3 Top Rated Espresso Machines Under $200
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With so many brands and models of espresso machines out there, it is probably not so easy for you to determine which ones are the best espresso machines under 200 dollars.
If you are like most people, you want the best machine available within your budget.
Your price limit of $200 says a lot about you – it’s a smart choice and I tell you why!
The best espresso machine under $200 is a well-built and functional machine that is able to brew you a delicious shot of espresso with a luscious layer of Crema on top.
And that all without the complicated features of the more expensive machines.
Those premium features are either simply not available at this price level or only appreciated by the baristas in the coffee shops or at a later time when you become a real espresso fanatic – in the positive way, of course.
To make your buying decision easier, I have carefully reviewed and selected the three best espresso machines under $200! And if you only want to compare the facts, the table below of the top rated espresso machines should be your next step!
Furthermore, you can find helpful explanations about the content below the table in case you need more information.
Best Espresso Machine Comparison Table
| Model | Specs | Features | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeLonghi EC702 | Semi-Automatic 44oz Water Tank | Pump E.S.E. Pods Steam Wand | See On Amazon |
| Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista | Semi-Automatic 54oz Water Tank | Pump Milk Tank Steam Wand | See On Amazon |
| Espressione Cafe Minuetto | Semi-Automatic 33oz Water Tank | Pump E.S.E. Pods Steam Wand | See On Amazon |
Semi-Automatich Vs. Full-Automatic
Semi Automatic
In semi-automatic espresso machines you need to grind your coffee beans, fill the portafilter and tamp it.
You start AND stop the espresso brewing process but you don’t have to worry about pump pressure or anything.
That’s why it is called semi, since you are only dealing with half of the stuff.
Full Automatic
Again you grind your own beans and fill the portafilter. But with full-automatic espresso machines you only start the brewing process. The machine will stop automatically after a set time.
Pump Vs. Steam
Pump Driven Machines
These espresso machines force the heated water with a pump through the grinds.
The pressure is much stronger as it is with steam machines. Hence, the espresso tastes much better and you get a thicker crema.
Steam Driven Machines
Water is heated until it comes to a boil to produce steam. The steam creates the pressure to force water through the coffee grounds.
These machines are cheaper than pump driven machines but have disadvantages: less crema because of lower pressure for example.
Or eventually bitter espresso, since boiling temperature (to create the steam) is too high for a perfect espresso.
Easy Serve Espresso (E.S.E. Pods)
Easy Serve Espresso Pods or E.S.E Pods are tea bag sized prepacked espresso shots.
Espresso machines must be E.S.E compatible and come with a special filter basket which is placed inside the portafilter. Very convenient, but lower in quality than freshly ground espresso beans.
Milk Frother/Steam Wand Or Milk Tank
Milk Frother
Most espresso machines are equipped with a steam wand. But you have to manually froth the milk and then pour it into the espresso to create coffee drinks like Cappuccinos.
Milk Tank
Some espresso machines have an integrated milk tank which automatically creates froth and pours it into the brewed espresso. With these machines, you can select Cappuccinos or Lattes with the push of a button.
Grinder Built-In
The best espresso can only be created with freshly ground beans. All espresso machines with grinder built-in should come with a burr grinder.
Blade grinders are not able to create a consistent and fine enough grind for espresso machines.
Best Espresso Machine Under 200
#1 DeLonghi EC702 Espresso Machine
Specifications
- Plastic housing with stainless steel boiler designed for daily use
- Patented dual-function filter holder for ground coffee or coffee pods
- Patented cappuccino system frother (not sure though what makes it so special compared to other frothers)
- Cup warming tray for you to enjoy your espresso hot for a longer time
#2 Mr. Coffee Café Barista
Specifications
- Single and double shots for faster serving
- Automatic cleaning cycle at the push of a button for your convenience
- One-touch display for you to choose between espresso, cappuccino and latte
- Adjustable tray for small cups up to big travel mugs
#3 Espressione Cafe Minuetto
Specifications
- Cup warmer to keep your espresso hot for a longer time
- Multiple baskets for single shot, double shot and espresso pods
- Large water tank with visible level indicator
- Rubber grip handles
My Verdict Of About Top Rated Espresso Machines Under $200
I know you have set yourself a budget but still demand the best! Therefore, I have carefully selected the three best espresso machines under $200.
No matter which espresso machine you will choose – the DeLonghi, Mr. Coffee or Espressione – all three make delicious, rich espresso and thus qualify to be the top espresso machines within your price limit.
As a result, you can decide for or against a machine based on special features, like the milk tank, E.S.E support or something completely different.
Ask yourself, what is the key feature for your final buying decision? Now it’s time for you to decide!
Related: Best coffee makers for your home
Tell me, what is in your opinion the best espresso machine under 200 dollars and why? Please leave a comment below!
Disclosure: I may get a commission for purchases made through eCommerce-links in my posts. More details here.
Coffee lover and Dad, on a budget. Since the wishes of my beautiful wife and two charming kids are of course of much higher priority than my own ones, I always keep an eye out for coffee products which give me the biggest bang for the buck!