Best Espresso Machine Under $100: Pros, Cons & Verdict

Best Espresso Machine Under $100

Espresso machines can be a great addition to any kitchen, and they don’t have to break the bank. In fact, there are many quality espresso machines available for under $100. 

In this article, we’ve put together a list of 13 of the best espresso machines under $100 so that you can find the perfect one for your needs.

Each machine on our list has been carefully selected based on performance and features, and price. Whether you’re looking for a traditional espresso machine or something more modern, we have you covered.

So, if you want the best affordable home espresso machine that actually delivers on its promises, then look no further than this reliable pick.


13 Best Espresso Machines Under $100

Espresso MachineProductFeaturesPrice
Editor's Choice
De’Longhi BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

De’Longhi BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

  • 15 Bar Pressure
  • Ground or pods
  • Milk Frother
  • Three in one filter holder
  • Sleek Space Saving Design
  • Has a water tank
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Extremely quiet
Mr. Coffee Automatic Dual Shot Espresso/Cappuccino

Mr. Coffee Automatic Dual Shot Espresso/Cappuccino

  • 15 Bar Pressure
  • Grounds
  • Silver
  • Makes two shots at one
  • Milk Frother
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Budget-friendly
Sowtech Espresso Machine

Sowtech Espresso Machine

  • 3.5 Bar Pressure
  • Ground
  • Milk Frother
  • Easy to use
  • Easy to clean
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Produces high-quality espresso
Hamilton Beach Espresso Maker

Hamilton Beach Espresso Maker

  • 15 Bar Pressure
  • Grounds or pods
  • Black
  • 3- ways to brew
  • 2 separate water reserves
  • Milk frother
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Excellent build quality
Staresso Portable Espresso Maker

Staresso Portable Espresso Maker

  • Ground or pods
  • Milk frother
  • Removable tank
  • Permanent filter
  • Thermal
  • Portable
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Prioritises quantity
Capresso Stainless Steel Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

Capresso Stainless Steel Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

  • 15 Bar Pressure
  • Grounds
  • Milk frother
  • One or two filters 
  • Removable water tank
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Lightweight & easy to transport
Bella Personal Espresso Maker

Bella Personal Espresso Maker

  • Grounds
  • Black
  • Frothing steam wand
  • Detachable permanent filter basket.
  • Brew Lattes, Americanos, Cappuccinos & Macchiatos
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Perfect for baristas-worthy drinks
Bonsenkitchen Espresso Machine 20 Bar Coffee Machine

Bonsenkitchen Espresso Machine 20 Bar Coffee Machine

  • Grounds and pods
  • 20 Bar Pressure
  • Milk Frother Wand, 
  • Fast Heating MakesEspresso, Cappuccino Latte and Macchiato
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Loved by the coffee lovers
Bialetti Moka Express

Bialetti Moka Express

  • Grounds
  • Aluminium silver
  • One size for each need
  • Removable Tank
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Perfect for the office
Nespresso Essenza Mini Original

Nespresso Essenza Mini Original

  • Pods
  • 19 Bar Pressure
  • Two programmables Espresso and Lungo
  • Capsule container drip
  • Water tank
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High-quality drinks with any pod or capsule
Mueller Espresso Machine

Mueller Espresso Machine

  • Grounds and Pods
  • 20 Bar Pressure
  • Keeps your coffee warm
  • Permanent coffee filter
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Perfect for Camping
Wacaco Nanopresso

Wacaco Nanopresso

  • Grounds and a separate adapter for Pods
  • 18 Bar Pressure
  • Travel Gadgets
  • Manually Operated 
  • Perfect for Camping
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Simple to use & error-free
NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine

NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine

  • Pods
  • 15 Bar Pressure
  • Ease of Use
  • Water tank
  • Can make upto 10 cups a day or less
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1. De’Longhi BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

If you want espresso produced swiftly and efficiently, the De’Longhi BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker lets you use its revolutionary dual-filter basket to brew easy-serving Espresso (ESE) pods.

And, if you prefer cappuccino, this espresso and cappuccino maker also has an easy-to-use swivel jet frother that allows you to prepare cappuccino topped with a beautiful milk frother.

For those who dislike tongue-burningly hot coffee, the good news is you can use two separate thermostats, to enjoy espresso and cappuccinos at the temperature you like.

It also has a 15-bar pump pressure, higher than most machines in this price range. This results in a more evenly extracted shot of espresso.

