For coffee lovers everywhere, espresso machines are a gem of an appliance to have in the kitchen. With the right beans, the perfect grind, and a good espresso machine, you can have the ideal cup of coffee every day. A common misconception is that an espresso machine must cost hundreds of dollars to be good. To dispel this, we’ve created a list of the best espresso machines under $200.
Coming in at the number one spot is the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker for its ease of use and consistent delivery of excellent espresso. It’s easily the best home espresso machine under 200. Keep reading for the rest of our picks.
Our Top Picks: Best Espresso Machines Under $200
- Best Overall: Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker. Our overall top pick for the best espresso machines under $200 is complete with all the features you’ll want from a top-notch espresso machine and at a fair price.
- Runner Up: Keurig K-Cafe Special Edition. Runner up to the best espresso machine gives you the option to brew all kinds of espresso drinks with ease and efficiency.
- On a Tight Budget: Mr. Coffee Automatic Dual Shot Espresso Maker. If you’re someone who wants more than one shot of espresso, then this automatic espresso machine from Mr. Coffee is a good choice. It’s also our favorite pick for those on a tighter budget.
- Best Design: KRUPS Espresso Coffee Maker. Here is an espresso machine that looks as good on the countertop as the espresso it brews. A sleek design means a stylish appearance in your kitchen.
- Luxury Pick: Chefman 6-in-1 Espresso Machine. For a splurge, consider the Chefman espresso machine. It brews robust espresso with minimal work from you and has an unbeatable milk frother.
- Best for Custom Drinks: De’Longhi Espresso Machine. Some espresso machines have you push a button and are done. De’Longhi is equipped with a dial that allows you to fully customize your espresso through the entire brewing process.
- For Beginners: Gevi Espresso Machine. Beginners to brewing espresso should look to Gevi for guidance. This machine’s easy usability and intuitive design make it ideal for those who are new to operating espresso machines.
- For Small Kitchens: Brewsly Espresso Machine. Small kitchens might seem like no place for espresso machines, but the compact design of this machine from Brewsly defies that notion.
1. Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker
The best espresso machine under $200 overall
Brand: Ninja | Brew Sizes: 6 | Shut Off: Remains warm up to 4 hours | Cleaning: Easy | Price: 💰💰💰💰
You can brew anything from espresso shots to macchiatos using this espresso machine from Ninja. The machine comes with six brew sizes, so you can customize the amount of coffee it makes to your preferences. An attached milk frother quickly transforms regular milk into a silky and smooth consistency that can be hot or cold. Espresso is made with a lot of coffee grounds and under intense pressure. While this machine does make espresso, it doesn’t do so under such pressure. It’s an excellent option for those who want a reliable espresso machine that also specializes in other drinks. We consider it one of the best home espresso machines under $200.
Reviewers Like
- Brews delicious coffee fast and without hassle
- Adjusts to a variety of beverage styles and sizes
- 3
Reviewers Dislike
- Occupies a lot of space on the countertop
- Iced coffee lacks the chill that some reviewers would like
2. Keurig K-Cafe Special Edition
The best espresso machines under $200: Runner Up
Brand: Keurig | Brew Sizes: 4 | Shut Off: Automatic After 2 Hours | Cleaning: Easy, Partially Dishwasher Safe | Price: 💰💰💰💰
Most of us are familiar with Keurig machines. Their ease of use and excellent brewing quality make them something to marvel at. Now, they can make you a great shot of espresso as well. Our runner up to the best affordable espresso machine is this special edition from Keurig. You can easily make anything from a cappuccino to a standard cup of coffee. A milk frother is attached to the right side, making an easy addition to your espresso shot. A bonus here is the large space between the spout and the bottom of the device. This space can fit an average sized travel mug. A large water reservoir allows for brewing six full cups of coffee before needing to be refilled.
