Looking for a quick answer? We have chosen the Flair manual espresso machine as the best espresso machine under $200.
Making your own espresso at home is one of the best ways to start your morning. But, if you have been doing some research, you may have realized that espresso machines can be very expensive.
We have been wondering for a while if it is even possible to make decent espresso at home with a very low budget. So, we did some research and even tried a few affordable machines ourselves. Then, we put together this list of our top 10 favorite machines under $200.
Top 9 best espresso machines under $200
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Automatic Milk frothing: Automatic Dimensions: 8.86″D x 11.22″W x 12.6″H Material: Stainless Steel Display: Buttons | ||
 | Semi-automatic Milk frothing: Manual Dimensions: 9.06″D x 11.42″W x 13.78″H Material: Plastic Display: Knob | ||
best SEMi-automatic  | Semi-automatic Milk frothing: Manual Dimensions: 7.25″D x 9.6″W x 11.9″H Material: Stainless Steel Display: Knob | ||
 | Semi-automatic Milk frothing: Manual Dimensions: 8.07″D x 13.5″W x 11.22″H Material: Plastic Display: Knob | ||
 | Nespresso Milk frothing: None Dimensions: 8″D x 12″W x 12″H Material: Plastic Display: Button | ||
 | Automatic Milk frothing: Manual Dimensions: 5.2″D x 12″W x 12.2″H Material: Stainless Steel Display: Buttons | ||
best overall  | Manual Milk frothing: None Dimensions: 6″D x 12″W x 10″H Material: Aluminum Display: Lever | ||
 | Manual Milk frothing: None Dimensions: 7.8″D x 10.6″W x 12″H Material: Aluminum Display: Lever | ||
 | Manual Milk frothing: None Dimensions: 2.75″D x 2.75″W x 9.64″H Material: Plastic Display: Pump |
Semi automatic espresso machines
To be honest, you are not going to get barista level espresso with an entry-level semi automatic machine. There is a lot of precision that goes into the espresso process, and cheaper espresso machines usually are not capable of such accuracy. Also, do not expect these machines to let you customize brewing parameters such as temperature and pre-infusion time.They are designed with beginners in mind so most of the values are preset and cannot be adjusted.
However, if you are just trying to make an espresso shot at home but do not really care about understanding the variables behind espresso making, one of these machines could be exactly what you need. So, let’s get into it.
1. Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
Feautures:
- Automatic
- Grinder: None
- Milk frothing: Automatic
- Dimensions: 8.8″D x 11.2″W x 12.6″H
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Display: Buttons
If you are looking for an easy to use machine that does almost everything for you, then the Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino maker is your best choice in this price range.
This machine features a very friendly three-button interface to choose between espresso, cappuccino or latte. It also has an automatic milk frothing system that works with a removable milk reservoir. We really like this feature because you can just remove the reservoir and put any leftover milk back in the fridge.
Making a drink with this machine is really easy. You start by putting your coffee grounds in the portafilter and tamping. Then, you have to lock the portafilter in place and select the drink you want to make. If you are making latte or cappuccino, you will also have to choose the correct froth setting. And that’s all! The Mr. Coffee machine will then make the drink for you.
We always recommend getting a good burr grinder for better espresso quality. However, this machine uses pressurized portafilters, so it should be able to pull a decent shot even if your grounds are not fine enough for classic espresso brewing.
This espresso machine comes with a portafilter, single and double shot filters baskets, and a plastic tamper. The quality of the accessories is not the best but we cannot ask for much for such an affordable price. It can be hard to tamp properly with the plastic tamper but you can always upgrade to a metal one. They are pretty affordable.
Pros
- Simple interface
- Easy to use. Option to select your drink.
- Large water reservoir
- Automatic milk frother with milk reservoir
- Auto-off feature
Cons
- Plastic build and accessories
- Heavier than other entry-level machines
2. DeLonghi EC155 espresso machine
Feautures:
- Semi-automatic
- Grinder: None
- Milk frothing: Manual
- Dimensions: 9.1″D x 11.4″W x 13.8″H
- Material: Plastic
- Display: Knob
If you are looking for something even cheaper, the DeLonghi EC155 offers great value for the money. You will be able to make espresso, lattes and cappuccinos for a very affordable price. But, you should also expect the drink making process to be more hands-on.
The De’Longhi EC155 uses a 3-in-1 portafilter that can brew one or two shots of espresso and it is also compatible with espresso pods.
This machine has a narrow design that makes it ideal for a small kitchen. It also features a removable and dishwasher safe water tank and drip tray. However, the interface could be better as the machine uses a single dial that is not the most intuitive.
