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CNN
5 days ago
- CNN
The best toasters of 2025, tried and tested
The best toasters we tested Best toaster: Breville 'A Bit More' 2-Slice Toaster Best budget toaster: Cuisinart 2-Slice Compact Plastic Toaster CPT-122 Even as kitchen appliances get more advanced and further outfitted with modern tech, traditional slot toasters will never go out of style. They're tiny, reliable and — if we're being honest — the source of one of the most satisfying moments in the world of cooking. You know that click. When your toast pops up with a perfect golden tint, everything that hits your senses is a delight. Call me a purist, but no toaster oven or air fryer can scratch that same itch. Already reaching for the butter and jam? You'll need a toaster that can consistently produce that crunchy crust to lather up. It should be able to handle other toasting tasks too, like frozen waffles, toaster pastries and chunky bagels. Luckily, I put seven different toasters through a series of trials using precisely those foods so you don't have to. Ultimately, two units delivered the results I wanted at a price that was hard to beat. Breville 'A Bit More' 2-Slice Toaster Key features that grant a sneak preview at your toast's progress and the option to add just "a bit more" time to reach your desired doneness make this stainless steel toaster a winner. Cuisinart 2-Slice Compact Plastic Toaster CPT-122 What this model lacks in premium materials (it literally has "plastic" in its name) it makes up for with undeniable value as a fast-working master of the basics. While all the toasters I tested were adequate at browning bread to my liking, none of them packed as many useful features into an attractive package at a compelling price quite like Breville's 'A Bit More' 2-Slice Toaster. Its thoughtful design will be appreciated by those who want their toast to the perfect level of doneness, whatever that is according to their preferences. Sure, it's not all that different from any other slot toaster — drop in your bread, push the lever, wait — but that's where the Breville gets interesting. A countdown bar ticks away as your toast cooks, letting you know when it's almost done. Feeling impatient? A 'lift and look' lever lets you take a peek at your toast without fully interrupting the cycle. Worried you're going to have to push it back down once done because your toast wasn't done? Just tap that 'a bit more' button to add some extra time. The guts of the toaster get the job done too, of course. It doesn't overtoast bagels. It gave a crust to pastries while warming the filling within. On regular white bread, the medium setting led to a perfect gold every time. It took about two minutes and 30 seconds to get there, but only the Revolution R90, a digital toaster more than triple the price, worked significantly faster. As far as doneness, the difference was negligible. Prev Next While testing this toaster, I couldn't help but think that serious toast enthusiasts devised its design. Unlike most slot toasters, the main interface is on the long side of the unit, so it sits horizontally on your counter instead of vertically. It's different, but it makes sense because it provides a larger surface for the buttons and settings you'll want to see every time you use it. Sure, the crumb tray (which has tall rails to prevent spillage) and the lever are moved to the sides instead of the front. But the former is one section you won't visit often, and the latter is something you can use without a direct view anyway. Aside from a brief one-year warranty, the only other flaw on the Breville toaster is the clearance from the toasting slots to above the unit. When finished toast pops up, it doesn't leave a lot of room for you to grab it, even when you use the lever to push it up an extra smidge. You'll have to watch your fingers or consider picking up a pair of toast tongs to avoid burns. Any modern kitchen won't need much adjusting to welcome the 'A Bit More' to its ranks, as its stainless steel finish matches the standard look for fridges and ovens. If the look and features have sold you but the two-slot sizing is coming up short, a long-slot version of the same toaster is just $10 more. It should fit longer styles of bread and four slices of your typical loaf. Sure, it might cost, ahem, a bit more than what you'd find in the bargain bin, but getting this kind of precision and performance for making toast, all for less than $100, is a value that's hard to top. The Cuisinart 2-Slice Compact Plastic Toaster shows it doesn't cost much to get good toast if that's all you're after. While it doesn't include all the bells and whistles of my top pick or far pricier options, it will deliver what you want out of it without breaking the bank. Despite being priced at the bottom of my testing pool, the Cuisinart toaster produced results that ranked closer to the top. Though I found it to come on a bit strong when cooking a bagel or pastry at a medium setting — its bagel function doesn't decrease half of the heating coils like most toasters — it thawed and browned a frozen waffle to perfection in less than two minutes. It truly shined when tested on consecutive white bread toasts, finishing in give or take two minutes with proper crisping achieved. Though the build on this plastic toaster is not as robust as others I tested, keep in mind that it's just a toaster. It doesn't need to be professional grade or boast designer looks. I ran it through a lot of toasting during testing, and I have even purchased one for my sister-in-law when she requested a toaster for Christmas. All reports have indicated it's holding up just fine, and any issues that do arise will be covered for now; Cuisinart backs this toaster with a three-year limited warranty. So, who should buy this instead of the Breville? For starters, it's a compelling alternative to my top pick because it's less than half the price. That may be worth it for you without needing another reason, but if speed is important and looks are not, zero in on the Cuisinart because that's its specialty at its core. Also notable is that the four-slot version has separate levers for each side, allowing for different toasts at the same time. It, too, is super cheap. Especially if you don't plan to tinker with settings or toast different varieties of bread, the 'lift and look' and 'a bit more' functions on the Breville are likely not worth the added cost. Just go with the Cuisinart, set it and forget