The world of espresso is as beautiful as it is intimidating. A quick search on Amazon will bombard you with dozens of different options at a variety of price points, ranging from around $15 for a stovetop espresso maker (aka a MokaPot) to the $700 fully automated espresso maker, with all the bells and whistles.
For beginners, I do not recommend either of the extremes when considering espresso machines. The inexpensive options will inevitably disappoint, and the expensive ones will inevitably confuse a beginner. I find it’s best to find a happy medium when it comes to buying a new coffee maker.
Reasons You should get an Espresso Machine
- Cost Savings
- Over time, purchasing your own espresso machine can save you a significant amount of money. If you frequent coffee shops and spend several dollars on espresso-based drinks daily, owning a machine can quickly pay for itself. Instead of spending $3-$5 for a single cup at a cafe, you can make your own espresso at home for a fraction of the cost.
- Convenience
- With an espresso machine at home, you can enjoy a fresh cup of espresso whenever you like, without having to leave your house. This is especially convenient during cold winters, rainy days, or simply when you’re in a rush and don’t have time to visit a cafe.
- Customization:
- A home espresso machine gives you the freedom to customize your drinks exactly how you like them. You can choose the type of coffee beans, grind size, brewing time, milk type, and more. This means you can perfect your espresso shot or cappuccino to your specific taste preferences.
- Quality Control
- By having your own machine, you have complete control over the quality of your espresso. You can invest in high-quality coffee beans, ensure they are freshly ground, and maintain your machine for optimal performance. This ensures a consistent taste and experience with every cup.
- Environmental Benefits
- Making your own espresso at home reduces the need for disposable cups, lids, and other packaging materials often used by cafes. Over time, this can result in a significant reduction in waste, especially if you’re a daily coffee drinker.
Purchasing an espresso machine for home use can provide a combination of economic, convenience, and environmental benefits, enhancing your daily coffee ritual.
What to Look For In An Espresso Machine
Here are some of the most important features to keep in mind when shopping for an espresso machine:
Coffee Quality
Ease Of Use
Brewing Options
Milk Frothing
Cleaning
Water Capacity
Price
Coffee Quality
You want your espresso to taste great. Look for a machine that produces rich, flavorful espresso without any bitterness. The best way to know if a machine produces good coffee is to look at the reviews of people who have already bought the machine.
Ease of Use
Espresso machines can be complex, with many different parts and controls. Look for a machine that is easy to set up and use, so you can get started making espresso right away.
Automatic vs. Semiautomatic: Automatic espresso machines will do all the work for you, from grinding the beans to frothing the milk. Semiautomatic machines require you to do some of the work yourself, but can still produce great espresso.
Brewing Options
Some espresso machines come with built-in coffee grinders, so you can freshly grind your beans right before brewing. Others let you use pre-ground coffee. Some machines also have settings that let you adjust the strength of your espresso or make other types of coffee drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
Milk Frothing
If you plan to make drinks like cappuccinos and lattes, you’ll need a machine that can froth milk. Look for a machine with an automatic milk frother, or one that comes with attachments that make it easy to froth milk yourself.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning an espresso machine may be difficult, so look for one that is simple to maintain. Look for machines with a detachable brew group and other parts that can go in the dishwasher. Also, check to see if the device includes a descaling solution so you can clean the coffee maker on a regular basis.
Water Capacity
You’ll want to think about the espresso machine’s water capacity. If you’re making coffee for a large group of people or simply wish to be able to make several beverages at once, go for one with a big water tank. This will save you time and energy in the long run.
Price
Finally, while shopping for an espresso machine, you’ll need to think about the cost. Espresso machines can range in price from $100 to thousands of dollars. It’s critical to select a product that fits your budget and fulfills your requirements.
Keep in mind that the most costly equipment isn’t necessarily the greatest. There are several great espresso machines available at a variety of price points. Do your homework and locate the one that’s best for you.
Just remember to keep the factors we’ve discussed in mind when shopping for your new espresso machine. And be sure to read the reviews before making your final decision. With a little research, you’re sure to find the perfect machine for your home. Thanks for reading and happy brewing!
Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso Machine
Best Overall
No products found.
Flair Espresso Maker
Best Manual Espresso Machine
No products found.
Instant Pod Espresso Machine
Best Pod Espresso Machine
No products found.
Nespresso Inissia Original Espresso Machine
Best Nespresso Espresso Machine
No products found.
Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Espresso Machine
Best High-end
No products found.
Capresso EC50 Espresso Machine
Best Budget
No products found.
Hamilton Beach Espresso Maker
Best Value
No products found.
De’Longhi EC155M Espresso Machine
Best Design
No products found.
Sowtech Espresso Machine
Best Portable
No products found.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the best espresso machine under $200 can be challenging, but with our comprehensive guide, you can make an informed decision. Whether you are looking for a manual, automatic, pod, or high-end espresso machine, there is a machine on this list that will fit your needs and budget. Make sure to consider the features that are important to you, such as pressure, frothing wand, or design, when making your choice. We hope this guide has been helpful, and happy brewing!