Updated: May 9, 2022 by Owen Richardson
Espresso machines used to be a luxury that not many could afford, but in recent days, they have almost turned into a necessity. I cannot stress enough the importance of having a good espresso machine that you can use whenever you want. Even if you are on a tight budget, there are some great machines for you to consider — like these seven best espresso machines under $100!
Espresso is one of the tastiest and healthiest types of coffee. If you are having problems with concentration or you feel tired all the time, drinking at least one shot of espresso can solve your problems. Of course, if you have one of these espresso machines at home, you will never have to deal with such problems again!
I strongly recommend that you invest a bit of money and get one of these machines for yourself. I have never regretted making the investment, and I bet you will not regret it either. With that being said, let’s get into the list of best espresso machines under $100 and see which one is the best choice for you!
TOP PICK
If you are on a tight budget or you just do not want to spend a lot of money on an expensive espresso machine, I have a great machine that you can try out! My favorite espresso machine that costs less than $100 is the De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine. It comes with every feature that you would ever need in an espresso machine.
Aside from the fact that it has a stainless steel boiler, a manual milk frother, a high-pressure pump, and an ergonomic filter, this machine also has a timeless, compact design that would fit any kitchen. I recommend that you give this machine a chance. In case you are not sold on it yet, make sure to check out the detailed review given below for more information!
Reviews of the Best Espresso Machines Under $100
1. De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine – Best Overall
De’Longhi is one of the most famous makers of coffee machines. Even though they have a lot of machines that I would love to talk more about, I will focus on this Stilosa espresso machine for now. The fact that this machine comes at such a low price but is of such good quality is a miracle!
Key Features
- 15-bar pressure pump
- Semi automatic
- Stainless steel boiler
- Steam wand
What I like about this machine is that you can brew a mean cup of espresso with it. Since it has a steaming wand included, you can also prepare some milk while waiting for your espresso to brew. That will allow you to make all kinds of espresso-based drinks – lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos!
Pros
- Ergonomic portafilter
- Single and double filters included
- Two-level cup holder
- Compact design
Cons
- Most parts of the machine are made from plastic
Considering the price of this machine, you cannot be mad at the fact that some of the parts are made from plastic. It is still a complete steal since it brews great coffee, it is very easy to use, and it is super easy to clean. I recommend that you give it a try since it is one of the best espresso machines under $100!
2. Mr. Coffee Automatic Dual Shot Espresso Machine
This espresso machine from Mr. Coffee looks very similar to the previous one from De’Longhi. It has a compact design and simple controls that everyone can get used to quickly. Whenever you start a brew or turn on the steaming wand, there will be an indicator light reminding you that there is an ongoing process.
Key Features
- 15-bar pressure pump
- Semi-automatic
- Manual frothing arm
- Thermal block heating system
What I like most about this machine is the dual-shot brewing option that allows you to make two espressos at once! If you want to prepare a cup of espresso for you and a best friend or a significant other, the time that it takes to brew the coffee will be cut in half thanks to this machine. Convenient, right?
Pros
- Makes 2 shots in one go
- Removable, washable drip tray keeps space clutter-free
- Great entry-level option
Cons
- Machine can be a bit noisy
This convenient machine is very easy to use even though it is not one of the more popular espresso machines on the market. It can provide you with a decent cup of espresso — just make sure that you switch that single filter with a double one when preparing two shots at the same time! It also doesn’t take much to clean and maintain.
3. Capresso Stainless Steel Espresso Machine
If you are looking for an ideal new coffee maker that will not only provide you with some great espresso but with the ultimate crema as well, then this coffee maker from Capresso is something you need to look into. Thanks to the high-pressure pump with stainless steel-lined thermoblock, you will always be able to get the best crema on top of your coffee.
Key Features
- 15-bar pump
- Semi-automatic
- Steam wand
- Cup-warming tray
There are several removable parts on this machine: the water reservoir, the drip tray, and the portafilter. I recommend that you clean them daily, if not after every brew. That way, you will make sure that there is nothing that can compromise the taste of your coffee!
