Best Espresso Machines Under $200

Written: editor | June 28, 2023

Introduction

Hey coffee enthusiasts! If you're like me, you can't start your day without a delicious cup of espresso. But finding the perfect espresso machine without breaking the bank can be a daunting task. Luckily, I've done the research for you and compiled a list of the best espresso machines under $200.

Understanding the importance of a good espresso machine

There's nothing quite like the aroma and taste of a perfectly brewed espresso. And owning your own espresso machine allows you to enjoy this luxury whenever you want, right in the comfort of your own home. But why should you invest in a quality espresso machine?

Cost-saving: Making your own espresso at home can save you a significant amount of money in the long run compared to buying at a coffee shop every day.
Convenience: Say goodbye to waiting in long lines and wasting precious time. With your own espresso machine, you can enjoy a barista-quality beverage with just a press of a button.
Customization: Have complete control over your espresso by adjusting the amount of coffee, water, and milk used. You can experiment with different flavors and create the perfect cup tailored to your taste.

Factors to consider when choosing an espresso machine

Before making your final decision, it's essential to consider a few factors to ensure you choose the best espresso machine for your needs.

Type of machine: There are different types to choose from, including manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic espresso machines. Consider your level of expertise and the time you're willing to invest in the brewing process.
Budget: While our focus is on espresso machines under $200, it's important to set a budget that suits your financial situation. This way, you can prioritize features that matter most to you.
Size and capacity: Consider the space available in your kitchen and the number of cups you need to brew simultaneously. Some machines are compact and suitable for small kitchens, while others have the capacity to make multiple servings at once.
Features and functionality: Look for features such as temperature control, milk frothers, pre-programmed settings, and the ease of cleaning. These factors can greatly enhance your espresso-making experience.
Customer reviews: Don't forget to read customer reviews and ratings to get an idea of the machine's performance, durability, and customer satisfaction.

Now that you have a better understanding of what to consider when choosing an espresso machine, it's time to explore the top options under $200. You'll be sipping on the perfect espresso in no time!

De'Longhi EC155 15 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

De'Longhi EC155 features and specifications

The De'Longhi EC155 15 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker is a versatile and affordable coffee machine that allows you to enjoy professional-quality espresso and cappuccino in the comfort of your own home. It features a 15-bar pressure pump that ensures rich and flavorful espresso with a thick and creamy layer of crema on top.

This coffee maker also has a manual frother, which allows you to easily froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes. The frother delivers steam at the perfect temperature and allows you to customize the frothiness according to your preference.

The De'Longhi EC155 has a compact design, making it suitable for small kitchens or limited countertop space. It also has a removable water tank, drip tray, and a cup warmer on top.

Brewing quality and versatility of De'Longhi EC155

The De'Longhi EC155 delivers excellent brewing quality and versatility. With its 15-bar pressure pump, it extracts the full flavor and aroma from your coffee grounds, resulting in a rich and flavorful espresso shot. The manual frother ensures that your cappuccinos and lattes have a creamy and velvety texture.

Moreover, this coffee maker offers flexibility in brewing options. You can use either ground coffee or convenient E.S.E. pods, allowing you to choose your preferred coffee type and experiment with different flavors.

Maintenance and cleaning tips for De'Longhi EC155

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your De'Longhi EC155, regular maintenance and cleaning are essential. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Clean the frothing wand after each use: Wipe off any milk residue from the frothing wand using a damp cloth or sponge. This prevents the buildup of dried milk, which can affect the frothing performance.
Descale regularly: Over time, mineral deposits can accumulate inside the machine and affect its performance. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to descale the coffee maker regularly using a descaling solution.
Clean the removable parts: The water tank, drip tray, and portafilter should be cleaned regularly. Wash them with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
Use filtered water: Using filtered water can help reduce mineral buildup and improve the flavor of your coffee.

By following these maintenance and cleaning tips, you can ensure that your De'Longhi EC155 continues to deliver delicious and high-quality coffee for years to come.

Breville Cafe Roma Espresso Machine

Breville Cafe Roma key features and specifications

If you're a coffee enthusiast on a budget, the Breville Cafe Roma Espresso Machine is a fantastic option to consider. Priced under $200, this espresso machine delivers excellent performance and quality at an affordable price.

The Cafe Roma features a 15-bar Italian pump, which ensures optimal pressure for extracting rich and flavorful espresso. It also comes with dual-wall filters that help produce consistent, crema-rich shots every time. Additionally, it has a removable water tank with a generous 40-ounce capacity, making it suitable for multiple cups of espresso without frequent refills.

Performance and taste of Breville Cafe Roma espresso

One of the standout features of the Cafe Roma is its ability to consistently deliver delicious espresso with a rich crema. The 15-bar pump ensures that you get the right amount of pressure for a perfectly extracted shot. The dual-wall filters are particularly useful for beginners, as they help achieve a balanced shot with the proper amount of crema.

The Cafe Roma also includes a steam wand, which allows you to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos. It produces creamy and velvety microfoam, making it easy to create barista-worthy beverages at home.

User-friendly design and ease of use

The Breville Cafe Roma is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Its stainless steel construction not only gives it a sleek and modern look but also makes it durable and easy to clean. It features a removable drip tray and grid, making maintenance a breeze.

The machine is equipped with a large, easy-to-read dial for controlling the espresso extraction and steam wand. It also has a built-in cup warming plate to ensure your espresso stays hot for longer.

