While many people believe espresso machines are expensive, that’s not always the case. In fact, there are some high quality models that are strong contenders in the budget espresso machine category.
There is a reason why people love espresso. It’s not only a stronger alternative to drip coffee, but rich, creamy and the true drink of a coffee-lover.
If you are new to espresso or just want a simple, beginner-friendly machine, this guide will help you get started.
At the other end of the spectrum, you have super automatic espresso machines, which do everything for you, from grinding beans to frothing milk. But those come at a much higher price – here, we’re focused on the best options under $200.
Quick Overview
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Best Overall
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Best for Beginners
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Best Value
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Best For:
Anyone who wants a dependable, brand-name machine with consistent espresso and milk frothing at a budget price.
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Best For:
Beginners who want one-touch espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes without learning the details of milk frothing.
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Best For:
Home baristas who want modern features like PID control and a pressure gauge in a compact, affordable machine.
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Disclosure: “Check Price” buttons take you to Amazon, where I may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate.
Best Espresso Machines Under $200
1. DeLonghi ECP3630 15-Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
Note: The DeLonghi EC702, which was previously our #1 pick, has been discontinued and is no longer widely available. We’ve updated our list and recommend the DeLonghi ECP3630 as the best current alternative in this price range.
If you are new to espresso, you should know that DeLonghi is one of the most trusted and oldest brands out there. In fact, they represent quality across all budgets for all users.
One of the most notable features of this machine is its stainless steel front panel, which gives it a sturdy, premium feel. However, unlike the older EC702 that had a full stainless-steel housing, the rest of the ECP3630’s body is made of durable plastic. This hybrid build makes it lighter while still looking sharp on your countertop.
With a 15-bar pump in its gut, this machine produces some of the highest quality espresso shots topped with a thick crema.
Unlike other machines in this bracket, the DeLonghi ECP3630 automatically self-primes, a welcome feature in budget espresso machines.
The machine comes built with a manual frother that is perfect for steaming or frothing your own milk. That means you can use this machine to make cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, cortados, and other milky espresso beverages.
You can pull a single or double shot. This machine is extremely easy-to-use. You will not be required to do most of the work, like manual espresso machines.
During the extraction process, you can stop the shot manually at your preferred volume (about 1–1.5 ounces per single). So you can dial in the amount every single time.
The temperature stays consistent during the brewing of multiple cups of espresso. So, if you are having a party, let your guests know there is minimal waiting in between each shot. This is a rapid-shot machine, thanks to the ~37 ounce (1.1 liter) water tank!
The fan-favorite feature of this machine is how easy it is to clean. With minimal messes and simple removable pieces, your clean up time will be cut in half!
Verdict
Considering its wallet-friendly price and the quality of espresso it produces, after reviewing all these espresso machines, we have no qualms recommending the DeLonghi ECP3630 as the best espresso machine under $200.
For more options across the brand, see our full guide to the best DeLonghi espresso machines.
2. Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso Maker and Cappuccino Maker
Everyone has heard of the famous brand, Mr. Coffee. There is a reason why this brand made this list. It’s an awesome home espresso machine, plain and simple.
Note: The Mr. Coffee Café Barista has recently crept above the $200 price point (often around $210–$220). While it doesn’t fit neatly into our cutoff, it remains one of the most beginner-friendly and popular home espresso machines, so we’ve chosen to keep it on this list.
Overall, the Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista is very easy to use and it’s perfect for getting one for your home if it’s your first foray into espresso.
The One Touch Control Panel is the winning feature here. While most espresso makers will have you turn knobs and sliders to dial in your shot, that can be quite overwhelming for new users.
The Mr Coffee Cafe Barista takes all the guesswork out of making an espresso and you can just use the one-touch buttons to make great coffee right away.
The three buttons allow you to make a single shot espresso, a double shot espresso, a cappuccino, a latte, or just some milk foam.
Speaking of milk foam, the automatic milk frother is another feature that is a major benefit of having. Instead of using manual levers and wands, this machine will do all the work for you and develop the creamiest and most delicious froths in this budget range.
If you are planning to make espresso in different size cups, don’t worry. This machine has you covered with an adjustable cup tray.
The entire machine is relatively easy to clean. With a removable water tank and drip catcher, which is also removable, the user will be rarely cleaning up any messes.
Verdict
The Mr Coffee Cafe Barista is one of our favorite espresso makers from all the machines that we’ve reviewed. It’s the espresso machine that I’ve had for the last 4 years and it’s been working like a powerhouse ever since.
The Mr. Coffee is a no-brainer choice for beginners who want espresso and milk drinks at this price point.
3. Casabrews 5418 Pro Espresso Machine
Casabrews may be a newer name in the home espresso world, but the 5418 Pro has quickly earned attention for packing a surprising number of features into an affordable package. If you want something stylish and modern that doesn’t break the bank, this machine is worth a serious look.
The Casabrews 5418 Pro comes with a 20-bar Italian pump, a PID temperature control system (rare in this price range), and a pressure gauge on the front so you can see what’s happening as you brew. These are features normally reserved for more expensive models.