Pros
- Auto-rinse option
- Fast operating
- Easy to use
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- Machine may not be the most durable
This machine is great for its price, but it may not be the most durable one. That is something that you need to keep in mind. If you are looking for a machine that you will be using for years after purchasing it, this may not be the best choice for you.
4. De’Longhi EC-155 Cappuccino and Espresso Machine
For the second time in this review, I will be talking about a De’Longhi espresso machine with a timeless design and the best features. Even though this machine may seem small and not that powerful, it is one of the best that you can get at this price. Let’s see what it is that makes this machine so great.
Key Features
- 15-bar pressure pump
- Semi-automatic
- Three-in-one filter holder
- Convenient water tank
- Adjustable controls
One of the unique things that I love about this machine is the portafilter. Not only can you use it with a single or double filter, but you can also put a coffee capsule in it and use it like that. But before you do that, make sure that you find a capsule suitable for this espresso machine — maybe K-Cups and the many tastes and blends that they offer!
Pros
- Optimal water temperature
- Easy maintenance
- Compatible with K-cups
- Compact space-saving design
Cons
- Machine does not come with a tamper
This machine can be great for brewing espresso and great for steaming milk. The only thing to think about is buying a separate tamper that you will have to use before starting a brew. It is a pity that De’Longhi did not include one with the machine. But that’s no biggie because whatever machine you end up getting, you would end up buying a separate tamper anyway that suits you.
De’Longhi makes such high-quality machines that I’ve made this roundup of my favorites.
5. Mr. Coffee Steam Espresso Machine
Looking for a convenient espresso machine that can brew a large amount of coffee quickly and without any effort on your part? This could be what you are looking for! As one of the few espresso systems that come with a carafe, this machine can prepare four shots of espresso at one time.
Key Features
- 3 bars steam pressure
- Semi-automatic
- Manual steam wand
- Glass carafe is included
- Option to buy with or without accessories
Aside from the fact that the machine is extra easy to use, the carafe that it comes with is also great and very convenient. It has a cool handle so that you will not burn your hands, and it also comes with a drip-free spout.
Pros
- Fast operating
- Makes up to 4 shots
- Removable drip tray
- Easy maintenance
Cons
- Not enough pressure for some
- Machine might be a bit noisy
This machine is suitable for brewing espresso, latte, Americano, and so many other beverages. You will love using it, especially if you live with many family members or roommates. Being able to prepare up to four shots at the same time is going to save you a lot of time and effort!
6. Yabano Cappuccino and Espresso Machine
Yabano has created a great little espresso machine that can also steam milk; therefore, this machine is suitable for espresso-based beverages made with steamed milk as well. After each brew, do not forget to rinse out the removable drip tray, removable milk tube, and the filter baskets!
Key Features
- 3.5-bar steam pressure
- Semi-automatic
- Fast heat-up
- No-leak water reservoir cap
Yabano has laid some ground rules about preparing the espresso with their machine. You need to add some water to the tank, then add your coffee grounds in the basket and tamp them, attach and lock the portafilter, and then start your brew. If you want to, you can also steam some milk and add it to your coffee afterward.
Pros
- Insanely easy to operate
- Compact size
- Easy maintenance
Cons
- Steaming wand may leak
The only problem that may arise with this machine is connected to the steaming wand. Even the company suggests that you avoid overfilling the water reservoir or you will experience some leaking from the wand. Make sure that you pay attention to how much water you put in the reservoir if you want to avoid dealing with this problem.
7. Famiworths Steam Espresso Machine – Best Budget
This might not be a company that you have heard of before, but they have a really good espresso machine right here. This steam espresso machine comes with the option to make four cups of coffee at once, and you can also froth milk with it. Just make sure that you follow their guide on what kind of grounds to use — it would be best if you go with coarse instead of fine grounds.
Key Features
- 3.5 bar steam pressure
- Semi-automatic
- Easy to use control knob
- Steaming wand included
This machine can take a while to heat up. After you add the water to the water reservoir, wait for a few minutes before you start a brew. That way, you will be sure that your water is at the optimal temperature for brewing espresso.
