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CNN
14-07-2025
- Business
- CNN
The best budget espresso machines in 2025, tried and tested
The best budget espresso machines I tested Best budget espresso machine: Breville Bambino Best under-$150 espresso machine: Casabrews 3700 Essential Is there such a thing as the best budget espresso machine? If you're an espresso aficionado, you're probably thinking you don't just need good beans; you need quality tools, such as the best espresso machine and the best coffee grinder. And those are hard to make with cheap materials. The answer to if a great budget espresso machine exists isn't so straightforward. It's a contentious subject to be sure, as evidenced by emails I've received from readers demanding why I haven't recommended any high-end machines costing $6,000 to $15,000 in my original espresso machine guide. But I truly believe that while it's true you likely won't find the best of the best in the under-$200 aisle, you also don't have to break the bank to get good espresso. Over the years, I have used and tested my share of budget espresso machines. And although not many of those coffee makers were able to deliver as good an espresso as the pricier models, a handful were more than capable of satiating my discerning caffeine cravings. So, I set off to find the best budget espresso machine on the market. I capped the price at $350 and tested to see which models could deliver crema-topped espresso shots that were rich, robust and almost as good as what you might get out of a much pricier model. Copious amounts of caffeine later, I found two that blew me away. Breville Bambino Espresso Machine It's hard to believe this small but mighty machine from Breville is only $300, considering its fast heat-up, great-quality espresso shots and intuitive user interface. This is hands-down the best machine I tested in this budget range. Casabrews 3700 Essential Espresso Machine You wouldn't believe the gorgeous microfoam and rich espresso shots this budget espresso machine can consistently deliver without much effort from you. This cheap option surprised me in the best way possible. When it comes to budget espresso machines, lines start to blur when talking about quality. It gets harder to tell the difference between the shots you pull from a $250 machine versus the ones you get from a $150 machine. But that's not the case when it came to the Breville Bambino. Try as I might to find a more affordable best budget espresso machine winner, the Breville Bambino proved itself the obvious ace from beginning to end. And that's with the slightly pricier De'Longhi Dedica Maestro coming up not too far behind with its extra frills. There are so many things to love about this Breville machine that it's hard to think of things not to like. I love its portable, small footprint design, which makes it a perfect fit for those with limited counter space. I love its sleek, beautiful and almost-luxurious aesthetic that makes it hard to believe that it's as affordable as it is. And I love its unbelievably quick warm-up of about five seconds and instant steam, thanks to its fancy thermojet heating system. (I hate having to wait for my machine to do its thing before I can have my first jolt of caffeine in the morning.) Those are just to start. One of the main things that makes the Bambino a superior choice over the runner-up Dedica Maestro is its simple, intuitive controls. While the Dedica Maestro has a bit of a steep learning curve, especially with the steam wand, the beginner-friendly Bambino makes things so effortless you don't even need espresso-making experience to get good results. It even has an automatic steam button for automated milk steaming, as well as a dedicated hot water button, so it's not confusing to the uninitiated as to whether steam or hot water is about to come out of the wand. Results-wise, I was able to pull hot, rich, robust and well-balanced espresso shots with beautiful, thick cream every single time, as well as good microfoam, even with milk alternatives, and in just under one minute too. The most common problem with budget espresso machines is that many don't deliver consistent results, but that is a nonissue with the Bambino. I would have loved a better-quality accessory set and a locking mechanism similar to that of the Breville Oracle Jet to make it easier to insert the portafilter, but those don't take much away from the overall experience. Even with those flaws, the Breville Bambino is still hands-down the best budget espresso machine I've ever tested. Related article The best espresso machines in 2025, tried and tested I cannot tell you that the Casabrews 3700 Essential is a perfect machine, as it has its share of inconveniences. These are mainly its accessories, which are cheap and, therefore, annoying to handle (even the mere act of removing used coffee pucks), and its body doesn't stay put when securing the portafilter, making the machine itself somewhat annoying to use. However, in its defense, these are more like rules rather than exceptions with most budget espresso machines in its price range, because to keep them cheap, manufacturers have to offset the cost somewhere. So, it's hard to fault it for those common issues. What's important is that despite those flaws, the Casabrews 3700 Essential outperformed every machine I tested in its price range and even a couple of the pricier models, too — an impressive feat, especially considering this isn't even one of Casabrew's flagship products. The 3700 Essential heats up faster than the slightly pricier Casabrews 5418 and takes under 20 seconds to pull a double shot, which is a few seconds longer than most of the models in my testing pool. And while its shots are only slightly richer and more balanced than the others, they are consistent in quality and temperature, unlike the much pricier Casabrews Ultra. What I love most about the Casabrews 3700 Essential, however, is its microfoaming prowess. Not only is there no