Relying on coffee shops for your daily espresso can be costly and time-consuming. Invest in a home espresso machine instead! That way, you save money in the long run, brew any type of coffee you prefer, and stay fuelled any time you need it!
At a budget of $200, you can find quality, entry-level machines that are easy enough to operate and well-built to keep your thirst for espresso quenched for years.
Discover the best espresso machines under $200; let us help you find the best for you!
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Contents
What is the best espresso machine under $200?
TOP PICK 5/5 | Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker Café Barista Great for beginners and more serious home baristas, Mr. Coffee Café Barista is a solid option when it comes to budget-friendly coffee makers. It easily competes with espresso machines in a higher price range and it comes from a reputable brand that’s been making espresso lovers happy for decades. |
10 Best Espresso Machines Under $200
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- BEST OVERALL: Mr. Coffee Café Barista
- SECOND OVERALL PICK: De’Longhi 15-Bar Pump EC-702
- BEST FOR PODS: Nespresso Vertuo Plus
- BEST BUDGET PICK: Klarstein Passsionata 20 [/su_box]
1. Mr Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker Café Barista – Best Overall
- Semi-automatic
- 3-in-1 espresso machine
- Automatic milk frother
- Single and double-shot
Café Barista Espresso Machine is one of the most popular on the list. and it would be one of my favorites but the steaming wand doesn’t let you control the frothing process, which I dislike. Still, when it comes to its features and the price tag, this is a solid machine that’s straightforward to use.
What’s more, Café Barista is easy to clean with removable water and milk reservoirs. It is a 3-in-1 espresso, cappuccino, and latte maker. The milk frother is automatic (simply turn the knob), which saves you the trouble of frothing and you can select the drink from the one-touch control panel.
Mr. Coffee has a single and double espresso shot available and it’ll help you save real money by letting you store excess milk in the fridge with a removable tank. It’s quite fast when it comes to preparing drinks with coffee shop quality and taste.
Pros
- 3 in 1 coffee maker
- One-touch control panel
- 15 bar pump
- Two filters included
- Removable water and milk tank
- More colors available
- Recipe book included
Cons
- Doesn’t produce fine microfoam
- Filter may leak
Café Barista machine is a solid brewer that will have you making mochas and other espresso-based drinks quickly and effectively. Clean the machine regularly and it’ll continue to spoil you with good tasting coffee consistently. For best effects, freshly grind coffee before every brew and get a better tamper to properly prepare for each espresso shot, and make the most of your cup. Mr. Coffee isn’t a brew-and-run system (it’s semi-automatic) but the results are worth every effort!
Specifications: 11.2 x 8.9 x 12.6 inches, weighs 10.37 pounds, 110-120V, and works with 1040 Watt.
2. Delonghi 15-Bar Pump EC702 Espresso Maker – Second Best Pick
- Semi-automatic
- Stainless steel
- ESE pods and ground coffee
- Warming tray included
If you want to brew like a pro but don’t want to spend your life’s savings on an espresso machine, Delonghi Espresso Maker is an excellent choice. Unlike many brewers for this budget, Delonghi is actually 80% stainless steel and minimal plastic. Keep in mind that I used to work as a barista and am severely fussy about my coffee. I was surprised to notice that this brewer works flawlessly, pulling espresso shots day after day with consistent crema and flavor.
This machine is quite easy to use and clean and while the steam wand seems a bit short, it’s not shorter than the majority of other machines I’ve had a chance to test, try, and use. What’s more, this coffee maker makes a lovely crema as long as you give it time to warm up properly. I love that it comes with a warming tray so that my macchiato and cappuccinos were always spot on.
You’ll have to take some time to practice with this one as it’s not fully automatic, but the investment will pay back in a month, especially if you’re a daily Starbucks visitor.
