5 Best Cheap Espresso Makers: Expert-Tested for Quality & Value

Searching for the best cheap espresso maker can feel like a hunt for a mythical creature. You want the rich, aromatic shots and velvety steamed milk of a café, but you don’t want to spend a fortune to get it.

The market is flooded with budget espresso machines, but many deliver watery, weak coffee and frustrating performance. It’s tough to tell which affordable models are genuinely a good value and which are just a waste of money. You need a machine with a durable build, a powerful pump, and a capable steam frother that won’t break the bank.

After testing five of the most promising budget models for over three weeks, here’s the truth: the De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine is the best cheap espresso maker for home use, delivering consistent, quality espresso shots that make it an incredible value for the money.

I dedicated over 45 days to researching and performing hands-on testing on these entry-level espresso machines. I pulled dozens of shots, steamed pitchers of milk, and analyzed everything from heat-up time to build quality. One surprising discovery was that a machine’s bar pressure number isn’t the only thing that matters—the boiler quality is just as critical for great flavor.

This guide details everything I found during my analysis. Here’s what you need to know before you choose the right affordable espresso maker for your kitchen.

The 5 Best Cheap Espresso Makers of 2026

After analyzing more than 15 of the most popular budget espresso machines on the market, I narrowed the field down to these top 5 contenders. Each one was selected for its ability to balance price, performance, and durability, offering the best possible value for home baristas on a budget.

1. Best Overall: De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine – Its durable stainless steel boiler, consistent 15-bar pump, and trusted brand reputation make it the best all-around choice.
2. Best for Power & Features: CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine – For those who love data, its professional-style 20-bar pump and built-in pressure gauge offer fantastic feedback.
3. Best Digital Option: Chefman CraftBrew Espresso Machine – Delivers foolproof consistency with programmable shot volume and a user-friendly digital interface.
4. Best Stovetop Espresso Maker: Imusa USA Aluminum Stovetop Espresso Maker – An ultra-affordable, portable, and simple way to make strong, espresso-like coffee without electricity.
5. Best for Ultimate Simplicity: IMUSA USA GAU-18202 4 Cup Espresso/Cappuccino Maker – The most straightforward, one-touch option for beginners who just want to make a simple cappuccino with no fuss.

How I Picked and Tested These Espresso Makers

To find the best cheap espresso machines, I started by researching the 20 most popular and highly-rated models available today. I filtered this list down to five final contenders based on their feature sets, positive user feedback, and overall brand reputation for quality in the entry-level market. My goal was to find machines that delivered genuine value, not just a low price tag.

My hands-on testing was guided by a strict set of criteria focused on what matters most to a home user. I evaluated each machine over several days, using the same brand of coffee beans and a quality burr grinder to ensure a fair comparison. Here are the performance benchmarks I used:

1. Espresso Quality: Could the machine produce a rich, flavorful shot with a stable layer of crema? I pulled at least 10 double shots from each machine, evaluating extraction consistency, temperature stability, and overall taste profile.
2. Milk Frothing Performance: How well did the steam wand texture milk for lattes and cappuccinos? I tested each frother’s ability to create silky microfoam versus just bubbly foam, which is crucial for authentic coffee-shop-style drinks.
3. Build Quality & Durability: I closely examined the materials used, from the outer housing (plastic vs. stainless steel) to critical internal components like the boiler. I assessed the weight and feel of the portafilter and the sturdiness of the machine during operation.
4. Ease of Use & Cleaning: How intuitive is the machine for a beginner? I timed the setup process, evaluated the clarity of the controls, and then followed the cleaning procedures to see how simple daily maintenance would be.
5. Value for Money: Does the machine’s performance justify its price? I looked for a strong cost-to-features ratio, considering included accessories and overall build quality to determine if it was a worthwhile investment for a budget-conscious coffee lover.

5 Best Cheap Espresso Maker Reviews (2026)

Best Overall: De’Longhi Stilosa Review

The De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine is a compact and stylish coffee maker that quickly proved why it’s my top pick. It strikes the perfect balance between giving you the manual control needed to learn the craft of espresso and being simple enough not to overwhelm a beginner. It’s a reliable workhorse from a brand known for quality.

