If you're having trouble getting going in the morning, a quick shot of espresso could be just the thing to kickstart your day and give you the boost of energy you need to get through the day at the office. Therefore, the best espresso machine under $100 might be the savior of your entire workplace, whether you work from home or require a small, affordable machine for the work kitchen.
In this article, we'll show you the best espresso machines that won't break the bank. An espresso machine is a useful and relatively inexpensive appliance to have in the home. A well-made machine can serve you and your loved ones (or coworkers) for many years to come. These budget espresso machines may have fewer bells and whistles, but they still have everything you need to brew a strong and flavorful cup of espresso.
In our comprehensive reviews, we've highlighted key features like water tank and bean hopper capacity, size, pressure, and important warranty information to help you make the best decision when shopping for an affordable espresso machine. We created a list and a purchase guide to help you, the reader, and your inner coffee lover select the best-quality product.
The Best Espresso Machines Under $100 Reviews
1. KRUPS XP3208 Opio - Editor’s Choice
Among espresso machines that cost under $100, we recommend the KRUPS XP3208 Opio. This machine has earned high praise not only because of the many features it offers but also because of the durability of its construction.
The KRUPS XP3208 Opio allows you to brew espressos in any style you or your customers like. Coffee, espresso, and cappuccino are just some of the beverages that can be made using this machine.
The KRUPS XP3208 Opio has a straightforward design, requiring only ground coffee and a steam wand for milk frothing, as is usual in cafés and beloved by the vast majority of coffee consumers.
The 2-year-warranty KRUPS XP3208 Opio is user-friendly enough for beginners and skilled baristas alike. This coffee or espresso maker has a large, round dial that makes the settings simple to see and use, even for those who have never used such a machine before.
You will have no trouble maneuvering around the machine, whether you are switching the steaming function or filling the detachable water tank with fresh water from the kitchen’s faucet.
With its ability to brew two cups at once, the KRUPS XP3208 Opio is ideal for use in either a home kitchen or a small cafe.
The KRUPS XP3208 Opio, which has the style of a lever machine and is powered by 1140 watts, can also hold its own with a water capacity of 1.5 liters.
Water tank capacity: 1.5 l
Hopper capacity: not specified
Pressure: 15 bar
Dimensions: 15 x 13.5 x 10 inches
Warranty: 2-year limited
Pros
Cons
2. ChefWave Mini Espresso Machine - Best Nespresso Compatible
Our second-place pick for the best espresso machine under $100 is the ChefWave Kava Mini Espresso Machine.
Whether you're using it at home or in a small cafe, you'll appreciate this machine's many convenient features, such as its energy-saving mode in case you leave it on while you leave the house and its detachable, easy-to-clean parts that can go in the dishwasher.
A cup of espresso or lungo from the ChefWave Kava Mini Espresso Machine is both inexpensive and of great quality, plus it's easy to use.
This machine's ability to use Nespresso pods, as well as its inclusion of espresso cups and a capsule holder, set it apart from other reasonably priced machines on the market. Additional capsule storage is available on the side rack.
The pressure of the ChefWave Kava Mini Espresso Machine can reach up to 20 bars, which is the same as what you'd find in a bar, restaurant, or fancy coffee shop.
It's safe to use at home, as it has an automatic shutdown after 2 hours, and its compact design won't take up too much space in your (perhaps already crowded) kitchen. A 0.7 FL oz. water tank is included with the ChefWave Kava Mini Espresso Machine, reducing the frequency with which you have to refill the machine.
Water tank capacity: 0.7 l
Capsules capacity: 1.3 oz and 3.5 oz
Pressure: 20 bar
Dimensions: 5.9 x 12.8 x 9.8 inches
Warranty: 1-year limited
Pros
Cons
3. Cuisinart DCC-3200 - Best with Carafe
The Cuisinart DCC-3200, with its cutting-edge technology and three-year warranty, can help you keep your coffee hotter for longer and better preserve its taste, whether you're making it for your family, friends, or customers at a café.
Whether you want your coffee strong or weak, you have complete control over the strength by picking the degree of regular or bold coffee.
Besides being completely automated with a 24-hour timer, self-cleaning, a 1-4-cup setting, and auto-shutoff (0–4 hours), you can also make use of these other great features. Details like this help to set the Cuisinart DCC-3200 apart from similar products and make it the most functional it can be.
You can even adjust the temperature control!
A commercial-style permanent filter allows you to brew coffee like a pro in the comfort of your own home. The Cuisinart DCC-3200 is a 14-cup coffeemaker that uses state-of-the-art coffee technology to provide a variety of settings and ensure that a classic espresso can be brought into the current era without compromising flavor.
The Cuisinart DCC-3200 is designed with the user in mind, from its clear and simple LCD display to its maintenance indication lights. This appliance is perfect for anyone who cares about either the quality of their coffee or the ease of their maintenance routine.
