A home espresso machine does not need a dual boiler and a built-in grinder to pull a decent shot and steam milk for a café con leche. Every established maker sells a basic pump machine with a steam wand or frother, and those entry models share the parts that matter: a pump, a heater, a portafilter and a way to heat milk. What they drop is speed, consistency and the small comforts that the machines in our main guide add.
This guide covers the entry tier of each maker’s range: Breville, De’Longhi, Cuisinart, Mr. Coffee, Hamilton Beach, Chefman and two brands sold mainly on Amazon, CASABREWS and Gevi. We do not list prices, because they change by the week. Instead we compare what each machine gives you, what you give up next to the picks in our guide to the best espresso machine, and how long each maker stands behind it.
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Quick verdict: the best espresso machine cheap enough to start with
For most kitchens, the Breville Bambino is the best espresso machine cheap enough to call entry level: Breville says it heats in about three seconds and starts every shot with low-pressure pre-infusion, and it takes the same 54 mm portafilter as the Bambino Plus. For the longest warranty, choose the Cuisinart Espresso Bar, which Cuisinart covers for three years. If you want milk drinks without learning a steam wand, the Mr. Coffee Café Barista froths the milk for you.
Five value espresso machines at a glance
Our five standout picks, one for each kind of buyer, with the pump, milk system and warranty each maker or listing states. All eight espresso machines are reviewed in full below.
| Espresso machine | Best for | Pump and milk | Warranty | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Breville Bambino Espresso MachineBest overall value
|
Lattes with microfoam, small counters | 9 bar extraction, manual wand | 1-year limited | View on Amazon |
| Occasional cappuccino, pods or ground | 15 bar, manual frother | 1-year limited | View on Amazon | |
Cuisinart Espresso Bar Espresso MachineLongest warranty
|
Longest cover, iced drinks | 20 bar, steam wand, cold setting | 3-year limited | View on Amazon |
Mr. Coffee Café Barista Espresso and Cappuccino MakerEasiest milk drinks
|
Lattes with no wand to learn | 15 bar, automatic frother | Not stated on listing | View on Amazon |
CASABREWS CM5418 Compact Espresso MachineBest gauge on a budget
|
Learning to dial in shots | 20 bar, gauge, steam wand | 1 year (listing) | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Pump pressure and warranty are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
What you give up at the entry tier
The machines at the top of our main guide add a built-in grinder, a steam wand strong enough for back-to-back lattes, precise temperature control and, in some cases, a commercial-size 58 mm portafilter. The entry machines on this page keep the pump and the wand and trim the rest.
No grinder. None of these machines grinds coffee. You either buy pre-ground espresso and use a dual-wall (pressurized) basket where one is supplied, or you add a grinder. A good espresso grinder can cost as much as the machine, so read our guide to the best coffee grinder for espresso before you decide.
One heater for coffee and milk. Most entry machines heat brewing water and steam with the same element, so you wait between the shot and the milk. CASABREWS says so plainly on its listing. Breville says the Bambino’s ThermoJet heater reaches temperature in about three seconds, which shortens the wait.
Big pressure numbers do not mean better coffee. A listing that says 15 or 20 bar describes what the pump can reach, not what reaches the coffee. Breville quotes 9 bar at extraction for the Bambino, and De’Longhi describes 9-bar extraction for its newer Classic machine. Treat a higher pump figure as a ceiling, not as a reason to choose one machine over another.
Shorter warranties. One year is typical here, and two listings do not state a warranty at all. The Cuisinart’s three years stands out.
If you would rather press one button and walk away, our guide to the best espresso machine for beginners covers simpler automatic machines.
Eight picks for the best espresso machine cheap enough for a first setup
Every machine here is a pump espresso machine with a steam wand or a milk frother, and each is a different model from those in our main espresso guide, our beginner guide, our coffee and espresso combo guide and our fully automatic guide. All eight were listed as in stock, not low in stock, when we checked.
1. Breville Bambino Espresso Machine – Fast Heat, Real Microfoam
The Bambino (model BES450BSS, brushed stainless steel) is the way into Breville’s espresso range. It sits below the Bambino Plus in our main guide, and the difference is the milk: the Plus textures milk on its own, while the Bambino gives you a steam wand you work by hand. Breville’s product page says so directly, so treat the word “automatic” in parts of the Amazon listing with care.
