Creamy, frothy, and rich espresso shot provides an energetic and fresh start to your day. But, going to a coffee shop daily for espresso is a costly habit. For someone who is a habitual espresso consumer, buying his own espresso machine is worth it. Besides paying to the coffee shop daily, it is best to invest in a budget-friendly coffee maker at once.
Owning a coffee maker would be time and energy saving that you invest in going to the cafes previously. So, you can enjoy espresso at home whenever you need it, and you want.
9 Best Espresso Machines under $200
Finding a perfect coffee maker for your need is tricky. If you have zero or less knowledge about coffee makers, you will end up buying the wrong espresso machine. Once you purchase a terrible espresso maker, your coffee will not taste the same way you like it.
This guide will provide you with a detailed review of the 9 best espresso machines in your budget. Besides this, buying guide and FAQs section is also added for your better understanding.
1. DeLonghi EC155 15 Bar Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, Black
Key Features:
- Capacity: 1 liter
- Dimensions: 12.2 x 19.3 x 15 inches
- Weight: 6.67 pounds
- Input Power: 1100watts
- Pump Pressure: 15-bar cup
- Water Tank: Removable, 35 ounce
- Material: Stainless steel
DeLonghi EC155 15 Bar Espresso and Cappuccino Machine is a professional and budget-friendly coffee maker. Its 15 bar pressure makes the best frothy and creamy espresso, latte, and cappuccino. This coffee maker has a 3 in 1 filter holder. Out of these filters, one is for one espresso shot; the second is for two shots, while the third one is for an easy-serve espresso pod.
This DeLonghi coffee maker brews barista-quality coffee. Moreover, it has an advanced system that maintains an optimum temperature for getting coffee cups one after another without waiting. The separate thermostat provides options for temperature settings for espresso and cappuccino. This coffee machine has a sleek and compact design that makes handling convenient.
The water tank is easy to remove, refill and then reinstall. Besides this, its water tank and drip tray are easier to clean and maintain. Moreover, it comes with two portafilter baskets; the shallow one is for a single shot while the deeper one is for a double shot. The stainless steel body provides strength to the machine and looks beautiful while placed on your countertop.
User Feedback:
DeLonghi espresso coffee maker is a durable coffee maker with a removable water tank and drip tray. The removable tank and tray feature makes cleaning and maintenance easier. The stainless steel boiler is sturdy and ensures good machine quality.
The coffee machine does not show any breakage or leak down. It makes amazing taste espresso with perfect frothy texture. Built-in tamper, cup warmer, and everything else work well. The water reservoir capacity is pretty good to make multiple espresso shots in a day.
Apart from its high efficiency, it vibrates slightly at the brewing stage. Some users claim that the water tank is considerably tiny, so it needs to be refilled for constant use. Overall, this DeLonghi coffee maker is worth buying because of its functionality and affordability.
2. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker | Café Barista, Silver
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 11.22 x 8.86 x 12.6 inches
- Weight: 10.37 pounds
- Input Power: 1040 watts
- Pump Pressure: 15-bar cup
- Water Tank: Removable
- Material: Stainless steel
Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker is a programmable and 3 in 1 coffee machine. You can make cappuccino, espresso, and latte with the same machine. It has 15 bars pump high pressure that helps make tasty and frothy coffee. Moreover, it has a trouble-free milk froth remover that is easy to clean.
This coffee maker has a one-touch control panel that helps in single and double shots selection. Besides this, it has removable milk and a water tank that is also easy to refill. Mr. Coffee has a 1040 watt power motor for strong and rich espresso shots.
The capacity of the coffee maker and the beverage quantity is dependent upon the froth and milk controlling knob. The froth regulating knob should be cleaned after every use to maintain the quality of froth every time. The coffee machine comes with a recipe book that helps make impressive and tasty coffee drinks.
User Feedback:
Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker is a reliable and sturdy coffee machine. It warms up quickly, so you don’t have to wait for its preparation phase. The best thing about this maker is that it’s easy to use. You need to add water milk in the froth tank, add coffee beans at the end, and you are ready to go.