Pros
- 15 bar pressure
- Two size filters
- Good crema
- Heats up fast
- Two thermostats
- 44oz removable water tank
- Compatible with pods and ground coffee
- Easy to clean
Cons
- No auto-shutoff
- Poor tamper included
Overall, this is a solid inexpensive espresso maker, great for entry-level enthusiasts as well. The clearance between the bottom and the base is big enough for you to fit a cappuccino cup if you so desire. What’s more, Delonghi EC702 uses both ESE pods and ground coffee, so it’s more versatile if that’s something you prefer. The brewer has no auto-shutoff, but that’s nothing unusual. It is slightly noisy but my siblings used to make more noise than that in the morning. For best effects, get a cheap tamper to properly make espresso (Terry’s Tamper works perfectly with Delonghi machines).
Specifications: 11 x 9.1 x 11.6 inches, weighs 11.5 pounds, works with 1100 watts.
3. Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Maker by De’Longhi – Best Pod Machine
- Automatic espresso machine
- 4 different cup size options
- Nespresso Centrifusion technology
- Milk frother included
Enjoy freshly brewed espresso in minutes with Nespresso Vertuo machine. With a special extraction technology; Nespresso Centrifusion, this coffee maker promises to extract the most flavor into each cup of espresso you brew.
The machine is slightly boasty but easy to use; with one push of a button, you can enjoy a fragrant cup of espresso-based drinks in no time. In other words, it brings coffee shop-style drinks into your home. Plus, the machine comes with a milk frother,
Pros
- Single-touch operation
- Single and double espresso
- 5 or 8oz cup coffee
- A complimentary set of Nespresso capsules included
- Capsules fully recyclable
- 54oz removable water tank
Cons
- Brews one cup at a time
- Machine only compatible with Nespresso Vertuo capsules
Nespresso Vertuo is an excellent choice for all who want to simplify their espresso game. It’s a pod machine that can brew both coffee and espresso; while it’s only compatible with Nespresso Vertuo pods (and we don’t like that), the pods are fully recyclable. Just like many others on the list, this machine is noisy when brewing, but it’s very easy to use and it’ll help you save daily trips to the coffee shops.
Specifications:
8.97 x 12.22 x 12.33 inches, weighs 10.96 pounds, works with 1250watt.
4. Keurig K-Café Single Serve – Best Coffee Machine for Lattes
- K-pod coffee machine
- Single-serve
- Travel-mug friendly
Keurig is king. According to thousands of online reviews. This little machine will have you enjoy espresso-based drinks: lattes and cappuccinos in no time. But honestly, this isn’t an espresso maker. It doesn’t brew real espresso and the actual description is slightly misleading.
Still, Keurig can serve as a cappuccino machine and a coffee machine. If you’re looking for an espresso machine, look elsewhere. This brewer is excellent for all who want more versatility from their coffee machine.
Pros
- Any K-pod compatibility
- Simple controls
- Auto shutoff
- Milk frother included
- Brews hot and iced lattes and cappuccinos
- 60oz water reservoir
Cons
- Poor customer service
- Frother is not the best for low-fat plant-based milk
For creamy froth and non-picky users, this Keurig can work very well, spoiling you with creamy and frothy espresso-based drinks. According to the raving testimonials online, it’s perfect for anyone who wants more diversity in one single coffee machine. While it won’t give you real espresso, it’s easy to use, very convenient, and it’s excellent for all who want creamy lattes and cappuccinos.
Specifications: 17.32 x 14.17 x 14.41 inches, weighs 12.57 pounds, works with 1470watt.
5. Klarstein Passionata 20 Espresso Maker – Best Budget Pick
- Semi-automatic machine
- Cup heating tray
Klarstein Passionata 20 is a popular espresso machine for home brewers as it’s well built and easy to use. It’s suitable for beginners and espresso aficionados who want to start brewing their espresso at home.
The machine packs an impressive amount of features that all work together to produce fragrant espresso with real crema on top. The water tank holds enough water for 6 cups of coffee and the machine is relatively quiet for a semi-automatic machine.
Klarstein Passionata produces consistent flavor with every cup. It’s not a perfect brewer, but it’s good enough to keep any espresso lover happy for a while. There are some issues with the machine, but it’s a cheap espresso machine and a solid one for the money.