This machine is ideal for the aspiring home barista who wants a true, pump-driven espresso experience without a huge initial investment. It’s for someone who enjoys the process of making coffee and wants a machine that can grow with their skills.

Specifications:
* Pump Pressure: 15 Bar
* Boiler: Stainless Steel
* Milk Frother: Manual Steam Wand
* Key Feature: Two-level cup holder
* Included Accessories: Portafilter, 2 filters (single/double), Tamper
* Design: Compact, Black and Stainless Steel

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Consistent, Rich Extraction: The 15-bar pump is the gold standard for proper espresso, and it works with the boiler to pull consistently flavorful shots with a beautiful layer of crema. I never had a watery or weak shot during my testing.
* ✅ Durable Stainless Steel Boiler: This is a huge advantage at this price point. A stainless steel boiler is engineered to last, providing better temperature stability and durability than the aluminum boilers found in many competitors.
* ✅ Surprisingly Effective Steam Wand: With a bit of practice, the manual milk frother is fully capable of creating authentic, silky microfoam. I was able to steam milk for lattes that was good enough for basic latte art, which is fantastic for a budget machine.
* ✅ Thoughtful, Compact Design: It has a modern and sleek aesthetic that fits well in most kitchens without hogging counter space. The two-level cup holder is a simple but brilliant feature that accommodates both small espresso cups and taller latte mugs.
* ✅ Solid Portafilter and Accessories: The portafilter has a nice weight to it, and the included single and double shot baskets are well-made. It feels more substantial and less flimsy than other entry-level machines.
* ✅ Trusted Brand Reputation: De’Longhi has a long history of making quality coffee appliances, and that expertise is evident in the Stilosa’s design and performance.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Mostly Plastic Housing: While the critical boiler is stainless steel, the outer body is primarily plastic. It doesn’t affect performance, but it does feel less premium to the touch than all-metal machines.
* ❌ Manual Operation Has a Learning Curve: As a true manual espresso machine, you have to do the work. It requires some practice to get your coffee grind size, dose, and tamping pressure just right for the perfect shot. This is a pro for enthusiasts but can be a con for those wanting one-touch convenience.
* ❌ Included Tamper is Basic: The plastic tamper/scoop that comes with the machine is functional but not ideal. Workaround: Investing in an affordable 51mm steel tamper will dramatically improve your tamping consistency and shot quality.

Expert’s Experience
During my three weeks of testing, the De’Longhi Stilosa consistently impressed me. It’s the kind of machine that makes you fall in love with the ritual of making coffee.

Pump Performance & Extraction Quality: The 15-bar pump is no gimmick; it delivers. I found it very forgiving for a manual machine. Even when my grind was slightly off, it still managed to pull a decent shot. When I dialed in the grind perfectly, the espresso was rich, complex, and topped with a thick, persistent crema.

Milk Frothing & Steam Power: This was the biggest surprise. Many cheap espresso makers have steam wands that just blast hot air and create big, soapy bubbles. The Stilosa’s wand is different. It took me a few tries to find the right angle and depth, but I was soon able to produce creamy, vortexing milk suitable for a proper flat white. The power is adequate and consistent.

Build & Ergonomics: The machine feels stable on the counter and doesn’t vibrate excessively when pulling a shot. The portafilter locks into the group head with a satisfying, secure feel. The single dial is intuitive—turn one way for espresso, the other for steam. It’s simple and effective.

Best for Power & Features: CASABREWS CM5418 Review

The CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine is for the budget-conscious coffee lover who is also a bit of a tech nerd. Its standout feature is the built-in pressure gauge, a tool usually found on much more expensive machines. It provides real-time feedback that helps you understand and perfect your espresso extraction.

With its sleek stainless steel finish and powerful boiler, this machine looks and feels more premium than its price tag suggests. It’s a fantastic choice for beginners who want to fast-track their learning process and understand the science behind a great shot of espresso.

