Do you dream of rich, creamy espresso without breaking the bank? Many of us love the taste of a good espresso shot, but the price of fancy machines can be shocking. It feels like you need to spend a lot of money to get a decent espresso at home.
That’s where this guide comes in! We know that finding a quality espresso machine for under $100 can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. There are so many choices, and it’s hard to know which ones are worth your money and which ones will just end up collecting dust. You want a machine that makes good espresso without costing too much.
In this post, we’ll help you cut through the confusion. We’ll look at some of the best espresso machines you can get for under $100. You’ll learn what to look for, what features matter most, and which machines will help you make delicious espresso drinks right in your own kitchen. Get ready to discover your perfect budget-friendly espresso maker!
Our Top 5 Espresso Machine Under 100 Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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XIXUBX Coffee Machine | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Espresso Machine Under 100 Detailed Reviews
1. De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine
Rating: 9.5/10
The De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine brings the coffee shop experience right into your kitchen. This compact coffee maker lets you craft authentic single and double espressos, lattes, and cappuccinos with its powerful 15-bar pump and manual milk frother. Its sleek design fits beautifully on any countertop and is a breeze to clean.
What We Like:
- Its contemporary and compact design looks great and saves counter space.
- The 15 BAR pump ensures you get rich, perfectly extracted espresso every time.
- The manual milk frother lets you easily create creamy foam for your favorite drinks.
- The stainless steel boiler is built tough for long-lasting, consistent performance.
- It comes with a portafilter and two filters for single or double shots, plus a tamper.
- The adjustable two-level cup holder accommodates different mug sizes.
What Could Be Improved:
- As a manual machine, it requires a bit more hands-on effort than automatic options.
- The milk frother, while effective, may take some practice to master for perfect microfoam.
If you’re looking for a stylish and capable manual espresso machine to elevate your home coffee game, the De’Longhi Stilosa is a fantastic choice. It offers the tools to create delicious, cafe-quality drinks right at home.
2. CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar
Rating: 8.6/10
Dreaming of delicious lattes and cappuccinos at home? The CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine makes it possible! This sleek, silver machine is built with durable stainless steel and fits perfectly in any kitchen, big or small. Get ready to become your own barista and whip up all your favorite coffee drinks with ease.
What We Like:
- Whips up creamy milk foam for perfect lattes and cappuccinos.
- Makes rich and fragrant espresso thanks to its 20-bar pressure system.
- Compact and stylish design looks great on any countertop.
- Large 43.9 oz water tank means fewer refills.
- Easy to clean with a removable drip tray.
- Comes with everything you need to start brewing right away.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires a specific “first use cycle” before brewing.
- Instructional videos are only available in the CASABREWS store.
This machine is a fantastic way to enjoy cafe-quality coffee without leaving your home. It’s a great option for anyone who loves espresso-based drinks and wants to try their hand at latte art.
3. SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar
Rating: 9.5/10
Craving coffee shop quality drinks at home? The SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Professional Espresso Machine with Milk Frother and Touchscreen, Expresso Coffee Machines with Adjustable Temperature, for Cappuccino, Latte brings the barista experience right to your kitchen. This sleek, stainless steel machine uses a powerful 20-bar pressure system and a 1350W motor to create rich, flavorful espresso. You can easily make your favorite drinks like cappuccinos and lattes thanks to its user-friendly design.
What We Like:
- It delivers rich coffee flavor and aroma with its professional 20-bar pressure system.
- The one-touch LED touchscreen makes choosing your drink size and settings simple.
- Its powerful steam wand creates perfect, creamy foam for latte art.
- NTC precision temperature control lets you adjust the heat to your liking.
- The compact stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen.
- The 45 oz water tank means fewer refills.
- It comes with everything you need to start brewing right away.
What Could Be Improved:
- The auto shutoff after 15 minutes might be too short for some users who like to leave their machine on.
This SHARDOR espresso machine is a fantastic way to elevate your home coffee routine. Enjoy delicious, cafe-style beverages whenever the mood strikes.
4. CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar
Rating: 9.3/10
Dreaming of barista-quality coffee at home? The CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine is here to make that a reality. This sleek, stainless steel machine lets you craft everything from rich espressos to creamy lattes and cappuccinos right in your own kitchen. Its compact design means it fits perfectly on any countertop, whether you’re in a cozy apartment or a busy office.
What We Like:
- You can make all your favorite espresso drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
- It has a powerful 20 Bar Italian pump for great coffee extraction.
- The built-in pressure gauge helps you make your coffee just right.
- The steam wand lets you create creamy milk foam for latte art.
- Its compact and stylish stainless steel design looks great anywhere.
- The 34 oz water tank is removable for easy refilling and brews multiple cups.
- It comes with everything you need to start brewing, including filters and a tamper.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to let the machine cool down after frothing milk to avoid overheating.
This CASABREWS espresso machine is a fantastic way to enjoy delicious coffee drinks at home. It’s easy to use and delivers great results for any coffee lover.
5. XIXUBX Coffee Machine
Rating: 9.1/10
Craving a delicious coffee without the café price tag? The XIXUBX Coffee Machine is your new kitchen best friend! This sleek, black machine makes espresso and cappuccinos with ease, perfect for busy mornings or a relaxing afternoon treat. Its compact size means it won’t take up much space, and it’s super simple to use, even if you’re new to making coffee at home.
What We Like:
- Fast Brewing: Get your coffee in just 2 minutes thanks to its 800W heating system and 3.5 bar pressure.
- Super Compact: It’s small and light, so it fits anywhere, even in tight kitchens.
- Easy Frothing: The adjustable steam wand makes perfect milk foam for lattes and cappuccinos.
