator Espresso Machine

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Fast heat-up time

  • Slim design

  • Removable water tank

  • Intuitive, minimalist display

What We Don't Like
  • Portafilter may drip after brewing

Coffee Gator makes an array of affordable brewing devices and coffee accessories, from kettles and canisters to pour overs and French presses. This espresso maker—the first to be manufactured by Coffee Gator—continues that trend. It's cheaper than the majority of options on the market but has the brewing power to compete with machines in higher price ranges. I've used the Coffee Gator Espresso Machine for more than a year and it's held up over that time and consistently produced strong shots of espresso.

Another benefit, especially for those with limited space, is the product's compact design. It measures just 5.5 inches wide, partially due to the removable 44-ounce water tank being placed in the back of the machine instead of on the side. The thought put into the design doesn't stop there. The simple, intuitive display features just three buttons on the front (hot water, power, and steam) and a dial on the side to activate brewing, the steam wand, or hot water. The pump is also fairly quiet as far as espresso machines go, so the sound is noticeable but not overbearing.

One thing to watch out for is that water may still be pushed through the portafilter even after you turn the dial to neutral. The water doesn't rush through in a way that dilutes the espresso shot itself, but it can fill up the drip tray quickly and possibly leak. Our product tester said he hasn't had any issues with it making a mess, but noted that the drip tray often has to be emptied after just a few shots.

Frothing/Steaming: Yes | Dimensions: 12.4 x 5.5 x 10.3 inches | Wattage: 1150 | Voltage: 120 | Warranty: One-year limited

What We Like
  • Available in multiple sizes

  • Easy to use

  • Classic design

What We Don't Like
  • Clean after every use (hand-wash only)

  • Handle gets hot

Bialetti is one of the founding companies of this style of coffee maker known as Moka pots, and Italians have been enjoying this coffee since the company introduced it in 1933. Technically it does not brew true espresso, as it doesn’t use as much pressure as professional espresso makers, but the coffee is rich, flavorful, and an excellent espresso substitute. The water pressure and absence of crema is the only real difference.

Bonuses include that the item is convenient, compact, easy to clean, and affordable. It's available in 1 to 18 cup sizes; the 3-cup model produces a nice equivalent to a double shot espresso for a single person. Use it on your stove (check compatibility with ceramic and induction stovetops) or take it camping and brew espresso with your propane stove.

I've used the Moka Express on and off for several years and one small complaint I have is the handle gets hot to touch. You may want to use a towel or oven mitt when taking it off the stove. It's also not the easiest to clean because it requires hand-washing after every use. Aside from that, I fully recommend it as an affordable alternative to an espresso machine.

Frothing/Steaming: No | Dimensions: 7.5 x 9 x 4 inches (3-cup model) | Wattage: N/A | Voltage: N/A | Warranty: Two years

Bialetti Moka Express Review

The Spruce Eats / Derek Rose

Best Portable

Wacaco Nanopresso

Wacaco Nanopresso

Amazon

What We Like
  • Affordable

  • Compact

  • Durable

  • Good crema

What We Don't Like
  • Inconsistent flavor

The Wacaco Nanopresso is a fascinating little device that allows you to make espresso anywhere you go, as long as you have hot water. Simply scoop ground coffee beans into the filter basket, add hot water, and extract fresh espresso by pumping the piston. The cap even doubles as a cup, making it an all-one-one tool for camping, traveling, and more.

I tested this one firsthand for 30 days, including outdoors, and came away with a positive review. The Nanopresso has 18 bars of pressure and around a 2-ounce capacity. The espresso even gets a nice crema on top. The main drawback is that the flavor can be inconsistent depending on what grind size you use. The brand recommends a fine grind, but too fine of a grind and the piston becomes hard to press. Keep in mind that the Nanopresso uses ground coffee to make espresso, but the item can also be purchased with a Nespresso capsule adapter for those who prefer using coffee pods.

Frothing/Steaming: No | Dimensions: 6.14 x 2.8 x 2.44 inches | Wattage: N/A | Voltage: N/A | Warranty: One-year limited

person pouring espresso from Wacaco Nanopresso into lid

The Spruce / Derek Rose

Best Design

De'Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine

De'Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine

Amazon

  • Simple, intuitive design

  • Heats up quickly

  • Value for money

  • Some plastic parts

"Stilosa" is Italian for "stylish," and that designation certainly applies to the De'longhi Stilosa, especially if you appreciate simplicity. The display features a lone dial that turns right to brew espresso and left to steam milk—straightforward and great for beginners. The machine itself is slim at just eight inches wide, which adds to the minimalist design and helps save counter space. There's also a removable 33.8-ounce water tank for added convenience.

Although many of the parts are plastic—a natural consequence of the item's budget price—the Stilosa stands up well to wear and tear and should last for a long time, making it worth the cost. It heats quickly too, so users can sip tasty espresso in just a couple of minutes.

