The Best Espresso Machine Under $200 – 10 Recommendations From a Former Barista

Are you a coffee lover looking for a good espresso machine but are working with a budget? Look no further! In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to find the best espresso machine under $200.

We’ve researched and tested the top models on the market to bring you our 10 top picks. And, spoiler alert, we found the De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine to be the best espresso machine under $200 overall.

With years of experience behind the coffee counter and using our own espresso makers at home, the Coffee Hex team has seen and used a whole lot of espresso machines. So trust us when we say we know our espresso machines. And definitely at the $200 or below price point.

So back to the De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine real fast. Why’s it the best? It’s not just a well-known brand—it’s got almost all of the features you could want in a more expensive machine. It even comes with a milk frother to make lattes, cappuccinos, etc. That fact that it’s in the lower range of our $200 max threshold here is just crazy. 

But the De’Longhi Stilosa is not the only incredible machine on our list here. From the best espresso machine under $200 that’s compact to automatic, semi-automatic, and manual—we’ve laid it all out in this article.

Keep reading to find your perfect espresso machine (that doesn’t break the bank)!

Our Picks For The Best Espresso Machine Under $200

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The De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine is the best espresso machine under $200 overall. It’s simply the ultimate coffee-making device for anyone who desires rich, flavorful espresso, cappuccino, and latte right at home. With its sleek design and compact size, this machine offers both style and function, making it an ideal choice for coffee lovers who want to enjoy a perfect cup of coffee without having to leave the house.

One of the most impressive features of the Stilosa is its 15-bar pressure pump, which ensures that coffee oils and flavors are perfectly extracted, resulting in a delicious, creamy espresso with a thick crema. Plus, the machine is equipped with a built-in steam wand that allows you to froth milk to your desired texture, giving you the perfect cappuccino or latte every time.

The Stilosa’s ease of use is another noteworthy feature. Making a high-quality cup of espresso, cappuccino, or latte is a breeze with this machine. And once you’ve made your drink, the Stilosa’s compact size means it won’t take up too much space on your countertop, making it perfect for those with limited space.

We also like that cleaning the machine is easy thanks to the removable drip tray. Simply remove it, empty it, and then rinse it out. 

Overall, the De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine is an excellent choice if you want to enjoy delicious, creamy espresso, cappuccino, and latte in the comfort of your own home. It’s our best overall pick because its stylish design, compact size, and ease of use make it a must-have for a high-quality coffee-making experience under $200.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Compact and stylish design
• 15 bar pressure pump ensures perfect extraction of coffee flavors and oils
• Built-in steam wand for frothing milk
• Cup warmer
• Removable drip tray for easy cleaning

Cons:

• Manual operation may not be suitable for those who want an automatic machine
• 37-ounce water tank may require frequent refilling for heavy users

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The De’Longhi ECP3120 is the best espresso machine under $200 that’s semi-automatic. It’s designed to brew high-quality espresso and make a mean cappuccino with the perfect amount of 15 bar pressure.

Elegant and produced by a renowned brand, this machine is ideal for those who want to enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee in the comfort of their home, even if their kitchen or office space is limited.

One of the most notable features of the ECP3120 is its self-priming system, which makes sure that the machine is always ready to use. 

Additionally, the manual frother allows you to mix steam and milk to create a rich and creamy froth to your favorite consistency. This gives you the freedom to customize your coffee just the way you like it.

The ECP3120 also comes with a removable water tank that holds up to 37 fluid ounces, making it easy to fill and clean. People rave about the stainless steel boiler, too. It ensures the coffee is brewed at the perfect temperature, while the removable drip tray makes cleaning a breeze.

Overall, the De’Longhi ECP3120 is a paragon of an affordable semi-automatic espresso machine for at-home use. Its compact size, self-priming system, and customizable frother just send it over the top for us.

