Cheap 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.

The Mr. Coffee ECM160 Steam Espresso & Cappuccino Maker (*Est. $50) gets decent reviews from users at Amazon.com and Target.com, where more than 360 reviewers combined give it overall scores of 4 stars out of 5. The machine is capable of making one to four cups of espresso, cappuccino or latte at the same time. Many users say that the price is right and that the machine is surprisingly durable -- we read at least one report of a user owning the machine for more than three years. The Mr. Coffee ECM160 includes a frothing nozzle for making cappuccinos and lattes. Several reviewers say that the Mr. Coffee is ideal for these milky brews, but suggest looking for a pump-driven machine (which produces more pressure) if you prefer straight espresso. Testers from the Good Housekeeping Research Institute agree, saying that the Mr. Coffee espresso machine doesn't impress in taste tests, and editors say that the resulting coffee isn't hot enough. Furthermore, a couple of users don't recommend using the Mr. Coffee at full capacity, saying that it struggles to push water and pressure through a large quantity of ground coffee.

The Mr. Coffee Steam Espresso/Cappuccino Maker ECM20 (*Est. $40) doesn't fare as well with Good Housekeeping Research Institute testers, but editors say 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 Mr. Coffee ECM20 definitely gives you your money's worth. Overall, nearly 90 owners contribute to a decent average rating of 3.5 stars out of 5.