Best Espresso Machine Under 200: Top 7 Picks

Espresso is one of the most popular and delicious ways to enjoy coffee. It is rich, intense, and versatile, and can be used to make a variety of drinks, such as lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and more. However, making espresso at home can be challenging, especially if you don’t have a high-end machine that can produce the right pressure, temperature, and extraction.

Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a decent espresso machine. There are many models available that can deliver good results for less than 200 dollars. Of course, you can’t expect the same quality and performance as a professional machine, but you can still enjoy a satisfying cup of espresso without breaking the bank.

In this article, we will review the top 7 picks for the best espresso machine under 200. We will compare their features, pros and cons, and how they stack up against each other. We will also give you some tips on what to look for in an espresso machine under 200, and answer some frequently asked questions. By the end of this article, you will have a better idea of which espresso machine is right for you and your budget.

What to Look for in an Espresso Machine Under 200

When shopping for an espresso machine under 200, there are some factors that you should consider, such as:

• • Type of machine: There are different types of espresso machines, such as semi-automatic, automatic, super-automatic, and manual. Semi-automatic machines require you to grind, tamp, and brew the coffee manually, but they give you more control over the process. Automatic machines do most of the work for you, but they have less customization options. Super-automatic machines are the most convenient, as they grind, tamp, brew, and froth the milk with the touch of a button, but they are also the most expensive and have less room for experimentation. Manual machines are the most challenging, as they require you to manually apply the pressure and control the extraction, but they can produce the most authentic and flavorful espresso.

• • Pressure: Pressure is one of the most important factors for making good espresso. The ideal pressure for espresso is 9 bars, which means that the water is forced through the coffee grounds at 9 times the atmospheric pressure. However, some machines can produce higher or lower pressure, depending on their design and quality. Generally, higher pressure means stronger and more consistent espresso, while lower pressure means weaker and more variable espresso. You should look for a machine that can produce at least 9 bars of pressure, or preferably 15 bars, which is the standard for most commercial machines.

• • Boiler: The boiler is the part of the machine that heats the water for brewing and steaming. The boiler can affect the temperature, speed, and consistency of the espresso. There are different types of boilers, such as single, double, or thermoblock. Single boilers have one chamber that heats the water for both brewing and steaming, but they require time and manual switching between the two functions. Double boilers have two separate chambers that heat the water for brewing and steaming simultaneously, but they are more expensive and take up more space. Thermoblock boilers are not actually boilers, but rather metal coils that heat the water on demand, but they can be less stable and accurate than boilers. You should look for a machine that has a boiler that can maintain the optimal temperature for espresso, which is around 195°F to 205°F, and can switch between brewing and steaming quickly and easily.

• • Features: Features are the extra functions and options that the machine offers, such as programmability, frothing, grinding, cleaning, and more. Features can enhance the convenience, versatility, and quality of the espresso machine, but they can also add to the cost and complexity of the machine. You should look for a machine that has the features that you need and want, but not more than you can handle or afford. Some of the most common and useful features are:
    
    • • Programmability: This feature allows you to customize and save your preferred settings for brewing, such as the water volume, temperature, pressure, and strength. This can save you time and hassle, and ensure consistent results every time.
      • Frothing: This feature allows you to steam and froth milk for making drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. Some machines have a built-in frother, while others have a separate wand or pitcher. Some machines also have automatic or manual frothing options, which can affect the quality and texture of the milk foam.
      • Grinding: This feature allows you to grind your own coffee beans with the machine, instead of using pre-ground coffee or a separate grinder. This can improve the freshness, flavor, and aroma of the espresso, as well as the convenience and efficiency of the machine. Some machines have a built-in grinder, while others have a separate hopper or portafilter. Some machines also have adjustable or fixed grind settings, which can affect the fineness and consistency of the coffee grounds.
      • Cleaning: This feature allows you to clean and maintain the machine easily and effectively. Some machines have self-cleaning or descaling functions, while others require manual cleaning or special products. Some machines also have removable or fixed parts, which can affect the accessibility and convenience of the cleaning process.

Top 7 Picks for the Best Espresso Machine Under 200

Now that you know what to look for in an espresso machine under 200, let’s take a look at the top 7 picks that we have selected for you. We have chosen these machines based on their features, performance, quality, durability, customer reviews, and value for money. We have also included the pros and cons of each machine.

De”Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker 

The De’Longhi EC155 is one of the most popular and best-selling espresso machine under 200. It is a semi-automatic machine that can brew both espresso and cappuccino with ease. It has a 15-bar pump pressure that can extract rich and flavorful espresso from any type of coffee grounds. It also has a swivel jet frother that can steam and froth milk for creamy and frothy cappuccinos and lattes. It has a removable 35-ounce water tank that can make up to 8 cups of coffee. It also has a removable drip tray and a stainless steel boiler that are easy to clean and maintain. It has a dual-function filter holder that can accommodate both ground coffee and ESE pods, giving you more options and convenience. It also has an adjustable steam control that lets you customize the amount of steam and froth. It has a compact and sleek design that can fit in any kitchen counter. It also has a cup warmer that can keep your cups warm and ready for use.

