Although Espresso coffee sounds luxurious, to some extent, it is, but that does not mean you can’t have it on a budget. Many high-end espresso machines are often complex and require skills for smooth operations. However, with the best budget espresso machines for beginners, you can easily enjoy your espresso at home and learn the basics of operating your coffee machine.
No wonder for beginners, it is overwhelming to find the perfect espresso machine, we have formulated this guide to understand the key factors to get the top-notch coffee maker with a few options for the best espresso machines.
So let’s get started.
- Advantages of Budget Espresso Machines
- Disadvantages of Budget Espresso Machines
- Our Picks Best Budget Espresso Machines
- Buying Guide
- FAQs
- The Verdict
Our Best Budget Espresso Machines for Beginners
- Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista
- De’Longhi EC155
- Breville Bambino Plus
- Capresso EC50
- SOWTECH Espresso Machine
Advantages of Budget Espresso Machines
Affordability: The best budget espresso machines are cost-significant compared to the high-end options, which makes them accessible to a wide audience. Plus, they offer a learning curve for beginners.
Ease of Use: The budget machines are designed with simple and user-friendly operations and brewing processes. The users can easily experiment with different flavors to get a perfect blend.
Compact Size: These machines often have a smaller footprint, perfect for kitchens with limited counter space. They are lightweight, and some of their mugs are travel-friendly.
Accessible Features: Although they lack advanced settings, they offer essential features to brew a good cup with a basic frothing wand, etc.
Maintenance: Since budget coffee machines are typically simple and compact, they are easy to clean and maintain with fewer washable and removable parts.
Disadvantages of Budget Espresso Machines
The features are limited: Advanced functionalities like programmable settings or built-in grinders may not be available due to their low pricing. However, there are almost no customizable options.
Durability: It is questionable for a few brands. Some of the budget options may use less durable materials, leading to a shorter lifespan.
Performance: The coffee maker on a budget may not achieve the same consistency or pressure levels as high-end models.
The capacity is small: Because they are compact and lightweight, they have comparatively smaller water reservoirs, which can be limiting. Single-cup brewing can also be a limitation.
Our Picks
Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista
Best Overall
Features
- It has a one-touch control panel
- It comes with a 15-bar pump system
- Features an automatic milk frother
- The water and milk reservoirs are removable
- Has an adjustable cup tray
Pros
- Simple one-touch operation
- Automatic milk frothing
- Easy-to-clean removable components
- Versatile brewing options
- Affordable
Cons
- Bulkier design
- Limited control over frothing texture
- Noisy operation
The Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista simplifies espresso-making with its one-touch control panel. This is our first pick for the best budget espresso machine for beginners, as it offers a learning curve with the automatic milk frother, which eliminates the guesswork of texturing milk.
Its removable water and milk reservoirs make cleaning and refilling hassle-free. While the machine’s larger size might not suit every kitchen, it is worth considering the budget option.
De’Longhi EC155
Best Entry Level
Features
- 15-bar professional pressure
- Dual-function filter holder (pods or ground coffee)
- Stainless steel boiler
- Compact design
- Easy-to-use swivel jet frother
Pros
- Versatile brewing options
- Durable stainless steel boiler
- Compact and space-saving
- Affordable price point
- Manual frother for cappuccinos and lattes
Cons
- Small water reservoir
- Limited customization options
- Frothing wand may be challenging for beginners
Like our first listed product, Mr. Coffee Café Barista, De’Longhi EC155 is also a 15-pressure bar coffee maker, ensuring consistent extraction.
As a reliable entry-level espresso machine, it combines functionality and affordability with its dual-function filter holder accommodates both ground coffee and pods.
Although its compact size makes it ideal for small kitchens, the smaller water reservoir may require frequent refills.
Furthermore, the manual frother allows one to practice creating creamy cappuccinos and lattes, though mastering it might take time. Hence, it is recommended to look into its user’s manual first.
Breville Bambino Plus
Best Espresso Machine
Features
- It offers a 3-second heat-up time
- Comes with automatic steam wand
- It has a 54mm portafilter
- Pre-infusion technology
- Offers a compact footprint
Pros
- Fast heat-up time
- User-friendly interface
- Automatic milk texturing
- Compact design
- High-quality build
Cons
- Higher price for a budget category
- Limited manual controls
- Smaller drip tray
For a beginner looking for an espresso machine with a strong build and quality, the Breville Bambino Plus offers premium features in a beginner-friendly package.
Its lightning-fast heat-up time ensures you can enjoy espresso without long waits. The automatic steam wand delivers perfectly textured milk for lattes and cappuccinos, making it ideal for beginners exploring milk-based drinks.
