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10 Best Affordable Espresso Machines 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

De'Longhi Magnifica Plus Fully Automatic Espresso Machine - Brew 18+ One Touch Coffee Recipes for up to 4 User Profiles, Automatic Milk Steam Wand & Built-in Grinder, Touchscreen Display

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,115
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
2211 reviews

Ease of Cleaning
The display provides step-by-step instructions and maintenance reminders, making it easy to set up and clean.

The De'Longhi Magnifica Plus Fully Automatic Espresso Machine offers robust features for coffee enthusiasts seeking an affordable yet versatile home espresso solution. One of its best attributes is the 18 one-touch customizable recipes, allowing you to easily make a wide range of drinks including espresso, latte macchiato, cappuccino, and iced coffee. The built-in conical burr grinder with 13 settings ensures fresh ground coffee tailored to your preference, which is a significant advantage for achieving the right flavor profile.

Additionally, the LatteCrema Hot System provides excellent milk frothing for creamy and rich foam, whether you're using milk or milk alternatives. The 3.5-inch TFT full-touch color display further simplifies operation by making it easy to navigate and customize recipes, while the ability to save personalized drink profiles for up to four users adds a convenient, user-friendly touch. The machine also excels in practicality with removable and dishwasher-safe parts, making it relatively easy to clean.

At 21.2 pounds, it is on the heavier side, which may be cumbersome for those with limited counter space or who need to move it frequently. While the price point makes it accessible, it may still be considered an investment for some. Despite these minor drawbacks, this espresso machine stands out as a strong contender in its category, particularly for families or households with multiple coffee drinkers due to its customizable profiles and variety of drink options.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,115
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
2211 reviews

Ease of Cleaning
The display provides step-by-step instructions and maintenance reminders, making it easy to set up and clean.
#2

Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel

Rating
8.5
Grinder
Milk Frothing

Most important from
4071 reviews

Grinder
The integrated grinder and intuitive touchscreen interface make managing each step effortless, eliminating the need for multiple separate tools.
Milk Frothing
The automatic milk frother produces consistently excellent microfoam, making it easy to create a wide range of coffee beverages.

The Breville Barista Touch BES880BSS Espresso Machine is a solid option for those looking to make high-quality espresso at home without breaking the bank. One of its standout features is the integrated burr grinder, which has 30 precision grind settings, allowing users to customize their coffee grind according to their taste. The machine also boasts a manual removable magnetic tamper, making it user-friendly for those who want to perfect their espresso shots.

In terms of milk frothing, it excels with its reliable steam wand, which is a plus for anyone who enjoys lattes or cappuccinos. The programmable settings are intuitive, providing convenience for users who prefer to set their coffee preferences ahead of time. Additionally, the water reservoir is reasonably sized, so you won't have to refill it too often.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. While the machine offers a lot of features, it may require a bit of a learning curve, especially for beginners who are new to espresso making. Cleaning may also be a bit more involved compared to simpler machines, as you'll need to maintain both the grinder and the steam wand regularly to keep everything in top shape. The machine's dimensions make it somewhat bulky, which might be a concern if you have limited counter space.

Rating
8.5
Grinder
Milk Frothing

Most important from
4071 reviews

Grinder
The integrated grinder and intuitive touchscreen interface make managing each step effortless, eliminating the need for multiple separate tools.
Milk Frothing
The automatic milk frother produces consistently excellent microfoam, making it easy to create a wide range of coffee beverages.
#3

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel

Rating
8.2
Grinder
Milk Frothing

Most important from
26606 reviews

Grinder
The built-in grinder is super handy, saving a lot of time and effort.
Milk Frothing
The steam wand is straightforward to use, even if it’s not the fastest.

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.

Rating
8.2
Grinder
Milk Frothing

Most important from
26606 reviews

Grinder
The built-in grinder is super handy, saving a lot of time and effort.
Milk Frothing
The steam wand is straightforward to use, even if it’s not the fastest.

Buying Guide for the Best Affordable Espresso Machines

Choosing the right affordable espresso machine can be a delightful yet challenging task. The key is to understand your needs and preferences, and then match them with the features and specifications of the machine. This guide will help you navigate through the essential specs and make an informed decision. Remember, the best espresso machine for you is the one that fits your lifestyle and coffee habits perfectly.
Type of MachineEspresso machines come in various types, including manual, semi-automatic, automatic, and super-automatic. Manual machines require the most skill and control, allowing you to fine-tune every aspect of the brewing process. Semi-automatic machines automate some steps but still give you control over the extraction time. Automatic machines take care of most of the process, making them easier to use. Super-automatic machines do everything from grinding the beans to frothing the milk, offering the most convenience. Choose a type based on how much control you want and how much effort you're willing to put into making your espresso.
PressurePressure is measured in bars and is crucial for extracting the perfect espresso. Most machines operate at 9 bars, which is considered the ideal pressure for a good espresso. Some machines offer higher pressure, up to 15 bars, which can be useful for achieving a richer crema. If you're a beginner, a machine with a standard 9-bar pressure will suffice. If you're more experienced or particular about your espresso, you might prefer a machine with higher pressure capabilities.
Boiler TypeThe boiler heats the water for brewing and steaming. There are three main types: single boiler, dual boiler, and heat exchanger. Single boilers are more affordable but require you to wait between brewing and steaming. Dual boilers allow simultaneous brewing and steaming, making them more efficient but also more expensive. Heat exchangers offer a middle ground, allowing you to brew and steam at the same time with a single boiler. If you mostly make espresso shots, a single boiler will do. If you enjoy milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, consider a dual boiler or heat exchanger.
GrinderSome espresso machines come with built-in grinders, while others require a separate grinder. A built-in grinder can save space and ensure you always have freshly ground coffee. However, separate grinders often offer more control over grind size and quality. If convenience is your priority, a machine with a built-in grinder is a good choice. If you want more control over your coffee's flavor, consider investing in a high-quality separate grinder.
Milk FrothingIf you enjoy milk-based drinks, the milk frothing capability of your espresso machine is important. Machines come with different types of frothers, including steam wands and automatic frothers. Steam wands give you more control over the texture of the milk but require some skill to use. Automatic frothers are easier to use but offer less control. If you’re a beginner or prefer convenience, an automatic frother is a good choice. If you enjoy experimenting with latte art and different milk textures, a steam wand is better.
Water Reservoir SizeThe size of the water reservoir determines how often you need to refill it. Larger reservoirs are convenient if you make multiple cups of espresso throughout the day, as they require less frequent refilling. Smaller reservoirs are fine if you only make one or two cups a day. Consider your daily coffee consumption and choose a machine with a reservoir size that matches your needs.
Ease of CleaningKeeping your espresso machine clean is essential for maintaining the quality of your coffee and the longevity of the machine. Some machines have removable parts that are dishwasher safe, making cleaning easier. Others have automatic cleaning cycles that take care of the maintenance for you. If you prefer low-maintenance appliances, look for a machine with easy-to-clean features. If you don’t mind a bit of extra work, you can opt for a machine with more manual cleaning requirements.

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