Frothing/Steaming: Yes | Dimensions: 8.07 x 13.5 x 11.22 inches | Wattage: 1100 | Voltage: 120 | Warranty: One year

Best for Beginners

Capresso EC50 Pump Espresso Machine

Capresso EC50 Stainless Steel Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Value for money

  • Great for beginners

  • Removable water reservoir

What We Don't Like
  • Mediocre steam/froth wand

The Capresso EC50 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine strikes a balance between quality and price. It's affordable enough for beginners and so consistent that even long-time espresso drinkers will enjoy the bold taste. The ability to make lattes and cappuccinos is a huge bonus, even though the frothing/steaming wand isn't the most powerful. Overall, it's hard to beat the value for money this device offers.

Another benefit is the simple front-facing dial, which makes this intuitive and an excellent option for those looking to brew espresso for the first time. The removable 42-ounce water reservoir is easy to fill before brewing and to clean afterward. Plus, a frothing sleeve is included to adjust between frothing and steaming milk; the former whips milk for cappuccinos while the latter injects milk with hot air for lattes.

Frothing/Steaming: Yes | Dimensions: 11.5 x 7.5 x 11.5 inches | Wattage: 1350 | Voltage: 120 | Warranty: One-year limited

Best Frother

Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine with Steamer

Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine with Steamer

Amazon

What We Like
  • Nice crema

  • Compatible with soft espresso pods

  • Adjustable steam

What We Don't Like
  • Performance not as high-quality

This espresso maker from Hamilton Beach is a solid budget option. The performance is, expectedly, not to the quality of a commercial espresso machine, but it produces strong espresso shots nonetheless. Additionally, it has an adjustable frothing wand that lets users make lattes and cappuccinos in just a minute or two. There's also a dial to adjust frothing strength, which allows for more customization than many other espresso makers in this price tier.

The option to use espresso pods and ground coffee beans is convenient, particularly if you don't want to fuss with a coffee grinder. It's also easy to clean with a cup of soapy water. The Hamilton Beach Espresso and Cappuccino Maker also has a 40-ounce reservoir to add water without turning off the machine.

Frothing/Steaming: Yes | Dimensions: 8.2 x 12.31 x 13 inches | Wattage: 1,050 | Voltage: 120 | Warranty: One-year limited

Best Space Saver

Wirsh Espresso Machine

Wirsh Home Barista Espresso Machine

Amazon

What We Like
  • Value for money

  • Easy to use

  • Compact design

  • Removeable water tank

What We Don't Like
  • Cup rattles while espresso brews

The Wirsh Home Barista Espresso Machine packs everything you need into a compact, 5.5-inch-wide frame. It automatically brews single and double shots of espresso, froths milk for lattes, and dispenses hot water for Americanos.

I used the machine at home for one week and found the espresso pleasantly strong and topped with a nice crema every time. The shots I made—usually doubles—retained a noticeable taste and fragrance after I added hot water or milk, so you can make any classic espresso drink without overpowering the shot. For a machine this inexpensive, I was more than happy with the results. It's a terrific choice for beginners or those who, like me, need to save every inch of counter space in their kitchen.

One of my only criticisms is that every cup I used, even heavy coffee mugs, rattled and slid while the machine brewed. This isn't uncommon for small espresso machines like the Wirsh Home Barista, but I'd recommend keeping an eye out if you're brewing into lightweight espresso cups, just in case they slide too far.

Frothing/Steaming: Yes | Dimensions: 12.2 x 5.5 x 11.9 inches | Wattage: 1450 | Voltage: 120 | Warranty: Two years

Final Verdict

The Coffee Gator Espresso Machine is our top choice because it delivers fast espresso, features a compact design, and pays for itself in no time. For a similar alternative, check out the easy-to-use CASABREWS 3700Essential.

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 3700Essential, 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.
hand pressing button on Mr. Coffee Pump Espresso Maker

 The Spruce Eats / Cheyenne Elwell

What to Look for in a Budget Espresso Machine

Single or Double Shot

Each machine will produce a certain number of shots—usually a single or double—and may have a cup capacity. Consider how you will use the machine; if it's mainly for your morning ritual and you seldom serve it to guests, a single-shot machine might be exactly what you need. If you regularly host parties where espresso is served, a double-shot machine will shorten the time you spend making espresso, and it will look impressive on your counter.

Frothing Capability

A machine that can also froth milk widens the range of coffee drinks you can produce, but it’s also one more thing you need to clean and maintain. Since there are separate appliances that can be used to froth milk, the lack of a frothing option shouldn’t be a deal-breaker, especially if you like the rest of the features on the machine. But having a milk frother as part of the machine means that you don’t have to buy an additional tool, and it is always ready.