Pros
- 20 bar pressure
- Stainless steel frame
- Self-priming operation
- 43oz removable water tank
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Poor customer service
- Shallow drip tray
Passionata can easily become a standard household espresso machine that’ll help you brew good espresso day after day. It doesn’t tick all the boxes of seriously sturdy espresso machines, but it’s a solid choice in the $150 range.
Specifications: 7.87 x 11.81 x 13.78 inches, weighs 8 pounds, works with 1350Watts.
6. Nespresso Pixie Espresso Machine By Breville
- Espresso pod machine
- Redesigned model
- Adjustable cup size
- Nespresso capsule assortment
With a compact and stylish design, Pixie easily fits on any counter or desk, even if you’re struggling with space issues. The brewer is only compatible with pods, which means it helps you take your mind of the otherwise necessary espresso procedures (grinding, tampering, testing, etc).
This is a practical little brewer that includes a welcome gift with your order: instructions, 16 Nespresso capsules, and an information folder.
The machine turns off automatically after 9 minutes; it’s a powerful little thing that will make a tasty cup of espresso and lungo with decent crema. Plus, you won’t need any grinder, tamper, and fresh coffee beans to get brewing. It’s as simple as that with coffee pods (did I mention they are made of recyclable aluminum?).
Pros
- 19 bar pressure
- Easy to use
- One-touch system
- Automatic shut-off
- Easy to clean
- Fast operation
- Nespresso welcome kit included
Cons
- No warming tray
- Quite noisy
If you like espresso but don’t want to work for it, Pixie is a great alternative. It’s slightly noisy, but so are many other brewers in this price range. Still, it’s powerful enough and the pods may be slightly more expensive, but at least they’re recyclable. The machine turns on quickly and it makes a great espresso, with the crema. As soon as you remove your coffee, you can forget about the machine as it turns off automatically.
Specifications: 4.4 x 12.8 x 9.3 inches, weighs 6.6 pounds, works with 1160 Watts.
7. Breville ESP8XL Café Roma Espresso Maker
- Semi-automatic machine
- Cup warming plate
- Stainless steel
- Compatible with ESE pods and ground coffee
- Frothing pitcher, tamping tool included
Whether you’re looking for a home or office machine, look no further. Breville Café Roma is a solid machine that prides itself on consistently producing great results. Mind you, this is not a professional-level machine, but it’s a good espresso maker for the price. For best effects, use freshly ground dark roast espresso beans.
This is not too big of a brewer to keep on a counter or your coffee station. It’s great for cappuccinos and works well for the cost. If you’re a fan of Breville, this one is a great alternative to the automatic pod machines on the list. Breville Roma will work great for anyone who wants to take control over their coffee: grinding, tampering, and other espresso-related activities.
Use it to brew any style of espresso-based drinks you desire. The brewer comes with a stainless steel frother, a tamper, a measuring spoon, and a cleaning tool.
Pros
- Stainless steel
- 15-bar pump
- Cup warming plate
- Dual filter system
- Easy to use
- 40oz removable water tank
- 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- Clogging issues
- Noisy
You need to get a hang of it to get it right (like with most machines on this list). For best effects, keep the machine clean regularly; espresso machines need love and attention. In return, they reward you with a creamy caffeine boost in a cup! The big plus to the brewer is that it’s made of stainless steel, which is a rare find. It’s priced well for its features for people who refuse to spend a fortune on their espresso makers. Keep in mind that it comes with its disadvantages for the price. The machine is noisy and it tends to clog, which is annoying when used a lot. In other words, it’s best for light use and not for someone who pulls multiple espresso cups a day.
Specifications: 9.2 x 9 x 11.8 inches, weighs 13 pounds, works with 110V, and 1000Watts.