- One-Touch Simplicity: A single knob controls everything – making it easy for anyone to use.
- Safe to Use: It has a safety lock to make sure everything is set up right, and it comes with safe Tritan cups.
- Great Support: Enjoy a 30-day return policy, a 1-year replacement, and lifetime customer service.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Color Options: Currently only available in black.
- Pressure for Experts: While 3.5 bar is good for home use, serious espresso enthusiasts might want higher pressure.
This XIXUBX coffee machine offers a fantastic way to enjoy café-quality drinks at home, making it an excellent addition to any kitchen.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Espresso Adventure Starts Here!
Finding a great espresso machine under $100 might seem tough, but it’s totally doable! You can still enjoy delicious, cafe-style espresso right at home without breaking the bank. This guide will help you pick the perfect machine for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an espresso machine under $100, keep these important features in mind:
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Type of Machine:
- Manual/Moka Pot: These are simple, stovetop brewers. They use steam pressure to push hot water through coffee grounds. They’re super affordable and easy to use.
- Steam-Powered: These machines use steam to force water through the coffee. They’re a step up from Moka pots and often have a small pump. They can make decent espresso, but the crema (the foamy top) might not be as rich.
- Pod/Capsule Machines: These use pre-packaged coffee pods. They are incredibly convenient and fast. Just pop in a pod, press a button, and you get espresso. However, the coffee quality depends heavily on the pods, and they can be more expensive over time.
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Water Reservoir Size: A bigger reservoir means you can make more drinks before refilling. If you’re making coffee for yourself and others, a larger tank is handy.
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Portafilter Size: This is where you put the coffee grounds. Most machines under $100 use a 51mm or 54mm portafilter. Make sure it feels sturdy.
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Steam Wand (for Milk Frothing): If you love lattes and cappuccinos, a steam wand is essential. Some basic machines have a simple frother, while others have a more powerful wand that creates better foam.
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Ease of Cleaning: Espresso machines need regular cleaning to work well. Look for machines with removable parts that are easy to wash.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in your espresso machine affect its durability and how it heats up.
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Stainless Steel: This is a great material for the boiler and external parts. It’s durable, heats up quickly, and doesn’t rust. Many machines under $100 will use a mix of stainless steel and high-quality plastic.
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Plastic: Most machines will have some plastic parts, especially for the water tank and drip tray. Look for BPA-free plastic, which is safer for your health. The build quality of the plastic is important – cheap plastic can feel flimsy.
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Aluminum: Some boilers might be made of aluminum. It heats up fast but can sometimes affect the taste of the coffee if it’s not good quality.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make your espresso experience better or worse:
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Brewing Pressure (Bar): While many machines under $100 won’t advertise specific bar pressure, steam-powered machines rely on steam pressure. Generally, 9 bars of pressure are ideal for espresso, but you won’t find that in this price range. Focus on consistent heating and a good seal in the brewing group.
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Temperature Stability: A machine that heats water to a consistent temperature makes better espresso. Cheaper machines might have more temperature fluctuations.
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Build Quality: A solid-feeling machine with well-fitting parts will last longer and perform better. Wobbly parts or loose connections can be a sign of lower quality.
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Ease of Use: A machine that’s intuitive and simple to operate makes your morning coffee routine much more enjoyable.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your machine:
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For the Solo Drinker: A small, manual Moka pot or a basic steam-powered machine is perfect. They take up little counter space and are easy to clean.
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For the Busy Bee: A pod machine is your best friend. It’s fast and requires almost no effort for a quick caffeine fix.
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For the Milk Drink Lover: Look for a machine with a decent steam wand. Practice is key, but a good wand will make frothing milk much easier.
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For the Beginner: Start with something simple like a Moka pot or a straightforward steam machine. You can learn the basics of espresso making without getting overwhelmed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in an espresso machine under $100?
A: Key features include the type of machine (manual, steam, or pod), water reservoir size, portafilter size, whether it has a steam wand for milk, and how easy it is to clean.
Q: What materials are important in an espresso machine?
A: Look for stainless steel for durability and good heating. Plastic parts should be high-quality and BPA-free. Aluminum can be used, but stainless steel is generally preferred.
Q: Can I make good espresso with a machine under $100?
A: Yes, you can make enjoyable espresso, especially with a Moka pot or a decent steam-powered machine. The quality might not match high-end machines, but it’s great for home brewing.
Q: How important is the brewing pressure (bar) for these machines?
A: For machines under $100, specific bar pressure isn’t usually a focus. Steam-powered machines rely on steam pressure. Focus on consistent heating and a good seal in the brewing area.
Q: What’s the difference between a steam-powered and a pod machine?
A: Steam-powered machines use steam to push water through grounds, offering more control. Pod machines use pre-packaged pods for ultimate convenience and speed.
Q: Do I need a steam wand if I like lattes?
A: Yes, a steam wand is necessary for frothing milk to make lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based espresso drinks.
Q: How do I clean an espresso machine?
A: Most machines require rinsing the portafilter after each use, wiping down the steam wand, and occasional descaling. Machines with removable parts are easier to clean.
Q: Are there any brands I should look for in this price range?
A: Brands like De’Longhi, Mr. Coffee, and Bialetti (for Moka pots) often have reliable options under $100.
Q: What are the pros and cons of a Moka pot?
A: Pros: Very affordable, durable, simple to use, makes strong coffee. Cons: Not true espresso, requires stovetop heat, cleaning can be a bit messy.
Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee in these machines?
A: Most machines work with pre-ground coffee, but for the best flavor, it’s recommended to grind your beans fresh. If using pre-ground, make sure it’s espresso-fine for most machines.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!