5 Best Budget Friendly Espresso Machines: A Comprehensive Review
Finding an affordable espresso machine that delivers café-quality drinks without breaking the bank can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. After thoroughly researching these five best budget friendly espresso machines, analyzing customer feedback from Amazon, YouTube reviews, and independent sources, this guide will help you choose the perfect machine for your home barista journey.
My favorite pick is Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker & Barista System
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table
| Espresso Machine | Standout Feature | Amazon Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chefman CraftBrew | Large 1.8L water reservoir with modifiable steam wand | Check Price |
| Gevi 20 Bar Commercial | Thermoblock heating with dual temperature control | Check Price |
| CHULUX | Compact and lightweight with 20-bar pressure | Check Price |
| DeLonghi Linea Classic | Professional pressure gauge with ThermoBlock technology | Check Price |
| Ninja CFN601 | Dual-function: espresso maker + drip coffee machine | Check Price |
List Of Our 5 Best Budget Friendly Espresso Machines
1. Chefman CraftBrew Espresso Machine
Price: $129.99 (regularly $149.99)
The Chefman CraftBrew has earned its spot as a viral favorite, with over 3,479 ratings and 1,018 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars. This machine stands out for offering remarkable value at an entry-level price point.
Standout Features:
The most impressive feature is the extra-large 1.8-liter water reservoir, which allows you to brew multiple drinks without constant refilling. The machine also includes a modifiable steam wand – you can remove the panarello tip to reveal a traditional steam wand underneath, giving you the flexibility to create both beginner-friendly foam and advanced microfoam for latte art.
The touch controls are intuitive, offering single and double espresso options, as well as dedicated buttons for cappuccino, latte, froth, and clean functions. The 15-bar pressure pump consistently produces espresso with decent crema.
What Customers Say:
YouTube reviewers praise the machine’s surprising quality for the price. One experienced barista noted that “this steam wand is shockingly great” and emphasized that the ability to modify the panarello tip is rare at this price point. Customers on Walmart consistently mention the machine’s elegant appearance, ease of use, and great value.
However, some users report overheating issues after extended use, and a few experienced early failures. The included plastic tamper feels cheap and may need upgrading. Despite these minor drawbacks, most reviewers agree that the Chefman delivers café-quality drinks at a fraction of the cost.
Best For: Beginners who want room to grow and the flexibility to learn proper milk steaming techniques.
2. Gevi 20 Bar Commercial Espresso Machine
The Gevi 20 Bar represents exceptional value in the budget espresso category, combining professional features with an accessible price tag.
Standout Features:
The game-changer here is the thermoblock heating system with dual temperature control. Unlike traditional boiler systems that take 10-15 minutes to heat up, the Gevi reaches optimal brewing temperature in just 45 seconds. The dual thermostats separately control espresso brewing temperature and steam temperature, ensuring consistency when switching between pulling shots and steaming milk.
The machine features a professional-grade LED display for easy navigation, a manual steam wand with impressive power, and intelligent overheating protection. The compact, stainless steel design looks far more expensive than it is.
What Customers Say:
YouTube reviews highlight the machine’s exceptional steam power: “This machine has really nice steam power. I was able to make myself really nice silky milk”. The reviewer noted that the automatic boiler cooldown feature is “super convenient”.
On Reddit, users acknowledge it’s “one of the highest rated machines under $200”, though some note it won’t match higher-end machines for traditional espresso extraction. Customers on Gevi’s official site praise the machine’s quiet operation, customizable shot volume, and attractive design.
The main criticisms include a lightweight build that can shift when locking the portafilter, a lack of included milk pitcher, and limitations with the panarello wand for advanced latte art. The pressurized baskets produce “fake crema” that doesn’t reflect true extraction quality.
Best For: Coffee lovers who value speed and convenience, especially in the morning rush.
3. CHULUX Espresso Machine
Price: $99.99
At under $100, the CHULUX represents the most budget-friendly option on this list, making it an attractive entry point for espresso beginners.
Standout Features:
The CHULUX’s biggest selling point is its ultra-compact and lightweight design paired with 20-bar pressure system. This makes it ideal for small kitchens, dorm rooms, RVs, or first apartments. The machine is compatible with Nespresso Original Line pods, which eliminates the learning curve of grinding, dosing, and tamping for complete beginners.
The simple two-button operation (espresso and lungo) makes it incredibly user-friendly. The machine features an automatic shut-off and requires minimal maintenance.
What Customers Say:
A YouTube reviewer emphasized: “I was looking for a good quality espresso machine for under $100 off Amazon.com with great reviews and I found it with the Chulux”. Users appreciate how quickly it heats up and the ease of dropping pods into the top compartment.
For van life and RV enthusiasts, the CHULUX has become popular due to its low power consumption (800 watts) and 3-minute brew time. One user noted it “fits in our overhead galley cabinet” and only uses 3 amp hours per brew cycle.
However, there are notable limitations. Some Reddit users found the coffee “quite bland” compared to other brewing methods, and the machine can be “temperamental at elevations above 5,000 feet”. Customer reviews on YouTube criticize it for being slow, having a problematic water reservoir, filter clogging issues, and concerns about durability and plastic construction.
Best For: Absolute beginners, students, or travelers who prioritize convenience and pod-based brewing over manual espresso techniques.
