3 Best Espresso Machines Under $200

If you are like most people, you want the best espresso maker available within your budget. So if you’re considering other factors aside from your desired price range, we’ve rounded up amazing models 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? Choosing the best espresso machine under $200 says a lot about you – it’s a smart choice!

To make your buying decision easier, I have carefully reviewed and selected the three top picks! And if you only want to compare the facts, the table below of the top rated models should be your next step!

Furthermore, you can find helpful explanations about the content below in case you need more information.

The Best Espresso Machines Under 200

What to Consider When Buying a Budget Espresso Machine

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. Here are some things to consider when picking a brand and model.

Super-automatic vs Semi-Automatic

Semiautomatic

With a semiautomatic espresso maker, 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 maker may test your inner barista.

Super-Automatic​

Again you grind your own beans and fill the portafilter.​ But with a superautomatic espresso maker, like Jura machines, you only start the brewing process. The espresso machine will stop automatically after a set time.

Pump Vs. Steam

Pump Driven Espresso Machine

These 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 Espresso Machine

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, especially portable ones, are ideally 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

Many 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 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. Learn more about the best latte machine.

Built-In Grinder

A good espresso can only be created with freshly ground beans. All 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.

My Verdict

I know you have set yourself a budget to $200 but still demand the best! Therefore, I have carefully selected the three great models around your preferred price range.

No matter which espresso machine you will choose – the De Longhi, Mr. Coffee or Espressione – all three can make you delicious, rich espresso every day.

As a result, you can decide for or against an espresso 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’s the best one for you? Please leave a comment below!