Overall, the Breville Cafe Roma Espresso Machine offers exceptional value for its price. With its solid performance, quality construction, and user-friendly design, it's an excellent choice for coffee lovers who want to enjoy cafe-quality espresso at home without breaking the bank.

Nespresso Inissia Espresso Maker

When it comes to finding the best espresso machine under $200, the Nespresso Inissia is a top contender. As a coffee lover myself, I wanted to share my experience with this affordable yet high-quality espresso maker.

Overview of Nespresso Inissia features and specifications

The Nespresso Inissia boasts an impressive set of features that make it a fantastic choice for espresso enthusiasts on a budget. With its compact and sleek design, it fits perfectly in any kitchen or office space.

One standout feature is the 19-bar pressure pump, which ensures the perfect extraction of flavor and aroma from the coffee capsules. Additionally, the Inissia heats up in just 25 seconds, which means you'll have your morning pick-me-up in no time.

Simplicity and speed of Nespresso Inissia

What sets the Inissia apart from other espresso machines is its simplicity and ease of use. There's no need to be a barista to enjoy a delicious cup of espresso. With just a few simple steps, you can make a perfect shot every time.

To begin, all you need to do is insert a Nespresso coffee capsule, select your desired cup size, press the button, and voila! The machine does the rest for you, delivering a rich, velvety espresso in mere seconds.

Quality of espresso and variety of flavors

Despite its affordable price, the Nespresso Inissia does not compromise on the quality of espresso it produces. The 19-bar pressure pump ensures that each shot is brewed to perfection, with a rich crema on top.

Furthermore, Nespresso offers a wide range of coffee capsules with various flavors and intensities to suit every preference. From intense and bold options to milder blends, there is something for everyone. This versatility allows you to explore different flavors and find your perfect cup of espresso.

In conclusion, the Nespresso Inissia is the ultimate espresso machine under $200. Its sleek design, simplicity, and ability to deliver high-quality espresso make it a must-have for any coffee lover. So if you want to enjoy a delicious cup of espresso without breaking the bank, the Inissia is the perfect choice.

Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista features and specifications

If you are a coffee lover looking to step up your home brewing game without breaking the bank, the Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker is an excellent option to consider. This compact and sleek espresso machine has several features that make it stand out, especially considering its affordable price tag.

Firstly, the Cafe Barista offers a 15-bar pump system, which ensures that you get the perfect amount of pressure for extracting the rich and flavorful espresso. It also comes with a one-touch control panel that allows you to choose between single or double shots of espresso, cappuccino, or latte. The removable milk reservoir and frother add convenience, allowing you to create creamy and frothy milk for your favorite espresso-based beverages.

In terms of design, the Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista has a modern and stylish look that would complement any kitchen decor. It also has a compact size, making it suitable for small countertop spaces. The water reservoir has a generous capacity of 55 ounces, so you won't have to refill it frequently.

Automation and ease of use with Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista

One of the standout features of the Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista is its automatic brewing system. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious espresso shot, cappuccino, or latte in no time. The machine automatically adjusts the water temperature, brew-to-milk ratio, and extraction time to ensure consistently great-tasting coffee.

Even if you are a beginner or don't have any barista skills, the Cafe Barista is designed to be user-friendly. The one-touch control panel and included recipe book provide step-by-step instructions for making various coffee drinks. Cleaning is also a breeze with its removable parts and dishwasher-safe frother.

In conclusion, the Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker offers an affordable and convenient way to enjoy espresso-based beverages at home. With its impressive features, sleek design, and easy-to-use interface, this machine is a great choice for coffee enthusiasts on a budget.

Conclusion

After analyzing and comparing the top espresso machines under $200, it is clear that there are some great options available for coffee lovers on a budget. The machines mentioned in this article offer excellent features and performance at an affordable price, making them a worthwhile investment for any coffee enthusiast.

Comparing the best espresso machines under $200

Machine A: This espresso machine is compact and easy to use, perfect for beginners. It offers a variety of programmable settings and produces rich and flavorful espresso.
Machine B: With its sleek design and advanced features, this machine delivers excellent espresso shots. It also has a milk frother for making lattes and cappuccinos.
Machine C: This espresso machine stands out for its automatic brewing functions and large water reservoir. It consistently produces high-quality espresso with a rich crema.

Tips for maintaining and enhancing the longevity of your espresso machine

Regular cleaning: Cleaning your espresso machine regularly helps maintain its performance and prevents the buildup of coffee residue.
Descale when necessary: Descaling removes mineral deposits that can affect the taste and quality of your espresso. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for descaling your specific machine.
Use filtered water: Using filtered water can improve the taste of your espresso and prevent mineral buildup in the machine.

Frequently asked questions about espresso machines

Can I make other drinks besides espresso with these machines? Yes, most of these machines have a milk frother that allows you to make lattes and cappuccinos.
How long does it take for the machine to heat up? The heating time varies depending on the machine, but most espresso machines under $200 heat up within a few minutes.
Can I use pre-ground coffee or do I need to grind the beans myself? You can use pre-ground coffee or grind the beans yourself, depending on your preference. However, for the best flavor, it is recommended to grind the beans just before brewing.

In conclusion, investing in an espresso machine under $200 can bring the joy of barista-quality coffee into your home. Consider your preferences and budget, and choose the machine that best suits your needs. With proper maintenance and care, your espresso machine will continue to brew delicious coffee for years to come.