Coffee drinkers will tell you that a good cup of coffee can take any day and turn it around, no matter the events. Coffee is undeniably one of the most loved drinks for a significant portion of the public, especially in the mornings when they begin their day. A hot (or for some cold) cup of coffee is their favorite method for starting their work-a-day life on a significant high note.
Our Picks In Detail
CASABREWS Espresso Machine 20 Bar
Features
- 34 oz removable water tank
- One cup brewing filter
- Two cup brewing filter
- Portafiler
- Tamper with spoon
Pros
- Stainless steel appearance, stylish and durable
- 20-bar professional Italian pump and 1350W powerful boiler
- Powerful steam wand to texture creamy, rich microfoam milk
- Compact espresso machine suitable for any size kitchen
Cons
Espresso Machine Coffee Makers 20 Bar Cappuccino
Features
- 35 oz removable water tank
- Full stainless steel body
- 1450W motor
Pros
- 20 bar professional pump and 1450W powerful motor
- Professional frothing milk for cappccino and latte
- Hot water function
- 2 in 1 portafilter with two filters - single and double
- 304 stainless steel material
Cons
IAHAUCH 20 Bar Espresso Machine
Features
- 20 Bar Pump & 1350W high performance
- Compact and elegant design
- 1.1L/37oz coffee machine
- Remove drip tray for larger cups
Pros
- Easy-to-use touchscreen
- Intuitive pressure display
- Compact and elegant design
- Brews multiple cups of espresso without refilling
- Create silky milk froth
Cons
- Cannot exceed the scale point after adding & flattening the powder
De'Longhi ECP3120 15 Bar Espresso Machine
Features
- 9.6 x 7.2 x 11.9 inches
- Black/Stainless Steel
Pros
- Manual frother allows you to mix steam and milk into a rich froth
- Easily make delicious espressos, lattes, cappuccinos & more
- Advanced Cappuccino System
Cons
- No auto-shutoff feature
Wirsh Espresso Machine - 15 Bar Espresso Maker
Features
- 15 bar espresso pump
- 1450W instant thermo-block heating system
- Bright LED lights indicate for each function
- 42oz removable water tank
- Detachable drip tray
Pros
- Compact and space-saving
- Delivers 15 bars of pressure
- 1450W instant thermo-block heating system
- Removable water tank
Cons
- Price may be expensive for some
- No integrated frothing arm
- Relatively small water tank capacity
Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine
Features
The Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi is a versatile and convenient appliance that allows users to enjoy both coffee and espresso with the touch of a button. This machine uses Nespresso's unique Centrifusion technology to extract the perfect cup of coffee or espresso every time. It is designed to work exclusively with Nespresso Vertuo capsules, which come in a wide variety of flavors and strengths. The Nespresso VertuoPlus is incredibly user-friendly, with a one-touch operation that makes it simple to brew your favorite coffee or espresso. The machine heats up in just 15 seconds, so you can have your coffee or espresso ready in no time. Something to bare in mind is that the VertuoPlus only works with Nespresso Vertuo capsules, which may limit your options if you prefer other types of coffee or espresso.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Versatile
- Sleek design
- Large water tank
- Quick heating time
Cons
- Limited capsule options
- Expensive capsules
- Loud operation
- Limited control
Gevi Espresso Machine
Features
- 15 bar professional Italian pump
- 1100W of pressure
- Professional frothing wand
- Dual temperature control system
- Includes portafilter, 2-shot funnel, scoop/tamper, and user manual
Pros
- 15 bar professional Italian pump with 1100W of pressure
- Professional frothing wand for cappuccino and latte
- Dual temperature control system to adjust temperature and taste of milk foam
- Suitable for beginner coffee lovers
- Includes portafilter, 2-shot funnel, scoop/tamper, and user manual.
