Top 5 Espresso Machines Under $100: Quick Review

Do you dream of rich, creamy espresso but think a great machine costs a fortune? Many coffee lovers feel stuck. They want that perfect morning shot, but their budget says “no way” to fancy, expensive equipment. Finding a quality espresso maker for under $100 feels like searching for a hidden treasure. You worry about buying something cheap that breaks fast or only makes watery coffee.

It is tough to sort through all the confusing models online. You need a machine that works well without emptying your wallet. Don’t worry! We have done the hard work for you. This guide cuts through the noise. We will show you the best budget-friendly espresso machines that actually deliver great flavor.

Keep reading to discover reliable, affordable options. You will learn exactly what features matter most in this price range. Get ready to ditch the instant coffee and start brewing café-quality espresso at home, all for under one hundred dollars!

Top Espresso Machine Under $100 Recommendations

No. 1

CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Stainless Steel Cappuccino & Latte Machine with Steam Frother for Home, 43.9oz Water Tank, Coffee Gift for Women & Men, Silver

Make Your Favorite Espresso Coffee At Home: The CASABREWS coffee machine with milk frother allows you to prepare all your favorite espresso-based coffees. You can enjoy a barista-brewed latte, cappuccino or macchiato at home. Stainless steel appearance, stylish and durable, ideal for any size kitchen. This compact espresso machine is perfect for home or office use
Professional 20-Bar Pressure System: A semi-Automatic 2-in-1 Espresso Maker with a 20 bar professional pump and a 1350 W powerful heating system. This 20 bar pressure espresso maker gives you a top quality extraction, resulting in a more fragrant and richer aroma in your coffee. You can create a cappuccino, latte or flat white at home or in the office with our stainless steel espresso maker
Milk Frothing System: Our espresso machine with milk frother has a powerful steam wand that creates a creamy and rich micro-foam milk texture to enhance the flavor of the coffee and enable the creation of latte art. Awaken your inner barista and create your own unique milk foam art with our espresso machine. This compact espresso machine is perfect for latte, cappuccino or macchiato. If you are trying to find an excellent espresso coffee maker, look no further
Compact, Stylish & Practical: The compact design makes this espresso coffee machine suitable for a kitchen of any sizes. The 43.9 oz water tank allows you to brew multiple cups of coffee without a refill, and it is detachable for easy refilling. The drip tray can be easily removed to clean. This home espresso machine comes with everything a coffee lover needs to get started. What’s included: Espresso Machine, 43.9 oz Removable Water Tank, One Cup Brewing Filter, Two Cup Brewing Filter, Portafilter, Tamper With Spoon, Instruction Manual
Using Tips: Please remove the rubber plug at the bottom of the water tank and make “First use cycle” for this espresso machine when you use it for the first time. Please follow the steps in the user guide. Please note that there are many instructional videos on the USER GUIDE of CASABREWS store

No. 2

Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Makers, Professional 20 Bar Espresso Maker with Milk Frother, Stainless Steel Expresso Coffee Machines for Home, Compact Cappuccino Machine, Great Gift

𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Equipped with a 20-bar pump, NTC temperature control, pre-infusion feature, and a pressure gauge, the Gevi stainless steel espresso coffee machines with a milk frother allows you to craft a range of café-quality beverages. From Mocha to Macchiato, Espresso to Americano, this expresso machine is not only ideal for home or office use but also makes a perfect gift for father, friends, and loved ones.
𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 - The espresso coffee maker with frother features a powerful steam wand that quickly turns milk into silky smooth microfoam. The removable froth nozzle makes the cleaning easily.
𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 & 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 - This cappuccino machine features a full stainless steel housing that is both stylish and durable, with a modern aesthetic that complements a variety of kitchen decors. Furthermore, its compact design makes it perfectly suited for countertops and kitchens of any size.
𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐔𝐬𝐞 - The intuitive controls and semi-automatic brewing process of expressions machine make it simple for anyone to create barista-quality coffee with minimal effort.
𝐇𝐨𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Use for Americano, hot drinks such as tea, instant soups and to warm cups prior to making espresso.