it. I blew past recommended carb intake levels by toasting white bread, frozen waffles, breakfast tarts and bagels to see how each toaster handled the different items. I defaulted to the medium setting on each unit — typically level 3 out of 6 or level 4 out of 7 — then adjusted from there depending on the initial results. I also made several sets of toast consecutively to see how residual heat from the previous session affected the next. Throughout it all, the following criteria guided my evaluations. Toasting performance Accurate browning: Whether you prefer a golden crisp or a borderline burnt charring, it's vital for a toaster to toast to the appropriate doneness based on your selected setting and preference. I noted which toasters had continuous toast settings or those that moved up in notches. Consistency: What about when your family member wants to pop their bread into the toaster immediately after yours? I made back-to-back-to-back sets of toast to see how that carryover heat affected consistent results. Options: Is there a frozen setting? What about bagels? The toasters that allowed users to really dial in on how they wanted their item toasted — to a degree more specific than just levels of brownness — gained standing in my rankings. Speed: When you or your kid have a bus to catch, there's a big difference between a toaster that finishes its job in 90 seconds and another that takes three minutes. I timed my toasts to get a handle on which units still delivered acceptable results with speed. Design Slot size: Are the bread slots wide enough for a bagel? How about some brioche? I kept a close eye to see how thicker items fit into the toaster and if their edges got too close to the heating element. Levers and toast retrieval: Nothing spoils the joy of freshly popped toast quite like burning your fingers trying to pick it up. I noted how much clearance there was from the top of the toaster to the top of any contents in the slots, accounting for the ability to further raise the bread with the toaster's lever. Crumb tray and cleaning: Toasters can be crumb magnets, so I valued those that minimized the mess and made it easier to clean up. Placement and size of the crumb tray mattered, as did the exterior surface of the toaster. Aesthetics: Every design choice in your kitchen contributes to the overall vibe, so I accounted for the visuals of each toaster. Did it look modern and sleek? Retro and charming? Cheap and tacky? Value Price: How much you plan to use a toaster will affect how you feel about its price. I put each model against its price tag to see if it provided adequate value. Warranty: I compared the term and scope of each manufacturer's warranty. Are two slots enough? The volume of toast you make during a given session will provide your answer here. It's probably not wise to buy a two-slot toaster if breakfast in your home involves feeding lots of mouths. Though those compact models were the focus of our testing in this exercise, four-slot and long-slot toasters will usually double your toast output. The best four-slot toasters will allow the two halves of the toaster to work independently of each other. Many of the models I tested come in larger iterations that do just that. But if you don't need extra toasting capacity, a two-slot toaster is a simple solution to making breakfast better. It doesn't take up as much space on your counter, there's less of it to clean and, as I showed with my tests of consecutive toasting, a good one will be able to handle a few servings of toast one after the other. Do I need a toaster oven? It can feel redundant to own both a slot toaster and a toaster oven. The latter can even overlap with an air fryer. And to have all three on your countertops? Enough. While it's tempting to opt for a do-it-all appliance such as a toaster oven, I'd argue most of those can't match the convenience of a slot toaster, especially if you know you're going to be making toast frequently, being able to pop some bread into the toaster and have it easily accessible while, say, frying an egg or making coffee is well worth the investment (which, by the way, is usually less expensive with slot toasters). How much is too much to spend on a toaster? The next part of this article will unveil a $300 toaster. It might be hard to fathom ever spending that kind of money on slightly warming bread, but depending on how often you make toast and how important it is to your daily routines — you know what they say about the most important meal of the day — the value of a toaster varies by user. I don't make toast daily, but I come close to that frequency because I chef up more breakfast sandwiches than is good for my health. But look the other way and you can see the benefit of a toaster at a tenth of the price, such as our budget pick from Cuisinart. It works. It isn't flashy. You won't feel like you have to use it because you shelled out big bucks for it. But when you do have a hankering for toast now and then, it will be there. Revolution R90 Digital Toaster The R90 ditches dials and knobs for a touchscreen interface that specifies what you're toasting and how brown you want it. It works well — if you want to pay for it. The Revolution R90 excels at making toast precisely how you want it. The touchscreen menu reveals six options — toaster pastries, English muffins, bread, bagels, waffles and Revolution's sandwich cooker, the Toastie Press — then seven levels of doneness. You can tip off the toaster that your contents are frozen or if they need a few more seconds to reach perfection, as with my top pick from Breville. The results of my tests were largely elite. Though using the frozen function overcooked the waffle, the R90 lightly toasted the outside of the bagel while maintaining a doughy interior. When toasting white bread, this model produced the fastest and most consistent results. Every time, I had perfectly golden brown toast in a little more than 90 seconds. I'd be more than pleased with this kind of quality at an overpriced brunch, and if toast is a vital part of your breakfast habits, the R90 is worth consideration to bring that ability home. Though the R90 fancifies one of the most basic kitchen appliances — it automatically lowers your bread without pushing a lever, and a chime replaces the coveted click of a traditional toaster popping up — it doesn't overthink all the basics. A convenient grip on the front helps when moving it back and forth from underneath your cabinets. Its matte black finish doesn't