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There are many different single-serve espresso machines on the market today, making it easier than ever to get a high-quality, barista-level cup of espresso at home for under $200.
Choosing the right home espresso machine can lead to huge savings compared to buying espresso drinks at coffee shops over time, as it is very affordable to make espresso at home once you have the right equipment.
Choosing the best espresso machine under $200 comes down to weighing the most important features of each machine, and choosing the option that is best suited to your needs and lifestyle.
We have put together a helpful guide for espresso machine shopping, as well as a short list with five of the best espresso machines under $200 on the market today.
at a glance: Our Top 5 Espresso Machine Under $200
Choosing the Right Espresso Machine Under $200
With traditional full-scale espresso machines, there is a bit of a learning curve involved when it comes to operating the machine (video breaking down the various components) and perfecting the best way to make an espresso. Personal espresso machines that are designed for home use are much more simple to use.
Budget and Price
While it was once very difficult to find a high-quality espresso machine for under $200, recent advancements in manufacturing and technology have made these appliances both smaller and more affordable.
There are many different options on the market for under $200, making it a helpful exercise to narrow down your budget even further by choosing an ideal price point that fits squarely within your personal budget.
There are many high-quality home-based espresso machines in the $150 to $200 range that offer some of the most sought-after features on the market, including Bluetooth and WiFi technologies, as well as connectivity with smartphone apps.
On the opposite end of the under $200 spectrum, there are very basic machines that are designed with simplicity and value in mind. These often feature a simple heating mechanism that pulls water through a traditional espresso handle and can be found for as low as $50
While these basic and straightforward options are the cheapest option when it comes to enjoying a high-quality espresso at home, there is a bit more work involved compared to higher-end options. They require a bit of technique when it comes to grinding and loading the beans, as well as cleaning up afterward.
Single-serve espresso options like Nespresso machines have become very popular over the past two decades partly due to the fact that there is minimum work and cleanup involved. These machines use special disposable coffee pods that require no work to load and keep the coffee beans contained for easy disposal.
Some of the more basic Nespresso and other pod-based espresso machines can be found for under $150, and these are considered by many coffee and espresso enthusiasts to present the best balance between quality, functionality, and value.
Features and Design
There are a number of different designs and features when it comes to modern home espresso machines, and the majority of them can be put into one of two categories. Most machines are either made in the traditional style using ground beans or feature modern pod-based systems.
More traditional options are best for those who are familiar with the process involved with making high-quality espresso, as well as those who enjoy purchasing and grinding their own beans. These machines will best replicate quality espresso found at reputable coffee shops.
While these traditionally designed home espresso machines allow for greater flexibility in terms of espresso style and exact espresso beans used, they are a bit more labor intensive, requiring knowledge, cleanup, and effort for proper operation each time.
Modern pod-based home espresso systems allow for much simpler operation, as the espresso beans come pre-ground and are loaded into disposable pod cartridges. These pods are inserted into machines and used to make a single serving of espresso before being thrown away.
While there is less flexibility in terms of the type and styles of espresso being used with these pod-based systems, they are considerably easier to operate, which is a feature many customers find to be very valuable, especially first thing in the morning.
Size and Weight
There are many different styles and models on the market today when it comes to home espresso machines, and there is enough variety to ensure a proper fit regardless of kitchen size or available counter space.
It is important to think about where the espresso machine will be placed before purchasing, as even the best and most expensive machines on the market can be rendered completely useless if they do not fit into the intended kitchen or cabinet.
In general, the more high end traditionally designed machines that have the most features tend to be larger and weigh considerably more compared to more simple options and pod-based espresso systems.
While the weight of an espresso machine may not be the first thing that comes to mind for some when shopping, there are others who use their machines for travel that need a light and seek option. These are also best for those who stow their machine away in a cabinet or cupboard between uses.
There are many different pod-based espresso machine models on the market today that are intentionally designed to be small and sleek. These are best for those with limited counter space in their kitchens, as well as those who leave their machines on display between uses.
Company Reputation
With so many different companies producing home espresso machines these days, it is best to stick with a reputable company that has a good reputation for building high-quality products and providing top-tier customer service.
When it comes to pod-based home espresso systems, Nespresso is the industry leader that sells the most espresso machines on a yearly basis. De’Longhi machines have earned a good reputation for quality when it comes to traditionally designed espresso machines.
Espresso Availability
When it comes to traditionally designed espresso machines, espresso availability is less of a consideration as any type of espresso beans can be used. All that is required is the ownership and use of a grinder, allowing customers to grind their own beans fresh daily or ahead of time.
