10 Best Inexpensive Espresso Machines 2026 in the United States

The De'Longhi Magnifica Evo is a fully automatic espresso machine that shines with its ease of use and versatility, making it a solid choice for anyone wanting café-style drinks at home without fuss. It offers 7 one-touch recipes including espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato, and iced coffee, which is great for users who enjoy variety without manual effort. The built-in conical burr grinder with 13 settings ensures fresh, consistent coffee grounds for better flavor, a feature often missing in budget-friendly machines. The LatteCrema system produces smooth, creamy milk froth and supports milk alternatives, with a fridge-storable milk container to keep milk fresh, a convenience not always found in this price range.

Its size is moderate—about 17 by 9 by 14 inches—meaning it will need a fair amount of counter space, which might be a consideration for smaller kitchens. Cleaning is made simpler with removable, dishwasher-safe parts and an automatic cleaning function, easing maintenance. On the downside, while the machine covers a lot of ground, it weighs over 21 pounds, making it less portable. Some users might find the touchscreen interface less intuitive compared to simpler button layouts. Also, for those on a very tight budget, the price could be higher than basic models without automatic frothing or grinding.

This model is ideal for coffee lovers seeking convenience, customization, and milk-based drinks at home without stepping up to professional-level complexity or cost.

The Breville Barista Express is a popular semi-automatic espresso machine that combines a built-in grinder and espresso maker in one device, making it a great choice for those new to espresso or anyone wanting to brew fresh coffee quickly at home. It uses a powerful steam wand for manual milk frothing, allowing you to create creamy microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos, which adds a nice touch of barista-level quality. The machine offers good control over grind size and dose, so you can adjust the flavor to your liking.

It also features precise temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion, helping extract balanced and rich espresso shots. With a 67 oz water tank and a half-pound bean hopper, it’s convenient for daily use without frequent refilling. The size is reasonably compact, but it does weigh over 20 pounds, so it’s better suited for a dedicated spot on the kitchen counter.

Cleaning is manageable with included tools and a cleaning disc, but because it’s a semi-automatic machine, some parts require regular maintenance to keep it in good shape. While it’s not the cheapest on the market, the combination of features, build quality, and consistent results make it a strong choice for anyone wanting an inexpensive machine that still offers quality espresso and milk frothing capabilities.

The Breville Bambino Espresso Machine, model BES450BSS, stands out for its fast heat-up time, automatic milk frothing, and compact design. Its thermojet heating system heats up in just 3 seconds, allowing you to make espresso quickly, which is impressive for an inexpensive machine. The automatic steam wand is a significant feature, as it lets you adjust the milk temperature and texture, making it easier to create barista-quality microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos without the need for manual skills. This can be particularly appealing for users who enjoy milk-based coffee drinks but lack frothing experience.

The machine also includes a 54mm portafilter and low-pressure pre-infusion, which helps ensure that the coffee grounds are evenly saturated for a balanced flavor extraction. The digital temperature control (PID) further ensures consistent results by maintaining the optimal temperature for espresso extraction. However, the Breville Bambino does have some limitations. It lacks a built-in grinder, so you'll need to pre-grind your coffee or purchase a separate grinder. Additionally, while the machine is relatively easy to use and clean, the manual nature of the settings might require a bit of a learning curve for complete beginners. Its compact size (13.7