Top 5 Low Cost Espresso Machines: Buyer's Guide

Do you dream of rich, velvety espresso shots but think a fancy machine costs a fortune? Many coffee lovers feel stuck. They crave cafe-quality drinks at home but balk at the high price tags of top-tier espresso makers. It feels like you have to choose between your budget and your morning ritual. Finding a machine that is both affordable and actually makes good espresso can feel like searching for a hidden treasure!

The market is flooded with options, making the choice overwhelming. Should you trust the cheapest model? Will a slightly more expensive one last? We understand these worries. That is why we have sifted through the noise to find the best budget-friendly espresso machines available right now.

By the end of this guide, you will know exactly which low-cost espresso machines deliver big flavor without draining your wallet. We will break down what features matter most when money is tight. Get ready to unlock delicious, homemade espresso. Let’s dive into the best affordable options waiting for you!

Top Low Cost Espresso Machine Recommendations

SaleBestseller No. 1

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

Make Your Favorite Espresso Coffee At Home: The CASABREWS coffee machine with milk frother allows you to prepare all your favorite espresso-based coffees. You can enjoy a barista-brewed latte, cappuccino or macchiato at home. Stainless steel appearance, stylish and durable, ideal for any size kitchen. This compact espresso coffee maker is perfect for home or office use
Professional 20 Bar Pressure System: Semi-Automatic 2-in-1 Espresso Maker, with 20 bar professional Italian pump and 1350 W powerful boiler. This latte machine gives you top quality extraction, resulting in a more fragrant and rich aroma. The built-in pressure gauge on this cappuccino machine shows the exact pressure helping you make adjustments according to your personal taste preferences. You can create a cappuccino, latte or flat white at your home or office with our cappuccino maker
Milk Frothing System: Our espresso machine with milk frother has a powerful steam wand, so you can texture creamy, rich microfoam milk to create amazing milk foam art and enhance the flavor of your brews. Awaken your inner barista and create your own unique milk foam art. Don't pass us by if you are looking for an excellent espresso coffee maker
Compact, Stylish & Practical: The beautiful and compact design makes this small espresso machine suitable for any size kitchen. Make single or double espresso shots with a beautiful layer of crema in minutes! The 34 oz water tank allows you to brew multiple cups, and it is detachable for easy refilling. Included components: Espresso Machine, 34 oz Removable Water Tank, One Cup Brewing Filter, Two Cup Brewing Filter, Portafilter, Tamper With Spoon, Instruction Manual
Useful Tips: Please kindly note that do not brew coffee immediately after frothing milk. The machine must cool down first otherwise the temperature and the pressure inside the machine will be too high, and the machine will go into over-heating protection mode. The lights for 1 cup or 2 cup will flash repeatedly and please follow the steps of included guide to cool down the machine. You can watch more INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO by clicking Visit the CASABREWS Store

SaleBestseller No. 2

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

20-Bar Café Pressure for Rich, Crema-Topped Espresso: Experience barista-level espresso at home. The 20-bar pump delivers optimal pressure to extract full flavor and rich crema. ✅ Before first use, fill the water tank and turn the knob to “BREW” once the power light is on. For best results, use finely ground espresso coffee and tamp firmly with the included tamper. If the machine doesn’t start, check that the portafilter and water tank are properly locked.
PID Temperature Control for Consistent, Balanced Flavor: Our advanced PID controller keeps water temperature stable for a balanced cup every time. ⏱️ Preheat the machine for about 60 seconds until the indicator light stays solid. For best performance, run a brief hot water cycle through the portafilter without coffee before your first shot. This step helps ensure optimal temperature and avoids “machine not starting” issues.
Create Silky Microfoam with Our Steam Wand: Craft creamy lattes and frothy cappuccinos effortlessly. The powerful steam wand gives you full control to texture milk to your preference. 🥛 Make sure to turn the knob to the “STEAM” position only after preheating. For the silkiest microfoam, use cold milk, keep the wand tip just below the surface, and create a gentle swirling motion. Watch our quick tutorial video before your first use for perfect results.
Compact & Quick-Start Design for Any Kitchen: Get your espresso fix fast! The quick-heating system gets ready in about 60 seconds and brews in around 22 seconds. ⚡ Simply turn on the power, wait until the light stops flashing, then press the “BREW” button to start extraction. The compact footprint and quiet operation make it perfect for home, office, or dorm. If the machine doesn’t start, recheck that the portafilter and tank are properly locked in place.
Cappuccino Machine or Latte Machine for Home or Office Use: The machine comes with everything you need and makes a perfect gift for coffee lovers, Christmas Gift for Family, Mother Christmas Gift, Coffee Gift for Men Women. To ensure a great start, please watch the detailed tutorial videos available in our store. Our dedicated customer service team is also here to help if you have any questions