waiting time for the steam wand, but that steam wand also proved formidable in consistently creating beautiful microfoam, even with tricky milk alternatives. Honestly, I didn't have to work hard to get microfoam with oat milk; this legendary steam wand does most of it. Heck, it produced better microfoam than any of the models during testing, even the Breville Bambino above, allowing me to make amazing lattes. If you love crafting your coffee drinks, you really cannot go wrong with this one. Of course, I love its compact design and easy, intuitive controls as well, though do bear in mind that you'll still need to practice using a steam dial if you're better acquainted with the automatic steam button format. All these make the Casabrews 3700 Essential the best under-$150 espresso machine, whether you're on a tight budget or don't have space for anything bigger. It may not have the fancy frills of much pricier machines, but it's worth every single penny. Budget espresso machines generally have fewer features than midrange and high-end espresso machines, so testing them was straightforward. That said, I still tested each machine for a week, using it as my main espresso maker two to three times daily. Since these espresso machines also take up less space, I could test all nine machines at once and perform side-by-side taste tests on top of that. As with my best espresso machines guide, many of my test variables were kept the same: Canyon Coffee Sagebrush and Stumptown Coffee Roasters Hair Bender for my beans, and the Fellow Opus Conical Burr for my grinder. All the machines in the product pool came with a built-in steam wand or milk frother, so I didn't need to use a separate milk frother during testing. To whittle down the long list to the best budget espresso machines, I focused on the following criteria during product review and testing. Quality of coffee extraction: I judged every espresso machine's ability to consistently extract rich espresso with a balanced flavor profile and a lovely layer of crema. Because budget espresso machines can be less reliable when it comes to maintaining the same brewing temperature, I paid attention to that as well. Quality of milk froth: The addition of a steam wand or a milk frother is useful because, even with a cheap machine, it can be easy to make coffee drinks without investing in additional tools. That said, the ability of a budget machine's steam wand or milk frother isn't always guaranteed, especially when it comes to producing microfoam with milk alternatives. I made sure to test that, as well as record the amount of time the steam wand needed to warm up and the amount of time it required to make foam. Heat-up time: Some espresso machines take longer to start up and heat up than others. Now, I love the slow art of making coffee in the morning; that's like my meditation. However, we don't always have the luxury of time, especially in the mornings, so I noted how long it took for each machine to be ready to brew after turning it on. Build quality: Though not always, many budget espresso machines (and their included accessories) tend to be made of cheaper materials to keep the cost down to that sweet below-$350 spot. Still, I assessed each machine, its accessories and its controls to see if they're robust and durable enough to endure repeated use over the years. Water tank capacity: Due to their more compact nature, most budget espresso machines have a smaller water tank. Luckily, these machines do not tend to flush out during startup and shutdown, reducing their water consumption during use. Still, I noted the number of drinks I can make before the machine requires a refill. Ease of use: Some budget espresso machines are easier than others to use, so I jotted down any information of note during setup and testing. Ease of cleanup and maintenance: When speaking to Casey Wojtalewicz, co-owner of Canyon Coffee and a coffee connoisseur, for this guide, he insisted that you shouldn't 'sleep on cleaning,' so I made sure to check whether or not each machine is easy to clean by doing so according to the manufacturer's instructions. Price: One thing I learned from testing nine espresso machines under $350 is this: A budget espresso machine's price isn't indicative of its quality or ability to make good espresso. The under-$150 Casabrews 3700 Essential is just as impressive as the pricier Breville Bambino, even if it stands out for different things. I considered each machine's price tag and compared it to its design, performance and features to see if it's a quality purchase. Warranty: Unexpected issues can still arise with budget espresso machines, despite lacking many of the more advanced features like a build-in burr grinder. In other words, you'll still want to know the terms of the manufacturer's warranty, what your coverage is when such problems happen and if there's a customer service number that you can call to help you resolve them. There are several types of espresso machines. If you want more information on the different types of machines, my quick explainer in the best espresso machine guide is a great place to start. However, it's important to note that the budget espresso machines I tested here do not include manual levers (as those are in a separate guide), and you'll be hard-pressed to find a superautomatic espresso machine that's within an under-$350 price range. So, when it comes to budget espresso machines, you're likely getting a semiautomatic or automatic design, which makes your entry into the world of espresso machines an easy one. Still, you have to decide which machine is best for your caffeine consumption and needs, and a good place to start is your budget. Remember, you can get a good machine for $150 if you know where to look (try the top of this guide!); however, getting a $300 one may have its perks. My overall pick, the Breville Bambino, for example, heats up in the blink of an eye, which means it may be worth getting if you have a bigger budget. Also, think