Best Espresso Machines Under $200

Espresso machines in the range of $200 are a good starting point for anyone getting started brewing at home. In this review, we’ve curated a list of Best Espresso Machines Under $200 which offer enough features to satisfy your appreciation for great espresso, without being overwhelming to master or break a bank.

>> Related: Best Budget Espresso Coffee Makers

Without further ado, here is our list of the best espresso machines under $200.


1) Sowtech 3.5 Bar 4 Cup Espresso Maker with Steam Milk Frother

If you’re looking to upgrade your morning coffee routine, the Sowtech Espresso Machine might be the machine for you. 

This model is steam pressurized to 3.5 bar, giving plenty of power to its four cup pull, perfect for your personal morning brew or when entertaining guests. It’s also incredibly easy to use and features a space-saving and modern design that will fit in any kitchen or office space. 

Pros
  • Brews 1 to 4 cups of espresso at once
  • Removable drip tray for easy cleaning
  • Milk frother is perfect for cappuccinos, macchiatos, and lattes
Cons
  • Manual brewing process
  • Requires some time to set up initially

2) Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine

A straight-forward, automatic espresso machine, the Nespresso Essenza Mini features a compact and portable design. The machine is simple to set up and operate, so if your job takes you on the go, it can potentially solve your coffee problems in any situation.

>> Also read: Breville Oracle Espresso Machine Review

Since the machine uses capsules, it’s the perfect entry-level espresso maker. Beginners can brew one of the 16 flavors with the touch of a button. More advanced coffee enthusiasts can get the package that includes a milk-frother for more complex drinks like lattes and macchiatos. 

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Quick process
  • Portable
Cons
  • Pods aren’t environmentally friendly
  • No milk frother in the basic model

3) De’Longhi ECP3420 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

Featuring a professional-quality 15 bar pressure pump, the De’Longhi ECP3420 is the perfect option for at home or in office brewing. It is compact enough to fit anywhere but isn’t as portable as some other models. 

The machine comes with a simple turn dial that turns a complex coffee into an easy and efficient task. It’s energy-efficient, reducing the machine’s potential carbon footprint. Overall, a simple and straightforward espresso maker that beginners and baristas alike can use. 

Pros
  • 15 bar pressure pump
  • Easy to use
  • Two-tier removable drip tray for easy cleaning
Cons
  • No grinder built-in
  • Lackluster frothing function

4) Barsetto 15 Bar Espresso & Cappuccino Machine with Adjustable Milk Frother

Compared to other machines on this list, the Barretto 15 bar espresso machine is lightning fast. It only takes 25-seconds to pour espresso after warming up, making it perfect for entertaining or grabbing a high-quality coffee on the go. 

If you’re the type of person who likes a giant cup of coffee, the Barsetto 15 bar could be the best option for you. It features a removable cup holder that can accommodate all mug and cup sizes. Also, the high-performance wand is ideal for artisanal coffees. 

Pros
  • Milk-froth wand
  • Two thermostats
  • Adjustable grind size
Cons
  • Minimum and maximum fill lines aren’t clear
  • Extensive warm-up time before it’s ready to use

5) Nespresso ENV135GY Coffee & Espresso Machine by De’Longhi

Completely automatic espresso machines are becoming harder to come by, but the Nespresso ENV135GY is just that. With a one-touch brewing system, you barely have to do anything to have a quality cup of Nespresso pod coffee brewed for you in seconds.

One of the machine’s main features is the removable 1.5L water tank, which means you won’t have to top up the water all the time. Also, it automatically ejects and stores capsules for maximum efficiency. 

Pros
  • Fully-automatic
  • Large water tank
  • Sleek and simple design
Cons
  • Pods aren’t environmentally friendly
  • Louder than most other similar models

6) Nescafé Dolce Gusto Genio 2 Espresso Pod Machine

In terms of easy to use machines, the Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio 2 is one of the easiest. All you need to do is load the capsule, pick your coffee option, and wait for it to brew. The interface is user-friendly and features a toggle-stick and bright LED display.

The machine has a faster start-up time than most, which comes in handy because it shuts off automatically after 5 minutes of inactivity. While this can be frustrating if you plan to come back to it after a task, it’s an energy-saving solution that’s better for the environment. 

Pros
  • Fully-automatic
  • Easy interface
  • High-quality brew
Cons
  • Pods tend to get stuck
  • Water tank is difficult to pull out

7) Keurig K-Mini Plus Coffee Maker

Featuring an ergonomic design that saves space and set up time, the Keurig K-Mini Plus is an excellent way to bring high-quality espresso on the go. It has a cord storage department in the back to make transport even easier. 

Many espresso pod machines need the capsules to brew coffee, but this model can take fresh grounds of your choice using the Keurig coffee filter. The result is a great cup of coffee with good crema. Also, cleaning is pretty straightforward and only takes a couple of minutes. 

Pros
  • Quick brew
  • Easy cleaning
  • Great portability
Cons
  • Requires a water top-up for every new cup
  • No settings to control the size of coffee

8) Jassy Espresso Coffee Machine

A speedy and efficient device, the Jassy Espresso Coffee Machine is a well-designed piece of equipment. It has an astounding 19 bar of pressure, more than some professional espresso makers. This is great for the milk wand, which gives a silky and foamy texture to the milk of your preference. 

The Jassy also has a built-in cleaning and descaling function, great for those of us who want a machine without much hassle. You won’t need expensive chemicals to keep your coffee tasting fresh. 

Pros
  • Fast 20-second start-up time
  • Adjustable cup size
  • 19 bar pressure
Cons
  • Not very portable
  • Tends to get unexpectedly hot

Things to Consider

Here are some things you should consider before purchasing an espresso machine.

>> Also read: Best Stovetop Espresso Makers

Automatic or ManualSome machines have features that do almost everything for you, while others require a bit more elbow grease. Automatic features often save time at the cost of quality, while manuals have moving parts that require additional maintenance. Be aware that there might be a learning curve, especially when using a milk wand, with whatever machine you choose. 

Pod or No PodPods, otherwise known as coffee capsules, have become a bit of a controversy. They’re pretty harmful to the environment but incredibly easy to use and save a lot of time. If you don’t care about pods or want to go green, opt for a machine that takes fresh grounds or whole beans.

>> Also read: Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine Review

Traveling with an Espresso MakerWhile some espresso machines are quite small and seem portable, generally, you shouldn’t be transporting them often. There are exceptions, but most machines have fragile parts that are expensive to replace if damaged in transit.


Conclusion

While every machine on this list is a quality product deserving of some attention, the best overall espresso maker is definitely the Sowtech Espresso Machine.

Although it has less steam pressure than some others, the Sowtech’s 3.5 bar is plenty for home brewing a quality cup of coffee. It has a slight learning curve, but you’ll find that it’s quite easy to use after getting used to it. In terms of portability, you shouldn’t transport it often. It’s better at home for your morning routine or entertaining guests for brunch or an after-dinner boost.

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For budding coffee enthusiasts, the Sowtech 3.5 Bar Espresso Machine is an excellent option for the home or office.