Budget Espresso Makers

Steam-driven espresso machines

Some user reviews recommend inexpensive, steam-powered espresso makers, but experts counter that these machines are incapable of brewing true espresso because water is forced through grinds at only 1 to 3 bars of pressure, far less than the recommended 9 bars. Steam-driven espresso machines lack both a pump and a boiler, shortcomings that can result in bitter, watery shots. Unlike most pump-driven espresso machines, however, steam-powered units are compact and relatively portable. Several owners say that they keep them on hand as a backup or take them along when traveling.

In a recent Good Housekeeping test, editors found that the Kalorik Espresso Maker Cafeteria Express EXP25022 (*Est. $45) comes closer to producing an authentic espresso than most steam-driven machines. With 3.5 bars of pressure, it was able to produce a small amount of crema. Testers say that the resulting coffee is "smooth in flavor" but tastes more like it came from a French press than an espresso machine. User reviews are few and far between for this model, but we did find a handful of owner reviews at Walmart.com and Overstock.com. In both instances, user opinion is mixed; some praise the Kalorik, while others say it is cheap and unreliable.

The Mr. Coffee Steam Espresso/Cappuccino Maker ECM20 (*Est. $40) did not fare as well with Good Housekeeping testers, but editors say that it is very practical and makes a very frothy topping, suitable for cappuccinos. Users at Amazon.com leave mixed reviews. Many say the carafe breaks easily, but several insist that the main components last for years and that the ECM20 definitely gives you your money's worth.

Krups manufactures a combination automatic drip coffee maker and steam-powered espresso machine, the Krups XP1500 (*Est. $100). We could not find any professional reviews of this machine, and reviews at Amazon.com are pretty poor. Some owners say the Krups XP1500 espresso machine works fine, while others complain about breakage and poor espresso quality.