This is our review of the best espresso machine under 200 dollars.

A good espresso machine can amplify the entire coffee experience, whether you’re a seasoned coffee drinker or just getting acquainted with the caffeinated drink. 

The best thing is that a small budget is no longer a reason to compromise on your coffee dreams. After carefully analyzing dozens of the best espresso machines on the market, we’ve found the best espresso machine under $200: The Mr. Coffee Café Barista Espresso Machine. 

From the best machines from Jura, Delonghi, Gaggia, and the like, to those more accessible on the market, we are familiar with all sorts of devices.

We’ve realized what makes a good espresso machine: versatility, ease of use, simple cleaning, steam wands, accessories, and design. The Mr. Coffee machine tops the chart for all these factors in this price range.

You can also find a pick for the best price, performance, and experience. Keep reading, and we’ll tell you which would suit you best. 

3 best espresso machines under $200 in 2023

Best espresso machines under $200 in 2023

• Mr. Coffee Café Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Machine – Our Top Pick ⭐
• De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine – Best Value ????
• Flair Espresso Maker Classic – Best for Experience
• Capresso 124.01 Ultima Espresso Machine – Best for Performance
• Nespresso Inissia Espresso Machine – Best Capsule Machine

Mr. Coffee Café Barista Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine – Our Top Pick

The Mr. Coffee Café Barista Espresso Machine is the best for under $200. This espresso machine is a sleek appliance with enough features for most demanding beginners. It’s made from stainless steel and designed to be extremely compact— it measures only 8.86 “D x 11.22 “W x 12.6 “H. 

Pros

Automatic Milk Frother— The automatic milk frother delivers just the right texture and amount of foam to your cup, depending on the drink you choose, with the press of a button. How simple is that?

Advanced Brewing Mechanism— The machine comes with an electric pump that provides you with 15 bars of pressure, which is more than enough to make barista-grade espresso. You have two filters provided to you, which allow you to choose between single and double-shot espresso. For home users, these choices are more than enough. They allow you to meet your needs without overcomplicating things. 

Simple to Use—   You can operate the machine through touch, using the buttons on its outside. All you have to do is fill in your water and milk reservoirs and add grounds to the filter. It allows you to choose between three different brews: espresso, cappuccinos, and latte.

Easy to Clean— Removable milk and water reservoirs in the machine make refills and cleanings easier. However, the automatic milk frother tube has to be cleaned after every use. 

This is the perfect machine for you if you’re new to home espresso. The straightforward layout of the machine suits newbies very well, and the automatic milk frother takes out the stress of ensuring the milk gets the right consistency. We recommend the Mr. Coffee Café Barista Espresso Machine to anyone learning to make espresso at home. 

De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine – Best for Price

It’s hard to find a cheaper espresso machine than this black beauty. Moreover, the De’Longhi Stilosa comes with some great features. 

Pros

Barista-Grade Brewing System— Made with a stainless steel boiler that promises durability and the machine also provides 15 bars of pressure. The advanced heating system also ensures the machine retains heat, and there is a minimal wait between cups. 

Variety of Drinks— You can make all three basic drinks using this machine: cappuccino, latte, and espresso. It also allows you to switch filters for single and double-shot espresso. 

Affordable price— The De’Longhi Stilosa is pretty much a steal at a low cost for a Delonghi espresso machine or any reputable brand, for that matter. 

Sleek Design— You’ll find the De’Longhi Stilosa in black with steel accents, which is above and beyond design standards at this price level. Additionally, since the milk frother is manual, the lack of a milk reservoir has made it highly compact. It measures only 8.07 “D x 13.5 “W x 11.22 “H, so it fits effortlessly anywhere. At only 9.48 pounds, the espresso machine is also easy to move around. 

Cons

Needs to be Operated Manually— The milk frother and the machine are manual. The machine uses a dial, and you must choose the right texture for your milk. 

