The Best Affordable Espresso Machines

Choosing an espresso machine can feel overwhelming — especially if this is your first time buying one, or if you’re shopping for someone else. While an espresso machine is an excellent addition to any kitchen, many people struggle to find an affordable machine that they trust. We’re here not only to recommend our top picks, but also point out some essential features to help you buy an espresso machine more intelligently.

If you’re like us and can’t get enough coffee, you might want to check out our cold brew coffee maker buying guide, too. Unlike these “affordable” espresso machines, cold brew coffee makers have a much lower price point. Most of the really good cold brew makers we tried were less than $30.

Bar Pressure

When you’re evaluating bar pressure, the higher the pump number, the better the machine. A normal range could be anywhere from five to 15 bar. Exceptional machines will go beyond, sometimes even reaching up to 20 bar. To make a strong espresso, look for something above 15 and you won’t be disappointed.

Cleaning

No matter how tasty the coffee is, if you have to spend a lot of time cleaning up your machine after each use, you’ll start to wonder if it’s really worth it. Thankfully, though, there are plenty of machines that make cleanup quick and easy.

When looking for cleanup-friendly features, seek out removable drip trays and water tanks as well as the ability to auto-purge. That last one is rare, but it can save you precious cleaning time and maintenance costs down the road.

Pricing

Espresso machines weren’t always affordable, or for that matter, practical for many to have in their homes.

The good news? Things have certainly changed. In fact, if someone tells you that you can’t find a quality espresso machine for under $200, just know that they are wrong. In fact, one of the best espresso machines we’ve found is well beneath that price. Some decent espresso makers are even below $100 these days.

Accessories

If you’ve never had coffee with frothed milk, you might not understand what all the hype is about. But take it from us: once you try it, you’ll know.

These little accessories can make all the difference when it comes to separating the good espresso machines from the great ones. In fact, one of our favorite ones is a measuring scoop. It will help you find the exact amount of coffee you enjoy, each and every time.