The drink sizes are accurate, and you can customize your drink size with the espresso button. You need to press once for a single drink, twice for a double drink, and hold the button to override. This coffee machine makes a great quality espresso shot. It requires regular cleaning; otherwise, it will show inconsistency and become dangerous for future use.
Other than this, the assembling of this machine has some flaws as the screws are a bit loose. So, you need to tighten them before use.
3. De’Longhi ECP3420 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, 15″, Black
Key Features:
- Capacity: 2.3 pounds
- Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.25 x 11.9 inches
- Weight: 10.6 pounds
- Input Power: 1100watts
- Pump Pressure: 15-bar cup
- Water Tank: Removable, 37 ounce
- Material: Stainless steel
DeLonghi ECP3420 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine is a programmable coffee maker. Fifteen bar pressures assure quality results every time. It has a removable 37-ounce water tank which is great for more servings. This coffee maker has a tier drip tray, perfect for accommodating larger cups. You can place a cup with a maximum height of up to 5 inches on this tray.
This coffee maker has a stainless steel boiler system. You have to use 2% milk at freezing temperature to make a perfect creamy coffee in this maker. Moreover, this machine has a self-priming feature that helps reduce startup time. This machine has a double-wall filter also.
DeLonghi espresso maker has 2.3 pounds total capacity. Its bottom tray is removable, which helps in adjusting taller cups. With this coffee maker, you can enjoy barista-quality espresso, latte, and cappuccino at your home.
User Feedback:
DeLonghi coffee maker is a mess-free and easy-to-operate coffee machine. With any milk, it produces a wonderful froth and creamy espresso. It would help if you balanced tamping and grinding with good-quality beans to get the perfect coffee in this maker. This machine has a good steamer that works pretty well.
Above all, this coffee maker is easy to clean. The warming plates of the coffee maker also work well. The water level in this maker is visible, so you can increase or decrease the water level according to your need. Warming back the machine only takes 30 seconds which is excellent. The only drawback of this coffee machine is that it’s bit noisy. Overall, investing in this espresso maker is an excellent value of money.
4. Nespresso BEC220BLK Essenza Mini Espresso Machine by Breville, Piano Black
Key Features:
- Capacity: 0.6 liters
- Dimensions: 8 x 4.3 x 12.8 inches
- Weight: 5.95 pounds
- Input Power: 1255watts
- Pump Pressure: 19-bar cup
- Water Tank: Removable
- Material: Plastic
- 2 adjustable cup sizes
Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine is a compact, sleek, and modernly designed coffee maker. It is light in weight and easily portable to fit anywhere and save your counter space. A manual coffee maker exerts up to 19 bar pressures to make frothy and rich creamy espresso. This coffee machine has energy-saving mode and automatically shuts down after 9 minutes once reaching the desired temperature.
Essenza Mini Espresso maker has two adjustable cup sizes. These are programmed for espresso and lungo for a great single serving. In addition to this, it comes with a drip grid, drip base, Nespresso capsule, capsule container, water tank, and lid also. 16 Nespresso capsules with aromatic profiles are complimentary with this maker.
This small and portable coffee maker serves you flavorsome coffee within a few minutes. Its high-pressure pump and fast heating system make it one of the best espresso machines under $200.
User Feedback:
Nespresso coffee maker takes little space in your kitchen and serves you high-quality espresso within no time. Adjustable cups are of excellent quality and worth. This coffee machine warms up fast and makes great espresso shots with perfect crème. Moreover, this is a sturdy coffee maker with good construction.
This coffee machine offers great value for money with a compact and clean design. It starts up quickly and is also easier to clean. Few users state that removing the water tank each time is a little annoying. Frequent water tank removal can cause dripping and leakage. There should be a refilling option without removing the tank.
5. Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine with Steamer – Cappuccino, Mocha, & Latte Maker (40715)
Key Features:
- Capacity: 2 cups
- Dimensions: 13 x 8.2 x 12.31 inches
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Input Power: 1050watts
- Pump Pressure: 15-bar cup
- Water Tank: Removable, 40 ounce
- Material: Plastic, Aluminum
Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine has a 15 bar powerful pressure pump that extracts espresso from the ground and fresh beans. It can also extract coffee from pre-measured pods for a fantastic barista taste. Besides this, the coffee machine also froths and steams milk for latte, cappuccino, and mochas.
