Great espresso doesn’t require a massive investment. Seriously. You don’t need to mortgage your kitchen for a pro-grade machine. The truth is, a solid cheap espresso machine can pull a fantastic shot that rivals your local cafe. It just takes knowing what to look for and managing your expectations a little bit.
We tested a bunch of budget-friendly models to cut through the noise. This review is all about finding that sweet spot where price meets performance, so you can start your day right without the financial dread. Let’s find you a machine that makes great coffee a daily habit, not a luxury.
Product Comparison Table: 11 Best Cheap Espresso Machine
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CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Compact Espresso Maker…
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9.5 |
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CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Stainless Steel…
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9.3 |
Read Review |
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atatix Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 20 Bar Pressure…
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9.2 |
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KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 800W Compact…
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9.0 |
Read Review |
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KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 800W Compact…
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8.8 |
Read Review |
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XIXUBX 20Bar Espresso Machine, Compact Espresso Maker with Milk…
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8.7 |
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Chefman CraftBrew Espresso Machine, 15-Bar Pump Digital Espresso Maker…
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8.5 |
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XIXUBX Espresso Machine, 20 BAR Pump Temperature Control, Compact…
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8.3 |
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XIXUBX Coffee Machine, 3.5 Bar Espresso & Cappuccino Machine…
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8.1 |
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Chefman CraftBrew Espresso Machine, 15-Bar Pump Digital Espresso Maker…
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8.0 |
Read Review |
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XIXUBX Espresso Machine 20 Bar with Milk Frother, Stainless…
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7.8 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 11 Cheap Espresso Machine
CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Compact Espresso Maker with Steam Milk Frother, Stainless Steel Coffee Machine with 34oz Removable Water Tank for Cappuccino, Gift for Women or Men, Silver
The CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine is a compact, 20-bar system designed to bring authentic cafe-style espresso into your kitchen. Its stainless steel build is both stylish and durable, fitting easily on a countertop in any size kitchen or even a office break room. At its core is a professional 20-bar pressure pump, which is key for proper extraction.
This pressure forces hot water through finely ground coffee, pulling out the oils and flavors that create a rich, fragrant espresso with a beautiful layer of crema on top. A built-in pressure gauge is a really helpful feature, letting you see the exact pressure so you can make adjustments to suit your personal taste. This machine isn’t just for straight espresso. It comes with a powerful steam wand for its milk frothing system.
This wand lets you texture milk, creating that creamy, velgant microfoam essential for lattes and cappuccinos. Whether you prefer a velvety latte or a frothy cappuccino, you can make it. It also opens the door to trying your hand at simple milk foam art, adding a personal touch to your morning routine. Remember, the machine includes both a one-cup and a two-cup brewing filter, so you can make a single shot for yourself or two for sharing. Practicality is a big focus.
CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Stainless Steel Cappuccino & Latte Machine with Steam Frother for Home, 43.9oz Water Tank, Coffee Gift for Women & Men, Silver
The CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine is designed for anyone who wants real espresso drinks at home without the complexity of high-end machines. It’s a straightforward, compact appliance that focuses on delivering a quality cup and the ability to steam milk, all in a stainless steel finish that fits most kitchens. At its core is a 20-bar pressure pump system. This is the key to proper espresso extraction.
It forces hot water through tightly packed coffee grounds to pull out the oils and flavors that define a rich, aromatic shot. The 1350-watt motor provides the consistent power needed for this process, aiming to give you a coffee base that’s fragrant and full-bodied, similar to what you’d get from a cafe. The integrated steam wand is what expands your options beyond just espresso. This wand lets you texture milk, introducing air to create microfoam.
This foam is essential for turning that straight espresso into lattes and cappuccinos. It’s what gives these drinks there creamy texture and allows for the possibility of simple latte art. The wand is a manual steam wand, giving you control over the frothing process for your preferred milk consistency. Practicality is a big focus with the 3700. Its compact size means it won’t dominate your countertop.
atatix Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 20 Bar Pressure Espresso Maker, with 44OZ Removable Tank, Compact Stainless Steel Coffee Machine for Home, Office, Latte, Cappuccino, Gift for Women or Men
The atatix Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is designed for anyone who wants real cafe-style coffee at home or in the office. It’s a compact, stainless steel machine that handles everything from a straight espresso to a creamy cappuccino, putting you in full control of your daily brew.
At its core is a professional 20-bar pressure system.
This ensures a consistent 9-10 bars of pressure during extraction, which is the key to getting a full-flavored shot with that rich, golden crema on top. It works in tandem with a precise NTC temperature control system. This heats up fast—in about 30 seconds—and locks in the perfect 90-96°C range for extraction. Whether your beans are a light or dark roast, this stability helps reveal there true flavor profile without the bitterness from temperature swings.
You have two ways to brew.
