3 Top Rated Espresso Machines Under $200

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. So if you’re considering other factors aside from the price, we’ve rounded up the best espresso machines for every purpose and budget in this post. Please note that some of them have a slightly higher price than your $200 budget. Some of them also have really steep price tags.

Still sticking to your original 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. Or if you’re up to the challenge, one of these manual lever espresso machine may test your inner barista.

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.

Related: Best Portable Espresso Machines

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

#2 Mr. Coffee Café Barista

#3 Espressione Cafe Minuetto

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!

Tell me, what is in your opinion the best espresso machine under 200 dollars and why? Please leave a comment below!

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