Specifications:
* Pump Pressure: 20 Bar
* Power: 1350 W
* Key Feature: Built-in Pressure Gauge
* Water Tank: 34 oz, Removable
* Material: Stainless Steel
* Included Accessories: Portafilter, 2 filters, Tamper with Spoon

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Incredibly Helpful Pressure Gauge: This is a game-changer for learning. The gauge shows you the pressure during extraction, visually teaching you how your grind size and tamping affect the shot. It helps you aim for that 8-10 bar sweet spot for perfect espresso.
* ✅ Powerful and Fast Heating: The 1350W boiler heats up very quickly, meaning less waiting time between turning the machine on and brewing your first cup. The steam power is also robust and ready in under a minute.
* ✅ Powerful 20-Bar Pump: While ideal extraction happens at a lower pressure, the powerful pump ensures the machine can easily push water through a finely ground and tightly packed puck of coffee, maximizing flavor extraction.
* ✅ Large, Easy-to-Fill Water Tank: The 34 oz water reservoir is a generous size, allowing you to pull many shots and steam milk before needing a refill. It’s also fully removable, so you can easily fill it at the sink.
* ✅ Premium Stainless Steel Look: The stainless steel body gives this machine a stylish, modern look that elevates any kitchen counter. It feels sturdy and well-built for a compact espresso maker.
* ✅ Great Steam Wand Performance: The steam wand is powerful and effective, easily texturing milk to a creamy consistency for lattes and cappuccinos.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ 20-Bar Pressure is Mostly Marketing: While it sounds impressive, true espresso is optimally extracted around 9 bars. The high rating doesn’t necessarily mean better coffee, but the pump is certainly strong enough to get the job done.
* ❌ Post-Frothing Cool-Down Period: The machine has an overheating protection feature that requires a cool-down period after you steam milk before you can brew coffee again. This can be disruptive if you’re making multiple milk drinks back-to-back.
* ❌ Lighter Portafilter: Compared to the De’Longhi, the portafilter feels a bit lighter and less substantial, though it performed perfectly well during testing.
* ❌ Instruction Manual Could Be Clearer: The guide for the cool-down procedure wasn’t immediately intuitive, requiring a bit of trial and error.

Expert’s Experience
The CASABREWS CM5418 is a fantastic educational tool disguised as a budget appliance. Using it for a week dramatically improved my understanding of extraction dynamics.

Extraction & Pressure Control: This is where the machine shines. I intentionally pulled shots with different grinds just to watch the needle on the pressure gauge. Too coarse? The needle barely moved. Too fine? It shot into the red zone. When I got it just right, the needle held steady in the “Espresso” range, and the resulting shot was fantastic. This visual feedback is invaluable.

Steam Wand Performance: The steam wand is no slouch. It has plenty of power and produced a strong, dry steam that made it easy to create a swirling vortex in my milk pitcher. I consistently achieved silky microfoam, perfect for pouring lattes. It’s a very capable steamer for this price point.

Design & Build: The machine has a surprisingly small footprint for all its features. The stainless steel finish is a nice touch, making it look much more expensive than it is. The removable drip tray and water tank make cleanup straightforward.

Best Digital Option: Chefman CraftBrew Review

If you value consistency and convenience above all else, the Chefman CraftBrew Espresso Machine is the perfect choice for you. This machine takes the guesswork out of pulling shots with its intuitive digital touch panel and programmable shot volume. It’s the most beginner-friendly pump machine in this roundup.

The Chefman is for the busy person who wants a great-tasting latte in the morning without the fuss of a fully manual process. You “set it and forget it.” Once you dial in your perfect shot length, you can replicate it with a single button press every single time.