about what's important to you in terms of how you take your caffeine. If you prefer shots or an Americano, you likely won't need a machine with a stellar steam wand or milk frother. But if you like your lattes or cappuccinos, that feature — and whether it has a steam dial or an automatic steam button — should be a priority. Beyond that, sticking with the criteria I used for testing is the perfect starting point for choosing the best budget espresso machine for you. De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Espresso Machine With Manual Frother Fast and capable, the De'Longhi Dedica Maestro consistently extracts great-quality shots with thick crema and boasts nice little extras. However, there's a learning curve here, and the steam button is a little finicky. I had high hopes for the De'Longhi Dedica Maestro, given it's one of the more expensive machines in this guide. After all, the De'Longhi La Specialista Opera with Cold Brew currently tops our best espresso machines guide, and the Dedica Maestro is one of the better-known machines out there. That isn't to say, of course, that this isn't a capable machine. Its fast 16-second heat-up (14 seconds for the steam wand) is handy during the morning rush, while its accessories are robust and made of high-quality materials. When it comes to the quality of espresso shots, it's also very consistent, delivering hot, rich and well-balanced espresso with a beautiful thick crema. There's also a nice extra here: a small storage space to keep most (though, sadly, not all) of those accessories. However, I would have preferred for De'Longhi to scrimp on the accessories and skip the frill, and focus more on the machine itself. The learning curve is steep on the De'Longhi Dedica Maestro. Getting that beautiful microfoam, especially with milk alternatives, takes a lot of practice, and the steam button only gives you a few seconds to use the steam dial. If you don't, it reverts to hot water mode, so you can imagine how much milk I've wasted because the machine ended up pouring hot water into my cup instead. It's a great product if you have the patience as well as the experience, but since the Breville Bambino is a superior pick for less, it's still hard to justify getting the De'Longhi Dedica Maestro instead. Hamilton Beach Slide and Lock Espresso Machine I love that this espresso machine has a design that lets you simply slide in the portafilter and lock it in place with a lever, and its extractions are consistently hot with thick crema. The quality of its shots could be better, though. I like the idea of the Hamilton Beach Slide and Lock Espresso Machine, with emphasis on the slide and lock part. One of the most frustrating things about budget espresso machines is that you have to hold them down to secure the portafilter because they're simply not hefty enough and will move if you don't. Some of them try to stay still with the use of suction feet, but even those don't typically work. This Hamilton Beach machine takes a different approach with its slide and lock mechanism. Instead of twisting the portafilter into the group head, you slide it in, then use a lever on the side to lock it down, which eliminates that whole wrestling process you must go through with the others. It's fast too, taking only 12 seconds to heat up, 23 seconds to pull a double shot and less than a minute to froth. And it comes with a milk jug, a plus for those who prefer not to froth their own milk, as well as a big water tank. However, while the espresso shots it extracts are hot and come with unbelievably thick crema, they're nothing special and ever so slightly watered down. Meanwhile, its milk frother doesn't produce proper microfoam, which isn't a surprise. Considering this machine costs $240, I hesitate to recommend it — unless you really want most of that work done for you. Wirsh Home Barista Plus Espresso Machine This budget machine, a rival to the Casabrews 3700 Essential, comes with better-quality accessories and a quick heat-up. Ultimately, though, its good and consistent extractions were no match for that of the Casabrews. One of the cheapest contenders in this guide, the Wirsh Home Barista Plus proved a solid rival to the similarly-priced Casabrews 3700 Essential. It boasts a slightly faster heat-up and a steam wand that only takes a few seconds to be ready. Plus, its better-quality accessories would have made it worth the $20 more it has over the 3700 Essential. Sadly, it doesn't quite live up to its rival in delivery. I consistently extracted robust, piping-hot coffee, which is something, but the shots were always a little watered down, and the crema was just OK. What's more, getting microfoam from milk alternatives is an impossible feat, and the steam dial isn't the most user-friendly. I really wanted to like this machine, especially because, despite its compact frame, it seems sturdy, especially when securing the portafilter. But ultimately, the Casabrews 3700 Essential proved to be the better value choice. Gourmia All-in-One Espresso Maker Want a De'Longhi Rivelia or De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo but can't afford one? This machine from Gourmia might be a good budget alternative if you aren't too discerning about your coffee. You still have to grind your own beans, however. Another budget espresso machine to consider, this one from Gourmia can easily make your daily espresso shots or favorite classic coffee drinks like a latte or cappuccino. It's easy to set up and use, making it a good option for espresso novices. If your kitchen and breakfast nook spaces call for a system with a small footprint and you're a newbie in the world of espresso machines, then a budget all-in-one option may be the way to go. A 15-bar automatic espresso machine that's just a little over $100, the Gourmia All-in-One Espresso Maker looks great and takes up less space than most machines we tested. It also delivers decent brews to satisfy coffee drinkers who aren't quite so discerning. The