Other features of this espresso and cappuccino maker include a detachable water tank with an indicator light and a removable drip tray, which can be easily cleaned.

A bonus cup warmer can keep your cup of espresso or cappuccino hot even if it’s left on the warming tray for a while.

Pros 

  • You may use either coffee pods or ground coffee.
  • A large water tank with a level indicator is included.
  • The swivel jet frother makes frothing milk simple.
  • Stainless steel boiler that is long-lasting

Cons

  • Not all components are of the greatest quality.
  • Because the steam wand is on the left, it is easier to touch when hot.
  • It is simple to over twist the filter, clogging the machine and necessitating maintenance.

2. Mr. Coffee Automatic Dual Shot Espresso/Cappuccino System

Mr. Coffee Automatic Dual Shot Espresso/Cappuccino pressure pump assures you get a well-balanced and freshly prepared espresso.

Mr. Coffee also has a thermal block heater, which makes brewing faster than most machines.

This function is fantastic for espresso enthusiasts who want a quick choice.

A frothing arm allows you to make and enjoy milk-based espresso beverages such as lattes and cappuccinos.

The water reservoir ensures that water is always accessible while the drip tray collects spills or splashes.

And, to manufacture any size rapidly, single and double-shot portafilters are supplied.

Pros 

  • The thermal block heating system brews coffee rapidly.
  • An easy-to-use interface with LED indications
  • Brewing with two shots
  • The exterior of the coffee maker does not become heated.
  • Extremely quiet

Cons

  • Only ground coffee can be used.
  • Frustrating for first-time users since patience is required to adjust to the brewing method and the instruction booklet is difficult to understand.
  • Because it is a semi-automatic espresso machine, you must manually halt the pour of espresso, which is speedy.

3. Sowtech Espresso Machine 

You can’t go wrong with the budget-friendly “Sowtech Espresso Machine”.

It’s perfect for doing all the basics and adding that special touch to drinks.

The compact design of this espresso machine allows you to place it anywhere, as long as there’s an outlet nearby.

And with its high-quality brew and fast brewing espresso time (only around 22 seconds), your coffee can be quickly and consistently extracted every time.

You can make creamy froth to top off your cappuccinos and lattes with the frothing arm. The durable 3.5 bar pressure is perfect for making four espresso shots for more than one person. It has an easy-pour glass cup with markings to serve just the right amount every time.

Pros

  • If you purchase this machine from Amazon, you will receive free tech assistance.
  • Can produce up to 4 shots of espresso: ideal for mornings when simply a double espresso would suffice.
  • Very simple to use

Cons

  • The use of steam might cause the coffee to have a “burned” bitter flavour..
  • The milk frother is on the left, which is inconvenient for right-handed persons.

4. Hamilton Beach Espresso Maker

The Hamilton Beach Espresso Maker coffee maker is an excellent choice for looking for a home espresso machine.

Not only does it have an easy-to-use 15-bar pump, but with its removable portafilter, you can measure out your ground coffee beans as well. 

The swivel steam wand makes lattes and cappuccinos while also providing great features such as low temp cup warmer that helps preheat cups before brewing; no matter what type of drinker you are looking forward to – this machine has got them covered.

With the 40-ounce water tank, you can make espresso for as many people without having to refill. The Hamilton Beach’s versatility isn’t limited to just one type of brew, either.

You can also use it with pods or ground coffee beans, which is a wonderful feature for people who like a little variety.

Pros

  • Produces high-quality espresso.
  • Removable water tank with a capacity of 40oz
  • It is possible to use either generic coffee pods or ground coffee.
  • Easy-to-use frothing wand
  • The matte-finish cup stands keep the machine looking fresher for a longer period of time.

Cons

  • The crema filter design creates a crema artificially without enhancing the flavor.
  • Minimal boiler capacity (4.5oz)
  • Too many large bubbles can be produced by a steamer.

5. Straresso Portable Espresso Maker Plus

The Staresso Portable Espresso Maker is an interesting choice, if you like to experiment and try something different.

It resembles a grenade or spaceship, which makes it stand out among other machines in its class.

This also means that operating them requires some extra effort since they’re not designed for daily use like most espresso makers.

However, if you want quality espressos while traveling, you should get this espresso machine.

The Staresso Portable Espresso Maker is a portable, manual espresso machine that requires the user to pump by hand. It has an extremely small water tank of about 6 ounces and can be taken anywhere as it’s compact.

