Finding the best cheap espresso machine could save you a lot of money whilst still providing the best quality.
With home brewing becoming more and more popular, especially since the start of the pandemic, companies have recognised the desire for consumers to have barista-style coffee within their homes.
Of course, no-one wants to spend thousands of pounds on the same machines used in coffee shops. So what’s the alternative? Our coffee experts have tried and tested many coffee machines and combined that with thousands of online reviews. This has helped us to come up with the definitive best cheap espresso machine guide.
[lwptoc hideItems=”1″]1. De’Longhi Espresso Machine – Best Cheap Espresso Machine Overall
DeLonghi is a classic and long-trusted brand for espresso coffee machines. This machine brings class and sophistication to your morning coffee and is our choice for the best cheap espresso machine overall. This model is made for two full-sized cappuccino cups or two espresso cups. It offers a wealth of features to upgrade your morning coffee from a cup warmer to an incorporated crema device.
Ease of Use
This machine enables easy use for its users through a removable water tank and stainless steel drip tray. These removable parts of the machine allow for easy cleaning whilst being simple to put back into place after you’re finished cleaning.
Value for Money
The De’Longhi is excellent value for money. It has an endless list of high end features including its ability to mix steam, air and milk to produce the perfect cafe-worthy creamy froth.
Extra Features
The De’Longhi scores a 10/10 when it comes to extra features such as its dual filter holder allowing you to use either ground coffee or ESE pods. It also offers 2 separate thermostats to control water and steam temperatures.
Customer Reviews
Customers have praised the inclusion of stainless steel in this machine, for ease of cleaning. Many customers have also spoken highly of the powerful steamer with an adjustable button to create the perfect cappuccino.
Final Verdict
De’Longhi have amassed a reputation for creating quality coffee makers and they get our vote for the best cheap espresso machine. This is a sleek, stylish and easy to clean machine but more importantly produces great coffee without you having to break the bank.
2. Swan – Best Espresso Machine Under £100
This coffee machine by Swan is regarded as a “high performance” machine making it perfect for both domestic and external use. The retro design of this machine adds a pop of colour to any space while comprising of high-end worthy coffee functionalities inside. It is compatible with both your own ground coffee and ESE pods.
Ease of Use
Whether you are barista-level or beginner, this coffee machine is easy to use for all levels of coffee-lovers. They make sure to include a professional spoon and coffee presser allowing for high-end results for your caffeinated drink.
Value for Money
This coffee machine is an example of value for money and quality, where neither is compromised. The inclusion of the stainless-steel milk frothing arm will allow you to recreate your favourite coffees such as cappuccinos or lattes. The use of stainless steel also allows for easy cleaning between uses.
Extra Features
The Swan scores a 9/10 when it comes to extra features. Some customers favourites are the large 1.2-litre water tank capacity allowing for frequent uses without having to constantly refill between cups. The removable drip tray means that it too can be taken out to insert a range of larger cups.
Customer Reviews
Many customers of all levels have spoken about this machine, and the overriding consensus is that regardless of your barista-level abilities it is easy to use whether you are a beginner or pro.
It is an example of how you do not need to spend excess pounds for a good quality espresso machine and for us is one of the best cheap espresso machines available.
Final Verdict
Overall, this retro-style machine is not to be overlooked for its large water tank and easy to use features.
3. De’Longhi Dedica Style – Best Espresso Machine Under £200
This De’Longhi Dedica Style is our choice for the best espresso machine under £200. It has a classic silver colour and is a machine with endless capabilities for the perfect at-home coffee. This machine is perfect for those in small spaces or flats as the total width is only 15cm meaning it is their slimmest design yet.
Ease of Use
The De’Longhi Dedica Style has an easy to remove drip tray and cup-filters (which also have removable internal parts) which makes for easy access for cleaning. You might want to watch a couple of YouTube videos to ensure you’re using it properly however.
Value for Money
This machine offers great value for money whilst still offering a large variety of drink options from cappuccinos, espresso to lattes and americanos whilst still in a small and nifty machine.
Extra Features
The De’Longhi scores a 9/10 when it comes to the additional features that it offers. In particular, the Thermoblock keeps the water at the exact temperature required to make the perfect cafe-level espresso.
Customer Reviews
The owners of this machine have often said that it taste too nice from this machine and that many chains such as Starbucks, Costa and Cafe Nero coffee do not even taste as good by comparison. Of course, your choice of coffee beans will impact this!
Final Verdict
Overall, this is one to consider for those who don’t want to spend a lot but wish to get into home-coffee making or even those will a small space.
4. Wacaco – Best for Travel
This option is perfect for those who like high-quality coffees but are frequently on the go and travel a lot away from a home machine. This innovative and cleverly designed coffee Minipresso is quick and efficient for a quality espresso wherever you are in the world.
