Inexpensive Espresso Machines
Pump Espresso Machines Under $100
The good news is that if you simply like a good, fresh, concentrated coffee, there are many cheap options around. Traditional stovetop espresso makers and electric Moka pots come first to mind. Another possibility that you should not overlook is the Aeropress - it is portable, simple to use and it makes an excellent cup of coffee.
The bad news is this: there is no truly inexpensive espresso machine. Espresso is a precise term for the process of forcing water of 185-205°F through finely ground and consistently packed coffee at 8-9 bar of pressure. True espresso has a particular taste that can only be created by this process. Most of the inexpensive espresso machines under $200 simply lack the power to duplicate this method.
The other good news, however, is that there are many espresso machines in the range of a few hundred dollars that can save you quite a bit of money over the years of their lifetime. If you are a dedicated espresso drinker who currently buys drinks at a coffeehouse, consider this: Even if you only spend $2 a day on coffee out (and really, is that all you spend?) that adds up to $730 a year - plenty of money for a mid-priced espresso machine and enough coffee beans to drink, play with, and offer to friends. Furthermore, a decent espresso machine will last for years, saving you an impressive amount of money over time.
Before we have a look at what's available in different price ranges, I would like to say that in general you do get what you pay for. If you are serious about espresso then it is a good idea to save enough money to get at least something like Gaggia Carezza or an entry level Saeco espresso machine along with a good burr coffee grinder.
Ready for the plunge? Lets have a look at the various models on offer.
Pump espresso machines under $100
Yes, there are several pump espresso machines that you can get for less than hundred dollars. If you want an espresso machine that will last for years to come then you should skip this section. Having said that, these inexpensive espresso machines are a good buy in some circumstances.
Given the very low cost, your machine will pay itself back very fast. You can use one of these machines as a temporary solution while you save up for a better espresso machine. If you have never operated an espresso machine before you may not be quite sure what you really want from your machine. In that case, buying an inexpensive espresso machine may be a good idea - you will learn a lot about making espresso and also about yourself. In a month or two you will be in a much better position to choose one of the more expensive machines.
Here are a few models to consider.
DeLonghi EC155 espresso machine
This espresso machine has very good customer reviews. It has a strong and relatively quiet pump and stainless steel boiler. EC155 comes with a pressurized portafilter which means that can pull good quality shots with nice crema relatively easily. However, it also means that you will not be able to pursue the art of espresso making to much depth with this machine. You can also use ESE pods with this machine since a pod portafilter is also included.
Other features of DeLonghi EC155 include steam wand with a plastic frothing adapter, a good size (35oz) removable water tank and a cup warmer. There is a simple dial on the front of the machine that controls all functions, from brewing to steaming to hot water.
All in all, DeLonghi EC155 is a very good machine for its price. Most common complaints are the awkward position of the steam wand and low clearance between the spout and the drip tray. To know exactly what to expect from it, do read the through the user reviews.
Hamilton Beach 40729 espresso machine
Just like the DeLonghi EC155, you can use Hamilton Beach 40729 both with ground coffee and with ESE pods.
The main difference between the two machines is the portafilter used for ground coffee.
The Hamilton Beach espresso machine has a commercial (non-pressurized) portafilter, which is great if you have a hands-on approach to making espresso.
You can make espresso the proper way without any gimmicks that do half of the work for you.
As a result you have much more control over the quality of the espresso (but you do have to be far more careful with how fine you grind the coffee
and how you tamp it).
The learning curve for Hamilton Beach 40729 is high, but it
is a very capable espresso machine for its price - you can make very nice espressos and cappuccinos once you learn how to use it properly.
On a downside, owners often complain about a small water reservoir and about the effort it takes to clean the machine.
As usual, read through the customer reviews
Aroma AEM646 espresso machine
Although the Aroma brand is better known for making high quality rice cookers,
this little espresso machine may well be worth considering
if you are on a very tight budget.
The Aroma AEM646 comes with a non-pressurized portafilter which allows you to achieve very good quality espresso once you get the hang of it. The steam wand on this machine seems very good too - you can swing it around which makes frothing milk much easier.
There are other pump espresso machines in this price range (for example DeLonghi EC140B or Mr. Coffee ECMP40), but the user reviews are generally not that good.
Next time we will have a look at espresso machines under $200.