Coffee drinkers will tell you that a good cup of coffee can take any day and turn it around, no matter the events. Coffee is undeniably one of the most loved drinks for a significant portion of the public, especially in the mornings when they begin their day.
Looking for the best espresso machine under $200? The Breville Barista Express ($550), CASABREWS 3700 ($95), and XIXUBX machines deliver café-quality espresso at home without breaking the bank. These models feature 15-20 bar pumps, built-in milk frothers, and compact designs perfect for home use. Whether you're new to espresso or upgrading from instant coffee, these options offer professional features at affordable prices.
Quick Comparison: Top 8 Espresso Machines
| Rank | Product | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Breville Barista Express | $550 | Built-in grinder and premium features |
| 2 | CASABREWS 3700 | $95 | Best overall value |
| 3 | XIXUBX 20 Bar with Frother | $85 | Instant heating technology |
| 4 | XIXUBX with Steam Frother | $80 | Budget-friendly precision |
| 5 | Chefman CraftBrew | $90 | Digital controls and customization |
| 6 | CASABREWS CM5418 | $140 | Professional pressure gauge |
| 7 | Breville Bambino | $250 | 3-second heat-up time |
| 8 | Gevi with Grinder | $285 | Complete starter bundle |
1. Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
This all-in-one machine combines a built-in conical burr grinder with professional espresso brewing, letting you go from whole beans to finished drink in under a minute. The grinder features adjustable settings to dial in your perfect extraction.
Digital temperature control (PID) maintains precise water heating for consistent shots. The steam wand creates silky microfoam for latte art, while low pressure pre-infusion ensures balanced flavor extraction.
Best for: Serious home baristas who want complete control and fresh-ground beans without buying a separate grinder.
2. CASABREWS 3700 Espresso Machine with Steam Frother
This semi-automatic machine delivers café-quality drinks with its 20-bar pressure system and 1350W motor. The built-in steam wand creates perfect microfoam for cappuccinos and lattes every time.
The 43.9oz removable water tank brews multiple cups before refilling. It includes everything you need to start: portafilter, single and double cup filters, and tamper. The removable drip tray makes cleanup effortless.
Best for: Daily coffee drinkers who want reliable performance and professional features at an accessible price.
3. XIXUBX 20 Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother
Instant heating technology eliminates the wait between brewing and frothing—switch from espresso to steamed milk without any delay. The 20-bar pressure system extracts rich shots with beautiful crema.
The 360° adjustable steam wand froths milk at any angle for convenience. There's even a cold brew function—just add ice to the water tank for iced coffee. The 42oz tank has a visible water level indicator.
Best for: Those who want versatility for both hot espresso drinks and cold brew without buying multiple machines.
4. XIXUBX Espresso Machine with Steam Frother
PID temperature control maintains optimal brewing temperature for consistent extraction every time. The 20-bar pump creates rich espresso with proper crema, while the steam wand froths milk beautifully.
This compact machine heats up in just 60 seconds and brews shots in 22 seconds—perfect for rushed mornings. It includes both single and double shot filters for different drink sizes.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who don't want to sacrifice precision temperature control or quality construction.
5. Chefman CraftBrew 15-Bar Digital Espresso Machine
Digital touch controls make customizing shot volumes simple and intuitive. The 15-bar pump system delivers professional-quality extraction, while the built-in steam wand produces silky microfoam.
The 1.5-liter removable reservoir reduces refill frequency during busy mornings. Its compact stainless steel design fits most kitchen counters without taking up excessive space.
Best for: Tech-savvy users who want digital convenience and programmable settings at an affordable price point.
6. CASABREWS CM5418 20-Bar Espresso Machine with Frother
The built-in pressure gauge sets this machine apart, letting you monitor extraction in real time for perfect shots. Its 20-bar pressure system and 1350W boiler deliver rich, flavorful espresso with consistent crema.
The steam wand creates professional-quality microfoam for latte art. The 34oz removable water tank holds enough for multiple drinks, while the compact stainless steel construction looks professional on any counter.
Best for: Home baristas who want to develop their skills with real-time feedback from the pressure gauge.
7. Breville Bambino Espresso Machine - Brushed Steel
ThermoJet technology heats this machine in just 3 seconds—the fastest in its class. The automatic steam wand eliminates guesswork, creating perfect microfoam every single time without manual technique.
The 54mm portafilter holds 19g of coffee for full flavor extraction. Digital temperature control ensures consistent brewing, while low pressure pre-infusion balances flavor for professional results.
Best for: Serious enthusiasts who can invest a bit more for premium features like instant heating and automatic milk frothing.
8. Gevi Espresso Machine with Grinder & Milk Frother
This complete solution combines a 20-bar espresso machine with a built-in grinder featuring 30 precise settings. Use fresh beans for maximum flavor, then steam milk with the professional-quality wand.
NTC temperature control maintains consistent brewing temperature for optimal extraction. The removable water tank and drip tray make maintenance simple and quick.
Best for: Those starting from scratch who want a complete setup with fresh-ground coffee capability in one purchase.
Why Brew Espresso at Home?
Owning an espresso machine saves serious money. At $5 per coffee shop visit, five times weekly costs $1,300 annually. Even a $285 machine pays for itself in under three months.
You also control every aspect—strength, temperature, milk ratio—and can experiment with different beans and recipes. No more waiting in line or settling for mediocre shots.
Key Features to Consider
Pump pressure: Look for 15-20 bar pressure for proper extraction and rich crema. Higher pressure extracts more flavor and oils from the grounds.
Milk frothing: Built-in steam wands let you make lattes and cappuccinos. Manual wands provide more control for developing your technique.
Water capacity: Larger tanks (30+ oz) mean less frequent refilling during busy mornings or when entertaining guests.
Heat-up time: Quick heating (under 60 seconds) matters for rushed mornings. Premium models like the Bambino heat up in just 3 seconds.
Temperature control: PID or NTC systems maintain optimal brewing temperature for consistent, professional-quality shots.
▶ What's the difference between 15-bar and 20-bar pressure?
▶ Do I need a separate grinder for espresso?
▶ How long do these machines last?
▶ Can beginners make good espresso with these machines?
The Bottom Line
These eight machines prove you don't need to spend $500+ for quality home espresso. The CASABREWS 3700 offers exceptional value at $95 with professional 20-bar pressure and solid construction.
For those on the tightest budget, the XIXUBX with Steam Frother at $80 delivers surprising quality with PID temperature control. If you're serious about developing barista skills and want fresh-ground beans, the Breville Barista Express at $550 or Gevi with Grinder at $285 include everything you need.
Whichever you choose, you'll enjoy café-quality drinks at home while saving hundreds annually on coffee shop visits.