espresso this machine delivers is good and strong, as long as you're using the ideal beans. But I found its automatic milk frother, which is designed to conveniently prepare both hot and cold milk froth, too generous when dispensing milk for a latte or a cappuccino, diluting the drink and practically masking the coffee's flavor. And as it doesn't offer any customizations, that flaw almost renders the other modes useless — unless, of course, you prefer a very milky drink. As with most budget espresso machines, the Gourmia is mostly made of plastic. It feels like durable plastic, to be fair, but it also means the machine is lightweight and doesn't have the heft to stay stable when twisting the portafilter into the brew head. The manual specifically instructs users to 'keep one hand atop the appliance to keep it steady' when doing so. I found that a little annoying. It's also worth pointing out that, when it's not on sale, the Gourmia All-in-One Espresso Maker costs about as much as the Casabrews 3700 Essentials, making it an even less compelling pick. Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine This beautiful Casabrews budget espresso machine looks like a small, maybe less fancy version of pricier Brevilles. It's beginner-friendly with its automatic steam wand button and bigger workspace. If only it were more consistent with its extractions ... The Casabrews Ultra's semi-pro aesthetic almost makes it look like it could hold its own against pricier machines like the De'Longhi La Specialista Opera with Cold Brew and the Breville Oracle Jet. If it weren't for the more-expensive Casabrews 5700 Pro's built-in grinder, you'd be hard-pressed to tell it apart from the Ultra. So, naturally, I also expected great things from it, and it almost delivered. This beautiful budget espresso machine has many of the makings of a great one. It has a decently fast heat-up, only taking about 17 seconds to extract a single shot, and was quicker in getting its steam wand ready for frothing than the 5700 Pro, which I tested for our best espresso machines guide. And while the Ultra's microfoam performance is not as great, it still managed to make some decent milk-alternative froth for my morning lattes. Sadly, the machine seemed to have some trouble producing consistent results with its espresso shots. They were decently rich and balanced, yes; however, their temperatures varied from hot enough to almost lukewarm. To be fair, I may have had a faulty unit, but its quality isn't that great to begin with, so you'd probably want to skip it anyway. It's too bad because I've been loving what Casabrews has been doing so far. Casabrews 5418 Espresso Machine An ever so slightly higher-end version of the 3700 Essential, the pressure-gauge-flaunting Casabrews 5418 is a good choice if you're a novice looking to expand your espresso-making skills. Why did Casabrews make two budget espresso machines that are so closely priced? Well, while the Casabrews 3700 Essential is made for beginners, the Casabrews 5418 is geared toward more discerning espresso lovers who want a little more control over their shots, with its built-in pressure gauge providing valuable feedback on the quality of every extraction. For the less trained users, this is also a quality choice, with its relatively quick heat-up time and easy, intuitive controls. However, there's a bit of a learning curve here. Its steam wand, for some odd reason, takes some practice to get good results, even though it looks a lot like the one on the 3700 Essential. And since its hot, rich extractions are similar to those of the 3700 Essential — well balanced with a lovely thick layer of crema — most people would want to stick to the slightly cheaper model, especially if the pressure gauge isn't something they'll find particularly useful. De'Longhi Linea Classic Espresso Machine With a pressure gauge and a larger water tank, the De'Longhi Linea Classic also makes espresso making easy for beginner users. I just wish the quality of its extractions were a little better. For a hot minute, I truly thought the De'Longhi Linea Classic was going to be among the top contenders. After all, for an under-$250 budget espresso machine, it looks great, comes with a pressure gauge and manages to stay compact while flaunting a larger water tank. But then you take a closer look and it doesn't seem like De'Longhi has thought it through. The similarly priced Casabrews Ultra is superior in design and build, even though both machines' accessory sets are nothing to write home about. That wouldn't have mattered, however, if the Linea Classic delivered in performance. Unfortunately, it's also slower to heat up and extract than other machines in our testing, and while its shots are piping hot and topped with thick crema, they tasted a little weak. What's more, that steam wand isn't the best at creating microfoam. If you ask me, I'd shell out a little more for the Breville Bambino instead. Can you make good espresso with a cheap machine? Can you make good espresso with a cheap machine? Yes, you absolutely can. It depends on the machine, of course, but you're not automatically guaranteed great espresso by paying more for your machine, as there are many factors to pulling espresso shots. For this article, we consulted the following expert to gain his professional insights. Casey Wojtalewicz, coffee aficionado and co-owner of Canyon Coffee CNN Underscored thoroughly tests the products in our testing guides and provides full transparency about how we test them. We have a skilled team of writers and editors who have many years of testing experience and ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. Testing writer Michelle Rae Uy has extensively tested and reviewed kitchen appliances for years, covering home and kitchen products for a variety of publications before joining CNN Underscored. She wrote many of our top-performing appliance guides, such as the best portable heaters, best space heaters and the best humidifiers.
