When I decided to do a post on 5 Espresso Makers under $100, I knew that my son-in-law Andrew would be the right person to do the research. You see last Spring my family took a long anticipated trip to Sicily and stayed in the tiny village of Sciacca, where my grandparents are from. The food, wine and lifestyle of this tiny island made our trip truly memorable.
When in Sciacca we discovered a neat little cafe that made great desserts and killer espresso and cappuccino. Andrew is a coffee addict and I swear he frequented that place so much he ended up on a first name basis with the staff.
Here’s his Findings:
De’Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker – Here’s Andrew’s top pick and for the price I can see why. You can find this machine on Amazon RIGHT NOW for an incredible $86.67 and even qualify for free shipping.
What makes this machine so good? First off, it’s pump driven, whereas most machines under $100 are steam driven. Pump driven machines, as Andrew is quick to point out, heightened the flavor of any coffee bean.
The EC 155 BAR is really compact and will fit in nicely in even the tiniest of kitchens. The dual function
filter holder lets you use either pods or ground beans. Comes with a self priming operator that makes start up easy and also is equipped with a swivel jet frothier for late and cappuccino.
Made of stainless steal to last a long time, Andrew’s only complaint is that the frothier is low so only a small pot will fit.
AVAILABLE NOW AT AMAZON FOR $86.67
Hamilton Beach SILX1 Espresso/Cappucino Machine – This machine is also available at Amazon and the price is really shocking at $50.95. You got to act fast as according to Amazon’s link there are only two left.
Andrew was suprised that a pump driven espresso maker could be priced this cheap. He has actually used this machine and was very impressed with the quality and taste of the final product.
The unit works with ground espresso or pre-measured pods and offers simple push-button operation.
Its 2-cup removable water reservoir is easy to fill, and the adjustable steam/frothing dial allows for quickly steaming milk for cappuccinos and lattes. For added convenience, the appliance provides a cup-warming plate, an “on/off” switch, a power indicator light, a thermostat indicator light, a pressure safety valve, and a removable drip tray for easy cleanup.
Accessories include a measuring scoop/tamper, two stainless-steel filters, an instructional video, and laminated recipe cards. The espresso machine measures 9 by 7-1/2 by 11-3/4 inches and carries a one-year warranty.
AVAILABLE NOW AT AMAZON FOR $50.95
Delonghi EC5 Espresso Machine – The price of this machine had Andrew hitting the buy button on the computer before my daughter stepped in and pointed out that they didn’t need another Espresso maker. Available NOW at AMAZON for $39.00. a savings of $27.00.
Andrew points out that this maker allows you to brew two espressos simultaneously. You can even enjoy cappuccino or latte with the easy-to-use swivel jet frother, for perfect drinks every time. Just add skim milk to a container and hold under the frothing nozzle, and it does the rest. The EC5 comes with the 
patented steam pressurized cap and heat resistant glass carafe. Other highlights include a large removable drip tray for easy cleaning and on/off switch with indicator light.
Steam driven, so you may give a little on aroma and taste but for $39.00 this is a perfect starter machine.
AVAILABLE NOW AT AMAZON FOR $39.00
Nespresso C91 Essenza Espresso Machine – CURRENTLY PRICED at $91.95 at AMAZON, this unit usually sells for over $125.00. Andrew is quick to point out that over 115 people have reviewed this on Amazon and it has a solid 4 star rating.
Remember this is a capsule machine so you will not be able to grind you own beans or roast your favorite blend. That being said we found this a suitable alternative and the quickness in which you are out the door with your espresso is a plus.
This compact machine comes with a 19 bar pressure pump, thermoblock heating element and a host of other features.
AVAILABLE NOW AT AMAZON FOR $91.95
Bialetti 6800 Moka Express 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker – Both Andrew and I were in agreement on this our final pick. You may not have expected to see a Stovetop Espresso Maker on this list, but we’re purist and this unit is owned by every family in Italy. Amazon sells this NOW for $33.99 and free shipping is also available.
The Bialetti has over 590 reviews on Amazon with a solid 4.5 star ranking. There is just nothing about this machine Andrew and I don’t like, in fact we both own one. Made of aluminum, the stovetop espresso maker produces 6 demitasse cups of rich, authentic Italian espresso in just 4-5 minutes.
Andrew points out that he likes to brew at low heat for best results. It may take 10 minutes to brew, but Andy Boy says it’s worth it.
AVAILABLE NOW AT AMAZON FOR $33.99
Special Thanks to Andrew, my son-in-law, for helping us put together Gracie’s Top 5 Espresso makers under $100!
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