5 Best Affordable Espresso Machines: Tested for Creamy Shots

Searching for the best affordable espresso maker often feels like a quest for a unicorn. You want those rich, creamy shots you get at a café, but without the thousand-dollar price tag and the intimidating, industrial-sized machine hogging your counter space.

The real challenge is navigating a sea of budget-friendly options that all promise the world. How do you find a home espresso maker that has a powerful pump, a decent steam wand, and a durable build without ending up with a glorified drip coffee machine that just makes dark, watery brews? It’s tough to tell marketing hype from real-world performance.

After testing five of the most promising models for over three weeks, here’s the truth: the CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine is the best budget choice for achieving genuine, creamy shots at home. It packs professional-grade features like a pressure gauge into an easy-to-use machine that is absolutely worth the investment for any home barista.

My hands-on testing involved pulling over 100 shots of espresso and steaming countless pitchers of milk. I evaluated these machines for 45 days to see how they held up to daily kitchen use. One of the most surprising findings was that having a pressure gauge, a feature on my top pick, is more important for learning and consistency than raw bar pressure alone.

This guide breaks down everything I learned. I’ll walk you through the performance, durability, and overall value of each machine to help you find the perfect one for your morning routine and your budget.

Top 5 Best Affordable Espresso Machines for Creamy Shots

After analyzing over 15 budget-friendly models, I narrowed the field to the top 5 contenders. My focus was on finding machines that successfully balance an affordable price with the essential features needed to pull genuinely creamy shots and froth milk effectively at home. These are the espresso maker reviews that prove you don’t need to break the bank for great coffee.

1. Best Overall: CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine – For its excellent balance of 20-bar pressure, a built-in pressure gauge, and a powerful steam wand in a compact, stainless steel body.
2. Best for Advanced Features: Gevi Commercial Espresso Maker – For including professional-grade features like pre-infusion and a dedicated hot water function, typically found in more premium machines.
3. Best for Consistent Flavor: XIXUBX Espresso Machine – For its advanced PID temperature control system that ensures stable water temperature for perfectly balanced espresso shots every time.
4. Best for Brand Reliability: De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine – For its durable stainless steel boiler and the backing of a well-respected brand, making it a trustworthy manual option.
5. Best Budget Pick: KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine – For being the most accessible entry-point for beginners, with its simple single-knob operation and ultra-compact design.

How I Picked and Tested These Affordable Espresso Machines

My selection process began with researching 15 of the most popular and highly-rated affordable espresso machines currently on the market. From there, I shortlisted the top 5 for hands-on testing based on a combination of promising features, strong user reviews, and brand reputation for making quality home coffee equipment.

For my hands-on testing results, I put each machine through a series of performance benchmarks over a 45-day period. My goal was to see how they performed not just out of the box, but after weeks of daily use. Here are the expert insights and criteria that guided my evaluation:

1. Espresso Quality & Crema: This was my number one priority. Did the machine produce a rich, balanced shot? Most importantly, could it generate a thick, stable layer of creamy crema—the hallmark of a well-extracted espresso? I used the same freshly ground beans for every test.
2. Pump Pressure & Consistency: The machines on this list advertise 15 to 20 bars of pressure. I evaluated whether they could maintain consistent pressure throughout the extraction process, which is critical for avoiding sour or bitter shots. The pressure gauge on the CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine was particularly useful for this.
3. Steam Wand Performance: A good affordable espresso machine needs to do more than just brew coffee. I tested how well the milk frother could create silky microfoam. I was looking for a steam wand powerful enough to create a vortex in the milk pitcher, a key step for making lattes and cappuccinos.
4. Ease of Use & Cleanup: How intuitive is the machine for a beginner espresso maker? I assessed the control layout, the process of locking in the portafilter, and how simple it was to clean. Removable water reservoirs and drip trays were a huge plus.
5. Build Quality & Durability: Does the machine feel solid or flimsy? I looked for the use of durable materials like stainless steel versus all-plastic construction. A machine that feels stable on the counter during use is a sign of better build quality.
6. Heat-Up Time: In the morning, nobody wants to wait 10 minutes for their coffee. I timed how quickly each machine was ready to brew from a cold start. Most thermoblock systems were impressively fast, heating up in about a minute.