Ease of Use
This Minipresso is quick, light and super easy to travel with without adding extra grams to your baggage (weighing in at only 350 grams). There is a small piston that allows for water to be injected into the machine creating the correct pressure for a deep and rich espresso.
Value for Money
This is value for money if you are a frequent traveller or flyer, it is feather-light and easy to pack amongst other items. However, it does not compromise the taste or quality of the espresso created.
Extra Features
The Minipresso scores a 9/10 when it comes to extra features for travel, in particular, its easy compatibility with the well-loved Nespresso pods.
Customer Reviews
Overall customers love the portability of this little machine, as long as you have access to hot water to heat the coffee.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, this is the perfect option for those who love camping or are frequently travelling and would be worth buying if you can’t go a day without quality coffee!
5. VonShef – Best Cheap Espresso Machine for Home
The Vonshef is marketed as “small, sleek and strong” and it certainly lives up to this reputation. Made of silver stainless steel and having a 1.5-litre capacity, it is an option to consider for those starting to make their own barista-style coffees at home.
Ease of Use
Even though it is a small unit, it still allows for 2 coffees to be made at once with an easily washable and reusable stainless steel filter (which can be washed in the dishwasher).
Value for Money
When you consider the price and the quality of this machine, it makes it worth the price. It offers a 1.5L water tank for multiple coffees and 15 bar pressure for high-quality results.
Extra Features
The Vonshef scores an 8/10 from the inclusion of a milk frother to make for lattes and cappuccinos.
Customer Reviews
Customers regard this machine as a hidden gem which lattes and cappuccinos have been compared to those found in many high-street coffee shops. It has frequently been regarded as both easy to clean and easy to use.
Final Verdict
Even though this option is on the cheaper end of many coffee machines it is not to be disregarded when it comes to the high-quality coffee it can produce.
6. EspressoGC – Cheap Manual Option
This may be a manual option but the EspressoGC is a hidden gem on the market. This machine allows for hands-on brewing by adding coffee to the stainless steel filter then simply locking and adding hot water to create the perfect shot of espresso.
Ease of Use
By using BPA-free glass composites this manual machine is engineered to deliver twice the performance of others. It allows for the perfect extraction each time, without any fuss. The machine requires no electricity, capsules, pods or filters, making it an eco-friendly option (one of the only eco-friendly options on the market).
Value for Money
This machine is great value for money, as long as the owner does not mind the manual aspect to it. With no use of electricity or excess capsules, this machine would save money by not needing any additional extras.
Extra Features
The EspressoGC doesn’t necessarily have any additional extra but when it comes to its ability to produce high-quality coffee it’s up there with the best espresso machines.
Customer Reviews
Overall, most customers have explained their reluctancy to go without the stereotypical “normal” espresso machine but each one has said how worth it it has been. Many customers explained how they have not looked back since purchasing the machine.
Final Verdict
If you prefer manual coffee machines, this might be the best cheap espresso machine alternative for you.
7. Homever
The Homever machine is a hidden secret in the espresso market. It offers a range of features from a 1.5L water tank to double temperature control. This contributes to perfectly brewed home coffee.
Ease of Use
This machine has advanced features for making a cappuccino for every level of home coffee. It includes a cup warming function and high-pressure steam nozzle which is all controlled from an easy to navigate control panel.
Value for Money
This machine isn’t manufactured by a recognisable brand name but it offers the same quality and same amount of features as many of the other brands on this list. It’s for this reason it scores highly for value for money.
Extra Features
The Homever machine scores an 8/10 in the extra features category. You can make 2 espressos at the same time and it also includes double temperature control to ensure your coffee and milk reaches the consistency you want.
Customer Reviews
Customers rated this machine from its design to ease of use, from both customers old and young.
Final Verdict
This machine looks the part and offers high-quality features for morning coffee making.
What Coffee Can You Make With An Espresso Machine?
Some people might prefer the traditional shot (or two) of espresso but owning an espresso machine opens up a host of coffee options for you. Here are some typical coffee drinks you can make with your new machine.
Latte
What you need: A shot of espresso topped with steamed and slightly foamy milk
Americano
What you need: A shot espresso with hot water (simple, right?)
Cappuccino
What you need: 1/3 espresso, 1/3 milk and 1/3 foamy milk
Mocha
What you need: Cocoa powder with a drop of hot water, a shot of espresso and steamed milk
Whilst these are the most popular coffee drinks to make, there are many variations you can try yourself. Part of the freedom these espresso machines give you is the unabridged ability to experiment. This for us, is one of the funnest elements in making coffee.
Summary
You don’t need a high end coffee machine to get a high end coffee. Often times, we find that the coffee beans you choose can have a much bigger impact on the end result so you don’t need to worry too much about spending thousands on the best equipment.
While De’Longhi is our choice for the best cheap espresso machine, all of the machines on this list will provide you with the opportunity to make great coffees at an affordable price.
Want to learn more about the best coffee to go with your new piece of kit? Feel free to take a look at our recent “best coffee beans” article!