No. 3

XIXUBX 20Bar Espresso Machine, Compact Espresso Maker with Milk Frother, Stainless Steel Coffee Machine for Cappuccino&Latte, 42oz Water Tank, Visible Pressure Gauge, Home&Office, Silver

Professional 20BAR Pressure for Rich Espresso with Lasting Crema Utilizes a reliable 20-bar pump system designed for consistent pressure and full extraction, ensuring a rich, aromatic espresso with a beautiful crema layer every time. To ensure optimal performance, please ensure the machine is properly primed and use the correct grind size and tamping pressure
Fast, Stable Heating System for Optimal Brew & Steam Temperature Features an instant heating system engineered to quickly reach and maintain the ideal temperature for both brewing and steaming. This design addresses temperature consistency concerns. For the hottest coffee, we recommend preheating your cups and allowing the machine to fully heat up for 60 seconds before the first brew
Enhanced Steam Wand with Reliable Performance & Easy Maintenance Equipped with an upgraded steam wand designed for denser microfoam and consistent steam output. The 360° adjustable, detachable nozzle allows for precise control and easy cleaning. Critical Reminder: To prevent clogging and ensure performance, always purge the wand before use and clean it immediately after each steaming session
Sturdy, Compact Design with Secure, User-Friendly Components Built with a stable, non-slip base to prevent movement during operation. Features a securely locking portafilter and filter basket to prevent accidental dislodging. The 42oz removable water tank and clear water level indicator simplify refilling and maintenance
Quiet Operation & Customizable Settings for a Refined Experience Operates with a low-noise brewing system for a peaceful kitchen environment. Enjoy personalized coffee with customizable single or double shot volumes. Please follow the included manual's setup steps carefully to ensure all components are correctly assembled for proper function

No. 4

Chefman CraftBrew Espresso Machine, 15-Bar Pump Digital Espresso Maker w/Steam Wand for Latte & Cappuccino, Compact Espresso Coffee Machine w/ 1.5L Removable Water Reservoir - Stainless Steel

ENJOY CAFÉ-QUALITY ESPRESSO: Experience the bold, rich flavor of homemade espresso and skip long café lines with the CraftBrew Digital Espresso Maker! A strong 15-BAR pump and a built-in milk frother make it easy to brew cappuccinos and lattes right in your own kitchen.
BE YOUR OWN BARISTA: This expertly crafted coffee machine takes your morning cup to the next level. With two shot baskets and a built-in steam wand, you can brew single- or double shots of espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, and more! No more waiting on a coffee pot.
YOUR IDEAL BREW: Customize your coffee bar with an espresso maker that brews how you like it. Using the touch control panel and built-in timer, you can adjust shot volume for your own perfect coffee. Program more water for a mellow lungo-style shot or concentrate your brew for a flavorful ristretto.
1.5-LITER WATER TANK: The spacious reservoir holds enough water to keep brewing espresso for all your brunch guests. Detach the removable water tank from the machine to clean or fill directly in your sink.
SLEEK AND COMPACT: Our espresso machines are designed with style in mind, with a sleek stainless-steel finish that looks great and is easy to clean. Just wipe the exterior down with a damp cloth, or program a descale function when an alert appears automatically after 500 brewing cycles.

No. 5

KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 800W Compact Espresso and Cappuccino Machine with Preheating Function, 4 Cup Espresso Maker for Cappuccino or Latte, Gift for Coffee Lover

Easy to Make Hot and Iced Coffee: Single switch knob with indicator light for simple operation.Turn the control knob to the "OFF" position to relieve pressure before opening the water tank cap or removing the portafilter. Innovative pause function allows you to deal with unexpected event. More suitable for beginners.
Fast Brewing Technology: Advanced heating technology makes water quickly heat to the right temperature. Keenstar 3.5 bar pressure coffee maker can make 1-4 cups (240ml) of coffee within 2 minutes. Easy-pour glass cup is clearly marked to serve the perfect amount every time and delivers a truly rich espresso in seconds. Warm Tips:Add Max 240ml water, otherwise the nozzle will leak.
Powerful Steam Wand: High power 800W element for high pressure steam and faster heat up to create the micro-foam in 40 seconds, ready to make creamy cappuccino and latte art without wait. Accurate temperature control can ensure the best taste. Velvety smooth espresso will make mornings so much better. The silicon pad could prevent burns by nozzle. We advise you clean the steam wand after every use, otherwise the steam wand may be blocked by milk scale and water scale. Warm Tips: Don't add water asap after making coffee to prevent burns.
Space Saving and User Friendly: This compact coffee maker is smaller than most. Dimensions are 13.1" high x 7.7" wide x 10" deep, weight only 4.7 pounds. Fits in any kitchen while maintaining key features like heat control, bar pressure, and milk frothing. BPA Free. Robust and low noise, suitable for all families. (Don't put accessories in dishwasher)
NOTICE: 1. FILTER MUST BE FULLY LOCKED! Pls always turn the handle to the lock symbol on the head of machine. 2. Don’t use too fine coffee ground, only medium ground is suggested.(>0.5mm) 3. Please clean the coffee ground on the edge of the filter.