get as dirty as a chrome appliance, and its Amazon Echo-esque look blends right in because the screen turns off when not in use. The only thing holding the R90 back from a higher spot in my rankings is its price. At $300, you could buy three of my top picks from Breville and still have cash left over. That cost doesn't include Revolution's Toastie Press sandwich cooker, which turns your toaster into a vertical panini press, though you can bundle it for $20 extra. Considering the R90 is Revolution's budget model and not quite a 'smart toaster' — the brand has two units priced higher, including the $400 R180 Connect Plus that features a digital picture frame and current weather conditions on the front — I would have liked to see this two-slot toaster a little more competitively priced. Revolution's site argues the R90 makes toast more fun than ever before. I don't disagree, and if you're in that same camp, you'll love the R90. But your money will be better spent elsewhere if you're only looking for a toaster for its utility. Smeg 2-Slice Toaster If aesthetics are your No. 1 must-have, the retro vibes from this Smeg toaster are worth a long look. Hidden under its facade is terrific durability. If my inbox is any indication, toasters are one of the product categories CNN Underscored readers care a lot about. Before this round of testing, one reader implored me to try a toaster from Smeg because his had been toasting for eight years strong, making it the best he and his wife had owned in 49 years of marriage. Could he have been a sleeper agent for the brand? Sure. But after including Smeg's two-slice toaster in this round of testing, I found no evidence that his claims were artificial. Though a dashing retro exterior may draw you in — I tested a beautiful matte black finish — the heavy, durable build is what won me over. Toasting performance wasn't lacking either, as the Smeg granted plenty of clearance for retrieving toast and a 1-to-6 dial that clicks for every half step. Of course, you'll have to pay up for the entire package, making the Breville a better buy in my eyes. Haden Bristol 2-Slice Toaster Combining a matte putty finish with chrome accents, this toaster had a polished look without a preposterous price. Its performance wasn't too shabby either. If the Smeg toaster catches your eye but you can't bring yourself to spend that much, Haden's Bristol toaster is a handsome alternative. This model is a Williams Sonoma exclusive with a matte tan or putty color and chrome finishes. If I had one gripe with its design, I would've liked a bit more clearance for grabbing toast off the top of the unit. The Bristol's toasting performance was largely positive. Though it vastly overcooked the toaster pastry on a medium setting, it nailed bread toasting in the same amount of time as my top pick. Consistency was its strongest quality, delivering nearly identical toasts no matter how quickly I started the next cycle after the last. Oster 2-Slice Touchscreen Toaster Slow toasting times and a touchscreen that wasn't easy to interact with pushed the Oster down in my rankings despite a few strong features. This affordable model from Oster has a touchscreen (like the $300 R90) and gives users the ability to peek at toast before it's done (like the $90 Breville). But I found some flaws in its toasting performance that were hard to overlook when considering the benefit of those features. It has only six heat settings and took longer to finish a medium-level toast than everything else in my product pool. It unevenly overcooked bagels, removing any semblance of chewiness. Its touchscreen was also harder to view and use than the one on the R90, which is tilted up toward your face. The Oster screen, with blue letters on a black background, is flat, facing outward, which is kind of awkward. Zwilling Enfinigy 2-Slice Toaster A carryover from my own kitchen, this toaster is sturdy and reliable but doesn't do much to warrant a splurge. I had this toaster in my kitchen for more than three years, and it scores durability points for surviving the grind of heavy use. Its toasting performance gets the job done too, frequently handling all sorts of breads and bagels with satisfactory results. But its several flaws were enough evidence compared to the competition in my testing pool that I wouldn't buy the same toaster if it kicked the bucket tomorrow. The Zwilling Enfinigy has a small crevice between its toaster slots and the rest of its exterior shell. It's where crumbs go to die, an impossible cavern that's such a pain to clean that I rarely do. Despite only being a two-slotter, this toaster has some serious heft too, at about 10 by 8 by 13 inches. It doesn't do much to justify costing more than both my overall winner and budget pick. The following FAQs were answered by the author of this guide, CNN Underscored associate testing writer Joe Bloss. Why does my new toaster smell? Why does my new toaster smell? Don't worry, as every toaster I tested produced a nasty burning smell the first time or two I used it. It's totally normal. What you're getting a whiff of is manufacturing oils and packaging debris burning within the toaster. It'll go away, and it's not dangerous. Do I need a slot toaster if I have a toaster oven? Do I need a slot toaster if I have a toaster oven? I'd argue yes. A good toaster oven can whip up great toast, but a slot toaster delivers quick convenience that's hard to replicate, especially for a reasonable price. Even our favorite budget toaster oven, the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Air Fryer Toaster Oven, is more expensive than my top slot toaster, the Breville 'A Bit More' 2-Slot Toaster. CNN Underscored editors thoroughly test nearly all the products we cover and provide full transparency about how we test them. We have an experienced team of writers and editors with many years of testing experience who ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when it makes sense to ensure we are testing each product accurately and speaking about the pros and cons of each. For this article, associate testing writer Joe Bloss stuffed loads of bread, bagels, waffles and pastries into a variety of toasters to find the best options for your kitchen. Don't worry, these were grocery store bagels, not the real thing from a New York deli, which should never be toasted. Bloss is just as serious about his breakfast as he is about product testing. He's penned guides on the best food processors and French press coffee makers.
