Want to create quality espresso drinks without leaving your home?
Most espresso machines are as easy to use as a coffee maker, and will save you the time and money it takes to go the the coffee shop when you need that daily caffeine fix. You will enjoy using your new espresso maker to recreate your favorite coffee shop beverages for a fraction of the cost.
Home espresso makers are a popular addition to your kitchen that will have you sipping frothy custom concoctions before you even get out of your pajamas.
Having your own machine can also come in handy when you want to treat your guests to a fancy and tasty mocha or macchiato.
A good espresso machine is a fabulous gift for the java junkie in your life and a popular (and appreciated!) choice for weddings, and housewarmings.
Keep reading to see our picks for best espresso machines under 200 dollars. You will feel confident in your ability to make an informed decision about which espresso machine to buy.
Our Review Process
We absolutely LOVE our coffee here at RadishRoses. In fact, not much would get done around here without it! So, we take this espresso maker review very seriously. We spent many caffeine-fueled hours researching features, reviews and ratings of many popular machines so that we can recommend only the best to our readers. In addition to the price of 200 dollars or less, here are some of the key factors we looked at:
- Ease of use- options such as programmable versus single button operation, frothing ability, customizable temperature settings... Next to pricing, this is the area where there is the most variability. It is very personal, and while we can point out some of those details, and provide education, the eye is definitely in the beholder when it comes to how easy it is to operate an espresso machine. Luckily, they all come with instructions. Some even have a video tutorial you can access using your smart phone!
- Brand reputation- You want a brand you can count on. There are a LOT of manufacturers out there. While being a new kid on the block doesn't automatically mean a substandard product, familiar names do tend to instill confidence in us that they will be there to stand by their product if something should go wrong.
- Size- We know counter space can be at a premium in many kitchens. Not everyone has room for a big bulky centerpiece, no matter how much you use it!
- Appearance- We looked at how pleasing each machine was to the eye. All espresso machines are swanky looking by nature, but some look just a little cooler than others. If you ARE going to make space on your counter top for a new appliance, I am not ashamed to say, at least it should look great!
As much as we enjoy sipping a good espresso with a friend at the local coffee shop, sometimes you just want to stay home and get your caffeine on without spending all that time and money.
We totally get it, and want to help take the guesswork out of making the choice of which new espresso machine to buy; one that has all the features you need, but won’t completely blow your rainy day fund.
Our team has read through thousands of espresso maker reviews and star ratings to come up with a list of the best espresso machines under 200 dollars to satisfy your caffeine cravings. We will have you tamping your ground coffee and milk frothing in no time..at a price you can afford.
We have included only automatic and semi-automatic espresso machines in this list.
If you are a purist or an experienced café barista, you may prefer the art of creating a good espresso using a manual espresso maker. We will give those beautiful machines our undivided attention in another list.
Here are the best espresso machines that caught our attention and made our top list-in no particular order!
Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi
BEST for Easy Operation
Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi
What Got Our Attention:
If working an espresso machine intimidates you and steaming milk is not part of your barista skill set, consider this option!
You simply cannot beat De’Longhi’s Nespresso machines for ease of use and instant gratification.
The individual, single-serve capsules allow you to easily switch up the aromatic profile to experiment with unique combinations, or let each person make their own choice of which variety to try.
This model is a compact machine that is light and portable and certainly will not take up too much of your valuable countertop real estate.
The Details:
The Nespresso Essenza is a single-serve espresso machine that uses ground coffee in pre-loaded capsules (think the espresso version of a keurig) to create your cup.
The Nespresso Essenza, when ordered from Amazon, does also come with a complimentary starter variety set of individual capsules to get you started.
The ground coffee capsules seem to be pretty widely available, even on Amazon and come in multiple flavors to customize your cup. It doesn't seem like there should be any concern of not being able to find capsules for your machine any time in the near future.
It is easy to use with 2 buttons you can program to create your perfect pull (that's espresso-lingo for dispensing an espresso shot).