Reviewers Like
- Easy to set up and start using right away
- Comes with “strong” option for very dark espresso roast
- 3
Reviewers Dislike
- Difficult to master milk frothing
- Larger footprint on the environment that other models from the same brand
3. Mr. Coffee Automatic Dual Shot Espresso Maker
The best espresso machines under $200 on a tighter budget
Brand: Mr. Coffee | Brew Sizes: 2 | Shut Off: Manual | Cleaning: Removeable Parts Dishwasher Safe | Price: 💰💰
Here is a prime option for you if you’re an espresso aficionado and sticking to a tight budget. Mr. Coffee’s automatic dual shot espresso machine allows you to double the amount of espresso you can make at once for twice the caffeine boost. It comes with a milk frothing arm for when you want to try something a little different. The machine comes with a powerful 15-bar pump system to help ensure perfectly pressed shots of espresso each time. You’ll have a deep, dark espresso shot with minimal work. There are only a few buttons, which helps erase any question of how to work the machine – it’s simple and intuitive.
Reviewers Like
- Great machine for beginners
- The water reservoir is easy to access
- 3
Reviewers Dislike
- Frothing arm is short
- Invest in a steel tamper, not the plastic one provided
4. KRUPS Espresso Coffee Maker
The best designed espresso machine under $200
Brand: KRUPS | Brew Sizes: 2 | Shut Off: Manual | Cleaning: Easy | Price: 💰💰💰
This espresso machine from KRUPS will look great on your countertop and will consistently deliver quality shots of espresso. The espresso machine has a subtle black and silver design that will complement any kitchen’s design. Similar to the Mr. Coffee model, KRUPS uses a 15-bar pump to add intense pressure when brewing a shot of espresso. This helps ensure a vibrant and robust taste for each shot. A 1.5-liter water tank sits in the back of the machine and is easy to refill. A little bonus for this product is the cup warmer located on the top of the machine. Keep your professional-grade espresso warm and tasty by leaving it here.
Reviewers Like
- Reliable brand that will function well for years
- Priced well for the quality of espresso it produces
- 3
Reviewers Dislike
- Frother doesn’t warm milk well
- Not ideal for espresso or coffee professionals
5. Chefman 6-in-1 Espresso Machine
The best splurge espresso machine under $200
Brand: Chefman | Brew Sizes: 6 | Shut Off: Automatic | Cleaning: All Removable Pieces are Dishwasher Safe | Price: 💰💰💰💰
Compact and efficient make this espresso machine from Chefman one of the best on the list if budget is less of a concern. Like most other models, it uses a 15-bar pump to press the coffee grounds into a full-bodied shot of espresso. On one side of the machine is an integrated milk frother, so you can froth your milk and brew a shot of espresso at the same time. While some espresso machines might need more work to brew espresso, this one doesn’t. By pressing just one button, you can brew a shot of espresso in no time at all. It’s one of the best semi-automatic espresso machines under 200 dollars that you’ll find. Little work is required from the user to maintain this espresso machine’s cleanliness and functionality.
Reviewers Like
- Quiet operation
- Self-clean option saves a lot of time
- 3
Reviewers Dislike
- Not hot enough
- Milk frother is difficult to master
6. De’Longhi Espresso Machine
The best customizable espresso machine under $200
Brand: De’Longhi | Brew Sizes: 2 | Shut Off: Automatic | Cleaning: Easy | Price: 💰💰
Maybe you want an espresso machine that allows you to fully customize your drink. If that’s the case, then this product is worth considering. De’Longhi’s espresso maker is complete with a manual dial and swiveled frothing stem that makes it easy to brew an espresso that perfectly fits your taste. The machine comes with a twin brewing mechanism that allows you to brew two separate shots at once. To take this customization a step further, the machine comes with two thermostats that allow you to heat the milk frother and espresso uniquely. This espresso machine is a great choice for those who already have a good base knowledge of how to brew great tasting espresso drinks.
