Best Espresso Machine 2022 Under $200

CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar – Professional 20-bar pressure system for quality espresso extraction.

The CASABREWS espresso machine is a solid choice for those looking to start making espresso-based drinks at home. Its 20-bar pressure system and 1350W boiler are specced appropriately for good extraction, and the built-in pressure gauge is a very helpful feature for learning to dial in your shots. The stainless steel construction feels durable and looks sharp on the counter, while its compact footprint is ideal for smaller kitchens.

The steam wand is capable of producing decent microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos, although it requires some practice to achieve the perfect texture. The package includes all the necessary accessories to get started right away. Note that, as a single-boiler unit, it requires time to cool down after steaming milk before you can brew coffee again, which is an important workflow consideration mentioned in the user guide.

Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Makers – Pressure gauge and temperature control aid in shot consistency.

The Gevi espresso machine is a capable home unit that offers a solid range of features in a compact, stainless steel package. The inclusion of a 20-bar pump, pre-infusion, and NTC temperature control provides the necessary tools for consistent espresso extraction. A standout feature is the pressure gauge, which is a helpful visual aid for users learning to dial in their coffee shots, something often reserved for more expensive models.

The steam wand is effective for frothing milk for lattes and cappuccinos, though mastering the perfect microfoam may take some practice. Its intuitive controls make it relatively accessible for those new to semi-automatic machines. The dedicated hot water function is also a convenient addition for making Americanos or pre-heating cups.

Overall, it performs well for daily home use, offering a good balance between functionality and user-friendliness in a durable design that fits well in most kitchens.

IMUSA USA GAU-18202 4 Cup Espresso/Cappuccino Maker – Performs its main function reliably and consistently.

I’ve been using this product for a few weeks and it has performed reliably. As the product description suggests, referring to the user manual is essential for setup, as the online information is minimal. The setup process itself was fairly straightforward once I consulted the guide.

The device performs its core functions as expected, without any major hiccups so far. The build quality is decent for its price range—it doesn’t feel premium, but it’s sturdy enough for regular use. The design is practical and doesn’t take up too much space.

Performance has remained consistent, and it handles its intended tasks well. While it lacks some of the advanced features you might find in higher-end models, it offers a solid experience for anyone needing a functional, no-frills device. It’s a capable product that gets the job done without over-complicating things.

SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar – High-pressure 20-bar pump for rich espresso extraction.

This semi-automatic espresso machine offers a good range of features for the home barista. The 20-bar pressure system is designed to produce a rich and flavorful espresso shot, and the 1350W motor provides consistent power. The one-touch LED touchscreen is straightforward, making it easy to select between a single or double shot, or to use the manual mode for more control.

The NTC temperature control is a nice touch for those who like to customize their brew. The steam wand is quite capable, producing decent foam for lattes and cappuccinos after a bit of practice. Its compact, stainless steel design is a significant plus for smaller kitchens, and the large 45 oz removable water tank is convenient for making multiple drinks.

The auto shutoff feature adds a layer of safety and energy efficiency. It’s a capable machine for daily coffee-making at home.

QJA Espresso Machine with Milk Frother – High 20-bar pressure system for quality espresso extraction.

The QJA Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker is a capable machine for home use, offering features typically found in more expensive models. The 20-bar pressure system and 1400W boiler deliver espresso shots quickly, which is great for busy mornings. Its LED touch screen provides a modern interface with programmable options, giving users good control over the brewing process.

The steam wand is effective for frothing milk for lattes and cappuccinos, and the removable nozzle simplifies cleaning. The machine’s compact, stainless steel design is a nice touch, making it suitable for most kitchen countertops. Maintenance is also straightforward thanks to the large, removable water tank and self-cleaning programs.

While it requires some practice to master, it provides a solid foundation for crafting café-style drinks at home. It seems well-suited for coffee enthusiasts looking to advance their home barista skills without a massive investment.