Pros:

• • Affordable and good value for money
  • Easy to use and operate
  • Versatile and can make both espresso and cappuccino
  • Compatible with both ground coffee and ESE pods
  • Removable water tank and drip tray for easy cleaning and refilling
  • Adjustable steam control for customizing the froth
  • Cup warmer for keeping the cups warm
  • Compact and sleek design that can fit in any space

Cons:

• • Noisy and can vibrate when brewing
  • Plastic parts that can break or leak over time
  • Small water tank that can run out quickly
  • Limited control over the brewing temperature and pressure
  • No built-in grinder or programmability

 
Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

The Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker is another popular and best-selling espresso machine under 200. It is an automatic machine that can brew espresso, cappuccino, and latte with the touch of a button. It has a 15-bar pump pressure that can extract rich and flavorful espresso from any type of coffee grounds. It also has an automatic milk frother that can steam and froth milk for creamy and frothy cappuccinos and lattes. It has a removable 54-ounce water tank that can make up to 10 cups of coffee. It also has a removable milk reservoir that can be stored in the fridge when not in use. It has a one-touch control panel that lets you choose from single or double shots of espresso, and select the type of drink you want. It also has a removable drip tray and a stainless steel portafilter that are easy to clean and maintain. It has a modern and elegant design that can complement any kitchen decor. It also has a cup warmer that can keep your cups warm and ready for use.

Pros:

• • Automatic and easy to use and operate
  • Versatile and can make espresso, cappuccino, and latte
  • Compatible with any type of coffee grounds
  • Removable water tank and milk reservoir for easy cleaning and refilling
  • One-touch control panel for selecting the drink and the shot size
  • Automatic milk frother for steaming and frothing the milk
  • Cup warmer for keeping the cups warm
  • Modern and elegant design that can complement any decor

Cons:

• • Expensive and not very durable
  • Noisy and can leak when brewing
  • Large and bulky design that can take up a lot of space
  • Limited control over the brewing temperature and pressure
  • No built-in grinder or programmability

Flair Espresso Maker

The Flair Espresso Maker is a unique and innovative espresso machine under 200. It is a manual machine that can brew espresso with your own hands. It has a lever that you can press down to apply the pressure and control the extraction. It has a detachable brewing head that can hold up to 18 grams of coffee grounds. It also has a preheating cylinder that can heat the water to the optimal temperature for espresso. It has a stainless steel tamper that can tamp the coffee grounds evenly and firmly. It has a portable and minimalist design that can be assembled and disassembled easily. It also comes with a carrying case that can store and transport the machine conveniently. It has no cords, plugs, or electricity, and can be used anywhere and anytime. It has a sleek and elegant design that can add a touch of flair to any coffee lover’s home.

Pros:

• • Unique and innovative manual espresso machine
  • Easy to use and operate
  • Versatile and can brew espresso with any type of coffee grounds
  • Detachable brewing head and preheating cylinder for easy cleaning and heating
  • Stainless steel tamper for tamping the coffee grounds
  • Portable and minimalist design that can be assembled and disassembled easily
  • Comes with a carrying case for convenient storage and transport
  • No cords, plugs, or electricity, and can be used anywhere and anytime
  • Sleek and elegant design that can add a touch of flair to any home

Cons:

• • Expensive and not very practical
  • Requires a lot of effort and skill to brew espresso
  • Small and limited capacity that can only make one shot at a time
  • No frothing or steaming function for making milk-based drinks
  • No built-in grinder or programmability

Gevi Espresso Machine 20 Bar Pump Pressure

The Gevi Espresso Machine is a semi-automatic machine that can brew espresso and cappuccino with ease. It has a 20-bar pump pressure that can extract rich and flavorful espresso from any type of coffee grounds. It also has a steam wand that can steam and froth milk for creamy and frothy cappuccinos and lattes. It has a removable 1.2-liter water tank that can make up to 12 cups of coffee. It also has a removable drip tray and a stainless steel portafilter that are easy to clean and maintain. It has a dual temperature control system that can keep the water and the steam at the optimal temperature for espresso and milk. It also has a double volume boiler that can produce more hot water and steam. It has a simple and intuitive control panel that lets you choose from single or double shots of espresso, and turn on or off the steam function. It has a compact and sturdy design that can fit in any kitchen counter. It also has a cup warmer that can keep your cups warm and ready for use.