Irish Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
'Easy peasy' iced coffee maker €10 cheaper and fans say 'I'd be lost without it'
With Ireland's temperatures finally feeling a bit more like summer, iced coffees are firmly back on the menu - but if you're fed up forking out a fiver every time you visit your local cafe or service station, there's now a handy gadget that shoppers are swearing by. The Breville Iced Coffee Maker usually costs €48.99, but has had its price slashed by almost €10 on Amazon. For a limited time, coffee lovers can nab this machine for just €39.45. It is earning rave reviews for helping people make "easy peasy" chilled drinks from the comfort of their kitchen - and for a fraction of the cost. This compact machine cools freshly brewed coffee directly over ice, giving you a perfectly chilled drink in minutes without that watered-down taste that comes from simply pouring instant coffee over cubes. And obsessed fans say it's not just a summer essential - they "can't live without it". For many, the gadget has become a household staple - and not just during warm spells. One fan gushed: "For the price, this coffee machine is amazing! So simple, yet effective... In my divorce, if we ever have to choose what we're taking with us – I'd take this coffee machine.' Another reviewer who initially hesitated to buy added: "Bought this just in time for the warm spring sunshine… best purchase this year. Quick and easy to use, and good value for money." Several reviewers admitted they weren't sure if the machine would live up to the hype – but were quickly won over. One wrote: "I was a bit sceptical at first... I even tried to cancel my order, but I'm glad I couldn't. This machine is brilliant. It doesn't taste the same as trying to make your own. Worth buying." Another shopper who'd got tired of spending money on shop-bought iced coffees said: "Was getting fed up having to drive to my local petrol station for my iced coffee fix and paying €5 for the privilege… This has been the best purchase ever… I'd be lost without it." From its easy clean-up to strong-tasting coffee, the Breville Iced Coffee Maker ticks multiple boxes. It's even popular with those keeping an eye on calories: "I absolutely love my iced coffees but don't like the cost or the calories. This is amazing. I can now make a calorie-free iced coffee with just coffee, water and ice." Others loved how straightforward it is: "You can't understate how easy this product makes iced coffee… does what it's meant to, and makes it very easy for someone like me who hates messing around with complicated steps." Breville's Iced Coffee Maker is a hit with Amazon shoppers Many reviewers ended up buying one for a friend or family member after being impressed. One said: "Present for my daughter, who absolutely loves it… brews the coffee to a perfect temperature… a must for iced coffee lovers." Another shared: "My sister bought this for her daughter and I decided I needed it too. I love it! My niece loves it!" Despite the glowing reviews, one shopper found you need to use a lot of ice. They said: "It's pretty good for the money and far more convenient than cold brewing for 24 hours in the fridge. Although you're really going to need an ice maker to go with it unless you've got space in the freezer for 10 punnets for each serving." If you're looking for an alternative, Currys offers the Salter 2-in-1 Iced Coffee Maker for €49.99. This machine lets you make both hot and iced coffee using ground coffee or pods. Just add water and coffee, fill your cup with ice, and the machine does the rest. It includes a 420ml double-walled travel mug and a 440ml iced coffee cup - perfect for bringing your homemade drinks on the go. You can also mix in your favourite syrups or milk for a cafe-style experience at home. For a more budget-friendly option, Amazon also stocks the Beowanzk 960ml Iced Coffee Maker for just €25.33, which reviewers have called "excellent for making cold brew coffee". Get all the big crime and court stories direct to your phone on our new WhatsApp service. Sign up here.
Tom's Guide
6 days ago
- Business
- Tom's Guide
You don't need a SodaStream — this new $54 gadget attaches to your water bottle, and can make fizzy drinks on the go
Soda makers are incredibly popular right now. If you love a bubbly beverage, no doubt you'll have heard of the SodaStream that turns your boring, still drink into a fizzy concoction. And competitors like Smeg, Breville, and Ninja have entered the market hoping to spritz up your life, too. There are certainly a lot of perks to buying a carbonator – like the money you'll save and the chance to make your own recipes from cocktails to tropical refreshments. But, there's also some not so great parts about owning a soda maker, such as the precious countertop space they can take up and, ultimately, the cost of them when you first invest (and additional costs for cylinders and flavors). I just learned about the Aerflo For, a first-of-its-kind smart gadget that promises to solve all your soda water dreams by fizzing directly when attached to a Hydro Flask, with a simple spritz and shake. Plus, it's incredibly affordable. I'm amazed that nobody created it sooner! The Aerflo For Hydro Flask works with the Standard Mouth bottles in 18, 21 or 24oz. Using refillable capsules, each one makes four bottles worth of sparkling water and all you have to do is fill, spritz and shake. This reduces the need for a countertop carbonator altogether. Aerflo has created the For to go with your Hydro Flask bottle, working on the assumption you may already have one. But, if you don't, it's a great investment for drinks on-the-go. This refillable bottle keeps your cold drinks cold for 24 hours and your hot drinks hot for up to 12. It's dishwasher safe, durable and there's none of that "does this sort of taste like a bottle?" taste. For just $54 at Aerflo, you can buy the carbonation cap that'll fit nicely onto your Hydro Flask (Standard Mouth 18, 21 and 24oz) and transform it from a reusable bottle to a portable sparkling water maker. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. The Aerflo For is designed specifically for use with a Hydro Flask bottle, which means if you've already been saving money with your bottle and tackling single-use waste while you're at it, you can now turn that day-to-day water bottle into one that can make sparkling water, too. John Thorp, Founder and CEO says: "With Aerflo For, we're putting better bubbles into the bottle you already carry, cutting waste and complexity out of the process. It's a completely new way to think about carbonation; portable, sustainable, and designed for real life". As a sustainable option, there are also plans to make more adaptations for well-known bottle brands like Yeti and Swell with Areflo saying they're "on the way", but not just yet. What's so great about the sparkling water gadget as opposed to a carbonator? Well, you don't need any electricity, you're not making any waste with the need for new bottles, its powered by Aerflo's refillable CO2 capsules (as opposed to large CO2 canisters which are hard to recycle). And, best of all, this smarter option is also super affordable. A SodaStream starter kit will cost you about $89.99, and the Ninja Thirsti is $149.99 – and that's without the additional costs of canisters and flavorings. And one of the greatest sustainable perks is the use of refillable CO2 capsules. Simply return the used capsules via USPS with the included prepaid return box, and they'll get cleaned, refilled and recirculated. Though it'll cost you $23.50 for a 12-pack. While Aerflo has its own Aerflo System, a portable water maker for $74 there was always a bigger goal in mind. Ultimately, Thorp says: "When we started this company, we often said the world doesn't need another bottle company. We made our own for strategic reasons, but this was the vision from day one. People love the bottle they own, and we're finding ways to make it even better". If you don't have a Hydro Flask (Standard Mouth), there is the added expense, but Aerflo is hoping you already do!
