best espresso maker under $200

Casabrews 5418 Pro (~$199) is the top recommendation here.

It's a compact, all-in-one machine that grinds and brews perfectly balanced espresso. The 15-bar pump provides enough pressure for decent crema, and cleaning is relatively easy. It's not as feature-rich as more expensive machines but offers excellent value for beginners or those on a tight budget.

Pair it with a Baratza Encore ESP grinder (~$200) for optimal results.

• Expect 2–3 weeks before shots are consistently good