Best Espresso Machine Under $200: 9 Expert Picks!
When most people imagine making espresso at home, they automatically think of those sleek, shiny machines at gourmet kitchen stores that cost upwards of $1000. It feels completely out of reach. But Home Grounds is here to tell you that some of the best espresso machines can be had for under $200.
This article will help you find the best espresso machine under $200, no matter your needs. Keep reading for our expert picks, and stay till the end for a comprehensive buyer’s guide to choosing the right model for you.
At A Glance:
- Best Overall: De’Longhi Stilosa
- Runner Up: Jassy Espresso Machine
- Best Semi-Automatic: Breville Cafe Roma
The Top 9 Espresso Machines Under $200 in 2023
We’ve reviewed the best at-home espresso makers on the market, and we’ve been pleasantly surprised to find that great-quality espresso doesn’t have to cost a fortune. While budding home baristas may be intimidated by the cost of the home espresso makers under $1000 prominently displayed in high-end kitchen stores, there are great espresso machines sold below 500 dollars and, surprisingly, for less than $200, too.
With so many choices on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. And with low-cost espresso machines, you need to be particularly cautious to avoid poorly made models that are going to crap out in less than a year. Let our editorial team spare you that frustration with these tried-and-tested models.
| image | product | details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
De’Longhi Stilosa |
|
SEE ON AMAZON
|
 |
Jassy Espresso Machine |
|
SEE ON AMAZON
|
 |
Klarstein Espressionata Gusto |
|
SEE ON AMAZON
|
 |
Breville Cafe Roma |
|
see on amazon
|
 |
Gevi Espresso Machine |
|
SEE ON AMAZON
|
 |
Flair Classic |
|
SEE ON AMAZON
|
 |
Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista |
|
SEE ON AMAZON
|
 |
Capresso 303.01 |
|
SEE ON AMAZON
|
 |
Nespresso Pixie |
|
SEE ON AMAZON
|
Keep reading for our expert picks of the best espresso machines under $200. There are manual, automatic, and semi-automatic models, so every style of home barista can enjoy espresso on a budget!
1. De’Longhi Stilosa – Best Overall
Specifications
Machine Type: Semi-Automatic
- Dimensions (DxWxH): 8.07″ x 13.5″ x 11.22″
- Pressure Type: Pump
- Capacity: 33.8 oz.
- Milk System: Steam Wand
The De’Longhi Stilosa is Home Grounds’ pick as the best home espresso machine under $200. Its style, features, and overall quality are all exceptional at this price point, and buying from a well-regarded brand like De’Longhi is a good way to ensure quality and customer service in a cheap machine.
With a 33.8-ounce water tank, 15-bar pressure pump, and a manual steam wand, the semi-automatic De’Longhi Stilosa EC260BK is a great starter machine for anyone who wants to master the fundamentals of making quality espresso from the get-go.
After following DeLonghi’s instructions for priming the pump upon first use, pulling your first espresso shots is as simple as choosing either the single or double filter basket, measuring in your coffee grounds, tamping, and manually starting and stopping the brewing process.
With full control over the brewing process, it’s easy to prepare a lungo or ristretto to your taste with the best espresso maker under $200.
The great thing about this machine is that you can even use espresso pods, or ESE pods, if you’re in a hurry. You can also use pre-ground coffee if you haven’t yet invested in a quality burr grinder. It comes with a pressurized filter basket that makes it easy to pull a delicious shot even if your grind size isn’t quite perfect.
The Stilosa comes with a manual steam wand, so you can perfect your milk frothing skills. The wand uses a hack that injects air into the milk as you’re steaming, making it easier for a novice to create a silky smooth froth.
Cleaning is a cinch, as the water tank is removable. What’s more, if you purge the steam wand as instructed, your Stilosa will always be ready to brew great espresso and froth milk whenever you are.
2. Jassy Espresso Machine – Runner Up
Specifications
Machine Type: Automatic
- Dimensions (DxWxH): 9.84″ x 8.27” x 12.2”
- Pressure Type: Pump
- Capacity: 27 oz.