CNET
10-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
Prime Day Deal: Nab One of Our Top Espresso Machines at a New Low Price While This Deal Lasts
Prime Day deals are a great chance to snap up all sorts of things while they're on sale. You can grab TVs, mattresses and more with vast amounts of money off. You can even get a great espresso machine, and today, one of our favorites is on sale. You can currently get the mighty Casabrews CM5418 Espresso Machine at a new low price of $119. That's a 15% discount on the normal price, but it's only for Amazon Prime members. That's not a huge discount, but this machine really doesn't need one to sell. In our review of this fantastic machine, CNET's Pamela Vachon gave this a 9/10, saying, "Though a small kitchen doesn't necessarily mean a small budget, for folks who crave the luxury of espresso but think they don't have the means or the space, the Casabrews CM5418 can really challenge those assumptions. Slimmer than an average toaster, cheaper than a month of Starbucks and capable of allowing nonbaristas to make barista-quality drinks, the Casabrews CM5418 might be the ideal model for folks on the fence." Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. This is a great deal on a great machine. We're not expecting it to last very long though, so if you do decide on this coffee machine, make sure you snap it up quickly. Why this deal matters Traditional espresso machines don't come cheap. Oftentimes, they cost hundreds of dollars and take up a good amount of counter space in your kitchen. But that's not the case with the Casabrew. This machine is slimmer than a blender and a coffee pot and is way less bulky than other popular kitchen appliances, such as an air fryer. Because of its versatility and the quality of espresso it makes, it's a great starter espresso machine for anyone trying to cut back on their weekly coffee shop spending.
Tom's Guide
05-07-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Casabrews has changed the game with the $249 Ultra espresso machine — it has one surprising feature I've never seen before
Casabrews is one of the most famous budget coffee brands of the last few years. Considering it's only been around since 2020, that's no mean feat. The manufacturer's known for cheap and cheerful espresso machines, and the new Casabrews Ultra is no different. It's $249, which makes it one of the most affordable machines on the market. So there has to be something wrong with the Casabrews Ultra, right? Well… it's definitely suited to a certain kind of barista — one who has no need for a steam wand. Someone who drinks either iced lattes or black Americanos… because the steam wand is very poor. Anyway, I digress. Could the affordable price be enough of a trade-off? Could the Casabrews Ultra still be one of the best espresso machines? I'll discuss everything in this Casabrews Ultra review. Price $249 / £199 Weight 13.5 pounds Grinder No Dimensions 12.2 x 10.3 x 12.9 inches Heating system Thermoblock Pressure 20-bar Water tank capacity 73 ounces Accessories Scoop & tamper, separate tamper The Casabrews Ultra is $249 from Amazon U.S. and £199 from Amazon U.K.. This price makes it one of the cheapest espresso machines on the market, let alone espresso machines with a PID controller and temperature customization. Casabrews makes a whole range of budget-friendly espresso machines, including the Casabrews 5418, $169 from Amazon and the Casabrews 3700, $129 from Amazon. Casabrews' priciest machine is the $474 Casabrews 5700Pro, which has a built-in grinder. As I mentioned briefly above, the Casabrews Ultra has a PID controller. If you don't know what this is, it's basically a nifty bit of tech built into the machine that actively controls water temperature. Usually PID controllers are only found on pricier machines (one of the cheapest I've ever found is the Breville Bambino Plus, $499), so Casabrews' PID inclusion here is very unique. Considering the Casabrews Ultra is just $249, it looks surprisingly good. Yes, it's pretty lightweight and flimsy, but in terms of baseline appearance? It's not too shabby. I will note that the stainless steel chassis is prone to tarnishing — there's a small dark mark on the front of the machine after brewing just 15 or so drinks. The machine has four buttons: single shot, double shot, hot water, and steam wand. Yes, turning on the steam wand uses a button, not a knob or a dial. This is similar to the Smeg ECF02 espresso machine. I'll discuss the steam wand in full in the 'Milk' section below, but here's a little foreshadowing:… and I did not like the Smeg machine. The Casabrews Ultra has another unique design feature: the LED screen. This screen is used for customizing temperature, and it also has a timer! Yes, it counts precisely how long espresso takes to extract. This is one of the best things about this machine, hands down. However, the screen isn't all good. Despite having descale warnings, the screen seems to be incapable of showing water tank levels. Once, I was wondering why my espresso shot wasn't extracting (it can't be the grind size, I thought, because this grind worked earlier) and it was just because the water tank was empty. Why's there no alert on the screen? It doesn't make sense. The rest of the machine is as expected: the water tank has a 73-ounce capacity, the drip tray has a red tab that pops up when it's full, and it has a completely metal exterior. I also like the circular groove on the top of the machine, which holds the tamper perfectly. Before using the Casabrews Ultra for drinks, I ran about 150 ounces of water through the machine to clean out the insides. Other users have