In a rush? Capresso Café TS Espresso Machine is our top selection for the finest espresso maker under $200.
Who said it costs a fortune to make espresso at home?
There are various models available that are really inexpensive and produce exceptionally good coffee.
I’ll also share with you my reviews of the top espresso machines under $200 as well as comparable ones to save you time.
Let’s start now.
Best Espresso Machine under $200: Top 5 Picks
• Capresso Café TS Espresso Machine (Best Overall)
• Capresso Ultima Pro (Most Intuitive)
• Capresso EC300 Espresso Machine (Best for Large Households)
• Illy Y3.3Espresso & Coffee (Best for Regular Espresso)
• Capresso EC100 Espresso Machine (Most Durable)
Espresso maker Capresso Café TS
This is unquestionably the greatest semi-automatic espresso machine available at this price point.
And just by looking at it, that is obvious. In addition to having a contemporary feel, the wide touchscreen display with icons is extremely simple to operate.
Making espresso with this coffee machine is simple thanks to the five buttons’ clear iconography. Simply decide between brewing and steaming, then select the cup size. Additionally, you can utilize capsules and coffee grounds.
There aren’t many bells and whistles, but this coffee maker doesn’t require any. It is equipped with everything required to make a quality espresso shot. Its 15-bar pump, which can pull enough pressure to produce the gorgeous crema on top of your coffee drink, is its most crucial feature.
Another item to note is the steam wand in the Pannarello fashion. Depending on whether you’re having a cappuccino or a latte, you can pick between frothy and creamy results.
The low spout is what I find to be less than impressive. The majority of Capresso machines appear to operate in this manner. Due to the inability to put a tall mug beneath, you must use another cup for brewing.
Pros
• The coffee maker is quickly ready to use thanks to the thermoblock heating system.
• The twin spout enables simultaneous brewing of two espresso shots.
• Depending on the circumstance, you can use either coffee grounds or capsules.
• A steam wand with settings for foamy and creamy liquids.
Cons
• You can only pour coffee directly into a small cup because of the low spout.
Ultima Pro by Capresso
Whether you are a novice coffee drinker or a skilled barista, the Ultima Pro is made to make brewing coffee simple for everyone. There are only five buttons on the control panel, which is straightforward and easy to use.
The self-tamping portafilter is what makes this espresso maker so user-friendly for beginners. When making espresso for the first time, leveling and tamping the grounds might easily go too far. And in that situation, they might not be properly extracted. With this coffee maker, however, that is not the case.
It’s also a lovely touch to have a warming tray on top of the espresso maker. Coffee does not lose its heat when poured into a warmed cup because of the cold ceramic. And every barista would act in that way.
This device employs a steam wand with two settings in the Pannarello manner. For a cappuccino, one produces a light froth, and for a latte, the other produces a velvety cream. These choices are extremely impressive for a coffee maker that is so reasonably priced.
Having said that, users have complained that the steam produced by the wand occasionally isn’t hot enough. Your coffee gets a light foam as a result of this.
Pros
• Self-tamping portafilters enable consistent results over time.
• With the help of a Pannarello-style wand, you may create either frothy or creamy foam.
• Has inbuilt tool storage for coffee
• The machine produces a lovely coating of crema thanks to the 15-bar pump.
Cons
• The steam wand occasionally uses less heat, producing lukewarm foam.
Espresso maker Capresso EC300
If you share a home with numerous coffee drinkers, you’ll need a machine that can quickly prepare cups after cups. And the Thermoblock heating mechanism in this Capresso model makes that possible.
This coffee maker is ready to brew an espresso as soon as you switch it on. While you cannot simultaneously brew and steam, you are not required to wait in between the two processes either.
You can also produce a lot of shots with a 42-ounce water tank before having to replace it. This is a heavy machine, so not having to move it around much is a comfort.
This espresso maker’s control panel is quite straightforward. There is simply one knob, and it has two functions: steaming and brewing. And, to be completely honest, nothing else is necessary.
This coffee maker has a Pannarello-style steam wand, which is to be expected at this price point. Even complete beginners can easily create foaming using this kind of wand. But I can state with certainty that it produces an excellent foam.
Pros
Brewing is simple thanks to a control panel with a single knob.
• The machine can instantly heat up thanks to the Thermoblock system.
• The device includes two sieves, one for pods and the other for ground coffee.
• A detachable drip tray facilitates cleaning.
Cons
• A little bit bulkier than the other models on the list
Y3.3 Espresso & Coffee by Illy
It goes without saying that Illy produces top-notch coffee. Because of this, I had high expectations for this model. But I can categorically state that I wasn’t let down.
It is true that this machine only accepts Illy capsules. However, there is a large selection of espresso and coffee capsules available from the brand. Additionally, they are priced about the same as other pod manufacturers.