- Milk System: Auto Frother
Our pick for the runner-up spot on our list of the best espresso machines under $200 is Jassy’s JS-100. Though Jassy is a relative newcomer to the home espresso scene, their stylish machines are highly rated and provide great value for money.
The Jassy is an automatic espresso machine, with one and two-shot buttons, making it a great option for anyone who wants to make their cappuccino and breakfast at the same time. What’s more, with a capsule adaptor for the filter basket, you won’t have to grind and tamp your own espresso if you don’t want to.
This machine features a detachable milk reservoir coupled with an automatic frothing system so that you can make a latte or cappuccino with just the touch of a button. The automatic milk frother lets you choose from a few different milk frothing options for your milk-based espresso drinks. Paired with the capsule adaptor, this essentially becomes the cheapest super-automatic espresso machine on the market!
The JS-100 heats up in less than a minute, perfect if you’re in a hurry, as many of us are in the morning. And with a built-in cleaning function and removable drip tray, this machine does everything but flavor your mochas for you.
3. Klarstein Espressionata Gusto – Best Style
Specifications
Machine Type: Semi-Automatic
- Dimensions (DxWxH): 13.78″ x 7.68″ x 12.01″
- Pressure Type: Pump
- Capacity: 33.8 oz.
- Milk System: Steam Wand
The Klarstein Espressionata Gusto wraps style, elegance, and the craft espresso experience in a minimalist, beautiful polished chrome package. Its retro design – available in basic black, pale blue, and vibrant red – is just the statement piece your kitchen needs.
It’s not just a showpiece, however; the Klarstein espresso maker is also a joy to use thanks to the EasyBrewing technology. With a simple but attractive control panel, pulling beautiful, delicious espresso shots from this machine is as simple as grinding, dosing, and tamping the coffee grounds into the portafilter. Then, simply brew the espresso by pressing the designated button and selecting the brew temperature.
Frothing milk is just as easy. Fill a stainless steel frothing pitcher with your milk or non-dairy milk of choice, select “Steam,” and froth your milk with the manual steam wand using the desired steam pressure selector. It gives you all the control you need to produce a smooth latte or airy cappuccino.
If you’re still holding off on buying a high-end coffee grinder, the included pressurized filter basket ensures you get the perfect espresso shots even using pre-ground coffee beans. It makes the process of pulling your first espresso shots an enjoyable (and tasty) experience.
Lastly, the Espressionata Gusto is convenient to clean. The drip tray is removable and even includes a red float that lets you know when it’s ready to empty.
4. Breville Cafe Roma – Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
Specifications
Machine Type: Semi-Automatic
- Dimensions (DxWxH): 9″ x 9″ x 12″
- Pressure Type: Pump
- Capacity: 40.6 oz.
- Milk System: Steam Wand
Our pick for the best semi-automatic machine is Breville’s Cafe Roma ESP8XL model. As Breville’s most affordable model, it’s a simple semi-automatic design. But like every other Breville product, it’s backed by the brand’s legendary quality, warranty, and customer service.
The Cafe Roma is a modern-looking machine, with clean lines and a silver finish. As a 15-bar pump espresso machine, it has plenty of pressure to extract delicious espresso from your ground coffee beans. The thermoblock heater is ultra fast, coming to temperature in under 30 seconds. And it does double duty, also heating the top surface of the machine to act as a passive cup-warming tray.
As a semi-automatic, the Cafe Roma requires you to act as a barista; you can’t just push a button and walk away. A large dial allows you to select between steam and espresso modes, and with full manual control of both functions, you’ll have ample opportunity to practice frothing milk and pulling delicious espresso shots.
A nice perk of all Breville machines is that they include all the accessories you’ll need, which is especially impressive for less than $200. Along with the machine, you’ll get a stainless steel frothing pitcher, measuring scoop, and tamper.
5. Gevi Espresso Machine – Best Automatic Espresso Machine
Specifications
Machine Type: Automatic
- Dimensions (DxWxH): 14.4″ x 13.85″ x 8.89″
- Pressure Type: Pump
- Capacity: 40.6 oz.
- Milk System: Steam Wand
The best automatic espresso machine in this price range is the compact and stylish Gevi espresso machine. Its sleek design and white exterior might catch your eye first, but it’s what’s inside that makes this model shine.