To start brewing you have to first turn on and heat up the machine. There is a green light that will let you know when the machine is warm enough but keep in mind that the heat up process can take about 15 minutes. You probably want to turn it on, go make breakfast or feed the dog and come back to make your shot.
When the machine is ready to go, you have to bring the dial to brew mode and then turn it off after you have reached the desired brew time. Unlike other machines, the EC155 will not stop the espresso flow automatically after a preset brew time.
The milk frothing system uses a manual steam wand. You can start the steaming process using the same single dial that is used for brewing. We need to mention that you will not get a pitcher included with this machine so you will need to purchase one.
Pros
- Less expensive
- Very compact
- Compatible with ESE pods
Cons
- Plastic build and accessories
- No automatic espresso flow stop
- Small water reservoir. Will need to be refilled pretty often
- Long heat up time
3. DeLonghi ECP3630
Feautures:
- Semi-automatic
- Grinder: None
- Milk frothing: Manual
- Dimensions: 7.2″D x 9.6″W x 11.9″H
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Display: Knob
The DeLonghi ECP3630 looks like a more modern and less plasticky version of the Delonghi EC155. But, it is also a bit more expensive.
You can see and feel that the build quality is better in the ECP3630. This machine is also very compact so it will be easy to fit in your kitchen.
But, besides the quality, the other big upgrade is the heating system. The DeLonghi ECP3630 can heat up in less than 1 minute.
The interface features a single dial that you can use to power the machine and to switch between brewing and steaming. You can choose to brew either single or double shots and the machine is also compatible with ESE pods.
The DeLonghi ECP3630 does not have a flow stop function which means that you will have to decide when to manually stop the espresso brewing process.
The main drawback about this machine is that the manual steam wand is not good enough to make microfoam for latte art. But, you will still be able to make thick and creamy foam for cappuccinos.
Pros
- Fast heating time. Ready to brew in less than 1 minute
- Very compact
- Compatible with ESE pods
Cons
- No automatic espresso flow control
- Steam wand is not powerful enough to make microfoam
- Plastic accessories
4. DeLonghi Stilosa
Feautures:
- Semi-automatic
- Grinder: None
- Milk frothing: Manual
- Dimensions: 8.1″D x 13.5″W x 11.2″H
- Material: Plastic
- Display: Knob
The DeLonghi Stilosa is the newest entry-level Delonghi machine. At first glance, it has a more modern look compared to other machines from the brand. It seems like this model is going to replace the DeLonghi EC155 so these machines are pretty similar.
The interface of the Stilosa consists of a single dial that you can use to turn the machine on and off and to switch between the brewing and steaming functions.
The machine can take a few minutes to heat up, so you will want to allocate some time for that in the mornings.
The Delonghi Stilosa can make single or double shots and it is also compatible with ESE pods. Because the machine uses pressurized portafilters, getting the precise grind size is not as important for the brewing process. However, do not expect the highest espresso quality out of this machine.
Just like the other entry level Delonghi machines, the Stilosa does not have an auto flow stop function, so you have to decide when to stop the espresso flow.
This machine features a pannarello steam wand that can produce some foam but it is not powerful enough to make microfoam for latte art.
Pros
- Very compact
- Compatible with ESE pods
- Water indicator tells water levels at all times
Cons
- No automatic espresso flow control
- Steam wand is not powerful enough to make microfoam
- Plastic accessories
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee & Espresso Machine
Feautures:
- Nespresso
- Grinder: None
- Milk frothing: Nonr
- Dimensions: 8″D x 12″W x 12″H
- Material: Plastic
- Display: Button
Some may say that a Nespresso machine does not make real espresso. Traditionally, espresso is made by using a pump to apply pressure to pass hot water through the coffee grounds. The Nespresso Vertuo does not use a pump. It uses Nespresso’s patented Centrifusion technology, which spins capsules over 7,000 times a minute to extract the coffee.
However, although the physics of the process may be different, at the end of the day, the Nespresso Vertuo can make espresso that looks and tastes like the shot you would get at the coffee shop.
Of course, we would not recommend this machine to espresso enthusiasts who are looking to learn how to dial a shot. But, the Nespresso Vertuo is perfect for someone who just wants to get a good tasting espresso shot and does not really care about the process.
The interface is really intuitive and Nespresso capsules are really easy to use. And because this machine uses capsules you obviously will not need a grinder. The Nespresso Vertuo also doubles as a coffee and espresso machine which is great value for the price.
The one drawback about this machine is that it does not come with a milk frother. Therefore, if you want to make cappuccinos and lattes at home you will need to buy a stand alone milk frother. Luckily, you can find a manual one for as little as $20.