Pros:

• 15-bar pressure for rich flavor
• Manual frother for customized milk foam
• Compact size
• Removable water tank and drip tray for easy cleaning
• Self-priming system for quick and easy use

Cons:

• May require some practice to get the milk foam consistency just right
• Water tank capacity may not be sufficient for heavy use

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The JASSY Espresso Coffee Machine Cappuccino Maker is a sleek and modern automatic espresso machine that is designed to make your coffee experience effortless. With a 20-bar high-pressure pump, this machine is our pick for the best espresso machine under $200 that’s automatic. It’s capable of making delicious espresso, cappuccino, and latte with ease.

One of the most notable features of this machine is its one-touch operation, which allows you to make coffee with just the push of a button. 

Also, the self-cleaning function makes maintenance and cleaning a breeze, ensuring that your machine is always ready for your next cup of coffee. The included milk frother can produce frothy milk for your cappuccino or latte, too, giving you the perfect finishing touch to your coffee.

The JASSY Espresso Coffee Machine Cappuccino Maker is the perfect choice for coffee lovers who want a hassle-free way to make coffee at home. It’s one-touch operation and self-cleaning function make it easy to use and maintain, while the milk frother lets you make any milk-based coffee drink you could want. With its 20-bar pressure pump, you can expect a rich and creamy espresso every time you use this machine.

Overall, the JASSY Espresso Coffee Machine Cappuccino Maker is a versatile and easy-to-use espresso machine that is perfect for any coffee lover. Its modern design, one-touch operation, and self-cleaning function make it a great addition to any kitchen or office space.

Pros:

• One-touch operation for easy use
• Removable tank
• Self-cleaning function for hassle-free maintenance
• Milk frother for cappuccinos and lattes
• 20-bar pressure pump for rich and creamy espresso

Cons:

• Some people complain about the water tank leaking after awhile

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The Flair Espresso Maker is the best espresso machine under $200 that’s manual. It’s a must-have for coffee aficionados who appreciate the art of brewing high-quality espresso shots. Plus its compact and unique design makes it a great addition to any kitchen or office space.

With the ability to generate up to 12-16 bars of pressure, the Flair Espresso Maker ensures rich and flavorful espresso shots every time. The manual design allows users to have full control over the brewing process, making it a great option for those who take pride in their coffee-making skills.

In addition to its high-quality performance, the Flair espresso maker is easy to clean and maintain. Its low-maintenance design makes it an attractive option if you’re always on the go.

Another great benefit of the Flair is its environmentally-friendly design. Since it doesn’t require electricity to function, it’s a great option for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint.

Overall, the Flair manual espresso maker is for you if you appreciate the art of making espresso and want to have full control over the brewing process. If you’re environmentally conscious and want to reduce your electricity consumption, this should be at the top of your list.

Pros:

• Compact design
• High-quality espresso shots
• Easy to clean
• Environmentally friendly
• Full control over the brewing process

Cons:

• The manual design may not be right for those who prefer automated machines
• May take some time to perfect the brewing process for those new to manual espresso makers

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The Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine with Steamer is an affordable espresso machine designed for home use. It features a powerful 15-bar pump, which extracts maximum flavor from the coffee beans, and a steam wand that allows you to froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes. 

The machine comes with a portafilter that can accommodate both ground coffee and espresso pods, making it versatile and convenient to use. The machine’s removable water tank and drip tray make it easy to clean and maintain.

The Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine with Steamer is our choice for the best espresso machine under $200 that’s also budget-friendly because it’s significantly lower in price range compared to the other models on this list.

But you don’t have to sacrifice delicious espresso for money. This Hamilton Beach espresso maker lets you enjoy café-quality espresso at home without breaking the bank. It’s easy to use, versatile, and produces rich and flavorful espresso. 

The machine’s steam wand is a nice bonus, allowing you to create creamy frothed milk for your favorite specialty drinks. Yet, it’s worth noting that the machine is relatively small and may not be a fit for large households or frequent use.