7NEWS
15-07-2025
- Business
- 7NEWS
Best-selling Breville 2-in-1 dehumidifer and purifier for the home drops to lowest price yet at Amazon Australia
Sick of a stuffy room or noticed an increase of lingering odors or dust? The Breville 2-in-1 Dehumidifer and Purifier ($439.20) is going to be a game-changer for your home. This small and compact device is designed to improve the air quality, reduce allergens and mold growth, particularly during the colder months when we tend to keep windows closed. Perfect for placing in any room, bathroom or living space up to 50m2, the All Climate 2-in-1 can extract upto eight litres of moisture a day to help keep mould and dampness at bay. You can even monitor and control the device from the couch using the Breville Home Connect app — there's even voice command available via Amazon Alexa & Google Home/Assistant. Best yet, hundreds of Aussies are switching expensive dryer loads and opting for the 'laundry mode' on this device instead. Quick and efficient, it can dry your clothes in no time at all. Currently reduced from $549 to just $439.20 — get in quick before this limited time deal expires. 8L in size, the Breville 2-in-1 Dehumidifer and Purifier is perfect for use during the winter to crack down on mould build up and stuffy air flow. Designed for any room in the house, it works well in rooms up to 50m2 and can even assist with your laundry routine. Simply use the Set & Forget SensAir System with your preferred humidity level, monitor the progress using the Breville Home Connect App, and the auto shut off will stop the device once the tank is full. Thanks to the AntiViral HEPA-13 Purification, the All Climate 2-in-1 will help to draw in any airborne impurities, leaving your home feeling and smelling fresh. Breville is a trusted homewares brand, with 94 per cent positive ratings from over 10 thousand customers who have purchased items at Amazon Australia. Those who have got their hands on the Breville 2-in-1 Dehumidifer and Purifier says it is a 'great unit'. 'Looks, feels, and performs premium. Both dehumidifier and air purifying functions operate at a high quality, making the rooms feel fresh and clean,' one shopper commented.
CNN
14-07-2025
- Business
- CNN
The best budget espresso machines in 2025, tried and tested
The best budget espresso machines I tested Best budget espresso machine: Breville Bambino Best under-$150 espresso machine: Casabrews 3700 Essential Is there such a thing as the best budget espresso machine? If you're an espresso aficionado, you're probably thinking you don't just need good beans; you need quality tools, such as the best espresso machine and the best coffee grinder. And those are hard to make with cheap materials. The answer to if a great budget espresso machine exists isn't so straightforward. It's a contentious subject to be sure, as evidenced by emails I've received from readers demanding why I haven't recommended any high-end machines costing $6,000 to $15,000 in my original espresso machine guide. But I truly believe that while it's true you likely won't find the best of the best in the under-$200 aisle, you also don't have to break the bank to get good espresso. Over the years, I have used and tested my share of budget espresso machines. And although not many of those coffee makers were able to deliver as good an espresso as the pricier models, a handful were more than capable of satiating my discerning caffeine cravings. So, I set off to find the best budget espresso machine on the market. I capped the price at $350 and tested to see which models could deliver crema-topped espresso shots that were rich, robust and almost as good as what you might get out of a much pricier model. Copious amounts of caffeine later, I found two that blew me away. Breville Bambino Espresso Machine It's hard to believe this small but mighty machine from Breville is only $300, considering its fast heat-up, great-quality espresso shots and intuitive user interface. This is hands-down the best machine I tested in this budget range. Casabrews 3700 Essential Espresso Machine You wouldn't believe the gorgeous microfoam and rich espresso shots this budget espresso machine can consistently deliver without much effort from you. This cheap option surprised me in the best way possible. When it comes to budget espresso machines, lines start to blur when talking about quality. It gets harder to tell the difference between the shots you pull from a $250 machine versus the ones you get from a $150 machine. But that's not the case when it came to the Breville Bambino. Try as I might to find a more affordable best budget espresso machine winner, the Breville Bambino proved itself the obvious ace from beginning to end. And that's with the slightly pricier De'Longhi Dedica Maestro coming up not too far behind with its extra frills. There are so many things to love about this Breville machine that it's hard to think of things not to like. I love its portable, small footprint design, which makes it a perfect fit for those with limited counter space. I love its sleek, beautiful and almost-luxurious aesthetic that makes it hard to believe that it's as affordable as it is. And I love its unbelievably quick warm-up of about five seconds and instant steam, thanks to its fancy thermojet heating system. (I hate having to wait for my machine to do its thing before I can have my first jolt of caffeine in the morning.) Those are just to start. One of the main things that makes the Bambino a superior choice over the runner-up Dedica Maestro is its simple, intuitive controls. While the Dedica Maestro has a bit of a steep learning curve, especially with the steam wand, the beginner-friendly Bambino makes things so effortless you don't even need espresso-making experience to get good results. It even has an automatic steam button for automated milk steaming, as well as a dedicated hot water button, so it's not confusing to the uninitiated as to whether steam or hot water is about to come out of the wand. Results-wise, I was able to pull hot, rich, robust and well-balanced espresso shots with beautiful, thick cream every single time, as well as good microfoam, even with milk alternatives, and in just under one minute too. The most common problem with budget espresso machines is that many don't deliver consistent results, but that is a nonissue with the Bambino. I would have loved a better-quality accessory set and a locking mechanism similar to that of the Breville Oracle Jet to make it easier to insert the portafilter, but