Chefman's Entry-Level Espresso Machine Is Now on Sale for $76 on Amazon
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Why We Love This Deal
A few decades ago, Americans collectively decided as a society that we no longer wanted coffee to taste awful. Stale cans of Folger's were replaced with better-quality grind-at-home beans, better brewing techniques, better appliances, and the wide world of espresso. While many let baristas do the heavy lifting, pulling a shot at home can be rewarding, especially as part of a morning routine, so long as you have the right machine.
The Chefman Craftbrew Espresso Machine is one of the better entry-level machines for espresso-making, and it's on sale for only $76 on Amazon, down 37% from its retail price of $120. It has few bells and whistles to speak of, but it does have all the essential features you need to make an espresso and a whole host of other coffeehouse drinks.
Chefman Craftbrew Espresso Machine, $76 (was $120) on Amazon
What Shoppers Should Know
- Dimensions: 10.8 inches deep, 8.9 inches wide, and 11.9 inches high
- Capacity: 1.5 liters
- Pressure: 15 bars
- Best For: Coffee brewing amateurs, anyone looking to learn espresso fundamentals
I've been buying, testing, and occasionally reviewing espresso machines for more than 15 years, and I can tell you that just about every machine under $100 should be avoided. There are a few outliers, of course, especially if the price is because of an amazing discount, like this machine. But typically, really affordable espresso machines aren't really espresso machines.
Espresso is brewed not just with heat but with pressure, anywhere from 9 to 20 bars of it. Cheaper machines don't have the special pumps that make this magic happen. They use steam to make their coffee. Which isn't espresso; it's just really bad, strong coffee.
This machine, however, is fully equipped to extract the right amount of flavor and strength from a perfectly pressed puck. Its removable 1.5-liter water tank makes for easy cleaning and maintenance. The touch controls make this machine a little sleeker, and there's, of course, a steam wand for flat whites, cappuccinos, and more. You can even make single or double shots, a feature many machines in this price range don't often have.
What Shoppers Are Saying
Currently, this machine boasts a 4.2-star rating on Amazon, with many reviewers echoing that it's a fantastic entry for those new to the espresso game. Many love that it runs a bit smaller than other machines, so it takes up less counter space.
"This feels like a more expensive machine," one shopper said. "In the end, the espresso is every bit as good. The frother works amazingly."
Espresso machines in the under-$100 range are dicey at best, but the Chefman Craftbrew Espresso Machine is dependable enough to be your go-to anytime you need a caffeine fix.