In a hurry, here are our top pick, editor’s choice, and best value.
Top pick
DeLonghi EC155
DeLonghi EC155 is a gem when it comes to making espresso.
This versatile machine lets you do everything from making espresso to cappuccino and even latte.
Editor’s choice
Hamilton Beach 40715
It is pretty basic but among the best espresso-making machines in the market.
It is equipped with a removable reservoir which makes it very easy to clean and maintain.
Best value
Sowtech Espresso Machine
It comes with a single switch knob and an indicator light for an easy user interface. The removable parts make it immensely easy to clean.
Coffee is a necessity for most. A good caffeine kick can hype you up and give you enough energy to slide through the day with freshness.
If you consider yourself a true espresso lover, you must know that getting your hands on the perfect cup of creamy shot every day can be expensive if you don’t have a good espresso machine at home.
Espresso machines can be your savior in disguise. Having one can make your days easier and can make brewing a rich cup of coffee a hassle-free experience.
You just need to know how to buy the most appropriate machine for you according to your budget. However, in case the budget is a constraint for you, we have got you covered.
The good news is, after careful research, we have curated a list of the 10 best espresso machines under $100 for you, along with the key points you need to keep in mind while making a purchase. Keep reading to find out.
Table of Contents
Factors to consider
There are a few key aspects you need to keep in mind before you purchase an espresso machine. The four key features are listed below:
Automatic or Manual
You can find both automatic and manual espresso machines in the market. Automatic machines can give you a perfectly pulled coffee with just a push of the button, while manual ones need to be operated with self-power, which takes up a lot of time and work.
So if you are someone with a busy schedule, you need to go for an automatic machine. Whereas if making an espresso is something you love to do and you have ample time, a cheap manual machine can do you wonders.
Grinder
Espresso machines often come with a built-in grinder which is very important to brew good coffee. It gives the correct consistency to the coffee grounds making the beverage perfect.
Hence you can look for this feature in your espresso machine if you want to avoid having a separate grinder.
Pressure pump
A pressure pump pushes steam through the coffee grounds using high pressure, which completes the coffee brewing process efficiently. Make sure that your machine has a good pressure pump.
Portability
If you are someone who loves to travel and need an espresso machine that you can carry with you on trips and outings, then look for something that is designed to be compact and lightweight.
Steam wand
A steam wand is useful to pour milk froth into the coffee drink to make lattes and can be even used to dispense milk as well as milk froth to make cappuccinos and flat whites. Having a steam wand would add an edge to your coffee drinks and make them more luscious.
10 Best Espresso machines under $100
While purchasing an espresso maker, you need to ensure that it has a spacious water tank, a compact and easy to maintain design, a good frother, a smart control panel, and extra additions like a steam wand.
But you don’t need to sweat at all; just refer to our list of the best espresso machines under 100 bucks so that you can enjoy a rich cup of espresso every morning without burning a big hole in your pocket:
1. DeLonghi EC155
Product Features:
- Weight – 6.68 lbs
- Material – Stainless Steel
- Capacity – 1 Liters
DeLonghi EC155 is a gem when it comes to making espresso. This versatile machine lets you do everything from making espresso to cappuccino and even latte.
You can use your own coffee grounds for making the espresso. This machine uses professional pressure that makes every shot of espresso an authentic delight.
You can easily make two espressos at the same time with the twin brewing cycle in the coffee maker, and it is an ideal option for a family or group of people who require multiple shots at the same time.
It is equipped with a steam wand that enhances the flavor. The removable water tank and steel drip tray make it easier to maintain.
2. Hamilton Beach 40715
Product Features:
- Weight – 7.19 pounds
- Material – Stainless Steel
- Capacity – 2 cups
Hamilton Beach 40715 is pretty basic but among the best espresso-making machines in the market. It is equipped with a removable reservoir which makes it very easy to clean and maintain.
The machine has a capacity of two cups and comes with everything that is required to brew the most professional cup of espresso.
It lets you use your own coffee grounds or pre-measured coffee pods. For someone who is on a budget, this machine is a good affordable option with satisfying performance.
It has a fuss-free frother and a steam wand that gives a premium taste to the coffee. It is a great alternative to expensive professional coffee shops.
The only con with this one is that most of the machine is made of mostly plastic, and a few parts are made of aluminum which can make it heat up really fast but also lose the heat quickly.
