Introduction
As connoisseurs know, an espresso is not just a coffee. It’s a daily ritual, a wake-up call, and an art form all in one. The quality of your espresso can make or break your day. That’s why having a reliable espresso machine is crucial.
An excellent espresso machine allows you to control the brewing process, enabling you to make a cup that aligns with your specific taste. Moreover, the ability to brew your own espresso at home can save you the trip to the local coffee shop, making it a convenient, time-saving option.
But, owning an espresso machine shouldn’t have to break the bank. Not everyone can or wants to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a high-end espresso machine.
Budget-friendly options can still offer excellent quality, providing an affordable entry point into home-brewed espresso. The market has plenty of excellent espresso machines that strike the balance between quality and cost.
Importance of Key Features in Espresso Machines
Choosing the right espresso machine is not only about the price. It’s about finding a machine that fits your lifestyle, your kitchen, and your coffee preferences.
Key features to consider include the machine’s capacity, the brewing time, ease of use, and durability. Other features might include a built-in grinder, automatic shut-off, and frothing capabilities for those who enjoy cappuccinos or lattes. By understanding what to look for, you can find a machine that won’t break the bank but will still make your mornings a little brighter.
So, join us as we explore the top 7 espresso machines under $150, guiding you to a perfect espresso without putting a dent in your wallet.
Below is the list of 7 best espresso coffee machines under $150
De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine
Features
- Manual Espresso Machine: This machine allows you to prepare traditional espresso and cappuccino with hands-on control
- 15-Bar Pressure
- Stainless Steel Boiler: This ensures durability and a long-lasting machine
- Compact Design: The machine’s slim design is perfect for small kitchen spaces
- Milk Frother: Ideal for making frothy milk for cappuccinos and lattes
- Removable Water Tank: It has a 1.0L capacity and makes for easy refilling and cleaning
- Filters: The machine features two double-layered, pressurized filters for superior extraction
- Removable Drip Tray: For easy cleaning and maintaining the machine and to accommodate different cup sizes up to 110mm
- Water level indicator: The water level indicator makes it easy to see how much water is in the tank
- Compatible with ground coffee & ESE pods
- Single selector knob: Used for powering the machine on or off, brewing espresso & dispensing hot water
- Two separate thermostats: The Stilosa has two separate thermostats, one for the water and one for the steam.
- Nozzle : 360° flexible nozzle
- Warranty: Comes with a 1-year warranty
Overview
The De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine brings a professional barista experience to your kitchen countertop, with special features for an unmatched coffee experience. A distinct attribute of this machine is its milk frother that not only froths but also warms the milk, providing you a cafe-quality cappuccino or latte.
One remarkable feature of the Stilosa is its heated brew group. By keeping a consistent temperature during the brewing process, it ensures each cup of espresso boasts a rich and robust flavor that any coffee enthusiast will appreciate.
Stilosa’s flexibility is another draw. The machine offers two filter baskets for versatility. The single shot filter is perfect for those moments when you need a quick caffeine hit, using about 7 grams of coffee. On the other hand, the double shot filter, holding roughly 14 grams, caters to coffee lovers seeking a more robust experience.
Pros
- The machine is very easy to use, even for beginners
- It produces a consistent cup of espresso every time
- The Stilosa is a relatively compact machine, making it easy to store on your countertop
Cons
- Compared to higher-end models, this machine offers fewer options for customizing the brewing process
Kwister Espresso Machine 20 Bar Espresso Coffee Maker
Features
- Cup warmer: The machine has a warming plate on top that can be used to warm cups before brewing espresso
- NTC control system: This system helps to maintain the correct temperature for brewing espresso
- TFT touch screen: The machine has a user-friendly touch screen display. You can use the display to select the desired cup size, Turn it on/off, and other settings
- Removable drip tray: The drip tray is removable, so you can easily clean it and fit larger cups under the spout
- Two filter baskets: One for single shots of espresso and one for double shots or you can customize your espresso volume
- Removable water tank: Holds 50 ounces of water
- Child lock: The machine has a child lock feature that prevents children from starting the machine
- Materials: The machine is made from stainless steel and plastic
- Different frothing choices: The machine has two different frothing choices
- Auto- shut off: 25 minutes without operation, the machine will automatically shut down
- Warranty: One year warranty
Overview
This grounds coffee-only machine brings the magic of the café right into your kitchen, offering precision control over every element of your coffee making
One standout feature is the steam knob. It has different points, each representing a unique steam strength level, giving you control over how you brew.
