10 Best Affordable Espresso Machines 2025 in the United States

The CASABREWS Espresso Machine is a compact and stylish option for anyone looking to make quality espresso at home or in the office. With a powerful 20-bar pressure system and a 1350 W boiler, it promises rich extraction and a delightful aroma, which is essential for a good espresso. The milk frother is another highlight, allowing users to create creamy microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos, enhancing the coffee experience. Its 34 oz removable water tank adds convenience, letting you brew multiple cups without constant refills.

The machine is semi-automatic and user-friendly, but beginners may need some time to learn how to achieve the best results, especially with the need to cool down the machine before brewing after frothing milk. Durability and longevity could be a concern, as it is made from stainless steel but still represents an entry-level product in this category.

Ease of cleaning is moderately addressed, but regular maintenance will be essential to keep the machine in good working condition. Additionally, it falls short in terms of grind settings since it doesn't come with a built-in grinder, meaning you'll need to purchase a separate grinder for the best results.

The CASABREWS Espresso Machine is a great choice for those looking for an affordable and compact espresso maker that can produce a variety of coffee drinks. It’s best suited for casual coffee lovers who enjoy experimenting with different brews at home but might require some patience and external tools for the best espresso experience.

The Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine is a well-rounded choice for home baristas aiming for café-quality espresso without breaking the bank. One of its standout features is the integrated conical burr grinder, which allows for fresh grinding on demand, ensuring that each cup is full of flavor. This machine also excels in pressure control with its low-pressure pre-infusion system, allowing for a balanced extraction that can bring out the best in any coffee bean you choose to use. The digital temperature control is another significant advantage, providing precise heating for optimal espresso shots.

For those who enjoy crafting drinks, the manual steam wand enables you to create microfoam milk, perfect for lattes and cappuccinos, making it a great option for latte art enthusiasts. Additionally, the machine comes with a range of accessories, including a stainless steel milk jug and various filter baskets, enhancing its value right out of the box.

The water reservoir size of 67 oz is generous, but it might still require frequent refilling if you plan to serve multiple cups in a row. At 22.1 pounds, this machine is relatively heavy, which may be a consideration if you have limited counter space.

The Breville Bambino Espresso Machine offers an impressive range of features for an affordable espresso machine. As a semi-automatic machine, it provides a good balance between automation and control, suitable for users who want some hands-on involvement in their coffee-making process. One of its standout features is the automatic microfoam milk texturing, which allows users to create barista-quality microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos with ease. This feature, combined with the adjustable milk temperature and texture levels, makes it an excellent choice for milk-based coffee lovers.

The machine’s thermojet heating system is another highlight, reducing the heat-up time to just 3 seconds, allowing for quick preparation of espresso. The low-pressure pre-infusion helps in extracting a balanced flavor, enhancing the coffee experience. Digital temperature control ensures the water used is at an ideal temperature for optimal extraction, which is crucial for a good espresso shot.

However, the machine lacks an integrated grinder, which means users will need to purchase a separate grinder for freshly ground coffee beans. Cleaning is relatively straightforward due to its stainless steel finish and the included filter, though the semi-automatic nature means some manual cleaning is necessary. At 10.9 pounds and with a compact footprint, it fits well in most kitchen spaces. This machine is suitable for home or office use for those who appreciate good espresso and milk-based drinks without a high price tag.