Despite being on the pricier end of the budget spectrum, its high-quality build and reliable performance make it a worthy investment. Hence, you have to be a little extravagant for this one compared to our other listed coffee makers.
Capresso EC50
Features
- Stainless steel-lined Thermoblock heating system
- 15-bar pressure
- Dual frother wand
- Compact design
- Easy-to-clean removable drip tray
Pros
- Durable Thermoblock heating system
- Compact and lightweight
- Consistent espresso quality
- Easy-to-use frother
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- Basic features
- Small water reservoir
- Limited frothing capabilities
The Capresso EC50 is a compact and efficient espresso machine perfect for beginners. Its Thermoblock heating system ensures quick heat-up and consistent brewing temperatures.
The dual frother wand allows for simple milk frothing, though it may not provide professional-level microfoam.
It offers simple operation and affordability, making it a practical choice for those just starting their espresso journey.
However, it lacks the features that most of our other listed product has. Thus, this machine is recommended for beginners who don’t even have any prior experience with a coffee maker before.
SOWTECH Espresso Machine
Features
- 3.5-bar pressure system
- One-switch knob operation
- Built-in frother
- Compact design
- Detachable components for easy cleaning
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- User-friendly operation
- Compact and portable
- Includes milk frother
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Lower pressure than higher-end models
- Limited to basic espresso drinks
- Smaller capacity
The SOWTECH Espresso Machine is an excellent choice for those seeking a simple and budget-friendly espresso.
This espresso machine offers basic features such as a 3.5-bar pressure system is sufficient for brewing basic espresso drinks, while the one-switch knob simplifies operation.
Although it lacks the advanced features of pricier models, its compact size and detachable components make it a convenient and accessible option for beginners who have a minimal budget.
Buyer’s Guide
There are a lot of options for espresso machines for beginners while remaining on budget, but here, the goal is to find a coffee maker on a budget but with modern features. To find it, you need to look.
Your Budget: Before you start browsing for your coffee maker, here you have to determine your budget first, as espresso machines are available from $70 minimum without discount. This way, you can narrow down the options to the ones that match your needs the most.
Type of Espresso Machine: The next step is to look for the types of espresso machines that are available in your budget. Usually, these coffee machines are of four kinds: manual, semi-automatic, fully automatic, and capsule machines.
The manual machines offer control of brewing processes that require a skill that might be tricky for newbies. Semi-automatic machines are a popular choice for budget espresso coffee machines for beginners as they have balanced features offering manual and automatic control.
The automatic machines might not fall within the budget as they possess model features with one-touch options. Finally, the capsule machines are the best coffee makers for convenience, requiring minimal effort and offering versatile features.
In a nutshell, the semi-automatic espresso machines are the best budget espresso machines for beginners, offering a learning curve.
Pressure Levels: The budget coffee makers have limited features, but that does not mean to compromise your money. Dig in a little and ensure that your coffee maker has a pressure pump with at least 9 bars of pressure for the original espresso. If you like milk beverages, ensure that it has a frothing wand as well. Next, the size of the water reservoir and portafilter must be 58mm minimum.
Size and Quality: The budget espresso machines are usually compact in size, suitable for 1 cup or occasional drinkers—plus, they are ideal for small kitchens. However, in terms of quality, the construction might not be as sturdy as the other high-end machines. Hence, you need to be careful to choose for build quality as well.
Milk Frothing Options: If you enjoy lattes or cappuccinos, too, you need to choose a machine with a reliable frother. The automatic frothers can simplify the process, while manual ones offer more control.
FAQs
What coffee beans should I use in the espresso machine?
There are no specific requirements for the coffee beans to operate the espresso machine. It all depends on you and your taste preference, as there is no difference between regular coffee beans and espresso coffee beans. However, dark roasts are widely liked and preferred for espresso.
For more coffee bean options, you can also read our guide on Bestselling Coffee Beans on Espresso.
How to maintain an espresso machine?
Most espresso machine components are similar, but it is always a good idea to read the user’s manual, as every manufacturer has different guidelines. Not every espresso machine is dishwasher-friendly. It is recommended that the removable parts of a coffee maker be cleaned after every use.
What is descaling, and how often should I descale?
Descaling refers to cleaning the buildup in the espresso machine that has accumulated due to hard water and coffee residue. To ensure the smooth operation and ultimate taste of your coffee, it is recommended to descale espresso machine every four to six weeks.
Final Verdict
Operating a coffee machine can indeed be overwhelming and complex for some; however, there are a few brands, like Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista, that ensure simplicity, quality, and affordability as a package. However, if you are looking for some premium features that remain within budget, then Capresso EC50 could be an ideal option as it delivers consistent results at affordable prices.