Pros:

• Affordable price point
• Easy to use and clean
• Powerful 15-bar pump
• Can brew both ground coffee and espresso pods
• Steam wand for frothing milk

Cons:

• Relatively small, so not great for larger households or frequent use

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The KLARSTEIN Espressionata Gusto Espresso Maker is a beautifully designed machine that makes delicious espresso with ease. The KLARSTEIN is the best espresso machine under $200 for design because, well, just look at it! Retro and meticulously detailed, this espresso maker is definitely a conversation piece.

And its 20-bar pressure pump pulls rich and creamy crema every time. The removable water tank has a capacity of 1.5 liters, making it convenient for brewing multiple cups of espresso without constant refilling. The steam nozzle means you can also froth milk to create lattes and cappuccinos.

The machine’s elegant and modern design is a great addition to any kitchen or workspace. It is also easy to clean and maintain, with a removable drip tray and dishwasher-safe parts. The machine’s compact size makes it easy to store and transport, and it’s also energy efficient, saving you money on electricity.

Overall, the KLARSTEIN Espressionata Gusto Espresso Maker is a great investment if you value aesthetics along with high-quality coffee. Its sleek design, convenient features, and energy efficiency make it a top choice for anyone looking for a reliable and stylish espresso machine.

Pros:

• Well-designed and stylish machine
• 20-bar pressure pump ensures rich and creamy crema
• Large removable water tank
• Steam nozzle for frothing milk to create lattes and cappuccinos
• Suitable for home use, small offices, and coffee shops

Cons:

• May be expensive for some consumers
• Some users have reported difficulty with the machine’s durability over time

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The Gevi 20 Bar Compact Professional Espresso Coffee Machine is a compact and efficient way to make high-quality espresso, cappuccino, and latte at home.

The 20-bar pressure pump provides optimal extraction of flavor and aroma from the coffee beans, resulting in a rich and creamy espresso. The steam wand also allows you to froth milk to create a perfect cappuccino or latte.

The machine is made of high-quality stainless steel, which not only gives it a sophisticated and contemporary look but also translates to durability. Its removable water tank makes cleaning hassle-free and convenient, too.

All in all, the Gevi 20 Bar is the best espresso machine under $200 for coffee lovers living in small spaces who aren’t willing to sacrifice big flavor and top quality in their espresso.

Pros:

• Compact size makes it ideal for small kitchens and apartments
• 20 Bar pressure pump ensures maximum flavor and aroma extraction from the coffee beans
• Steam wand allows for easy frothing of milk
• Removable water tank makes it easy to fill and clean
• High-quality stainless steel construction ensures durability and longevity

Cons:

• No built-in grinder, so coffee beans must be ground separately before use

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The Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine is the best espresso machine under $200 for milk-based coffee drinks. So if you want an espresso machine that pulls double duty to create milk-based drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes, this is an awesome choice.

The 15-bar pump system delivers rich and creamy espresso shots with ease, and the milk frother produces a velvety foam for your cappuccinos and lattes. The machine’s one-touch control panel with pre-set drink options makes it convenient to use, even for beginners. And it’s received high praise from customers for its ease of use, durability, and affordability.

Customers have also appreciated the machine’s compact size, which doesn’t take up too much space on the countertop. The machine is easy to clean, with a removable drip tray and frothing aid that can be cleaned in the dishwasher.

Overall, the Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine is a great option for anyone who wants to enjoy high-quality espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes at home while staying on a budget.

Pros:

• Produces high-quality espresso shots with a rich crema layer
• Equipped with a milk frother that produces velvety foam for milk-based drinks
• One-touch control panel with pre-set drink options for convenience
• Can brew up to 4 shots of espresso at once
• Affordable compared to other espresso machines

Cons:

• The machine’s milk frother can be challenging to clean
• It is not compatible with pods, so you need to use ground coffee

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The WACACO Nanopresso is the best espresso machine under $200 that’s portable and travel friendly. The Nanopresso is frankly an exceptional espresso maker that caters to coffee aficionados who enjoy the flexibility of brewing coffee anytime and anywhere.