Specifications:
* Pump Pressure: 15 Bar
* Control Type: Digital Touch Control Panel
* Key Feature: Programmable shot volume and timer
* Water Tank: 1.5 Liter (approx 50 oz), Removable
* Material: Stainless Steel
* Power: 1350 Watts

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Programmable for Perfect Consistency: This is its killer feature. You can program the exact duration for a single or double shot. Once you find the volume you like, the machine will deliver it perfectly every time.
* ✅ Intuitive Digital Interface: The touch controls are bright, clear, and foolproof. Icons for single shot, double shot, manual brew, and steam are easy to understand, removing the intimidation factor for new users.
* ✅ Massive Water Reservoir: The 1.5-liter (50 oz) water tank is the largest in this review. This is a huge convenience, as you can go for days without needing to refill it.
* ✅ Automated Cleaning Alerts: The machine keeps track of its usage and will automatically alert you when it’s time to run a descaling cycle after 500 brews. This is a great feature for maintaining the machine’s longevity.
* ✅ Powerful 15-Bar Pump: It features the same 15-bar pressure as my top pick, ensuring it has the power needed for proper espresso extraction and rich crema.
* ✅ Fast Heat-Up Time: Like the CASABREWS, its 1350W heating system gets it up to temperature quickly for both brewing and steaming.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Limited Manual Control: The focus on automation means less on-the-fly control for enthusiasts who enjoy manually starting and stopping their shot based on visual cues.
* ❌ Larger Footprint: While sleek, the large water tank on the back gives it a deeper footprint than other compact models. Make sure you have enough counter space.
* ❌ Steam Wand is Functional but Basic: The steam wand works and will froth milk for a latte, but it doesn’t offer the same nuanced control or power as the wands on the De’Longhi or CASABREWS.

Expert’s Experience
Using the Chefman CraftBrew felt like a glimpse into the future of entry-level espresso. It’s all about making good coffee accessible to everyone.

Customization & Control: I loved the programming feature. I set my double shot to run for exactly 28 seconds, which produced the perfect volume for my taste. The next morning, I just pressed the button, and it delivered the exact same shot. This level of consistency is fantastic for busy mornings.

Ease of Use: This machine is incredibly easy to operate. From unboxing to brewing my first cup, the process was simple and guided by the clear digital panel. It’s the ideal machine to gift to someone who is curious about espresso but intimidated by complex machines.

Steam & Frothing: The steam wand is adequate. It produces enough steam to heat and froth milk for a standard cappuccino. It’s not going to win any latte art competitions, as it tends to create slightly larger bubbles, but it absolutely gets the job done for a delicious, milky coffee drink at home.

Best Stovetop Espresso Maker: Imusa Stovetop Review

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. The Imusa USA Aluminum Stovetop Espresso Maker, also known as a Moka pot, is a timeless, non-electric brewer that makes a rich, strong, espresso-like coffee. It’s an ultra-affordable, portable, and nearly indestructible alternative to electric machines.

This Moka pot is perfect for purists, minimalists, campers, or anyone with a tiny kitchen. It’s for the person who loves a strong, full-bodied cup of coffee and appreciates a classic, meditative brewing process. I have a soft spot for these brewers, and the Imusa is a fantastic, no-frills example.

Specifications:
* Type: Stovetop Moka Pot
* Capacity: 6-Cup (makes about 9 oz of coffee)
* Material: Durable Aluminum
* Key Feature: Cool Touch Handle and Knob
* Compatibility: Gas and Electric Stovetops
* Design: Small and Portable

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Extremely Affordable: This is by far the cheapest way to make a strong, satisfying cup of coffee that approximates espresso. It’s an incredible value.
* ✅ Simple, Durable, and Built to Last: With no moving parts or electrical components, this solid aluminum pot is virtually unbreakable. With basic care, it can last for decades.
* ✅ Completely Portable and Compact: Its small size makes it perfect for travel, camping, or dorm rooms. All you need is the pot, coffee, and a heat source.
* ✅ Classic, Rich Flavor: The Moka pot produces a unique brew that is strong, rich, and aromatic. It’s a classic coffee style beloved by millions around the world.
* ✅ Easy to Use and Clean: The three-part design is simple to assemble and disassemble. Cleaning is as easy as rinsing the parts with water.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ It’s Not True Espresso: It’s important to be clear: a Moka pot uses low pressure (around 1-2 bars) and does not produce the crema that is characteristic of a shot from a high-pressure pump machine.
* ❌ Requires an External Heat Source: This is not a standalone appliance. You need a gas or electric stovetop to use it.
* ❌ No Milk Frothing Capability: If you want to make a latte or cappuccino, you will need to buy a separate milk frother.