8. Cuisinart EM-200 Programmable Espresso Maker
- Manual/programmable espresso machine
- Coffee pods and ground coffee compatible
- Single, double, pod espresso
- Portafilter with locking mechanism
Cuisinart EM-20 is a manual/programmable espresso machine (manual is slightly cheaper than programmable) and a rare find for the price tag. It wants you to prepare delicious espresso-based drinks from the comfort of your home by providing you with features that make Cuisinart a generous model.
This is a versatile brewer and is flexible to work with coffee pods and ground coffee. It comes with a warming tray on the top of the machine so that you can keep your espresso, cappuccino, and latte cups always warm and ready for coffee. It’s easy to use and clean; with a locking portafilter mechanism, it makes it easy to dispose of wet grounds.
Pros
- Stainless steel steaming wand
- The stainless steel frothing pitcher
- 15 bar pressure
- 64oz removable water tank
- Warming tray
- 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- Poor customer service
- Poor steam wand
The machine works great once you play with it a bit. The steam wand is poorly designed and doesn’t work as well as it should if you’re big on latte or cappuccino, get a separate milk frother. Also, extra filter baskets can help you elevate the espresso game. The machine is noisy, like others on the list, but it’s great for beginners and it seems to be well-made.
Specifications: 10.6 x 9.2 x 12.8 inches, weighs 15.7 pounds, has 1000 Watts, and works with 110V.
9. Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Maker By Breville
- Automatic machine
- Single-serve
- Complimentary Nespresso capsules
Nespresso Vertuo by Breville combines the Contrifusion technology of Nespresso with a stylish design and brings you a machine that’s both a coffee and espresso maker.
Similar to Nespresso Pixie, this coffee machine is sleek and slightly futuristic that’ll look good on any coffee station. Regarding the performance, Vertuo from Nespresso is a simple one-touch coffee machine, single-serve that can brew coffee or espresso with a single touch of a button.
With a unique Centrifusion system, the brewer figures out the optimal brewing settings by itself, producing the best result for each pod uniquely (thanks to the barcode on the pod).
Pros:
- Single-touch operation
- Single and double espresso
- Espresso and coffee option
- Quick heat-up time
- Auto shutoff
- 40oz removable water tank
Cons
- Issues with leakage
- Machine only compatible with Nespresso Vertuo capsules
Brew your daily cup of espresso in the simplest way possible: with one single touch of a button. The machine takes up little space, which makes it great for home or office use. Some users reported having issues with leaking after regular use.
Specifications: 16.2 x 5.6 x 12.8 inches, weighs 13.57 pounds.
10. Nespresso BEC120RED Inissia Espresso Machine by Breville, Red (discontinued)
- Nespresso pod machine
- 19 bar pressure
- 2 programmable buttons (espresso and lungo)
- Automatic shutoff
Inissia is a compact espresso machine that’s lightweight and perfect for any kitchen. Its 19 bar pressure can help you make creamy espresso day after day.
With its sleek design, it heats up quickly and makes a wonderful crema on both lungo and espresso. It’s somewhat similar to Nespresso Pixie but slightly inferior in build quality. Pixie is slightly taller (it can fit a travel mug).
Overall, this machine is easy to clean, easy to use, and can produce creamy results. However, the model is currently discontinued.
Specifications: 12.6 x 4.7 x 9 inches, weighs 5.3 pounds.
How to choose the best espresso machine under 200?
No matter what’s the price tag of an espresso machine you’re buying, there are a few things you should consider first.
Brew temp and pressure
Ideally, espresso machines should be able to heat up to a specific brewing temperature that’s ideal and consistent. If the machine is unable to do that, find one that does otherwise your espresso will never be the right thing.
Build quality
The fact is that most machines under 200 dollars are made of plastic. there are a few exceptions, but if you’re looking for something that’s more durable, well-built, you’ll have to look for pricier options; such as this one.
Programmable
How programmable is an espresso machine? The more, the better, but in this price range, you can expect semi-automatic espresso machines.
FAQ
Are cheap espresso machines worth it?
That depends on the brand. Certain brands make durable and solid machines, others make cheap plastic coffee makers that break easily. If you find a machine that’s both durable and cheap, then it’s worth it.
