When buying an affordable espresso machine, money is not as big a concern as the quality of the machine is. It is actually the price of the machine that can make you doubt the quality of the coffee drinks made by the machine and the machine’s durability and longevity.
In order to bring some peace to your mind, we decided to tell you more about the best espresso machines under $100. We promise that you will pick the espresso machine that best meets your needs shortly after you read this article.
#1 Mr. Coffee Automatic Dual Shot Espresso/Cappuccino System – Best Choice
We had no doubts starting our list of the best espresso machines under $100 with the Mr. Coffee Automatic Dual Shot espresso machine, the machine that we think is among the best espresso machines under $300 as well.
This machine makes nice espresso and is easy-to-use. The espresso has a dark color and a rich crema thanks to the 15-bar pressure pump, and the intuitive control system gives you the opportunity to get your one or two shots of espresso easily.
Every coffee lover who enjoys lattes and cappuccinos will be pleased to know that the Mr. Coffee espresso machine has a milk frother. The frother does a decent job when it comes to frothing milk, and this is not something you find on every machine under $100. Furthermore, the machine has a removable drip tray and a removable large-capacity water tank, and cleaning these two parts will be easy.
Key Features:
- Single and dual shots
- 15-bar pump system
- Milk frother
- Thermal block heating
- Removable drip tray
Pros
Dark espresso with a nice crema
Easy-to-use controls
Removable drip tray and water tank for easier cleaning and refilling
Cons
Nothing for this product
#2 Sowtech’s 4-Cup Espresso Machine – Best Value
You can make yourself some nice espresso with the Sowtech 4-Cup espresso machine as well. This machine works with a portafilter and has a single control knob for all of its functions, so it’s very easy to use. Furthermore, the 4-cup glass carafe that also comes with the machine can be very convenient for when you want to store the espresso and drink it later or serve the drink easily.
Sowtech’s 4-cup espresso machine is, furthermore, very compact, and it uses temperature control to ensure that your espresso is always tasty. However, the fun doesn’t stop here since the machine also has an integrated milk frother for everyone who’s into milk-based drinks. The only thing that’s a bit of a downside to this Sowtech is that it has a 3.5-bar pressure pump. Nevertheless, the machine does offer good espresso extraction.
Key Features:
- 3.5-bar pressure pump
- Milk frother
- 4-cup glass carafe
- Works with a portafilter
Pros
Temperature control for great aroma and flavor of the espresso
One control knob makes the espresso machine practical and simple to use
Very compact
Cons
Pressure pump of only 3.5 bars
#3 Hamilton Beach Espresso, Latte and Cappuccino Machine – Premium Pick
The best machine on our list of best espresso machines under $100 is the Hamilton Beach espresso, latte and cappuccino machine. We can say that the manufacturers of this machine wanted to take care of every part of the drink-making process. This is why the Hamilton Beach comes with a slide & lock portafilter, a 15-bar pressure pump, and a milk frother.
The slide & lock portafilter is very easy to use, so you will definitely not have a problem with inserting it into the machine. Then, the 15-bar Italian pump on this machine is powerful enough to get the best of the coffee and turn it into a flavourful espresso with rich crema, and the milk frother froths the milk into a silky foam. On top of these features, the Hamilton beach also comes with a cup warmer to heat up your cups and keep the espresso hot, and works with both ground coffee and pods.
Key Features:
- 15-bar Italian pressure pump
- Milk frother
- Slide & lock portafilter
- Cup warmer
- On/off button
- Single control knob
Pros
Makes tasty espresso, cappuccino, and latte
Works with ground coffee, but is also compatible with espresso pods
Indicator lights tell you what the machine is doing
Removable drip tray and water reservoir for easier maintenance
Cons
Nothing for this product
#4 Mueller Espresso Machine for Nespresso Compatible Capsule
People who like using Nespresso capsules will have a blast with the Nespresso espresso machine not by Nespresso, but by Muller. This machine uses a 20-bar Italian pressure pump for an optimized espresso extraction, and this bar level is rare to find on machines that cost under $100. The heat-up time of the machine is also fast, and if you can spare 25 seconds of your morning for a cup of espresso, you will thoroughly enjoy in it.
The machine comes with two programmable Espresso and Lungo buttons, which means that you can customize your drinks to your very own preferences. Furthermore, this is a machine with a very small footprint and it’s very compact, so worry less if your kitchen counter is crowded. Therefore, if you don’t mind that ground coffee and milk-based drinks are not an option with this machine, you could really enjoy it on the long run.
Key Features:
- Uses Nespresso capsules
- 20-bar Italian pressure pump
- 27-ounce water reservoir
- Automatic switch-off after 10 minutes of inactivity
Pros
Programmable and easy-to-use espresso and lungo
Has a fast heat-up time of just 25 seconds
Compact
Cons
Doesn’t work with ground coffee
Doesn’t have a milk frother
#5 Capresso 117.05 Espresso and Cappuccino Machine EC50
Drinking a nice espresso with rich crema is also an option with the Capresso EC50 espresso and cappuccino machine. This quality can be attributed to the machine because of the 15-bar pressure pump that does a great job converting the oils of the coffee into nice crema. However, the EC50 also has a great dual swivel milk frother, which means that you can also welcome lattes and cappuccinos into your life if that’s what you want.
The Capresso EC50 has a cup warmer that will heat up your coffee cups for a hotter espresso, and the auto rinse function helps the machine transfer from brewing to steaming at the right temperature. Cleaning the machine is easy with the removable drip tray and a big, removable 42-ounce water reservoir. Therefore, if you don’t mind waiting for a bit longer to get the milk steamed, the EC50 could be the right machine for you.