Pros
- Carafe with good capacity
- Portable compact design
- Easy to clean up
Cons
- Not suitable for fine coffee grounds
The quality of this machine may not match the quality of some of the others, but considering the price, I would say this is still a good espresso machine. Make sure that you follow the guide given by the company to have a good brewing experience. Also, steer clear of those fine grounds when using this machine!
Be Smart! Tips to Get the Best Espresso Machines under $100
Even though most great espresso machines are usually crazy pricey, there are a few exceptions that come at affordable prices but can still give a great shot of espresso. You just need to consider these details:
Automation
Espresso machines can be divided into semi-automatic, automatic, and super-automatic categories. The semi-automatic ones will require the most involvement on your part, while the super-automatic machines will not require any assistance apart from starting the brew. The only difference between an automatic a semi-automatic is the machine’s ability to switch the water flow off once it gets the shot out.
Understandably, super-automatic machines always come at higher prices because of the quality and the many features they come with. If you are looking to stay within the $100 budget, you will likely have to limit yourself to semi-automatic espresso machines.
Pressure Generation
When it comes to pressure generation, you should know there are steam and pump espresso machines.
Steam machines tend to be less expensive than pump machines, but they also cannot brew espresso that will be as strong and rich as what you would get from a pump machine because steam machines can’t generate as much pressure as a pump machine. And since espresso is a beverage that should be brewed with at least nine bars of pressure, you need a machine that will be able to give you that much pressure or even more.
So, I would recommend that you look into pump espresso machines. Even though the good ones generally come at prices higher than $100, you might be able to find at least one such machine to fit your budget. Or you can save up some money and then get one—it will definitely be worth the investment!
Quality Materials
When looking for a good espresso machine, look for one that has parts made from stainless steel or other metals. If the parts of the machine are all plastic, chances are that they will not be that durable, so always go for metal parts instead of plastic ones.
Features and Options
By this, I mean that it’s great if you had a machine that comes with an ergonomic portafilter that is comfortable to handle, and with a capacity that can brew two or more shots at the same time. But ask yourself if you really need this feature. Personally, I would prefer brewing one shot at a time if I could get a really good pressure for extracting the most out of my grounds.
Now, as for a steam wand, I feel that this is a must-have. Having this one feature hugely increases the variety of drinks that you can make. Think, lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk and coffee concoctions!
Things like adjustable water temperature, a cup warmer, an auto-rinse option, descaling, cleaning alarm, and so on are a plus. The more options and adjustable features your machine comes with, the better it will be for you. But, again, I would forego all the conveniences for the sake of the quality of the espresso.
Bottom line is, when you’re on a budget this tight, you have to pick and choose your features and prioritize only what is necessary — the espresso itself.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Of course, your machine should have easy commands that you can master quickly. Make sure the machine comes with a removable water reservoir, removable drip tray, and a frother that is easy to clean. The easier the maintenance and the commands, the more you will like using your espresso machine.
FAQs About 100-Dollar Machines
Before I wrap up this guide, I want to give you a couple of other pieces of information that will come in handy when choosing an espresso machine with your rock-bottom budget. Let’s check out what else you need to know before buying one of these machines.
Are cheap espresso machines good?
There are some great espresso machines that are not that expensive, but usually, the lower the price, the lower the quality. If you are looking for a professional espresso machine that will come with extended durability and a lot of great features, you might need to invest a bit more than just $100!
If you can afford to a bit more to your budget, check out our roundups of espresso machines under $300 and under $200, as well as our reviews of the best budget espresso machines.
How long will 100-dollar espresso machines last?
Depending on the quality, espresso machines last anywhere from five to ten years. You can expect to get at least a couple of great years from the machines listed above. If you are looking for a machine that will last up to ten years and still give you great espresso, you will need to invest a bit more money.
Espresso for Cheap!
Thank you for sticking with me through this review! Let me remind you once again that you should look into the De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine if you are looking for an espresso machine and have $100 to spend. A cheaper option is the Famiworths Steam Espresso Machine, but the quality of the two machines is somewhat similar.
Let me know in the comments below if you know any other great espresso machines that are listed at $100 or less. I would love to read all about them, and I bet the other readers would too!
