Best Espresso Machines Under $100

If you’re looking for an espresso machine for your home or office, you’ve probably come across the astronomical prices of some of the offerings. To help cut through the price tags, we’ve collated the best espresso machines under $100 for you.

Yes, there are more expensive home espresso machines that are superb. But you certainly don’t need to pay huge amounts of money to enjoy quality espresso.

Here you will find the perfect espresso machine for your home or work without blowing your savings.

Maybe you’re looking for something portable? Or maybe you want to be able to make cappuccinos or lattes? Well, no matter what type of espresso coffee drinker you are, one of these great budget espresso makers for less than $100 will work for you.

Here, you will find our top 10 picks listed in no particular order or ranking. Each coffee machine has its own merits as well as drawbacks, but the one thing they all have in common is they’re the cheapest espresso machines available. The ‘best’ one comes down to what you are looking for.

A quick note on prices, we do our best to make sure all these machines are under $100 but prices fluctuate so much that we can’t guarantee it. 

1. De’Longhi EC155: Overall Best Espresso Machine Under $100

If you’re looking for a great all-rounder for your first espresso machine, you can’t go wrong with the DeLonghi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine.

De’Longhi makes an incredible range of home espresso machines with an excellent reputation for build quality and performance.

Their budget offering – the De’Longhi EC155 Espresso Machine – is no different. Hands down, it is our top pick of the best espresso machines under $100 currently available.

With this affordable espresso machine, you will soon be an ace home barista, making dark roast coffee, cappuccinos, and lattes alongside your espresso.

This machine uses a 15 bar pump system to produce good-quality espresso. With the stainless steel boiler, water is heated to the ideal temperature quickly. And the self-priming feature makes this espresso machine a dream to use, minimizing the number of steps between you and that first sip of coffee.

If you’re looking for a more immersive experience you may get frustrated by the lack of control over temperature and pressure. However, the DeLonghi EC155 automatic espresso machine is really aimed at the beginner home barista, not the expert or perfectionist.

2. Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine 40715

Hamilton Beach prides itself on bringing European cafe culture to the comfort of your own home. But in the easiest way possible. Their machines are shining examples of no-fuss, no-frills espresso making.

Their entry-level espresso machine, the Hamilton Beach 40715, is stripped back in terms of added extras. But what it does come with is a high-spec build quality, a huge water tank, and top performance exceeding what you might expect from one of the best espresso machines under $100.

Hamilton Beach’s 40715 isn’t the most elegant espresso machine out there. But it can’t be faulted for brewing good – not great – espresso for a budget-friendly price.

As an added bonus, you can use either coffee grounds or generic espresso coffee pods to suit your preferences. It can pour 2 cups of coffee simultaneously. And, the 40715 can make latte or cappuccino thanks to the milk frother. So, it’s a pretty good option – particularly considering the price.

The Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine also comes with a 5-year warranty. This shows how confident the manufacturer is that their machine will stand the test of time.

3. De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine

The De’Longhi Stilosa is the next step up from the EC155 and whilst it usually retails at around $130, it can often be found discounted to the $100 mark. 

It looks like a more premium machine than the EC155 thanks to a lot more stainless steel and a little less plastic. However, it is nearly identical in terms of features but everything just feels a bit more solid and a bit easier.

That said, the inner workings are the same, so your brewing experience won’t be drastically improved for the little extra investment. What it does feature is a 2-level cup holder to accommodate taller cups, just not tall travel mugs.

Overall though, this is another excellent, budget-friendly De’Longhi espresso machine that delivers good coffee and milk for the beginner or casual espresso drinker. It’s a quality build, looks nice, and has decent functionality – the milk frothing wand is as easy to use and clean as it gets for beginners. You do need to buy a little jug to foam your milk in though.

So, if you can grab the Stilosa for the same price as the EC155 then it’s a no-brainer. In fact, if they were the same price, the Stilosa would probably top this list. But with even a $20 difference, the De’Longhi EC155 is the better option.

4. Mr. Coffee 4-Cup Steam Espresso Maker with Milk Frother

It feels like Mr. Coffee have been around forever. They have built a stellar reputation since their inception in the 1970s, thanks to expertise and quality. Plus, it means they have created some of the best espresso machines at every price point.

In the budget price range, the Mr. Coffee 4 Shot Espresso Maker is very well made and easy to use. There is even a little bit of flexibility in the length of espresso shots for those who want to make a ristretto or longer espresso at home. Plus it also has a milk frother so you can make cappuccinos and lattes too.

It is perfect for those looking for basic espresso at home. Or if you’re looking to make cappuccinos, cortados, or lattes alongside your espressos, all without breaking the bank.

It does use steam to make the espresso so you’ll find your drinks are very toasty and more bitter than from other machines. This is one for those who want a basic coffee machine to replace their expensive daily latte or cappuccino habit.

Mr Coffee claim you can brew 4 shots, but we feel 2 is the maximum while getting a decent flavor from the machine. That said, the extra space in the portafilter gives it an edge over some other entry level steam espresso makers.