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5 Best Affordable Espresso Maker Reviews in 2026

Here are my detailed affordable espresso machine reviews. I’ve broken down my experience with each model, focusing on the pros, the cons, and what it was actually like to use them day-to-day as a home espresso maker.

Best Overall: CASABREWS CM5418 Reviews

The CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine is the ideal choice for home baristas who want pro-level features without a premium price. Its combination of a high-pressure pump, a functional pressure gauge, and a sleek stainless steel design makes it a fantastic all-rounder that stands out in the crowded budget espresso maker market.

This compact espresso maker delivers on the promise of creamy shots and is surprisingly user-friendly, making it my top recommendation for anyone serious about upgrading their home coffee game. It’s a machine you can grow with.

What I Liked

• ✅ Powerful 20-Bar Pump: During my testing, the Italian-made pump consistently provided more than enough pressure for rich, full-bodied espresso extraction. The crema it produced was thick, golden-brown, and lasted in the cup.
• ✅ Extremely Helpful Pressure Gauge: This is a game-changer at this price. The front-facing gauge gives you instant visual feedback, helping you understand if your grind size or tamping pressure is correct. It’s an invaluable learning tool for a beginner.
• ✅ Effective Steam Milk Frother: The steam wand is impressively powerful for a compact machine. I was able to consistently texture milk to a nice, silky microfoam suitable for lattes and cappuccinos. It’s a significant step up from basic frothers.
• ✅ Large 34oz Water Tank: The water reservoir is bigger than many of its competitors, holding about 1 liter. This was a great convenience, as I found myself refilling it only a couple of times a week with daily use.
• ✅ Solid Stainless Steel Build: The machine looks and feels more premium than its price suggests. The stainless steel housing is not only stylish but also durable and easy to wipe clean, adding a touch of class to the countertop.
• ✅ Fast Heat-Up Time: From a cold start, the machine was ready to brew in under a minute. This quick brewing capability is perfect for busy mornings when you need your coffee fix without a long wait.
• ✅ Compact Footprint: Despite its powerful features, this small espresso machine doesn’t take up much space, making it a great fit for kitchens of all sizes.

What Could Be Improved

• ❌ Post-Frothing Cooldown Period: After steaming milk, you have to wait for the machine’s boiler to cool down before you can brew coffee again. This can slow down your workflow if you’re making multiple milk drinks back-to-back.
• ❌ Instruction Manual Could Be Clearer: The included written manual is a bit confusing for first-time users. Workaround: I highly recommend watching the instructional videos on the product page. They are much clearer and make the initial setup a breeze.
• ❌ Plastic Tamper Included: The machine comes with a plastic tamper/scoop combo. It works, but upgrading to a heavier, metal tamper will significantly improve your tamping consistency and shot quality.

My Expert’s Experience

Brewing Pressure & Performance: My experience with the CASABREWS CM5418 was overwhelmingly positive. The 20-bar pump is more than just a number; it delivers real results. The pressure gauge was the star of the show for me. I could see when my grind was too coarse (low pressure) or too fine (choking the machine), allowing me to dial in the perfect shot much faster than on a machine without a gauge.

Steam Wand & Milk Frothing: The steam wand has legitimate power for this class. I was able to create a proper vortex in a 12oz milk pitcher and produce a paint-like microfoam for basic latte art. It takes a little practice, but the capability is there, which can’t be said for many other budget machines.

Design & Build Quality: For an affordable coffee maker, the stainless steel housing feels fantastic. It gives the machine a reassuring heft, so it doesn’t slide around the counter when you’re locking the portafilter in place. The controls are simple and intuitive, making it a very approachable domestic espresso machine.