The machine is designed with precision in mind. A single cup gives you about 1.35 ounces of espresso, a double cup about 2.7 ounces. But it doesn’t stop there; you can also customize your espresso quantity to your preference.
This machine serves your espresso at approximately 158 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the perfect heat to savor your daily brew.
Finally, the Kwister lets you craft thick, velvety milk for lattes and cappuccinos with its steam jacket. If you fancy a macchiato or similar, just remove the jacket and let the steam wand work its magic on the milk.
Pros
- The different points on the steam knob represent the strength of the steam, so you can customize your espresso to your liking
- The child lock function adds an extra layer of safety
- The 20 bar pressure pump guarantees an even and thorough extraction of coffee grounds, yielding a rich, flavorful espresso shot
- You can use the steam jacket to make thick milk for lattes and cappuccinos, or you can use the steam wand without the jacket to make thin milk for macchiatos and other drinks
Cons
- It may be difficult to clean and maintain
- Some users have noted that the machine’s lifespan is shorter than expected
Nespresso Inissia Espresso Machine by De’Longhi
Features
- Compact Size: The Nespresso Inissia is a small and lightweight espresso machine
- Quick Heating Time: The machine reaches the ideal water temperature in just 25 seconds
- High-Pressure Pump: The Inissia features a 19-bar high-pressure pump, ensuring a barista-style result by unlocking the delicate flavor
- Two Cup Sizes: It includes two programmable buttons for Espresso (1.35 oz) and Lungo (3.72 oz) sizes. You can also customize the cup size according to your preference
- Energy Saving: An automatic energy-saving function switches the machine off after 9 minutes of inactivity
- Water Tank: A removable 24 oz water tank is included, making it easy to refill and clean
- Capsule Container: A used capsule container can hold up to 9-11 used Nespresso capsules
- Folding Drip Tray: The folding drip tray accommodates larger cup sizes
- Color options: The Inissia is available in a variety of colors
Overview
A small but mighty player in the kitchen, this machine introduces the delight of barista-style coffee right in your home.
Inissia’s petite frame belies its robust capabilities. With a quick heating time of just 25 seconds, it caters to your coffee cravings in a snap. Its high-pressure 19-bar pump unlocks the nuanced flavors and captivating aromas of each coffee capsule, resulting in an espresso that rivals any high-end coffee shop.
Customization sits at the heart of Inissia’s design. With programmable buttons for Espresso (1.35 oz) and Lungo (3.72 oz) sizes, you can tailor your coffee experience to your taste. The machine’s flexibility doesn’t stop there – you can further personalize your cup size as per your preference.
Environmentally conscious, the Inissia features an automatic energy-saving function, powering down after 9 minutes of inactivity. That’s sustainability in action!
Refills and cleaning are hassle-free with the removable 24 oz water tank. And with the convenience of Nespresso’s capsule system, an array of delightful coffee flavors await at the push of a button.
