Purchasing an espresso machine on a budget isn’t always the easiest thing to do, especially if your budget for one is under $100. To get a quality espresso machine, you usually have to be willing to drop quite a lot of money.
However, if you’re on a serious budget and you still want to get the best espresso machine possible, we’re here to tell you that it’s not entirely impossible. There are plenty of great options out there on the market for espresso machines under $100.
At a Glance: Best Espresso Machine Under $100
While they might not give you everything a high-quality espresso machine in the $2,000 range might, they’re perfect for beginners or as a starter home machine. Besides, they get the job done by brewing up some tasty espresso for your caffeine fix.
Quick Summary: Best Espresso Machine Under $100
 | Our Top Choice WACACO Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker |
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 | SOWTECH Steam Espresso Machine |
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 | Imusa USA GAU-18215 Bistro Electric Espresso/Cappuccino Maker |
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 | Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine |
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 | GROSCHE Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker Moka Pot |
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Our Top Picks for Best Espresso Machine Under $100
Without further ado, here is a list of our top picks for the best espresso machine under $100 with included features so you can decide which one is perfect for your coffee needs.
WACACO Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
First on our list is WACACO’s Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker, which is actually an entirely manual espresso maker made for traveling. However, if you’re on a budget, this capsule with 18 bar pressure will get the job done when it comes to brewing up some tasty espresso.
Not only can you get this portable espresso maker in several colors, including red, orange, yellow, and black, but there is also no battery or electricity needed to use it. This means it’s perfect for traveling, camping, or wherever you can manually operate it.
While the Nanopresso’s 18 bar pressure is possible, it’s something you achieve with your own hands. It’s also important to note that this machine works best with finely ground and heavily tamped coffee.
At the time of writing, this portable espresso machine runs at about $70 on Amazon.
What We Like About It
The great thing about this manual espresso machine is that despite its restrictions, it still produces a smooth and great-tasting shot of espresso. We also love the endless travel abilities that come with a machine like this.
What We Don’t Like About It
With the Nanopresso, be prepared to only make one shot at a time unless you also choose to purchase the Barista Kit accessory, which allows you to make double shots. It’s also a bit unfortunate that you have to take the entire machine apart to thoroughly clean it, which can prove to be a bit difficult if you’re traveling.
- Capacity: 80 milliliters
- Dimensions: 2.8″D x 2.44″W x 6.14″H
- Weight: 11.9 ounces
SOWTECH Steam Espresso Machine
If you’re looking for more of a standard espresso machine and not so much a traveling one, we completely understand. The Steam Espresso Machine from SOWTECH is about as simple as you can get for a home espresso machine, which is great for easy use and budgets.
This machine has one knob which switches between on, off, espresso, and steam. That’s right, this machine also comes with a milk frother, so it has everything you need to brew up a simple latte or cappuccino.
It does have a small 3.5 bar pressure, but it can easily make up to four cups of coffee in its marked stainless steel cup. It also comes with a removable drip tray for easy cleaning.
At the time of writing, this compact espresso machine runs at about $50 on Amazon.
What We Like About It
One of the best things about the Steam Espresso Machine is that it’s very compact and light to help you save counter space and let you move it around easily.
What We Don’t Like About It
It can be hard to fit the stainless steel carafe into place and the attached milk frother can also tend to be a bit messy when used.
- Capacity: 4 cups
- Dimensions: 13 x 10 x 7 inches
- Weight: 4.27 pounds
Imusa USA GAU-18215 Bistro Electric Espresso/Cappuccino Maker
Another small espresso machine option comes from Imusa, the USA GAU-18215 Bistro Electric Espresso/Cappuccino Maker. This option gives a bit more pressure than the previous machine with 5 bars of pressure.
Imusa also includes many different features with this machine, including a removable filter holder, a built-in milk frother, a glass carafe that holds up to four cups of espresso, and a removable drip tray.
At the time of writing, this compact and simple espresso machine runs at about $59 on Amazon.
What We Like About It
Just like the SOWTECH machine, the Imusa coffee machine is lightweight and compact to help you save counter space and such. It also makes a pretty good cup of coffee for being a simple and inexpensive espresso machine.
What We Don’t Like About It
While it’s got great features and seems to be a steal, it isn’t the greatest at frothing milk and is also made a bit cheaper. But, if you’re just looking to pull a good espresso shot to get your caffeine fix, this machine might work just right for you.
- Capacity: 4 cups
- Dimensions: 10.63″D x 9.87″W x 11.42″H
- Weight: 5.49 pounds
Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
For a slightly less compact espresso machine choice, look no further than the Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine. This is an option that doesn’t come with a carafe, but rather just a large portafilter for you to brew into your own espresso glass.
However, for use with the attached milk frother, you also get a stainless steel frothing pitcher. You can also use the included water pitcher with measurements to make sure you’re pouring the right amount of water into the reservoir and the measuring scoop for the right amount of espresso.