4. DeLonghi Linea Classic Espresso Machine
Price: $179.99 (regularly $199.99)
DeLonghi has long been synonymous with quality espresso machines, and the Linea Classic brings that reputation to the budget-friendly segment.
Standout Features:
The professional-style pressure gauge on the front panel provides real-time feedback during extraction, helping you diagnose issues with grind size and tamping. This educational feature is rare in machines under $200 and helps beginners understand the science behind great espresso.
The machine uses ThermoBlock technology for stable, optimal brewing temperature, and features a dual-position steam wand with settings for both steamed milk and cappuccino-style froth. The removable drip tray accommodates various cup sizes, including tall glasses for iced lattes.
DeLonghi includes automatic shutoff, customizable single and double shot presets, and a 15-bar pressure pump. The compact 8.9-inch width fits most countertops without dominating the space.
What Customers Say:
Best Buy reviewers are enthusiastic: “This machine will get a lot of use in my home. We all love our coffee in various ways. I feel like a new barista with this DeLonghi Linea Classic Espresso Machine“. Another customer noted: “I’ve tried much more expensive espresso machines in the past, but they proved to be overkill and were annoyingly complicated to use and maintain”.
TechRadar’s review confirms: “The reasonable price tag, simplicity of use, and relatively compact size make it an appealing choice for just about anyone”. Coffee experts featured in Yahoo Shopping recommend it for its “simplicity and reliability” and note the manual steam wand allows control over milk texture—”features typically found in pricier models”.
The main drawback is that it “takes some trial and error to make tasty espresso” and can overheat at times. The included plastic scoop/tamper tends to twist during tamping.
Best For: Those who want a reliable, brand-name machine with educational features and room to develop barista skills.
5. Ninja CFN601 Espresso & Coffee Barista System
The Ninja CFN601 takes a different approach by combining an espresso maker and drip coffee machine in one unit, making it the most versatile option on this list.
Standout Features:
The dual-function design is revolutionary for households with different coffee preferences. One side brews espresso using Nespresso Original Line pods with a 19-bar pressure system for rich crema, while the other side makes traditional drip coffee in sizes ranging from single cups to a full 12-cup carafe.
The built-in fold-out milk frother creates rich foam for lattes and cappuccinos, and the adjustable cup tray accommodates everything from espresso cups to travel mugs. The machine offers multiple brewing styles including espresso, lungo, and iced coffee settings.
What Customers Say:
Best Buy customers rave about the quality: “The flavor of the espresso is incredible—on par with the $5+ drinks you’d find at Starbucks”. One reviewer calculated their ROI and noted they’d “recuperate the investment in less than 6-7 months”. Multiple reviewers mention it’s now their favorite appliance and has replaced both their traditional coffee pot and Keurig.
The machine earns praise for its fast brewing speed, excellent frother, and versatility. Users appreciate that it works with both pods and ground coffee, providing flexibility based on time and preference.
However, not all feedback is positive. Some Reddit users report that after just over a year, the machine “completely stopped producing espresso” and failed to puncture pods even after thorough cleaning. Customer service experiences have been described as “truly awful”. The machine doesn’t include a reusable filter, requiring a separate purchase, and some find it takes up considerable counter space.
Best For: Households with varied coffee preferences, or anyone who wants both espresso and drip coffee without buying two separate machines.
How to Choose the Best Machine for You
If you’re a complete beginner: Start with the CHULUX ($99.99) if you prefer pod-based convenience, or the Chefman CraftBrew ($129.99) if you want to learn traditional espresso techniques without a huge investment.
If you value speed and efficiency: The Gevi 20 Bar ($179.99) with its thermoblock heating system gets you from button press to espresso in under a minute, perfect for busy mornings.
If you want to develop barista skills: The DeLonghi Linea Classic ($179.99) offers the pressure gauge feedback and brand reliability that will support your learning journey. The Chefman also works well here due to its modifiable steam wand.
If you need versatility: The Ninja CFN601 ($199.99) is unbeatable for households that want both espresso and drip coffee, though be aware of potential longevity concerns.
If budget is your primary concern: The CHULUX at $99.99 provides the lowest barrier to entry, while the Chefman at $129.99 offers the best overall value for the money with its standout features.
If you prioritize milk-based drinks: Both the Chefman (with its modifiable steam wand) and Gevi (with powerful steam) excel at creating quality foam for lattes and cappuccinos.
Final Recommendations
For most budget-conscious coffee lovers, the Chefman CraftBrew Espresso Machine represents the sweet spot of price, features, and customer satisfaction. At $129.99, it offers the modifiable steam wand, large water tank, and consistent performance that will satisfy both beginners and those ready to advance their skills.
If you’re willing to spend slightly more, the Gevi 20 Bar ($179.99) provides the fastest heat-up time and dual temperature control that ensures consistency. The DeLonghi Linea Classic ($179.99) offers brand prestige and the educational pressure gauge.
For those seeking maximum versatility, the Ninja CFN601 ($199.99) delivers two machines in one, though you should weigh this against reliability concerns reported by some long-term users.
Whichever machine you choose, remember that the grinder matters as much as the machine. Investing in a quality burr grinder and fresh beans will dramatically improve your results regardless of which espresso machine you select. Happy brewing!