Use the automatic Espresso Mode for a consistent single or double shot with the push of a button. Or, switch to manual extraction to personally control the brew time and volume, letting you tailor the strength of your coffee to your exact preference. This flexibility is great for experimenting.
The separate steam wand is what lets you create proper milk-based drinks. It delivers powerful, dry steam to texture milk, transforming it from flat to velvety microfoam in seconds.
KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 800W Compact Espresso and Cappuccino Machine with Preheating Function, 4 Cup Espresso Maker for Cappuccino or Latte, Gift for Coffee Lover
The KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is a compact and user-friendly coffee maker designed to bring the cafe experience into your home kitchen. It’s a great option for beginners or anyone with limited counter space who doesn’t want to compromise on features. This machine is built for simplicity. A single switch knob with an indicator light controls everything, making operation straightforward.
It includes a helpful pause function for those moments when you need to step away briefly. Remember to always turn the knob to “OFF” to release pressure before opening the water tank or removing the portafilter—this is a key safety step. The fast brewing technology heats water quickly, aiming to deliver 1 to 4 cups of rich espresso in about two minutes. The included glass carafe has clear markings to help you pour the perfect amount everytime.
A quick tip: don’t exceed 240ml of water in the tank to prevent any leaks. For milk-based drinks, the powerful 800W steam wand is ready to create micro-foam for lattes and cappuccinos in roughly 40 seconds. It’s designed for good temperature control, which helps ensure a smooth, creamy texture for your drinks. A silicone pad on the wand helps prevent burns. It’s very important to clean the steam wand immediately after each use to prevent clogs from milk residue.
KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 800W Compact Espresso and Cappuccino Machine with Preheating Function, 4 Cup Espresso Maker for Cappuccino or Latte, Gift for Coffee Lover
The KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is a compact and user-friendly coffee maker designed to bring the cafe experience into your home kitchen. It’s a great option if your looking for a straightforward machine that handles both espresso and milk-based drinks without taking up much counter space. Operating this machine is simple, making it a good fit for beginners. A single switch knob with an indicator light controls everything.
A helpful pause function lets you stop the brew if needed, and remember to always turn the knob to “OFF” to release pressure before opening the water tank or removing the portafilter. It uses fast brewing technology to heat water quickly, delivering 1 to 4 cups (up to 240ml) of rich espresso in under two minutes. The included glass cup has clear markings to help you pour the perfect amount everytime. Just be sure not to exceed the 240ml water max to prevent any leaking.
For cappuccinos and lattes, the powerful 800W steam wand is key. It creates micro-foam in about 40 seconds, allowing you to texture milk for creamy drinks and even simple latte art. The wand has a silicone pad for safety, and accurate temperature control helps ensure a great taste. It’s important to clean the steam wand immediately after each use to prevent clogs from milk residue. Also, avoid adding water to the tank right after making coffee, as the machine will be hot.
XIXUBX 20Bar Espresso Machine, Compact Espresso Maker with Milk Frother, Stainless Steel Coffee Machine for Cappuccino&Latte, 42oz Water Tank, Visible Pressure Gauge, Home&Office, Silver
The XIXUBX 20Bar Espresso Machine is a compact, silver stainless steel coffee maker built for home or office use. It combines professional-grade pressure with a user-friendly design to help you create authentic espresso-based drinks consistently.
At its core is a professional 20BAR pressure pump. This system is engineered for full extraction, which is key for pulling a shot of espresso that’s rich and aromatic with that beautiful, lasting layer of crema.
To get the best results from any machine like this, its important to prime it correctly and pay attention to your coffee grind size and tamping pressure.
You won’t have to wait long for your coffee. The fast heating system quickly reaches and maintains the optimal temperature for both brewing and steaming. For the absolute hottest coffee, a quick tip is to preheat your cups and let the machine fully heat for about 60 seconds before that first brew.
This adresses a common concern about temperature stability.
Creating milk-based drinks is streamlined with the enhanced steam wand. Its designed to product dense, creamy microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos, thanks to consistent steam output. The wand has a 360-degree adjustable and detachable nozzle for precise control and, crucially, easy cleaning.
Chefman CraftBrew Espresso Machine, 15-Bar Pump Digital Espresso Maker w/Steam Wand for Latte & Cappuccino, Compact Espresso Coffee Machine w/ 1.5L Removable Water Reservoir – Stainless Steel
The Chefman CraftBrew Espresso Machine is a compact, digital coffee maker designed to bring the core elements of a café experience right to your countertop. Its foundation is a reliable 15-bar pump system, which is the standard pressure used to extract the full, rich flavor and signature crema from your espresso grounds.
This means you can achive a genuinely authentic espresso base for all your favorite drinks without leaving home.