This espresso maker can pull single or double shots at a touch of a button. Or you can use the manual button to customize the volume of your espresso shot, giving you full control over the extraction time. A 20-bar pump has plenty of pressure to power your extraction, and the thermoblock heater coupled with dual thermostats ensures you’re always at the correct temperature for brewing and steaming.
The Gevi espresso machine manual steam wand has 360 degrees of rotation, making stretching and texturing milk for your latte that much easier. It is guaranteed to reach 212 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning you’ll have ample steam pressure to produce the creamy microfoam needed for latte art.
6. Flair Classic – Best Manual Espresso Machine
Specifications
Machine Type: Manual
- Dimensions (DxWxH): 6″D x 12″W x 10″H
- Pressure Type: Manual
- Capacity: 2.09 oz.
- Milk System: None
The Flair Classic is our pick for the best manual espresso maker. Portable, compact, and requiring no electricity, the Flair Classic is the perfect espresso companion for camping and business trips. But as the only machine on this list capable of truly cafe-quality espresso, you may find it becomes a favorite for home use as well.
The trade-off for that incredible espresso is that the Flair Classic takes a little more practice to master than the automatic machines on this list, explains Sprudge managing editor Zac Cadwalader (1).
For those willing to put a little elbow grease into it, there are manual espresso machine options that offer cafe-level espresso—crema and all—at an affordable price point.
Along with elbow grease, you’ll need a good burr grinder and a separate means of boiling water. You’ll need to dial in the right grind size, dose, and tamp. And you’ll need to press a lever to generate extraction pressure manually. But to enjoy espresso like the one from the $10,000 machine at your local coffee shop? Worth it!
The best part about manual espresso machines is that because they’re entirely human-powered, you can create custom recipes, vary your grind size, introduce a pre-infusion stage, and experiment with extracting espresso at different pressure levels. Plus, there are no electronic parts that can break or malfunction.
7. Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista – Best for Milky Drinks
Specifications
Machine Type: Automatic
- Dimensions (DxWxH): 8.86″ x 11.22″ x 12.6″
- Pressure Type: Pump
- Capacity: 55 oz.
- Milk System: Auto Frother
Do you consider yourself something of a latte connoisseur? Or perhaps a cappuccino aficionado? Then you’re going to want to pick up Home Grounds’ pick as the best cappuccino maker under $200: the Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista coffee and espresso maker.
This cappuccino machine is so packed with features, it’s a surprise that it comes in under $200. Let’s start with why it’s our favorite for milk based-drinks: the auto frother. Once you’ve filled the removable milk carafe, preparing a milky drink is as easy as pressing a button – no messing around with finicky manual wands. When not in use, it can be stored in the fridge to avoid any milk waste.
Pulling espresso shots is just as simple. Grind and fill the single or double filter basket, lock in the portafilter, and press a button for a single or double shot.
Just be sure to follow Mr. Coffee’s instructions for priming and cleaning the machine before first use. And thoroughly hand-wash all components of the milk reservoir regularly.
8. Capresso 303.01 – Budget Pick
Specifications
Machine Type: Semi-Automatic
- Dimensions (DxWxH): 9.75” x 7.5″ x 13.25″
- Pressure Type: Steam
- Capacity: 10 oz.
- Milk System: Steam Wand
The Capresso 303.01 is steam-powered, so it doesn’t achieve the 9 bars of pressure required for true espresso. But if you’re on a tight budget, the Capresso 303.01 is a great bang for your buck. It is a good espresso machine that produces a rich coffee much like a Moka pot – and includes a steam wand to boot!
The included 10-ounce glass carafe gives you a few options for espresso-based drinks, tea, and hot soups. Its multipurpose nature and compact dimensions make it a great coffee maker for the office or a dorm room. What’s more, entertaining guests or making espresso for family members is easy because you can make up to four 2-ounce espressos at once.
The pannarello milk frothing wand is pretty forgiving and yields decent microfoam, even if you’re just learning the basics of texturing and stretching milk. You can vary the amount of foam in your final drink by either fully or partially submerging the tip of the wand in the milk. This budget-friendly espresso machine offers a nice balance between beginner-friendly ease of use and manual control.