Key Features:
- Single and double espresso shots
- 15-bar pressure pump
- Removable drip tray
- Removable 42-ounce water reservoir
- Milk frother
- Cup warmer
- Auto rinse function
Pros
Makes good milk foam
Easy to clean thanks to the design of the portafilter and the removable water tank and drip tray
Single control dial makes the machine easy to use
Cons
Steaming the milk might take a long time
The coffee might not be hot enough for some people
#6 De’Longhi EC155 Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
The De’Longhi EC155 espresso and cappuccino maker can make you single and double espresso shots anytime you want it. This self-priming machine by De’Longhi is one of the best espresso machines under $100 because it has a 15-bar pressure pump, an integrated milk frother, and because it works with both ground coffee and espresso pods.
When it comes to the pressure pump, 15 bars of pressure is enough for a thick crema on top of the drink. The frother on the EC115 is decent and can convert the milk into a silky foam. Furthermore, the separate thermostats guarantee temperature consistency for both brewing and steaming. Finally, even though the EC115 can’t accommodate the tallest of cups and has a small water reservoir, it does make good coffee drinks and it is very easy to maintain and use.
Key Features:
- Single and double espresso shots
- 15-bar pressure pump
- Swivel jet milk frother
- Works with coffee pods and ground coffee
- Works with a portafilter
- Integrated tamper
Pros
Self-priming helps you make your espresso faster
Separate thermostats for brew water and steam water make sure the temperature of the water is always adequate for brewing or steaming
Removable 35-ounce water reservoir and drip tray for easier refilling and cleaning
Cons
Can’t accommodate taller cups
Water reservoir is a bit small
FAQ
1. Are cheaper espresso machines worth buying?
Yes, they are. They can make decent espresso and even milk-based drinks, and they are a great way to start your espresso machine journey with. These machines are a nice option if you don’t want to spend too much money on buying a more expensive machine, and they let you experience what espresso machines are all about before you buy a model under $1000, for example. Also, if you are not the biggest coffee purist out there, affordable espresso machines will definitely serve you well.
2. Why are so many espresso machines under $100 advertised as stainless steel when they clearly have a housing made of plastic?
When an espresso machine is said to be made of stainless steel, it often means that its front side has a stainless steel layer. In many cases, this also means that some other parts like the drip tray, the steam wand, the portafilter, or the boiler of the machine are made of stainless steel too. But, yes, many affordable machines have housings made of plastic.
3. How can I make the best espresso on my espresso machine?
To get great espresso, make sure that you follow the rules and advice noted in the instruction manual that comes with your espresso machine. Grind your coffee finely, but not too powdery so that the water can flow through the coffee. Always use the water filter that comes with the machine, and fill the tank with distilled water in case the machine doesn’t come with a filter. Also, make sure that you’re properly cleaning the parts of your machine that are supposed to be cleaned.
Things to Consider When Buying an EspressoMachine
The taste and quality of the espresso – In the end, it doesn’t matter how much a machine costs if it makes a well-flavored espresso with rich crema on the top of the drink. The good thickness of the crema is how you know that your espresso is of good quality. The good crema is, furthermore, a product of a good pressure pump, and it is usually 15-bar pressure pumps and pumps that can operate with higher pressure levels that extract the espresso the best.
How good is the milk frother – If you like milk-based drinks, you should definitely get yourself a machine that can not only make great espresso, but great foam as well. This, of course, has to do with the quality of the milk frother. Some machines will have integrated steam wands, while others will have automatic milk carafes that come with them. No matter what your espresso machine froths the milk with, always look for knobs that can regulate the steam temperature and check whether the steam wand or the carafe is washable. Note that more affordable machines might not have the option for temperature regulation of the steam.
The durability of the espresso machine – Before you buy the espresso machine, you should make sure that durability will not be an issue that you’ll have to face shortly after you start making espresso. More affordable espresso machines are often made of plastic, while many of the more expensive models are usually made of more durable materials such as stainless steel.
When it comes to the more affordable espresso machines, you should be aiming to buy a machine that at least has a stainless steel front and a stainless steel drip tray. This is because those parts of the machine will be exposed to water and coffee more than the rest of the machine and you want them to be made of materials that will prevent water from damaging them. Furthermore, make sure you put your machine somewhere dry and make sure you follow the instructions in the manual when using it. How long your machine lasts will also depend on how you care about it.
Ultimately, keep your expectations realistic when it comes to how an espresso machine can last. More affordable espresso machines can last somewhere from two to three years depending on the quality of their materials and their overall performance. On the other hand, more expensive machines can last longer than this if, again, you take proper care of them.
Is the machine easy to use – Always look for machines that are easy to use. Making espresso should be easy, and that’s one of the reasons why you’re buying yourself a machine after all. Intuitive control panels, single control knobs, and lock & slide portafilters are always good indicators that a machine is easy to use.
Other features that the espresso machine has – Features like programmability of the coffee volume, coffee strength, and water temperature, water tank capacity, and accommodation of taller cups are also important when it comes to espresso machines. Features like these can come in handy in many situations, so you should strive to find machines that have them.
Conclusion
The machines on this list have many similarities, but there are also notable differences between them that make each machine be suitable for different people. We hope that you liked our list of the best espresso machines under $100 and that you found the machine you were looking for among these seven affordable machines. Whichever machine you decide to buy, we wish you a great espresso experience!