Best Espresso Machine Under 200: Top 10 for Home Baristas!

The best espresso machine under 200 is a question that I get asked all of the time. There’s a lot of choices out there, but I’ve narrowed it down to the top three espresso machines under $200. Before we get into the list, let me give you some quick guidelines on what to look for when buying your next espresso machine.

Top 10 Best Espresso Machine Under 200

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What to look for when buying an espresso machine for under $200

Where do you begin when considering which features to look for? Here is a short guide to some of the most important aspects of an espresso maker.

Aesthetics

The space occupied by espresso makers on your kitchen counter is usually quite large. The type of appliance you choose for your kitchen may affect the appearance of the space. Metal models appeal to you, or do you prefer an overall low-key profile? How important is it to you if your model is primarily plastic, or would you not mind stainless steel?

Espresso Machine with it’s Charming Look
Espresso Machine with it’s Charming Look

User-Friendliness

Do you have experience using espresso machines? A manual espresso maker may appeal to you if you have experience as a barista or own an espresso maker for years. It will give you hands-on control over every step of the brewing process.

It might be more convenient for you to buy a semi-automatic model if you are not quite as knowledgeable about espresso or want to skip the learning curve. Semi-automatic models handle some tasks for you. It is unlikely to find automatic features during this price bracket, such as built-in grinders or self-tamping, but it is still worth it.

Cleanliness & Ease of Maintenance

The maintenance of espresso machines is notoriously difficult. The ease of cleaning may not matter to you if you are willing to incorporate it into your daily routine. You may find features like self-rising appealing if you do not have a lot of patience or time to clean your machine.

Cost 

The cost of an espresso machine can vary greatly. Although there are a lot of options under $200, you may want to consider how much you’re willing to spend. If you spend more, would you rather have all the features you want or, if you pay less, would you rather have fewer features?

What about portability?

There are also lightweight, portable versions of traditional espresso machines that don’t require a counter. Are you looking for an espresso maker that you can take camping or use at work? Small, hand-operated models may be of interest to you. You may prefer a larger, more durable model if you pull espresso mostly at home.

Capacity

What is your daily espresso consumption? If you make a lot of espressos, you may want one with a large water reservoir so you don’t have to keep refilling it. Alternatively, if you are looking to brew more than one cup at the same time, you may prefer a twin-brew head. It may be best to use a more compact, streamlined machine if you only make one or two shots at a time.

Pressure

When you make an espresso with pressurized water, a finely ground coffee bean is passed through tightly packed coffee beans. What is the ideal pressure? Generally, the pressure is measured at nine bars, which is nine times the atmospheric pressure at sea level and is the industry standard. According to many brewers, a pressure of between 15 and 17 bars is conducive to making a better espresso. Depending on the level of pressure you prefer for your homebrewer, you may want to consider that as well.

Coffee Beans and Coffee Pods

Dark roast coffee beans are very finely ground for espresso machines. When buying whole beans, grind them immediately before brewing so you’ll get the freshest flavor because after 15 minutes, coffee beans begin to lose their flavor. You’ll want to grind your beans fine enough and pack them tightly into your portafilter if you grind them at home.

Rather than dealing with coffee grounds, you may want to find a machine that uses single serve pods, such as Nespresso capsules, instead of having to deal with single serve pods. Obviously, such devices will be a bit more expensive, but the benefit will be that you will not need to worry about grinding or tamping your coffee.

It is also possible to choose ESE pods or Easy Serving Espresso pods. These soft, eco-friendly pods were created by Italian coffee company Illy and work with specially made espresso filters. Using these pods, you can simplify the process of preparing espresso.

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How Much Does A Home Barista Espresso Machine Cost?

The average espresso machine for home use runs between $400 and $700, and they brew great espresso with minimal effort. In spite of this, there are a lot of espresso brewer models out there that can be purchased for no more than $50. Nevertheless, the majority of experts and connoisseurs would agree that they do not produce espresso.

In reality, you actually get a Moka pot (which is a brewer similar to those found on stovetops) when you buy a cheap brewer. If you take a sip of the coffee just once, you will realize that it tastes absolutely nothing like the coffee you drink in your favorite coffee shop. For the sake of clarity, let me say that this coffee is not bad. However, it cannot be called espresso.

It was in 1927 that the first home coffee machine was installed in the United States at Reggio’s (NY). There are four key components that a espresso machine must have to achieve a true home barista experience. Among these are a drip tray, a stainless steel base, a steam milk frother and a water reservoir.

A decent automatic machine can be had for between $100 and $200, which is considered the low end of the pricing spectrum. 

Frequently Asked Question

Is it worth it to buy cheap espresso machines?

For those who are beginners to the art of making espresso at home, cheap espresso machines are a wise choice for them. Fortunately, they are very simple to use and require only some smart handling

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