9. Nespresso Pixie – Best for Small Spaces
Specifications
Machine Type: Automatic
- Dimensions (DxWxH): 13″ x 4″ x 9″
- Pressure Type: Pump
- Capacity: 23.67 oz.
- Milk System: None
The Nespresso Pixie is just the espresso maker for you if you’re short on countertop space but still need your espresso fix. Not only is it tiny, at just 4 inches wide, but because the Pixie brews espresso with Nespresso capsules, there’s no need to grind, dose, or tamp coffee grounds. You don’t need any extra space for prep or clean-up.
The flow rate, volume, and consistency are all automated, so all that stands between you and a tasty beverage is choosing which capsule to brew. We’ll save the argument about whether Nespresso machines are really espresso machines for another time. With flavors ranging from traditional espresso to Barista Creations, like Caramel Cookie and Chocolate Fudge, there’s a flavor for every palate (2). And if you’re not a fan of coffee capsules, you can always buy a refillable pod to brew your favorite ground coffee.
The Nespresso Pixie espresso machine may be small, but it still has a 24-ounce water tank, so it’s easy to entertain a crowd. The waste bin can hold approximately 10 used Nespresso pods before it needs to be emptied.
How To Choose The Best Espresso Machine Under $200
You’re on a budget and shopping around for the top espresso machines under $200. The last thing you want to do is peruse an endless list of technical specifications and customer reviews. To make the process a bit less daunting, here’s our breakdown of everything you should consider as you’re looking for the best espresso machine under $200.
What Type of Espresso Machine Is For You?
Espresso machines in this price range are available in three different types:
- Semi-automatic
- Automatic
- Manual
The type of espresso machine you choose depends on how much control you want over your espresso shot versus how much effort you want to put into brewing espresso.
Manual Espresso Machines
Manual espresso makers are the most portable and affordable units you can buy because there is no need for a pump. While there are different form factors, a manual espresso maker — like the Flair Classic in our product roundup — operates through a set of basic principles.
Ground coffee is measured into a brew head, which is attached to a preheated brew chamber. Boiling water is poured over the coffee puck rather than pumped in. Through the use of a lever operated by the barista, a piston drives this boiling water through the bed and into your cup.
The pressure required for brewing espresso is provided by the force you exert, the piston, and the filter basket.
Manual espresso machines allow the barista to exercise complete control over the brewing process, which is the main appeal of this style of machine – along with portability and low cost. You can play with every possible variable in search of the ultimate espresso. This level of control can also be a downside, however, as it leaves more room for human error.
Another downside is that manual espresso makers usually lack a milk system, so you’ll need a separate frother if lattes are your thing.
Semi-Automatic and Automatic Espresso Machines
Semi-automatic and automatic espresso machines use a mechanical pump to drive hot water through a coffee bed. They are very similar in that both require you to grind, dose, and tamp the coffee grounds.
The difference between these two types of espresso machines happens once you’ve locked in the portafilter. Automatic espresso machines use pre-programmed shot volumes to pull a double or single shot. You need only press a button and walk away. With semi-automatic espresso machines, you need to both start and stop the shot. So, if you’re a multitasker who likes to make your morning cappuccino at the same time as breakfast, an automatic espresso machine may be the best option.
Electronic Pump vs. Steam-Driven Espresso Machines
Most espresso machines in this price range are pump driven, but at the lower end of the price bracket, you’ll also come across steam-driven espresso machines.
Espresso machines that use steam make espresso by passing pressurized steam through the coffee puck, much like a Moka pot. They cannot achieve the 9 bars of pressure needed to make traditional espresso. But they do tend to be more affordable, are easier to maintain, and are great options for first-time home baristas.In contrast, pump-driven espresso machines have a higher and steadier pressure, according to coffee writer Max Haydon (3).
[Pump-driven machines] work by using an electronic pump to drive pre-heated water through the brew chamber and into a bed of coffee. With an electronic pump, it is easy to achieve consistent high pressure.
If you’re satisfied with a strong shot of coffee without the crema or flavor intensity of espresso, a steam-powered coffee maker will meet your needs and save you money. But if you want a consistently great shot of true espresso, you need the consistent pressure of an electronic pump.