It’s good value (especially if you find it when slightly discounted), easy to use and clean, and will fit in all kitchens. A nice option for many casual coffee drinkers.

5. Capresso 303.01

The Capresso 303.01 is another steam-powered espresso machine. This method is becoming less common as people’s tastes move away from the more bitter style of espresso they produce. They are, however, still an excellent way to make espresso – particularly on a budget as they need less complicated parts.

Plus, the Capresso 303.01 has a lot going for it. This machine has the ability to make 4 espressos at the same time and is simple to operate. So it’s well deserving of its spot on the list of best espresso machines under $100.

So whilst it is still possible to burn your coffee, if you are looking to make several cappuccinos at the same time, then this espresso maker will get the job done for you with minimal fuss.

The Capresso 303.01 is also very compact and easy to clean – both big positives for a home espresso machine.

Yes, it will take a little getting used to the steam. But, you’ll soon be a pro after a few tries. For the price, if you want the ability to make a lot of coffees quickly, this Capresso espresso machine is tough to beat.

6. Keurig K-Classic: Best Single-Serve Espresso Machine Under $100

Keurig is the biggest name in the single-serve espresso machine market – and for good reason. Standing as a true icon of their coffee maker range is the Keurig K-Classic (after the K55 and K50 ranges were discontinued).

This K-Cup machine hits all the key selling points when looking to enjoy your favorite coffee at home. It’s incredibly easy to use and, with an astonishing array of K-Cup coffee pods available to use, you can guarantee you’ll find something you enjoy drinking every day.

If you are looking for simplicity, the Keurig K-Classic is a great choice. Coffee at just the press of a button is the order of the day with this single-serve espresso machine.

It is limited in terms of having no milk frother and no “strong” feature. But it’s the perfect espresso machine if all you want is to chuck a coffee pod in and have your favorite coffee at home in less than 5 minutes.

The price of coffee pods can soon add up. And there’s the question of environmental sustainability. However, you can use non-Keurig branded pods to keep the costs down. The Keurig My K-Cup is another affordable alternative and is the better option for the planet.

You can also fit a travel mug under the spout of the K-Classic which is a nice feature. For maximum convenience at a minimal price, this is the best pod espresso machine under $100.

7. Wacaco Nanopresso: Best Portable Espresso Maker Under $100

We couldn’t be more impressed with this portable espresso maker by Wacaco.

It might look like something from the space-age, but the Wacaco Nanopresso portable espresso machine creates more pressure than any other espresso machine on this list. So not only is this device one of the best portable espresso makers but, overall, it’s also one of the best espresso machines under $100.

It is quiet and easy to use; compact and light. Plus, you can buy a few little addons which make it the ultimate espresso on the go machine. And it looks incredibly cool too.

If you are looking to make espresso whilst traveling, you won’t find a better portable espresso maker than the Wacaco Nanopresso. 

Being able to create 18 bar of pressure with the hand pump is incredible. This is the highest pressure espresso machine on this list, including the electrical options, so you are guaranteed a superb espresso. Plus, being able to use both pods or grounds is a massive bonus, particularly whilst traveling.

Don’t get us wrong, this nifty coffee maker won’t compare to seriously high-end espresso machines in terms of quality. And you have to heat the water separately. But for the price, size, and ease of use, it’s a very impressive espresso maker for under $100.

This pocket-sized machine should be seriously considered by anyone who loves espresso. It’s not just great on the road as you can also use it at home and then pop it in the cupboard, saving precious counter space.

8. Cafflano Kompresso

Are you a coffee nerd looking to play around with your coffee grounds, water temperature, and try out different coffee beans? Do you travel often or have limited space at home? If so, the Cafflano Kompresso portable espresso maker is a fantastic budget option for you.

The Cafflano Kompresso portable espresso maker is the brainchild of Korean coffee lover, Hangsan Yoon. Hangsan decided that he didn’t want to pay expensive coffee shop prices for his daily caffeine fix. Nor did he want to splash out on a big, complex espresso machine.

So, instead, he created one of the best cheap espresso machines that is also portable.

Being the perfect size to throw in your bag, the Cafflano Kompresso is an excellent espresso-making travel companion. Plus, it has drawn high praise from coffee fans around the globe since its Kickstarter campaign in 2014.

With the Cafflano Kompresso, you can meddle with the full coffee brewing process to your heart’s content. Plus, you can pull really high-quality espresso shots with a nice crema.

However, it’s not the best option if you’re only after a quick espresso in the morning. It can take 8 minutes to brew your espresso and there’s a lot of room for things to go wrong. Particularly if you’re half asleep or hungover.

Overall, this is a great product for a new market of coffee lovers.

9. Staresso Portable Espresso Maker Machine

It’s no secret that Staresso is one of the biggest names behind some of the top portable espresso makers currently available.

But, what they offer you is more than just portability. They are also great espresso machines under $100.

Armed with the Staresso Basic portable espresso maker machine, you can have true espresso wherever you are, whenever you want it. You can use it at home, take it to the office, or enjoy a fresh espresso whilst on vacation or camping. The possibilities are endless.