those don't take much away from the overall experience. Even with those flaws, the Breville Bambino is still hands-down the best budget espresso machine I've ever tested. Related article The best espresso machines in 2025, tried and tested I cannot tell you that the Casabrews 3700 Essential is a perfect machine, as it has its share of inconveniences. These are mainly its accessories, which are cheap and, therefore, annoying to handle (even the mere act of removing used coffee pucks), and its body doesn't stay put when securing the portafilter, making the machine itself somewhat annoying to use. However, in its defense, these are more like rules rather than exceptions with most budget espresso machines in its price range, because to keep them cheap, manufacturers have to offset the cost somewhere. So, it's hard to fault it for those common issues. What's important is that despite those flaws, the Casabrews 3700 Essential outperformed every machine I tested in its price range and even a couple of the pricier models, too — an impressive feat, especially considering this isn't even one of Casabrew's flagship products. The 3700 Essential heats up faster than the slightly pricier Casabrews 5418 and takes under 20 seconds to pull a double shot, which is a few seconds longer than most of the models in my testing pool. And while its shots are only slightly richer and more balanced than the others, they are consistent in quality and temperature, unlike the much pricier Casabrews Ultra. What I love most about the Casabrews 3700 Essential, however, is its microfoaming prowess. Not only is there no waiting time for the steam wand, but that steam wand also proved formidable in consistently creating beautiful microfoam, even with tricky milk alternatives. Honestly, I didn't have to work hard to get microfoam with oat milk; this legendary steam wand does most of it. Heck, it produced better microfoam than any of the models during testing, even the Breville Bambino above, allowing me to make amazing lattes. If you love crafting your coffee drinks, you really cannot go wrong with this one. Of course, I love its compact design and easy, intuitive controls as well, though do bear in mind that you'll still need to practice using a steam dial if you're better acquainted with the automatic steam button format. All these make the Casabrews 3700 Essential the best under-$150 espresso machine, whether you're on a tight budget or don't have space for anything bigger. It may not have the fancy frills of much pricier machines, but it's worth every single penny. Budget espresso machines generally have fewer features than midrange and high-end espresso machines, so testing them was straightforward. That said, I still tested each machine for a week, using it as my main espresso maker two to three times daily. Since these espresso machines also take up less space, I could test all nine machines at once and perform side-by-side taste tests on top of that. As with my best espresso machines guide, many of my test variables were kept the same: Canyon Coffee Sagebrush and Stumptown Coffee Roasters Hair Bender for my beans, and the Fellow Opus Conical Burr for my grinder. All the machines in the product pool came with a built-in steam wand or milk frother, so I didn't need to use a separate milk frother during testing. To whittle down the long list to the best budget espresso machines, I focused on the following criteria during product review and testing. Quality of coffee extraction: I judged every espresso machine's ability to consistently extract rich espresso with a balanced flavor profile and a lovely layer of crema. Because budget espresso machines can be less reliable when it comes to maintaining the same brewing temperature, I paid attention to that as well. Quality of milk froth: The addition of a steam wand or a milk frother is useful because, even with a cheap machine, it can be easy to make coffee drinks without investing in additional tools. That said, the ability of a budget machine's steam wand or milk frother isn't always guaranteed, especially when it comes to producing microfoam with milk alternatives. I made sure to test that, as well as record the amount of time the steam wand needed to warm up and the amount of time it required to make foam. Heat-up time: Some espresso machines take longer to start up and heat up than others. Now, I love the slow art of making coffee in the morning; that's like my meditation. However, we don't always have the luxury of time, especially in the mornings, so I noted how long it took for each machine to be ready to brew after turning it on. Build quality: Though not always, many budget espresso machines (and their included accessories) tend to be made of cheaper materials to keep the cost down to that sweet below-$350 spot. Still, I assessed each machine, its accessories and its controls to see if they're robust and durable enough to endure repeated use over the years. Water tank capacity: Due to their more compact nature, most budget espresso machines have a smaller water tank. Luckily, these machines do not tend to flush out during startup and shutdown, reducing their water consumption during use. Still, I noted the number of drinks I can make before the machine requires a refill. Ease of use: Some budget espresso machines are easier than others to use, so I jotted down any information of note during setup and testing. Ease of cleanup and maintenance: When speaking to Casey Wojtalewicz, co-owner of Canyon Coffee and a coffee connoisseur, for this guide, he insisted that you shouldn't 'sleep on cleaning,' so I made sure to check whether or not each machine is easy to clean by doing so according to the manufacturer's instructions. Price: One thing I learned from testing nine espresso machines under $350 is this: A budget espresso machine's price isn't indicative of its quality or ability to make good espresso. The under-$150 Casabrews 3700 Essential is just as impressive as the pricier Breville Bambino, even if it stands out for different things. I considered each machine's price tag and compared it to its design, performance and features to see if it's a quality purchase. Warranty: Unexpected issues can still arise with budget espresso machines, despite lacking many of the more advanced features like a build-in burr grinder. In other words, you'll still want to know the terms of the manufacturer's warranty, what your coverage is when such problems happen and if there's a customer service number that you can call to help you resolve