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If you’re a true coffee lover, you probably prefer third wave coffee, where you prepare your coffee yourself. At some point, you’ll probably find your kitchen littered with all sorts of paraphernalia such as French Press, AeroPress, a coffee maker with grinder, and all sorts of tools for making coffee. But even with all that, you might still find your arsenal lacking, and we probably know why. Chances are, you lack the tools for making a special type of coffee. The other options are rather common, maybe even casual coffee lovers have them in their kitchens. However, these items are different, they’re a whole new level of investment. If you don’t have money to splurge, sometimes you’re going to have to settle for a cheap espresso machine instead. But don’t worry, because here we’ll cover some products that can be considered as the best espresso machine under 200.
While it’s true that this type of coffee you’re going to be getting even from the best budget espresso machine won’t be as good as the ones you’ll get from more expensive ones, that doesn’t mean these aren’t good enough. In fact, they might just be perfect gateway machines that’ll let you into the deeper parts of the wonderful world of this type of coffee drink.
Whether it’s because you just don’t want to splurge on an expensive espresso maker right now, or if you just want to buy an affordable espresso machine for a start, you’ll definitely find the best affordable espresso machine in this list. If not, you’ll at least know what to look out for when buying product that’s perfect for you.
The 10 Best Espresso Machines Under 200: Comparison Table
De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini Aeroccino
De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini
Breville Vertuo Coffee & Milk Frother
Breville Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine
Nespresso by Breville USA BEC120RED1AUC1 Inissia
De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini Aeroccino
De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini
Breville Vertuo Coffee & Milk Frother
Breville Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine
Nespresso by Breville USA BEC120RED1AUC1 Inissia
Sowtech 3.5 Bar 4 Cup Espresso Maker Cappuccino Machine
De’Longhi ECO310BK with 15-Bar-Pump
Capresso 124.01 Ultima Pro
De'Longhi EC155 Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
Sowtech 3.5 Bar 4 Cup Espresso Maker Cappuccino Machine
De’Longhi ECO310BK with 15-Bar-Pump
Capresso 124.01 Ultima Pro
De'Longhi EC155 Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
Best Overall: De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine with Aeroccino Review
De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Aeroccino
The Essenza Mini is a minimalist item meant to serve purpose you need it to serve and nothing else. Maybe it doesn’t come with a lot of bells and whistles, but it’s got everything you’ll ever need, and it absolutely gets job done.
Its features include 19 bars of pressure, ability to heat up water in merely 30 seconds, and can serve in both Espresso and Lungo size. As cherry on top of a great product, it also comes with a milk frother in the form of Aeroccino 3 to ensure that your beverages are as perfect as can be.
If you’re looking for the best home espresso machine under 200, you don’t need to look any further than Essenza Mini.
Why We Like It
- 19 bars of pressure
- One button touch and you’re good to go
- Compact design for cramped spaces
- Heats up water in 30 seconds
- Can make Espresso or Lungo size
- Aeroccino milk frother
For Most Versatility: De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine Review
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De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza
Essentially the same product as the first one, only difference being that this one doesn’t come with a milk frother. Since they’re basically the same thing, this one can also be easily considered as one of the best espresso machines under 200. If you’re looking to save some money and don’t need a milk frother, then this is an item for you.
Why We Like It
- 19 bars of pressure
- One button touch and you’re good to go
- Compact design for cramped spaces
- Heats up water in 30 seconds
- Can make this type of drink or Lungo size
Good Budget Option: Breville Nespresso Vertuo Coffee with Aeroccino Milk Frother Review
Breville Nespresso Vertuo Aeroccino
Breville’s Nespresso Vertuo shines in the versatility department. Not only can it prepare five different serving sizes, but it can also make coffee as well as this type of coffee drink. If you get this product, you don’t need to buy cheap coffee machines anymore, this one will handle both your coffee needs.
This particular model also comes with a milk frother, once again Aeroccino 3. You can rest assured that your drink is the best it can be. Definitely, a good candidate as one of the best espresso machines under 200, especially if you consider the fact that it can also prepare your coffee.
One possible problem you might encounter is that it only accepts specially made Vertuo capsules, so not even Nespresso Classic would be accepted. A small price to pay, especially since it allows them to use their unique Centrifusion technique that allows for a better mix.
