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Espresso makers can be expensive, especially models with precise temperature and pressure controls or built-in grinders and frothers. More affordable machines may sacrifice convenience or performance, but after testing more than 60 espresso machines in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab over the past decade, we’ve found a few that brew solid espresso at a reasonable price—especially when paired with a good grinder and proper technique.
Our top picks:
✔️ Best overall: Thyme & Table Barista Mini Espresso Machine
A small, reliable machine that comes in many colorways and costs under $200.
✔️ Best with a grinder: Philips Baristina Espresso Machine
A semiautomatic option that makes delicious, creamy espresso shots.
✔️ Best for cold brew: De’Longhi Dedica Duo Compact Espresso Machine
A slim, all-stainless model for iced-coffee fans.
I’m a contributing product analyst in the Kitchen Lab, and my colleagues and I, including coffee expert Jamie Ueda, test every machine for ease of use, performance, and, of course, espresso quality and flavor. If you want a dependable machine that doesn’t cost a fortune, the picks below are your best bets, including one that consistently stands out: the Thyme & Table Barista Mini Espresso Machine.
Our favorite affordable espresso machine
Thyme & Table Barista Mini Espresso Machine
Pros
- Brews well-balanced espresso
- Nice layer of crema
- Trendy colors with gold hardware
Cons
- Frothing wand heats up milk but does not froth well
| Type | Semi-automatic |
| Dimensions | 6.26" x 15.44" x 12.13" |
| Water tank capacity | 1 qt |
| Included accessories | 52 mm portafilter, 2 stainless steel filter baskets (solo and doppio), 2-in-1 coffee scoop and tamper |
Who it's best for
Anyone who wants a capable, affordable espresso machine and doesn't need lots of extra features.
What you're getting
Priced just under $140, this is one of the lowest-priced espresso makers I’ve tested that still delivered strong results, especially in the quality and flavor of its espresso shots and crema.
It includes a few thoughtful extra features, such as the option to brew a single or double espresso and a warming plate to heat your mug before brewing.
It also has a wand for frothing milk or dispensing hot water. You’ll have no trouble matching this maker to your kitchen aesthetic, as it comes in seven trendy matte colors, including Sand, Atlantic Blue, and Dusty Moss, plus stylish gold accents on the portafilter and steam knob.
What you're giving up
If you prefer a heavily frothed cappuccino, this may not be the machine for you. The milk wand produced only a thin layer of foam in testing. However, if you don’t mind a hot latte with a little froth, it still heats milk well.
A few other minor drawbacks: It cannot accommodate very tall cups, and the portafilter occasionally falls out when you knock it against the trash can to empty. But these minor issues weren’t deal-breakers, especially for the price.
How it performed in our tests
The machine heats quickly in under a minute, and the brew temperature was consistent. Though the brew time and volume could have been a bit more precise, it wasn’t a major issue. Most importantly, we were pleasantly surprised that, for the price, this machine produced a well-balanced, delicious espresso with a good amount of crema.
I also appreciate the large opening on the water tank, which makes it easy to pour water without spilling. The tank is also removable if you prefer to fill it at the sink.
Other great espresso machines to consider
De'Longhi Classic Espresso Machine
This machine costs more than the Thyme & Table, but if you catch it on sale, it's an excellent deal. I've seen it for around $150 (normally $230), and at that price, I'd choose it over the Thyme & Table. During testing, this machine produced more consistently great-tasting espresso shots. The milk frother also works well, and the tray is removable to accommodate taller cups.
Philips Baristina Espresso Machine
Philips Baristina Espresso Machine
This machine has a built-in grinder, so it handles everything from grinding to tamping to brewing for you. During testing, it produced tasty espresso with a beautiful golden layer of crema. Our at-home tester also loves this machine, noting that it’s easy to use and makes delicious espresso. While it isn’t the cheapest option, it offers excellent value compared with other espresso makers with built-in grinders. It’s an especially good deal if you can find it on sale, which I’ve seen as low as $230 (without the milk frother), depending on the color.
De'Longhi Magnifica Start Espresso and Coffee Machine with Automatic Milk Frother
De'Longhi Magnifica Start Espresso and Coffee Machine with Automatic Milk Frother
This espresso maker isn’t exactly a low-budget option, but it’s a great value, especially on sale, if you want a fully automatic machine without spending $1,000 or more. This impressive machine makes delicious espresso shots and lattes at the push of a button. It even froths milk and automatically dispenses it into your cup for a fully hands-off experience (something we can all appreciate first thing in the morning).