With its hand-operated design, this device is perfect for people on the go, such as travelers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Crafted from high-quality materials, the Nanopresso is built to last and features an innovative pumping system that can generate up to 18 bars of pressure, resulting in a rich, smooth, and dense crema-topped espresso. The device comes with a detachable cup, allowing you to savor the fresh espresso immediately.

The Nanopresso’s portability is one of its most notable advantages, as it is lightweight and compact enough to fit into a backpack or purse. You can enjoy the convenience of having a delicious espresso without the need for electricity, maintaining access to high-quality brew no matter where you are.

WACACO lovers have also applauded the device’s easy-to-clean design, as the Nanopresso can be disassembled quickly for thorough cleaning. Its cool look and premium feel have made it a coffee community favorite pretty fast.

Users have praised the WACACO Nanopresso for its ease of use and excellent results. Many reviewers have noted that it produces espresso that is on par with much larger and more expensive machines, not only for quality but also consistency.

The Nanopresso is highly customizable, so you can adjust the amount of ground coffee used, the water temperature, and the amount of pressure applied. This level of control means you can tailor your coffee to your exact preferences.

Overall, the WACACO Nanopresso is the best espresso machine under $200 if you’re looking for a portable and convenient espresso maker. It produces high-quality espresso with minimal effort and can be easily cleaned and maintained.

By the way, if you decide to pick up the Nanopresso, come back to our how-to guide to learn the best way to use it.

Pros:

• Highly portable and compact
• No electricity required
• Creates high-quality espresso with a dense crema layer
• Easy to clean and maintain

Cons:

• Small water tank capacity (80 ml)
• Requires some manual effort to operate

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The Breville Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine is a super versatile capsule coffee machine designed that makes delicious coffee and espresso drinks—just more conveniently.

The machine uses centrifugal force to extract coffee, which ensures that the flavor and aroma of the coffee are fully extracted. And it’s our pick for the best espresso machine under $200 that’s specifically made to use capsules.

One of the standout features of the Nespresso Vertuo is its variety of capsule sizes, which cater to different tastes and preferences. The machine heats up quickly, so you can enjoy your coffee within seconds, and the capsules are easy to insert and remove.

Users praise the machine’s ease of use and convenience, making it perfect for busy mornings or when you need a quick coffee fix. The machine’s compact size also works in small kitchens, and it is easy to clean with a removable drip tray. And bonus: the used capsules can be recycled through Nespresso’s recycling program.

Let’s talk ratings. The Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine gets high marks from users on Amazon. Many reviewers praise the machine for its ease of use and consistent quality of coffee. 

The capsule system also receives positive feedback as it reduces mess and makes it easy to switch between different coffee flavors. Some reviewers note that the machine can be a bit loud during operation, but the noise is not overly disruptive.

This best espresso machine under $200 also features an energy-saving mode that automatically turns off the machine after a certain period of inactivity, which people love. 

As far as downsides go, some people note that the capsules can be expensive, but others mention that the quality and convenience are worth the cost.

Overall, the Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville is a great option for those who want a convenient and easy-to-use coffee machine that produces consistent, quality coffee and espresso drinks conveniently.

Pros:

• Offers a variety of coffee and espresso options
• Capsules are available in different sizes to cater to different tastes
• Quick heating
• Compact and easy to clean
• Capsule container can hold up to 17 used capsules

Cons:

• Limited to using Nespresso Vertuo capsules only
• Capsules are more expensive than regular ground coffee

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Buying Guide For Finding The Best Espresso Machine Under $200

What to Consider When Buying an Espresso Machine

When shopping for the best espresso machine under $200, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:

Type of Espresso Machine

There are three main types of espresso machines: manual, semi-automatic, and automatic. Manual machines require the most skill and effort, while automatic machines are the easiest to use. Semi-automatic machines fall somewhere in between.

Manual Espresso Machines

Manual espresso machines require the user to manually control the entire brewing process. These machines are for the experienced barista who wants to have complete control over every aspect of the coffee-making process.