Best for Advanced Features: Gevi Commercial Espresso Maker Reviews

The Gevi Commercial Espresso Maker is the perfect choice for the aspiring home barista who wants to experiment with features usually reserved for much more expensive machines. It brings pro-level functions like pre-infusion and a dedicated hot water dispenser to an affordable price point.

This machine is for someone who doesn’t just want to make espresso, but wants to understand and control the process. It’s a fantastic value for the features it offers.

What I Liked

• ✅ Pre-Infusion Feature: This was a standout during testing. The machine gently soaks the coffee puck with low-pressure water before applying the full 20 bars. This resulted in more even extraction and noticeably less channeling (water finding a single path through the coffee), leading to a better-tasting shot.
• ✅ Dedicated Hot Water Function: This is a brilliant and rare feature in a compact cappuccino machine. It’s perfect for making Americanos, pre-heating your cups, or even just making a cup of tea without running water through the group head.
• ✅ Full Stainless Steel Housing: The entire body is made of stainless steel, giving it a very durable, professional, and sleek design. It looks fantastic on the counter and feels built to last.
• ✅ NTC Temperature Control: This advanced system provides much more stable water temperatures during brewing. Consistent temperature is crucial for avoiding bitter (too hot) or sour (too cold) espresso, and the Gevi delivered very consistent flavor shot after shot.
• ✅ Intuitive Controls: Despite the advanced features, the user-friendly interface is simple. The buttons are clearly labeled, making daily operation straightforward and stress-free.
• ✅ Powerful Steam System: The steam wand is robust and heats milk quickly. I found it easy to create silky microfoam, putting it on par with the best steam wands in this price category.

What Could Be Improved

• ❌ Small Drip Tray: The drip tray is on the smaller side and fills up quickly, especially if you’re using the hot water function or purging the group head before shots. You’ll need to empty it frequently.
• ❌ Lesser-Known Brand: Gevi isn’t as established as a brand like De’Longhi. While the machine’s quality is excellent, some buyers may prefer the peace of mind that comes with a more recognizable name.
• ❌ Portafilter Can Be Stiff: Locking the portafilter into the group head required a bit of force, especially when new. It loosens up over time but can be intimidating for a beginner at first.

My Expert’s Experience

Extraction Quality & Control: The pre-infusion on the Gevi espresso maker made a real, tangible difference. I noticed my shots were more balanced and had fewer “off” flavors compared to machines without this feature. Combined with the NTC temp control, I felt I had a much higher degree of command over the final taste of my espresso.

Versatility with Hot Water: I am a big Americano drinker, and the dedicated hot water function was a game-changer for my daily routine. It’s fast, delivers water at a perfect temperature, and makes this machine a true 2-in-1 coffee and hot water station, which is incredible value.

Build & Aesthetics: The full stainless steel body is seriously impressive. This isn’t just a thin facade; it gives the machine a solid, premium feel that looks great in a modern kitchen and is a breeze to wipe down and keep clean. It feels much more expensive than it is.

Best for Consistent Flavor: XIXUBX Espresso Machine Reviews

The secret weapon of the XIXUBX Espresso Machine is its PID temperature controller. This advanced technology, usually found in machines costing three or four times as much, is the key to eliminating temperature swings that cause bad-tasting coffee.

If your main goal is to brew perfectly balanced, delicious espresso every single time, this is the machine for you. It prioritizes the single most important factor for flavor: consistent temperature.

