Best 10 Italian Coffee Makers – (Cheap And Functional)

Spending more time indoors means that you might be missing caffeinated drinks. And these can be more interesting compare to a French press or drip coffee.

You probably have discovered how to make your brew at home. Or maybe you’ve learned how to make your lattes using what you have like a stovetop Italian coffee maker. But is getting a home espresso machine worth it?

Last update on 2023-09-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

For most people making espresso may sound like a strange pursuit best left to professional baristas with different expensive coffee equipment.

Fortunately, coffee lovers across the world have easy access to excellent, homemade espresso. Now, it’s possible to get your cheap espresso and cappuccino machine. This makes it possible to brew delicious and affordable espresso at home or office.

Besides, when it comes to making espresso, the entire process involves running hot, pressurized water through a coffee grind. To attain enough heat and pressure will, however, necessitate the use of an espresso maker.

In the past, these Italian coffee makers have always been complex and expensive. But today it’s possible for you to get a machine that can brew decent espresso for under $200.

Therefore, to help you get the best and most affordable Italian coffee maker brands for your office and home, I’ve rounded up the ten best Italian coffee makers of 2020. You’ll find the right brand to suit your brew preference and budget.

Best Italian Coffee Makers – Top Budget-Friendly Picks 2020

1. De’Longhi EC1155 Budget Espresso Machine

Last update on 2023-09-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

De’Longhi’s EC155 coffee maker is among the few espresso machines that cost less than $100 and can brew your espresso.

So, if you’re in search of an espresso machine that will compete with the more expensive models as concerns quality but will deliver on value, then this Italian coffee maker is a good choice.

Besides making excellent espresso, three things are notable about it. It has a great look and it’s easy to use, not to mentions also easy to clean once you’re done. Plus, you can now make your espresso in a hurry without having to worry about the time you’ll take to clear up after yourself.

Since it may tend to vibrate, it means you’ll have to monitor it. Also, it’s pretty sub-par if you’re looking for a device that can froth milk. Lots of value is negated if you have to buy a budget model and then end up purchasing a frother separately.

Again, its price point pushes up against the upper limit of what qualifies as a budget-friendly espresso machine. This espresso machine can be cleaned easily and has a unique indicator that shows you when it’s time to descale it.

2. Breville Nespresso Mini – One-Touch Highly Efficient Italian Coffee Maker

Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

For coffee lovers who prefer having a portable yet more compact espresso machine, this top-rated Nespresso Essenza Mini machine is an excellent pick. What’s more, it comes in a modern and sleek design.

Other than its looks and size, this single-serve Italian coffee maker is designed for convenience and efficiency. That’s because it has a notable 19-bar pump pressure as well as a convenient one-touch operation.

This Italian coffee maker also heats up pretty fast and the water will reach the ideal temperature within 25 seconds. Also, it has a changeable cup size and an energy-saving mode.

Once you get this Italian coffee maker, you’ll also get a detailed instruction booklet and 16 OriginaLine capsules to ensure you get everything you’ll need for instant espresso making.

With 20.29 oz water tank capacity means you’ll need to do frequent refills as this is relatively smaller. This machine may be rather loud, but these are slight shortcomings that shouldn’t be deal-breakers.

3.  Gaggia 14101 – Large Capacity Commercial Espresso Machine

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The Gaggia 14101 espresso machine has a 72-ounce water tank capacity and is designed to guarantee that you can brew as many cups of coffee before you can refill.

In addition to its higher water capacity, the Gaggia espresso machine comes with a 17-1/2-bar pressure pump. This is higher compared to what most other espresso machines in its class offer. With the higher pressure, it means that this machine can pull out shots reasonably faster.

Thanks to its intuitive control panel, this machine is also quite easier to operate. Plus it has a removable water tank which makes refills and cleanups easy and fast.

This commercial-grade construction is durable and includes stainless steel housing with a chrome-plated brass portafilter. These features help make this Italian coffee maker the best low-cost espresso machine.

What’s more, this espresso machine comes with a three-way solenoid valve to offer you a drip-free operation. It also includes an easy-to-use turbo steam wand attachment frother for milk frothing.

Given the commercial-grade performance and construction of this Italian coffee maker, investing in one of these is money well spent. Besides, its price point is within the price range for an espresso maker.

4. Mr. Coffee Automatic Café Barista – Premium Choice

Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This Italian coffee maker comes with a 15 bar pressure to offer you a high-quality espresso. It has an automatic milk frother with an intuitive operation that has only three buttons. These features make the Mr. Coffee Automatic Barista Cappuccino and Espresso Maker a great choice. Plus its bodies and different parts are made using quality materials.

This espresso machine is quite compact and stands 12.6 inches high, 8.8 inches wide, with 11.2 inches deep.

One outstanding feature found in this Café Barista is a dedicated milk tank. The milk tank comes with a built-in frothing wand and it is also removable. This feature allows you to store in the refrigerator and use it the next time you’re brewing your next cup.

