Best Budget Espresso Machines
When shopping for an espresso machine, choose a model that produces delicious, flavorful shots and well-steamed milk. Some machines are super-automatic and do all of the work for you, however these typically sacrifice flavor and texture.
The De'Longhi Stilosa is an excellent simple option that's easy for beginners to use and doesn't take up much counter space. It is also durable.
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 inexpensive for those who are just beginning but durable and reliable enough to satisfy even experienced espresso drinkers. Plus, it includes a versatile milk frother that whips lattes and cappuccinos within minutes.
Consider how many people will serve your espresso to and how often you will make use of the machine. If you only plan to make one or two cups of espresso a day, a single-shot espresso machine is sufficient. However should you plan to serve guests regularly an additional capacity could be necessary.
Certain espresso machines have an integrated grinder however, others require a separate unit. The former is more convenient, however it also tends to produce less tasty coffee than a burr grinder.
Select a model that features PID control. This feature electronically controls the temperature of the boiler, which offers an accurate and consistent result than a traditional mechanical thermostat.
A transparent water tank makes it easy to know when it's time to refill and a brew chamber helps with cleanup. The machine can be connected directly to the water supply at your home for a cleaner and more consistent the brew.
CASABREWS' 3700Essential is good option for those who wish to start making espresso without spending a lot of money. Its performance isn't quite at the level of high-end models however, it is capable of producing strong espresso shots that have plenty of body and flavor. Additionally, the machine's intuitive interface is easy to use.
A transparent, front-facing dial and a water reservoir that is removable, 42 ounces are just two of the features that make this espresso maker an excellent purchase. The dual frother can be switched from steaming to frothing. (The first one whips up the milk to make cappuccinos, while the one that steams heat into the milk to make lattes.) The design of the water tank on this model can be irritating. It's difficult to fill and can be difficult to locate.
Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus espresso machine is a small, compact machine that lets you make espresso and lattes of cafe quality at your own home. It is simple to use and doesn't require any particular knowledge or skills in coffee making. This makes it perfect for those who are just beginning to learn about the art of espresso making.
It comes with a few features that distinguish it against other entry-level models. It comes with a PID that helps ensure precise water temperatures during extraction. It uses a low pressure pre-infusion technique to extract the best flavor from your beans. It also has a fast heat-up time thanks to its ThermoJet system. This allows you to begin making your coffee in only three seconds, saving you time in the morning when you are trying to get out the door.
Another nice feature is that the Bambino Plus has a dedicated steam wand that can be used to make smooth, frothy and creamy milk for lattes and cappuccinos. It comes with two different settings for milk texture so you can customize your drink. It can't produce the ultra-smooth, microfoam you get from a professional machine but it does offer promising options as a novice.
The Bambino Plus is an excellent little espresso machine. However, it does not have the same number of bells and whistles as some of Breville's top-of-the-line models. It doesn't include a hot water spout or steaming via manual, and it only ships with pressurized filter baskets in North America. If you already own a grinder that can make fine espresso grinds it's a great option for those who are trying to get into espresso making at a low price.
The Bambino Plus may look like a toy but it's constructed with real metal. It also has extremely tight tolerances. It's easy to clean and comes with a few built-in reminders to help you stay on track with descaling and cleaning. You'll begin saving money within a couple of weeks on costly coffee shop trips.
Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series fully automatic espresso machine comes with lots of features for the price. This is a great option for those who want to cut down on the number of trips to coffee shops and take control of the way their morning cup of coffee is prepared. This budget-friendly, all-in-one espresso maker includes an integrated grinder and brew unit, as well as an automatic milk frother as well as a hot water function. It offers a variety of drinks that include iced coffee as well as cappuccinos and lattes.
The machine is easy-to-use and maintain. Its programable My Coffee choice feature lets you alter the strength of your coffee to your preferences. There are three strengths to choose from, and the machine will remember your choices for each individual drink. The machine comes with an AquaClean filtering system that according to the company, will keep it clean for up to 5,000 cups of espresso.
The model isn't without its flaws in that it takes longer to brew the shots than other models. While that's not a big deal, it might cause some users to be uncomfortable. The grinder of the machine is slightly on the coarse side, which means it could require a larger grind size than some other models.
The Philips 3200 also comes with an adjustable timer that can be set up to automatically start brewing coffee at certain times. This is particularly beneficial for those with a busy schedule. The machine comes with an adjustable drip pan that the full details can be removed and cleaned quickly for faster cleanup. Philips includes grease tubes that are used to help lubricate your brew machine at least every two months.
The front-loading tank makes it simple to refill the machine. The reservoir of water can hold up to 1.7 gallons and the machine will inform you when to replace the filter or add water. The controls are easy to use and have a touchscreen interface. The display will tell you when your coffee is finished and different lights signal if there was an error or if the machine needs descaled.
Hamilton Beach Espresso Maker
Hamilton Beach 40715 Espresso machine is a great choice for those who wish to get the most value for their buck. This budget-friendly machine allows you to use ground coffee, K-Cups, or pre-measured espresso pods. The built-in milk maker allows you to make cappuccinos and lattes that are of a high-quality café. This feature is not typical in machines of this priced.
The 40715 is simple to use and maintain. The unique Slide and Lock Portafilter makes it simple to insert the filter, lock it in place, and then take your espresso out. A programmable timer helps you set a predetermined brewing time, ensuring that your espresso is always ready when you need it. The auto-pause and serve feature also allows you to quickly pour mid-brew, so you won't need to wait too long to enjoy your beverage.
The 40715's huge water tank is a further benefit. This will help you avoid having to refill your water reservoir regularly, saving you both time and money. In addition the dishwasher-safe parts and filter basket that can be removed make it easy to clean and maintain.
The 40715 performs on the same level as other machines in its category. The 15-bar Italian pump helps to create the most delicious and flavorful espresso, and the adjustable steam control ensures that your beverages will be perfect every time. The programmable timer as well as the automatic pause and serve function are other useful features.
Hamilton Beach 40715 is a fantastic product that has many positive aspects. However there are some issues to consider prior to purchasing. One issue is the limited boiler capacity, which can cause water to cool too quickly, and ruin the extraction process. A permanent filter isn't included, so you might need to purchase additional filters in future.
If you're in the market for an espresso maker that's new make sure you take a look at the selections available at your local retailer prior to making a choice. You can contact them ahead of time and inquire if the model you're looking for is in stock. Additionally, be sure to consider shipping costs or the convenience of picking up when you're shopping on the internet. If you are not happy with your purchase, take advantage of the return policy provided by the retailer to exchange it for another item.