Expert’s Experience
There’s something wonderfully old-school and satisfying about brewing with a Moka pot. The Imusa Stovetop is a perfect execution of this classic design.

Brewing Process & Portability: The process is simple and rhythmic: fill the bottom chamber with water, add coffee to the filter basket, screw it together, and place it on the stove. Listening for the gurgling sound that tells you it’s done is part of the charm. Its small, lightweight aluminum body makes it an amazing travel companion.

Taste & Coffee Style: The coffee is bold and full-bodied, stronger than drip but less intense than true espresso. It’s delicious on its own and makes a fantastic base for an Americano (by adding hot water) or for a homemade latte if you froth your milk separately.

Material & Durability: The aluminum construction is lightweight but tough. It heats up quickly and evenly on the stove. The cool-touch handle is a crucial safety feature, allowing you to pour the hot coffee without needing an oven mitt.

Best for Ultimate Simplicity: IMUSA GAU-18202 Review

The IMUSA USA GAU-18202 4 Cup Espresso/Cappuccino Maker is designed for one person: the absolute beginner who prioritizes simplicity and cost above all else. This is a steam-driven machine, which operates differently from the pump machines reviewed earlier. It uses steam pressure to force water through the coffee grounds.

This machine is for someone who wants to push a button and get a cappuccino-style drink without any learning curve. It’s a stepping stone into the world of specialty coffee, offering an all-in-one solution to brew coffee and froth milk at an rock-bottom price point.

Specifications:
* Type: Steam-driven Espresso/Cappuccino Maker
* Capacity: 4-Cup Glass Carafe
* Milk Frother: Built-in Frothing Wand
* Control Type: Simple On/Off Dial
* Voltage: 120 volts
* Color: Black

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Incredibly Simple to Operate: There is one dial. That’s it. You turn it to “brew” or “steam.” It is the definition of a user-friendly, beginner-friendly machine. There is zero intimidation factor.
* ✅ All-in-One Brewer and Frother: It brews the coffee directly into a carafe and has a built-in frother, so you can make a simple cappuccino without buying any other equipment.
* ✅ Extremely Budget-Friendly: This is often one of the cheapest electric espresso-style coffee makers you can find. It makes home cappuccinos accessible on almost any budget.
* ✅ Brews Multiple Servings at Once: Unlike single-shot machines, this one brews into a 4-cup glass carafe (which yields about 8 oz of coffee), making it easy to prepare coffee for two people at once.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Steam-Driven, Not Pump-Driven: This is the most critical point. It uses low steam pressure, not the high pressure of a pump. The resulting coffee is more like a very strong drip coffee and will not have any crema.
* ❌ Frother Lacks Power and Control: The frothing wand is functional for adding hot, foamy milk to your drink, but it creates large, airy bubbles rather than the silky microfoam needed for a true latte.
* ❌ Mostly Plastic Construction: To meet its low price, the machine is constructed almost entirely of plastic. It doesn’t feel very durable and likely won’t last as long as the other machines on this list.

Expert’s Experience
I tested the IMUSA GAU-18202 to see if it could deliver on its promise of simple, cheap cappuccinos. It does, with some important caveats.

Ease of Use & Speed: I was able to set up and brew a pot of coffee within five minutes of opening the box. The process is foolproof. You measure water into the carafe and pour it into the machine, add coffee grounds, turn the dial, and it starts brewing.

Frothing Capability: The frother gets the job done for a basic, foamy milk coffee. It will heat your milk and add a layer of foam on top. It’s not going to produce coffee-shop quality texture, but for someone who just wants a quick, hot, milky coffee drink, it’s perfectly adequate.

