I test over a dozen coffee makers every year, and I've discovered that great espresso machines don't have to be expensive. In fact, there are some truly excellent options around that perform just as well as pricier models, without burning a hole in your wallet. Here I've put together a list of my three top-rated budget espresso machines — and if you're lucky, you might find that they're even cheaper right now for Amazon Prime Day.
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All these espresso machines are from reputable brands (De'Longhi, Breville, and Philips), so you can be confident that you're getting a well-made appliance with proper after-sales service too. Whether you're looking for a simple manual machine, or something that will handle the entire brewing process from bean to cup, I've got you covered.
1. Philips Baristina
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Everyone who knows me will know that I'm obsessed with this little espresso machine. You see, usually bean-to-cup machines are expensive and messy, but not this one. Its 'one swipe' brewing means you never have to weigh anything; just insert the empty portafilter handle and the machine will do the rest, grinding and tamping the beans, then whisking them over to be extracted.
During my tests, the coffee it produced was consistently well-extracted and flavorsome, and because the brewing process doesn't happen inside an enclosed case, as it does with most automatic coffee machines, you don't need to worry about things getting damp and dirty inside. The Baristina is as easy to clean as a manual coffee maker, but doesn't require any barista skills. Ideal if you're looking for your very first coffee maker, or want to upgrade from pods to fresh beans.
Read my full Philips Baristina review
2. De'Longhi Dedica Duo
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Another of my favorite compact coffee makers, the De'Longhi Dedica Duo is the right machine if you're willing to try honing your own barista skills, and want a manual espresso machine rather than an automatic one.
The Dedica Duo is super affordable, and you're likely to find it even cheaper for Prime Day. Most espresso machines in this price bracket are quite poorly made and deliver inconsistent results, but De'Longhi has a reputation to maintain, and the little Dedica Duo is just as solid and reliable as any of the company's premium coffee makers.
Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Duo review
3. Breville Bambino Plus
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The little Bambino Plus is often recommended as a good espresso machine for first-timers, and with its easy controls, small but solid build, and entry-level price, it lives up to that reputation. One of my favorite features here, which you won't find on either of the other coffee makers, is its auto milk wand, which lets you choose from three different milk temperatures and three milk texture settings. You can steam your milk manually if you prefer, but it's a great option that lowers the barrier to entry for beginners.
Like the De'Longhi machine above, the Bambino Plus is able to sustain the pressure and temperature necessary for consistently extracted coffee every time, despite its small size. You won't need to worry about your coffee suddenly tasting different for no apparent reason, as you do with some affordably-priced espresso machines. A solid and dependable little brewer.
Read our full Breville Bambino Plus review
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