This maker allows 2 cups of simultaneous espresso brewing because of two brew head spouts. The 8-pound weight of this coffee maker makes it easier to carry and place. The 40-ounce water tank is removable, easy to fill, and clean.
The water tank capacity is enough to make multiple drinks before refilling time. Additionally, the water level is visible, so you don’t have to guess like other coffee makers. Besides this, the removable stainless steel drip tray, filter holder, and frothing nozzle are easy to clean.
User Feedback:
Hamilton Beach Coffee maker is a reliable machine that makes the perfect espresso. It produces great crème and is also easy to operate. The steamer works well and creates a good foam. You can smell freshly brewed espresso every morning with this efficient espresso maker. The machine has a large water tank that is easy to refill.
The construction of this machine is mainly of plastic, while some exterior parts are made up of aluminum. Thus, it warms up quickly and similarly cools down also. For good frothy hot steamed milk, you will require at least 2-3 heating cycles which is time-consuming. Most users found it a semi-automatic machine that justifies its price. So, you can go for it if you are looking for an affordable espresso machine for your home use.
6. Coffee Steam Espresso Cappuccino and Latte Maker, One Size, Black
Key Features:
- Capacity: 1.3 pounds
- Dimensions: 10.63 x 9.84 x 12.4 inches
- Weight: 5.47 pounds
- Pump Pressure: 15-bar cup
- Water Tank: Removable
- Material: Stainless steel
- Extra large portafilter
Mr. Coffee Steam Espresso Cappuccino and Latte Maker come with an extra-large portafilter that has the capacity to brew up the 4 shots of espresso. It has an integrated frothing wand that froths milk for latte and cappuccino. Moreover, this coffee maker has a stainless steel water pitcher with consistent steaming and brewing markings.
The coffee machine only weighs 5.47 pounds, making it easy to carry and place anywhere you want. The capacity of this espresso maker is fair for making various espresso shots. Besides this, it has a robust steam brewing process that helps get dark and rich espresso. This coffee maker also comes with a measuring scoop for leveling and coffee scoping.
User Feedback:
Mr. Coffee Steam Espresso machine is lightweight, easy to wash, and makes a great espresso, cappuccino, and latte. It comes with great packaging and is also highly affordable. Moreover, it fits easily in cupboards and drawers due to its size. The coffee made from this maker tastes impressive.
Few users complain about the leakage of water from this coffee maker. Besides this, they also state that coffee comes out warmer, not hotter. Other than this, this coffee maker is an excellent investment. It is affordable, functions well, and is easy to operate also.
7. Cuisinart EM-100NP1 1.66 Quart Stainless Steel Espresso Maker
Key Features:
- Capacity: 1 cup
- Dimensions: 12.56 x 8.19 x 10.94 inches
- Weight: 1 pound
- Input Power: 1000watts
- Pump Pressure: 15-bar cup
- Water Tank: Removable, 53 ounce
- Material: Stainless steel
Cuisinart Espresso Maker offers 15 bars of pressure to make the perfect espresso. It can brew 1-2 cups espresso from fresh, grounded, and pre-measured espresso pods. The 53-ounce water reservoir is sufficient for making multiple drinks. Furthermore, this maker also comes with a portafilter holder and a cup-warming plate. Stainless steel steam nozzle, tamping tool, and the removable drip tray are also included in the package.
Steam and hot water knob help in temperature adjustment. Function knob has three hot water, steam, and coffee-making settings. Moreover, the maker comes with cleaning pins that help remove excess milk and residues from the steam wand and filter basket. The measuring scoop and tamping tool assist you in espresso making.
Three filter baskets are also available with this coffee maker. You can use one cup filter basket for single espresso and two cup filter basket for double espresso shots. While for espresso pods, you can use a pod filter basket.
User Feedback:
Cuisinart Espresso Coffee maker is easy to operate and easy to clean coffee machine. The single wall filter basket is one of the fantastic modifications of this coffee machine. The steaming wand works pretty well. If you drill out the portafilter holder, it will result in more crema. If appropriately used, this coffee machine makes a rich in flavor and frothy espresso cup.