The machine’s smart features continue to impress. With the capacity to hold up to 9-11 used Nespresso capsules, it saves you frequent trips to the trash bin. The folding drip tray is an innovative feature, which not only accommodates larger cups but also intuitively drops down to catch drips when your mug is removed.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Makes a good cup of coffee
- Compact and lightweight
- Stylish design
- Affordable
Cons
- Capsules can be expensive
- Machine can be noisy
- Not as durable as some other espresso machines
- No milk frother included
Chefman 6-in-1 Espresso Machine
Features
- Built-In Milk Frother: The machine comes with a built-in milk frother
- Dual Drip Tray: The dual drip tray can adjust to fit larger cups or be removed completely to make cleaning easier
- Water Reservoir: A large (1.8L), removable water tank allows for easy refilling and cleaning
- Single or Double Shot: The machine allows for making single or double shot espresso
- Included Accessories: Comes with a portafilter, two filters (one for a single espresso shot and another for a double shot), a coffee scoop, and a tamper
- Stainless Steel Design: The sleek, stainless steel design offers a stylish look and durability
- Adjustable Milk Frother: This feature allows you to control the froth’s volume and consistency
- Automatic One-Touch Operation: With just a single touch of a button, the machine handles the rest, ensuring a consistently delicious cup of coffee every time
Overview
The Chefman 6-in-1 Espresso Machine is a powerful and versatile appliance that allows you to brew like a barista every day. With a 15-bar pump and built-in milk frother, you can create single or double shot espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes with ease. The machine is designed with a digital display and one-touch button, which makes it easy to use, even for beginners. The display shows the water temperature, brew time, and other settings, so you can customize your drink to your liking.
One of the standout features of this coffee maker is the XL 1.8-L water reservoir. This means you won’t have to refill it frequently, which is a great convenience for busy mornings or when you’re entertaining guests. The water reservoir is also removable, which makes it easy to clean and maintain the machine.
The stainless-steel design of the Chefman is sleek and modern, making it a great addition to any kitchen. The machine is also compact, which means it won’t take up too much counter space. The built-in milk frother is also a great feature, as it allows you to create creamy and frothy milk for your cappuccinos and lattes. The frother is easy to use, and it comes with a frothing pitcher, which makes it even more convenient.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Built-in milk frother
- Produces rich, flavorful espresso
- Compact and space-saving design
Cons
- Not as durable as some other espresso machines
SOWTECH Espresso Coffee Machine
Features
- 3.5 Bar Pressure: This machine operates at 3.5 bar pressure
- Single Switch Knob: The machine includes a single switch knob with a light indicator for simple operation, allowing you to make espresso and froth milk
- Glass Decanter: Comes with a glass decanter with a capacity for up to four espresso cups
- Frothing Arm: The machine has a built-in steam wand for frothing milk, allowing you to make creamy cappuccinos and lattes
- Removable Drip Tray: The machine’s drip catcher is removable, making it easy to clean up after use
- Capacity: Espresso machine makes 1-4 cups (240 ml) of espresso coffee at a time
Overview
The Sowtech espresso machine is an excellent entry-level coffee maker that’s perfect for someone just starting their journey with home-brewed espresso.
If you’re more interested in the convenience of brewing your own coffee at home and aren’t necessarily aiming to extract the subtle complexities of espresso flavor, this machine is an excellent fit.
Despite its budget-friendly price, the Sowtech excels in user-friendliness. To further instill confidence in your purchase, it even offers a lifetime warranty.
If you’re looking to replicate your favorite coffee shop latte at home with minimal fuss, the Sowtech espresso and cappuccino maker could be the ideal replacement, offering great value for money.
Pros
- This espresso machine features a sleek and compact design, perfect for small kitchens with limited counter space
- This is a very affordable espresso machine, especially considering its features
- The lifetime warranty offers peace of mind and attests to the manufacturer’s confidence in the product
- The machine’s single switch knob operation makes it incredibly user-friendly, even for beginners
Cons
- While it does offer a lifetime warranty, the overall durability and lifespan of budget-friendly machines can sometimes be shorter than their higher-end counterparts
- The machine’s four-cup limit might not be enough for larger households or heavy coffee drinkers
- Some users have reported incidents of the machine malfunctioning to the point of explosion, raising safety concerns
- The machine isn’t suitable for fine coffee grinds, typically used in espresso, which might affect the quality and taste of the espresso it produces
Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
Features
- Extra-Large Portafilter: Capable of brewing up to 4 shots of espresso at a time
- Powerful Steam-Brewing Process: Ensures the production of dark, rich espresso
- Frothing Wand: Simplifies the frothing of milk for creating cappuccinos and lattes
- Water Pitcher with Measurements: Enables precise brewing and steaming
- Measuring Scoop: Ensures easy scooping and leveling of coffee
- Removable Frothing Wand Cover: Facilitates easy cleaning and maintenance
- Warranty: one year warranty
Overview
The Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine stands out for its notable features. It packs a powerful punch with 15 bars of pressure, enabling superb extraction and crema, a key aspect for coffee enthusiasts seeking the quintessential espresso experience. The machine ensures the brew temperature remains steady at around 190F, further enhancing the quality of the espresso.