Ease of Use

Some espresso machines are simple to use, while others include many different settings to help you fine-tune your brew. Whether you like experimenting with different features or you’re happy adding coffee and letting the machine do the work, there’s an option for you—just think about what you prefer.

Ease of Cleaning

No matter how good a machine is, eventually you're going to have to clean it. Many espresso machines come with detachable, machine-washable parts for easy cleaning. Others may only have removable water tanks that require little more than warm water and some soap. Pay close attention to the instructions that come with your espresso machine; many will outline a cleaning process to flush out the tubes and spouts. Some machines may require more complicated care than others, so if you're not willing to put in extra work, make sure you read up on the cleaning instructions before you purchase.

Espresso in mug with biscotti

The Spruce Eats / Derek Rose

FAQs

Why is my espresso weak?

Coffee lovers are all too familiar with the letdown that comes from weak and watery espresso. Many factors can lead to a disappointing shot, but the good news is that the issues are usually easy to identify. Start by checking the roast date of your coffee beans. If it’s been several weeks since they were roasted, the beans have likely lost their flavor.

A second common issue is simply not using enough coffee grounds when brewing. Elika Liftee, the Director of Education at Onyx Coffee Lab, recommends 17 to 22 grams of coffee for a double espresso shot. Also, make sure that the coffee beans you use are finely ground and firmly tamped into the portafilter. Grounds that are loose or too coarse will result in thin espresso.

One last cause may be that the water in your espresso machine is not getting hot enough. Coffee beans are best extracted with water between 195 and 205 degrees. If none of these solutions solve the problem, the machine may have a more serious internal issue.

What coffee beans do you use for an espresso machine?

The truth is that you can use any coffee beans to brew espresso. There is no inherent difference between coffee beans and espresso beans. Roasters label some beans as "espresso beans" because the characteristics of the coffee make it more suitable for espresso than other brewing methods. So there isn't any coffee that's wrong to make espresso with, just coffee that's better suited for espresso. Dark roasts, for example, are generally preferred over light roasts.

Morgan Eckroth, the Content Marketing Specialist at Onyx Coffee Lab, gave us some more tips for finding the best beans with which to brew espresso:

"When I go shopping for coffee, some of the priorities I look for are, number one, if its whole bean. Whole bean is always going to taste better. 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?

This phrase pops up all over the place when searching for espresso machines. Some brands say its product has 15 bars of pressure, others say 20 bars, and so on. What does this all mean? Well, to start, a bar is a unit of pressure. The more bars an espresso maker has, the more pressurized the water that passes through the coffee grounds. But this doesn’t mean an espresso maker with more bars is better. In fact, anything higher than 15 bars is superfluous. The reasoning may sound a little tricky, but we’ll break it down. Almost a century ago, coffee experts found that espresso tastes best when brewed with 9 bars of pressure at the group head. To produce 9 bars of pressure, an espresso machine actually needs to have a 15-bar pump. This is why 15-bar espresso machines are the industry standard. If you see a machine advertised as 19 or 20 bars, it still only uses 9 bars of pressure at the group head, exactly the same as a 15-bar machine. 

What is a portafilter?

A portafilter, also referred to as a "group handle," is the handheld basket that attaches to an espresso machine’s group head in order to brew. Most coffee lovers will recognize them as a common tool baristas use when making espresso in cafés. Portafilters are made from plastic or stainless steel—the latter being superior. They can also be pressurized, which is ideal for beginners, or non-pressurized, which allows for more hands-on control when brewing. The purchase of an espresso maker generally includes a portafilter, but customers can always upgrade by buying a separate portafilter. 

How do you tamp espresso?

Espresso tamping is the act of firmly and evenly pressing coffee grounds into the portafilter. It's a relatively straightforward step in the espresso-making process, but a couple of tips can improve overall brew quality.

"The point of tamping is to remove any air pockets and give yourself a uniform density in your espresso puck so that the water goes through evenly," says Elika Liftee. "Once you get that compression and once the coffee starts pushing back at you, that’s really all the pressure you need."

In other words, there's a sweet spot between pressing down firmly enough to compact the grounds but not so hard that it prevents water from getting through. It also helps to use a slight twisting motion at the end to even out the grounds and "polish" the espresso puck.

One last tamping tip is to remove any grounds on the rim of the portafilter. You can do so with your finger. There's a chance those grounds end up in your cup or get stuck in the group head.

person preparing coffee in Mr. Coffee Pump Espresso Maker

 The Spruce Eats / Cheyenne Elwell

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

This piece was written by Derek Rose, the coffee and tea expert for The Spruce Eats. He researches various coffee products, from measuring scoops to commercial espresso machines, and interviews field experts for their insight. He typically uses non-electric coffee makers at home, most commonly a Chemex. He has used most of the items that appear in this article firsthand.

Sources

The author of this piece spoke with 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.

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