The excellent capacity water reservoir and functionally well steamer make this coffee machine among the top ones under $200. This lightweight coffee maker is extremely easy to hold and carry. The brewing shot is thinker compared with other espresso machines. Some users report that the coffee maker becomes substantially noisier over time. Few of them also say some leakage through the maker. Overall, at this price, it’s a good espresso maker.
8. BELLA (13683) Personal Espresso Maker with Steam Wand, Glass Decanter & Permanent Filter, Black
Key Features:
- Capacity: 4 cups
- Dimensions: 9.45 x 9.45 x 11.22 inches
- Weight: 4.76 pounds
- Input Power: 750watts
- Pump Pressure: 5-bar cups
- Material: Steel
- Detachable permanent filter basket
- Frothing Steam Wand
BELLA Personal Espresso Maker has an easy-pour glass decanter, detachable permanent filter basket, and an excellent frothing steam wand. The knob present on the coffee maker sets brewing mode for a latte, cappuccino, Americano, and macchiato. A removable drip tray and steam pressurized safety cap prevent any leakage. This coffee maker is easy to clean because of its detachable parts.
The steam wand efficiently warms up the milk and makes excellent froth. This coffee maker has a visible water level, eliminating the guesswork from your coffee-making process. Now, you can make café-quality barista-style espresso, latte, cappuccino, and other coffees at home within a few minutes with this coffee maker.
User Feedback:
This little espresso maker is unbeatable for the price. It is a nicely structured and durable coffee maker that is worth buying. You will have to turn the brewing knob first for steam, but it doesn’t take much time. Switch off the brewing knob when you ultimately get the fine crème coffee. The coffee brews from this maker taste amazing; milk also steams and froths nicely.
The coffee maker heats well and is also easy to clean. The switching knob could be problematic, as stated by some users. If you switch from steam to off, you will need a firm grip over the knob with dry hands. Otherwise, the knob will break. Overall, the product is worthy of the money and best for daily use.
9. NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine, Genio 2, Espresso, Cappuccino and Latte Pod Machine, Silver
Key Features:
- Capacity: 2.8 pounds
- Dimensions: 10.8 x 6.5 x 11.7 inches
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Input Power: 1460watts
- Pump Pressure: 15-bar cup
- Water Tank: Removable, 45 ounce
- Material: Nylon (PA66), Polypropylene, Silicone, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Polycarbonate
NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine, Genio 2 is an automatic capsule-based coffee machine. It is designed to make a single cup, specialty brewing, and black coffee. From espresso to cappuccino, it makes multiple types of coffee. The 15 bar high pressure allows optimal flavors and aromas extraction. The machine has an LED display, by which you can select temperature and cup size with a toggle stick.
This ultra-compact coffee maker is most suitable for single-cup servings with small footprints. Moreover, the NESCAFE Coffee maker has an eco-mode that immediately switches off the machine after 5 minutes of an idle period. This coffee machine is more suitable for places where you will have to make less than 6 cups a day.
This machine is convenient to use. You will have to slide in a capsule, then select the serving size with a toggle stick, and in the end, push the button. You will get fresh, frothy, and creamy coffee within a few minutes.
User Feedback:
The best thing about this coffee maker is that it is automatic. You just have to add a capsule, adjust the size, and you can walk away easily. It stops automatically when your espresso gets ready. This coffee maker has a small footprint, and it takes very little space at the countertop. Moreover, this coffee maker can make both hot and cold coffee.
The water tank of this maker is large enough that you don’t have to refill it again often. A 45-ounce capacity is perfect for making enough shots of espresso. This Nescafe coffee maker is quick, easy to use, and easy to clean. Some users object that this coffee maker is noisy and reduces its pressure over time. You have to be very gentle and careful while using this coffee machine.