Additionally, because this model has a 19-bar pump, the coffee you receive is roughly equivalent to coffee made with grinds. The espresso beverage has a lovely crema layer on top.
Do you realize how thin this coffee machine is? Due to its small size, it is the perfect counter space solution. So, if you live in a studio apartment or a dorm at a university, this model is something to think about.
I particularly appreciate the changeable cup platform. You can raise it if you’re making a single shot to stop the espresso from sputtering when you pour it. To accommodate a tall cup underneath the spout, on the other hand, you can lower the platform.
You can’t prepare milk-based drinks with this machine because there isn’t a steam wand, which is a bummer.
Pros
• This machine fits in compact locations because to its dimensions of 3.9×11.7×10.
• The cost of this model is more than reasonable.
• You may utilize cups of various sizes thanks to the adjustable cup platform.
• You can keep track of how much water is left in the tank because it is transparent.
Cons
• Uses just capsules
• No frothing wand is on hand.
Espresso maker Capresso EC100
I was quite surprised by this model’s solid construction for such a low-cost espresso maker. Only a handful of the small details are made of sturdy polymers; the most of it is made of stainless steel.
The fact that this machine pretty much includes everything you need to create espresso delighted me as well. Your drink will have a lovely coating of crema on top thanks to a 15-bar pump.
You can also choose an espresso beverage with milk as a base. You just need to raise your jug slightly higher because the wand appears a little short. Depending on your preference, you can make foam either foamy or creamy.
Oh, and did I mention that this model works with both coffee grinds and coffee pods? Simply place one of the two selected sieves that come with the machine whenever you want to switch between the two techniques.
You can brew approximately 4 dozen espresso shots with this machine’s 46-ounce water tank before having to refill it. Having said that, several consumers claimed that it was leaking water. Fortunately, a 1-year warranty ought to cover such flaws.
Pros
• With this model, you may use both coffee grounds and pods.
• Your espresso will have a layer of crema on top thanks to a 15-bar pressure pump.
• The machine features a sizable water tank for a device of this size.
• Because of its sturdy design, this device will last you a very long time.
Cons
• Some users claimed the machine was dripping water.
What to Take into Account When Purchasing a $200 Espresso Machine
Espresso makers in this price range will be rather simple. But I don’t mean basic in a negative way.
To create good espresso, you don’t need a ton of fancy features. Following are a few things to think about before purchasing a new espresso machine.
Build Excellence & Design
To be perfectly honest, you probably won’t leave your children with a cheap espresso coffee maker. However, that doesn’t imply it won’t last you for at least ten years.
Think carefully about the materials used while selecting a model. Since plastic and aluminum are inexpensive materials, you may anticipate seeing them utilized frequently in products in this price range.
The ideal material is stainless steel, which is less frequently found in low-cost espresso makers.
While smaller components, such knobs or water tanks, can be constructed of plastic, the ideal espresso maker has at least a steel frame.
Capacity
Particularly if you reside in a household with many coffee drinkers, capacity is a crucial consideration.
The back of most espresso machines houses a water tank. This implies that every time you need to refill the machine, you’ll have to transfer it across the counter. The daily repetition of that can be rather annoying.
Consider how frequently the members of your household consume coffee while determining the optimal capacity.
One ounce is the size of one espresso shot. As a result, 20 ounces of water can generate about 20 cups of espresso.
Since you shouldn’t ever use up all the water in the tank, I say roughly. Without it, your computer risk overheating and malfunctioning.
Additionally, if you’re foaming milk, remember the inner water that will convert into steam.
Pressure
An espresso shot may be brewed in a matter of seconds thanks to pressure. The extraction process goes more quickly the higher the pressure used to force hot water through the ground coffee.
And as you are surely aware, the ideal time to make espresso is between 28 and 30 seconds. Using a little arithmetic, we can see that making espresso at that rate requires 9 bars of pressure.
But the majority of commercially available machines only have 15 bars of pressure? What’s going on there?
The numbers displayed on models, as you can see, refer to the pressure at the pump. But between the pump and the brew head, the majority of machines lose some pressure. Therefore, the real output is 9 bars.
Therefore, take into account espresso coffee makers that generate 12 to 15 bars of pressure when making your purchase. A device that advertises a 9-bar pressure pump is not one you want to choose because the real input is almost certainly far lower. And you won’t get a good cup from it.
Making Choices
Want to occasionally change up your drinking game? Yes, espresso is a fantastic beverage, but occasionally you just want something else.
Models with a low price tag shouldn’t be expected to offer a wide variety of drinks. In reality, a lot of them will only provide a straightforward espresso.
However, that doesn’t imply you won’t find certain models with additional options. They should at the very least have the option to make a lungo.