SaleBestseller No. 3

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

Make Your Favorite Espresso Coffee: XIXUBX semi automatic espresso machine is equipped with a powerful steam frother and instant heating system for fast extraction and silky milk foam. The compact and durable stainless steel design saves space and fits in any size kitchen, home or office. You can enjoy latte, cappuccino, macchiato or iced coffee at home
Professional 20bar Pressure System: 20bar pressure allows the coffee powder to be fully extracted, resulting in a more aromatic and rich aroma. You can make cappuccino, latte, flat white or iced coffee at home or in the office. It only takes a few minutes to make a single or double cup of espresso with a beautiful layer of coffee crema
Instant Heating Technology: Unlike most boiler machines on the market, the instant heating technology allows you to make coffee immediately after using the milk frothing function, without waiting for the machine to cool down, allowing you to quickly make delicious coffee for your family and friends. The powerful temperature control system can maintain the original flavor of the ground coffee, and the preheated cup can reduce the loss of coffee flavor and increase the comfort of drinking
Quiet Brewing & Custom Coffee Volume: With a low noise brewing system and customizable coffee volume, this machine delivers a peaceful yet personalized coffee experience. You can easily set and save your preferred coffee amount, whether a single or double shot. Enjoy barista level convenience and comfort right at home
Milk Frothing System: Equipped with a milk frothing system and steady steam control, it instantly produces dense and glossy creamy rich micro-foamed milk, enhancing the flavor of brewed coffee. The steam wand includes a 360° adjustable and detachable nozzle for easy cleaning (Note: After each use, please clean the steam wand immediately to avoid milk clogging the steam wand)

SaleBestseller No. 4

De'Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine, Compact Coffee Maker, 15 Bar Pump Pressure, Manual Milk Frother Steam Wand for Authentic Single & Double Espresso, Lattes & Cappuccinos, Tamper Included

Contemporary and Compact Design: The perfect addition to your modern kitchen counter top, without taking up too much space, plus it’s easy to clean.
15 BAR Pump: Guarantees the optimal pressure to extract a single or double espresso, so your coffee drink comes out perfectly rich.
Manual Milk Frother: Texture your milk with ease to create an authentic cappuccino, latte or flat white.
Stainless Steel Boiler: Robust design, durable construction of this boiler is engineered to last long and work for years with consistent performance.
Includes portafilter and two filters: An ergonomically designed portafilter has two filters, for single or double espresso.

SaleBestseller No. 5

SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Professional Espresso Machine with Milk Frother and Touchscreen, Expresso Coffee Machines with Adjustable Temperature,for Cappuccino, Latte

Professional 20 Bar Pressure System: This semi-automatic espresso maker has a 20-bar pump and a powerful 1350W motor, ensuring rich coffee flavor and aroma. You can make cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites at home or in the office with this stainless steel machine.
One-Touch Touchscreen：LED display with options for single or double cups, manual mode to customize coffee strength, one-touch descaling, temperature control, one-touch steam, and auto shutoff after 15 minutes of inactivity.
Professional Steam Wand：Our espresso machine with a milk frother has a powerful steam wand that creates creamy, rich foam for better coffee flavor and latte art. Ideal for lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos, this compact machine helps you make barista-quality drinks at home.
NTC Precision Temperature Control：With three temperature settings, you can fully control your coffee experience by adjusting the extraction temperature to suit your taste.
Compact Stainless Steel Design：This espresso machine fits perfectly in any kitchen. The 45 oz removable water tank lets you brew several cups without refilling, and the drip tray is easy to clean. Includes everything you need to get started: Espresso Machine, 45 oz Water Tank, Single & Double Cup Filters, Portafilter, Tamper with Spoon, and Instruction Manual.