Also, it heats up fast with a single touch of a button and can have you sipping a good espresso in under a minute.
The Nespresso Essenza has a compact design so it will not take up as much space in your kitchen as other espresso machines, and with the sleek design, you won’t mind having it out on display on your countertop, coffee bar or office space.
Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
What Got Our Attention:
Mr. Coffee…it’s a household name, and has very high marks, with buyers saying this automatic espresso machine is easy to use, easy to clean, versatile, high quality, and durable. All the bells and whistles you need, but still straightforward to use.
Definitely one of the top espresso machines under 200 dollars and the best overall bang for your buck.
The price does hover right around $200, so watch for a sale to catch it under budget!
The Details:
This is a 3 in 1 system that will not only give you a great espresso, but can have you making cappuccino and lattes with ease. Mr. Coffee has a programmable control panel for various drink choices.
You don’t have to fuss with creating the perfect foam. You only need to fill the milk reservoir and the Mr. Coffee espresso machine will froth milk automatically.
You will be glad to know: both the water and milk reservoirs and drip tray are removable for ease of filling and cleaning.
Gevi Commercial Espresso Machine
What Got Our Attention:
The Gevi 20 Bar High-Pressure Espresso Machine is stylish and strong, and gives Mr. Coffee a run for his money!
This semi automatic espresso machine offers ease of use to produce café barista quality in the comfort of your home. You can adjust to pour single or double shots. This maker has high marks for overall appearance, reasonable size, fast heating, and power.
The Details:
The Gevi Espresso Machine has a good-sized 1.2 liter water reservoir and heats up fast (about 45 seconds) so you don’t need to wait too long for your morning caffeine fix!
It has settings for you to choose to pull either a single or double shot, or you can use the manual option to control the size of the espresso shots yourself.
You can also control the brew temp, and there is an attached milk frothing wand with it’s own thermostat so you can create your perfect foam.
Unique Feature: In addition to the drip tray, the milk frother tip is also removable for easy cleaning.
Laekerrt Espresso Machine with Milk Frother Steam Wand
What Got Our Attention:
The Laekerrt company has the lock on fashionable color coordination with their espresso machines.
This particular version is pink, but they also have navy blue and white models, among others.
All the necessary standard features of the typical espresso maker, including a milk frother, plenty of power, and high customer marks earn it a spot on our list of best espresso machines under 200 dollars.
Not only is this budget-friendly espresso machine perfect for the beginner barista, but doubles as a working piece of art!
The Details:
This Laekerrt semi-automatic espresso machine has a 1.25 Liter water reservoir that is removable for easy filling and cleaning.
It can pour two espresso shots at once…one for a friend…or a double shot for you!
An interesting feature is the top of the espresso maker can be used to warm your espresso cup, so your drink will stay hot a little longer.
The machine has a positionable milk frother, and also has suction cups on the bottom of the machine to keep it steady and prevent any tipping or sliding while you are using it.
Bonus: It has a little smaller footprint than some other machines so it does not take up too much counter space.
Did I mention it’s pink???
Best Espresso Machines Under 200 dollars FAQs:
Researching before you buy your first espresso machine can feel time consuming and overwhelming.
With so many options and features available, you might feel confused about the differences and maybe a little lost about how to choose one espresso machine that will best fit your needs and your budget, and most importantly, last a good long time!
We want to provide enough information to help you feel confident about the choice you are making and get the espresso machine that will be the perfect addition to your kitchen coffee bar, and make you a darn good espresso!
Here are some common questions people have asked when they are shopping for the best espresso machines under 200 dollars.
Can you make good espresso without an espresso machine?
Short answer: yes. Do you want to? Maybe not.
While it is technically possible to make espresso without a machine, the end result may not provide the same depth of flavor and crema that you would get from using a dedicated espresso machine.
The amount of pressure applied by an espresso machine is very specific and critical to extracting the robust flavors and rich oils contained within the coffee grounds.