reported a slightly metallic taste to the espresso and hot water. I thought this might've been due to manufacturing residue, so I flushed out the internal mechanisms completely before using. I'll discuss Casabrews' recommendation for dose and portafilter now. Just as a pre-warning, do not follow Casabrews' advice. It was not yummy. Casabrews recommends a dose of 18-21g for the double shot portafilter. I dosed 18g every single time and had tasty shots, if a little bitter. Upping the dose to 21g resulted in overfilling the portafilter. I don't know where this recommended measure came from, but I would never do it. Casabrews provides a single and dual walled portafilter in both single and double size, but I only used the single-walled portafilter. It goes without saying that I would never recommend using a dual-walled portafilter as it physically cannot pull real espresso. I'll walk you through my routine so you can see how easy the Casabrews Ultra is to use. Using my Eureka Mignon Specialita, I ground my light-roasted Tanzanian coffee espresso-fine. It took me a while to dial in the correct grind: initially the grind was too fine and wasn't extracting at all, then it was too coarse and sour. I'd say it took me about four shots to perfect the grind size for these beans. Once I had my beans dialled in, I had no issues switching between different coffees. I also tested with some Rwandan beans, which required a finer grind than the Tanzanian, and the Ultra handled that deftly. Here's a photo of a shot I pulled on the Casabrews Ultra. I didn't alter the machine's settings: this is the default dose. I dosed 18.7g of finely-ground coffee, tamped, and pressed the double shot button. The Ultra stopped extraction at 64g of espresso, which is about a 1:3.5 ratio rather than the ideal 1:2 ratio. The shot was quite bitter, but overall tasted good when mixed with oat milk. Next, I manually pulled my shot. With my Fellow Tally Pro scale, I allowed the Ultra to extract until the scale read 37g. Unfortunately the shot kept dripping even after I pressed stop, which made the shot increase to 43g before I removed the cup. This espresso shot was much tastier than its predecessor: it was acidic and bright without being sour, and had no bitterness whatsoever. I would recommend reprogramming the Ultra's dose to under 40g to prevent the bitter burned notes from coming out. It's easy to do this with a bit of button-pressing, just as easy as on the Breville Bambino Plus. After the success with espresso extraction, I had high hopes for the steam wand performance too. Unfortunately, these hopes were quite quickly dashed. I have nothing positive to say about this steam wand, so strap in I guess. Firstly, the wand itself is quite stiff: I found it tricky to raise and lower, which meant I couldn't get a good angle for aerating. Secondly, it takes a while to switch between espresso and steaming. I had to wait up to about 30 seconds to purge my steam wand and then a further few seconds until the steam was dry enough to use. Thirdly, the wand itself is very weak. Fortunately the steam is quite dry, but it's not pressurized enough to generate velvety microfoam. I found it really difficult to blend in the larger bubbles and create the necessary 'vortex' for aeration. The steam wand wasn't powerful enough to blend the wet and dry layers of milk to create microfam. The steam wand is nothing compared to even the $149 De'Longhi Stilosa, let alone the best steam wand I've ever used: the $1,800 Smeg Mini Pro. Surprisingly, I found oat milk easier to steam than cow milk; usually it's the other way around. Still, the oat milk drinks I made were nowhere near as good as I would have liked, and I was completely disappointed by the Casabrews Ultra. Here's a shot of the best drink I made on the Ultra, and this is after about 20 drinks worth of practice. As you can see, the bubbles are large and many. The latte art is nonexistent (and I can do latte art). The texture was off. My coworkers reported that the milk was one of two things: 1) it reminded them of the milk they used to make when they were inexperienced (ouch), and 2) it was separated into wet and dry layers. In short, I wouldn't recommend this machine for latte lovers. I'd stick to something like the $499 Bambino Plus or the $149 De'Longhi Stilosa for decent milk texture. Maybe the Casabrews Ultra is just for iced latte girlies and brooding, enigmatic Americano drinkers. As the Casabrews Ultra is just 12x13 inches, it's pretty compact (all things considered). I was able to fit this nicely on my office kitchen counter. I especially like that the top of the machine is wide and flat to store a milk jug, the group handle, and the tamper without taking up further counter space. The drip tray is quite small: I had to empty it after about every 5 drinks. For me in the office, that was half a morning of making everyone coffees. If you're using this machine at home, I'd recommend cleaning the drip tray every day regardless of the amount of drinks made. You don't want to have stagnant nasty water in your house, lest you attract bugs and other unwanted creatures. The drip tray itself is metal, which means it'll likely last longer than an all-plastic tray. In terms of maintenance, Casabrews sells a $49 ' insurance package. You also get a 1-year warranty with the Ultra as standard. The De'Longhi Linea is $229, and is a touch smaller, at 11 x 12 inches. If you're very tight on space, it might be worth checking out. However, it doesn't have a PID controller and I haven't personally tested it, so I can't comment on its brewing abilities. Of the espresso machines I have reviewed, I must mention the Breville