So, as you can see, the design of this product was meant specifically for those who love traveling or camping to have a fulfilling cup o’ joe at any time.

Pros

  • Excellent build quality; can froth milk for cappuccinos or lattes on the move.
  • It comes with an espresso glass to sip from. 
  • It is simple to use and clean.
  • Extraction that is consistent

Cons

  • The tamper is far too tiny.
  • I’m not very good at foaming milk.
  • Noisy

6. Capresso Stainless Steel Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

You can’t go wrong with the Capresso Stainless Steel Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine. It’s an excellent coffee maker model for this price range, and it has great features like a removable 42-oz water container, a dual-function stainless steel filter with a patented design for perfect crema, removable cup warming tray, and a removable drip tray that you’d expect from higher-end machines like.

This Capresso comes equipped with 15 bars on its pump, which means optimal extraction will be achieved no matter what type of coffee beans or ground coffee.

The Capresso features an automatic rinsing system that brews and steams/froths milk without having to wait between processes.

Pros

  • Strong steaming
  • Prioritises quantity over quality – useful if you need a lot of coffee at once.
  • Compact machine that is simple to clean

Cons

  • The discharge of built-up pressure might cause problems.
  • To perfect the brewing procedure, there is a learning curve.

7. Bella Personal Espresso Maker

The Bella Personal Espresso Maker is lightweight and easy to transport from one location to another, perfect for family gatherings.

You can take it along with you on trips so that there will never be any lack of beverages at your next get-together.

This good machine has plenty of features, including an affordable price tag compared to other models similar in function retailing around 45 dollars.

And, it’s not just for espresso drinkers; this little espresso maker can also be used by cappuccino drinkers, too, due to its powerful steam wand that froths milk faster.

This machine has a 5-bar pressure and will deliver delicious beverages for casual coffee lovers. It comes with an integrated measuring tool, which you can use if desired to alter the grounds according to your taste preferences.

Pros

  • Easy-pour glass decanter
  • Detachable permanent filter basket
  • Steam-pressurised safety cap

Cons

  • Controls and functionality are average.

8. Bonsenkitchen Espresso Machine 20 Bar Coffee Machine

Bonsenkitchen Espresso Machine 20 Bar Coffee Machine is perfect for those who love to make baristas-worthy drinks. With 20 bars of pressure, the milk frother pulls a delicious and smooth double shot with crema that will keep you coming back again and again. 

It has a removable water tank that makes cleaning easier than ever before. Plus, the quality of your espresso shots will always remain consistent due to its simple maintenance requirements- no need for tedious scrubbing sessions when you want something stronger.

Pros 

  • Two temperature settings for improved operation
  • Removable parts make it easy to set up and clean the machine.
  • The controls aren’t too tough to figure out.

Cons

  • There aren’t many alternatives for a shot of coffee.
  • To make that milk and perfect latte art, you’ll need your own milk jug.

9. Bialetti Moka Express

The Bialetti Moka Express is a simple and convenient way to make great-tasting coffee. It can’t match the flavour of espresso, but it has a full-boided taste every time. The Moka pot is a classic and is loved by the coffee lovers. 

With its design and construction, you can’t beat the quality of the Bialetti Moka, which also makes it small enough to fit in any space without taking up too much room.

What’s more, it’s very easy to clean! All you have to do is wash away any residue with warm water or soap for that perfect shine. 

The 3-cup model makes a good equivalent of double espresso shots. Getting the large capacity of 12-cup means that you can produce around 14 ounces of espresso which is enough for seven cappuccinos, fourteen lattes and more. It’s a fantastic deal.

Pros

  • Produces high-quality coffee.
  • There is no requirement for power; all that is required is access to a heat source.
  • Simple to clean
  • There is a large variety of colors and sizes available.

Cons

  • It takes time and practice to master the brewing procedure.
  • Brew time is lengthy.

10. Nespresso Essenza Mini Original Espresso Machine by Breville

With the Nespresso Essenza Mini Original you can quickly make an espresso shot without any hassle or skill required.

It’s perfect for the office – drop in your favorite blend of coffee beans into their included capsules, then push the button and voila. 

This single-serve unit has a 19-bar pressure pump that reaches the ideal extraction temperature within 25 seconds, so you’ll always get delicious drinks that are well-extracted

The Essenza is also a great choice for those looking to enjoy an espresso. It has two programmable cup sizes: Espresso and Longirock/Lungo. But keep in mind that it doesn’t come with a frother, so you can’t make lattes or cappuccinos.