Alternative methods, such as using a Moka pot, Aeropress, or a French press can approximate an espresso-like coffee, yet, they generally lack the intensity and the characteristic layer of crema of a traditional espresso shot.
Therefore, for the most authentic espresso experience, an espresso machine remains the preferred choice.
What is the difference between an automatic and manual espresso machine? Which make the best espresso machines?
First, we should separate the manual espresso maker from the automatic. Manual espresso makers require the user to manually pump hot water through the ground coffee, giving you more control over brewing pressure and time.
Automatic espresso makers are divided into three categories: semi-automatic, automatic, and there are even super-automatic espresso machines.
The difference between the three styles is the extent to which the machines automate parts of the espresso brewing process.
Semi-automatic machines automate some of the process while letting the user control other aspects, such as when to stop or start the flow of water, and operation of the milk frothing wand.
Automatic makers are typically equipped with one button for operating the machine, although some higher-end models may have more than one button. Most still allow users to select settings like temperature and coffee strength.
Super-automatic espresso machines take care of all the brewing steps for you. They grind the coffee, tamp it, and brew it in one press of a button; they can even perform milk frothing and dispense milk foam automatically, if desired.
What does bar pressure mean? How does pressure affect my espresso?
Bar is a unit of measurement for pressure. Espresso makers use 9 bars on average to push hot water through the compacted grounds to produce the best tasting brew.
The experts at ShedLight Coffee Roasters (ShedLightCoffee.com) say that often, an espresso maker will be advertised as having 15 or 20 bars of available steam pressure. Although they likely have the ability to create higher pressure, the espresso maker will actually have a pressure reducer to limit the brewing pressure to the ideal 9 bars.
Rather than focusing on pressure rating, which might be more of a marketing ploy than actual indicator of quality, we think you are better advised to base your choice on features such as an attached milk frother, size, ease of use, durability, and cost.
What Kind of Beans are Espresso beans?
Espresso is more a “roast” than a “bean”. Good espresso is brewed from a dark roast coffee bean for a rich, full flavor.
The best beans for espresso often have a dark or "espresso" roast profile, with bold flavors and aromas. Arabica varieties are generally preferred as they contain less caffeine than Robusta beans and offer more complexity in terms of flavor profiles. Some common beans used for espresso are Brazilian, Sumatran and Kenyan.
However, the right bean is not only determined by its origin; other factors such as roast level, freshness and processing method all play a role in creating the perfect shot of espresso. Roasters develop unique roasting methods for every different variety of beans to bring out the very best in each type. Creating the perfect roast is essential to maximize the flavor in your coffee grounds.
Fresh-ground coffee beans are always preferred over pre-ground coffee. When using an espresso maker, the espresso beans should be a fine grind…finer than what you use in your typical automatic drip coffee maker, and much finer than that used in a French press-style or pour-over coffee maker.
No matter what type of bean you choose, it is important to grind them as close to brewing time as possible; this preserves freshness and flavor. Finding a good grinder and dialing in the correct settings for your espresso machine will ensure that the brew process is consistent every time. With quality ingredients, technique, and a little practice, you will be able to create a delicious cup of espresso for yourself and your guests.
Is an espresso a day good for you?
Just the smell of fresh ground coffee is enough to put me in a good mood! In the short-term, the caffeine in espresso can be a mood booster, give you focus, and a boost of energy.
Plus, espresso can be good for weight loss! Caffeine does increase metabolism, and can help burn fat. As long as you don’t load it up with sugars and cream, is very low in calories. Warm liquids like coffee and espresso can also be an appetite suppressant.
Longer-term benefits: The antioxidants in ground coffee and espresso beans bolster your immune system, can reduce certain cancer risks, and have been identified to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
If the acid bothers you, try your hand at milk frothing, and add some milk or cream. If you have issues with high heart rate, or at the recommendation of your doctor, opt for a decaffeinated version.