Mr. Coffee espresso machine has a metal portafilter that’s fixed to a strong grip that should be attached tightly under the brewing head. Also, this machine includes two filter baskets you can choose from either for a double or a single shot.

Under the brew head, you’ll find a pair of retractable drip trays. Thus they can be installed to have room for small or large cups and glasses.

It’s relatively easy to operate this Barista cappuccino and espresso maker. Besides the power switch found in the device’s lower right corner, there’s a control panel that includes three vertically-arranged buttons. (for Latte, Cappuccino, and Espresso).

The Cappuccino and Latte buttons work similarly, but with a long press, you’ll starts manual foaming and cleaning functions, respectively.

5. Capresso 303.01 Affordable Italian Coffee Maker

Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This is another mini espresso machine that won’t have you break the bank. The Capresso 303.01 Espresso maker weighs 7lbs. plus it is low priced when compared to other Italian coffee makers here. However, the low price doesn’t indicate low quality. Rather, the 303.01 espresso maker hits where other coffee machines miss.

Capresso’s 303.01 provides you with an impressive level of control thus you can choose the type of coffee brew you’ll make. Not only does it make espresso shots, but it can make you cappuccinos as easily. What’s more, it also has a regulating steam wand that simplifies frothing milk.

Even with all its merits, the espresso maker 303.01 also has some drawbacks. This espresso machine requires lots of attention when in use.  Therefore, it is not as effortless to use others on our list. Also, a few users have commented that its milk wand is not as reliable as it needs to be.

6. SOWTECH Italian Coffee Maker – Cheapest Espresso Machine

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If you want to brew espresso at home but you’re on a limited budget, then SOWTECH’s Espresso maker is your best option as a beginner barista. The Espresso & Cappuccino Maker by SOWTECH is a good-looking device.

Also, it’ll make you decent cups of espresso brew that are flavorful that gets the most from good beans. With a pocket-friendly price tag, this espresso maker is for you if you want something simple.

However, if you’re looking for a device that will do more, then you may want to opt for something else. Fortunately, today, it’s possible and easy for you to add features to get the most value for every dollar you spent.

Even then, note that the SOWTECH espresso maker is pretty basic. While it’s not as expensive, it still offers you limited value.

All in all, there are some things to watch out for when using this device. First, this espresso maker can get hot-to-touch. Also, it won’t turn itself off. So, if you’ve forgotten that it’s still on and add in your carafe with some coffee left in the bottom, you’ll have some serious mess you’ll have to clean up.

7. DeLonghi ECP3220W Espresso Maker – Top Small Espresso Machine

Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

De’Longhi’s ECP3220W espresso machine is small and semi-automatic on a budget device. It will make cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, and any other espresso-based brew you desire. This espresso maker will make you single or double shots, plus it’s easy to take apart and clean.

This Italian coffee maker by De’Longhi comes with a fine, linear design. It will occupy very little space on your kitchen countertop since it has a compact size. Also, it has a removable drip tray which allows you to use both larger and smaller cups ( to about 4.7 inches tall).

Even as the best budget espresso on our list, this device is pretty easy to use. When it concerns cleaning it, its case doesn’t need regular wiping. Plus this espresso machine is rather easy to descale.

Also, it heats up quickly, which allows you to make your coffee quickly. Due to its 15 bar pump, you’ll get a brew with a rich, soft taste along with dense crema.

Another notable feature of this device is its advanced cappuccino system which helps maintain the optimal temperature. Thus you can make one cup after another as well as steam milk.

But, to help you make a good cup of espresso, you’ll have to buy a good milk pitcher and tamper.

For someone with a small family and you’re new to coffee making, then you should consider getting this best value machine. Despite your experience level, it’ll give you a good brew.

8. Nespresso VertuoPlus – Top Budget Nespresso Machine

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Due to Nespresso’s capsule system, you won’t have to worry about having to choose and grind coffee beans. What you’ll need to do is pick the capsules containing your favorite flavors.

DeLonghi’s Nespresso VertuoPlus comes with a futuristic design. At the back, it has an adjustable stand that holds a removable container for the used capsules and a water tank.

It only has one control that’s the button to press. Also, it has an LED indicator around its press button so you’ll tell the stage of brewing the machine is on.

Note that this Italian coffee maker only uses capsules from the Vertuo line. These capsules are larger than regular Nespresso capsules, but they look quite similar.

The Nespresso capsules contain a special barcode that this device reads to select the right volume of water, temperature, and brewing mode. So, you’ll only need to insert the capsule then press once on the control button. It couldn’t get easier than that!

The Nespresso VertuoPlus has revolutionized how we make coffee. It works using Centrifusion extraction technology to spin the capsules at speeds adding to about 7000 rpm. This system is developed to make a big cup of coffee, therefore there’s more ground coffee in the Vertuo capsules compared to classic Nespresso capsules.

It offers you five volumes to choose from: double Espresso, 8 oz. coffee, large Alto Espresso, traditional Espresso, and Gran Lungo.

The maintenance and cleaning of this machine are pretty simple as you only need to wipe down the housing using a damp cloth. Also, you can clean its water tank using a mild detergent.

