Top 3: Best Affordable Espresso Machines of 2022
A budget Espresso Machine will spare you from giving your hard-earned bucks to Starbucks. A major investment isn’t required to have high-quality joe.
Here’s an overview of three cheap espresso machines that brew superb espresso.
Best Budget Espresso Machines
| Espresso Machines | Water Tank Capacity | Power | Included | Care and Cleaning | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mr. Coffee ECMP50  | 40 Ounces | 1200 Watt | Tamper/Spoon tool and recipes | Dishwasher-safe parts | |
De’Longhi EC155  | 35 Ounces | 1100 Watt | Plastic spoon and built-in plastic tamper | Filter is not dishwasher-safe | |
VonShef Pump Espresso  | 50 Ounces | 850 Watt | Coffee measuring Scoop/Tamper | Dishwasher-safe filter (Top shelf only) |
Semi-automatics are the most popular home espresso machines. The appliances below are very user-friendly, making brewing espressos easy, fast, and fun!
#1 | Mr. Coffee ECMP50
This is by far the best cheap espresso machine.
Design
Dual-shot brewing enables you to craft two shots simultaneously, using individual filters. An indicator light tells you when shots are ready. The water reservoir and drip tray are removable and easily cleaned.
Perks
Mr. Coffee heats water quickly and evenly, courtesy of a thermal block. The outer housing remains cool to the touch. The powerful frothing wand easily accommodates a milk pitcher.
This is one of the quieter units on the market. Its sound volume is equivalent to a conversation at a 3-foot distance. This is advantageous if you don’t want to wake up the household while making your brew.
This budget friendly espresso machine is compact and attractive on a countertop. It’s also durable, with stainless steel housing.
The water volume is readily visible in the reservoir, located on the back of the machine. Another convenience is an included tool with a tamper at one end and measuring spoon at the other.
Cons
Mr. Coffee doesn’t accept pods. Aside from this, he’s the perfect gentleman.
Operating Tips
Priming the pump takes less than one minute. If you like your espresso on the weak side, proceed to fill your cup.
If you prefer strong shots, release a small amount of water into the portafilter, stop the flow, and steep the grounds for a few minutes. This yields a deeper flavor.
To see Mr. Coffee at work, check this video:
#2 | De’Longhi EC155
This is the best espresso machine under $100 that accepts pods
Design
An area on top of the machine preheats your cup. Dual thermostats enable you to control the water and steam temps separately.
This inexpensive espresso maker works with both ground coffee and Easy Serving Espresso (ESE) pods, a real convenience!
An indicator light lets you know the brew status. The water tank and drip tray are removable and a breeze to clean.
Perks
A unique feature is a window at the front, apprising you of the water level. With the dual filter holder, you can brew two drinks simultaneously.
The powerful rotating jet frother yields a thick, rich, long-lasting foam! The appliance is compact, with a modern look.
An intuitive dial makes it simple to select between brew and steam functions. It’s easy to disassemble and clean this machine.
Cons
The position of the short frothing wand makes it awkward to fit a steaming pitcher beneath.
The primarily plastic housing doesn’t have the same durability as stainless steel. Avoid over-twisting the filter in the filter head, as it can jam, rendering the appliance unusable.
The De’Longhi buzzes and rattles a bit while brewing. However, this is common in less costly machines and doesn’t affect drink quality.
Operating Tips
The appliance is self-priming, so it’s ready when you are. However, your espresso will taste even better if you preheat the De’Longhi for 15 minutes.
When steaming milk, if the liquid contacts the lower edge of the wand, you receive a richer foam.
To see the De’Longhi in action, check this video:
#3 | VonShef 15 Bar Pump Espresso
Design
This inexpensive espresso machine takes approximately three minutes to heat up.
The water tank is transparent, removable, and easily cleaned. The drip tray is also detachable.
The VonShef accommodates two espresso cups, using single and double-cup filters.
Perks
The VonSHEF has a built-in cup-warming plate, so your espresso stays at the ideal temperature. Its stainless steel, black housing is stylish.
Built-in features protect against overheating and over-pressure, reducing the risk of steam burns.
The aluminum boiler is durable and long-lasting. A tab prevents milk from foaming over, and the steamer accommodates tall cups.
Cons
There isn’t a pod option. Water remains in the coffee grounds and can result in spillage. To avoid this, remove the portafilter carefully.
To get the most flavorful taste, minimize the time of extraction. Otherwise, the brew will be weak and watery. Alternatively, you can add more coffee grounds.
Operating Tips
To ensure the machine continues to operate efficiently, descale it every two months to remove mineral build-up.
To see VonShef on the job, check this video:
What You Will Save
Just to affirm that you’re making a wise decision, let’s tally the money you’ll save. The average retail price for an espresso shot is $1.25.
The cost of brewing it at home is $0.14 per day. This amounts to daily savings of $1.11 and an annual sum of $405.15.
If your quota is three shots per day, you’ll be saving $3.33 daily and $1,215.45 per year. Think of what you can buy for that amount!
The Best For Less
You could conceivably spend between $600 and $6,900 for a home espresso machine. Does this seem incredulous? It’s true! The La Marzocco GS3 Espresso Machine retails for $6,900.
However, you don’t need a 16-inch monster taking up your countertop and putting a hole in your wallet. You have a better option of buying a cheap espresso machine.
So, what will you buy with the $400+ you’ll be saving?