However, the machine’s design does present a challenge – there’s no visibility to determine the quantity of water in the reservoir. To circumvent this, following the recommended water preparation instructions can help guarantee a fresh brew every cycle.
If you aim for 2 shots of espresso, fill the water measuring pitcher to the 2-cup mark and pour this into the reservoir. If you are brewing for 4 shots, simply fill the water measuring pitcher up to the 4-cup mark and then pour into the reservoir.
By adhering to these instructions, you can help ensure that your espresso or cappuccino is always fresh, fragrant, and delicious. Despite a minor design shortfall, the Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine is a reliable choice for a convenient, at-home coffee brewing experience.
Pros
- The machine maintains a brew temperature of around 190F, ensuring a hot and quality espresso every time
- The frothing wand and accompanying pitcher make it easy to create frothed milk for cappuccinos and lattes
Cons
- There’s no way to know how much water is left in the reservoir, which can be inconvenient
Gevi Espresso Machine GECME403L-U
Features
- 15-bar high-pressure pump: This ensures that your espresso is extracted properly and with the right amount of crema
- 2 separate thermostats: These thermostats control the brewing temperature and the steaming temperature, ensuring that your espresso and milk are heated to the perfect temperature
- Built in thermometer: This panel shows you the brewing temperature, so you can easily monitor it and make sure that it is correct
- Removable water reservoir (1.5L): This makes it easy to fill the machine with water and to clean it
- 360° rotating steam wand: This wand makes it easy to froth milk and create latte art
- Cup warmer: This keeps your cups warm before you brew your espresso
- Drip tray: This tray catches any drips or spills from the machine, and it is also removable allowing one to use larger cups
- Items included: Espresso Machine, Portafilter, 2 shot funnel x1, Scoop/Tamper, User manual
- Warranty: one year warranty
Overview
One of the best things about the Gevi GECME403L-U is its 15-bar professional pump. This pump provides the high pressure needed to extract espresso with the right amount of crema. The machine also has a powerful 1100W heating element, so it heats up the water quickly and evenly.
Another great feature of this coffee machine is its removable water tank. This makes it easy to refill the tank, so you don’t have to worry about taking up counter space with a bulky machine. The water tank is also transparent, so you can see how much water is left at a glance.
To froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes, the appliance features a steam wand with a 360-degree rotation. This design facilitates reaching every corner of your cup, providing easy maneuverability.
Cleaning is a breeze after use. The removable drip tray, along with the easily dismantled portafilter and brew head, simplifies the process.
Pros
- The machine is easy to use
- The machine has two separate thermostat controls, so your coffee will taste good and not burnt
Cons
- The machine is not very durable and may break down after a few months of use
- The machine is quite loud when in use
Final Verdict
In conclusion, if you’re looking to delve into the world of home espresso-making without breaking the bank, the selection of machines under $150 offers impressive value.
Each machine mentioned brings unique features and functionalities to the table. Whether it’s dual-temperature control, customizable frothing, or capacity to make multiple shots at once, these espresso machines cater to varied preferences while maintaining affordability.
However, like any budget-friendly option, they come with their compromises, often in build quality or longevity. It’s essential to consider your usage frequency, specific requirements, and patience for learning the espresso-making process.
Rest assured, for the coffee enthusiast on a budget, these machines can bring the café experience right into your kitchen. Explore these options and let your journey into the world of espresso begin!