them. There are several types of espresso machines. If you want more information on the different types of machines, my quick explainer in the best espresso machine guide is a great place to start. However, it's important to note that the budget espresso machines I tested here do not include manual levers (as those are in a separate guide), and you'll be hard-pressed to find a superautomatic espresso machine that's within an under-$350 price range. So, when it comes to budget espresso machines, you're likely getting a semiautomatic or automatic design, which makes your entry into the world of espresso machines an easy one. Still, you have to decide which machine is best for your caffeine consumption and needs, and a good place to start is your budget. Remember, you can get a good machine for $150 if you know where to look (try the top of this guide!); however, getting a $300 one may have its perks. My overall pick, the Breville Bambino, for example, heats up in the blink of an eye, which means it may be worth getting if you have a bigger budget. Also, think about what's important to you in terms of how you take your caffeine. If you prefer shots or an Americano, you likely won't need a machine with a stellar steam wand or milk frother. But if you like your lattes or cappuccinos, that feature — and whether it has a steam dial or an automatic steam button — should be a priority. Beyond that, sticking with the criteria I used for testing is the perfect starting point for choosing the best budget espresso machine for you. De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Espresso Machine With Manual Frother Fast and capable, the De'Longhi Dedica Maestro consistently extracts great-quality shots with thick crema and boasts nice little extras. However, there's a learning curve here, and the steam button is a little finicky. I had high hopes for the De'Longhi Dedica Maestro, given it's one of the more expensive machines in this guide. After all, the De'Longhi La Specialista Opera with Cold Brew currently tops our best espresso machines guide, and the Dedica Maestro is one of the better-known machines out there. That isn't to say, of course, that this isn't a capable machine. Its fast 16-second heat-up (14 seconds for the steam wand) is handy during the morning rush, while its accessories are robust and made of high-quality materials. When it comes to the quality of espresso shots, it's also very consistent, delivering hot, rich and well-balanced espresso with a beautiful thick crema. There's also a nice extra here: a small storage space to keep most (though, sadly, not all) of those accessories. However, I would have preferred for De'Longhi to scrimp on the accessories and skip the frill, and focus more on the machine itself. The learning curve is steep on the De'Longhi Dedica Maestro. Getting that beautiful microfoam, especially with milk alternatives, takes a lot of practice, and the steam button only gives you a few seconds to use the steam dial. If you don't, it reverts to hot water mode, so you can imagine how much milk I've wasted because the machine ended up pouring hot water into my cup instead. It's a great product if you have the patience as well as the experience, but since the Breville Bambino is a superior pick for less, it's still hard to justify getting the De'Longhi Dedica Maestro instead. Hamilton Beach Slide and Lock Espresso Machine I love that this espresso machine has a design that lets you simply slide in the portafilter and lock it in place with a lever, and its extractions are consistently hot with thick crema. The quality of its shots could be better, though. I like the idea of the Hamilton Beach Slide and Lock Espresso Machine, with emphasis on the slide and lock part. One of the most frustrating things about budget espresso machines is that you have to hold them down to secure the portafilter because they're simply not hefty enough and will move if you don't. Some of them try to stay still with the use of suction feet, but even those don't typically work. This Hamilton Beach machine takes a different approach with its slide and lock mechanism. Instead of twisting the portafilter into the group head, you slide it in, then use a lever on the side to lock it down, which eliminates that whole wrestling process you must go through with the others. It's fast too, taking only 12 seconds to heat up, 23 seconds to pull a double shot and less than a minute to froth. And it comes with a milk jug, a plus for those who prefer not to froth their own milk, as well as a big water tank. However, while the espresso shots it extracts are hot and come with unbelievably thick crema, they're nothing special and ever so slightly watered down. Meanwhile, its milk frother doesn't produce proper microfoam, which isn't a surprise. Considering this machine costs $240, I hesitate to recommend it — unless you really want most of that work done for you. Wirsh Home Barista Plus Espresso Machine This budget machine, a rival to the Casabrews 3700 Essential, comes with better-quality accessories and a quick heat-up. Ultimately, though, its good and consistent extractions were no match for that of the Casabrews. One of the cheapest contenders in this guide, the Wirsh Home Barista Plus proved a solid rival to the similarly-priced Casabrews 3700 Essential. It boasts a slightly faster heat-up and a steam wand that only takes a few seconds to be ready. Plus, its better-quality accessories would have made it worth the $20 more it has over the 3700 Essential. Sadly, it doesn't quite live up to its rival in delivery. I consistently extracted robust, piping-hot coffee, which is something, but the shots were always a little watered down, and the crema was just OK. What's more, getting microfoam from milk alternatives is an impossible feat, and the steam dial isn't the most user-friendly. I really wanted to like this machine, especially because, despite its compact frame, it seems sturdy, especially when securing the portafilter. But ultimately, the Casabrews 3700 Essential proved to be the better value choice. Gourmia All-in-One Espresso Maker Want a De'Longhi Rivelia or De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo but can't afford one? This machine from Gourmia might be a good budget alternative if you aren't too discerning about your coffee. You still have to grind your own beans, however. Another budget espresso machine to consider, this one from Gourmia can easily make your daily espresso shots or favorite classic coffee drinks like a latte or