This machine puts a significant level of control in your hands. The digital touch panel and programmable timer allow you to customize your shot volume. Whether you prefer a shorter, more concentrated ristretto, a classic espresso shot, or a longer lungo, you can adjust the water flow to match your taste.
It comes with both single and double shot baskets, giving you flexibility depending on if your brewing for just yourself or for two. The built-in steam wand is your tool for texturing milk, enabling you to create the microfoam necessary for lattes and cappuccinos. It takes a bit of practice, but it’s how you become your own barista.
Practicality is a key feature here. The 1.5-liter removable water reservoir is a thoughtful design.
XIXUBX Espresso Machine, 20 BAR Pump Temperature Control, Compact Espresso Maker with Steam Milk Frother, Professional Coffee Makers for Home, Cappuccino, Latte, Gifts for Coffee Lover, Black
The XIXUBX Espresso Machine is a compact, professional-grade coffee maker designed for home use. It combines the core features needed for authentic espresso with a user-friendly design, making it a practical choice for both beginners and enthusiasts.
At its heart is a 20-bar pump system. This pressure is key for extracting the full, rich flavor from your coffee grounds and creating that signature layer of crema on top of your espresso.
For the best results, its important to use finely ground espresso beans and to tamp them firmly with the included tool. A quick tip: before your first brew, fill the water tank and make sure the portafilter is securely locked into place to avoid any startup issues.
Consistency is managed by the integrated PID temperature control. This technology maintains a stable water temperature throughout the extraction process, which means you get a balanced and flavorful cup every single time.
To utilize this feature effectively, preheat the machine for about 60 seconds until the indicator light becomes solid. Running a quick hot water cycle through the empty portafilter first is a great way to ensure everything is at the perfect temperature from the start.
Beyond espresso, the machine includes a dedicated steam wand for milk texturing. This wand gives you full control to create silky microfoam for lattes or a thicker froth for cappuccinos.
XIXUBX Coffee Machine, 3.5 Bar Espresso & Cappuccino Machine with Steam Wand, Compact Design Coffee Maker for Latte, Safety Lock & Tritan Cups, 800w, Black
The XIXUBX Coffee Machine is a compact espresso maker designed for simplicity and speed. It uses 3.5 bar pressure and an 800W system to brew a fresh espresso in about two minutes. That makes it a practical choice for a quick morning routine or an afternoon pick-me-up without a long wait. For the best results, its recommended to let the machine cool briefly between uses to keep the temperature consistent. Its standout feature is its small footprint.
Measuring just 8.3” deep and 11.8” high, it fits easily on cramped countertops, in dorm rooms, or small office kitchens. The whole unit is lightweight too, at only 3.3 pounds, so you can move it around if you need too. This design is really about getting a dedicated espresso function without sacrificing valuable space. Creating milk-based drinks is straightforward with the included steam wand. The wand is adjustable so you can control the froth for a latte or cappuccino.
It has a short, heat-resistant tube which helps with safety and cleaning. A red pin is provided to clear any milk blockages. A note: if the wand feels stiff when attaching, twist it gently. The manufacturer mentions it might not be suitable for users with very limited hand strength. Operation is intentionally simple. A single knob controls both the brewing and steaming functions. You turn it one way to brew espresso and the other to activate the steam wand.
Chefman CraftBrew Espresso Machine, 15-Bar Pump Digital Espresso Maker w/Steam Wand for Latte & Cappuccino, Compact Espresso Coffee Machine w/ 1.5L Removable Water Reservoir – Black
The Chefman CraftBrew Espresso Machine is designed for anyone who wants to bring the cafe experience home without the complexity of professional gear. Its core is a reliable 15-bar pump system, which is the standard pressure needed to extract the full, rich flavor and creamy crema from your espresso grounds.
This consistent pressure ensures you get a quality shot everytime, forming the perfect base for all your favorite drinks.
What sets this machine apart is its digital touch control panel. It allows you to precisely customize your brew. You can program the shot volume to match your taste, whether you prefer a shorter, more concentrated ristretto or a longer, mellower lungo. The built-in timer helps you replicate your perfect shot effortlessly once you’ve found your sweet spot.
It puts a surprising level of control right at your fingertips.
The integrated steam wand is your tool for turning that great espresso into lattes and cappuccinos. It’s straightforward to use for texturing milk, letting you add that velvety foam finish to your beverages. The machine comes with two shot baskets, so you can choose between brewing a single shot for a quick pick-me-up or a double shot for a more robust drink.
XIXUBX Espresso Machine 20 Bar with Milk Frother, Stainless Steel Coffee Maker with 42 oz Removable Water Tank for Cappuccino, Latte&Cold Brew, Home&Office, Silver
The XIXUBX Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is designed to bring cafe-quality coffee into your daily routine. Its core feature is the professional 20-bar pressure system, which is key for proper extraction. This pressure ensures your ground coffee is fully used, producing a rich, aromatic espresso with that desirable layer of crema on top. Whether you prefer a single shot or a double, it only takes a few minutes. A standout feature is the True Instant Heating Technology.