Why We Like It
- Automatic, single-touch operation
- Capable of brewing five serving sizes
- Centrifusion technology
- Milk Frother
- Heats up water in 15 seconds
Highly Recommend: Breville Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine Review
Breville Nespresso Vertuo
Just like Essenza Mini, Vertuo also comes in two models: one with a milk frother and one without. This is the one without, but aside from that, it’s still every bit of the amazing product its brother is. Even without milk frother, this one is still a contender for the best affordable espresso machine title. Especially if you consider savings, or if you’re just not into adding froth to your drinks.
However, you should keep in mind that since this one is exactly like its brother, then the problem with Vertuo capsules also persists.
Pros
- Automatic, single-touch operation
- Capable of brewing five serving sizes
- Centrifusion technology
- Heats up water in 15 seconds
Cons
- No milk frother
- Vertuo capsules only
Ultimate Coffee Quality: Breville Nespresso USA BEC120RED1AUC1 Inissia Espresso Machine Review
Breville USA BEC120RED1AUC1
If you’re in the market for a budget espresso machine that can easily keep up with your demands, then Inissia item is worth looking into. This model has automatic functions, making it easy to use. It also heats water relatively fast. Combine these with its 19 bars of pressure and its ability to provide both this type of coffee and lungo-sized servings, it will surely be able to provide what you need from it.
The best part is that all these features don’t come at a price, with the product remaining relatively affordable.
Pros
- Automatic operation
- 19 bars of pressure
- Heats water in 25 seconds
- Can make this type of drink and Lungo
Cons
- Coffee pods must be placed exactly
- Espresso/lungo serving sizes could begin to vary
International Major Certification: Sowtech Machine 3.5 Bar 4 Cup Espresso Maker Cappuccino Machine Review
Sowtech
This product from Sowtech can do pretty much anything you’d want from a budget espresso machine and more. It’s perfectly capable of making great coffee with its 3.5 bars of pressure. Its knob controls also make it easy to use, while its build means that you can store it even in the most cramped kitchen.
However, the best feature of this model is its price. If price is an important part of your consideration, then this is an amazing contender for the title of the best affordable home espresso machine. So if you’re looking for cheap espresso machines, then this is definitely something to consider.
Pros
- Small and compact build
- Easy-to-use knob for controls
- Frothing arm
- 3.5 bars of pressure
Cons
- Steam does not work properly
- Burnt smell
- Poorly designed
Double Temperature Control: Gevi Espresso Machine Review
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Gevi Espresso Machine
When it comes to finding an item, cheap, good, and reliable are not words that you normally associate with each other. However, Gevi espresso machine is just that. It can prepare two cups of this type of coffee at a time, but there’s no option to customize serving size. Finally, it comes with a frothing wand to make some creamy froth for your beverage.
This model features 15 bar pressure which ensures rich flavors of your cup of coffee. It also has double temperature control so you can always extract coffee at precise 198℉
If your definition of the best budget espresso maker is the cheapest model that still works perfectly, then this is one for you.
Pros
- Adjustable frothing wand
- 15 bar pressure
- Can serve 2 cups at a time
Cons
Advanced Technology: De’Longhi ECO310BK Espresso Machine with 15-Bar-Pump Review
De’Longhi ECO310BK
This item from De’Longhi is another great entry-level cheap espresso maker. It doesn’t have a lot of extravagant features, but it’s got everything you’ll definitely need. This includes a pump capable of 15 bars of pressure for a great cup of this type of coffee drink. It also has a patented frother for richer and creamier froth for your drink.
Pros
- Can use either ground coffee or pods for convenience
- Cappuccino System technology for richer froth
- Dual thermostat system
- 15 bars of pressure
Cons
- It takes too much time to heat
- A lot of parts to clean after
- Starts leaking
Stainless Steel Cup Warming Platform: Capresso 124.01 Ultima Pro Espresso Machine Review
Capresso 124.01 Ultima Pro
Another great budget espresso machine, Ultimate pro has a few special features that make it stand out over the crowd. This includes a self-tamping mechanism, so you don’t even need to buy a tamper. It also comes with a dispenser for hot water, so you can actually use it to make an americano or even tea.
Aside from these standout features, it also has usual features you can find in the average espresso machine – cheap and good, such as a warming tray and up to 15 bars of pressure. Definitely, a product that can give you this type of coffee you want.