Cons
- Milk pitcher not included
JASSY Espresso Coffee
Features
- 20 bar pressure
- NS original capsules
- Powerful milk frother
- 1300W power rating
Pros
- 20 bar high-pressure pump
- NS original capsules
- Powerful milk frother
- 1300W power rating
Cons
- No temperature control
Laekerrt Espresso Machine
Features
- Equipped with an Italian made 20 bar pressure pump
- PID precise temperature control chip
- Powerful stainless-steel milk frothing wand
- Adjustable milk frothing wand
- Easy to clean
- Cup warmer
Pros
- Italian made 20 bar pressure pump for a perfect espresso
- PID precise temperature control chip
- Powerful stainless-steel milk frothing wand
- Easy to clean
- Stylish design with simple maintenance
Cons
- Expensive for a home espresso machine
SUMSATY Espresso Coffee Machine
Features
- Three-in-one filter holder for single espresso, double espresso
- Advanced fast heating system
- Stainless steam wand
- Large, transparent 1.8L water tank & drip tray
Pros
- Different kinds of coffee
- Fast heating system
- Premium adjustable milk frother
- Convenient to use
Cons
- None
Brewing Your Espresso From Home
Various brews are available for those starting their day with a cup of coffee. Three of the more popular include an espresso, a cappuccino, or a latte -- all coffee house style brews. Until recently, the choice to self-brewing an espresso at home was financially well out of the reach of most coffee drinkers due to the equipment necessary, and espresso machines, costing hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of dollars.
However, that has fortunately changed as coffee drinkers can now find espresso machines available for under $200. Anyone can now enjoy the convenience of brewing espresso, cappuccino, or latte from home without breaking the bank or even their budget.
Why Brew Espresso At Home?
Running out to the local coffee shop, whether for that first cup of coffee in the morning or as a mid-day pick-me-up, has undeniably become a necessity for many individuals.
However, on those cold, blustery early mornings when you want a nice, hot cup of espresso, a cappuccino, or a latte, it would be so much more enjoyable to have the option of not having to change out of your pj's and brave the elements. Being able to stay in the comfort of your home is one benefit to considering purchasing an espresso machine for your home.
What are the advantages of owning an espresso machine?
Imagine waking up to the enticing aroma of freshly brewed espresso in the comfort of your own home. Owning a quality espresso machine brings a plethora of advantages that go beyond convenience. In this article, we will delve into the enticing benefits of having an espresso machine at your fingertips.
Convenience and Time-saving:
No more rushing to the coffee shop or waiting in long queues. With your espresso machine, you can indulge in barista-quality coffee within minutes, right in your own kitchen. Many coffee drinkers are under the assumption that they are only able to brew plain coffee by making use of an at-home espresso machine. On the contrary, you will have access to creating all of your favorite espresso coffee shop brews right in the comfort of your home – including such favorites as cappuccinos, lattes, and iced coffees.
Now that we have established that you can brew your favorite coffee house blend right in the comfort of your home, let's look at our top choices for the best espresso machines currently retailing for under $200.
Cost-effective
Investing in a quality espresso machine may seem like a significant upfront expense, but in the long run, it can save you a substantial amount of money. You have control over the coffee beans, milk, and other ingredients, eliminating the need for expensive café visits. Even if you purchase an espresso machine with a lower price point and not necessarily the top of the line, you now have a wide range of choices. You will see considerable savings from the beginning, instead of buying your usual coffee shop coffee each, if not several, times a day. The required upfront investment may seem like a considerable amount, but in little, to no time, you will see that your espresso machine will more than pay for itself.
Customization and Variety
A personal espresso machine grants you the freedom to experiment with different coffee beans, grind sizes, and brewing techniques. You can tailor your espresso shots and milk frothing to achieve the perfect balance and create a wide range of beverages to suit your preferences.
While indulging in a daily cup of coffee from your favorite café might seem harmless, the expenses can quickly add up. Let's crunch some numbers to put it into perspective:
- Assuming an average cup of coffee costs $4 at the café.
- If you visit the coffee shop five times a week, that amounts to $20 per week.
- Over the course of a year, you would be spending approximately $1,040 on coffee shop visits alone.
By contrast, investing in a quality espresso machine allows you to brew your own coffee at a fraction of the cost. With proper maintenance and care, your machine can last for years, providing countless cups of high-quality coffee.
The Takeaway
Each machine on this list would be a great, economical choice for brewing your espresso at home. Considering everything, in our opinion, the De'Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine with its compact design, manual milk frother, and stainless steel boiler, this machine is a perfect choice.
However, if you are looking for an espresso comparable to those found at a coffee house, you will need to consider upping your game and investing in a machine at a higher price point.
Author
Amélie has a dual Bachelor of Biological Sciences and Literature. She wrote a Master's Thesis on the importance of blending scientific knowledge with the arts to create a healthier culture. She also has a Bachelor of Education and has been teaching Biology and Language Arts since 2016. She is happily addicted to coffee and constantly learning.
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