With pod-based systems, Nespresso is the best way to go due to the fact that they have the widest variety of espresso pods available for purchase.
These Nespresso pods are available for purchase at major grocery stores nationwide, and companies like Starbucks and Peet’s coffee have partnered to produce Nespresso pods.
Quick Overview: Our Top Picks for Espresso Machine Under $200
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Nespresso Vertuo Next by De'Longhi |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
 | Nespresso Vertuo Plus by De'Longhi |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
 | De'Longhi ECP 3120 15 Bar |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
 | Hamilton Beach 15 Bar |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
 | Nespresso Essenza Mini by De'Longhi |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
Top 5 Espresso Machines Under $200
While there are dozens of different brands and models on the market today when it comes to affordable home espresso machines, we have put together a simple list highlighting five of the best options available today to simplify the shopping and buying process.
1. Nespresso Vertuo Next
Nespresso Vertuo Next Pros
- Able to brew both espresso and traditional styles of coffee
- Full of high-tech cutting-edge features like Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Pairs with a smartphone app to check on machine data and check pod and water levels
- Holds eight individual espresso pods to minimize reloading
- High-tech brewing process that features a spinning pod during the brewing
- One of the best values on the market considering the price point and high quality
Nespresso Vertuo Next Cons
- Only compatible with specialized Nespresso Vertuo pods
- Requires the purchase and use of reloadable pods to use other espresso beans
- There are other options on the market that hold more coffee pods and water
2. Nespresso Vertuo Plus
Nespresso Vertuo Plus Pros
- One of the simplest and most straightforward options on the market
- Holds an industry-leading 10 Nespresso Vertuo pods for maximum capacity
- 40-ounce water reservoir requires less frequent refills
- Features water reservoir on the side of the machine for easier refills
- Features spinning pod technology while brewing for maximum coverage
- One of the fastest heating machines on the market at only 15 seconds
Nespresso Vertuo Plus Cons
- No high-tech features like WiFi connectivity or Bluetooth technology
- Side placement of the water reservoir is not the best option for smaller spaces
- It can be difficult to find specialized Nespresso Vertuo pods in certain areas
3. De’Longhi ECP 3120 15 Bar Espresso Machine
De’Longhi ECP 3120 15 Bar Espresso Machine Pros
- One of the best value-driven traditionally designed espresso machines on the market
- A very simple machine to operate and clean
- Comes equipped with a frother to prepare milk for lattes
- Produces high-quality espresso similar to that found in professional coffee shops
- Compatible with any type of espresso beans that can be ground fresh
- Compact and lightweight machine that does not take up much space
De’Longhi ECP 3120 15 Bar Espresso Machine Cons
- Requires a bit of knowledge and effort to operate
- Must own a coffee grinder to fresh grind beans for operation
- While it is a simple machine to clean, it requires more effort than pods to reset
4. Hamilton Beach 15 Bar Espresso Machine
Hamilton Beach 15 Bar Espresso Machine Pros
- One of the most affordable traditional espresso machines on the market
- Ability to use a wide variety of coffee beans does not require specialty pods
- Large 40-ounce reservoir requires minimum refills
- Ability to brew two different cups of espresso at the same time
- Comes equipped with a milk frother on the side for latte drinks
Hamilton Beach 15 Bar Espresso Machine Cons
- Made from entry-level materials for a value product
- A bit more difficult to clean and operate compared to other models
- Not produced by a brand known for high-quality or durable products
5. Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee and Espresso Machine
Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee and Espresso Machine Pros
- One of the smallest, sleekest, and most stylish options on the market
- Uses the original Nespresso pods that can be easier to find compared to Vertuo pods
- Simple to operate and requires very little cleaning or upkeep for use
- Nespresso pods are available from a number of different top companies like Starbucks
- One of the best options for large households as it can handle consecutive use
Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee and Espresso Machine Cons
- Original Nespresso pods use a more simple brewing process compared to Vertuo pods
- Requires the purchase of an external milk frother to make latte-style drinks
- Not known for producing the highest quality or hottest cups of espresso on the market
Best Espresso Machine Under $200 – Final Thoughts
While there are many different options on the market today when it comes to home-based espresso appliances, the Nespresso Plus is the best option for the widest variety of people.
It comes with the largest water reservoir of any Nespresso Vertuo machine, and the spinning pod technology allows for the highest possible quality espresso using pods. While it does not feature any high-tech options, it is a solid espresso machine that is able to hold 10 espresso pods at a time.