SaleBestseller No. 6

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

ENJOY CAFÉ-QUALITY ESPRESSO: Experience the bold, rich flavor of homemade espresso and skip long café lines with the CraftBrew Digital Espresso Maker! A strong 15-BAR pump and a built-in milk frother make it easy to brew cappuccinos and lattes right in your own kitchen.
BE YOUR OWN BARISTA: This expertly crafted coffee machine takes your morning cup to the next level. With two shot baskets and a built-in steam wand, you can brew single- or double shots of espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, and more! No more waiting on a coffee pot.
YOUR IDEAL BREW: Customize your coffee bar with an espresso maker that brews how you like it. Using the touch control panel and built-in timer, you can adjust shot volume for your own perfect coffee. Program more water for a mellow lungo-style shot or concentrate your brew for a flavorful ristretto.
1.5-LITER WATER TANK: The spacious reservoir holds enough water to keep brewing espresso for all your brunch guests. Detach the removable water tank from the machine to clean or fill directly in your sink.
SLEEK AND COMPACT: Our espresso machines are designed with style in mind, with a sleek stainless-steel finish that looks great and is easy to clean. Just wipe the exterior down with a damp cloth, or program a descale function when an alert appears automatically after 500 brewing cycles.

Bestseller No. 7

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

Easy to Make Hot and Iced Coffee: Single switch knob with indicator light for simple operation.Turn the control knob to the "OFF" position to relieve pressure before opening the water tank cap or removing the portafilter. Innovative pause function allows you to deal with unexpected event. More suitable for beginners.
Fast Brewing Technology: Advanced heating technology makes water quickly heat to the right temperature. Keenstar 3.5 bar pressure coffee maker can make 1-4 cups (240ml) of coffee within 2 minutes. Easy-pour glass cup is clearly marked to serve the perfect amount every time and delivers a truly rich espresso in seconds. Warm Tips:Add Max 240ml water, otherwise the nozzle will leak.
Powerful Steam Wand: High power 800W element for high pressure steam and faster heat up to create the micro-foam in 40 seconds, ready to make creamy cappuccino and latte art without wait. Accurate temperature control can ensure the best taste. Velvety smooth espresso will make mornings so much better. The silicon pad could prevent burns by nozzle. We advise you clean the steam wand after every use, otherwise the steam wand may be blocked by milk scale and water scale. Warm Tips: Don't add water asap after making coffee to prevent burns.
Space Saving and User Friendly: This compact coffee maker is smaller than most. Dimensions are 13.1" high x 7.7" wide x 10" deep, weight only 4.7 pounds. Fits in any kitchen while maintaining key features like heat control, bar pressure, and milk frothing. BPA Free. Robust and low noise, suitable for all families. (Don't put accessories in dishwasher)
NOTICE: 1. FILTER MUST BE FULLY LOCKED! Pls always turn the handle to the lock symbol on the head of machine. 2. Don’t use too fine coffee ground, only medium ground is suggested. 3. Please clean the coffee ground on the edge of the filter.

SaleBestseller No. 8

Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 20 Bar High Pressure Professional Espresso Maker Automatic, Compact Stainless Steel Coffee Machine for Cappuccino, Latte, Gift for Coffee Lover, Dad or Mom, Silver

【Make Favorite Espresso Coffee by Yourself】The coffee machine with milk frother allows you to prepare all your favorite espresso-based coffees. You can enjoy a barista-brewed latte, cappuccino or macchiato at home. This compact espresso coffee maker is perfect for home or office use
【Professional 20 Bar Pressure System】A semi-Automatic 2-in-1 Espresso Maker with a 20 bar professional pump and a 1350 W powerful motor. This high pressure espresso machine gives you a top quality extraction, resulting in a more fragrant and richer aroma in your coffee
【NTC Temperature Control】 This coffee maker features an NTC temperature control system that delivers water precisely at the right temperature, ensuring optimal espresso extraction. The automatic preheating function of the coffee machine ensures you get your espresso at the perfect temperature
【Milk Frothing System】Our espresso machine with milk frother has a powerful steam wand that creates a creamy and rich micro-foam milk texture to enhance the flavor of the coffee and enable the creation of latte art. You can experiment with different coffee recipes and techniques to suit your taste preferences
【Auto Espresso & Manual Extraction】This espresso machine has added a function of manual extraction. You can customize the extraction time to get coffee of different concentrations. Manual function max takes 102 seconds and will get 180-350 grams of coffee. Espresso Mode will auto extraction 28 seconds to get a single shot espresso(25-40 grams), or 42 seconds to get a double shot espresso(55-85 grams)

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Low-Cost Espresso Machines

Want real espresso without spending a fortune? Low-cost espresso machines let you brew café-quality shots at home. This guide helps you pick the best budget-friendly machine.