Reviewers Like
- Water tank easy to refill and replace
- Two sizes of portafilter for different amounts of espresso
- 3
Reviewers Dislike
- Very small space to fit a coffee cup
- Loud and vibrates a lot while brewing
7. Gevi Espresso Machine
The best beginner espresso machine under $200
Brand: Gevi | Brew Sizes: 2 | Shut Off: Manual | Cleaning: Dishwasher Safe Parts | Price: 💰💰
Starting to explore making your espresso at home might be daunting. Espresso machines are more complex than standard coffee machines and there is an art to perfecting an excellent espresso. This espresso machine from Gevi makes sure that learning to use an espresso machine is easy. A 15-bar pressure creates a rich and creamy espresso shot while requiring minimal effort for the brewer. Those who are new to brewing espresso will love the temperature control and milk frothing features of this machine – both of which are easy to learn and use. Unlike other espresso machines, this one comes with a temperature dial on the front so you can easily control the heat. Gevi’s espresso machine is a great place to start for beginners.
Reviewers Like
- Great, inexpensive espresso machine
- Water reservoir rarely needs to be refilled
- 3
Reviewers Dislike
- Takes a while to heat to the correct temperature
- Steamer doesn’t get hot enough to make milk really creamy
8. Brewsly Espresso Machine
The best small kitchen espresso machine under $200
Brand: Brewsly | Brew Sizes: 2 | Shut Off: Automatic | Cleaning: Easy | Price: 💰💰💰💰
Small kitchens are no problem for this espresso machine from Brewsly. It’s compact size doesn’t diminish from a strong and aromatic espresso. Like most espresso machines, it comes with a 15-bar pressure that allows you to make professional-grade espresso each time. It has a sizable tank in the back of the machine, which means you can brew several espresso shots before needing to refill. Dual temperature control allows you to control both the temperature of the water and the steam. Choose this espresso machine if you’re working from a small kitchen.
Reviewers Like
- Short brew time for robust coffee
- Espresso cup or mug easily fits in the machine
- 3
Reviewers Dislike
- Milk frother doesn’t rotate up and down
- Unable to change the pressure to a different level
How Do You Choose an Espresso Machine?
An at-home espresso machine will quickly become a staple in your coffee-making routine. You’ll easily be able to make any espresso drink. Whether you’re a beginner or master at-home barista, there are some features to consider when choosing an espresso machine.
Automatic vs. Semi-Automatic
Firstly, you should know the difference between a fully automatic and semi-automatic espresso machine. The price can usually help you determine which is which, as fully automatic machines tend to be far more expensive. If $200 is your budget, a fully automatic espresso machine is most likely out of range.
A semi-automatic espresso machine requires some work from the at-home barista. You’ll have to grind the coffee beans, load the scoop, and manually brew your espresso. While it is more work than a fully automatic espresso machine, it’s still exceptionally easy to operate and shouldn’t deter you from choosing a semi-automatic machine.
What’s Your Drink of Choice?
You should also ask yourself what kind of espresso drink you’re likely to make.
If you prefer lattes to straight up espresso, you’ll want a machine with a sturdy milk frothing arm that thoroughly warms and froths milk for different espresso drinks. Suppose regular shots of espresso are what you prefer. In that case, you should consider a machine with more emphasis on an intense 15-bar pressure for the coffee grounds to create a robust flavor.
If you’re already a coffee connoisseur, you might want an espresso machine with all the bells and whistles. However, if you’re new to brewing espresso at home, a machine with just the basics and a lower price point might be more ideal.
An espresso machine will quickly become a favorite appliance in the kitchen. Now, it’s time to select your espresso machine and start brewing.
Our Process
For this guide on best espresso machines under $200, our team spent 4 hours researching the most popular options from over 15 brands and manufacturers big and small. We then read about twenty-five user reviews (both positive and negative) to discover what shoppers thought about each of the best espresso machines. After comparing this data, we narrowed our list down to the top 8 on the market. You can count on this research to guide you to a mindful purchasing decision.
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