What you keep is the part that makes the shot. Breville says the ThermoJet heating system reaches extraction temperature in about three seconds, and that the machine starts each shot with low-pressure pre-infusion before a 9-bar extraction. The listing adds digital temperature control (PID) and a 54 mm portafilter that takes a 19-gram dose, the same basket size as the Plus.
The box includes single-wall and dual-wall baskets in one- and two-cup sizes, a milk jug, a tamper, a steam-tip cleaning tool and descaling powder. The dual-wall baskets forgive pre-ground coffee; the single-wall baskets reward a good grinder. At 11.9 by 6.1 inches on the counter, according to Breville, it is one of the narrowest machines here.
Why we like it
- About three seconds to brewing temperature, per Breville
- Low-pressure pre-infusion before the 9-bar shot
- 54 mm portafilter with both basket types
- Milk jug and tamper in the box
Key specifications
| Model | Breville BES450BSS |
|---|---|
| Pump pressure (stated) | 9 bar at extraction (Breville) |
| Milk system | Manual steam wand |
| Portafilter and baskets | 54 mm; single- and dual-wall, 1 and 2 cup |
| Water tank | Not stated |
| Power | 1560 W |
| Controls | 1 cup, 2 cup, hot water/steam buttons |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Why we recommend it
It suits the cook who wants café-style lattes from a small machine and is willing to learn to steam milk by hand.
Skip it if you want the machine to froth milk for you; the Bambino Plus in our main guide, or the Mr. Coffee below, does that.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very fast heat-up
- Narrow footprint
- Basket choice for pre-ground or fresh-ground coffee
Cons
- Steam wand needs practice
- Water tank size not stated
- Listing wording on the wand is inconsistent
2. De’Longhi EC155 Espresso and Cappuccino Machine – The Simplest Pump Machine
The EC155 has been De’Longhi’s most basic pump espresso machine for years, and it is still listed in black. Our main guide already covers the Stilosa, which is the newer step in the same tier, so this page lists the older EC155 instead rather than repeat it.
It has a 15-bar pump and a manual frother that mixes steam and milk. The three-in-one filter holder takes a single shot, a double shot or an easy-serve espresso (ESE) pod, so you can start with pods and move to ground coffee later. De’Longhi says the Advanced Cappuccino System keeps the temperature up so you can brew one cup after another without waiting.
The water tank lifts off for filling, the level is visible, and the listing says the removable parts are dishwasher safe. De’Longhi’s own note on the listing is worth reading before you buy: too coarse a grind, too little coffee or a light tamp all lead to a weak, watery shot. That is true of every machine here, but a basic machine has less margin for error.
Why we like it
- Takes ground coffee or ESE pods
- Manual frother for cappuccino foam
- Dishwasher-safe removable parts
- Narrow body
Key specifications
| Model | De’Longhi EC155 |
|---|---|
| Pump pressure (stated) | 15 bar |
| Milk system | Manual frother (steam wand) |
| Portafilter and baskets | 3-in-1 holder: single, double, ESE pod |
| Water tank | Removable; capacity not stated |
| Power | 1050 W |
| Controls | Adjustable controls (per listing) |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who makes a cappuccino now and then and wants the smallest step into pump espresso from an established maker.
Skip it if you plan to steam milk for several drinks in a row; a small machine like this needs time between brewing and steaming.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Pods or ground coffee
- Long-running model with easy-to-find accessories
- Simple to learn
Cons
- Basic frother, not a café-style wand
- Tank capacity not stated
- Shots suffer if the grind or dose is off
3. Cuisinart Espresso Bar Espresso Machine – Three-Year Warranty, Cold Shots
The Espresso Bar (model EM-320) is Cuisinart’s manual pump machine, the entry point below its fully automatic Espresso Bar. Cuisinart covers it with a limited three-year warranty, which is three times what most machines on this page offer, and that is the main reason it is here.
It has a 20-bar pump, a 54 mm stainless steel bottomless portafilter, a steam and frothing wand that also dispenses hot water, and a front-loading 48-ounce water reservoir with a viewing window, according to the listing and Cuisinart. It also has a cold extraction setting for iced drinks, which no other machine here lists.
The bottomless portafilter is a mixed blessing. It lets you watch the shot, but Cuisinart’s own tip on the listing warns that a dose that is too large or too small, or tamped unevenly, can splash. Cuisinart gives the weight as about 15.4 pounds and the size as about 15 by 9.2 by 14 inches.