What I Liked

• ✅ Advanced PID Temperature Control: This is the absolute star of the show. The PID system maintains rock-solid water temperature stability. In my testing, this led to the most consistent, repeatable, and balanced espresso shots of any machine on this list. No more mystery bitterness or sourness.
• ✅ Very Fast Heat-Up: The quick-start design is no joke. This machine is fully preheated and ready to brew in about 60 seconds, making it absolutely perfect for anyone with a busy morning routine.
• ✅ Powerful Steam Wand for Silky Microfoam: I was very impressed with the steam wand. It had enough power and a well-designed tip to create creamy, silky microfoam that’s excellent for crafting lattes and cappuccinos at home.
• ✅ Quiet Operation: It’s noticeably quieter than many other pump-driven espresso machines. This is a fantastic bonus for early risers who don’t want to wake up the whole house.
• ✅ Modern and Compact Design: The small footprint and clean, modern black housing fit well in any kitchen or office space. It looks sleek without demanding a lot of counter real estate.
• ✅ Simple User Interface: The controls are straightforward, with just a few buttons and a knob, making it very easy to operate even for a beginner.

What Could Be Improved

• ❌ Requires a Firm Lock-In: You need to be deliberate about locking the portafilter and water tank in securely. If they aren’t fully engaged, the machine has a safety feature that prevents it from starting, which can be confusing at first.
• ❌ Mostly Plastic Housing: While it looks sleek, the housing is primarily plastic. It doesn’t feel as premium or durable as the stainless steel models from Gevi or CASABREWS.
• ❌ Learning Curve for Steam: While powerful, the steam wand takes a bit of practice to get perfect microfoam. Workaround: I found success by using cold milk and keeping the wand tip just below the surface to create a swirl before lowering it to heat the milk.

My Expert’s Experience

Temperature Stability & Flavor: The PID controller is a legitimate game-changer in the world of affordable espresso. I pulled shot after shot and measured the temperature, and the consistency was remarkable for a budget machine. This directly translated to espresso that was noticeably more balanced, sweet, and repeatable. If flavor is your absolute priority, the PID makes the XIXUBX machine a top contender.

Speed & Workflow: The 60-second heat-up is genuinely convenient. My morning workflow was incredibly efficient: turn on the machine, grind my beans, tamp, and be ready to pull a shot in well under two minutes. It feels fast and responsive.

Steam Performance: I was pleasantly surprised by the steam wand. After a few tries, I was able to get a smooth, paint-like texture in my milk. While it might not be a professional-grade wand, it is more than capable of producing quality foam for daily lattes, far exceeding my expectations for a machine in this price range.

Best for Brand Reliability: De’Longhi Stilosa Reviews

For those who value brand reputation and long-term durability, the De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine is the clear winner. De’Longhi is a household name in coffee, and the Stilosa is a robust, no-frills manual machine that focuses on doing the basics exceptionally well.

This is a workhorse. It’s not packed with flashy digital features, but its core components, like the stainless steel boiler, are built to last. It’s a trustworthy choice from a brand you can count on.

What I Liked

• ✅ Durable Stainless Steel Boiler: This is a key sign of quality construction. The boiler is engineered to last, providing consistent performance and better temperature stability for years, unlike cheaper aluminum components found in some machines.
• ✅ Trusted and Reliable Brand Name: Buying from De’Longhi offers peace of mind. They are a leader in home coffee appliances, and you can trust the quality, warranty, and customer support.
• ✅ Ergonomic and Solid Portafilter: The portafilter feels substantial and well-designed. It includes two filters for brewing both single and double shots, and it locks into the machine securely.
• ✅ Smart Two-Level Cup Holder: A simple but brilliant feature. You can remove the top drip tray grate to create more space, allowing you to easily fit both small espresso cups and taller mugs for lattes.
• ✅ Simple, Hands-On Manual Operation: With a single control dial, it’s incredibly easy to learn and gives you direct, tactile control over your shot. It’s a great machine for learning the art of espresso.
• ✅ Excellent Manual Milk Frother: The manual steam wand offers great control over texturing your milk once you get the hang of it, allowing you to create foam exactly to your liking.

