GEAR

THE BEST ESPRESSO MACHINE UNDER

$200
Is it possible to find a decent espresso machine without breaking the bank? Yes,
it definitely is. Here are some of my favorite models.

Asser Christensen
Licensed Q Arabica Grader, M.A. Journalism
January 21, 2022
Espresso gear used to be expensive.
Well, it still is… 🥲
Luckily, the budget market is looking a lot more interesting these days.
In this article, I’ll give you my guide to the best espresso machine
under $200.
I have been trying a bunch of entry-level espresso makers over the
years, and here I’ll try to give you a quick overview of the market,
along with some of my personal top recommendations.

TOP PICK: BEST VALUE

The Flair Classic Espresso maker is the best of the cheap ones...

If you just want good espresso, then go for this one.

LEARN MORE
THE 5 BEST ESPRESSO MACHINES UNDER $200
(TOP PICKS IN 2021)
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1: FLAIR CLASSIC ESPRESSO MAKER, BEST VALUE (MANUAL)

The Flair Classic makes excellent espresso. This device uses a hand-
pulled lever instead of a mechanic pump to create the pressure. 
This allows you to slightly tweak the pressure profile, resulting in
better espresso if you know what you’re doing. 
For that reason, I think it’s fair to say that you get the best espresso
shot under $200 with the Flair Classic. 
There are also other good things to say about the Flair: It’s very
sturdy, since it doesn’t rely on any electrical components, and it’s also
portable! 
The downside is that you don’t get any milk steaming with this
espresso maker. So you will have to buy a separate device for that (or
froth it in a French press, which some people do). 
Another downside is that the workflow can be a bit complicated at first
and that you need a decent grinder to be able to get the best out of
the device. If you only have a blade-grinder (or similar), then the
cheaper Flair Neo is the better option. 
However, with the right grinder and skill-level, the Flair Espresso
Maker really punches above its weight. There’s even a big community
of Flair-fans who share recipes and tips online.
Check out my review for more information.
SEE MORE REVIEWS
2: DELONGHI ECE155 ESPRESSO MACHINE (SEMI-AUTOMATIC)

You can’t talk about budget espresso machines without mentioning

Italian brand, Delonghi.
This old, company has plenty of robust models available at dirt cheap
prices. For that reason the question many burgeoning espresso lovers
inevitably end up starting out with Delonghi. That’s not a bad thing
since most of their models offer an excellent price to quality ratio.
Another cool thing is that you can learn a bit of the barista craft by
starting out with a model like this and then graduate to something
more substantial.
The ECE 155 has thousands (literally!) of very enthusiastic reviews on
Amazon, and it lets you brew any kind of espresso-based drink
imaginable.
Bonus: Also compatible with ESE pods
SEE MORE REVIEWS
3: NESPRESSO VERTUO BREVILLE ESPRESSO MACHINE
(CAPSULE)
I don’t really get a thrill out of recommending a Nespresso machine,
but it’s an option worth considering when the budget is constrained.
Nespresso capsules are very convenient to use.
After Nestlé’s patent expired back in 2011, some legit coffee roasters
have actually started to produce capsules, which makes the whole
matter more appealing.
If you’re not interested in the whole home barista “baptism of fire,”
then a capsule machine is a decent and acceptable option.
It takes saves you from getting a suitable grinder, dialing it in, buying
fresh coffee, and learning how to brew it.
This model is cheap, looks stylish, and comes highly recommended by
a majority of its many owners.
SEE MORE REVIEWS
4. WACACO PICOPRESSO (TRAVEL ESPRESSO MAKER)
The Picopresso is a tiny, handheld espresso maker made by the
innovative coffee brand, Wacaco.
The Picopresso is the newest gadget from the brand. It’s way superior
compared to the Nanopresso, which I have previously reviewed. The
basket is a legit, non-pressurized version that can hold up to 18 grams
of ground coffee. It means that you can make a very decent double
shot.
This device is just so tiny, it’s crazy. However, the espresso it
produces is better than most devices in this price range. In fact, it’s my
current favorite among all the travel espresso makers, I have tried.
You can learn more about this device, by checking out my YouTube
channel.
Yes, it’s a bit more expensive than the Cafflano Kompresso, but I think
it’s worth it.
However, if you’re not primarily looking for a travel espresso maker,
you’re probably better suited with the Flair Classic.
SEE MORE REVIEWS
5: CAFFLANO KOMPRESSO ESPRESSO MAKER (MANUAL, NON-
ELECTRIC)