Does Espresso have more caffeine than regular coffee?
Contrary to popular belief, espresso doesn't contain more caffeine than a regular cup of coffee.
In fact, a typical serving of espresso has less caffeine compared to a regular cup of coffee due to its smaller serving size.
However, if we're examining caffeine content per ounce, then indeed, espresso packs a stronger punch. It is this concentrated nature of espresso that has led to the misconception that it has more caffeine overall.
You generally, won’t be drinking a whole coffee mug full of espresso, though. Think of it like the alcohol difference between a shot of liquor and a glass of beer.
The espresso maker extraction process does make a more concentrated cup that, ounce for ounce, might be higher in caffeine than traditional drip coffee.
The biggest misconception is that a dark roast bean, such as the type used to make espresso, has more caffeine than a lighter roast. In reality, the opposite is true!
Dark roast espresso is actually lower in caffeine than a light roast traditional brewed cup of coffee!
It’s also worth noting that the type of bean used for espresso can have an impact on its caffeine content. Robusta beans are generally higher in caffeine than Arabica beans. So, whether you’re looking for a hefty dose of caffeine, or would opt for the lower end of the scale, you can check the label to determine which type was used for your espresso.
At the end of the day, no matter how you choose to enjoy your coffee or espresso, understanding its caffeine content can help you make informed decisions about what and how much to drink. Knowing that there are a few nuances in terms of caffeine content between different types of coffee can help you to choose the right brew for your lifestyle and health needs.
Is Espresso worse for your stomach than coffee?
Espresso and coffee can both have varying effects on the stomach, largely due to their acidity levels and caffeine content.
Generally, it is thought that espresso, despite its intensity, may actually be better for your stomach than regular coffee. This is because espresso is often brewed quickly, which results in less acid being extracted from the coffee beans during the brewing process.
However, individual tolerance can vary greatly, and it's important to pay attention to how your body reacts. If you find that either form of coffee upsets your stomach, it may be worth experimenting with different brewing methods or types of beans to find what works best for you.
The role of milk in espresso and coffee drinks can also be a factor when considering their impact on your stomach. Milk can counteract some of the acidity in coffee, making it easier on the stomach.
That being said, if you are lactose intolerant or sensitive to dairy, adding milk to your coffee or espresso may result in digestive discomfort. Alternatively, non-dairy milk alternatives like almond milk, soy milk or oat milk can offer a creamy texture without the potential for lactose-induced upset.
It's all about finding the right balance that suits your body, taste preferences and dietary requirements.
How much should you pay for an espresso machine? Is it cheaper to make your own espresso?
It really depends on your budget, how much you will use it and what features you need. For the beginner, casual espresso drinker, you can get a very capable semi-automatic espresso machine for around $100-$200.
If you are going to be using your espresso maker every day, or are looking to perfect your game, making quality espresso with adjustable settings and programmable features, you can expect to venture closer to the $500 range.
For the extremely high use, reliability and durability of the best espresso maker like those used by the coffee shops, you can easily spend thousands of dollars, up to tens of thousands, especially with the built-in commercial burr grinders.
You can save a lot of money, after the initial investment in a home espresso machine, provided you use it to replace those daily coffee shop purchases.
How much money you save depends on many factors, including how often you used to visit the coffee shop. If you were a daily customer, and switch to doing your own milk frothing, it wouldn’t take long for your home espresso machine to pay for itself.
Coffee shop-style extras like flavor shots, whipped cream and ingredients for milk and milk alternative-based drinks can add to your grocery expenses, but with customized coffee shop espresso drinks these days costing anywhere from $5 to $10 (or even more, depending where you live!), a good espresso machine is still a good investment for the espresso aficionado.
Pro tip: Get your pink drink-loving teenagers on board with your new purchase and you can save even more money!
Why is home espresso so expensive?
An automatic espresso machine is expensive because they are much more complicated and require higher quality materials than an automatic drip coffee maker.