The machine’s price point makes it perfect for somebody with a small budget. However, we don’t recommend the device for newbies. You would be better off paying a little extra for something automatic. The dial mechanism will be difficult to operate, and you may need help with the milk frothing part.

Capresso 124.01 Ultima Espresso Machine —Best for Performance

The Capresso 124.01 is our next recommendation for an affordable coffee machine. Why? For the price point, this espresso machine has many benefits. 

Pros

Self-tamping Brewing System— Like most good espresso machines, the Caspreso 124.01 provides 15 bars of pressure for extraction. However, what makes it so unique is its self-tamping mechanism. 

Tamping is pressing together the coffee grounds to remove any air bubbles and create an even layer. The Capresso does it automatically, and this tamping improves the flavor of the coffee. 

It’s Programmable— The machine is programmable. All you have to do is press down on the button and hold it to program it for single or double shots of espresso. 

Fast Heating Time— Compared to the other models on the market, the Capresso heats up very fast, which cuts down on the wait time before usage.

Superior Milk Frothing— The machine froths the milk at very high pressure, and the high amount of air trapped gives it a very light texture. 

It’s Very Easy to Use—The machine is self-stopping—although it is possible to override this command— and self-draining. Once the extraction is complete, it automatically drains the excess water, which leaves the used grounds relatively dry and easy to clean. 

Compact and Multipurpose— Although the machine measures 10.5 “D x 12.25 “W x 14 “H and weighs only 12 pounds, it has integrated accessories storage and a cup warmer built into its top. 

Cons

Inefficient Brewing— The Capresso cannot make a lot of cups of coffee one after the other. It does not create a dry puck of the used coffee grounds, so you need to clean the filter properly by hand before another extraction. However, this isn’t usually an issue unless you need to whip up one cup of coffee after the other. 

The Capresso machine is perfect for people looking for the best-tasting coffee. Everything from the machine’s self-tamping mechanism to the advanced milk frother is specially designed to make premium coffee. It also does well for people wanting something compact and multipurpose.

Flair Espresso Maker Classic—Best for Experience

This espresso maker takes manual usage to a new extreme. It’s entirely operated by hand, providing the barista with a unique experience. 

Here’s all the good and the bad about the Flair espresso maker. 

Pros

The Experience— Making coffee by hand opens a new world of experience. If you’re a fan of diving into the manual process, the Flair Espresso machine gives you a feeling like no other. 

Easy Brewing— All you need to brew a shot of espresso in this beauty is 80 ml of rapidly boiling water and 18g of ground coffee beans. Then, press the lever to push the water through the coffee, and Voila! You have a shot of fresh espresso. 

Easy to Clean—The Flair Espresso maker has a fully detachable brewing head, which makes it a breeze to clean. Additionally, since no electricity or motor is involved, you can wash the entire thing with soapy -neutral- water. 

You Can Take it Anywhere— This espresso maker is lightweight and compact and measures only 12 “L x 6” W x 10 “H— but it also comes with a padded case that makes it extremely easy to take anywhere. 

Cons

Slow workflow— unlike other devices in our selection, the Flair espresso maker requires your full attention, strength, and skill. For that reason, it takes a couple of extra minutes to get a shot of espresso.

No-milk frothing— this machine doesn’t have a steam wand. As a result, you’ll need to get a separate milk frother to make cappuccinos, lattes, and other espresso-based drinks with milk.   

Overall, this is the machine for you if you love making coffee. It is so much more intimate and fulfilling to make coffee like this rather than just pressing a button on a coffee maker. The Flair Espresso machine is also perfect for those who move around a lot. You can pack it up and take it with you.

 

Nespresso Inissia Espresso Machine

Nespresso machines have been all the rage for some time now. The Nespresso Inissia is our pick for the best Nespresso machine under $200. Here’s why the machine might or might not be for you. 

Pros

Wide Range of Flavors—The Nespresso Inissia uses pods, which come in a wide range of flavors. Pop in the flavor you like best, and make yourself your favorite cup of coffee. You also choose between two sizes: Espresso (1. 35 oz.) and Lungo (5 oz.)