Pros
- Fast heat up time
- Very easy to use
- Work with coffee pods
- Can make both espresso and coffee
- Included welcome kit of capsules
Cons
- Heavier than other machine in the list
- Only compatible with Nespresso pods
- Does not include milk frother
6. Gevi 20 Bar Compact Professional Espresso Coffee Machine
Feautures:
- Automatic
- Grinder: None
- Milk frothing: Manual
- Dimensions: 5.2″D x 12″W x 12.2″H
- Material: Stainles Steel
- Display: Buttons
Out of all the machines on this list, the Gevi is probably the one that offers the most features for the price. However, based on our own experience and internet reviews, the machine seems to produce quite inconsistent results.
The thermoblock heating system is one of the best parts about this machine. Thanks to this heating system, the Gevi machine can heat up in less than 1 minute which is something rare to see in entry level machines.
Also, this machine has a pre-infusion function which again you usually do not find at this price point. During pre-infusion, the machine soaks the coffee grounds before applying pressure for a richer extraction.
This machine is pretty compact and lightweight and has a very elegant and simple design. The front of the machine features a pressure gauge that shows the pressure that is being applied during the extraction. The buttons to choose between single or double shot and to start the steaming process are on top of the machine. Overall, the interface is pretty intuitive.
The Gevi 20 Bar Compact also features a manual steam wand.
To be honest, we were debating whether to include this machine in the list because there are quite a few flaws in the design. First, the pressure gauge does not seem to be accurate, sometimes it just does not move at all. Then, we tried this machine with different grind sizes and surprisingly we got better results with grind sizes that would usually be too coarse for espresso. Most of the shots we pulled using fine grounds were over extracted. After doing some research, it seems that people get inconsistent results with this machine.
Finally, another flaw in the design is that you have to wait for the machine to cool down after steaming if you want to pull another shot of espresso.
Pros
- Thermoblock heating system for fast heat up time
- Low pressure pre infusion
- Automatic espresso flow stop
- Includes manual milk steamer
Cons
- Pressure gauge does not always work
- After steaming, the machines needs some time to cold down before it can brew again
Manual espresso machines
The semi automatic machine above can work for people who just want to drink but not really learn about espresso. If you are trying to seriously get into espresso brewing and want to get the best espresso quality, your best option is to get a manual espresso machine. It will take more time to pull the shot but the resulting espresso will be better than what you can get with a cheap semi automatic machine.
7. Flair Manual Espresso Maker Classic
Feautures:
- Manual
- Grinder: None
- Milk frothing: None
- Dimensions: 6″D x 12″W x 10″H
- Material: Aluminum
- Display: Lever
The Flair is a very small and portable machine. It may seem very complicated to use because of the multiple parts that you have to assemble but it is not actually not that hard after all.
How does the Flair work? First you need to grind the coffee and preheat the group head. Then, place the coffee grounds in the portafilter and tamp using the included tamper. Next step is to put the portafilter in place and the pre heated group head on top. After this, pour the hot water in the water chamber. Finally, it is time to pull the lever which will force the water through the coffee grounds and produce an espresso shot.
It will probably take some practice to learn how fast you should be pulling the lever and how much force you should be applying for optimal extraction. It can be very helpful to also buy the pressure gauge kit that Flair offers. You can attach this gauge to your Flair machine to keep track of how much pressure you are applying at any time. If you can spare a little extra money, this purchase is totally worth it.
One of the drawbacks is that because the Flair has multiple parts you will have to spend some time cleaning after every use. We also need to mention that you will need a good grinder which means an additional investment.
Pros
- Can make high quality espresso
- Very portable
- Stainless steel and aluminum build
Cons
- You need to preheat the group head before pulling a shot
- It takes practice to learn how quickly you should pull the lever
- Process is completely manual
- No milk frother included
8. ROK Manual Espresso Maker
Feautures:
- Manual
- Grinder: None
- Milk frothing: None
- Dimensions: 7.8″D x 10.6″W x 12″H
- Material: Aluminum
- Display: Lever
The ROK manual espresso maker definitely has a unique and modern look. It is probably one the most compact espresso machines being only 11.5 inches tall and weighing 3.5 pounds.
As expected from a manual machine, the ROK does only one job: it can make espresso. Do not expect a built-in grinder or a frothing function. Of course, this means that you will have to invest in a burr grinder if you want to get good results with your ROK.
How does it work? First, you will need to grind your coffee beans and pull a blank shot to preheat both the main chamber and the portafilter. Then, you are ready to put the grounds in the portafilter, tamp and lock the portafilter in place. The next step is to pour the boiling water in the chamber. Finally, push down the arms to create the pressure that will make the water pass through the coffee grounds. We actually find this machine easier to use compared to the Flair as you can use both arms to apply the force.