I used this machine at home for years and love the convenience and reliability. It’s also great if you have guests, as the straightforward interface is easy to use, even for those who are more technologically challenged before their first cup of coffee.
Casabrews 5418 Pro Espresso Machine
Casabrews 5418 Pro Espresso Machine
This slim espresso machine looks and functions like our top pick from Thyme & Table. It preheats very quickly (in just five seconds) and produces a nice amount of crema and a good, if slightly bitter, shot of espresso. During testing, consecutive shots were at a comfortable temperature (159°F), and the volume was consistent. Unfortunately, the milk frother is very loud, and the foam was loose and bubbly, so it didn’t hold up well. It also didn’t produce any foam in dairy-free milk.
De'Longhi Dedica Duo Espresso Machine with Cold Brew
De'Longhi Dedica Duo Espresso Machine with Cold Brew
This solid espresso machine takes up minimal countertop space and is easy to operate, even for first-timers. The espresso tastes good, but during testing, the milk frother didn’t produce much froth (it only heated the milk). It can also make cold brew, which is a bonus for cold-coffee fans.
How we test espresso machines
We rigorously test every espresso maker that comes into the Kitchen Lab. We evaluate ease of use, brew time, consistency, flavor, temperature, and sound level. Over the past few decades, we’ve tested more than 60 espresso machines to find the best models for home brewing. Here’s what we look for when testing.
✔️ Performance: We brew multiple consecutive espressos and measure temperature, volume, and brew time to check consistency. We also note the crema color and quality. If the machine has a milk frother, we test it with skim and nondairy milk. Where applicable, we use the machine’s presets to make cappuccinos and lattes and assess the drink quality.
✔️ Ease of use: We look for machines that are easy to set up and intuitive to use without digesting the manual. We score how easy it is to fill the water tank, use any accessories, and clean the machine. We also note splattering or dripping and the design of the control panel.
✔️ Taste test: Our experts taste the espresso to rate the flavor and body of each drink. The best machines produce a hot, flavorful cup of espresso that’s not bitter or acidic. We look for smooth, golden-brown crema.
What to look for when shopping for the best-value espresso machine
✔️ Type:
- Semiautomatic and automatic espresso makers involve both manual and automatic steps. Semiautomatic machines usually require you to grind and tamp, while automatic models handle more of that process. Most models include a manual steam wand or automatic frothing.
- Fully automatic machines grind, tamp, brew, and often froth and dispense milk directly into your cup. Many can make several drinks, like Americanos and lattes, and some even offer cold brew. They cost more because of their all-in-one convenience.
✔️ Price: Very low-priced machines may sacrifice durability, performance, or convenient features, so we recommend seeking the best value to fit your needs rather than simply the lowest price.
✔️ Size: Consider your counter space. Simpler machines are typically compact, while more automated machines tend to be larger.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Jamie Ueda is a consumer products expert with nearly two decades of experience in product development, testing, and manufacturing. She tests and writes about everything coffee-related, including all types of espresso makers. She is passionate about coffee and has completed rigorous Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) courses in coffee brewing, barista skills, and sensory tasting. She regularly tests products and shares her expertise as a judge in the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Awards.
Lizzy Briskin is a contributing analyst and writer in the GH Kitchen Lab. She tests gadgets, gear, and appliances, develops recipes, and shares her culinary hot takes. Her fully automatic espresso machine is one of her favorite belongings, in or out of the kitchen.
Nicole Papantoniou is the senior director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab, where she oversees all testing and content related to cooking and making drinks. Her favorite espresso machines are easy to use and clean and, most importantly, deliver a rich, balanced cup of espresso.
Nicole (she/her) is the senior director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab. She oversees all content and testing related to kitchen products, food, and recipes. She has worked at GH since 2019, and is a trained cook, published recipe developer, and seasoned product tester with nearly 15 years of experience. She has worked in test kitchens for national magazines and kitchen appliances brands, where she also helped develop products for the home cook. She earned a degree in journalism from SUNY New Paltz, graduated with a Grand Diplome in Classic Culinary Arts from the French Culinary Institute, and studied culinary nutrition at the Natural Gourmet Institute (both now part of the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City.)
Jamie Ueda (she/her) is a contributing writer and analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab, where she has tested coffee and espresso machines, baking gadgets, dinnerware, ice cream makers, and other kitchen products since 2021. She has completed Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) coursework to further her expertise in coffee evaluation and brewing science.
With a background in engineering and design, she spent more than a decade developing consumer products in senior roles at both mid-sized companies and global brands before bringing that expertise to product testing and reviews. Her work has appeared in Forbes, CNN, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today.