The Brewing Process is Simple—The machine heats in a record time of 25 seconds, and after that, all you have to do is put it in your pod and fill up your water reservoir. From here, your cup of coffee is a button press away. 

Cons

It Operates Using only Pods — The machine needs coffee pods to work, which are far more expensive than buying coffee beans. Also, you’re going to need to refill them every so often. 

The Nespresso Inissia is perfect for people who want to enjoy coffee but need more time. Coffee made from pods has a different flavor profile from freshly roasted coffee beans. From the fast heat up to the simple brewing, the machine is made to be efficient. However, we don’t recommend this machine for people that love traditional coffee or more complex and rich aromatic profiles.

What to Look For in an Espresso Machine

An espresso machine is a well-used appliance in any home, so you want to ensure you’re getting a good one. Here’s what you need to check to decide whether a machine is worth the investment. 

Design

Machines under $200 are made for home use, and you want to ensure they’re visually appealing. After all, they’re going to occupy a space on your countertops. Avoid any complicated designs because they will be challenging to clean, and the last thing you want is dirt buildup. A sleek design and clean lines are the way to go. 

Features

Some features are necessary for a machine to make good espresso, while others depend on your preference. Look at the portafilter, milk frother, heating mechanism—thermoblock heating tends to be lighter and faster at this price point—reservoir capacity, and operating mechanisms before you make your choice. 

You’ll also have to decide whether you want a single-press button mechanism or a dial that gives you much more control. 

Size and Weight 

Espresso machines for use at home are made to be compact, but you’ll still find a range of sizes in the market. However, you’ll face a tradeoff between size and capacity here. The smaller the device, the better. Smaller machines usually have smaller reservoirs too. 

Finally, go for a machine that weighs under 10 pounds. The easier you move it, the better you’ll be able to clean under it. 

Performance and Brewing

A good machine makes delicious espresso and does it fast. Machine brewing times deserve due attention, but preheating is where the trouble is. Espresso machines need to be preheated before they are used, and the faster your machine preheats, the less frustrated you’ll be in the long run. 

Look for machines that have preheating times that stand under a minute. Secondly, there’s the brewing pressure. Espresso is made by pushing boiling water through coffee grounds at high pressure. A good espresso machine should provide you with 9 bars of pressure, at least. 

Additionally, look for how many temperature and brew settings your machine gives you. You’ll want a machine that can make both a single shot and a double shot of espresso. Sadly, temperature control is not something you get in this price range. 

Durability

No matter how little you’re spending on a coffee machine, after the time you put into finalizing your decision, it’s only fair that it’s durable. Machines are usually made of aluminum and plastic with stainless steel accents. 

Both plastic and aluminum are durable, but you must check the material’s quality. Additionally, the mark of a durable espresso machine is its number of parts. If a machine has a lot of parts, there is a greater chance of one of them getting damaged. 

Cleaning and Maintenance

Coffee machines have to be used and thus cleaned daily. So you’ll want a machine that is easy to clean, or you’ll be in trouble in the long run. The best super automatic machines on the market have an automatic cleaning mechanism, but that’s something you get in a different price range. 

Instead, look at machines that are easy to clean by hand. To start, those with manual milk frothers are easier to clean than automatic ones. You also want to look at the reservoir— removable reservoirs make it easy to remove buildup— and the coffee filter to see if it can be quickly emptied. Read user manuals and customer reviews to get proper knowledge on cleaning the machine. 

Conclusion

We’ve found the Mr. Coffee Café Barista Espresso machine to be the best espresso machine for under $200. The machine is beginner-friendly, and its superior features give it an edge over the competition. It comes with an automatic milk frother, a one-touch control panel, and a cleaning mechanism to be coveted.

The De’Longhi Stilosa is a close second only because the machine and its milk frother are manual and a little trickier. The price, though, is a significant advantage. 

The Flair Espresso Maker Classic comes in third, which we love because of the manual experience and portability.