This ‘Barista Approved’ Espresso Machine Is the Best Affordable Option We Tested — and It’s on Sale

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:People / Nick Simpson / Reese HerringtonAvid coffee drinkers know how essential that daily caffeine boost is. Although, getting your morning latte or cappuccino from a coffee shop is a costly affair.If you’re looking to save money and have the ability to craft your own drink from home, it may be time to invest in an espresso machine. Choosing the right machine to purchase can be confusing, and some require barista-level knowledge to operate.We tested 20 espresso machinesand thisDe’Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machinecame out on top as our best budget option.Right now you can get yours at Amazon for $86. We did the math, and that equates to around 24 grande lattes from Starbucks, so the machine will pay for itself in no time.De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso MachineAmazon$100$86 at AmazonThe espresso machine comes equipped with a stainless steel milk frother so you can steam milk for lattes and hot chocolate or whip up cappuccino foam. Whether you prefer a single or double shot, interchangeable filters help to ensure your pour is made with the right amount of espresso grounds, while its 15 bar pump optimizes pressure for an even pull. A two-level cup holder also allows users to craft their beverages in a larger cup, minimizing dishes.This affordable model is considered semi-automatic, meaning it requires a little more than the push of a button. Simply grind your espresso beans or purchase pre-ground espresso, tamp the grounds into the portafilter, and then turn the knob.Our tester said it makes espresso that is “robust in taste and aromatics,” standing up to the pricier machines we’ve tried. It has also racked up nearly 8,000 perfect ratings at Amazon from novice home users to baristas.One coffee shop professional saidit is “barista approved,” noting the “good quality machine” has helped them “save so much.” Several beginner at-home baristas added that it is easy to use and clean,while one shopper raved: “This machine is really worth every penny for a beginner like me.”A third shopperand self-identified “coffee snob” said “it brews an awesome quality cup of coffee that can compete with the best coffee shops.”If you’re ready to ditch expensive cafes, snap up theDe’Longhi Stilosawhile it’s on sale. Then, keep scrolling to see more affordable espresso machine picks at Amazon.Shop More Budget-Friendly Espresso MachinesCasabrews Espresso MachineAmazon$130$110 at AmazonDe’Longhi ECP 3420 Espresso MachineAmazon$130$112 at AmazonNinja Specialty Coffee MakerAmazon$170$130 at Amazon

Photo:People / Nick Simpson / Reese Herrington

People / Nick Simpson / Reese Herrington

Avid coffee drinkers know how essential that daily caffeine boost is. Although, getting your morning latte or cappuccino from a coffee shop is a costly affair.If you’re looking to save money and have the ability to craft your own drink from home, it may be time to invest in an espresso machine. Choosing the right machine to purchase can be confusing, and some require barista-level knowledge to operate.We tested 20 espresso machinesand thisDe’Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machinecame out on top as our best budget option.Right now you can get yours at Amazon for $86. We did the math, and that equates to around 24 grande lattes from Starbucks, so the machine will pay for itself in no time.De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso MachineAmazon$100$86 at AmazonThe espresso machine comes equipped with a stainless steel milk frother so you can steam milk for lattes and hot chocolate or whip up cappuccino foam. Whether you prefer a single or double shot, interchangeable filters help to ensure your pour is made with the right amount of espresso grounds, while its 15 bar pump optimizes pressure for an even pull. A two-level cup holder also allows users to craft their beverages in a larger cup, minimizing dishes.This affordable model is considered semi-automatic, meaning it requires a little more than the push of a button. Simply grind your espresso beans or purchase pre-ground espresso, tamp the grounds into the portafilter, and then turn the knob.Our tester said it makes espresso that is “robust in taste and aromatics,” standing up to the pricier machines we’ve tried. It has also racked up nearly 8,000 perfect ratings at Amazon from novice home users to baristas.One coffee shop professional saidit is “barista approved,” noting the “good quality machine” has helped them “save so much.” Several beginner at-home baristas added that it is easy to use and clean,while one shopper raved: “This machine is really worth every penny for a beginner like me.”A third shopperand self-identified “coffee snob” said “it brews an awesome quality cup of coffee that can compete with the best coffee shops.”If you’re ready to ditch expensive cafes, snap up theDe’Longhi Stilosawhile it’s on sale. Then, keep scrolling to see more affordable espresso machine picks at Amazon.Shop More Budget-Friendly Espresso MachinesCasabrews Espresso MachineAmazon$130$110 at AmazonDe’Longhi ECP 3420 Espresso MachineAmazon$130$112 at AmazonNinja Specialty Coffee MakerAmazon$170$130 at Amazon

Avid coffee drinkers know how essential that daily caffeine boost is. Although, getting your morning latte or cappuccino from a coffee shop is a costly affair.

If you’re looking to save money and have the ability to craft your own drink from home, it may be time to invest in an espresso machine. Choosing the right machine to purchase can be confusing, and some require barista-level knowledge to operate.We tested 20 espresso machinesand thisDe’Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machinecame out on top as our best budget option.

Right now you can get yours at Amazon for $86. We did the math, and that equates to around 24 grande lattes from Starbucks, so the machine will pay for itself in no time.

De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine

Amazon

$100$86 at Amazon

The espresso machine comes equipped with a stainless steel milk frother so you can steam milk for lattes and hot chocolate or whip up cappuccino foam. Whether you prefer a single or double shot, interchangeable filters help to ensure your pour is made with the right amount of espresso grounds, while its 15 bar pump optimizes pressure for an even pull. A two-level cup holder also allows users to craft their beverages in a larger cup, minimizing dishes.

This affordable model is considered semi-automatic, meaning it requires a little more than the push of a button. Simply grind your espresso beans or purchase pre-ground espresso, tamp the grounds into the portafilter, and then turn the knob.

Our tester said it makes espresso that is “robust in taste and aromatics,” standing up to the pricier machines we’ve tried. It has also racked up nearly 8,000 perfect ratings at Amazon from novice home users to baristas.

One coffee shop professional saidit is “barista approved,” noting the “good quality machine” has helped them “save so much.” Several beginner at-home baristas added that it is easy to use and clean,while one shopper raved: “This machine is really worth every penny for a beginner like me.”

A third shopperand self-identified “coffee snob” said “it brews an awesome quality cup of coffee that can compete with the best coffee shops.”

If you’re ready to ditch expensive cafes, snap up theDe’Longhi Stilosawhile it’s on sale. Then, keep scrolling to see more affordable espresso machine picks at Amazon.

Shop More Budget-Friendly Espresso Machines

Casabrews Espresso Machine

$130$110 at Amazon

De’Longhi ECP 3420 Espresso Machine

$130$112 at Amazon

Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker

$170$130 at Amazon

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Martha Stewart’s Modern Farmhouse Furniture and Decor Is on Sale from $22 Just in Time for a Spring RefreshThis $27 Nylon Tote Bag ‘Holds So Much’ — Even a Change of Clothes and ShoesWayfair’s Coastal-Inspired Furniture Storefront Has Pieces to Revamp Your Patio for Spring — Up to 60% Off

Martha Stewart’s Modern Farmhouse Furniture and Decor Is on Sale from $22 Just in Time for a Spring Refresh

This $27 Nylon Tote Bag ‘Holds So Much’ — Even a Change of Clothes and Shoes

Wayfair’s Coastal-Inspired Furniture Storefront Has Pieces to Revamp Your Patio for Spring — Up to 60% Off

source: people.com