Best cheap espresso machines

Start here: Casabrews 3700 Essential. It's the cheapest machine here that still does the job properly — a real pump, a steam wand for milk, and a decent-size tank, so you get proper espresso and cappuccino without paying for features you won't use. The trade-off is build quality and consistency: expect to fiddle with your grind and dose.

Who the others suit:

• Casabrews CM5418 — same idea with a bigger 20-bar pump and adjustable steam wand; pick it if you want a bit more control over milk texture.
• Breville Bambino — the step up worth saving for: faster heat-up, more forgiving shots, and it's the one most beginners keep for years.
• Gaggia Carezza De LUXE — for tinkerers who want a classic Italian semi-auto and don't mind learning.
• Gaggia Classic Pro E24 — the enthusiast's pick: repairable, upgradeable, and the best-rated of the lot, but it rewards practice.
• Gaggia Brera / Anima Prestige — bean-to-cup convenience if you'd rather press one button than learn to pull shots.

Whatever you choose, budget for a burr grinder — it matters more than the machine.