Another standout feature is its fast heat-up time. You can be pulling shots and steaming milk in just a few minutes, which is perfect for busy mornings. And speaking of milk, the manual steam wand is capable of creating microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos, though it takes a bit of practice to get the texture right.
The compact size is another selling point. At only 5.5 inches wide, the 5418 Pro won’t take over your counter, and the stainless-steel front gives it a sleek look.
Now, for the caveats. The included dual-wall portafilter and tamper aren’t the sturdiest, and the machine lacks a three-way solenoid valve, which means you may see some dripping after a shot.
Some users spend a little extra on a bottomless portafilter, dramatically improving results while still keeping the total setup under $200.
Cleaning and maintenance are easy and straightforward (just routine rinsing and descaling) which makes it friendly for beginners.
Verdict
The Casabrews 5418 Pro is an exciting newcomer that delivers a lot for the price: PID control, pressure gauge, sleek design, and compact size. While the build quality and included accessories aren’t as robust as DeLonghi or Breville, the feature set makes it one of the best-value modern espresso machines you can buy without breaking the budget.
4. Gevi 15-Bar 5403
Gevi isn’t as much of a household name as DeLonghi or Breville, but the brand has built a reputation in recent years for offering well-designed budget espresso machines. The 5403 is one of their most popular models and fits nicely into the under-$200 category.
This compact machine uses a 15-bar pressure pump, giving you enough power for authentic espresso extraction and crema. The thermoblock heating system ensures the machine heats quickly, so you don’t have to wait long before pulling a shot.
The stainless steel body accents give it a premium feel compared to the all-plastic builds common at this price point. The 1.5-liter removable water tank is larger than most budget models, so you won’t be refilling constantly if you’re making multiple drinks in a day.
The steam wand works well for frothing milk for cappuccinos and lattes. Like many machines in this price range, it takes a little practice to master microfoam, but it’s more than capable of producing creamy milk drinks once you get the hang of it.
Users especially like the simple two-knob interface – one for brewing, one for steaming – which keeps the learning curve low for beginners. Cleaning is straightforward, with a removable drip tray and tank.
Verdict
The Gevi 5403 is a solid choice for beginners who want an affordable, easy-to-use machine with a decent steam wand and larger-than-average water tank. It doesn’t have the build quality of higher-end machines, but for under $200, it offers excellent value and reliability for anyone shopping in the budget espresso machine category.
Read the full review here
5. Nespresso Pixie Espresso Machine
Another amazing brand in the espresso machine industry is Nespresso. The truth is, you can never go wrong when you buy a Nespresso.
This is especially true for the beautiful and simple Pixie by Nespresso, which is a top choice for the best espresso machine in this budget.
With a slightly retro and sleek compact look, this machine is bound to compliment any kitchen it is placed in. Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the striking features of this espresso machine.
The Nespresso Pixie is a pod-based espresso maker, which means you don’t need to use your own espresso powder: instead, you just pop a pod into the machine, push a button, and let it do it’s thing.
This compact brewing unit features thermoblock technology, which induces intense preheating times of under 30 seconds.
This machine comes with a folding dip tray, which gives you control over the different types and cup sizes you wish to make.
The water chamber in the back is backlit with an LED. With water level indicators, you will always be informed as to when it’s time to refill the water basin.
This espresso maker comes prepared with different programmable buttons for brewing single shot, double shot espresso, and lungo.
To produce the high quality shots, this machine has an impressive pump capable of 19 bars of pressure.
Verdict
The Nespresso Pixie is an impressive machine you can get for less than $200. It’s for you if you want a quick fix of delicious espresso and don’t want to fiddle with ground coffee or tamping your shot. However, the cost of pods can add up, so keep that in mind!
6. Nespresso Essenza Mini
The Nespresso Essenza Mini is one of the smallest machines in the Nespresso lineup, but don’t let its size fool you. This little machine consistently delivers reliable, flavorful espresso with minimal fuss, making it a top pick for anyone who values convenience and compact design.
Despite its tiny footprint, the Essenza Mini comes with an impressive 19-bar pressure pump, more than enough to extract rich flavor and crema from Nespresso’s OriginalLine capsules. The 20-ounce removable water reservoir is big enough for making several drinks before refilling.
The Essenza Mini brews in two cup sizes — espresso (1.35 oz) and lungo (5 oz) — and heats up in just 25 seconds. For energy efficiency, it also includes an auto-off feature that powers down the machine after 9 minutes of inactivity.
You can purchase the Essenza Mini bundle that includes the Aeroccino frother, which lets you make cappuccinos, lattes, and other milky favorites with ease, although this will put you slightly over $200.
As with other compact Nespresso models, one tradeoff is that the used capsule container fills up quickly, so you’ll need to empty it more often. Still, most users find this a small price to pay for the convenience and counter-space savings.
Verdict
If you want an affordable, space-saving machine that still produces excellent espresso shots, the Nespresso Essenza Mini is one of the best capsule machines under $200.
Read the full review here.