Rather than just a heating element and a pump dripping water over coffee grounds, the espresso machine must create higher heat and a pressurized system. Along with that system, comes pressure sensors as well as fittings and materials in your espresso maker that must withstand the extreme conditions.
Despite the popularity of espresso drinks, home espresso machines are far less common than your regular coffee machine.
Thanks, in part, to wise marketing, many people would rather leave the mocha crafting to the café barista at their favorite coffee shop.
How long do espresso machines last?
The lifespan of an espresso machine can vary enormously depending on several factors such as the quality of the build, the frequency of use, and how well the machine is maintained.
Most espresso machines under 200 dollars can be expected to last about 5 years with average use. Less if you have teenagers, but as my Dad used to say, "this, is why we can’t have nice things!"
A high-quality, well-maintained machine can last for many years, even up to a decade or more. Regular cleaning and occasional servicing can significantly extend the machine's life, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
Following the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and maintenance are always a good idea, and might even help if you need to have your espresso machine repaired or replaced under warranty.
Notably, machines from reputable brands often come with lengthy warranties, providing peace of mind that if something does go wrong, support is available.
Are espresso machines high maintenance?
Espresso makers, by their nature, require a certain level of maintenance to ensure their proper function. This is primarily due to the complex processes and high pressures involved in brewing espresso.
Elements such as the coffee grinder, the water tank, and the steam wand, among others, require regular cleaning to prevent buildup and maintain optimal operation.
Typically, you will want to blow out your milk frother for a few seconds after using it to ensure no bacteria grows into the tip after the milk frothing.
Additionally, descaling is an essential routine to remove mineral deposits that can accumulate over time, especially in areas with hard water.
Just like your home coffee maker, running some vinegar through and then rinsing with clear hot water three times is the typical process to prevent scale buildup.
Despite these maintenance requirements, the effort is generally rewarded with consistently high-quality espresso, and an extended lifespan of the machine.
Nevertheless, some machines are more high maintenance than others. Models with an adjustable temperature control feature, for example, require more effort to keep the boiler at a proper temperature.
Additionally, manual and semi-automatic machines typically require more frequent cleaning and descaling as compared to their automatic counterparts.
You should follow the cleaning and maintenance recommendations outlined in your espresso machine owner’s manual.
Why does espresso taste better than coffee?
The superior taste of quality espresso over regular coffee can be attributed to several factors, primarily the brewing process and the beans used.
Espresso is brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure, yielding a concentrated beverage packed with flavors and aromas.
The beans chosen for espresso are often darker roast varieties, which offer a richer, bolder taste. The fine grind allows for maximum extraction of the coffee's flavor compounds, contributing to its robust character.
Furthermore, the crema - the golden, foamy layer on top of a shot of espresso - adds to the overall taste experience, enhancing both the aroma and the mouthfeel of the drink.
If there is bitterness, likely either the water temp is not hot enough, or the grounds are too coarse, causing too long of an extraction. A sour flavor might mean too quick of an extraction from too high pressure combined with high hot water temperature.
It is worth noting, due to the very specific combination of brew time and grind, the same advice might not apply to coffee made with your automatic drip coffee maker.
Despite the fact that espresso and coffee are made from the same raw material, their brewing methods result in distinctively different flavor profiles. And that's why espresso can taste so much better than coffee.
So, what IS the best espresso machine under 200 dollars?
After considering thousands of reviews, we have tried to provide a few options for the best espresso machines under 200 dollars, with a variety of features to fit your needs.
Whichever one you choose, I know you will love having your own espresso maker - not only will you get a good espresso drink made the way you want it, every time, but your espresso maker will pay for itself with the money you save by skipping the daily coffee shop stop!
We hope you feel more educated and prepared to make the decision to become your own café barista and start brewing quality espresso from the comfort of your own home.
Take a closer look at your favorites in our review of the best espresso machines under 200 dollars and many others using the convenient links under each model featured.
Thank you for stopping by!