If you’re a coffee lover on a budget, you don’t need to spend thousands to enjoy high-quality espresso at home. Many budget-friendly espresso machines offer excellent performance, creamy froth, and rich flavor without breaking the bank.
In this guide, we’ll review the 5 best budget espresso machines in 2025, perfect for beginners and home baristas alike.
What to Look for in a Budget Espresso Machine?
Before we dive into our top picks, here are a few key factors to consider when choosing an affordable espresso maker:
- Pressure (Bars): Look for at least 9 bars of pressure (15 bars is ideal for rich crema).
- Milk Frothing: If you love cappuccinos or lattes, ensure it has a built-in steam wand.
- Ease of Use: Beginners should opt for semi-automatic or pod-based machines.
- Size & Design: Compact machines are ideal for small kitchens or apartments.
- Price & Durability: Aim for a model under $200 with solid user reviews.
5 Best Budget Espresso Machines in 2025
De’Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine – Best Overall
- Best for: Beginners & budget-conscious espresso lovers
- Price: Check on LINK
The De’Longhi Stilosa is one of the best affordable espresso machines under $150. It features a 15-bar pressure system for rich espresso, a manual steam wand for frothy lattes, and a compact design perfect for small kitchens.
Pros:
- Great price-to-performance ratio
- Durable stainless steel boiler
- Compact & stylish design
Cons:
- Steam wand could be more powerful
- No built-in grinder
Verdict: A fantastic entry-level espresso machine that delivers authentic espresso without spending a fortune.
Mr. Coffee Café Barista – Best for Beginners
- Best for: Easy espresso, lattes & cappuccinos
- Price: Check on LINK1
The Mr. Coffee Café Barista is a semi-automatic espresso maker with an automatic milk frother, making it perfect for cappuccino lovers. It’s easy to use and lets you make espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos with just one button.
Pros:
- One-touch operation
- Automatic milk frother
- Large water & milk reservoir
Cons:
- Plastic build feels less premium
- Not the strongest espresso shot
Verdict: If you want an affordable, beginner-friendly machine that makes lattes and cappuccinos effortlessly, this is a solid pick.
Nespresso Essenza Mini – Best Compact & Capsule-Based Machine
- Best for: Quick & mess-free espresso
- Price: Check on LINK
If you prefer capsule-based espresso, the Nespresso Essenza Mini is one of the smallest, most affordable Nespresso machines. It uses 19-bar pressure to extract rich espresso and heats up in just 25 seconds.
Pros:
- Super compact & space-saving
- Fast brewing (25-second heat-up time)
- No mess, easy to clean
Cons:
- Requires Nespresso pods (higher cost per cup)
- No milk frother included
Verdict: Perfect for small kitchens or quick morning espresso lovers who want a hassle-free experience.
Gevi Espresso Machine – Best Under $120
- Best for: Budget buyers under $100
- Price: Check on LINK
The Gevi Espresso Machine is one of the most affordable espresso makers that still delivers 15-bar pressure for strong, flavorful espresso. It includes a milk frothing wand and has a simple knob control system for easy operation.
Pros:
- Extremely budget-friendly
- Compact & lightweight
- Good crema for the price
Cons:
- Takes longer to heat up
- Not the most durable option
Verdict: If you’re looking for an espresso machine under $120, this is a solid option for beginners.
Breville Bambino Plus – Best for Quality on a Budget
- Best for: Affordable high-end espresso
- Price: Check on LINK
The Breville Bambino Plus is slightly more expensive than other budget options, but it delivers barista-level espresso with a 3-second heat-up time, automatic milk frothing, and PID temperature control for precise extraction.
Pros:
- 3-second heat-up time
- High-quality espresso with perfect crema
- Automatic milk frothing
Cons:
- Slightly pricier than other budget models
- No built-in grinder
Verdict: If you want an espresso machine that feels premium but is still affordable, this is the best choice.
Conclusion: Which Budget Espresso Machine is Right for You?
If you’re looking for the best budget espresso machine, here’s a quick summary:
- Best Overall: De’Longhi Stilosa
- Best for Beginners: Mr. Coffee Café Barista
- Best Compact Machine: Nespresso Essenza Mini
- Best Under $120: Gevi Espresso Machine
- Best High-Quality Budget Pick: Breville Bambino Plus
All of these budget espresso machines offer great value for money and will help you enjoy delicious homemade espresso without overspending.
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