When it comes to enjoying a rich and flavorful espresso at home, affordable espresso machines have come a long way, offering impressive features and reliable performance without the hefty price tag.
Finding a budget-friendly machine can greatly improve your daily coffee routine. In this guide we’ll look into some of the best affordable espresso machines available, highlighting their key features.
What Are The Best Affordable Espresso Machine
Here is the list of the best affordable espresso machines.
01. De’Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine
The De’Longhi Stilosa is a budget-friendly manual espresso machine designed for those who want a straightforward, hands-on espresso experience. It delivers professional-level espresso shots with its 15-bar pressure system making it an excellent choice for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Type: Manual Espresso Machine
Key Features
Here are the key features of De’Longhi Stilosa.
15-Bar Professional Pressure: This machine ensures the ideal pressure for a rich and creamy espresso with a perfect crema layer.
Stainless Steel Boiler: Durable and reliable, the boiler ensures consistent temperature control for brewing espresso.
Manual Milk Frother: A built-in steam wand allows you to manually froth milk, creating creamy lattes or cappuccinos.
Compact Design: With its space-saving design, the Stilosa is perfect for small kitchens or limited counter space.
Dual Drip Tray: Adjustable to fit larger cups or mugs, making it versatile for different coffee drinks.
Pros
- Beginner-Friendly
- Consistent Performance
- Easy to Clean
Cons
- Manual Operation
- Plastic Construction
- Basic Features
02. Mr. Coffee Café Barista
The Mr. Coffee Café Barista is a semi-automatic espresso machine that offers the convenience of one-touch brewing while still allowing for some manual control. It’s a versatile machine, perfect for those who want to make a variety of coffee drinks with ease.
Type: Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
Key Features
Here are the key features of Mr. Coffee Café Barista.
15-Bar Pump System: Ensures a strong brew with optimal extraction for rich espresso.
One-Touch Control Panel: Simplifies the process of making espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos at the press of a button.
Automatic Milk Frother: Take the guesswork out of frothing; simply select your desired foam level, and the machine does the rest.
Removable Water and Milk Reservoirs: Convenient for refilling and cleaning, with a decent capacity to reduce the frequency of refills.
Three Pre-Programmed Beverage Options: Easily make single or double shots of espresso, lattes, or cappuccinos.
Pros
- Ease of Use
- Versatility
- Affordability
Cons
- Limited Customization
- Maintenance
- Plastic Components
03. Nespresso Essenza Mini
The Nespresso Essenza Mini is a compact, capsule-based espresso machine that’s perfect for those who prioritize convenience and speed. It offers consistent espresso quality with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy lifestyles or small spaces.
Type: Capsule Espresso Machine
Key Features
Here are the key features of Nespresso Essenza Mini.
19-Bar High-Pressure Pump: Provides the right amount of pressure to extract coffee, delivering rich and aromatic espresso with a thick crema.
Compact Size: Extremely small footprint, ideal for those with limited counter space or who need a portable option.
Quick Heat-Up Time: Ready to brew in just 25 seconds, making it one of the fastest options for an on-the-go lifestyle.
Energy-Saving Mode: Automatically switches off after 9 minutes of inactivity, reducing energy consumption.
Nespresso Capsule System: Compatible with Nespresso capsules, offering a wide variety of flavors and blends.
Pros
- User-Friendly
- Consistent Quality
- Low Maintenance
Cons
- Capsule Dependency
- Small Water Reservoir
- No Milk Frother
04. De’Longhi EC155 Espresso Machine
The De’Longhi EC155 is a popular semi-automatic espresso machine known for its balance of affordability and performance. It’s a versatile machine that offers good value for those looking to enjoy espresso and milk-based drinks at home without breaking the bank.
Type: Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
Key Features
Here are the key features of De’Longhi EC155.
15-Bar Professional Pressure: Guarantees the best extraction for a rich, flavorful espresso.
Dual-Function Filter Holder: Allows you to use either ground coffee or convenient E.S.E. pods.
Swivel Jet Frother: Perfect for creating rich, creamy froth for cappuccinos and lattes.
Stainless Steel Boiler: Ensures durability and long-lasting performance.
Compact Footprint: Saves counter space while delivering quality espresso.
Pros
- Great Value
- Ease of Use
- Versatility
Cons
- Plastic Build
- Small Water Tank
- Basic Steam Wand
05. Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus, when available on sale, is a premium option within the budget range. It offers advanced features like precise temperature control and microfoam milk texturing, making it an excellent choice for those who want a professional-grade espresso machine at an affordable price.
Type: Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
Key Features
Here are the key features of Breville Bambino Plus.
15-Bar Pressure: Delivers the ideal extraction for espresso, ensuring a rich taste and good crema.
Automatic Microfoam Milk Texturing: Advanced steam wand technology allows you to create barista-quality microfoam milk, ideal for latte art.
ThermoJet Heating System: Reaches the optimal extraction temperature in just 3 seconds, allowing for a quick start.
Compact Design: Saves counter space without sacrificing quality or features.
Precise Espresso Extraction: Digital temperature control (PID) ensures water is delivered at the right temperature for optimal espresso extraction.
Pros
- High-Quality Build
- Fast Operation
- Professional Features
Cons
- Price Fluctuations
- Small Water Tank
- Limited Availability
Conclusion
Investing in an affordable espresso machine doesn’t mean compromising on the quality of your coffee. The machines we’ve covered offer a balance of performance, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness making them excellent options for anyone looking to brew espresso at home. These budget-friendly models can provide a solid foundation for creating delicious espresso beverages.
FAQs
Is it cheaper to make Espresso at home?
Yes, making espresso at home can be cheaper in the long run compared to buying it from a coffee shop. The initial investment in an espresso machine and accessories might be significant but the cost per cup is lower when you brew it yourself.
Is a 20-bar Espresso Machine good?
A 20-bar espresso machine is generally good as it provides ample pressure for extracting espresso. However, many high-quality machines use 9 bars of pressure for optimal extraction. The additional pressure in a 20-bar machine can be useful for achieving a more consistent shot or for certain styles of espresso but it’s not always necessary for great results.