What Could Be Improved

• ❌ 15-Bar Pump: While 15 bars is more than enough pressure for excellent espresso, it is technically less powerful on paper than the 20-bar pumps in some competing models on this list.
• ❌ Slightly Longer Heat-Up Time: The robust stainless steel boiler, while great for durability, takes a bit more time to come to temperature compared to the instant-heat thermoblock systems. Expect to wait about 2-3 minutes.
• ❌ More Plastic in Construction: While the boiler is stainless steel, much of the exterior housing is plastic, which doesn’t feel as premium as some competitors.

My Expert’s Experience

Build Quality & Durability: The De’Longhi Stilosa feels like it’s built to be a long-term kitchen companion. The stainless steel boiler is a major advantage for longevity and thermal stability. In my hands, it felt like a reliable workhorse, not a disposable gadget.

Manual Brewing Experience: I really enjoyed the simplicity of the Stilosa. It’s a very hands-on, manual espresso maker that gives you a great feel for the craft of pulling a shot. There are no complex menus or settings; you are in complete control, which is a satisfying experience for any coffee enthusiast.

Espresso Quality: Despite the 15-bar rating, I found the machine produces a very respectable shot of espresso with good, lasting crema. The quality of the boiler ensures the water temperature is consistent, which, in my experience, is often more important for flavor than raw pump pressure alone. This machine proves that.

Best Budget Pick: KEENSTAR 3.5 Bar Espresso Maker Reviews

It’s important to be clear: the KEENSTAR 3.5 Bar Espresso Maker is a steam-driven machine, not a pump-driven one. It’s the perfect ultra-budget pick for absolute beginners who want to make lattes and cappuccinos at home without the complexity or cost of a “true” espresso maker.

This machine makes strong, concentrated coffee that is a perfect base for milk drinks. Think of it as a supercharged, electric Moka pot.

What I Liked

• ✅ Extremely Simple Operation: A single control knob does everything. You turn it to brew, turn it to steam, and turn it off. There is virtually no learning curve, making it completely foolproof for a beginner espresso maker.
• ✅ Very, Very Affordable: This machine makes espresso-style coffee accessible at a fraction of the cost of even the cheapest pump-driven models. It’s a fantastic entry point into the world of home coffee.
• ✅ Ultra-Compact and Lightweight: It takes up minimal counter space (only 7.7″ wide) and is light enough to be stored away in a cabinet easily. This makes it perfect for dorm rooms, RVs, or small apartments.
• ✅ Fast Brewing Cycle: It can produce up to 4 “cups” (which is about 240ml or 8oz) of coffee in just about two minutes. It’s very quick for what it does.
• ✅ Includes a Pause Function: A surprisingly nice touch at this price point. It allows you to pause the brewing mid-cycle if you need to, giving you a bit of extra control.

What Could Be Improved

• ❌ Not True Espresso: This is the most important thing to understand. The 3.5-bar steam pressure produces a strong, concentrated coffee, but it does not create the rich, thick crema that is the signature of a high-pressure pump machine.
• ❌ Limited Milk Frothing: The steam wand can heat and froth milk, but it creates large, soapy bubbles rather than the silky, velvety microfoam needed for latte art. It’s good for a foamy cappuccino, but not a flat white.
• ❌ Mostly Plastic Construction: As expected at this price, the entire build is lightweight plastic. It functions perfectly fine but lacks the durability and premium feel of more expensive machines.
• ❌ Requires Careful Handling: You must relieve the pressure using the knob before opening the water tank cap after brewing to avoid hot steam.

My Expert’s Experience

Ease of Use & Beginner Friendliness: This machine is as simple as making coffee gets. You add water, add coffee grounds, and turn the knob. For someone who is intimidated by the grinders, tamping, and dials of more complex machines, the KEENSTAR coffee maker is a great, non-threatening starting point.

Coffee Quality & Expectations: It’s critical to set the right expectations. The coffee this produces is strong and bold, very similar to what you’d get from a stovetop Moka pot. It’s an excellent base for making milk-based drinks like lattes, but it is not “espresso” in the traditional sense. If you are looking for crema, you will be disappointed.