7. Flair Neo Flex (Manual Lever)
The Flair Neo Flex is a unique addition to this list because it’s a manual lever espresso machine rather than an electric one.
That means no pumps, no heating elements, and no electronics — just you, freshly ground coffee, and the power of your arm. For espresso purists and adventurous beginners, it’s an affordable way to make true café-quality espresso at home.
Built with a mix of durable stainless steel and lightweight polycarbonate, the Neo Flex is sturdy yet portable. Setup is simple: you add hot water to the brewing chamber, load your ground coffee into the portafilter, and use the lever to press the shot. With a little practice, you can get thick, rich crema that rivals shots from far more expensive machines.
The Neo Flex includes two portafilter options — one designed for pressurized brewing (for beginners) and another for unpressurized shots (for those ready to dial in grind size and technique). This flexibility makes it a great entry point for learning the craft of espresso.
Since it’s completely manual, you’ll need to supply your own kettle for hot water and a good burr grinder for consistent grounds. There’s also no steam wand, so if milk drinks like lattes and cappuccinos are your priority, you’ll need a separate milk frother.
Verdict
The Flair Neo Flex isn’t for everyone, but if you’re curious about espresso technique and want the best quality shots possible under $200, it’s hard to beat. It’s a budget-friendly way to experience hands-on espresso brewing and learn the skills that translate to higher-end machines.
Read the full review here
Honorable Mention: Breville Bambino (Non-Plus)
While it doesn’t fit under the $200 limit, the Breville Bambino is one of the best entry-level machines you can buy if you’re willing to stretch your budget. At the time of this writing, it costs $299.
We’ve included it here because so many home baristas consider it the perfect “first serious machine.”
The Bambino heats up in just 3 seconds thanks to Breville’s ThermoJet heating system – one of the fastest in the category. With a 15-bar Italian pump and low-pressure pre-infusion, it delivers balanced shots with excellent crema, rivaling much more expensive machines.
Another major advantage is the steam wand, which produces true microfoam milk. If you want to practice latte art or simply enjoy silky cappuccinos, this feature alone makes the Bambino worth the investment.
The design is compact and stainless-steel, taking up little counter space while still looking premium. The controls are straightforward: single or double shot buttons, plus manual steaming.
As with all semi-automatic machines, you’ll need a separate burr grinder to get the most out of it. But once paired with fresh grounds, the Bambino is capable of producing coffee shop-quality drinks at home.
Verdict
The Breville Bambino isn’t under $200. But if your budget allows, it’s an outstanding upgrade option. Fast heat-up, consistently excellent espresso, and professional-level milk frothing make it a machine you can grow with for years.
Best Espresso Machines Under $200: A Buyer’s Guide
The truth is, at this price point you are buying an entry level machine that’s most likely semi automatic.
When you are starting at this tier, you are essentially at the beginning stages of espresso makers.
Semi automatic and super automatic espresso machines
Semi automatic espresso machines will only pull the shot for you. Grinding the beans, dosing, tamping, and milk frothing must all be done manually.
Because these machines forgo a lot of features, manufacturers are able to sell them for budget-friendly prices.
If you have some more cash to spend and want a more complete setup, a super automatic machine will automatically grind, dose, tamp, brew, and even steam milk.
Some super automatic machines even allow for temperature control, which is not found on cheaper machines. If you’re ready to explore machines beyond this budget range, see our full guide to the best espresso machines
The variation of prices in the industry is dedicated by the different levels of pressures, features, customizability, and user-friendliness.
Bear in mind that even though you’re saving money on the espresso maker itself, you will need buy a high-quality grinder to match your brand new espresso machine.
For best results, you should grind coffee beans just before brewing rather that getting pre-ground coffee.
Why?
The simply answer is: pre-ground beans lose their aroma and taste very quickly.
Even an expensive espresso machine can’t make good espresso out of bad coffee.
You can also pick up some extra things with your espresso machine to improve the brewing experience.
Final thoughts
Now that you’ve seen our top budget espresso machines, I am sure the first question you are asking is, well, which one should I pick?
Consider the following:
- How much kitchen space do you have? For the smallest footprint, go with the Nespresso Essenza Mini or the Flair Neo Flex.
- Do you want convenience or control? Choose a Nespresso if you want the ease of pods, or a Casabrews/Gevi/DeLonghi if you want more control over your brewing process.
- Would you like one-touch simplicity? The Mr. Coffee Café Barista is the best choice if you want espresso and milk drinks at the push of a button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you just splurge on a better espresso machine?
Yes and no. If you already know you like espresso and cappuccino, and a lot of people drink coffee in your household, it may be worth just going for a better machine.
Over time, you’ll save money compared to buying from the coffee shop.
But if you’re just getting started, an inexpensive machine will introduce you to the world of espresso without a big commitment.
Are there even cheaper machines available?
Since espresso is becoming so popular, a lot of brands have jumped on the espresso gravy train and you can even find espresso machines for less than $100. However these machines won’t perform quite as well and you may find yourself with buyers’ remorse for a bum purchase.
