If you’d like to enjoy coffeehouse-style coffee at home, this has become very accessible with many great options for machines at an affordable price. But what is the best espresso machine under 100? We’ve put a list together of our top picks for budget espresso machines below.
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Top Picks for the Best Espresso Machine Under 100
There is nothing like a wonderfully brewed espresso-based coffee in the morning. Espresso machines are such flexible machines that you can make any espresso-based drink you can imagine. Lattes, Cappuccinos, Mochas, Americanos or perhaps a Long Black. Lucky for you, low-cost machines can be more forgiving than some of the higher-priced versions on the market, so it is a win-win.
Capsule / Pod Machines
We’ve included a variety of machines into our list including pod machines. The only thing we’d say on the pods is to consider the price, the taste and availability of the pods before you commit. Pod machines can be a great timesaver and a sure-fire way to make consistent coffees, but these are not for everyone so make sure it’s the best choice for you.
ESE Pods
Ese Pods can be a helpful tool as it is bound to make your life a lot easier. They come without the after taste that some of the other pod machines come with. These pods are also better priced than the branded capsules pods and will give you a more authentic espresso taste than those. However, double-check that your machine does take these ESE Pods as it needs the correct filter to work.
Do You Need a Grinder?
The answer here is yes and no. It’s not compulsory but can make a difference. Most of the pre-ground coffees that you can buy are a good grind size for espresso-making, these will usually say espresso on the packaging. However, if you’d like to make sure your coffee is as freshly ground as possible for the best flavour then looking at purchasing a grinder can be a good idea. Perhaps not for now, but in a few months time if you so choose. A grinder will help take your coffee making to 11 – if you catch our drift!
The Best Espresso Machines Under 100
1. De’Longhi Stilosa 15 Bar Espresso Machine
Brew like a pro with the De’Longhi Stilosa. Whether you prefer a single or double espresso or even a cappuccino, this machine can brew your favourite coffeehouse coffee just the way you like it.
The machine has separate water and steam pressure controls with two separate thermostats so you can make the perfect cup at the perfect temperature. It has most of the features of some of the more expensive machines at a really great and affordable price.
Cleaning is easy with the removable water tank, that is slightly smaller than some of the bigger machines but still perfectly adequate.
The machine is nice and compact, so if you’re looking for a space-saving machine at an affordable price, this is definitely a great buy.
Pros:
- Very affordable price
- Good quality machine
- Heats quickly
- Good pressure for producing crema
Cons:
- The water tank is quite small
2. Mr Coffee Automatic Dual Shot Espresso/Cappuccino System
Mr Coffee is a good budget machine which allows you to create authentic espresso drinks with little fuss. It uses a thermal block heating system to heat water quickly.
The 15 bar pump system is powerful enough to produce good crema and you can either make a double or single shot of espresso with the two porta-filter size options.
The clear water tank is easy to remove and holds 40 oz / just over 1.1 litres of water, allowing you to check water levels easily before you start brewing.
Pros:
- Easy to operate
- Works with a hit of a button
- Good pressure for producing crema
Cons:
- Feels a bit plasticky
3. Gevi 15-Bar Espresso Machine
The Gevi a solid 15-bar machine with active temperature control and visual thermometer for optimal coffee extraction. It has two separate thermostats which mean you can adjust the milk and espresso temperature separately.
With this machine, you can make espresso, Cappuccinos and lattes if you choose. You can adjust the froth foam steam level and the nozzle rotates up a full 360° which is very helpful.
The 15-bar pressure pump has enough pressure to produce good crema for an aromatic cup of coffee. It has three functions and allows you to manually control the amount of coffee; 1 shot (30ml coffee) or 2 shots (60ml coffee).
This machine has a nice, small and elegant design to fit any kitchen worktop.
Pros:
- Good pressure
- Works really well
- Easy to use
Cons:
Steam pressure can take time
4. Capresso 117.05 Stainless Steel Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
Make fast and consistent espressos with this espresso machine from Capresso. The 15 Bar pump delivers good crema for a coffeehouse-style espresso.
The machine includes one dual-function sieve to make one or two espressos at the same time with a self-locking filter holder.
Adjust the dial to make coffee or steam for rich cappuccinos, lattes or even mochas. Whichever you prefer. With a solid 42 ounce clear water tank you can easily make a few cuppas in a row without a problem.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Versatile machine at a great price
- Basic machine that does the job well
- Good pressure for producing crema
Cons:
- Can be a bit noisy
5. Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker
If you’re looking for a pod machine in this price range that is compact, then the Keurig K-Mini could be just what you’re looking for. This machine is less than 5 inches wide, which makes it perfect for small spaces.
It has a one-cup reservoir so will need refilling for multiple cups, but it works really fast and can easily be transported if you choose. This little machine is travel mug friendly as the drip tray is removable.
Don’t worry if you forget to turn the machine off as it has an auto shut off after 90 seconds of inactivity.
Pros:
- Very compact
- Makes a nice and hot cup of coffee
- Portable if you choose
Cons:
- Only uses Keurig pods
6. Mixpresso Espresso Machine for Nespresso
If you love Nespresso pods then this machine is an affordable solution under 100. It’s half the price of some of the bigger Nespresso machines and makes exactly the same coffee. It has a removable drip tray for easy cleaning without the fuss.
The detachable water tank holds 27 oz / 0.8 L of water and is clear so easy to check the water levels before you press go. It’s an impressive little single-serve machine.
On top of its functionality, it is a good looking little machine that will look quite impressive in any kitchen setting.
Pros:
- Affordable machine
- Easy to operate
- Makes the same quality Nespresso as the more expensive machines
Cons:
- Only uses Nespresso pods
- Can spew grounds if you open it too quickly so be a little patient
7. SOWTECH Espresso Machine, 3.5 Bar 4 Cup Steamer Coffee
Sowtech makes an easy to use machine with a slightly lower pressure pump than some of the other machines listed. It’s a good beginners machine and still delivers a decent amount of crema.
It’s nice and compact and has a removable drip tray for easy cleaning. The machine comes with a milk wand to make easy work of cappuccinos and lattes.
Pros:
- Compact size
- Easy to operate
Cons:
- Frothing milk can be a bit tricky
FAQs
Can an espresso machine under 100 dollars make good espresso?
We believe so, some of the lower-priced machines can compete with their more expensive counterparts. The DE’LONGHI STILOSA specifically is a great competitor for machines that are over $100.
Why do espresso machines under 100 dollars have a pressure of 3.5 bar?
This is not always the case, there are several machines under 100 dollars that have 15 bar pumps so it depends on the make. The DE’LONGHI STILOSA for example has a 15 bar pump and is priced under 100 dollars. But as with anything to reduce the price there are compromises that must be made so these machines can have less powerful pumps.
How much is a good espresso machine?
You can get a decent machine, normally from 80 dollars or more. You get very decent machines that make coffeehouse quality espresso. For advice on the best espresso machines under 200 visit our related page.