The Nespresso Essenza is one of the most expensive espresso machines on this list, usually costing around $100. However, it can be found for less during sales and promo events.

Pros 

  • The one-touch sizing mechanism allows you to change the size of your brew simply by pressing and holding the brew buttons.
  • Produces good espresso with a nice crema.
  • Streamlined and simple to use

Cons

  • Simple plastic structure
  • Capsule chamber is small

11. Mueller Espresso Machine

The Mueller Espresso Machine is the poor man’s Nespresso. The device follows its predecessor’s footsteps by producing high-quality drinks with any pod or capsule you want (and at an affordable price).

The Mueller Espresso Machine promises 20 bars of pressure. It can go slightly lower, but it manages to stay above-recommended levels for extracting espresso.

This single-serve machine starts pouring within 25 seconds after you press the button on launch.

While designed specifically with Nespresso Capsules in mind, it’s not as opposed to generic capsule brands like their competitors tend to lean toward, giving coffee drinkers a variety of choices to pick from to enjoy themselves fully.

Pros

  • A strong pressure pump.
  • It produces amazing espresso.
  • It is compatible with Nespresso pods, but it also works with other capsules.
  • It’s small and portable, so you can put it anyplace.

Cons

  • It is only available in white. You’re out of luck if you like black or red.
  • It just makes espresso and no cappuccino or latte.

12. Wacaco Nanopresso

The Wacaco Nanopresso is a sleek, portable device that lets you make espresso anywhere.

It comes with a travel mug or thermos for those outdoor adventures like camping and hiking – though the cap can also serve as a cup holder.

All you have to do is scoop ground beans into their filter basket and add hot water with this powerful pump. 

The extraction process creates a fresh, rich flavour without any bitterness. The 18-bar pressure and 2-ounce shot volume will make your espresso dreams true. 

This super powerful machine produces tasty results that are topped with a pronounced crema layer.

Pros 

  • Massive Pressure: 261 PSI / 18 BAR
  • Can produce cold espresso
  • Built-in espresso coffee cup that is quiet

Cons

  • Producing more than one shot of espresso takes time.
  • Separately, water must be boiled.

13. NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine

The NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine,Genio 2 is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a delicious espresso, cappuccino, or latte without spending a lot of money. 

It requires no grinding beans or fussing with filters.

Place one capsule in the machine and press the buttons until you reach your desired flavor strength.

This machine is the perfect way to get your coffee fix on any day.

It features an awesome 15-bar high-pressure system that easily produces silky espresso shots. Don’t worry about whether or not you have a milk frother because there are Nescafe pods available for milky drinks, including hot & cold ones.

However, keep in mind that you can’t just use any old coffee pods with this machine – they’ll never make a good cup of espresso.

You need specific Nescafe Dolce Gusto capsules, which are sold separately. So if you want your drink to be authentic and delicious as possible, purchase these before using them.

Pros 

  • It quickly heats up.
  • For all beverages, there are hot and cold water brewing choices as well as instant alternation.
  • Simple to use and error-free you always receive the ideal cup of coffee.

Cons

  • There are no settings for the various coffees.
  • There is no water filter in the reservoir.
  • Small water reservoir that needs to be refilled frequently if you consume several cups of coffee during the day. Restricts you to using just Nescafe capsules.

What to Look for in a Low-Cost Espresso Maker

When you are in the market for a low-cost espresso maker, there are several things that you should keep in mind. The most important factor is probably going to be price, but there are other considerations as well. 

Here are some of the things that you should look for when shopping for a low-cost espresso machine:

Ease of Use

A budget espresso machine should be easy to operate, with clear instructions and minimal hassle. In addition, it should be easy to maintain, with easily accessible parts and a minimum of cleaning requirements.

By taking ease of use into account, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect espresso machine for your needs.

Milk Frothing

If you’re not familiar with the term, milk frothing refers to transforming milk from its liquid state into a thick, creamy foam. This is accomplished by steaming milk using a steam wand. 

Milk frothing is an essential skill set for any barista, and it takes some practice to perfect. However, if you’re looking for a budget espresso machine, it’s just something to consider.

Many lower-priced espresso makers don’t include a steam wand, which means you’ll be limited in your ability to create beautiful latte art.

