10 Best Affordable Espresso Machines 2026 in the United States

The Breville Barista Express is a semi-automatic espresso machine that offers great value for those wanting a hands-on coffee experience at home without splurging. It combines an integrated conical burr grinder with a 1/2 lb bean hopper and adjustable grind size control, allowing fresh coffee grounds tailored to your taste. It uses low-pressure pre-infusion and digital temperature control (PID) to optimize espresso extraction, which helps produce well-balanced shots. The machine has a powerful steam wand for manual microfoam milk frothing, suitable for making lattes and cappuccinos with some practice.

With a 67-ounce water reservoir, it holds a decent amount of water for multiple cups before needing a refill, supporting moderate daily use. Its stainless steel construction and included cleaning tools make maintenance manageable, though the semi-automatic operation means some learning curve for beginners. The machine weighs over 22 pounds, so it’s sturdy but not very portable.

Though not the cheapest on the market, the Barista Express fits well in the affordable category given its quality build and features. It excels for users who want control over the espresso-making process including grinding and milk texturing, but it may be less ideal for those seeking a fully automatic or super-simple push-button machine. Its one-year warranty and strong customer ratings reflect good reliability. If you enjoy fresh coffee and are willing to learn basic barista skills, this machine offers a strong balance of functionality and price.

The Gevi Espresso Machine is a solid choice for anyone wanting to enjoy café-style coffee at home without spending too much. It uses a strong 20-bar pressure pump, which helps extract rich and flavorful espresso, a feature usually found in more expensive machines. It has a 1350W thermoblock boiler, allowing quick heating and fast preparation of your coffee and milk froth, so you won't wait long to enjoy your drink. The built-in milk frother steam wand makes it easy to create cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites with good froth quality, thanks to its temperature control system that keeps milk steaming smooth and balanced.

You can choose between one shot, double shots, or manually adjust the coffee amount, giving flexibility to match your taste preferences. The machine includes a removable water reservoir and drip tray, which makes cleaning straightforward, an important feature for daily use. Its compact size means it fits well in most kitchens without taking too much space. However, it does not have a built-in grinder, so you’ll need to use pre-ground coffee or buy a separate grinder if you prefer fresh grounds.

The machine offers a pressure gauge and some advanced features like pre-infusion and auto shut-off, though some users might miss more customizable settings found in premium machines. This espresso maker is ideal for coffee enthusiasts who want convenience, decent performance, and easy maintenance at an affordable price, especially if you are comfortable using your own ground coffee.

The De'Longhi Magnifica Evo is a fully automatic espresso machine designed to make a variety of coffee drinks easily, including espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato, and iced coffee—all with one-touch controls. It features a built-in conical burr grinder with 13 grind settings, which is a big plus for fresh, well-balanced coffee flavors, especially if you enjoy experimenting with different beans.

The machine uses De'Longhi's LatteCrema system for milk frothing, which handles both dairy and milk alternatives smoothly and keeps milk fresh when stored in the fridge. It's particularly good for those who like milk-based drinks and appreciate automatic milk frothing without extra hassle. One convenient feature is its easy cleaning process, with removable, dishwasher-safe parts that simplify maintenance.

Some users might find the touchscreen interface less intuitive if they prefer simpler buttons, and as a super-automatic model, it may not offer as much manual control as some espresso enthusiasts want. It is highly regarded among super-automatic machines, making it a solid choice for those seeking a versatile, user-friendly option that covers most espresso and milk-based drink needs without breaking the bank.