Best Budget Espresso Machines
If you're looking for an espresso maker, choose one that can make rich, flavorful shots and that can steam milk well. Certain machines are fully automated and will do the work for you. However, they often compromise taste and texture.
The De'Longhi Stilosa offers a simple, easy-to-use option that doesn't require 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 price and quality. It's affordable for novices, but robust and consistent enough to satisfy even experienced espresso drinkers. It also comes with a milk frother that can be used to make cappuccinos or lattes in a matter of minutes.
Consider how many people you will serve your espresso to and how often you'll use the machine. If you intend to make one or two cups of espresso a day, then a single shot espresso machine is sufficient. However when you plan to regularly serve guests more capacity might be necessary.
Some espresso makers come with an integrated grinder, whereas others require an additional unit. This is more convenient, but produces less tasty coffee than the burr mill.
Select a model that features a PID control. This feature electronically regulates the temperature of the boiler, which results in a more precise and consistent results compared to mechanical thermostats.
A transparent water tank makes it easier to know when it's time to refill, and a removable brewing chamber reduces the time needed to clean up. Furthermore, the machine can be connected directly to your home's water supply to ensure an easier, more consistent beverage.
CASABREWS' 3700Essential is great choice for those who wish to begin making espresso without spending a lot of money. It's not as great as top-end machines, however it makes strong shots that are packed with flavor and body. Plus, the machine's intuitive interface is easy to navigate.
A clear, front-facing dial as well as an adjustable 42-ounce reservoir for water are just a few of the features that make this espresso maker a smart purchase. It also has a dual frother, which can be changed between frothing and steaming (the first whips milk to make cappuccinos while the other injects hot air into milk to make lattes). The design of the water tank on this model can be frustrating. It's difficult to fill and can be awkwardly placed.
Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus espresso machine is compact and small that lets you make lattes and espresso of cafe quality at your home. It's easy to use and doesn't require any special knowledge or skills in coffee to operate, making it ideal for people who are new to the art of espresso making.
It comes with a few features that set it apart from other entry-level machines. For starters, it has an PID that helps ensure that the temperature of the water is accurate during extraction. It uses a low pressure pre-infusion process to get the maximum flavor from your beans. It also has a speedy heat-up time thanks to its ThermoJet system. This lets you start the brewing process in only three seconds. This will save you time in the morning, when you're trying to get ready.
Another great feature is that the Bambino Plus has a dedicated steam wand that can be used to create creamy, frothy milk for lattes and cappuccinos. It comes with two different settings for milk texture so you can alter the taste of the flavor of your drink. It isn't capable of producing the smooth microfoam you can get from an espresso machine with professional quality however it can offer some interesting options if you are an aspiring coffee maker.
The Bambino Plus is an excellent little espresso machine. However it's not equipped with as many bells and whistles as some of Breville's top-of-the-line models. It doesn't include a hot water spout, or steaming with a manual option, and it only ships with filter baskets with pressurized filters in North America. If you already have a grinder that can make fine espresso grinds this is a great alternative for those seeking to learn about espresso making at a low cost.
The Bambino Plus may look like toys however, it's made using real metal. It also has tight tolerances. It is easy to clean and it comes with built-in reminders to keep you on track when cleaning and descaling. You'll start saving money within a couple of weeks on expensive coffee shopping trips.
Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series fully automatic espresso machine comes with a lot of functionality for the price. It's a great choice for those who want to reduce coffeehouse trips to the cafe and take control of their morning cup of joe. This budget-friendly, all-in-one machine includes an integrated grinder and brew unit as well as hot water functions and an automatic milk frother. It also comes with a variety of beverage options, ranging from cappuccinos to iced coffee and lattes.
The machine is simple to operate and maintain. The My Coffee Choice feature allows you to alter the strength of your drink according to your own preferences. There are three strength settings to select from and the machine will keep your preferences for each drink. The machine is fitted with an AquaClean filtration system that according to the company will keep it clean for up to 5,000 cups espresso.
One downside of this model is that it takes a little longer to make shots than other models. Although it's not a huge issue, it can make some users machine espresso uncomfortable. The grinder on this machine is also a little coarse, which means you might have to grind it slightly more than other models.
The Philips 3200 also comes with an adjustable timer that can be set to start the coffee brewing process automatically at specific times. This is particularly beneficial for busy schedules. The machine comes with an adjustable drip pan that can be taken off and cleaned quickly for a cleaner cleanup. Philips includes a grease tube to help lubricate your brew machine at minimum every two months.
The front-loading tank makes it a breeze to refill the machine. The water reservoir can hold up to 1.7 gallon and the machine will notify you when it is time to replace the filter or add water. The controls of the machine are easy to use and feature a touchscreen interface. Its display will inform you when your coffee is ready, and various lights will indicate when the machine has to be scaled down or if an error has occurred.
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, which allows for the maximum flexibility. A built-in milk frother lets you make cafe-quality cappuccinos and lattes, another feature not commonly seen in machines of this price point.
The 40715 is incredibly simple to use and maintain. Its patented Slide and Lock portafilter makes it easy to insert, lock in place, and then extract your espresso effortlessly. A programmable clock allows you to set a certain time frame for brewing, ensuring that your espresso will always be ready when you want it. The auto-pause and serve feature also allows for a quick pour in the middle of brewing, so you won't have to wait long to enjoy your drink.
The 40715's large water tank is another benefit. This will help you save time and money by reducing the frequency of refilling your water tank. In addition the dishwasher-safe components and filter basket that can be removed make it easy to clean and maintain.
The 40715 performs at the same level as other machines in its category. The 15-bar Italian pump helps to create a rich and flavorful cup of espresso, while the adjustable steam control ensures that your drinks will be perfect every time. The programmable timer and automatic pause and serve function are also useful features.
Hamilton Beach 40715 is a fantastic product that has many positive aspects. However there are a few things to consider prior to purchasing. The boiler's small capacity could cause the water to cool too fast, affecting the extraction process. A permanent filter isn't included, so you may require purchasing additional filters in future.
Before you purchase, check out the options at your local retailer. You can contact them ahead of time and inquire whether the model you're looking for is available. If you are ordering online, be sure to consider shipping costs and the ease of picking up your purchase. If you're not satisfied with your purchase, you can take advantage of the return policy offered by the retailer to exchange it for a different item.