Why we like it
- Limited three-year warranty, per Cuisinart
- Cold extraction setting for iced drinks
- Front-loading 48-ounce reservoir
- Wand also gives hot water
Key specifications
| Model | Cuisinart EM-320 |
|---|---|
| Pump pressure (stated) | 20 bar |
| Milk system | Steam/frothing wand |
| Portafilter and baskets | 54 mm bottomless |
| Water tank | 48 oz, front-loading |
| Power | Not stated |
| Controls | Not stated |
| Warranty | 3-year limited (Cuisinart) |
Why we recommend it
It suits a buyer who weighs the warranty most, or who drinks iced espresso drinks through the Houston summer.
Skip it if you want a compact machine; it is the largest and heaviest pick here.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Longest warranty on this page
- Iced-drink setting
- Large reservoir you fill from the front
Cons
- Bottomless portafilter can splash while you learn
- Bulkier than the others
- Power and controls not stated on the listing
4. Mr. Coffee Café Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker – Milk Drinks at One Touch
The Café Barista (model BVMC-ECMP1102, in white) is the only machine here that froths the milk for you. Instead of a steam wand, it has a removable milk reservoir and an automatic frother, and a one-touch control panel for single shots, double shots, cappuccinos and lattes, according to the listing.
It uses a 15-bar pump, and Mr. Coffee calls it semi-automatic: you still fill and tamp the filter, and the machine handles the milk. That makes it the easiest way on this page to a latte before work. Our beginner guide covers the One-Touch CoffeeHouse+, which is the step up in the same Mr. Coffee range.
Both the water and milk reservoirs come off for filling, and the milk reservoir can go into the fridge between uses. The listing gives 1040 watts and a 26-inch cord. It does not state a warranty or the reservoir sizes, so check the box or Mr. Coffee’s support page if those matter to you.
Why we like it
- Automatic milk frothing, no wand to learn
- One-touch drink buttons
- Removable milk reservoir
- Short 26-inch cord keeps the counter tidy
Key specifications
| Model | Mr. Coffee BVMC-ECMP1102 |
|---|---|
| Pump pressure (stated) | 15 bar |
| Milk system | Automatic frother, removable milk reservoir |
| Portafilter and baskets | Not stated |
| Water tank | Removable; capacity not stated |
| Power | 1040 W |
| Controls | One-touch panel |
| Warranty | Not stated on listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits a household that wants lattes and cappuccinos at the press of a button and does not care about latte art.
Skip it if you want control over milk texture; an automatic frother makes one style of foam.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easiest milk drinks here
- Simple controls
- Milk stays in its own container
Cons
- Milk system needs cleaning after each use
- Warranty not stated on the listing
- Less control over foam
5. CASABREWS CM5418 Compact Espresso Machine – A Pressure Gauge Up Front
CASABREWS is a brand sold mainly on Amazon, and the CM5418 (part number CM5418BC-UL; this listing is the black finish, because the silver one was out of stock when we rechecked) is its basic compact machine. It is here because it puts a pressure gauge on the front, which helps you see whether a shot is under- or over-extracting while you dial in the grind.
The listing gives a 20-bar pump, a 1350-watt boiler, a steam wand for milk and a 34-ounce removable water tank. In the box are one-cup and two-cup filters, the portafilter and a tamper with a scoop on the other end.
Read the listing’s own warning before you buy. CASABREWS says not to brew straight after frothing milk: the machine must cool first, or it goes into overheating protection and the cup lights flash. In practice, pull the shot first and steam the milk second, which is the usual order anyway. The listing states a one-year warranty.
Why we like it
- Built-in pressure gauge
- Steam wand for milk
- 34-ounce removable tank
- Tamper and scoop included
Key specifications
| Model | CASABREWS CM5418BC-UL |
|---|---|
| Pump pressure (stated) | 20 bar |
| Milk system | Steam wand |
| Portafilter and baskets | Portafilter; 1- and 2-cup filters |
| Water tank | 34 oz, removable |
| Power | 1350 W |
| Controls | Buttons and pressure gauge |
| Warranty | 1 year (listing) |
Why we recommend it
It suits a learner who wants a gauge to read while practicing, in a small machine.