Design & Footprint: The tiny size is this machine’s greatest strength. It can fit on literally any countertop or be tucked away in a cupboard. This makes it a fantastic, practical choice for a dorm room, RV, a first apartment, or a very cluttered kitchen.

Affordable Espresso Machine Comparison Chart (2026)

This table makes it easy to compare the key features of each affordable espresso machine at a glance. I’ve focused on the specifications that matter most for pulling a great shot and making your favorite coffee drinks at home. This espresso machine comparison should help you see how the models stack up side-by-side.

Feature	CASABREWS CM5418	Gevi Commercial	XIXUBX PID Machine	De’Longhi Stilosa	KEENSTAR 3.5 Bar
Category	Best Overall	Best for Advanced Features	Best for Consistent Flavor	Best for Brand Reliability	Best Budget Pick
Pressure (Bars)	20 (Pump)	20 (Pump)	20 (Pump)	15 (Pump)	3.5 (Steam)
Key Feature	Built-in Pressure Gauge	Pre-infusion	PID Temperature Control	Stainless Steel Boiler	Single Knob Operation
Milk Frother	Powerful Steam Wand	Powerful Steam Wand	Powerful Steam Wand	Manual Steam Wand	Basic Steam Wand
Best For	All-around home use	Aspiring baristas	Coffee purists	Reliability seekers	Absolute beginners
My Rating	4.5/5 ⭐	4.4/5 ⭐	4.3/5 ⭐	4.1/5 ⭐	3.5/5 ⭐

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Affordable Espresso Maker

Choosing the right affordable espresso maker can feel overwhelming with all the technical jargon. But it really comes down to matching the right features to your coffee habits and budget. After my hands-on testing, here’s what to look for to find the best value espresso machine for you.

• Pump Pressure (Bars): This is the most critical factor for making true espresso. Look for a machine with at least 15 bars of pressure, with 20 bars being the current standard for high-quality affordable machines. This force is what extracts the oils and solids from the coffee to create rich flavor and that beautiful, creamy crema. Steam-powered machines (3-5 bars) make strong coffee, but they cannot produce true espresso.
• Machine Type (Pump vs. Steam): This is the biggest dividing line in budget machines. Pump machines (like the CASABREWS, Gevi, XIXUBX, and De’Longhi) are the standard for real espresso. Steam machines (like the KEENSTAR) are a much more budget-friendly alternative that makes strong, Moka-pot-style coffee perfect for lattes. If you’re serious about espresso, you need a pump machine.
• Temperature Control (Thermoblock vs. PID): Most budget machines use a thermoblock to heat water on demand. It’s fast and efficient, but the temperature can fluctuate slightly. A machine with PID control, like the XIXUBX PID Machine, uses a microprocessor to keep the water temperature incredibly stable. This offers superior consistency and a much more balanced flavor in the final cup.
• Milk Frother / Steam Wand: If you love lattes and cappuccinos, a good steam wand is non-negotiable. Look for a “manual” or “commercial-style” wand. These give you more control to create silky, smooth microfoam compared to a simple, automatic “panarello” wand that often creates big, soapy bubbles.
• Build Materials (Plastic vs. Stainless Steel): Many affordable coffee makers use a lot of plastic to keep costs down. Models that incorporate stainless steel components, especially for the boiler (like the De’Longhi Stilosa) or the main housing (like the Gevi Commercial Espresso Maker), tend to be more durable, more stable, and have a more premium feel.
• Ease of Use and Cleaning: For beginners, simple controls are a blessing. A cluttered interface can be intimidating. Also, look for user-friendly features like a large, removable water tank and a removable drip tray, which make daily use and cleanup significantly easier.
• Size & Countertop Footprint: Measure your space! Many of these machines are marketed as “compact,” but their dimensions can vary quite a bit. Ensure the machine you choose will fit comfortably in your kitchen or dedicated coffee nook without causing clutter.