No. 6

XIXUBX Espresso Machine 20 Bar with Milk Frother, Stainless Steel Coffee Maker with 42 oz Removable Water Tank for Cappuccino, Latte&Cold Brew, Home&Office, Silver

Be Your Own Barista: XIXUBX semi-automatic espresso machine is equipped with a powerful steam frother and instant heating system for fast extraction and silky milk foam. The compact and durable stainless steel design saves space and fits in any size kitchen, home or office. You can enjoy latte, cappuccino, macchiato or iced coffee at home
Unique Cold Brew Function: With the 2-in-1 espresso machine with cold brew function, you can make smooth, refreshing cold brew coffee quickly, perfect for summer or people who prefer less acidic coffee. Designed with physical-mechanical buttons for strong operating feel and tactile feedback, low risk of accidental touch, simple, durable, easy to clean, and friendly to beginners and baristas alike
True Instant Heating Technology: Unlike most boiler machines on the market, the instant heating technology allows you to make coffee immediately after using the milk frothing function, without waiting for the machine to cool down, allowing you to quickly make delicious coffee for your family and friends. The powerful temperature control system can maintain the original flavor of the ground coffee, and the preheated cup can reduce the loss of coffee flavor and increase the comfort of drinking
Professional 20bar Pressure System: 20bar pressure allows the coffee powder to be fully extracted, resulting in a more aromatic and rich aroma. You can make cappuccino, latte, flat white or iced coffee at home or in the office. It only takes a few minutes to make a single or double cup of espresso with a beautiful layer of coffee crema
Milk Frothing System: Equipped with a milk frothing system and steady steam control, it instantly produces dense and glossy creamy rich micro-foamed milk, enhancing the flavor of brewed coffee. The steam wand includes a 360° adjustable and detachable nozzle for easy cleaning (Note: After each use, please clean the steam wand immediately to avoid milk clogging the steam wand)

No. 7

De'Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine, Compact Coffee Maker, 15 Bar Pump Pressure, Manual Milk Frother Steam Wand for Authentic Single & Double Espresso, Lattes & Cappuccinos, Tamper Included

Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
Includes Portafilter, measuring scoop/tamper and two filters for single or double espresso
Stainless steel boiler is engineered to last long and work for years
Manual steam wand to texture milk for lattes and cappuccinos

No. 8

KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 800W Compact Espresso and Cappuccino Machine with Preheating Function, 4 Cup Espresso Maker for Cappuccino or Latte, Gift for Coffee Lover

Easy to Make Hot and Iced Coffee: Single switch knob with indicator light for simple operation.Turn the control knob to the "OFF" position to relieve pressure before opening the water tank cap or removing the portafilter. Innovative pause function allows you to deal with unexpected event. More suitable for beginners.
Fast Brewing Technology: Advanced heating technology makes water quickly heat to the right temperature. Keenstar 3.5 bar pressure coffee maker can make 1-4 cups (240ml) of coffee within 2 minutes. Easy-pour glass cup is clearly marked to serve the perfect amount every time and delivers a truly rich espresso in seconds. Warm Tips:Add Max 240ml water, otherwise the nozzle will leak.
Powerful Steam Wand: High power 800W element for high pressure steam and faster heat up to create the micro-foam in 40 seconds, ready to make creamy cappuccino and latte art without wait. Accurate temperature control can ensure the best taste. Velvety smooth espresso will make mornings so much better. The silicon pad could prevent burns by nozzle. We advise you clean the steam wand after every use, otherwise the steam wand may be blocked by milk scale and water scale. Warm Tips: Don't add water asap after making coffee to prevent burns.
Space Saving and User Friendly: This compact coffee maker is smaller than most. Dimensions are 13.1" high x 7.7" wide x 10" deep, weight only 4.7 pounds. Fits in any kitchen while maintaining key features like heat control, bar pressure, and milk frothing. BPA Free. Robust and low noise, suitable for all families. (Don't put accessories in dishwasher)
NOTICE: 1. FILTER MUST BE FULLY LOCKED! Pls always turn the handle to the lock symbol on the head of machine. 2. Don’t use too fine coffee ground, only medium ground is suggested. 3. Please clean the coffee ground on the edge of the filter.

The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding Your Budget Espresso Hero

Dreaming of lattes but frowning at high prices? You can absolutely make good espresso without spending a fortune. Finding an espresso machine under $100 takes smart shopping. This guide helps you pick the best budget buddy for your kitchen counter.

