Love espresso but don’t want to spend a fortune? The good news is you don’t need to drop hundreds of dollars for a great shot of coffee. We’ve rounded up the best cheap espresso machines that are budget-friendly, reliable, and perfect for home brewing. From stovetop classics to space-saving models, here are our top 5 picks for affordable espresso makers.
1. Best Overall – CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar.
If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, this budget-friendly espresso machine delivers. It’s designed for beginners who want café-style espresso without complicated settings.
Features:
- User-friendly controls for quick brewing
- Compact design fits easily on any kitchen counter
- Consistent brewing temperature for rich flavor
Why We Like It:
This machine offers the perfect balance of quality and affordability. The espresso shots are smooth, bold, and consistent every time. It’s also easy to clean, making it ideal for daily use.
Why We Don’t Like It:
It doesn’t come with advanced features like a digital display or programmable settings, which some espresso lovers may want.
2. Best Stovetop – Bialetti – Moka Espress: Iconic Stovetop Espresso Maker
For those who love traditional brewing, the stovetop espresso maker is a timeless choice. It’s budget-friendly, durable, and delivers authentic Italian-style espresso.
Features:
- Aluminum build for long-lasting durability
- Simple design, no electricity required
- Produces strong, rich espresso in minutes
Why We Like It:
This espresso maker is perfect for travelers or anyone who appreciates simplicity. It makes rich, bold espresso without needing a bulky machine. Plus, it’s virtually indestructible if cared for properly.
Why We Don’t Like It:
It requires more hands-on attention and doesn’t produce crema like electric machines.
3. Best Portable – WACACO Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
If you’re always on the go, this portable espresso maker is a game-changer. It’s lightweight, compact, and requires no electricity—perfect for travel, camping, or the office.
Features:
- Hand-pump design for manual espresso extraction
- Lightweight and travel-friendly
- Works with ground coffee or coffee pods
Why We Like It:
We love the convenience! You can enjoy fresh espresso anywhere—on a road trip, at work, or outdoors. It’s also incredibly affordable compared to full-size machines.
Why We Don’t Like It:
You won’t get café-level consistency, and it takes a little effort to pump the espresso manually.
4. Best Space Saver – Wirsh 20 Bar Espresso Maker.
Short on kitchen counter space? This slim espresso machine is designed to fit in small apartments, dorms, or office spaces without compromising on taste.
Features:
- Ultra-slim design fits into tight spaces
- Quick heat-up system
- Simple operation with one-touch brewing
Why We Like It:
It’s sleek, modern, and perfect for small kitchens. Despite its size, it produces surprisingly bold espresso shots.
Why We Don’t Like It:
The water reservoir is smaller, so frequent refills are needed if you drink multiple cups daily.
5. Best with Frother – Hamilton Beach 15 Bar Espresso Machine
If lattes and cappuccinos are your favorite, this budget machine with a built-in frother is the perfect choice. It makes creamy, foamy milk to pair with your espresso.
Features:
- Built-in steam wand for milk frothing
- Easy-to-use controls
- Great for cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos
Why We Like It:
For the price, you get both espresso brewing and milk frothing capabilities—something usually found in higher-end machines. Perfect for making café drinks at home.
Why We Don’t Like It:
The frother isn’t as powerful as premium models, so it may take a bit longer to get the perfect foam.
Finding the best cheap espresso machine doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. Whether you want a stovetop classic, a portable option, or a full machine with a milk frother, there’s a budget-friendly choice for every coffee lover. Investing in one of these picks will let you enjoy café-style espresso at home without spending a fortune. Cheers to affordable coffee bliss!