How Much Space Do You Have?
Dimensions and water tank capacity go hand-in-hand because a larger water reservoir usually means getting an espresso machine with a larger footprint. If you live alone and only intend to brew enough espresso for a latte or two daily, then having a large water tank may not be that important. You can save money and spacing opting for a more compact machine.
You may want to consider getting an espresso machine with a larger capacity if you regularly entertain guests or have a large household of espresso lovers. In either case, be sure to measure your available space before you buy. In particular, compare the height of the espresso machine to the space under your upper cabinets if you’re hoping to tuck it away.
Milk Frothing Options: Steam Wand vs Auto Froth
There are two major options to choose from when it comes to frothing milk:
- Steam wands
- Automatic milk frothers
Automatic milk frothers and milk reservoirs are great for the morning multi-tasker who has to do ten million things at once. Just press a button and await your frothy drink. An espresso machine with a steam wand is better for hands-on baristas who love the ritual and satisfaction of creating silky, textbook microfoam. And it’s a necessity for anyone looking to master latte art.
Pannarello Steam Wands
Most people are familiar with the traditional, pin-hole steam wand seen at most coffee shops, but consumer espresso machines have another milk frothing option: the pannarello steam wand.
The pin-hole steam wand ejects steam from one or more pinholes at the tip. A pannarello steam wand has at least one additional hole near the tip on its side. This additional air hole draws in extra air as steam is being ejected, making it easier to achieve that airy froth we all want in a cappuccino.
Whichever option you choose, be sure to properly purge your steam wand and dispose of any leftover milk in the milk reservoir of the automatic milk frother. Otherwise, you may be waking up with an unpleasant, sour cappuccino before work. And nobody’s got time for that.
The Verdict
The De’Longhi Stilosa is our pick for the best espresso machine under $200. This stylish semi-automatic espresso machine is easy to use while still offering enough control for the budding home barista to hone their skills. And with a brand like De’Longhi, you know you can trust the build quality even in this affordable model.
FAQs
Low-pressure pre-infusion is the process of passing water through the coffee bed in the filter basket at low pressure. Thoroughly saturating the coffee bed before applying the standard 9 bars of pressure reduces channeling, which leads to poor extraction and bad-tasting espresso (4).
Channeling is what happens when water passes through narrow channels in the coffee bed rather than extracting the ground coffee. Because the water doesn’t come into full contact with the coffee, your final cup ends up under-extracted. Proper preparation of the espresso puck is the best way to prevent channeling. You need a uniform grind size and flat tamp. In espresso machines, low-pressure pre-infusion is also used to settle the coffee bed.
Distribution tools can help you make better espresso by ensuring even density and depth throughout the coffee puck. Tools like the DUOMO The Eight or Welhome Pro’s ESPCUP prevent the dreaded channeling. Just as you’d sift and whisk flour to break up any clumps in baking, you’ll want to use needle distribution tools and levelers to break up any clumps in the coffee puck (5). Loose coffee grounds and a coffee bed with consistent density and depth allow the water to flow through the coffee puck at an even rate. This yields a more consistent extraction and a better-tasting espresso shot.
References
- Cadwalader, Z. (2021, June 2). The Sprudge Guide to Manual Espresso Machines. Retrieved from https://sprudge.com/the-sprudge-guide-to-manual-espresso-machines-at-home-177984.html
- Nespresso. Barista Creations | Specialty Coffee Blends | Nespresso USA. (2022). Nespresso.com. Retrieved from https://www.nespresso.com/us/en/barista-creations
- Haydon, M. (2018, December 10). Understanding Different Types of Espresso Machine. Perfect Daily Grind; Perfect Daily Grind. Retrieved from https://perfectdailygrind.com/2018/12/understanding-the-different-types-of-espresso-machine/
- Clive Coffee. (2019, May 13). What is Pre-Infusion? Clive Coffee; Clive Coffee. Retrieved from https://clivecoffee.com/blogs/learn/what-is-pre-infusion
- A Comparison of Distribution Tools. (2023). Prima Coffee Equipment. Retrieved from https://prima-coffee.com/blog/a-comparison-of-distribution-tools/