Pros
- 15 bars of pressure
- Warming tray
- Portafilter for self-tamping
- Hot water dispenser
Cons
- Starts leaking
- Milk does not get hot
Convenient Tank: De'Longhi EC155 Espresso and Cappuccino Machine Review
De'Longhi EC155
Finally, this espresso machine cheapest from DeLonghi is another great budget espresso machine you can find on the market. It has 15 bars of pressure, so you'll surely be able to make a satisfying cup. It also can also make either a single or a double shot, giving you more choices. A manual frother is also included for mixing steam with milk in order to add final touches to your drink.
If you want the best coffee machine under 200, this is definitely worthy of your consideration.
Pros
- 15 bars of pressure
- Single or double shot
- Manual frother
- Filter holder that can accommodate a single or double coffee shot, or this type of coffee pod
Cons
- Steam does not stop in the 'Off' position
- Starts leaking
FAQ
What is an Espresso Shot?
A shot of fully concentrated coffee made by forcing water through coffee beans (very finely grounded) using a minimum of 9 bars of pressure.
How to Steam Milk with Espresso Machine?
Luckily, most models come with a milk frother. At the very least, there should be a steam wand there which you can use to force steam into the milk, using pressure to warm it up and cause frothing.
Why are Espresso Machines so Expensive?
The reason is that there is simply a lot of factors that need to be precise when it comes to making this type of coffee drink. The water temperature needs to remain stable at the right temperature, and the pressure must be maintained at the right level as well. If any of these factors are off, then you end up with horrible coffee. This fine-tuning is what this item is for, and precision is what you get for your money.
How to Make Espresso with Instant Coffee?
If you want to make this type of coffee using instant coffee, all you have to do is use more than the suggested amount of instant coffee. You can even use up to twice the amount.
What is the Difference Between Espresso and Cappuccino?
This type of coffee drink is the pure shot of coffee made by espresso or cappuccino maker. Cappuccino is a coffee beverage made with coffee, steamed milk and foamed milk in equal parts.
Are Cheap Espresso Machines Good?
YES! Just like with any technology, the older it is, the cheaper it gets. While items used to be very expensive, it is no longer true that the cheap ones are bad. While it’s true that there will be certain compromises with cheaper products such as leakage or lack of features, they will definitely still be able to provide a good shot of this type of coffee drink as long as you choose to buy the right item.
Therefore, just make sure that you do enough research about espresso machine reviews to ensure that the one you buy is one of the good ones. But rest assured, the best cheap espresso machines are definitely good enough for the job.
Buyer’s Guide: Best Espresso Machine Under 200
Types of Espresso Machine Under 200
Steam-driven Espresso Machine
What this one makes is less of this type of coffee drink and more of a VERY strong coffee. However, it is undeniably affordable.
Semi-Automatic Pump-Driven Espresso Machine
Pump-driven machines make real coffee, complete with the crema on top. However, the semi-automatic variant requires a bit more expertise compared to its automatic (and more expensive) sibling. Using the semi-automatic espresso machine involves grinding the beans and tamping them yourself.
Nespresso
This type of item requires you to do nothing but just pop a pod in and click a button.
How to Choose the Best Espresso Machine Under 200?
There’s no going around it, these items are expensive. However, with careful analysis of your needs and wants, you can choose the best coffee machine under 200 with just the right amount of compromises that you’ll definitely be fine with. Therefore, the best way to choose the best budget espresso machine is to know your own preferences as well as limitations when it comes to time and effort in making your coffee.
Another factor that you also need to take into consideration is the space you have left in your kitchen. Luckily, this works in your favor, since most cheap espresso machines have a more compact design compared to their more expensive siblings that need to accommodate more features.
What We Think You Should Buy?
We believe that the De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini item is the best espresso machine under 200 in 2023. It’s convenient, it’s well-built, and it’s perfectly compact. Additionally, it’s also very affordable, even compared to the other products on this list. Sure, there are cheaper items, but the Essenza Mini has enough features to justify the price premium. With this affordable espresso maker, get ready to experience a new level of coffee.
One important thing that you must do when choosing your model is to check item reviews. This way, you can be 100% sure that the product is the one for you. One place you can check for such reviews is from MyKitchenAdvisor.