The want can rotate in two dimensions, and it lets you make a rich cup of coffee without any hassle. If you like this product then make sure to read the full review.
3. Sowtech Espresso Machine 3.5 Bar 4 Cup Espresso Maker
Product Features:
- Weight – 4.93 pounds
- Material – Stainless Steel
- Capacity – 0.24 Liters
Sowtech Espresso Machine comes with a single switch knob and an indicator light for an easy user interface.
It is also equipped with temperature control for utmost convenience, and with the powerful bar pressure, you can brew around 1-4 cups of rich, soothing espresso.
The espresso machine has a frothing arm that makes creamy froth to enhance your cappuccinos and lattes. It is also made of durable stainless steel and has a compact design that can fit into any space. The removable parts make it immensely easy to clean and maintain for a long time.
4. Bialetti Moka Express (3 Cup)
Product Features:
- Weight – 1.05 Pounds
- Material – Aluminum
- Capacity – 2.88 Ounces
Designed in the 1930s, this is a conventional coffee maker and doesn’t need electricity to run. It makes the most delectable and creamy cup of espresso that you can ever have.
The machine requires a bit of practice to get comfortable with but can provide you with a high-quality beverage once you get familiar with the traditional coffee-making method.
Also, the size of this product makes it great for camping.
For someone who doesn’t require a fancy or electric espresso maker, Bialetti Moka Express is a fantastic choice. This authentic coffee machine comes in a variety of colors to suit your aesthetic and is a good choice if you desire to buy an affordable yet competent espresso maker.
5. STARESSO Portable Espresso Machine
Product Features:
- Weight – 0.88 Pounds
- Material – Plastic, Metal
- Capacity – 0.08 Liters
STARESSO Portable Espresso Machine is a great espresso machine and also very affordable at the same time. It is compatible with all kinds of coffee capsules.
Since it is compact and just weighs 1.1 pounds, you can carry it anywhere. With this machine, you can enjoy handmade espresso without any electricity or unnecessary hassle.
It uses a pressure of 15-18 bar and can easily carry out Italian extraction using the pressure valve. It is made up of a durable stainless steel inner tank, and non-toxicity gives it prolonged life.
It is equipped with anti-skid pads inside as well as outside the serving cup holder, which makes the machine reliable.
6. Yabano 15 Bar Espresso Machine
Product Features:
- Weight – 6.78 pounds
- Material – Glass, Stainless Steel
- Capacity – 2.1 Pounds
This Yabano espresso machine makes the most amazing cup of espressos and is relatively very affordable compared to other drip coffee machines.
It has an easy operation with a control knob that lets you make your coffee according to your taste. The machine has a 15 Bar pump system that offers the best coffee extraction, ensuring that you can get aromatic and rich-tasting espresso coffee.
The built-in steam wand is an added advantage, and it even has a removable tip to clean it easily. You won’t have any complexity with this machine, and it can make a variety of beverages like a latte or an americano in just a few moments using your own choice of ground coffee.
This coffee machine is designed to fulfill all your needs to make a professional-style espresso every day at home.
7. Gevi 15 Bar Espresso Machine
Product Features:
- Weight – 1.00 ounces
- Material – Plastic
- Capacity – 1.5 liters
Gevi 15 Bar Espresso Machine is an amazing espresso machine. It lets you make the best coffee with an efficient milk frother.
You can make any cup of beverage from espresso to latte, whatever you desire. It is equipped with some of the best features at a very low price.
It also gives you temperature control with a visual thermometer which lets you choose your preferred option. The ideal pressure also enables you to brew a tasty espresso shot.
Other commendable features include a double-volume boiler, a frother that makes creamy foam, and a less 25-second brewing time.
The user interface is quite simple, making it ideal for beginners. It also comes with a cup warmer to keep your coffee ready for longer periods. It is also ideal for coffee shops.
8. Mixpresso Single Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker
Product Features:
- Weight – 7.20 lbs
- Material – metal
- Capacity – 2.8 Pounds
Mixpresso Single Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker is another smart option when it comes to the best espresso machines. Similar to the Nescafe Dolce Gusto, it uses K-Cups as a Keurig.