At the time of writing, this all-inclusive yet simple espresso machine runs at about $55 on Amazon.
What We Like About It
When it comes to this espresso machine, it’s still lightweight and compact for easy storage, but it’s also super easy to use. Since you can remove the frothing wand cover, it’s easily cleanable to allow for a longer-lasting machine.
What We Don’t Like About It
While it’s a pretty decent machine, it is made a bit cheaper than most higher-end machines, but considering you get what you pay for, we’d rather have something that can actually brew up a shot of espresso than something aesthetically pleasing.
- Capacity: 1.3 pounds
- Dimensions: 9.84″D x 10.63″W x 12.4″H
- Weight: 5.47 Pounds
GROSCHE Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker Moka Pot
Looking in a slightly different direction for the last product on our list, the GROSCHE Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker Moka Pot is not a traditional espresso machine, but it certainly is another popular way to whip up the caffeinated sip.
With this aluminum percolator, you can get a delicious cup of espresso right on your gas or electric stovetop in up to nine cups. If you’re open to different ways to brew up espresso, this might be a great choice to start out with.
At the time of writing, this Moka Pot espresso maker runs at about $32 on Amazon.
What We Like About It
With its simple design, it’s easy to brew up some tasty shots of espresso and even easier to clean up afterward. Simple and delicious, what more could you ask for?
What We Don’t Like About It
Obviously, it’s not a traditional espresso machine by any means, but the Moka Pot is traditional in its own way. Even so, it does work a bit differently and might not be exactly what you’re looking for.
- Capacity: 9.3 ounces
- Dimensions: 1.57″D x 2.56″W x 2.95″H
- Weight: 1.35 pounds
Things to Consider Before Buying an Espresso Machine Under $100
Before you go and buy yourself a new and affordable espresso machine, it’s important to think about what your needs are when it comes to the appliance.
What Features Should You Expect On an Espresso Machine Under $100?
If you’re planning on buying an espresso machine that’s under $100, you might want to know what features you can expect to get with it. As seen in most of the options we’ve listed above, many machines below $100 can actually have quite a few features.
For example, the Mr. Coffee Espresso Machine comes with a milk frother attachment, a stainless steel milk frothing pitcher, a measured water pitcher, a portafilter, and a measuring scoop.
On many other machines within this price range, depending on the type, you can also get similar features, such as a milk frother attachment. It’s actually pretty surprising what some budget espresso machines come with.
What Sacrifices Do You Have to Make to Get an Espresso Machine Under $100?
Of course, since you are spending under $100 for a usually pricey machine, you should also expect to make some sacrifices. On a more expensive espresso machine, you might get some extra features that you won’t on one under $100. This could be anything from an included coffee grinder, a better milk frother, or different-sized portafilters.
You also might notice that espresso machines set at an affordable price are made a bit cheaper than the ones above, have fewer button options, or are just a bit more finicky. The phrase “you get what you pay for” is something to really take into account when it comes to an espresso machine, but that doesn’t always have to be a bad thing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to buying a good espresso machine under $100, you might have a few more questions before you make your purchase. Worry not, we’re here to answer as much as we can.
Can You Make Good Espresso With a Machine Under $100?
While having a good espresso machine has a lot to do with making good espresso, it’s also dependent on using good coffee to do so. If you use good espresso beans when brewing up your caffeine fix, even if you have a cheaper machine, you’ll have a better chance at still getting good espresso if you know what you’re doing.
Can You Steam Milk With an Espresso Machine Under $100?
If the espresso machine you can find under $100 happens to have a milk frother attachment, it’s not impossible to steam up some milk for a latte or cappuccino. However, it can be hard to find a cheap espresso machine with a steam wand that actually works.
There’s a high chance that a milk frother on a machine under $100 won’t steam as quickly or as hot as one on the pricier side, or it might be a bit more flimsy. Either way, it’s best not to expect anything too much when it comes to milk frother attachments on espresso machines under $100.
How Long Will an Espresso Machine Under $100 Last?
As with anything, the best way to ensure the longevity of your espresso machine is to make sure you’re taking good care of it. Frequent cleaning and gentle use go a long way, especially if you plan on purchasing a cheaper product.
Final Thoughts
No matter what you’re looking for in an espresso machine, it’s not impossible to achieve most of it if you’re still on a budget. The options for espresso machines under $100 are plentiful, you just have to look in the right places.
Hopefully, our list has guided you into picking out a good espresso machine without breaking the bank. Keep in mind to take gentle care of it and use good quality beans so that you have something that will last a while.
Even if you’re not on a budget, we recommend looking for a cheaper espresso machine anyways if you’re a beginner at making coffee at home. There’s always so much to learn when it comes to the craft of coffee, and it’s best to keep it simple.
Happy Caffeinating!