Pros:

• • Affordable and good value for money
  • Semi-automatic and easy to use and operate
  • Versatile and can make espresso and cappuccino
  • Compatible with any type of coffee grounds
  • Removable water tank and drip tray for easy cleaning and refilling
  • Dual temperature control system for keeping the water and the steam at the optimal temperature
  • Double volume boiler for producing more hot water and steam
  • Simple and intuitive control panel for selecting the shot size and the steam function
  • Cup warmer for keeping the cups warm
  • Compact and sturdy design that can fit in any space

Cons:

• • Noisy and can vibrate when brewing
  • Plastic parts that can break or leak over time
  • Small portafilter that can only hold up to 12 grams of coffee grounds
  • Limited control over the brewing temperature and pressure
  • No built-in grinder or programmability

Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine by Breville

The Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine is a super-automatic machine that can brew espresso and lungo with the touch of a button. It uses Nespresso capsules that contain pre-measured and pre-ground coffee of different varieties and intensities. It has a 19-bar pump pressure that can extract rich and flavorful espresso from the capsules. It also has a fast heat-up system that can reach the ideal temperature in 25 seconds. It has a removable 20.3-ounce water tank that can make up to 6 cups of coffee. It also has a removable drip tray and a used capsule container that are easy to clean and dispose. It has a one-touch control panel that lets you choose from espresso or lungo, and adjust the cup size. It also has an energy-saving mode that automatically turns off the machine after 9 minutes of inactivity. It has a compact and lightweight design that can fit in any kitchen counter. It also comes with a welcome pack that includes 14 Nespresso capsules of different flavors and intensities.

Pros:

• • Super-automatic and easy to use and operate
  • Versatile and can make espresso and lungo
  • Compatible with Nespresso capsules of different varieties and intensities
  • Removable water tank, drip tray, and used capsule container for easy cleaning and disposal
  • One-touch control panel for selecting the drink and the cup size
  • Fast heat-up system for reaching the ideal temperature in 25 seconds
  • Energy-saving mode for turning off the machine after 9 minutes of inactivity
  • Compact and lightweight design that can fit in any space
  • Comes with a welcome pack of 14 Nespresso capsules

Cons:

• • Expensive and not very eco-friendly
  • Noisy and can leak when brewing
  • Limited to Nespresso capsules and cannot use ground coffee or pods
  • No frothing or steaming function for making milk-based drinks
  • No built-in grinder or programmability

Capresso Ultima PRO Programmable Pump Espresso Machine

The Capresso Ultima PRO Programmable Pump Espresso Machine is a semi-automatic machine that can brew espresso and cappuccino with ease. It has a 15-bar pump pressure that can extract rich and flavorful espresso from any type of coffee grounds. It also has a frothing wand that can steam and froth milk for creamy and frothy cappuccinos and lattes. It has a removable 34-ounce water tank that can make up to 8 cups of coffee. It also has a removable drip tray and a stainless steel portafilter that are easy to clean and maintain. It has a programmable control panel that lets you customize and save your preferred settings for brewing, such as the water volume, temperature, pressure, and strength. It also has an illuminated icon display that shows the status and progress of the brewing process. It has a sleek and durable design that can last for years. It also has a cup warmer that can keep your cups warm and ready for use.

Pros:

• • Semi-automatic and easy to use and operate
  • Versatile and can make espresso and cappuccino
  • Compatible with any type of coffee grounds
  • Removable water tank and drip tray for easy cleaning and refilling
  • Programmable control panel for customizing and saving the brewing settings
  • Illuminated icon display for showing the status and progress of the brewing process
  • Sleek and durable design that can last for years
  • Cup warmer for keeping the cups warm

Cons:

• • Noisy and can vibrate when brewing
  • Plastic parts that can break or leak over time
  • Small portafilter that can only hold up to 10 grams of coffee grounds
  • Limited control over the steaming temperature and pressure
  • No built-in grinder or automatic frothing function

Mattinata Espresso Machine 20 Bar Professional Espresso Maker

The Mattinata Espresso Machine is a semi-automatic machine that can brew espresso and cappuccino with ease. It has a 20-bar pump pressure that can extract rich and flavorful espresso from any type of coffee grounds. It also has a steam wand that can steam and froth milk for creamy and frothy cappuccinos and lattes. It has a removable 1.2-liter water tank that can make up to 10 cups of coffee. It also has a removable drip tray and a stainless steel portafilter that are easy to clean and maintain. It has a simple and intuitive control panel that lets you choose from single or double shots of espresso, and turn on or off the steam function. It also has a pressure gauge that shows the real-time pressure of the brewing process. It has a compact and elegant design that can fit in any kitchen counter. It also has a cup warmer that can keep your cups warm and ready for use.

