Best Budget Espresso Machines
When looking for an espresso machine, choose a model that produces rich, flavorful shots and that steams milk well. Some machines are completely automated and will do the work for you. However, they typically sacrifice texture and taste.
The De'Longhi Stilosa offers a simple, user-friendly option that doesn't require a lot of counter space. It also holds up well to wear and tear.
Capresso EC50 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
The Capresso EC50 pump espresso and cappuccino machine is a perfect balance between quality, price and performance. It's inexpensive enough to be an excellent choice for novices however, it's sturdy and stable enough that even experienced espresso drinkers will be able to enjoy its strong flavor. Additionally, it comes with an incredibly versatile milk frother that can whip up cappuccinos and lattes in minutes.
Think about how many people you will serve your espresso to and how often you will make use of the machine. If you're planning to make one or two cups a day, a single-shot machine will suffice, but when you plan to serve espresso to guests regularly you might want more capacity.
Certain espresso machines have an integrated grinder, while other require a separate unit. This is more convenient but produces less flavorful coffee compared to the burr mill.
If you want to get the most perfect espresso, choose one with a PID controller. This feature electronically controls the temperature of the boiler, which results in a more precise and consistent results compared to mechanical thermostats.
A transparent water tank makes it easier to determine when it's time to refill and a brew chamber saves cleanup time. Furthermore, the machine can be connected directly to your home's water supply for a more efficient, cleaner beverage.
CASABREWS' 3700Essential is excellent choice for those who wish to begin making espresso without spending a lot of money. It's not as good as high-end machines, but it produces strong shots that are full of flavor and body. The machine's intuitive user interface is also easy to use.
A clear, front-facing dial and a removable 42-ounce water reservoir are just some of the features that make this espresso maker a smart buy. The machine also has a dual frother that can be switched between steaming and frothing (the first whips milk to make cappuccinos while the other injects hot air into milk to make lattes). Unfortunately, the design of this particular model's water tank is a bit snooty as it is difficult to refill and awkwardly placed.
Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus espresso machine is small and compact that allows you to make espresso and lattes of cafe quality in your own home. It's easy to use and doesn't require any special knowledge or skills in coffee to operate, making it ideal for people who are new to making espresso.
It comes with a few features that make it stand out among other entry-level machines. For instance, it comes with a PID to ensure accurate water temperature during extraction. It also uses an infusion with low pressure to draw out the maximum amount of flavor from your beans. ThermoJet technology allows for an extremely quick heating time. This allows you to begin making your coffee in just three seconds. This will save your time in the morning when you're trying to get ready.
The Bambino Plus also has a steam wand, which can be used to make smooth, frothy and creamy lattes and cappuccinos. This comes with a couple of different milk texture settings that allow you to alter the taste of your drink. It isn't capable of producing the ultra-smooth microfoam that you get from an espresso machine that is professional however it can provide you with some options if you're new to this field.
Although the Bambino Plus is a good small espresso machine, it doesn't have the same bells and whistles as Breville's more expensive models. It does not have an spout for hot water, nor does it offer steaming by hand. It is only available in North America with pressurized baskets. If you already have a grinder that can produce fine espresso grinds this is a great option for those who are trying to get into espresso making at a reasonable price.
Its gimmicky appearance could make some people uncomfortable however, the Bambino Plus is built well with real metal and tight tolerances. It is easy to clean, and comes with built-in reminders that aid you in staying on track when cleaning or descaling. In a matter of weeks, you'll be able to save money on costly trips to your local coffee shop.
Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series espresso machine is a great value money. It's a great choice for anyone looking to cut down on coffeehouse trips to the cafe and take control of their morning cup of coffee. This budget-friendly espresso maker is all-in-one, and has a built-in grinder and brew unit, as well as an automatic milk frother and hot water function. It offers a variety of drinks such as iced coffees, cappuccinos, and lattes.
The machine is simple to operate and maintain. Its programable My Coffee choice feature lets you alter the strength of your beverages to your own preferences. The machine remembers your preferences for each drink. The machine is equipped with an AquaClean filtration system that, according to the company, will keep it clean for up 5,000 cups of espresso.
The model isn't without its flaws in that it takes a bit longer to brew the shots than other models. Although this isn't a huge issue, it could cause some users to feel uncomfortable. The grinder on the machine is slightly on the coarse side, so it may require a higher size of a grinding chamber than other models.
Another positive is the Philips 3200's programable timer that can be set to start automatically the brewing process at specific times. This is particularly useful for those with an active schedule. The machine also has an adjustable drip tray that is easily removed and cleaned for quicker cleanup. Philips comes with a grease tube to ensure that your brew unit is lubricated at least every two months.
Another plus is the front-loading water tank that makes refilling the machine a breeze. The reservoir can hold up to 1.7 gallons and the machine will alert you when it is time to replace the filter or add water. The controls of the machine are user-friendly and include a touchscreen interface. The display will inform you when your coffee is finished and various lights will indicate if there has been an error or if the machine is descaled.
Hamilton Beach Espresso Maker
The Hamilton Beach 40715 Espresso Machine is a great option for those looking to get the most value for their buck. This budget-friendly machine lets users to use ground coffee, K-Cups or pre-measured espresso pods. The built-in milk maker allows you to make cappuccinos and lattes of café quality. This feature is not typical in machines of this cost.
The 40715 is easy to use and maintain. The patent-pending Slide and Lock Portafilter makes it easy to insert and lock in place and then take out your espresso. A timer programable lets you set a predetermined time for brewing, making sure that your espresso is always ready when you need it. A feature that auto-pauses and serves also allows for a quick pour during brewing, ensuring that you never have to wait long to enjoy your coffee.
The 40715's large water tank is an additional benefit. This will help you save money and time by reducing the frequency of refilling your tank. The machine's filter basket that is removable and dishwasher-safe parts make it easy to maintain and clean.
In terms of performance the 40715 performs comparable to other machines in this category. The 15-bar Italian pump helps to create the most delicious and flavorful espresso, and the adjustable steam control ensures that your coffee will be perfect every time. A clock that can be programmed and an the automatic pause-and-serve feature are both useful features.
While the Hamilton Beach 40715 Get More has many positive qualities, there are a few points to be considered prior to making a purchase. One issue is the limited boiler capacity, which can cause water to cool too quickly, and ruin the extraction process. A permanent filter isn't included, and you may need to purchase additional filters in future.
If you're in the market for an espresso maker that's brand new, be sure to look through the options at your local shop prior to making a choice. You can even make a call to inquire whether they have the model you're looking for. If you're purchasing online, be sure to consider shipping costs and the convenience of picking up your order. If you're not satisfied with your purchase, you can always take advantage of a retailer's return policy to swap out the product for something more suitable.