Key Features to Look For

Even cheap machines have important parts. Focus on these features first:

1. Pump Pressure (Bar Rating)

What it is: This measures how hard the machine pushes water through the coffee grounds.
What to look for: Aim for at least 15 bars of pressure. Most decent entry-level machines offer this. Higher pressure helps extract better flavor.

2. Portafilter Size

What it is: This is the handle that holds your ground coffee.
What to look for: Standard sizes are 51mm or 58mm. Bigger portafilters (58mm) usually mean more consistent results, but 51mm is common on very cheap models.

3. Steam Wand Capability

What it is: This froths milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
What to look for: Look for a “Panarello” style wand (easier for beginners) or a traditional, movable steam arm. If you only drink black espresso, this matters less.

4. Boiler Type

What it is: This heats the water.
What to look for: Budget machines often use a simple **single boiler**. This means you must wait for the machine to reheat after brewing espresso before you can steam milk.

Important Materials Matter

The materials used affect how long your machine lasts and how hot the water stays.

Housing and Body

Plastic: Found on the cheapest models. It saves money but can look flimsy and might not last as long.
Stainless Steel: Better quality. It looks nicer and handles heat much better. Try to find machines with at least some steel components.

Brew Group and Portafilter

The **portafilter** should ideally be metal, not plastic. Metal holds heat better, which helps brewing.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

What makes a cheap machine brew better espresso?

Quality Boosters

Temperature Stability: If the machine keeps the water temperature steady during brewing, your espresso tastes much better. Cheaper models often struggle with this.
Good Tamper: Many machines include a flimsy plastic tamper. Buying a separate, heavy metal tamper (even a cheap one) greatly improves how tightly you pack the coffee.

Quality Reducers

Slow Heat-Up Time: If it takes forever to get ready, you are less likely to use it daily.
Cheap Plastic Components: These parts wear out quickly, especially around the steam wand and water reservoir.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about who will use the machine and how often.

For the Beginner:

If you are new to espresso, choose a simple, automatic machine. These often use pre-measured pods (like ESE pods) or have very simple button controls. They reduce guesswork.

For the Daily Drinker:

If you drink espresso every morning, durability is key. Look for machines with metal components, even if they cost $20 more. A machine that lasts two years is cheaper than one you replace every six months.

Use Case: Speed vs. Quality

If you need coffee fast, a machine with a quick heat-up time is best.
If you prioritize quality, accept that you will need to let the machine fully heat up and perhaps “temperature surf” (run some water through before brewing).

10 FAQs About Low-Cost Espresso Machines

Q: How much should a good low-cost machine cost?

A: Typically, you can find decent starter machines between $100 and $250. Prices below $100 often mean very low quality.

Q: Do I need a built-in grinder?

A: No. Most budget espresso machines do not include a good grinder. You need a separate burr grinder for the best results. Grinding fresh is very important for good espresso.

Q: What is the difference between a pump machine and a steam-driven machine?

A: Pump machines (the kind we discussed) use 9+ bars of pressure for real espresso. Steam-driven machines use steam pressure, which is much weaker and makes coffee closer to strong drip coffee.

Q: Can I make good milk foam with a cheap wand?

A: Yes, but it takes practice. Panarello wands make it easier by injecting air automatically. A basic wand requires you to position the pitcher just right.

Q: How often must I clean these machines?

A: You should wipe down the steam wand immediately after every use. Run a cleaning cycle (backflushing, if possible) monthly.

Q: Are these machines safe for daily use?

A: Yes, if they are used correctly and descaled regularly. Hard water will quickly damage the internal heating elements.

Q: What is ‘tamping’? Why is it important?

A: Tamping is pressing the ground coffee down firmly inside the portafilter. It ensures the water flows evenly through the coffee, which improves extraction and taste.

Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee?

A: You can, but the result will not be great. Espresso requires very fine, consistent grounds. Pre-ground coffee is usually too coarse for budget machines.

Q: What does “Thermoblock” mean in a cheap machine?

A: A Thermoblock heats water on demand as it passes through a metal block. It heats up very fast, which is great for quick morning shots.

Q: Will a budget machine break if I use it too much?

A: If you try to pull three shots back-to-back on a very cheap model, it might overheat or struggle to maintain temperature. Stick to one or two drinks at a time for best longevity.