Best Budget Espresso Machines
When looking for an espresso machine, look for models that produce rich, delicious shots and well-steamed milk. Some machines are completely automated and complete the job for you, but these tend to sacrifice taste and texture.
The De'Longhi Stilosa is an excellent, straightforward choice that's easy for beginners to use and doesn't occupy much counter space. It's also resistant to wear and tear.
Capresso EC50 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
The Capresso EC50 pump espresso and cappuccino machine achieves a balance between quality, price and performance. It's priced at a reasonable price to make a great choice for beginners but it's also robust and stable enough that even experienced coffee drinkers will appreciate its strong flavor. It also comes with a milk froth that can be used to make cappuccinos or lattes in a matter of minutes.
Consider how many people you will serve your espresso to and how often you will make use of the machine. If you plan to make only two or three cups per day, a single-shot espresso maker will be sufficient, but If you're planning to serve espresso regularly to guests you might need more capacity.
Some espresso makers come with an integrated grinder, whereas others require a separate unit. The latter is more convenient, but it produces less flavorful coffee compared to the burr mill.
Select a model that features PID control. This feature electronically regulates the temperature of the boiler, which results in a more accurate and consistent results compared to a mechanical thermostat.
A transparent water tank lets you to see when it is time to refill it, and the movable chamber for brewing helps in cleaning. The machine can be directly connected to the water supply in your home for better and more regular brew.
CASABREWS' 3700Essential is a excellent choice for those who wish to start making espresso without spending a lot of money. Its performance isn't quite up to the standard of high-end models however, it is capable of producing strong espresso shots that have plenty of body and flavor. In addition, the user-friendly interface is easy to use.
This espresso maker is a great buy because it has a front-facing, clear dial and a removable water reservoir of 42 ounces. The machine also has a dual frother that can be switched between steaming and frothing (the former whips milk for cappuccinos while the other injects hot air into milk to make lattes). The design of the water tank of this particular model is a bit snooty: it's hard to refill and awkwardly positioned.
Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus espresso machine is a small, compact machine that allows you to make espresso and lattes of cafe quality at your home. It is simple to use and does not require any specific expertise or knowledge in coffee making. This makes it perfect for those who are just beginning to learn about the art of making espresso.
It comes with a few features that distinguish it from other entry-level machines. It has a PID, which helps ensure accurate temperature of the water during extraction. It employs a low-pressure pre-infusion process to get the maximum flavor from your beans. It also has a speedy warming time thanks to its ThermoJet system. This lets you begin making your coffee in only three seconds, saving you time in the morning as you're trying to get out the door.
Another great feature is that the Bambino Plus has a dedicated steam wand that can be used to make smooth, frothy and creamy milk for cappuccinos and lattes. It comes with two different settings for the texture of milk, so you can alter the taste of the flavor of your drink. It isn't capable of producing the smooth microfoam you get from a professional espresso machine however it can provide you with some options if you are an aspiring coffee maker.
While the Bambino Plus is a good small espresso machine, it doesn't have the same bells and whistles as Breville's more expensive models. It doesn't have an spout for hot water or a manual steaming option, and it only ships with pressurized filter baskets in North America. If you already have a grinder that can make fine espresso grinds it's a great option for those who are trying to get into espresso making at a reasonable price.
The Bambino Plus may look like a toy however, it's made using real metal. It also has very tight tolerances. It is easy to clean and comes with several built-in reminders to help you stay on track with decaling and cleaning. You'll begin saving money in a few weeks from expensive coffee shopping trips.
Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series espresso machine is a great value for money. This is a great option for anyone looking to cut down on the amount of trips to coffee shops, and take control of how their morning cup coffee is made. This budget-friendly all-in-one machine comes with an integrated grinder and brew unit as well as hot water and an automatic milk frother. It offers a variety of drinks, including iced coffee as well as cappuccinos and lattes.
The machine is simple to use and maintain. The My Coffee Choice feature allows you to alter the strength of your coffee to your personal preference. There are three strengths to pick from and the machine will keep your preferences for each drink. It also has an AquaClean filter that, according to the company, will ensure it is free of scale buildup up for up to 5000 cups of coffee.
The model isn't without its flaws in that it takes a bit longer to make the drinks than other models. Although it's not a huge issue, it could cause some users to be uncomfortable. The grinder in this model is also a little coarse, which means you might need to grind it a bit more than other models.
Another benefit is the Philips 3200's programable timer which can be set to automatically start making coffee at certain time intervals. This can be especially helpful for busy schedules. The machine has a removable drip pan that can be cleaned and removed quickly for faster cleanup. Philips comes with grease tubes that are used to help lubricate your brew machine at least every two months.
The front-loading tank makes it a breeze to refill the machine. The reservoir can hold up to 1.7 Gallons, and the machine will alert you when it's time to change the filter or add water. The controls are easy to operate and come with an interface that is touchscreen. The display will notify you when your coffee is finished and different lights signal if there was an error or if the machine needs descaled.
Hamilton Beach Espresso Maker
The Hamilton Beach 40715 Espresso Machine is a great choice for those looking to get the most value for their money. This budget-friendly model features the capability to use ground coffee and K-Cups or pre-measured soft espresso pods allowing for maximum versatility. A built-in milk frother allows the making of cafe-quality lattes and cappuccinos A feature that isn't often found in machines at this price.
The 40715 is simple to use and maintain. The unique Slide and Lock Portafilter makes it simple to insert the filter, lock it in place, and then take out your espresso. A programmable timer allows you to set a specific time for brewing, so that your espresso will always be ready when you want it. A feature that auto-pauses and serves also allows you to quickly pour mid-brew, so you never have to wait long to enjoy your drink.
Another benefit of the 40715 is its convenient water tank that has a huge capacity. This can help you avoid having to refill your reservoir as often, saving you both time and money. In addition the dishwasher-safe parts and filter basket that can be removed make it easy to clean and maintain.
In terms of performance the 40715 is comparable to other machines in this category. The 15-bar Italian pump is able to make a the most delicious and flavorful espresso cup, while the adjustable steam control will ensure that your drinks will be perfect every time. A clock that can be programmed and an the automatic pause-and-serve feature are both beneficial features.
Hamilton Beach 40715 is a great product with many positive characteristics. However there are a few things to take into consideration prior to purchasing. Coffeee is the small boiler capacity, which can cause the water to cool too quickly, and ruin the extraction process. Another issue is the absence of a permanent filter, which could require you to purchase additional filters in the future.
If you're looking for a new espresso maker make sure you look through the options at your local store before making a choice. You can even make a call to inquire whether they have the model you want in stock. Be sure to account for shipping costs or the convenience of pickup when you're shopping on the internet. If you're not pleased with your purchase, you can take advantage of the return policy provided by the retailer to exchange it for another item.