Best Cheap Coffee Machines in 2022

Best cheap coffee machines in 2022

Good coffee machines don’t come cheap, and cheap coffee machines aren’t good – right? Wrong! Sure, you won’t be able to get the best machine on the market, or one akin to that of your local cafe, but for those on a budget, there are still plenty of great options. So check out these great affordable options for less than $300!

1. Nescafe Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS Coffee Machine: $99 RRP*
2. Kmart Espresso Machine: $109 RRP*
3. Nespresso Essenza Mini: $179 RRP*
4. DeLonghi Dedica Pump: $249 RRP*
5. Sunbeam Mini Barista: $299 RRP*

*Prices are taken from retailer websites and are accurate at the time of writing (August 2022). They should be used as a guide only and not considered an official quote.

→Related article: Guide to the Best Coffee Machines

Nescafe Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS Coffee Machine

This Nescafe pod coffee machine has a tiny footprint, and is designed to fit in even the smallest of kitchens. Available in both black and white to suit different aesthetics, it has options for hot or cold beverages and over 15 coffee creations to choose from. It can create a thick and velvety crema with a high-pressure system of 15 bars. The eco-mode feature turns off the unit after one minute of inactivity, which means that you don’t have to worry about whether you left it on.

Plus, isn’t that just the cutest coffee machine you’ve ever seen?!

Kmart Espresso Machine

An improved version of its predecessor, this Kmart Espresso Machine features a 15-bar pressure pump (ideal for achieving a great espresso shot), a warming plate for coffee cup pre-heating (hello luxury), options for both single and double espresso shots, and a detachable water tank, frothing nozzle, and drip tray for easy cleaning (and filling).

Online reviews are mostly positive; however, some shoppers weren’t impressed with the time it takes for the temperature to change from making the espresso shot to frothing the milk – not ideal if you’re making more than one coffee.

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Nespresso Essenza Mini: DeLonghi and Breville

Nespresso partners with both DeLonghi and Breville to produce these two coffee machines. While there are no differences to the machines’ key components and internal workings, there are subtle design differences. Both are regularly available and are essentially the same machine, so feel free to take your pick of the one you like the look of more!

Boasting a 19-bar pressure pump, and auto piercing and brewing of capsules, this minimalist machine extracts maximum flavour from coffee capsules. It features a 25-second heat-up time, two programmable cup sizes for espresso and lungo coffees, an energy-saving feature that turns the machine off after nine minutes, and comes with your standard drip tray and Thermoblock. Online reviews are mostly positive, with people raving about how quiet it is in comparison to other coffee machines.

→Related article: Americano or Long Black? Different Types of Coffee Explained

DeLonghi Dedica Pump

This coffee machine is a fan favourite. It’s compact and stylish – perfect for the countertop – and makes a great cup of coffee with little fuss. It’s a straightforward machine that doesn’t come with a heap of features, (though it does have a coffee cup warmer tray) which makes it great for beginners.

Its 15-bar pressure pump makes a great shot, and the 40-second heating time is reasonable. Customers are plenty happy with the results, but the design is where it receives the most praise. Not just for how great it looks (and the fact they managed to squeeze in a milk wand) but for its durable steel frame and compact size. In fact, it looks more comparable to a capsule coffee machine than an espresso machine.

Of course, a machine of this quality at this price, and with such a compact design has some drawbacks. Namely, you’ll need to purchase most of your necessary accessories separately, such as a grinder, or even a tamper. Though it does include a flat-ended plastic scoop that can be used as a tamper, for those who are less fussy.

Sunbeam Mini Barista

This is probably the closest you can get to a proper espresso machine at this price point. But even then, it stops short of having the built-in grinder you expect on costlier appliances, such as the excellent (and cheap for what it is, at under $800) Breville Barista Express.

The Sunbeam Mini Barista has a more traditional design than the DeLonghi Dedica and lets you switch between a 30ml single shot and a 60ml double shot with the flick of a switch. This is particularly handy for us Kiwis, as a double shot is actually the standard in most Long Blacks and Flat Whites found at cafes.

Customers have raved about the simplicity of the machine and the café-quality results.

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Regardless of which type of coffee you drink, the cost of buying a cup of joe does add up. There’s a reason every internet article ever written about easy ways to save money includes cutting out your daily bought brew. And, yes, we’re just as guilty of overusing the tip here at Canstar, too!

Why, because if you’re looking to better manage your finances, whether to pay off a personal loan, save for a mortgage or even put more cash towards your investments, you’ll want (or need) to cut back on some unnecessary spending. That might be a few less cups of coffee, or it might be finding a cheaper phone, broadband, or electricity plan.

Or, if you’re more interested in learning more about other consumer goods and appliances, like ovens, heat pumps, meal kit delivery providers and more, simply click the button below:

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About the author of this page

This report was written by Canstar Content Producer, Andrew Broadley. Andrew is an experienced writer with a wide range of industry experience. Starting out, he cut his teeth working as a writer for print and online magazines, and he has worked in both journalism and editorial roles. His content has covered lifestyle and culture, marketing and, more recently, finance for Canstar.