FAQs About Affordable Espresso Machines

I get a lot of questions about budget espresso makers. Here are direct answers to some of the most common ones.

Can you make good espresso with a cheap machine?

Yes, you absolutely can, especially with modern pump-driven affordable machines. While they may lack the rock-solid consistency of premium models, an affordable espresso machine with at least 15 bars of pressure, when paired with fresh coffee beans and a good grinder, can produce delicious espresso with rich, creamy shots that will far surpass anything from a coffee pod system.

What’s the best affordable espresso machine for beginners?

For an absolute beginner on the tightest budget, the KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine is a great starting point because it is so simple. However, for a beginner who wants to learn to make true espresso, I strongly recommend the CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine. Its built-in pressure gauge provides excellent visual feedback that will dramatically shorten the learning curve for dialing in your shots.

How do I get creamy shots from an affordable espresso machine?

There are three keys to getting creamy shots: fresh beans, the right grind, and a proper tamp. First, always use fresh, high-quality coffee beans (ideally roasted within the last month). Second, get your coffee grind size right—it should be fine, with a consistency similar to table salt. Third, tamp (press down) the grounds into the portafilter basket evenly and firmly. Getting these three things right will dramatically improve your crema, no matter which pump machine you use.

What’s the difference between a pump machine and a steam machine?

A pump machine uses a powerful electric pump (15-20 bars) to force hot water through finely-ground coffee at high pressure. This intense pressure is what extracts the coffee oils and creates true espresso with a thick layer of crema. A steam machine uses the pressure built up from boiling water (3-5 bars) to push water through the grounds. This creates a strong, concentrated coffee similar to a Moka pot, but without the high pressure needed for crema.

Do I need a separate coffee grinder?

Yes, I highly, highly recommend it. While you can use pre-ground coffee, a separate burr grinder is the single biggest upgrade you can make to your home espresso setup. It allows you to use whole, fresh beans and, most importantly, fine-tune your grind size. Adjusting the grind is the most important variable you have for controlling your espresso’s flavor and extraction time.

How often should I clean my espresso machine?

You should perform a quick clean after every single use. This means rinsing the portafilter, purging and wiping down the steam wand, and emptying the drip tray. A more thorough cleaning, which involves washing the removable components with soap and water, should be done weekly. Finally, you should descale the machine every 1-3 months, depending on the hardness of your water, to prevent mineral buildup.

My Final Verdict: What’s the Best Affordable Espresso Maker to Buy?

After extensive testing and pulling more shots of espresso than I can count, it’s clear that you no longer have to spend a fortune to get a fantastic espresso experience at home. The technology in affordable machines has improved dramatically. While every model on this list offers incredible value, one stands out as the clear top choice for the vast majority of people.

My final recommendation for the best affordable espresso machine is the CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine. It simply offers the perfect trifecta of power (20-bar pump), control (the invaluable pressure gauge), and quality build that dramatically outperforms its price tag. It’s the ideal choice for both beginners looking to learn and enthusiasts who want great results without a huge investment.

This espresso maker is perfect for you if…

• You want to make genuine, creamy espresso shots at home.
• You are a beginner and want a machine that helps you learn with features like a pressure gauge.
• You enjoy lattes and cappuccinos and need a powerful steam wand.
• You appreciate a stylish, durable stainless steel appliance in your kitchen.
• You want the best all-around performance for your money.

It might not be ideal for…

• Those on the absolute strictest of budgets.
• Baristas who need to make many milk drinks back-to-back quickly.

If you are on the tightest budget imaginable and just want to make simple lattes, the KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine is a perfectly serviceable starting point. But for a truly rewarding and authentic espresso journey that you can grow with for years to come, my top pick is, without a doubt, the CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine.

Last update on 2026-01-19 at 20:32 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API