Best Espresso Machine Under $100

Are you looking for the best inexpensive espresso machine you can get that doesn’t compensate on flavor?

Do you want to find the best cheap espresso machine that still packs in a lot of features and value for the price?

Then this guide is perfect for you.

What Type of Espresso Machine Can You Expect to Get?

If you love the taste of espresso and want to bring that experience into your own home without spending a lot of money, you’re in luck.

In this free guide, we’ll share with you some of the best, cheapest espresso machines you can get that deliver outstanding flavor for an inexpensive cost.

However, it’s important for you to understand a key aspect about lower priced espresso machines before you actually invest in one. And that is… most cheap devices use a steam-driven mechanism to brew the drink. This is vastly different then a pump-driven machine.

You see, a steam-driven espresso machine works by building up steam in a chamber and using that energy to push water through a compact “puck” of coffee grounds. Unfortunately, this type of device doesn’t produce enough pressure to create a real espresso drink that has a “crema,” or froth on top.

Instead, this type of machine is only capable of producing really strong coffee.

However, if you’re looking for an inexpensive espresso machine, a cheaper steam-driven device can provide you with an additional feature that a pump-driven product at this price level cannot: a steam nozzle for frothing milk. If you want to make more than just coffee, such as cappuccinos or lattes, this is a great feature to have.

On the other hand, pump-driven espresso machines operate by using a motor to create the optimal pressure to force water through the coffee grounds. This pressure produces a frothy crema.

If you want a true espresso experience, this is the type of device that you want to get. In fact, your local coffee shop uses this type of machine to brew its delicious drinks.

Fortunately, we’re going to share with you the best cheap pump-driven machine below that will allow you to bring your favorite coffee shop espresso experience into your own home.

We’ll also show you the best inexpensive steam-driven espresso machines that you can get. While, they don’t produce a true espresso, the features they do include more than make up for this fault.

Note: the products we’re about to review for you below fall within the the lowest price range for a device, $39-$89. If you’re able to increase your budget to $100-$200, we have another free guide that showcases the Best Espresso Machines Under $200 that are pump-driven AND include a milk frothing wand to make cappuccinos, lattes, lungos and more. We also have a detailed guide for the best espresso machines overall.

Also Note: Most experts have advised that if you are currently looking for an espresso maker to brew your own espresso, you should at least allocate about $200 (or above) and only get the pump type if you want the best bang for the buck. So you have to consider the price at the same time. Generally speaking, to choose the best espresso machine will require you to match the following:

• Pump driven, not steam driven that has incorrect temperature and pressure
• Price above $200-only this type of machine has enough pressures to brew the best espresso
• Espresso machine with cup warmer, large water tank and drips tray
• Last, grinders are the conical burr grinders. It can preserve the aroma of the coffee beans and grind very fine grounds.

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Now, let’s move onto the reviews so you can find the best product that’s right for you!

Reviews of the Best Inexpensive Espresso Machine

 #1 Best Cheap Espresso Machine De’Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

This is the cheapest espresso maker you’ll find that uses a pump-driven mechanism to brew drinks.

As we mentioned above, pump-driven machines are the top products to own, because they are able to produce the amount of pressure necessary to create a true espresso experience.

With a 15-bar pump pressure, this product really delivers on taste and crema.

What also makes this espresso machine stand out is the fact that it includes a swivel milk frother, which allows you to create cappuccinos, lattes and other drinks with a rich, creamy froth.

You also have the option of using fresh ground coffee or easy-serving-espresso (ESE) pods. ESE pods are pre-measured coffee packets that require no messy clean up. Just pop it in, hit the button and enjoy a fresh espresso within seconds. Ground coffee will require you to tamp (a.k.a. pack) it into the portafilter before brewing.

With a compact size and several advances features, this is the best inexpensive machine you can get.

Other highlights of the De’Longhi EC155 include:

• 15-bar pump, which delivers great crema
• Dual function filter holder which gives you the option of using ESE pods or ground coffee
• Swivel jet frother which lets you create cappuccinos, lattes and more
• Self-priming operation (this reduces start-up wait time so you can enjoy drinks quickly)
• Removable 35-ounce water tank and drip tray for easy cleaning
• High-quality stainless steel boiler
• Convenient cup warmer to keep your cups hot after brewing

#2 Best Inexpensive Espresso Maker

KRUPS XP1000 Steam Espresso Machine with Frothing Nozzle

This is the second best espresso maker you can get, below our #1 recommendation.

For a $30 cheaper price tag (only $10 if you buy used) you’re giving up a pump-driven device for a steam-driven machine.

As we noted earlier in the guide, a steam-driven device does not produce true espresso, but rather just very strong coffee. If you’re o.k. with this, or don’t want to spend the extra money for the De’Longhi EC155, this product is your best option.

Another thing to keep in mind is that this inexpensive espresso machine doesn’t accept ESE pods. You must use fresh ground coffee in it.

Besides those two factors, the KRUPS XP1000 is a wonderful home coffee machine. It creates a great tasting cup of joe, and delivers a much better experience than your standard drip coffee maker. It also includes a milk frothing nozzle so you can brew cappuccinos and lattes.

For under $60, this product can’t be beat.

Other reasons you’ll like this device include:

• Dish-washer safe carafe with a 4-cup capacity
• Steam nozzle for frothing milk
• 14-ounce water reservoir
• Removable drip tray

#3 Best Device

Mr. Coffee ECM160 4-Cup Steam Espresso Machine

Customer Rating: 3.5 stars
Current Price: $39 New, $30 Used

Last but not least, we have the Mr. Coffee ECM160 espresso maker.

This compact machine is the cheapest steam-driven device you can get that still has espresso like taste and packs  more features than a regular coffee maker.

With an on-board milk frothing wand (with removable tip), you can enjoy cappuccinos and lattes, in addition to regular strong coffee.

The carafe allows you to brew 1 to 4 cups at a time and is outfitted with a drip-free spout.

A few other reason why you may want the Mr. Coffee ECM160 include:

• Carafe with measuring marks, stay-cool handle, and drip-free pouring spout
• Can brew 1 to 4 cups (20 ounces)
• Milk frothing wand with removable tip
• Removable drip tray for easy cleaning
• Cord storage
• Includes a measuring scoop

Hopefully, by now you know which is the best inexpensive espresso machine you can get that suits your personal preferences. As we pointed out above, the best cheap espresso machine doesn’t have to sacrifice taste. While these products may be low priced, they still deliver a great tasting cup of espresso (or coffee).