cappuccino. It's easy to set up and use, making it a good option for espresso novices. If your kitchen and breakfast nook spaces call for a system with a small footprint and you're a newbie in the world of espresso machines, then a budget all-in-one option may be the way to go. A 15-bar automatic espresso machine that's just a little over $100, the Gourmia All-in-One Espresso Maker looks great and takes up less space than most machines we tested. It also delivers decent brews to satisfy coffee drinkers who aren't quite so discerning. The espresso this machine delivers is good and strong, as long as you're using the ideal beans. But I found its automatic milk frother, which is designed to conveniently prepare both hot and cold milk froth, too generous when dispensing milk for a latte or a cappuccino, diluting the drink and practically masking the coffee's flavor. And as it doesn't offer any customizations, that flaw almost renders the other modes useless — unless, of course, you prefer a very milky drink. As with most budget espresso machines, the Gourmia is mostly made of plastic. It feels like durable plastic, to be fair, but it also means the machine is lightweight and doesn't have the heft to stay stable when twisting the portafilter into the brew head. The manual specifically instructs users to 'keep one hand atop the appliance to keep it steady' when doing so. I found that a little annoying. It's also worth pointing out that, when it's not on sale, the Gourmia All-in-One Espresso Maker costs about as much as the Casabrews 3700 Essentials, making it an even less compelling pick. Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine This beautiful Casabrews budget espresso machine looks like a small, maybe less fancy version of pricier Brevilles. It's beginner-friendly with its automatic steam wand button and bigger workspace. If only it were more consistent with its extractions ... The Casabrews Ultra's semi-pro aesthetic almost makes it look like it could hold its own against pricier machines like the De'Longhi La Specialista Opera with Cold Brew and the Breville Oracle Jet. If it weren't for the more-expensive Casabrews 5700 Pro's built-in grinder, you'd be hard-pressed to tell it apart from the Ultra. So, naturally, I also expected great things from it, and it almost delivered. This beautiful budget espresso machine has many of the makings of a great one. It has a decently fast heat-up, only taking about 17 seconds to extract a single shot, and was quicker in getting its steam wand ready for frothing than the 5700 Pro, which I tested for our best espresso machines guide. And while the Ultra's microfoam performance is not as great, it still managed to make some decent milk-alternative froth for my morning lattes. Sadly, the machine seemed to have some trouble producing consistent results with its espresso shots. They were decently rich and balanced, yes; however, their temperatures varied from hot enough to almost lukewarm. To be fair, I may have had a faulty unit, but its quality isn't that great to begin with, so you'd probably want to skip it anyway. It's too bad because I've been loving what Casabrews has been doing so far. Casabrews 5418 Espresso Machine An ever so slightly higher-end version of the 3700 Essential, the pressure-gauge-flaunting Casabrews 5418 is a good choice if you're a novice looking to expand your espresso-making skills. Why did Casabrews make two budget espresso machines that are so closely priced? Well, while the Casabrews 3700 Essential is made for beginners, the Casabrews 5418 is geared toward more discerning espresso lovers who want a little more control over their shots, with its built-in pressure gauge providing valuable feedback on the quality of every extraction. For the less trained users, this is also a quality choice, with its relatively quick heat-up time and easy, intuitive controls. However, there's a bit of a learning curve here. Its steam wand, for some odd reason, takes some practice to get good results, even though it looks a lot like the one on the 3700 Essential. And since its hot, rich extractions are similar to those of the 3700 Essential — well balanced with a lovely thick layer of crema — most people would want to stick to the slightly cheaper model, especially if the pressure gauge isn't something they'll find particularly useful. De'Longhi Linea Classic Espresso Machine With a pressure gauge and a larger water tank, the De'Longhi Linea Classic also makes espresso making easy for beginner users. I just wish the quality of its extractions were a little better. For a hot minute, I truly thought the De'Longhi Linea Classic was going to be among the top contenders. After all, for an under-$250 budget espresso machine, it looks great, comes with a pressure gauge and manages to stay compact while flaunting a larger water tank. But then you take a closer look and it doesn't seem like De'Longhi has thought it through. The similarly priced Casabrews Ultra is superior in design and build, even though both machines' accessory sets are nothing to write home about. That wouldn't have mattered, however, if the Linea Classic delivered in performance. Unfortunately, it's also slower to heat up and extract than other machines in our testing, and while its shots are piping hot and topped with thick crema, they tasted a little weak. What's more, that steam wand isn't the best at creating microfoam. If you ask me, I'd shell out a little more for the Breville Bambino instead. Can you make good espresso with a cheap machine? Can you make good espresso with a cheap machine? Yes, you absolutely can. It depends on the machine, of course, but you're not automatically guaranteed great espresso by paying more for your machine, as there are many factors to pulling espresso shots. For this article, we consulted the following expert to gain his professional insights. Casey Wojtalewicz, coffee aficionado and co-owner of Canyon Coffee CNN Underscored thoroughly tests the products in our testing guides and provides full transparency about how we test them. We have a skilled team of writers and editors who have many years of testing experience and ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. Testing writer Michelle Rae Uy has extensively tested and reviewed kitchen appliances for years, covering home and kitchen products for a variety of publications before joining CNN Underscored. She wrote many of our top-performing appliance guides, such as the best portable heaters, best space heaters and the best humidifiers.