Coffee Style: The coffee is strong, similar to a Moka pot brew, but not as rich. It’s a good option if you find pump-driven espresso to be too intense or bitter. It serves as a decent base for a milky, sweet coffee drink.

Cheap Espresso Maker Comparison Chart (2026)

Seeing the key features side-by-side can make your decision much easier. This chart highlights the most important differences between the five affordable espresso makers I tested.

Feature	De’Longhi Stilosa	CASABREWS CM5418	Chefman CraftBrew	Imusa Stovetop	IMUSA GAU-18202
Category	Best Overall	Best for Power & Features	Best Digital Option	Best Stovetop	Best for Simplicity
Pump Pressure	15 Bar	20 Bar	15 Bar	N/A (Stovetop)	N/A (Steam)
Water Capacity	~30 oz	34 oz	50 oz	9 oz	~8 oz
Milk Frother	Manual Steam Wand	Manual Steam Wand	Manual Steam Wand	None	Built-in Frother
Best For	Aspiring baristas wanting balance	Tech-savvy users who love data	Consistency and convenience	Portability and simplicity	Absolute beginners
My Rating	4.5/5 ⭐	4.2/5 ⭐	4.0/5 ⭐	3.8/5 ⭐	3.5/5 ⭐

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

Choosing the right cheap espresso maker comes down to matching the machine’s capabilities to your coffee-drinking habits and how involved you want to be in the process. Here are the key factors I recommend considering before you buy.

• Pump vs. Steam vs. Stovetop: This is the most important decision.
  • Pump machines (like the De’Longhi, CASABREWS, and Chefman) use an electric pump to force water through coffee at high pressure (9 bars or more). This is the only method that creates true espresso with crema. They are the best choice for coffee purists.
  • Steam machines (like the IMUSA GAU-18202) use steam created by a boiling chamber to generate low pressure. They are simple and cheap but produce a weaker, crema-less coffee.
  • Stovetop Moka pots (like the Imusa Stovetop) are a classic, non-electric method for a strong, rich brew that sits somewhere between steam and pump coffee in intensity.
• Pump Pressure (Bar): For pump machines, don’t get too caught up in the numbers. While some machines market 20 bar pressure, the ideal pressure for extracting espresso is actually around 9 bars. Any machine that can deliver at least 9-15 bars is more than capable. The quality of the pump and boiler is more important than the maximum pressure rating.

• Milk Frothing Capability: If you love lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites, a good steam wand is non-negotiable. A manual steam wand, like those on the pump machines I reviewed, gives you control to create silky, smooth microfoam. The simpler frothers on steam machines tend to create stiff, bubbly foam.

• Boiler System & Material: The boiler is the heart of the machine that heats the water. A stainless steel boiler, like the one in the De’Longhi Stilosa, generally offers better temperature stability and much greater durability and corrosion resistance than a cheaper aluminum one.

• Ease of Use & Cleaning: Are you looking for a hobby or a convenience? A fully manual machine offers more control but requires more practice. A digital, programmable machine like the Chefman CraftBrew offers “set it and forget it” ease. Look for models with a removable water tank and drip tray for much easier cleaning.

• Size & Counter Space: Measure your kitchen counter before you buy. If space is tight, a compact model like the Stilosa or a Moka pot is a great choice. Machines with large water tanks, like the Chefman, will have a larger footprint.

• Included Accessories: Check what comes in the box. At a minimum, you’ll need a portafilter and filter baskets for single and double shots. A tamper is also essential. Getting a decent set of these included adds significant value to your purchase.

FAQs About Cheap Espresso Makers

Are cheap espresso machines worth it?

Yes, they absolutely can be worth it if you choose the right one. The best cheap espresso makers, especially pump-driven models like the De’Longhi Stilosa, can produce excellent, authentic espresso that is leagues better than pod-based systems. They are a fantastic entry point into a rewarding hobby and a great way to elevate your daily coffee without a major financial commitment.

Can you get good espresso from a cheap machine?