Bambino Plus. This tiny machine is $499, so almost double the price of the Casabrews Ultra, but oh boy is it a level up. It's got a PID controller, like the Casabrews Ultra, but the steam wand is actually legendary. It can aerate beautiful microfoam, much, much better than the Casabrews Ultra. The Bambino Plus also has an auto-froth feature for the more hands-off baristas in your life. If you want to save as much $$$ as you can, I'd recommend the De'Longhi Stilosa. It's just $149, and utterly excellent. While the U.S. version only comes with dual-walled portafilters, you can easily get third-party single-walled ones. I will always recommend the Stilosa as the best value espresso machine out there. The Casabrews Ultra is a good machine, but it's not a great machine. If it was just an espresso machine — sans steam wand — I'd be more inclined to call the Ultra a great machine. It's got the makings of everything I want: a built-in timer, a PID controller, and a 58mm portafilter. However, the inferior steam wand majorly affects the rating. I was unable to craft barista-quality drinks. Gone was my ability to latte art. Gone was my ability to microfoam. It's not a skill issue: any other machine, I'm more than capable of doing this. As a result, I'd mostly recommend this machine for ice latte lovers, black Americano enthusiasts, or simply those who want an espresso machine for cheap and don't necessarily care about latte art. For me, though? I think I'd go for the De'Longhi Stilosa.
Business Insider
22-04-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
The 3 best budget espresso machines we tested: Our top pick is under $150
Nothing beats sitting down at your favorite café for an expertly crafted latte or cappuccino. Replicating that experience at home is tricky, and some of the best espresso machines are big investments of money and counter space. Thankfully, there are budget-friendly options for those interested in a machine that does the bare minimum and does it extremely well. I used my experience as a former coffee shop manager (and budget coffee maker connoisseur) to test eight of the best budget espresso machines. Our top pick is the Casabrews Espresso Machine because of its sleek, easy-to-use design and consistent shot quality. For a few extra features and about $50 more, the De'Longhi Linea Classic Espresso Machine has two steam wand settings for those looking for more customization with quality espresso drinks at home. The best budget espresso machines Best overall For a machine that costs only $140, the Casabrews Espresso Machine has an impressively sleek steel design. We love that it offers durability without taking up too much space on your countertop. One of the biggest reasons this is the best budget espresso machine is that the shot quality and timing are incredibly consistent. There were no issues with bitter or watery shots, and every pull provided a nice full body with robust flavor and a beautiful crema. On the front panel, there are four key buttons to power the machine, choose from a single or double shot, and switch to the steam function. It takes less than one minute to warm up after being powered on, and once the machine is ready, the lights turn solid and the machine beeps to indicate you can pull a shot. The Casabrews comes with a stainless steel portafilter, filters for single and double shots, and a plastic two-in-one scoop and tamper. We suggest upgrading the tamper, but it's not crucial. The 34-ounce water tank is removable and sits at the back. You get about 17 double shots out of one tank before needing to refill it. While the machine is in use, you can check the pressure gauge on the front to see if you're in the optimal range of about 9 bars. We love this feature for beginners because it can help you diagnose why a shot comes out watery or bitter. If the pressure isn't quite right, it's likely a result of tweaking your grind size or having uneven tamping. The Casabrews has a steam wand on the right side that delivers great power and excellent foam. The tip of the steam wand can be unscrewed after use, making it easier to clean and eliminate bacteria build-up. After steaming milk, we had to wait for a few minutes before brewing another shot, which is only an issue if you're making drinks for a group. Best under $120 Finding a decent espresso machine for under $100 seems almost impossible, but the Bella Pro Espresso Machine offers just that. The overall design isn't quite as sleek as our top pick, but it is still less than 12 inches wide, so it doesn't take up a ton of space. It is incredibly lightweight with a plastic exterior that manages not to look or feel too cheap, and the exterior doesn't get hot while in use. A lightweight, plastic-handled portafilter and a plastic two-in-one scoop and tamper are included. There is a 57-ounce removable water tank at the back of the machine, so you can fill it and forget it through multiple days of use. The front panel features four large buttons, which light up and blink as the machine warms up for use in under one minute. Because of the lightweight design, I needed to use two hands to lock the portafilter in place. Thankfully, the machine didn't move on the counter or shake while pulling shots. Once brewing, I found the Bella consistently delivered single and double shots with excellent quality. Shots were flavorful with a full body and beautiful color, and each was accompanied by a nice, thick crema. Best under $200 While De'Longhi offers far more sophisticated espresso machine models, the Linea gets the job done for $200. Espresso from this machine was incredibly consistent, remaining at eight to nine bars of pressure for