Glass carafe capacity: 14-Cup
Hopper capacity: 15 tablespoons
Pressure: not specified
Dimensions: 7.75 x 9 x 14 inches
Warranty: 3-year limited
Pros
Cons
4. STARESSO Portable Espresso Machine - Best for Portability
If you need a machine that is lightweight and compact enough to store away when not in use, the STARESSO is an excellent choice.
After you have chosen and fallen in love with your preferred espresso, you will be able to take the STARESSO SP-200 Espresso Machine with you everywhere you go; gone are the days of watery espressos that are just incompatible with your tastes!
All you need is access to hot water and milk!
It's a fantastic option for campers, frequent movers, and anybody else who needs a compact, portable machine.
The STARESSO SP-200 is not the greatest quality when compared to other items on our list today, but it does provide you with an excellent espresso and a method to froth some milk in a container that is approximately the size of a 20-ounce soda bottle.
The STARESSO SP-200 Espresso Machine isn't perfect, but it does have a few advantages that make it a good choice for those who are new to the coffee world and don't want to spend too much time learning about all the different options.
Know, however, that the pump could become more difficult to use with repeated usage.
Water tank capacity: 3 oz
Hopper capacity: 0.5 oz
Pressure: 15-20 bars
Dimensions: 2.75 x 2.75 x 9.64 inches
Warranty: 2-year limited
Pros
Cons
5. SOWTECH Steam Espresso Machine - Budget Pick
The Sowtech Espresso Machine, which we recommend as our most cost-effective budget option, also has the industry's best warranty: a lifetime limited warranty.
The Sowtech Espresso Machine is not a low-cost model by any stretch of the imagination, with its 3.5-bar steam pressure and premium frothing feature.
The other features of this espresso machine make it a great buy for anyone on a budget who needs a reliable appliance. It not only maintains a consistent, exact temperature with complete control, but it's also extremely simple to use with a single knob, making it ideal for novices. There's no need to mess around with sophisticated technologies!
Besides the machine itself, you get a filter, funnel, spoon, and carafe, as well as a guarantee that covers all parts for a full year.
With a four-cup capacity, you can brew enough coffee for the whole household. You can also personalize the flavor and texture, making anything from a mocha to a caramel macchiato, along with a rich and smooth crema.
Not only will you appreciate the design's durability, but the stainless steel decoration will also complement any kitchen décor. The powerful milk frother on the Sowtech Espresso Machine is extremely simple to clean. The removable drip tray also makes cleaning the machine a breeze.
In spite of being our best budget option, it can deliver up to 800 watts of power.
Water tank capacity: 4 oz
Hopper capacity: 5 Cups
Pressure: 3.5 bars
Dimensions: 9 x 7.2 x 13 inches
Warranty: lifetime limited
Pros
Cons
Things to Consider
After reviewing our recommended espresso machines under $100, you may still need some guidance in making a final purchase.
You're a dedicated espresso drinker, and we know that a good espresso machine is important to making the delicious shots you crave. This buying guide was compiled to assist you in selecting an espresso machine that would meet your needs without breaking the bank.
Cheap espresso machine – what to expect?
The word "cheap" may scare you into thinking you're not receiving anything of value, but that's not the case.
Even our least costly recommendation, the SOWTECH Steam espresso machine, has features that allow it to maintain its excellent level and compete with more expensive models.
Espresso machine maintenance
You not only need to be instructed on how to properly care for your espresso machine, but you also need to apply what you've learned.
Every espresso machine is special in its own way, so it makes sense that their maintenance and cleaning requirements may vary. However, standard maintenance procedures for espresso machines do not differ greatly from brand to brand.
Here's a well-made tutorial video to help you out with some useful maintenance practices:
Features to consider while buying the best espresso machine under $100
To ensure you get the most out of your money, it's a good idea to compare different models of espresso machines and make a decision based on their features before making a purchase.
Here are the many features you should be aware of to help you prioritize them:
Capacity for beans and water
Pay close attention to the bean and water capacity of the machine if you intend to serve a large number of people at once, since this will directly determine the number of espresso cups that can be made at once.
To make many cups of espresso quickly, you'll need an espresso machine with a high water capacity, such as the KRUPS XP3208 Opio, which can hold 1.5 liters of water.
Grinding settings
What kinds of espressos and coffees can be made depends on the grinding settings. Most espresso machines, however, won't have a wide range of grinding options because most people just use them to make standard espresso shots.
Read on to learn about the many espresso-based coffee drinks that can be prepared with the information provided in this article.
The SOWTECH Steam Espresso Machine, for instance, can make a variety of specialty coffees, including the caramel macchiato, expresso con panna, mocha, latte, cappuccino, and ice cream float coffee, among many others.
Frothing easiness
The quality of the espresso produced isn't the only factor to consider when looking at these machines. You must ensure that your product is backed by a good milk frother. This basic feature can truly affect the total performance of the machine.
If your machine's frother has a rubber outside cover, it may be an indicator of poor performance. The milk frothers on most high-quality machines will be adjustable. This gives you the freedom to work at a comfortable angle, allowing you to operate from a variety of angles depending on the other machines on the counter.