I adore the Cafflano Kompresso. It’s even smaller than an Aeropress,

but it makes delicious espresso with legit crema.
The good thing about this little fellow (besides the price) is that you
can bring it anywhere you go. Heck, you could even bring it on a
mountain hike or a plane and get delicious espresso.
However, the other side of the coin is that it’s not the best option if you
want to brew milk-based drinks like a latte at home. As is the case
with the Flair, you need a separate steamer for that.
Also, it’s a very hands-on kind of equipment. It does take some time
and effort to brew the coffee, so people who aren’t hardcore coffee
geek might find the process a bit too involved. But if you learn how to
use it, it’s hard to find better a better espresso maker under $100.
SEE MORE REVIEWS
HOW TO PICK A HOME ESPRESSO MACHINE?
As you probably know, $200 won’t give you access to the Ferraris and
Lambos of the espresso world. Instead, you’ll be looking at entry-level
machines.
When we’re talking espresso, you’d broadly speaking be looking at
these three categories.
1. Manual espresso machines (electric or non-electric)
2. Semi-automatic
3. Full automatic
However, in recent years, we’re seeing some devices that defy these
categories. 
New products such as non-electric manual espresso makers are
becoming attractive options for those looking for the best bang for the
buck. Traditional manual espresso machines (such as the legendary
La Pavoni) have an electric boiler and tend to be more pricy. With
newer versions such as the Flair, ROK or Cafflano Kompresso, costs
can be kept down due to their non-electric design. 
It’s more or less impossible to get a serious electric espresso machine
at this price range. For that reason, I think you’ll find the best bang for
the buck when it comes to non-electric machines if you really want to
approach espresso as a potential hobby.
🤔 Pressurized portafilter? What is it? 
In this price range, most electric machines also come with a so-called
pressurized portafilter/basket. This thingy is also sometimes referred
to as a double-walled basket. 
This means that the pressure built up in the portafilter/basket is due to
a clever little spring mechanism.
Typically, the fineness of the grind size determines this, but not when
you’re using a pressurized basket. 
For that reason, you can get away with using pre-ground coffee. And
you won’t need a dedicated espresso grinder.
However, among some espresso snobs, this is seen as “fake”
espresso. If you want to increase your home barista skills, it might be
worth getting a model that comes with both a pressurized and non-
pressurized basket.
THE CAPSULE OPTION
There are also capsule machines based on Nespresso’s design.
Even though they are technically not “authentic” espresso makers,
they will usually provide a better user experience than a janky semi-
automatic with a pressurized portafilter.
A Nespresso capsule system has some distinct advantages:
 It’s super easy
 You don’t need a grinder
 They stay fresh for a long time due to being portion packed
That being said, the capsule system is also more expensive in the
long run. The small pods at first seem like a good deal since the
machines are cheap and you don’t need a grinder. But when you
calculate the numbers, they are far more expensive per cup.
If your espresso budget is less than $200, you might have to consider
a capsule machine 
Also, capsules are bad for the environment, and in my opinion, they
take away most of the fun in the brewing process. 
But for some people, they make sense. 
If you don’t want a new hobby but rather just some coffee, then I think
you should consider whether they might be worth it for you. Espresso
is something one has to do wholeheartedly.

If your espresso budget is less than $200, you might have to consider
a capsule machine (Jon Åslund: Flickr CC 2.0)
Espresso or latte?
Before making any further decisions, it’s also a good idea to think
about your primary purpose. Do you want to make frothy cappuccinos
or lattes? In that case, you should consider whether the device has a
decent steaming wand. 
Do you want an espresso machine you can learn the craft on? Well,
then maybe a manual, non-electric machine is the best way to go
since you become familiar with the process of dialing in the right grind
setting and dosing and prepping the basket. 
Further Reading: The Best Espresso Machines under $300