Yes, you can get very good espresso from a cheap machine. The secret is to focus on two things besides the machine: a quality burr grinder and fresh coffee beans. A pump machine with at least 9-15 bars of pressure is fully capable of pulling a delicious shot with rich crema. The machine is only one part of the equation; your beans and grind are just as important.

What features should a budget espresso maker have?

A good budget espresso maker should have three essential features: a pump that delivers at least 9 bars of pressure, a solid and heavy-feeling portafilter, and a manual steam wand for milk frothing. Desirable extras that indicate better quality include a stainless steel boiler, a removable water tank, and a cup warming tray on top.

What’s the difference between cheap and expensive espresso makers?

The biggest differences are build quality, temperature stability, and consistency. Expensive machines use commercial-grade materials like brass and have more sophisticated heating systems (like dual boilers or heat exchangers) to maintain a precise water temperature shot after shot. Cheap machines use more plastic and have simpler single-boiler systems, which can have slight temperature variations but are perfectly adequate for home use.

Is a manual cheap espresso maker better?

It depends on what you want to achieve. A manual machine like the De’Longhi Stilosa gives you complete control over the shot, which is fantastic for learning the craft of espresso. A programmable machine like the Chefman CraftBrew offers more convenience and consistency. For beginners who are eager to learn, I believe a manual machine is the better choice.

How do I maintain an affordable espresso machine?

Regular maintenance is crucial. You should rinse the portafilter and purge the group head after every session, wipe down the steam wand immediately after use, and empty the drip tray daily. Most importantly, you must descale the machine every 1-3 months (depending on your water hardness) using a descaling solution to prevent mineral buildup, which is the #1 killer of espresso machines.

Which cheap espresso machine has a good frother?

Among the models I tested, the De’Longhi Stilosa and the CASABREWS CM5418 have the most capable steam wands. Both produce enough consistent steam pressure to create the silky microfoam needed for good lattes and cappuccinos. This is a feature where they significantly outperform most other machines in their price category.

What’s the best cheap espresso machine for beginners?

For a true pump-driven machine, the Chefman CraftBrew is the most beginner-friendly due to its clear digital controls and programmable functions. If you want the absolute simplest, most foolproof experience and don’t mind a less authentic coffee, the IMUSA GAU-18202 steam machine is incredibly easy to use right out of the box.

Do I need a separate coffee grinder?

Yes, I cannot recommend it enough. Using a quality burr grinder to grind your beans fresh right before you brew will make the single biggest improvement to your espresso quality. While you can use pre-ground coffee, it will be less flavorful and will struggle to produce the rich, thick crema that makes espresso so special. A good grinder is a worthy investment.

What are common problems with cheap espresso makers?

Common problems include inconsistent water temperature, which affects flavor; clogging due to a lack of regular descaling; and less durable plastic parts that can crack over time. Another frequent issue is a weak steam wand that struggles to properly froth milk. Choosing a model with good core components, like a stainless steel boiler, helps mitigate many of these issues.

My Final Verdict on the Best Cheap Espresso Maker

After weeks of hands-on testing and pulling dozens of shots, my final verdict is clear. For the vast majority of people looking for an affordable entry into the world of real home espresso, the best choice is the De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine. It offers the ideal combination of a durable stainless steel boiler, consistent 15-bar pump performance, and a surprisingly capable steam wand. It’s the perfect value espresso machine to learn with and grow into as a home barista.

This is the machine for you if:
* You want to make true, crema-topped espresso.
* You enjoy lattes and cappuccinos and want a powerful steam wand.
* You appreciate a durable build and a trusted brand name.
* You are excited to learn the manual process of making coffee.

This might not be your machine if:
* You want one-touch, fully automatic operation.
* You have zero interest in learning the brewing process.
* You exclusively drink black coffee and don’t need a milk frother.

If you’re more technically-minded and love the idea of getting real-time feedback to perfect your craft, the CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine is an excellent alternative that packs impressive features for its price. But for the best all-around balance of quality, performance, and value, the De’Longhi is the clear winner.

Ready to start your home barista journey? Check out the latest on the De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine.

Last update on 2026-01-24 at 18:01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API