The “coffee” option might appear on occasion. Depending on the model, that might be a reference to a lungo or to something that tastes more like a typical black coffee. However, given that the machine draws 9+ pounds of pressure, the result is still rather close to espresso.
Coffee Standard
Naturally, what matters most is the outcome. A machine that produces “meh” espresso is not what you want. You want to sip on a delicious cup of coffee.
If I was asked the same question today, what would I say? A machine that employs coffee grounds will undoubtedly produce a higher-quality espresso than one that uses capsules, in my opinion.
Even better if you have a coffee bean grinder. Nothing beats having freshly ground coffee for each cup of coffee.
However, you can now buy versions that can brew an excellent cup of espresso from a coffee pod. Dedicated ground espresso beans pre-measured for a consistent shot each time are typically included with an espresso pod.
Think carefully about the specifics while selecting an espresso machine. In addition to the pressure pump, the heating system should be taken into account.
Almost all affordable espresso machines use a single boiler. The ability to maintain ideal water temperature, however, depends on the material from which it is manufactured.
Brass and aluminum are inexpensive, but they can change the temperature. Although copper is excellent at transferring heat, there is a chance that it could leak into the water. Make sure a model has nickel plating to prevent this if it has a copper boiler.
The benefits of stainless steel are its stability and resistance to corrosion. But needs to be thick in order to effectively conduct heat.
Frothing
Do you prefer your coffee with milk?
Find an espresso machine with a built-in steam wand after that.
High-end automatic espresso machines frequently include an automatic milk frother, so all you have to do is wait for the milk to steam.
However, the only option available in this price range is a manual wand.
Pannarello and traditional wands are the current available varieties (like the one on manual espresso machines.)
A sleeve with a hole close to the tip on the Pannarelllo wand allows air to enter the milk. Because you don’t have to worry about where you’re positioning it, the hole makes foaming straightforward.
Typically, this kind of milk frother lets you pick between frothy and creamy foam. You can either take a piece out or twist the wand in different directions to achieve it.
Traditional steam wands are thin and devoid of holes, so perfecting one takes some practice. It must be positioned in such a way that air enters through the tip.
A real steam wand provides you greater control over the final appearance of the foam, albeit there is a little learning curve. Furthermore, it makes beautiful latte art.
Effortless Use
Before using the espresso machine, nobody likes to waste time reading the instruction booklet. Furthermore, there is no justification for making coffee to be so difficult.
Pay close attention to the control panel while selecting a model.
Are the number of buttons and knobs excessive?
And how are they classified, too?
Some models include icons that make it crystal apparent what they do.
I won’t lie, though.
I’ve also seen devices with odd icons like “My” and “@,” and I’ll tell you, without a manual, there’s no way I could have guessed what they were for.
Cleaning
Who like taking their time to thoroughly clean an espresso machine? Definitely not, I.
The majority of machines in this price range won’t have options for self-cleaning. However, it does not follow that doing it manually must be difficult and time-consuming.
Most of the time, you may clean the interior by running a brewing cycle without coffee and instead using a cleaning solution.
The removable parts, however, need to be cleaned by hand. Look for a model that you can quickly disassemble to make your job easier. They ought to at the very least include a removable drip tray that can be cleaned in the sink.
Additionally, a water tank ought to be simple to get to. It should ideally be positioned on the side. So, anytime the espresso maker needs to be refilled, you won’t have to move it across the counters.
Dishwasher-safe components are available on some versions. If you simply detest doing dishes at the sink, there is something to think about.
FAQ
More queries regarding espresso machines? Here is a brief FAQ that ought to address them.
Which is better for espresso, 15 bar or 20 bar?
Technically speaking, 15 bar pressure is substantially closer to the ideal pressure for manufacturing espresso than 20 bar pressure. However, both of these will produce an output that is roughly equal when using budget equipment. In other words, the difference probably won’t be noticeable to you.
Can a low-cost espresso maker produce quality coffee?
You very certainly can. The end result should be a rich, potent cup of espresso with a thin layer of crema as long as it has more than 12 bars of pressure.
What is the price of a professional espresso machine?
The price of commercial-grade equipment can range from $5,000 to $15,000. Quality home espresso makers typically cost between two and three thousand dollars.
Briefly Summing Up
As you can see, you can purchase a decent espresso machine for under $200.
And the Capresso Café TS Espresso Machine is the one that unquestionably attracts the most attention among them.
It has a fast-heating boiler, a steam wand in the Pannarello fashion, and a 15-bar pump. You now have everything you need to make espresso-based cocktails at home. Additionally, you can choose to utilize coffee beans or pods, depending on your preferences.
In conclusion, this espresso maker is a great buy for the price it commands.