Size and weight
The espresso machine's size and weight may also play a role in your final decision. A lightweight machine is preferable if you don't want to risk damaging your kitchen counter when bringing it down from a cabinet.
Most of the appliances mentioned here don't include weight information, but they do include their dimensions, which is useful for determining whether or not they would fit in your kitchen.
User-friendliness
If you're not a skilled barista but still want to make intricate and delicious coffee designs, a "beginner espresso machine" is the way to go.
This is a key fact to check before making a purchase. It's simple to compare items; just read some reviews or have a look at how long it takes to start it up, for example.
Some models are designed to make grinding espresso beans as simple as pushing a button, while others might be trickier to figure out.
Number of shots
Knowing the shot capacity of the espresso machine is also important, whether you are purchasing it for a household of two to four people or if you are investing in a high-quality but affordable machine for a small café.
From the number of shots, which are usually measured by a single or double capacity, to the capacity of the cup, you'll need to think about that number.
Durability
If you're going to spend the money on a professional espresso machine, you may as well make sure it lasts. When it comes to durability, everything from the material used to how it is constructed—and whether or not replaceable parts are available—is important.
You may also want to consider if replacement parts are available and if they are worth the money (or if you would much rather just buy a whole new machine).
The boiler is another determining factor for espresso machines, whether you're looking at high-end models or an affordable one.
Machines of this type often have boilers made of one of three materials: aluminum, brass, or stainless steel. What differentiates one from the other?
Stainless steel may be more resistant to corrosion, but it will be incredibly easy for germs to grow on.
When compared to other low-cost metals, however, aluminum will be extremely competitive. However, low-performance, low-cost materials are usually what you get. Aluminum might not be a good choice if you want to buy a machine that is easy to maintain. This is because it can easily rust and is susceptible to bacteria.
The best boiler material for an espresso machine is brass. On the downside, these items are typically the priciest. They will be highly effective against both germs and rust.
Cleaning
You should also consider getting a machine that is easy to clean, particularly if you want to use the device quite frequently; after all, you don't want to have to stop serving coffee every week or so in order to do maintenance on the machine.
If your machine is of good quality, cleaning and maintenance won't be too much trouble. Spending more on superior quality often pays off in the end.
Warranty
Whether you choose the ChefWave Kava Mini Espresso Machine with its 1-year limited warranty or our budget pick with its lifetime limited warranty, you can rest assured that your investment will be protected for the long term and your money will be well spent.
How to make the perfect cup of espresso
You still need to learn the fundamentals of coffee brewing, even if you have access to the best espresso machines.
Listed below are a few things to keep in mind that should help:
The portafilter, in particular, requires that you keep up with regular maintenance and cleanliness.
The espresso's quality can be greatly improved by warming both the machine and the cup beforehand.
If you want your espresso to taste as fresh as possible, grind the beans shortly before using them.
Check out this video about the Espresso Theory for more tips and tricks:
FAQs
You may have some questions regarding espresso machines in general before you make a purchase.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions answered:
What is the best type of bean to use for an espresso maker?
You can't go wrong with any bean, even if you purchase coffee beans instead of espresso ones; however, this answer can vary greatly depending on personal brand preferences. Beans labeled "espresso blend" or "drip blend" can taste different depending on the brewing method used by the roasters.
Do you need to descale an espresso machine before using it?
Although it is not entirely required, it is highly recommended that you descale your espresso machine at least every few months if you use it frequently. You'll need to do this more frequently if you're using mineral-rich water.
How to choose a Nespresso capsule for my coffee machine?
You may need to sample a few different kinds of coffee before you settle on your favorite. The 50 Nespresso OriginalLine Capsules: Lungos and Ristretto Mix is a great example of a bulk purchase that will allow you to sample a wide variety of coffees without breaking the bank.
Here are some other tips from Nespresso:
Our Verdict
In case you don't feel like reading the whole thing, here's a quick rundown of what we think.
The unique combination of the steam nozzle, cup warmer, and double shot capability of the KRUPS XP3208 Opio led us to name it the Editor's Choice. There's a 2-year warranty on this 15-bar machine.
Next up on our list is the ChefWave Kava Mini Espresso Machine, which we've deemed the second-best Nespresso machine under $100. This 1400 W power machine is great value thanks to its 20 bar pressure, several features (such as a "set it and forget it" energy-saving mode, dishwasher safety, and a "beverage quantity setting"), and the inclusion of a capsule holder and espresso cups.
Those on a tighter budget will appreciate the SOWTECH Steam Espresso Machine, our budget pick. Since you're obviously interested in both low prices and top-notch quality, how does a lifetime warranty sound? Features of this espresso machine include a removable and washable drip catcher, an included glass carafe, and a stainless steel shell.
We hope that by the time you've finished reading this guide, you'll have a better idea of which espresso machine will serve you and your home or small café the best for under $100.