Skip it if you often make several milk drinks in a row; it needs to cool down between steaming and brewing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Gauge helps with dialing in
- Compact
- Clear guidance on the listing
Cons
- Amazon-first brand with less retail support
- Cool-down needed after steaming
- Portafilter size not stated
6. Hamilton Beach Slide & Lock Espresso Machine – A Portafilter That Slides In
Hamilton Beach’s Slide & Lock (model 40730, black) fixes one small frustration with basic machines: twisting the portafilter into a brew head you can barely see. Here the portafilter slides in from the front and locks at the side, according to Hamilton Beach.
It has a 15-bar pump, two spouts so you can pull two shots at once, and a pressure dial at the front. The frothing wand swivels and has its own steam dial for light foam or steamed milk. You stop the shot yourself when the cup has as much espresso as you want.
The reservoir is removable, but the listing does not give its size, the power or the warranty, so check the box. We found one Hamilton Beach espresso recall on cpsc.gov, from 2004, for the Cappuccino Plus model 40714; it is not this machine.
Why we like it
- Slide-in portafilter, locks at the side
- Pressure dial at the front
- Swiveling wand with its own steam dial
- Two spouts for two cups
Key specifications
| Model | Hamilton Beach 40730 |
|---|---|
| Pump pressure (stated) | 15 bar |
| Milk system | Swiveling frothing wand |
| Portafilter and baskets | Slide & Lock; two spouts |
| Water tank | Removable; capacity not stated |
| Power | Not stated |
| Controls | Dials; manual shot stop |
| Warranty | Not stated on listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone who finds a standard portafilter awkward, or who wants two cups at once in the morning.
Skip it if you want the machine to stop the shot for you; you end each shot by hand.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy to load and unload
- Gauge for feedback
- Two drinks at once
Cons
- Warranty, power and tank size not stated on the listing
- Manual shot timing
- Retro styling will not suit every kitchen
7. Gevi Compact 20-Bar Espresso Machine – Pre-Infusion and a Gauge
Gevi is the second Amazon-first brand on this page, and this compact machine (model ECMG0, sterling silver) lists more features than most at this tier: a 20-bar pump, NTC temperature control, pre-infusion and a pressure gauge, according to the listing.
The steam wand has a removable froth nozzle for cleaning, and a hot water function covers Americanos, tea and warming cups. The water tank holds 34 ounces, and the housing is stainless steel. The listing gives the size as 12.3 inches deep, 5.5 inches wide and 12 inches high, the slimmest width stated on this page.
Gevi offers a 12-month warranty and lifetime technical support on machines bought through an official or authorized channel, so buy from the listing Gevi sells through. The power rating and portafilter size are not stated.
Why we like it
- Pre-infusion and a pressure gauge
- Removable froth nozzle
- Hot water function
- 5.5 inches wide, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | Gevi ECMG0 |
|---|---|
| Pump pressure (stated) | 20 bar |
| Milk system | Steam wand, removable nozzle |
| Portafilter and baskets | Not stated |
| Water tank | 34 oz, removable |
| Power | Not stated |
| Controls | Buttons and pressure gauge |
| Warranty | 12 months (authorized sellers) |
Why we recommend it
It suits a buyer who wants pre-infusion and a gauge in a very narrow machine.
Skip it if you prefer a maker with retail stores and long-published support; Gevi is sold mainly online.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Slim
- Feature list beyond the price tier
- Hot water on tap
Cons
- Amazon-first brand
- Portafilter size and power not stated
- Warranty depends on where you buy
8. Chefman CraftBrew Espresso Machine – Biggest Tank, Adjustable Shots
The CraftBrew (model RJ54-SS-15-D-AM, stainless steel) is Chefman’s basic pump espresso machine. Its 1.5-liter water tank is the largest stated on this page, which matters if you make drinks for a brunch table rather than one cup at a time.
It has a 15-bar pump, two shot baskets, a built-in steam wand and a touch control panel with a timer, so you can set the shot volume: more water for a longer, milder lungo-style shot or less for a ristretto, according to Chefman.
The tank comes off to fill at the sink. A descale alert comes on after 500 brewing cycles, which takes the guesswork out of maintenance. The listing gives 1350 watts, cETL certification and a one-year assurance from Chefman.