The interior of this Italian coffee maker is washed with a special cleaning method. Also, you may descale this device using a special cleaning agent.

9. Flair Espresso Maker – Best Manual Choice

Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Flair’s Espresso Maker offers you an elegant way of brewing your espresso in the office or at home. With years of experience, the manufacturer created a simple lever press device that makes you tasty espresso and thick crema.

This Italian coffee maker is made for coffee lovers who want to wholly enjoy the entire coffee brewing process. Before you get this machine, you should note that for that real espresso, you’ll need to have freshly ground beans and a superb coffee grinder.

This device is using high-quality materials like aluminum and stainless steel, which guarantee consistent product quality. Since the Flair espresso maker has a detachable brewing head, it makes cleaning fast and easy.

Every Flair espresso maker comes standard accompanied by its matched travel case. This ensures the safe transportation of this machine to anywhere you’ll be traveling to in the world.

This affordable espresso maker helps you make 40 ml of expert quality espresso. To make your brew, you’ll need 60ml of boiling water, the Flair, and the right quantity of ground beans. Soon enough, you’ll be sipping on your tasty espresso brew with thick crema.

10. STARESSO Manual Espresso Machine- Best Portable Choice

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The best thing about STARESSO’s Manual Espresso Maker is that it’s portable. If you’ll be going camping and will not have any power source, this device ensures you won’t sacrifice great coffee at the start of the day.

Also, that helps in those instances when a storm has interrupted your power. Again, even when you have a power source, you can still make your brew using this device.

That said, there’s a downside to that. This is because it’s manually operated. So, you can’t relax as the coffee brews thus you have to do the work.

Unfortunately, it’s a little messy and can produce enough noise to disrupt the peace of a quiet early morning. Also, it doesn’t perform well at frothing milk and even making complicated drinks. That means that you’re limited to brewing one cup of coffee at a time.

While portable espresso machines have their place, the limitations of this device can’t be ignored. Besides, it serves to remind us that when you have the counter space, there’s nothing better than having a great espresso maker.

What to Look for When Purchasing a Cheap Italian Coffee Maker

Keep in mind that Espresso makers come in a wide range of different sizes, shapes, and build qualities.

Therefore, you must know about what you’ll be buying before you decide to invest. Let’s look at the most important factors that make the best budget espresso machine.

Price

Since this article is about “Cheap and Functional Italian Coffee Makers” that means the cost will play a huge part in determining the espresso maker you end up choosing. This does not mean that you have to opt for the cheapest machine you can find.

Keep in mind that the price often indicates the quality of the device. So, just because you’ll be getting a bargain doesn’t mean you’ll be getting the best machine.

Ease of Use

Note that the espresso machines you see in coffee shops have numerous buttons, valves, dials, and portafilters – they’re complex.

Since you’ll be purchasing a budget-friendly espresso maker, you won’t be going for something as complex. As you get a cheap espresso machine, remember that a simple and easy to operate coffee machine is always better.

Design

Espresso makers typically deal with lots of pressure and heat. With this in mind, a poorly designed machine or one with inferior materials can become dangerous. Therefore, always make sure that your chosen espresso machine has a solid built and is made using quality materials.

And if it looks extremely cheap or it’s too cheap, it is probably worth avoiding.

Ease of Cleaning

This is one factor that many people don’t take into account as they are shopping for an espresso machine.  

Note that having an espresso maker that is easy to clean will make all the difference. More so if you frequently have to take it apart to unclog it. Therefore, it’s wise that you remember this when choosing the espresso maker you want for your kitchen

Is It Time To Get Your Own Italian Espresso Maker?

You don’t have to invest a small fortune to buy an Italian coffee maker that brews you great tasting coffee. That’s considering there are countless high-quality and reasonably priced Italian coffee maker brands in the market.

To get the best budget coffee machine for brewing your favorite coffees, you’ll only have to consider things like ease of use, water tank capacity, pump pressure, and ease of cleaning.

Fortunately, there are many excellent coffee machine models available today on the market. So, you won’t even have to search much to get the right one for you. And from our in-depth review above, we’ve provided you with 10 great recommendations for the best experience.

FAQ – Top Italian Coffee Makers

What’s the difference between cheap and expensive espresso makers?

Expensive and cheap espresso makers operate the same way. However, expensive machines will often include more features. Generally, provided that you are using the same beans, your coffee will have a taste similar for both.  That’s regardless of whether you brew it using an expensive or a cheaper machine.

Are budget espresso makers good?

Simply put, yes! Budget espresso machines will satisfy the brewing needs of most coffee lovers. But, if you want to enjoy some features only found in the expensive espresso machines, then you should look into buying one for your home or office.

What price range are budget espresso makers in?

The price range for budget espresso makers is $300 or less. The expensive and mid-range models typically go for $500 or more. However, if you want a tasty espresso and do not want too much responsibility, it doesn’t help much to invest $500 in a machine. That’s considering it allows you to regulate temperature and water pressure, strength settings, as well as other functions. Consider those features that are important for you and what you’re willing to pay to get them.