So if froth milk is important to you, be sure to check for a steam wand before making your purchase. Otherwise, you might be disappointed with your new espresso machine.

Temperature Control 

When it comes to budget espresso machines, temperature control is often an important factor. After all, if you can’t control your machine’s temperature, how can you expect to produce consistent results?

Fortunately, there are a few different ways to ensure temperature control on a budget espresso machine. 

One option is to choose a machine with a built-in heating element. This will help maintain consistent temperatures throughout the brewing process, resulting in better-tasting espresso.

This can be placed on the outside of the machine, providing easy access for making adjustments as needed. Whichever route you choose, make sure that temperature control is high on your priorities when selecting a budget espresso machine.

Pressure 

Pressure is an important factor to consider when choosing a budget espresso machine. Espresso is typically brewed at a pressure of 9 bars, and most budget espresso machines max out at around 15 bars. However, some higher-end espresso machines can reach a pressure of up to 30 bars. 

The extra pressure can help extract more flavor from the beans, resulting in a richer espresso. It can also help to reduce the amount of time that the espresso sits on the heating element, preventing it from becoming burnt or overcooked.

Water Filtration

Most cheaper espresso machines don’t come with a built-in water filter, so you’ll have to either use bottled water or invest in a separate filter system. You’ll quickly rack up a hefty bill if you go the bottled water route.

If you try to save money by using tap water, you’ll end up with subpar coffee that tastes bitter and acidic. A good water filtration system is an essential part of making great espresso, so it’s worth splurging on a machine that has one built-in.

Single or Double Shot

If you’re in the market for a budget espresso machine, you’ll want to consider whether you want a single or double-shot machine. Single-shot machines are less expensive, but they require you to use fewer coffee grounds, so you may not get as strong a flavor. 

Double shot espresso machines are more expensive, but they allow you to use more coffee grounds to get a stronger flavor.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which is more important: saving money or getting tasting cups of coffee.

But if you’re on a tight budget, a single-shot machine may be the way to go.

Double Shot

Size and Weight

When considering which budget espresso maker to buy, size and weight are important factors to consider. If you have a small kitchen, you’ll want to ensure that the machine you choose won’t take up too much counter space.

Similarly, if you plan on taking your espresso maker with you when you travel, you’ll need to consider how easy it is to transport. Some machines are significantly heavier than others, so be sure to take that into account. Of course, the size and weight of the machine are also important when it comes to stability. 

A heavy, bulky espresso machine is less likely to tip over or fall off the counter than a lighter one.

Grinder

You can get a grinder on your espresso machine or you can buy a  grinder on its own. A good grinder will make a huge difference in the quality of your coffee, and it will also last longer. 

However cheap grinders will quickly become clogged with coffee grounds and need to be replaced more frequently.

So, when you’re looking for a budget espresso machine, make sure to choose one with a good grinder. It’s worth the investment in the long run. Or buy a separate grinder rather than buying a cheap machine with a built-in grinder.


Our Final Verdict – The Best Espresso Machine Under $100

In our search for the best espresso machine under $100 is the De’Longhi BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker. This espresso maker has thermostats for coffee and steam.

 It has an advanced cappuccino system that maintains the right temperature to brew cup after cup faster.

The 15-bar professional pressure ensures that you will get quality results every time, and the adjustable controls allow for personal taste preferences to be met.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Low-Cost Espresso Machine Deliver Excellent Espresso?

Yes, you can produce a good brew at home with a reasonably inexpensive espresso machine.
If the expense of your coffee addiction is getting out of hand and you don’t want to invest in an expensive machine, there is another alternative like taking tea.

What Bar Pressure is Best for Espresso?

A 9 bars pressure is the best for brewing espresso. However, when you are looking for an espresso machine look for a machine that has an adjustable pressure age and pressure.

What Brand of Espresso Machine Does Starbucks Use?

Mastrena is a machine used by Starbucks. It’s a brand created particularly for Starbucks by Thermoplan AG, a Swiss firm. Starbucks uses super-automatic equipment with a built-in coffee grinder and a computerized menu to make the espresso-making process simple and quick.

Is Nespresso as Good as Real Espresso?

It depends on your personal preference. Nespresso shots have a medium body, a rich taste, sufficient scents, and a slight acidity. It’s a touch less strong and tasty than a shot of espresso from a commercial machine. But it’s still stronger than your average cup of black coffee, making it a good alternative to real espresso.

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