Pros:

• • Affordable and good value for money
  • Semi-automatic and easy to use and operate
  • Versatile and can make espresso and cappuccino
  • Compatible with any type of coffee grounds
  • Removable water tank and drip tray for easy cleaning and refilling
  • Simple and intuitive control panel for selecting the shot size and the steam function
  • Pressure gauge for showing the real-time pressure of the brewing process
  • Cup warmer for keeping the cups warm
  • Compact and elegant design that can fit in any space

Cons:

• • Noisy and can leak when brewing
  • Plastic parts that can break or leak over time
  • Small portafilter that can only hold up to 12 grams of coffee grounds
  • Limited control over the brewing temperature and pressure
  • No built-in grinder or programmability

Conclusion

We have reviewed the top 7 picks for the best espresso machine under 200. We have compared their features, pros and cons, and how they compare to each other. We have also given you some tips on what to look for in an espresso machine under 200, and answered some frequently asked questions.

Based on our review, we think that the best espresso machine under 200 is the De’Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker. It is affordable, easy to use, versatile, compatible, removable, adjustable, compact, and sleek. It can make both espresso and cappuccino with ease, and it can accommodate both ground coffee and ESE pods. It has a 15-bar pump pressure that can extract rich and flavorful espresso, and a swivel jet frother that can steam and froth milk for creamy and frothy cappuccinos and lattes. It has a removable water tank and drip tray that are easy to clean and refill, and an adjustable steam control that lets you customize the froth. It also has a cup warmer that can keep your cups warm and ready for use.

However, if you are looking for a different type of machine, such as an automatic, super-automatic, or manual machine, you might want to consider one of the other options that we have reviewed. They all have their own advantages and disadvantages, and they can suit different preferences and needs. Ultimately, the best espresso machine under 200 for you depends on your budget, taste, and lifestyle.

We hope that this article has helped you find the best espresso machine under 200 for you. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you.

FAQ’s

• • Q: What is the difference between espresso and coffee?
    
    • • A: Espresso and coffee are both brewed from coffee beans, but they differ in the method, pressure, and time of brewing. Espresso is brewed by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans at high pressure, resulting in a concentrated and strong coffee with a layer of crema on top. Coffee is brewed by pouring hot water over coarsely ground coffee beans at low pressure, resulting in a less concentrated and weaker coffee with no crema.

• • Q: How do I make espresso with an espresso machine?
    
    • • A: To make espresso with an espresso machine, you need to follow these steps:
        
        • • Fill the water tank with fresh and filtered water, and turn on the machine to heat it up.
          • Grind your coffee beans to a fine consistency, or use pre-ground coffee or pods that are compatible with your machine.
          • Fill the portafilter with the coffee grounds, and tamp them evenly and firmly with a tamper.
          • Lock the portafilter into the machine, and place a cup or a shot glass under the spout.
          • Press the button or the lever to start the brewing process, and stop it when you reach the desired amount of espresso.
          • Enjoy your espresso, or add milk, sugar, or other ingredients to make your favorite drink.

• • Q: How do I clean and maintain my espresso machine?
    
    • • A: To clean and maintain your espresso machine, you need to follow these steps:
        
        • • After each use, rinse the portafilter and the steam wand with hot water, and wipe them with a damp cloth.
          • Empty and wash the drip tray and the water tank regularly.
          • Descale the machine every few months, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using a descaling solution or vinegar and water.
          • Lubricate the brew group and the gaskets every few months, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using a food-grade lubricant or olive oil.
          • Replace the water filter and the gaskets every year, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using the appropriate parts and tools.

• • Q: How do I froth milk with an espresso machine?
    
    • • A: To froth milk with an espresso machine, you need to follow these steps:
        
        • • Fill a stainless steel pitcher with cold and fresh milk, preferably whole or 2% milk, as they produce better foam.
          • Turn on the steam function of your machine, and wait for it to heat up.
          • Submerge the tip of the steam wand into the milk, and turn on the steam valve.
          • Move the pitcher up and down, and tilt it slightly, to create a whirlpool effect in the milk.
          • Keep steaming until the milk reaches the desired temperature and texture, usually around 140°F to 160°F, and has a thick layer of foam on top.
          • Turn off the steam valve, and wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth.
          • Tap the pitcher on the counter, and swirl it gently, to remove any large bubbles and make the foam smooth and glossy.
          • Pour the milk over your espresso, and enjoy your drink.

• • Q: What are the best coffee beans for espresso?
    
    • • A: The best coffee beans for espresso depend on your personal taste and preference, as different beans have different flavors, aromas, and intensities. However, some general guidelines are:
        
        • • Choose dark roasted beans, as they have a stronger and richer flavor, and a lower acidity, than light or medium roasted beans.
          • Choose arabica beans, as they have a smoother and sweeter flavor, and a higher quality, than robusta beans.
          • Choose fresh and whole beans, as they have a longer shelf life and a better flavor, than pre-ground or stale beans.
          • Choose beans that are labeled as espresso, or have a flavor profile that suits your taste, such as chocolate, caramel, nutty, fruity, or spicy.