Is Mr coffee barista a good espresso machine?
Mr. Coffee Barista is a solid espresso maker and currently the best option out there.
How long does a cheap espresso machine last?
On average, inexpensive espresso machines last anywhere from 1 to 3 years.
What is the best cheap espresso machine?
If you’re looking for a cheap espresso machine and your budget is 200 dollars, I’d recommend you to give Mr. Coffee Barista or De’Longhi 15-Bar Espresso Machine a try. These two have been listed on several occasions as the best espresso machines under $200: Reddit, amazon, wirecutter, and many other websites.
There are some slightly cheaper options available on the list, but the difference in price is minimal compared to the features, machine quality, and functionality these two offer.
What’s the easiest espresso machine to use?
The easiest espresso machine to use is the one that requires minimal work from us, the users. That said, it would probably have to be a pod machine (from the list), or a fully automatic espresso machine; one that can automate the process of brewing. In other words, a machine that can make a coffee-shop level of espresso with a home espresso machine.
What is the best espresso machine under $250 dollars?
Mr Coffee One Touch Espresso Maker is a solid machine in the range of espresso machines under $300. This brewer produces fragrant espresso, enables you to pull single and double shots, and froth milk with an automatic frother for creamy cappuccinos and lattes. What’s more, the machine is an automatic one; easy to use and perfect for espresso beginners.
Best home espresso machine under 200: A Recap
Pulling the perfect shot of espresso doesn’t have to break your budget. Be sure to think about what you want from an espresso machine before you make a purchase.
Not all espresso machines for home use are the same. To make the decision easier, I’ve compiled a list of the best espresso machines under $200. I’ve collected user reviews, testimonials, and my personal experience with these brewers. I’ve had a detailed look at the most popular and praised machines on the market until I’ve narrowed the choice down to the best 10.
Don’t get me wrong; all of these are solid espresso makers that will enable you to save money and make customized coffee drinks that you normally order in a coffee shop. However, if I had to choose the best brewer on the list, it would have to be Mr. Coffee Café Barista Espresso Machine.
Café Barista machine is a solid brewer that will have you making mochas and other espresso-based drinks quickly and effectively. Clean the machine regularly and it’ll continue to spoil you with good tasting coffee consistently. For best effects, freshly grind coffee before every brew and get a better tamper to properly prepare for each espresso shot, and make the most of your cup. Mr. Coffee isn’t a brew-and-run system (it’s semi-automatic) but the results are worth every effort!
Mr. Coffee is a sleek and solid espresso machine, and the best value for money. Considering the price tag it is by far superior to many other brewers on the list. Overall, this is a 3-in-1 espresso, cappuccino, and latte maker. Its 15-bar pump extracts the most from ground coffee, producing the most aromatic and delicious results continuously, with every cup.
Mr. Coffee is an easy-to-use machine that enables you to pull a single or double shot espresso. With an automatic milk frother, you’ll be producing creamy and foamy espresso-based drinks in no time. it’s straightforward, user-friendly, and perfect for any beginner or an advanced espresso lover.
A second runner-up for best espresso machines under $200 is DeLonghi EC702 Espresso Maker.
Delonghi is a reputable brand, well-recognized in the world of coffee lovers. Their EC702 machine is no different. They make solid and quality built espresso makers for a number of different budgets, this one being no exception.
Unlike many other brewers, EC702 is mostly built of stainless steel. It’s compatible with both ESE pods and ground coffee. It heats up fast and pulls a creamy single or double shot of espresso with every brew. Delonghi is an entry-level espresso maker that’s incredibly forgiving even if you’re a complete beginner.
Since it comes with a pressurized portafilter, you won’t have to fuss around the perfect evenly ground coffee beans, which is a great advantage for many who love espresso but dislike severe coffee brewing science.
Last but not least, this home espresso machine easily competes with its beastly cousins in a higher price range. It’ll make any espresso lover happy, as long as you’re not looking for a fully automatic machine.
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