Pros
- Can make high quality espresso
- Easy to use compared to other manual machines
- High build quality
- Interesting and unique design
Cons
- You need to preheat the main chamber and portafilter
- Process is completely manual
- More expensive than some semi automatic machines
- No milk frother included
9. STARESSO Portable Espresso Machine
Feautures:
- Manual
- Grinder: None
- Milk frothing: None
- Dimensions: 2.75″D x 2.75″W x 9.64″H
- Material: Plastic
- Display: Pump
The STARESSO is the smallest espresso brewer in this list, weighing less than one pound. Despite its small size, this machine is capable of generating enough pressure to brew great tasting espresso.
This very portable machine can only make one espresso shot at the time. It is ideal for camping or traveling rather than home use.
The STARESSO is easy to use and also easy to clean. The machine can be easily disassembled for cleaning.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Portable. Ideal for camping or traveling
- Easy to use and clean
Cons
- Plastic build
- Can only make one shot at a time
Buying Guide
As you see is is possible to find a decent espresso machine for under $200. Each espresso machine in our list offers different features and will provide a different experience. We have put together this buying guide with all the factors you should consider when choosing an espresso machine under $200.
Manual vs. semi automatic
In the under $200 price range, you have two options: a manual or a semi automatic espresso machine.
If you are an experienced espresso maker or someone trying to seriously take on espresso as a hobby, you should consider the manual machines. In all honesty, you will not be satisfied with what the semi automatic machines in this price range can offer. A manual espresso machine is very hands-on but it will give you more control over the process and better espresso.
If you are not very interested in the process and just want to easily pull a shot in the mornings, the semi-automatic machines will be better for you. The semi-automatic machines in this list may not be capable of professional quality espresso but they can still brew a decent shot. These machines will do some of the work for you, so they are easier to use for beginners.
Types of drinks that you like
Do you mainly drink espresso or are you more of a latte/cappuccino person?
If you are considering buying an espresso machine mainly to make milk based drinks, you should consider getting an espresso machine with a decent steaming wand.
If you are mainly an espresso drinker, you want to get the machine that can make the best tasting espresso. And to be honest, if you want to stay in the under $200 price range, this is going to be one of the manual machines like the Flair.
Build Quality and Design
Good build quality usually means durability. A stainless steel machine is going to last longer than one with multiple plastic parts.
The size of the machine is also a factor to consider. Most of the entry-level machines are pretty compact but it is always good to compare sizes and make sure that the machine is going to fit on your countertop.
Milk Frothing
Have you decided you want a machine with a milk frothing function? Then, you can choose between a manual steam wand or a machine with automatic milk frothing.
Espresso machines with automatic milk steaming will bring your milk to the chosen texture and temperature. With a manual wand, you will have to learn how to properly move the pitcher and the wand to create different froth levels. But, you will have more control over the milk texture once you have had enough practice.
However, a common issue with milk frothing in entry-level machines is that steam wands cannot produce enough pressure to make microfoam for lattes. But, they can still make thick foam for cappuccinos.
Espresso quality
Let’s address the elephant in the room. Is it even possible to achieve good espresso with a cheap espresso machine?
There are many factors that matter for espresso quality and this is why building a good espresso set up can be really expensive. There are some variables that you have more control over such as the freshness of the beans and the proper grind size. Other factors will depend on the espresso machine such as adequate pressure, capacity of the boiler to keep the brewing temperature stable, and proper filter baskets.
In this price range, the best option to get great quality espresso is with a manual machine. However, we understand that not everyone is willing to go through all the work that this type of machine involves.
Most semi-automatic machines in this price range use pressurized portafilter baskets. This helps improve the quality of the espresso extraction regardless of whether you are using a good burr grinder or even pre-ground coffee. You will not get professional quality espresso but some of these machines can at least make a decent shot.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning an espresso machine can be a troublesome process.
Machines with removable parts will be easier to clean. Also, some machines have a way to signal when it is time to clean the machine. Some also come with a cleaning kit.
Portability
Most of these entry level machines are pretty compact. But, maybe you are looking for something even more portable that you can take camping for example?
There are some machines designed specifically with portability in mind such as the STARESSO.
If you are just planning to have the espresso machine on your countertop, you can go for the more classic models.
Capacity
How often do you plan on using your espresso machine? If you think you will be brewing multiple cups a day, you may want an espresso machine with a larger water tank. You will have to refill a smaller tank more often which can be inconvenient.
The Verdict
If you are looking for the best espresso machine under $200, our top recommendation is the Flair manual espresso machine. This machine involves a more hand-on brewing experience, but it can make the best quality espresso out of all the under $200 options.
However, if you definitely want to get a semi-automatic machine, our top pick is the DeLonghi ECP 3630. We also chose this machine as the best entry level DeLonghi machine in our full DeLonghi review.