It actually is possible to find a decent espresso machine under 100$. In this article, we analyze some of the most interesting prospects among the budget options.
Asser Christensen
Let’s be real here: Espresso is not a cheap hobby! 🙅
At least not if you want to do it right.
Most of the espresso machines I have been reviewing on this blog are far more expensive than the ones in this article. And they aren’t even seen as being expensive.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the most affordable options on the market.
You’re not going to win any barista competitions with the cheap espresso machines in this guide.
But you can certainly get one that is capable of making a decent shot or a frothy cappuccino if you’re willing to live with a few compromises (pressurized baskets & janky milk steamers, for example).
Here’s my top recommendation when it comes to budget espresso machines under $100. Read on for the full scoop.
| Image | Model | Basket type |
|---|---|---|
 |
De'Longhi ECE155 | ESE pods, pressurized basket |
 |
Cafflano Kompresso (Hand Carry... | Non-pressurized basket |
 |
Mr. Coffee Automatic Dual Shot | 15 bar pressure, frothing arm |
 |
Nespresso Essenza Mini Machine by De'Longhi | Nespresso capsules |
 |
Flair Neo | Pressurized and non-pressurized portafilter options |
I previously owned the predecessor to this device.. In a nutshell, it’s cheap but does offer quite good performance for its modest size and price.
The design is cute and appealing, and it does deliver at least the required 9 bar pressure to produce a genuine espresso.
This machine works very well with ESE pods and is capable of creating crema packed shots.
It comes with a pressurized basket, but you can also “depressurize” it to get a more authentic espresso.
It heats up in a matter of minutes, and it’s quite easy to clean with its removable drip tray.
The steam wand also works okay, but it will be difficult to get a nice milk texture. However, if you like a bubbly and foamy cappuccino, it will be decent.
Overall, it’s a decent first machine suitable for darker, Italian style roasts.
See more reviews
When most people think about espresso, they also think about big bulky machines taking up half of the kitchen counter. If that sounds like less than ideal, you’ll like the small Cafflano Kompresso.
It makes excellent espresso. It’s portable. It uses a legit, non-pressurized basket. And it’s cheap!
The primary drawback is also very apparent: First of all, it’s manual, so you’ll have to do everything by yourself. It also doesn’t do anything related to milk.
However, this is a great option if you just want the occasional espresso shot without breaking the bank. Check out my in-depth review if you want to know more.
See more reviews
What is a roundup review of the cheapest espresso machines without a mention of the good, old Mr. Coffee?
Of course, this classic budget brand also has an option for the people who prefer their coffee extracted under pressure as opposed to just plain gravity.
This model claims to use 15 bar, which is more than enough for a real espresso shot.
It also has a frothing arm so you can milk-based drinks like cappuccinos or lattes. This machine has more than thousand user reviews on Amazon, and the majority is very positive.
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I will never consider Nespresso to be real espresso. The whole experience is just a bit too easy and hands-off. But maybe that’s just me.
Anyway, this type of coffee has its upsides, too. It’s a very consistent way to get pretty decent (though not epic) espresso shots, and it doesn’t require much in terms of cleaning and preparation.
Now that serious coffee roasters have started to produce capsules, it’s actually become a more fun option.
Delonghi makes this machine in collaboration with Nestlé. It’s a cute, little machine and the cost is ideal. One thing to keep in mind with Nespresso, though, is that while the devices are cheap, in the long run, that extra cost is added to the capsules.
See more reviews
The Flair Neo slightly exceeds the budget constraints but justifies the investment for true espresso aficionados. This is the training-wheels version of the more expensive Flair Espresso maker.
This beginner-friendly machine presents an accessible introduction to espresso, featuring a pressurized portafilter perfect for pre-ground coffee.
For those who desire a more authentic experience, you can depressurize the portafilter and upgrade to a bottomless option at a later stage.
The Flair Neo produces delicious espresso with a shot ratio of around 1:2.5, offering a rich and satisfying taste.
The workflow can be complex, as preheating and other steps are required, but if you relish the coffee-making ritual, the Flair Neo is an excellent choice. This charming machine is a worthwhile investment for those who want to “grow” with their device so to speak, since Flair also offers a lot of upgrades.
See more reviewsI’ll be honest with you: espresso can be a pricey interest. To do it right, you’ll likely need to spend more than $100.
However, if you’re currently in a situation where your budget limits you to a less expensive machine, don’t worry, I won’t judge. I’ve been there myself not too long ago.
To be honest, most regular grinders just won’t make the cut when it comes to “legit” espresso.
A practical alternative is to go for an espresso machine that can accommodate the so-called ESE pods.
These pods are small, pre-ground pucks of coffee wrapped in a thin filter. It’s easier than grinding your own coffee, and better in terms of freshness compared to a bag of preground.
No, these pods aren’t going to impress your most judgemental hipster friends, but they will make your life easier when you realize that your grinder doesn’t perform that well in the ultrafine spectrum of things.
Also, they tend to be quite a bit cheaper than Nespresso capsules and have more of a ‘genuine’ espresso feeling, since you insert the puck in the portafilter.
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Hello, and welcome! I'm the editor & founder of this site.
I have been a coffee geek since I started home roasting more than a decade ago. Since then, coffee has taken me on countless adventures: From ancient coffee ceremonies in Ethiopia to the volcanos of Sumatra.
My background is in journalism, and today I'm also a licensed Q Grader under the Coffee Quality Institute.
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