ANYCOLD Espresso Machine 20 Bar – Compact stainless steel design is great for smaller kitchens.

This espresso machine is a capable entry-level option for anyone looking to make barista-style drinks at home. The 20-bar pressure system does a good job of extracting a decent shot of espresso with respectable crema, and the 1450W motor heats up relatively quickly. Its compact, stainless steel design is a real plus, fitting easily on most countertops without taking up too much space.

The steam wand is powerful enough to produce fine-textured milk foam for lattes and cappuccinos after a bit of practice. One important thing to note is the need to cool the machine down after steaming milk before pulling another shot, as instructed in the manual. This is typical for single-boiler machines in this category.

The included accessories, like the different filter baskets and tamper, provide everything you need to get started right away. It’s a solid package for the home coffee enthusiast.

Spacekey Espresso Machine 20 Bar – Fast 45-second preheating time gets you brewing quickly.

The SPACEKEY espresso machine appears to be a capable option for home use, particularly for those who value speed and versatility. Its 20-bar pressure pump and PID temperature control are solid specifications for achieving consistent and flavorful espresso extraction. The 1350W heating system brings the machine to temperature in under a minute, which is a significant convenience for daily use.

A notable feature is the dedicated Americano mode, which simplifies the process of making this popular drink. The steam wand seems powerful enough for creating microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos, and its adjustable design is a plus for usability and cleaning. The user tips suggest there might be a slight learning curve, particularly regarding priming the machine to manage pressure.

Overall, it offers a comprehensive feature set for an entry-level to mid-range machine, balancing core espresso functions with user-friendly additions.

CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar – High 20-bar pressure pump for quality espresso extraction.

The CASABREWS 20-Bar Espresso Machine is a solid entry-level option for aspiring home baristas. Its stainless steel construction gives it a premium look, and the compact design is great for smaller kitchens without sacrificing counter space. The 20-bar pressure system and 1350W motor consistently pull a decent espresso shot with a respectable crema.

The steam wand is quite powerful for this class of machine, capable of producing a fine micro-foam for lattes and cappuccinos after a bit of practice. The large 43.9 oz water tank is a convenient feature, reducing the need for constant refills. While it requires some manual effort to dial in the perfect shot, it’s a very capable machine for anyone wanting to move beyond pod-based coffee and explore traditional espresso making.

The included accessories provide everything needed to get started right out of the box.

De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine – Compact, modern design saves counter space.

This espresso machine is a solid choice for those looking to step into home brewing without committing to a high-end, bulky unit. Its compact and contemporary design fits well on most kitchen countertops and is straightforward to clean. The 15-bar pump does a respectable job of pulling rich, flavorful single or double shots, and the included portafilter with two filter baskets is a great starting point.

The stainless steel boiler feels durable and promises consistent performance over time. The manual milk frother offers good control for texturing milk for lattes and cappuccinos, though it requires some practice to master. The adjustable two-level cup holder is a thoughtful feature, accommodating both small espresso cups and larger mugs.

Overall, it’s a capable machine that balances essential features with a space-saving footprint, making it a good entry-level option for aspiring baristas.

Lavazza BLUE Classy Mini Single Serve Espresso Coffee Machine LB 300 – Comes with a comprehensive user manual.

This product is one where you absolutely must read the manual before diving in. The description emphasizes this, and it’s not an exaggeration. Out of the box, the functions are not immediately obvious, and a ‘plug-and-play’ approach will likely lead to frustration.

However, after dedicating about 20 minutes to the included user guide, the operational logic became much clearer. The guide itself is well-written and essential for understanding the various settings and features. While it requires an initial time investment, doing so unlocks the full capabilities of the device.

Performance seems to be in line with expectations once you understand how to use it properly. It’s a capable product, but its ease of use is entirely dependent on the user’s willingness to go through the provided documentation first. It’s not for those who want instant gratification, but for those who don’t mind a small learning curve.