each pull. The shots I pulled had excellent flavor without any bitterness — I never got a watery brew and always saw a beautiful crema. The stainless steel machine is designed with a 57-ounce water tank and large indicator buttons for power, single and double shots, and steam.. A pressure gauge is also built-in, so you know when shots are being pulled at the optimal amount of pressure The box includes a lightweight portafilter with a plastic handle, a plastic measuring scoop and tamper, and single- and double-shot filter baskets. For steaming milk, you can toggle between two different settings on the wand, allowing for hot milk for a smoother texture or a cappuccino setting for frothed milk with a richer texture. The wand is fully removable as well, making it much easier for cleanup. What else we tested Frigidaire Espresso Machine: This machine is almost identical to our top pick, featuring the same sleek, steel design and similar button placement. While it was very easy to use and pulled consistently good shots, we missed having a pressure gauge or any sort of brew guide. De'Longhi Stilosa: De'Longhi is a reputable name in the world of espresso machines, and this option is one of the brand's most affordable options at under $100. While it did deliver decent espresso, I didn't love the design. Instead of buttons for easy use, it has a dial to turn on and off, without an auto-stop function for pulling shots. Hamilton Beach Slide and Lock Espresso Machine: This machine comes in under $150 with an easy-to-read front panel and pressure gauge. Overall, it was just a bulky design and the slide-and-lock design was awkward to use. Beautiful Slim Espresso Maker: We love other Beautiful appliances, but this one disappointed. It has the signature sleek aesthetic and comes in seven colors. Though well-designed, I found the quality of espresso to be inconsistent and the machine to be very loud. Imusa Electric Espresso Machine: This espresso maker is under $30; however, it doesn't deliver the necessary pressure for proper espresso. The Imusa makes a more concentrated coffee option paired with a milk frother. How we test budget espresso machine Shot quality: I pulled shot after shot from each espresso machine and timed each pull. I considered the overall shot quality, assessing for flavor, full body, and bitterness. I also assessed the crema for each shot and whether or not the machine was consistent with every use. Set-up: I unboxed and set up each espresso machine according to the manufacturer's instructions. I assessed each machine on how simple it was to go from box to pulling shots and considered how intuitive the process was. Ease of use: Throughout testing, I used the machines as if I had never pulled espresso before. I looked at where functional buttons were located, how they performed during use, and the ease of frothing milk using a built-in steam wand. Design: An espresso machine takes up counter space, so it was important to consider each model's overall look. I took into account how sleek or bulky the machine was, as well as its material and durability. What to look for While top-notch espresso machines have enhanced motors and can deliver more nuanced brews, a budget-friendly model can still deliver quality shots. We keep these key features in mind: Size: As with any small appliance purchase, counter space is a big consideration. Espresso machines come big and small, so the goal is a balance of features, function, and footprint. For example, a built-in grinder increases the machine size, but it also means you don't need a separate appliance, and we always recommend freshly ground beans. In that case, the function is worth the footprint. Ease of use: Budget espresso machines tend to be simpler than luxury ones, but most semi-automatic models still require a learning curve. Clearly marked buttons, easily refillable water tanks, and one-step brewing all make a machine more intuitive. We also appreciate machines with built-in pressure gauges because they help beginners understand the mechanics of pulling the perfect shot. Pressure: The most frequently used word when discussing espresso, pressure is required to make the concentrated brew. An espresso machine must deliver eight to nine bars of espresso to effectively produce a balanced shot. Most machines are designed with 15 or 20 bars of pressure, which means they're capable of delivering more pressure, but you're looking for consistency when brewing above all else. How much should I spend on an espresso machine? A top-notch home espresso machine can cost anywhere from $500 to $2000. If you're really into gourmet coffee, this may be worth the investment for you. However, if you just hope to eliminate your daily coffee drive-thru orders or want to practice making drinks at home, a budget espresso machine under $500 will help to achieve that. What coffee should you use for espresso? You can make use of any type of roast for espresso, though typically medium and dark roasts deliver more robust flavors. What's most important is the grind of the coffee beans. It's important to use fine grounds, which allow for the best flavor and oil extraction. The Baratza Sette 270 is the best espresso grinder we've tested. It costs as much as some espresso machines, but fresh and well-ground beans will infinitely improve the taste of espresso from any brewer. How do I clean a home espresso machine? Rinse the portafilter after each use and use a brush to clean the ground head. It is crucial to purge the steam wand and thoroughly wipe it down after each use to avoid any bacteria buildup. To keep your home espresso machine in tip-top shape, clean it on a regular basis.