They are typically more affordable than other types of machines and are a great choice for those who love the traditional and authentic coffee-making experience.

Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines

Semi-automatic espresso machines require you to manually control the coffee grind, tamp the coffee, and start and stop the extraction process.

But the machine will regulate the water temperature and pressure. These machines are popular for home use as they offer a balance between control and convenience.

Automatic Espresso Machines

Automatic espresso machines are ideal for those who want a quick and convenient coffee experience. These machines are easy to use and have a range of features such as programmable settings and automatic milk frothing.

Simply add the coffee and press a button, and the machine takes care of the rest. It’s challenging to find a variety of automatic machines under $200.

Super-Automatic Espresso Machines

Super-automatic espresso machines are the most advanced machines on the market and there are few under $200. These machines can grind, tamp, brew, and froth milk all at the touch of a button.

Some models also have built-in grinders and bean hoppers, making them the ultimate convenience machine. They are excellent if you want to make coffee with minimal effort and time.

There are many types of espresso machines available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Before purchasing the best espresso machine under $200, it is important to consider factors such as budget, level of control desired, and convenience.

Size

Espresso machines come in a range of sizes, from compact models that fit on your countertop to larger machines that take up more space. Make sure you have enough space for the machine you choose.

Brand and Price

Finally, consider the brand and price of the machine. While some brands are known for their high-quality espresso machines, you don’t necessarily need to break the bank to get a good machine. Our list includes a range of affordable options that deliver great results.

Where You’ll Use Your Espresso Machine

Espresso machines under $200 are perfect for home use, but they can also be used in small offices and cafes, or even when traveling. They are great for making individual espressos and small cappuccinos but really aren’t a long-term fit for making large batches of coffee.

Crucial Features in Your Best Espresso Machine Under $200

Consider what features are important to you in your best espresso machine under $200. Do you want a machine with a built-in grinder? A milk frother? Programmable settings? Think about what will make your espresso-making experience easier and more enjoyable.

• Portafilter: Look for a machine with a portafilter made of high-quality materials like stainless steel or brass. This will ensure that your espresso is brewed evenly and has a rich crema.
• Steam wand: A steam wand is essential for frothing milk for cappuccinos and lattes. Look for a machine with a wand that is easy to maneuver and produces consistent steam.
• Water tank: The size of the water tank is important if you plan on making multiple espressos in a row. If this is important to you, look for a machine with a tank that holds at least 40 ounces.

Red Flags When Searching For the Best Espresso Machine Under $200

While there are many great espresso machines under $200, there are a few common problems you should be aware of or look out for when assessing options at this price point:

Inconsistent brewing 

Some machines may have trouble producing consistent shots of espresso. Hold out for a machine with a high-quality portafilter and a pump that can maintain consistent pressure.

Limited features

If you’re looking for a machine with a lot of bells and whistles, you may be disappointed in this price range. However, you can still find machines with basic features done well, like a steam wand and a removable drip tray.

Durability

Some cheaper machines may not be built to last. The best espresso machine under $200 will be solidly constructed, and come with a warranty of at least one year.

When shopping for an espresso machine under $200, keep in mind the features you need, the problems to watch out for, and the use cases that best suit your needs. 

With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to find a machine that fits your budget and makes delicious espresso drinks. Happy brewing!

What Is The Best Espresso Machine Under $200 – Our Verdict

Based on our analysis, the De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine is the best espresso machine under $200 overall.

Simple, compact, and well-made by a beloved brand, it pulls quality espresso shots that taste like they came from a much more expensive machine.

Plus, you’ve got the steam wand attached so you can make your favorite milk-based drinks, like lattes and cappuccinos.

The clincher for us though is that the Stilosa is one of the least expensive options on this whole list. It’s basically a no-brainer buy if you’re on a budget, but want a solid espresso machine that’ll last.

FAQs – Best Espresso Machine Under $200