Why we like it
- 1.5-liter removable tank
- Programmable shot volume
- Automatic descale reminder
- Steam wand included
Key specifications
| Model | Chefman RJ54-SS-15-D-AM |
|---|---|
| Pump pressure (stated) | 15 bar |
| Milk system | Steam wand |
| Portafilter and baskets | Portafilter; 2 shot baskets |
| Water tank | 1.5 L, removable |
| Power | 1350 W |
| Controls | Touch panel with timer |
| Warranty | 1 year (Chefman) |
Why we recommend it
It suits a household that makes several drinks at a time and wants fewer trips to the sink.
Skip it if you want pressure feedback; there is no gauge.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Largest stated tank here
- Shot volume you can set
- Descale reminder
Cons
- No pressure gauge
- Portafilter size not stated
- Touch panel is harder to repair than a switch
How to judge espresso machine value
Warranty and parts. An espresso machine has a pump, a heater and seals under pressure, and those wear. A longer warranty is worth more than an extra feature. Before you buy, check that the maker sells replacement baskets, gaskets and steam tips, so one worn part does not retire the machine.
Baskets for the coffee you buy. If you will use pre-ground coffee, look for dual-wall (pressurized) baskets, as the Bambino includes, or a pod option, as the EC155 has. If you will grind fresh, single-wall baskets give you more control.
The milk system. A manual wand makes the best foam once you learn it. An automatic frother, as on the Mr. Coffee, is easier but makes one style of foam and needs cleaning after every use.
Heat-up and recovery. Look for how long the machine needs to heat and whether it needs to cool after steaming. A machine that makes you wait is fine for one drink and slow for four.
Size and tank. Measure the space under your cabinets. A larger tank, such as the Chefman’s 1.5 liters, means fewer refills; a narrow machine, such as the Gevi or the Bambino, fits a tight counter.
How we chose these eight espresso machines
We searched Amazon for the entry pump espresso machines of established makers: Breville, De’Longhi, Cuisinart, Mr. Coffee, Hamilton Beach, Chefman, Capresso, CASABREWS and Gevi. We kept only models listed as in stock, not low in stock, and limited Amazon-first brands to two. We dropped listings that repeat picks in our other espresso guides, which is why the Stilosa and the Bambino Plus are not here. Capresso’s pump machine was not available, and several Cuisinart and De’Longhi Dedica models were listed as low in stock.
We checked each brand against the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall database. The espresso machine recalls we found for these brands were a 2004 Hamilton Beach recall of the Cappuccino Plus model 40714 and a 1997 repair program for Mr. Coffee espresso and cappuccino makers; neither covers a machine on this page. We found no espresso machine recall for the other brands. Specifications come from each Amazon listing and the makers’ own pages; where a figure is missing, we say “Not stated.” We have not used these machines ourselves, and we do not list prices, so “cheap” here means each maker’s entry tier and what it includes.
Cheap espresso machine questions, answered
What is the best espresso machine on a budget?
For most kitchens, the Breville Bambino: fast heat-up, pre-infusion and a 54 mm portafilter, per Breville. For the longest warranty, the Cuisinart Espresso Bar.
What is the best espresso machine under 100, 200 or 500 dollars?
Prices change too often for a price band to stay accurate, so we compare what each tier includes instead. Every pick here is a maker’s entry model; click through to see today’s price.
Is an affordable espresso machine worth it?
Yes, if you pair it with fresh coffee and learn to dial in the grind. A basic machine with good coffee makes a better drink than an expensive machine with stale coffee. What you give up is speed and consistency between shots.
Do I need a grinder with a cheap espresso machine?
Not to start. Use pre-ground espresso in a dual-wall basket, or ESE pods in the EC155. A grinder becomes worth buying when you want to use single-wall baskets and fresh beans.
Can a value espresso machine make Mexican-style coffee drinks?
A shot of espresso with steamed milk and a pinch of cinnamon is a quick café con leche, and a spoon of piloncillo syrup gives the flavor of café de olla. For a drip-and-espresso machine in one box, see our guide to the best coffee maker and espresso combo.
Our final pick for espresso on a small budget
Buy the Breville Bambino for the best shot quality at this tier, or the Cuisinart Espresso Bar for three years of warranty cover. Choose the Mr. Coffee Café Barista if you want milk drinks at the press of a button, the De’Longhi EC155 for the simplest machine with pod support, and the Chefman CraftBrew if you make several drinks at a time. For machines with grinders and stronger steam, see our main guide to the best espresso machine.
A good espresso finishes a long dinner well. When you would rather someone else did the cooking, see our menu or call to order.