This quality and portability are a truly remarkable feat. It makes the Staresso a great gadget for espresso coffee drinkers who travel a lot, love to camp, or often find themselves in hotels with “sub-par” coffee making facilities.

Plus, if you love to drink milk-based espresso drinks on the go, the Staresso portable espresso maker is a great choice. Being able to froth milk sets this device apart from the other machines in the portable coffee-making market.

However, if you’re not specifically looking to use the milk frothing feature, the other portable coffee makers available are a better option.

Both the Wacaco Nanopresso or the Cafflano Kompresso are superior espresso makers. That said, they are also slightly more expensive whilst still falling under the heading of best espresso machines under $100.

10. Bialetti Moka Express

So, this one’s a little naughty:

Can a Moka Pot really be considered one of the best espresso machines under $100? Since, technically, it doesn’t make “true” espresso, just “Italian espresso”.

We are putting forward our argument for the Bialetti Moka Express as it is a true icon in the coffee making world. Bialetti created their first Moka Pot in 1933, and it has taken the coffee world by storm ever since. The design is so iconic that it has barely changed in all that time.

So, whilst it might not be espresso by today’s standards, what you do get is incredible, rich, delicious coffee. All from a great-looking coffee maker that is super simple to use and doesn’t break the bank. We’re calling that a win.

The Bialetti Moka Express is a classic coffee maker. It’s cheap, sturdy, easy to use, and it’s portable. So, overall, it has a lot going for it.

The only real downside is that it’s not a true espresso machine and will only make one style of coffee. The Moka pot falls in a kind of halfway house between espresso and drip filter.

So, if that isn’t what you like to drink on a daily basis then this isn’t the coffee maker for you. If it is, then it’s very hard to argue against this top-quality Moka Coffee Pot by Bialetti.

Do you Need a Single or Dual Shot Machine?

Each espresso maker will advertise how many 1 ounce espresso shots it can pull at the same time – usually single or double/dual shot espresso.

Plus, it might also have a cup capacity i.e. how much liquid will end up in your cup. This, therefore, determines how strong your espresso will be (more or less water passing through the same amount of ground coffee).

Take your usage into consideration. If you need the machine just for you, a single spout should be perfect. However, if you are a big coffee-drinking family or you regularly entertain, a double shot espresso coffee machine will lighten your load.

What is the Water Capacity?

Most espresso makers (other than portable espresso machines) have a built-in water reservoir. Make sure that this will be big enough for your needs as it can vary dramatically between machines.

A small reservoir will be fine if your machine is just for one person. But, if you regularly make coffee for large groups then a 2 cup capacity just isn’t going to cut it. Too small and you will be running back and forth to the faucet to re-fill.

Does it Have a Milk Frother?

If you like to drink espresso-based milky drinks like cappuccino or latte, then you are going to want a cheap espresso machine with a milk frother. Just bear in mind that it needs to be cleaned regularly. Having a built-in milk frother is a handy option but always remember that you can buy one separately. So, don’t let it be a deal-breaker if you think you’ve found your perfect espresso machine but it doesn’t have one.

How Easy is it to Clean?

To keep your machine in the best working order, it needs to be cleaned regularly. On many espresso machines, this is a simple task – some will even do most of the hard work for you. But, for others, this involves taking apart lots of little bits – and keeping track of them all.

How Much Pressure Does it Create?

Espresso machine pressure is measured in bars.

9 bars is accepted as the absolute minimum bars of pressure required to make espresso. But it isn’t as straightforward as that because much of the pressure is lost between the pump and the portafilter. So, to get consistent 9 bars of brewing pressure, many espresso machines generate a higher amount in the first place.

So, in reality, a 15 bar espresso machine is, arguably, what you need for a decent espresso coffee. The higher the number, the more pressure generated and the better the quality at the drinking end. But this is also caveated by the quality of the espresso machine.

A higher amount of pressure also means you can extract more nuance of flavor. And you can only really use light and medium roast beans at higher pressures, usually over 15 bar.

Yes, espresso machines in the entry-level budget market can absolutely make good espresso.

Have a look through our full reviews when you are buying as we never sugarcoat the coffee quality from any of the coffee machines we review. Often you will find that for under $100, the espresso machines make good rather than great coffee. But that is not a rule – there are some delicious espresso makers out there for a budget price.

For us, it has to be the De’Longhi EC155 espresso machine.

This all-rounder espresso maker is self-priming, making it even easier for you to use. Plus, it has separate thermostats for coffee and steam so you can stay on top of making your ultimate coffee. You can use pods or grounds. And, with the fast warm-up and brewing time, you will have your favorite cup of coffee in no time.

For life on the road, the Wacaco Nanopresso is hard to beat. The high level of pressure in the hand-pumped device gives you the flexibility to have great espresso no matter where your life takes you.

Read Next: Best Espresso Machines Under $200

Matt Woodburn-Simmonds

Matt's coffee obsession started in 2006 when working as a Barista. A tendency to turn up to work hungover kickstarted his coffee journey which quickly turned into a love affair. As he moved on to work as a Restaurant Manager and Sommelier, the obsession continued to grow. Now, his passion is helping others to enjoy better coffee at home.