9 Best Espresso Machines under 200$ – Compared
Title | image | Capacity | Pump Pressure | Water tank | Button |
DeLonghi EC155 15 Bar Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, Black | 1 liter | 15-bar cup | Removable, 35 ounce | ||
Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker | Café Barista, Silver | __ | 15-bar cup | Removable | ||
De'Longhi ECP3420 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine | 2.3 pounds | 15-bar cup | Removable, 37 ounce | ||
Nespresso BEC220BLK Essenza Mini Espresso Machine by Breville | 0.6 liters | 19-bar cup | Removable | ||
Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine with Steamer (40715) | 2 cups | 15-bar cup | Removable, 40 ounce | ||
Mr. Coffee Steam Espresso Cappuccino and Latte Maker, Black | 1.3 pounds | 15-bar cup | Removable | ||
Cuisinart EM-100NP1 1.66 Quart Stainless Steel Espresso Maker | 1 cup | 15-bar cup | Removable, 53 ounce | ||
BELLA (13683) Personal Espresso Maker, Black | 4 cups | 5-bar cup | Removable | ||
NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine, Genio 2 | 2.8 pounds | 15-bar cup | Removable, 45 ounce |
Buying Guide for Espresso Machine
Although you have multiple options in espresso machines under your budget ($200), out of these options, you need the best. Buying an espresso maker that will make good coffee worth the money should also be your priority. But if you are not a professional barista, you may not know what a good espresso machine should own.
By looking at this buying guide, you can choose a suitable espresso machine. This buying guide includes the essential features that a coffee maker must possess.
Exterior: The appearance of the coffee maker should be considered while purchasing it. You will have to decide; whether you want a stainless steel maker or a plastic body maker in white or black profile. The maker should look presentable on your countertop.
Capacity: The capacity of your water reservoir should be enough to make quite a few espresso shots every day. If you brew many espresso shots in a day, you need a maker with a large water tank that you don’t have to refill frequently.
Pressure: Pressurized hot water pulls a great shot of espresso through tightly packed coffee beans. A minimum 15 bar pressure coffee machine would be suitable to make a perfect shot. You have to check the pressure level of the espresso maker before buying it.
Portability: Lightweight and easy-to-carry coffee machines are preferable to buy. Besides traditional, bulky coffee machines, you should opt for a compact, portable, and lightweight coffee maker.
Easy to use: If you are not a professional barista, then the possibilities are more that you don’t know exactly how to make a perfect shot espresso shot. So, you will probably prefer a semi-automatic coffee maker in which you don’t have to do much manually. You should go for easy-to-operate coffee machines.
Easy to clean: Espresso machines do not perform functionally well if you don’t clean them in your routine. Milk and other residues may stick in different parts of the machine and affects its functionality. Thus, buying an easy to clean coffee maker would be helpful for its maintenance.
Coffee beans and pods compatibility: Espresso machines need finely ground coffee beans for a perfect shot. You can opt for fresh coffee beans and grind them perfectly. Besides this, you can also go for pods. Whatever you choose, it should be compatible with your coffee maker’s pods filters and other accessories.
Final Words
As mentioned above, among all these espresso makers, our top pick is DeLonghi EC155 15 Bar Espresso and Cappuccino Machine. It has many advanced and automatic features that help make an excellent espresso shot even if you are not a barista. But, if you want to go with a more affordable option, you can pick Mr. Coffee Steam Espresso Cappuccino and Latte Maker. This coffee maker is manual, but it is worth the money and highly affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the espresso maker work?
An espresso maker uses high-pressurized water to brew coffee beans. Pressurized water at boiling temperature brews the coffee beans/pods and a filter. The espresso shot you will get this way would be creamy, frothy, and concentrated
2. Is Mr. Coffee’s espresso machine good?
Mr. Coffee’s espresso machine is perfect for an occasional coffee drinker. Although it’s not a professional coffee maker, it quickly produces hot, frothy, and delicious espresso. Moreover, it is also affordable, so it’s worth buying.
3. Which coffee should use for the DeLonghi espresso maker?
Surprisingly, you can use any type of coffee for the DeLonghi espresso maker. To get a perfectly brewed espresso shot, you have to grind your fresh coffee beans well.
4. How often to clean espresso makers?
After every 200 shots of espresso, your machine needs a thorough cleaning. Besides this, routine cleaning is preferable to keep your coffee maker functionally well for a more extended period. Espresso cleaning liquids and powders are available in the market for this purpose.
5. Can an espresso maker make a cappuccino?
Yes, an espresso maker is used for making cappuccinos. Divide your cappuccino into three parts, including espresso, milk foam, and hot milk. Then turn on the settings on an espresso maker to get a good cappuccino serving.
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