10 Best Cheap Espresso Machines 2025 in the United States

The Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine is a solid choice for those looking to enjoy high-quality espresso at home without breaking the bank. One of its standout features is the integrated conical burr grinder, which allows you to grind fresh coffee directly into the portafilter. This ensures that you can achieve the right flavor profile for any roast of bean you prefer. The machine offers precise control over the grind size and amount, making it easier for users to customize their coffee experience.

Its optimal water pressure and digital temperature control enhance the extraction process, ensuring that the flavors are well-balanced in your espresso. The manual steam wand provides the capability to create microfoam milk for lattes, which is a great plus for anyone interested in coffee art.

The machine's size and weight (22.1 pounds) might be a concern for users with limited counter space. Additionally, while it is user-friendly, the manual operation may require a bit of a learning curve for those new to making espresso. Cleaning the machine is essential for maintaining performance, and while it includes cleaning tools, some users may find the maintenance a bit tedious. The 67 oz water tank is generous and means less frequent refills, but it may still take up space in a smaller kitchen.

The Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine is a strong contender in the cheap-espresso-machines category, particularly for those looking to make high-quality espresso at home without breaking the bank. One of its standout features is the Impress puck system, which makes the manual espresso-making process more accessible by taking the guesswork out of dosing and tamping. This is great for beginners or anyone who may feel intimidated by the complexities of espresso preparation. The smart dosing system and 25 grind settings allow users to fine-tune their coffee to achieve their desired flavor and strength.

Another notable strength is the Thermocoil heating system, which provides precise control over temperature and flow rate, essential for brewing delicious espresso. Moreover, the built-in steam wand is a valuable addition, allowing for the creation of microfoam milk—a must-have for lattes and cappuccinos. With a 2-liter water tank and a 250g bean hopper, it also offers reasonable capacity for home use.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The machine's weight of 23.7 pounds may make it cumbersome to move around or store. While the automated features are user-friendly, those looking for a fully-fledged manual experience might find it lacking. Additionally, the cleaning process can be a bit involved, as maintaining the machine's various components requires regular attention to keep it functioning optimally.

The Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine stands out in the realm of affordable espresso machines with its compact design and high-quality features. Its standout feature is the ThermoJet heating system, which heats up in just three seconds, allowing for quick and efficient coffee brewing. The machine also offers precise espresso extraction through digital temperature control, ensuring your coffee is brewed at the optimal temperature for flavor.

An important aspect of this machine is its automatic microfoam milk texturing capability, which is great for those who enjoy milk-based drinks like lattes or cappuccinos and want to try their hand at latte art. The low-pressure pre-infusion and 54mm porta-filter with 19 grams of coffee ensure a balanced and rich tasting espresso, emulating a cafe-style coffee experience right at home.

In terms of size, its compact footprint is appealing for those with limited counter space, measuring just 7.7 inches in width. The machine's automatic purge feature ensures the system is always ready for the next brew, which is a handy feature for convenience. However, it lacks an integrated grinder, meaning you'll need a separate grinder to achieve the right coffee grounds consistency, which could be a downside for some users. The semi-automatic nature requires some manual input, which might not be ideal for users seeking a fully automated experience. Cleaning is fairly straightforward with included tools, but it still requires regular maintenance to keep it operating at its best. Despite these minimal drawbacks, the Breville Bambino Plus delivers 'serious espresso' at a reasonable price, making it an excellent choice for coffee enthusiasts looking for quality on a budget.