Best Budget Espresso Machines
When you are looking for an espresso machine, look for a model that produces delicious, flavorful shots and well-steamed milk. Some machines are super-automatic and do all of the work for you, but they tend to sacrifice taste and texture.
The De'Longhi Stilosa is an excellent simple choice that is easy to use for novices and doesn't take up much counter space. It also holds up well to wear and tear.
Capresso EC50 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
The Capresso EC50 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine strikes an impressive balance between quality and price. It's affordable for beginners but sturdy and reliable enough to satisfy even experienced espresso drinkers. It also comes with a milk froth that can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes in a matter of minutes.
Consider how many people will serve your espresso to and how often you will use the machine. If you're planning to make only one or two cups a day, a single-shot espresso maker will suffice, but if you're planning on serving espresso regularly to guests you might want more capacity.
Certain espresso machines have an integrated grinder, while other require an additional unit. The former is more convenient, however it also tends to produce less tasty coffee than the burr grinder.
Select a model with PID control. This feature electronically controls the temperature of the boiler, which results in a more precise and consistent result than a mechanical thermostat.
A transparent water tank makes it easy to know when it's time to refill and a brewing chamber saves cleanup time. Additionally, the machine connects directly to the water supply in your home to ensure a more efficient, cleaner beverage.
The CASABREWS 3700Essential is another solid option for those looking to start espresso making without spending a lot of money. It's not as good as the top brands, but it makes strong shots that are packed with flavor and body. In addition, the user-friendly interface is easy to navigate.
A clear, front-facing dial and an adjustable 42-ounce reservoir for water are just a few of the features that make this espresso maker an excellent purchase. The dual frother can be switched between steaming to frothing. (The first one whips up milk for cappuccinos, while the one that steams heat into milk to make lattes.) The design of the water tank on this model can be annoying. It's difficult to refill and can sometimes be awkwardly placed.
Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus is a great small machine that gives you the ability to make cafe-quality espresso and lattes in your home. It is simple to use and does not require any special knowledge or expertise in the field of coffee making. This makes it perfect for people who are new to the art of making espresso.
It has a few features that make it stand out among other entry-level machines. For instance, it comes with a PID to ensure that the temperature of the water is accurate during extraction. It also uses a low-pressure pre-infusion to extract the maximum amount of flavor from your beans. It also has a speedy heating time due to its ThermoJet system. This lets you start brewing in only three seconds. This will save you time in the morning when you're trying to get ready.
Another good thing is that the Bambino Plus has a dedicated steam wand that can be used to make creamy, frothy milk for lattes and cappuccinos. This comes with a couple of different milk texture settings that allow you to alter the taste of your drink. It isn't capable of producing the silky microfoam that you get from an espresso machine with professional quality however it can offer some interesting options if you're new to this field.
While the Bambino Plus is a good espresso machine, it doesn't have the same bells and whistles as some of Breville's more expensive models. It doesn't have a hot water spout or a manual steaming option and only ships with filter baskets with pressurized filters in North America. However, if you already have a decent grinder that can make a fine espresso grind, this is an ideal option for those who want to begin espresso at a reasonable price point.
The Bambino Plus may look like a toy but it's constructed using real metal. It also has extremely tight tolerances. It's easy to clean and comes with several built-in reminders to help you stay on track with decaling and cleaning. In a few short weeks, you'll be able to start saving money on trips to the local coffee shop.
Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series espresso machine is a fantastic value for price. It's a great choice for those looking to cut down on cafe coffeehouse trips and take control of their morning cup of coffee. This budget-friendly espresso maker is all-in-one, and comes with an integrated grinder and brew unit, as well as an automatic milk frother and hot water function. It also has a variety of beverage options, ranging including iced coffee, cappuccinos and lattes.
The machine is simple to use and maintain. Its programmed My Coffee choice feature lets you adjust the strength of your drinks to your own preference. The machine remembers your preferences for every drink. The machine comes with an AquaClean filtration system that, according to the company will keep it clean for up 5,000 cups of espresso.
One drawback of this model is that it takes a little longer to make shots than some other models. While that's not a big issue, it could make some users uncomfortable. The grinder on this model is also a bit rough, so you might require grinding it slightly more than other models.
The Philips 3200 also comes with a timer programable that can be set to automatically start brewing coffee at specific times. This is particularly beneficial for busy schedules. The machine also includes a removable drip tray that can be easily removed and cleaned for faster cleaning. It is important to grease the brew unit every two months. Philips includes a grease tube with the machine.
Another plus is the front-loading water tank which makes refilling the machine a breeze. The reservoir of water can hold up to 1.7 gallon and the machine will alert you when it is time to replace the filter or add water. The controls are easy to use and feature an interface with a touchscreen. The display will inform you when your coffee has been brewed, and different lights will indicate if there's been an error or if the machine requires to be descaled.
Hamilton Beach Espresso Maker
The Hamilton Beach 40715 Espresso Machine is a fantastic choice for those looking to get the most bang for their money. This budget-friendly model has the capability to use ground coffee and K-Cups, or pre-measured soft espresso pods giving you the most versatility. The built-in milk frother allows you to make lattes and cappuccinos with the same quality as a café. This feature is not common in machines this priced.
The 40715 is easy to use and maintain. The unique Slide and Lock Portafilter makes it easy to put in, lock into place, and then take out your espresso. A timer programable lets you set a predetermined brewing time, ensuring that your espresso is always ready when you require it. The auto-pause and serve feature also allows you to quickly pour in the middle of brewing, so you won't have to wait long to enjoy your beverage.
Another benefit of the 40715 is the convenient water tank that has a large capacity. This will save you money and time by decreasing the frequency of refilling your tank. In addition the dishwasher-safe components and filter basket that can be removed make it easy to clean and maintain.
In terms of performance the 40715 is comparable to other machines in this class. The 15-bar Italian pump helps to create an incredibly flavorful and rich espresso, and the adjustable steam control guarantees that your beverages will be perfect every time. A clock that can be programmed and an the automatic pause-and-serve feature are both useful features.
Hamilton Beach 40715 is a great product with many positive characteristics. However, there are some things to consider prior to purchasing. The small boiler capacity can cause the water to cool too quickly, affecting the extraction process. A permanent filter is not included, so you might require purchasing additional filters in the future.
If you're in the market for a new espresso maker, be sure to check out the selection at your local retailer prior to making a choice. You can contact them ahead of time and inquire whether the model you're looking for is available. If espresso coffee machine purchasing online, don't forget to think about shipping costs and the convenience of picking up your purchase. If you're not happy with your purchase, you can take advantage of the return policy of a retailer to swap out the product for a different one that's more suitable.