Popular articles
Recent discussions on forum
Espresso Machine Cost
The cost of espresso machines, different types, benefits, and features to look out for.
Published December 14, 2021
Erik Hedlund
Coffee experts@The Coffee Lab
Espresso is one of the most enjoyable and distinctive types of coffee to drink. However, espresso machines for your home do not always come cheap. In fact, this type of machine can be really expensive when compared with other ways to brew coffee. However, the good news is that when it comes to the espresso machine price, there are several options to consider if you are on a budget. While these are bound to usually be more expensive compared to other ways of making coffee at home like a French Press, Moka Pot or drip coffee, they are less expensive compared to some higher-range espresso machines, while still producing a great shot.
Since an espresso machine is a rather complex gadget, making and finding one that works well without having to spend a lot of money can be tricky at times. If you are set on getting an espresso machine for your home but don’t have a huge amount of money to spend, finding one on a budget that doesn’t compromise when it comes to quality is often easier said than done.
Finding the Right Espresso Machine for You
How much is an espresso machine? The average cost of an espresso machine can be in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on the brand you go for and the features that you want. Because of this, it’s no surprise that the espresso machine price is one of the main things that you are likely to consider. The good news is that you can get a decent espresso machine on a budget if you are savvy when shopping and know what to look out for.
What are the Benefits of Budget Espresso Machines?
A budget espresso machine might not be the first option that comes to mind when choosing the right coffee machine for your home. These machines can be technical to use, and they can easily be rather intimidating if you are not sure how to use one correctly. However, there are lots of benefits of getting an affordable espresso machine for your home, least of all that you will be able to brew espresso at home for shots and espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. Some of the main advantages of going for an espresso machine on a budget include:
Drink Variety: When you have an espresso machine at home, you can use it to make many more drinks compared to other coffee makers. Espresso is typically used as a base for lots of different coffee drinks, and you can add other ingredients such as hot water, steamed milk, and milk foam to make a wide variety of coffee beverages.
Get Quality for Less: When you get one of the best affordable espresso machines, you will be able to make high-quality coffee drinks without the need to spend a lot of money on your set up. However, you will need to spend some time looking for a machine that is made well but available for less so that you know you have a machine you can use to make great coffee.
Ease of Use: Many budget espresso machines that are available today are fully-automatic and the ideal choice for beginners. With a fully automatic machine, you don’t need to worry about timing the shot or reaching the ideal temperature as the machine will take care of it for you, and all you need to do is press a button.
Durability and Longevity: Despite the price, many affordable espresso machines are made by reputable brands and are built to last. As making espresso at home becomes more and more popular among coffee-drinkers, lots of great brands have started adding affordable espresso machines to the products that they offer.
Three Types of Espresso Machine to Choose From
Along with the price of your espresso machine, there are several other things to consider when choosing the right espresso machine for your home. One of the main factors to think about is the type of espresso machine that will be the best fit for you. There are three major espresso machine types to consider:
Pod Machines: These are usually the cheapest option when buying the machine; however, the pre-packaged pucks of coffee such as K-cups or Nespresso pods that you will need to use with them will often cost more compared to regular coffee beans or ground coffee. They are easy to use and make a wide range of different drinks using just the pods and hot water.
Manual Machines: A manual espresso machine will give you more control over pulling the shot. You’re in charge of the extraction and need to load the portafilter, tamp it down, and time the shot to make sure that just the right amount of water is pulled through. If you like to experiment and are open to learning more, this could be an ideal machine for you.
Automatic or Semi-Automatic Machines: These are similar to manual espresso machines; however, rather than you being in control of the process, a lot of it is automated. They can do everything from grinding your coffee beans to pulling the espresso while making sure that the water is at the right temperature and just the right amount is used with just the press of a button.
What to Consider When Choosing an Espresso Machine on a Budget
No matter how larger or small your budget is for an espresso machine, it’s important to take a range of different factors into consideration alongside the price. Bear in mind that just because an espresso machine is very expensive, it doesn’t always mean that it’s going to be the best option for your home and vice versa; a cheaper espresso machine isn’t always going to be cheaply-made or more prone to breaking. Before you go out and choose the perfect espresso machine for your home, keep the following in mind:
Your Budget: This is usually the starting point for people who want to buy an espresso machine. Having a clear idea in mind when it comes to how much you want to spend will make it easier for you to narrow down your options based on what you are going to be able to comfortably afford.
Machine Type: Consider what type of machine you will want to use to make espresso with. You can make espresso with a pod machine or go for a traditional espresso machine. Pod machines do tend to be cheaper; however, bear in mind that the options do tend to be more limited due to the fact that you can only use most of them with pre-packaged pods. And, you have less control over the process overall. If you want to make traditional espresso, on the other hand, a proper espresso machine is worth getting.
Manual or Automatic: When buying an espresso machine, you can choose between whether you want a manual or automatic option. If you want full control over how the coffee is made, a manual machine could be best for you, but bear in mind that it’ll take more time to use as you will need to control variables such as the amount and temperature of water used. On the other hand, an automatic espresso machine can be easier for beginners to use and simpler to operate if you are not interested in experimenting and just want good espresso in the morning as quickly as possible.
Fully Automatic or Semi Automatic: If you decide to go for an automatic espresso machine, whether you go for a fully- or semi-automatic machine is another worthwhile consideration to make. A fully automatic machine is usually the easiest option to choose and will program the entire process of making your espresso; all you need to do is press a button and leave it to make the drink. On the other hand, a semi-automatic machine will give you a little bit more control, with more options for making manual adjustments to the variables when making your espresso, giving you the best of both worlds.
Grinder: Some espresso machines will come with a built-in grinder, while others do not have one included and you will need to either grind your own coffee or use pre-ground coffee in your machine. However, it’s always worth looking for a machine with a grinder since coffee that is freshly ground is always going to taste better. That being said, if you are looking for an espresso machine on a budget, you’re more likely to find options with blade grinders, which don’t always get the results you want. If you can, getting a machine with a burr grinder or opting for a separate burr grinder to your espresso machine is the best way to ensure that you get the perfect coffee grounds for your espresso every time.
An espresso machine in your home is the best way to get perfect coffee every morning. However, espresso machines can get expensive, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. While investing in a good one is always the best option if you can, the good news is that budget options can be just as good, providing great quality coffee for less.
About the author
Erik Hedlund
With Era of We and The Coffee Lab, I hope to share knowledge, increase the value of coffee – and secure the future of coffee.
Add comment
More on the coffee lab
Sign up and contribute now