1. Key Features to Look For

When the budget is tight, you need to focus on what truly matters for making coffee.

Pressure Matters (Sort Of)

Pump Pressure: Real espresso needs 9 bars of pressure. Under $100, you will likely find machines claiming 15 bars. While the actual output might be lower, look for anything claiming 15-bar pressure. It shows the machine is trying to mimic the real process.
Steam Wand: Do you want foamy milk for cappuccinos? Look for a dedicated steam wand, even a simple one. Some very cheap models only use a hot water dispenser, which won’t froth milk well.

Ease of Use

Simple Controls: These machines usually have basic buttons (On/Off, Brew). Keep it simple. Overly complicated features break easily when built cheaply.
Portafilter Type: Most budget machines use pressurized portafilters. This is good for beginners because it helps create crema even if your grind isn’t perfect.

2. Important Materials and Durability

The materials directly affect how long your machine lasts and how hot it gets.

Body Construction

Plastic vs. Metal: Expect a lot of high-quality plastic. This keeps the cost down. Check reviews to see if the plastic feels brittle. Metal components are always better for the boiler and heating element, but they are rare in this price range.
Water Reservoir: Make sure the plastic tank is easy to remove and clean. A leaky tank ruins the experience quickly.

Heating System

Aluminum Boiler: Most budget machines use aluminum heating elements. They heat up fast, which is great for quick morning shots. However, they might not maintain consistent heat for back-to-back brewing.

3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

What makes one $80 machine better than another $80 machine?

Quality Boosters

Thermostat Control: A machine that can hold a steady temperature makes better-tasting espresso. If the water is too cold, the shot tastes sour.
Good Reviews on Consistency: Look for reviews that say the machine works reliably for several months. Consistency is a huge win at this price point.

Quality Reducers

Small Cups/Mugs: Many budget machines force you to brew directly into tiny espresso cups because the space under the spout is very limited. This reduces versatility.
Weak Steam Power: If the steam wand just spits out hot water instead of powerful steam, you will struggle to make good microfoam for latte art.

4. User Experience and Use Cases

Who is this machine perfect for?

Best For:

First-Time Espresso Drinkers: If you just want to see if you like the espresso routine, this is a perfect starter tool.
Dorm Rooms or Small Offices: They take up very little counter space and heat up quickly.
Occasional Use: If you only make one or two shots per day, these machines handle the workload just fine.

Things to Understand:

These machines are not built for heavy use. If you plan on making five cappuccinos for guests, the machine will likely overheat or need long recovery times between shots. You must pre-heat the cup and the machine thoroughly for the best results.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Espresso Machines Under $100

Q: Can I really make real espresso with these machines?

A: You make espresso-style coffee. They use pressurized baskets to force water through the grounds, which gives you a decent shot with some crema, but it won’t taste exactly like a $5 coffee shop shot.

Q: Do I need a separate grinder?

A: Yes, absolutely. The coffee grounds that come with these machines (or pre-ground coffee) are usually too coarse. A consistent, fine grind is the single biggest factor in good espresso, even on a budget machine.

Q: How long do these budget machines usually last?

A: Lifespan varies widely. If you use it daily, expect 1 to 3 years. If you use it only a few times a week, it might last longer. Proper cleaning helps a lot.

Q: Are they hard to clean?

A: Generally, no. You usually just wipe down the drip tray and rinse the portafilter. De-scaling (cleaning mineral buildup) is important, just like with any coffee maker.

Q: What is a pressurized portafilter?

A: It has a false bottom inside. It traps the water pressure until it builds up enough force to push through the coffee grounds. This helps beginners get a better-looking shot.

Q: Can I steam milk well enough for lattes?

A: You can usually create foam, but it will take time. The steam pressure is often low, so it takes longer to heat the milk compared to more expensive machines.

Q: Do they take up a lot of counter space?

A: No. This is a major advantage. Most machines under $100 are very compact, often smaller than a standard drip coffee maker.

Q: Should I buy one with a built-in grinder?

A: No. If a machine under $100 claims to have a built-in grinder, the grinder quality will be extremely poor and will ruin your coffee before it even brews.

Q: What about the coffee basket size?

A: Most use a single-shot basket (around 51mm). Make sure you can easily find replacement baskets or cleaning tools for that size.

Q: Is it worth buying a used, higher-end machine instead?

A: Sometimes. If you find a reliable used machine from a known brand (like De’Longhi or Mr. Coffee) for under $100, it might be better quality than a brand-new, lesser-known budget model. Always check if it powers on and if water leaks.

Larry Fish

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!