This small and portable coffee machine lets you make any kind of coffee with the utmost ease and efficiency. Designed to have a quick brewing time, this machine takes only up to 30 seconds to heat up, making it possible to get your morning coffee really quickly and save a lot of time.
The materials used to make the machine are BPA-free, making it a smart choice. The 45 oz water tank is removable and hence can be cleaned easily.
The drip tray is also removable, which makes it possible to adjust it according to the height of the mug. The sleek and compact design is easy to store and can be even used on camping trips as well. The machine also comes in a variety of colors to choose from at the same time.
9. Espresso Machine 3.5 Bar Espresso Maker
Product Features:
- Weight – 7.20 lbs
- Material – metal
- Capacity – 2.8 Pounds
The Espresso Machine 3.5 Bar Espresso Maker is a great choice if you are looking for an affordable coffee machine. It provides you with every feature that you would seek from a high-quality espresso brewer and is set at a very low price.
If you’re on a budget, but you don’t want to settle with an average coffee machine, you should definitely go for this outstanding coffee machine.
It is equipped with very easy-to-use features. With a very straightforward user interface, it is ideal for beginners and leaves very few chances of errors and complexity.
The machine provides an ideal pressure for brewing a perfect creamy shot of espresso. The efficient frothing arm lets you make a delectable cup of beverage, from a rich cup of espresso to creamy cappuccino and latte.
You can fit this machine in any corner of the house, proving it as a valuable addition for fulfilling your espresso needs.
10. Mr. Coffee Automatic Dual Shot Espresso
Product Features:
- Weight – 1.21 pounds
- Material – Stainless Steel Drip Tray
- Capacity – 2.5 Pounds
Mr. Coffee is a company infamous for its durable coffee machines. This new espresso machine from Mr. Coffee is a wonderful and improved choice.
Even though it is a bit more expensive than the rest of the machines, the price is completely worth it when it comes to its robust features.
The machine is designed to be small and compact to fit in any corner of your space. It’s a dual shot machine and can make two shots of coffee simultaneously without any difficulty.
The exceptional frother lets you make a creamy cup of coffee that will leave you in awe every time. The thermal block heating system provides great speed to the process, and you can get your coffee without having to wait for long times.
The pressure pump system on this machine is also appreciable, and it produces around 15 bars of pressure, similar to professionally used machines in coffee shops.
The vertical removable water tank can be refilled and cleaned with ease and can be maintained for a long time.
The Mr. Coffee Espresso Machine is worth every penny spent as it is very simple to operate yet delivers better than expected results every time you use it. If you like this product then make sure to read the full review.
FAQs
How do espresso machines work?
Espresso machines operate by forcing hot water through the finely ground coffee using pressure at the same time to produce a rich, less bitter, creamy, and intense cup of coffee with a layer of tasty foam.
The operation can be automatic or manual, depending on the type of machine. However, one needs to take care of certain parameters like water temperature, pressure, brewing time, etc., that are important to make a nice shot of espresso.
What do “bars” refer to in espresso machines?
Bars refer to the bars of pressure (psi) that are required to produce enough pressure to get a rich shot of espresso.
While using lever machines, the pressure is obtained by pulling the lever and applying the right pressure, whereas in electric machines, be it manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic; it is achieved through the internal pressure pump.
Pump machines are usually equipped with a bar pressure of anywhere from 3.5 to 19 bars. A proper manual machine comes with a pressure gauge that enables you to see when to exactly pull the shot.
How to clean the espresso machine?
To maintain the espresso for a long time, it is important that you clean it regularly. The leftover stray grounds and oils can form a build-up in the machine that will severely affect the brewing process, and you will be required to backwash it using a filter.
If the machine is used daily, you need to clean it about once or twice a month. You should only use hot water and a mild detergent to clean and rinse the filters and portafilter after each use.
If the parts aren’t removable, use a shower head or force water through the parts and the filter to clean it properly.
Takeaway
Espresso is loved globally by people, but it takes expertise to make a perfect shot. In order to make it easy, it is smart to choose an espresso machine that can deliver a professional drink with minimal effort.
With so many options of espresso machines in the market, it becomes difficult to filter out products that suit your needs and fit in your budget at the same time.
However, you can refer to this list with the best espresso machines in a $100 budget and get the most suitable machine for you.
This article is specially crafted for you so that you cherish a freshly brewed espresso every morning without hustling much every morning.