Unlike machines that make you wait between functions, this one lets you steam milk and then immediately brew coffee without a cooling delay. This means you can quickly make drinks for yourself or guests. The system also helps maintain the coffees original flavor, especially if you preheat your cup first. The integrated milk frothing system is built for versatility. With steady steam control and a 360-degree adjustable wand, it creates dense, silky microfoam perfect for lattes and cappuccinos.
The frother is detachable for simple cleaning, which is important to remember to do right after each use to prevent clogs. Combined with the brewing, it truly lets you be your own barista for a wide range of hot drinks. Uniquely, this machine includes a Cold Brew function. This lets you make smooth, less-acidic cold coffee quickly, which is a great option for warmer days or simply for a different taste.
Cheap Espresso Machine Buying Guide
Smart shopping for a cheap espresso machine starts with this list. You want a great shot without the cafe price tag, but the options can be confusing. This guide cuts through the noise, focusing on what really matters for your morning routine. Let’s look at the key factors to consider before you buy.
Pressure and Pump Type
Real espresso needs pressure. Look for a machine with a pump that reaches at least 9 bars of pressure—this is the standard for proper extraction. Many budget models use a vibratory pump, which is perfectly fine for home use. Steer clear of machines that rely solely on steam pressure; they don’t produce the same quality crema and can make bitter coffee.
Milk Frothing Capability
Do you enjoy lattes or cappuccinos? If so, check how the machine handles milk. Some cheap espresso machines come with a panarello steam wand, which is easier for beginners to use for frothing. Others have a manual steam wand, giving you more control but requiring a bit more skill. A few models might just include a separate, non-heating frother. Think about how much effort you want to put in.
Machine Size and Footprint
Counter space is precious. These machines vary in size. Some are surprisingly compact, fitting easily in a small kitchen nook, while others are taller to accomodate a cup underneath. Grab a tape measure and check the height, width, and depth. Don’t forget to account for space needed to open the water tank lid or swing out the portafilter.
Ease of Cleaning
A machine that’s a pain to clean will quickly become a cabinet decoration. Look for features like a removable water reservoir and drip tray. Check if the steam wand has a sleeve that can be taken off for washing. Are the parts that touch coffee, like the portafilter and basket, dishwasher safe? Regular maintenance is non-negotiable for taste and longevity, so simple cleaning is a huge win.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Espresso Machine
What is considered a “cheap” espresso machine?
Prices vary, but “cheap” usually means under $200. In this range, you’ll find simple pump machines and stovetop makers. They focus on teh core function of making espresso without many extra features.
Can a cheap machine make real espresso?
Yes, but with some limits. A good cheap machine uses a pump to create pressure. This pressure is what makes real espresso. The quality might not match a cafe, but you can get a very decent shot at home.
What features should I look for?
Look for a machine with a decent pump (15 bars is common). A steam wand for frothing milk is really useful. Also, check if it uses standard size portafilters, as this gives you more options for accessories later on.
Is it hard to use and clean?
They are generally straightforward. Most have simple buttons. Cleaning is important though. You’ll need to regularly rinse the steam wand and backflush the group head if your model allows it. It’s not difficult, just a routine.
How does it compare to a pod machine?
It’s a different experience. A cheap espresso machine uses ground coffee you choose. This is often cheaper per cup and creates less waste than pods. It gives you more control over the taste, but it does require a bit more effort.
Will I need a separate coffee grinder?
Almost certainly, yes. Pre-ground coffee loses its flavor fast. For the best results, you need freshly ground beans. A decent burr grinder is a key partner for any espresso machine, even a budget one.
What are the main compromises?
You might notice less consistency in temperature and pressure. The steam wand may be weaker, making frothing slower. Build quality and materials, like plastic parts, are common areas where costs are cut. But for starting out, they do the job well.
Are they worth the money?
If you want to learn about making espresso without a big investment, absolutely. It’s a great way to see if you enjoy the process. Many people get years of good use from a well-chosen budget machine before they every consider an upgrade.
Our Final Words
Initial savings lead to long-term homemade coffee rewards. You get to keep more money in your pocket upfront. Then, you build a simple daily habit that pays for itself. Every morning, you skip the drive and the expensive cafe line. Your kitchen becomes your favorite coffee spot. It’s a small win that adds up to a big difference for your routine and your budget.
Starting with a cheap espresso machine is a smart first step. It lets you learn what you like without a huge investment. You might find it’s all you ever need. Or, it teaches you what features matter for a future upgrade. Either way, you’re already winning. You’re making good coffee on your own terms, and that’s a great feeling to start the day with.