I've used dozens of espresso machines and this one from Casabrews is the best you can get for under $150

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

While grabbing a seat at your favorite local coffee shop offers an experience, making espresso drinks at home saves money. A home espresso machine can help achieve that, but pricier options may not be in the budget. The Casabrews Espresso Machine is the ideal solution.

After using my experience as a former coffee shop manager to test the best budget coffee makers and the best budget espresso machines, this sleek, user-friendly espresso machine earned the top spot, not only for its $140 price tag but also for its performance. I've kept this espresso machine on my kitchen counter for several months since testing, and I still use it every day — here's why.

Design and getting started

The Casabrews Espresso Machine delivers exactly what I want in a budget option when it comes to set-up: ease. As soon as I opened the box, all I had to do was place the machine on the countertop, plug it in, and fill the water reservoir at the back. While it does have a smaller-than-desired opening at the top, the removable reservoir holds 34 ounces, which is enough to pull about 17 double shots before it needs to be refilled.

The machine's size — just under six inches wide — allows it to fit pretty much anywhere. It's sleek and compact, with a stainless steel exterior. That material provides durability, but it also shows smudges and splashes easily. Luckily, it's easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth.

On the front of the machine, there are four functional buttons, and each lights up blue to indicate when the machine is powered on and ready to use a specific setting. A two-in-one plastic dosage scoop and tamper is included with the machine, along with a sturdy stainless steel portafilter and two filter baskets to use whether you prefer to pull a single or double shot of espresso.

Performance: Making espresso

While crafting espresso may seem intimidating for novices, this machine makes it super simple. After pressing the power button, the machine heats up in less than one minute. The lights around all of the buttons flash, and once the machine is properly heated, they remain on. I found that waiting for the machine to heat up was the perfect amount of time to prep the portafilter and basket with ground espresso. You can choose to make a single or double shot, swapping out for the appropriate basket as needed. The double shot basket holds about 18 grams of ground espresso.

Securing the portafilter in place with a twist-and-lock motion is simple and requires only one hand. Once you're ready to brew, you push the button for either a single or double shot, which takes 25 to 30 seconds to pull.

The gauge on the front indicates pressure as shots are pouring. This is a 20-bar espresso machine offering a range of power for different preferences. Most people will find that they get the ideal shot at about nine bars. I was able to reliably pull shots at this pressure, but if you find that the gauge is pointing higher or lower than desired, you can adjust your grind size or tamping pressure to get to your ideal cup.

I've been using this machine for several months, and the consistency of the quality and timing of shots has remained the same. Shots have a nice full body and beautiful crema, with a rich, robust flavor. I haven't had any issues with shots being too watery or bitter.

Cleaning the portafilter is simple: I just knock out the used grounds into the trash and rinse both the portafilter and basket. The dosage scoop and tamper can also be quickly rinsed after each use or hand-washed to remove any stuck-on residue.

Performance: Steaming milk

The steam function is controlled by a separate button and knob on the side of the machine. To use it, you push the steam button on the front of the machine and wait for it to preheat. The light flashes on the button until the preheating process is complete. The manual steam wand allows for control while steaming milk, with good power. You can adjust the knob to deliver the amount of power you want — from smooth steamed milk to fully aerated thick foam. I've found it simple to use, trying it with a range of half and half, whole milk, and fat-free milk for a variety of textures.

The steam wand is easy to keep clean. After steaming, I hold a towel at the end of the wand and carefully open the knob to release the residue. I also wipe the wand down after each use. However, the steam nozzle can be unscrewed and soaked in hot water for a more thorough clean.

Cons to consider

If you're looking for a more advanced machine, with the option to adjust a lot of settings, this isn't it. Instead, you may want to look at one of the more advanced machines in our guide to the best espresso makers — just keep in mind that those models typically start at $500, which is $350 more than the Casabrews.

Instead, this machine is a great option for someone new to home espresso preparation who simply wants an approachable machine. My few quibbles are that the water tank can be a bit awkward to fill with a larger faucet head, given its small opening. The included plastic two-in-one tamper and scoop also feels quite cheap. However, you could easily invest in your own tamper if desired.

What are your alternatives?

While testing the best budget espresso machines, the Frigidaire Espresso Machine also impressed me. It's very similar in size and appearance to the Casabrews machine, with touchscreen buttons in the front and a manual steam wand. At just about the same price as the Casabrews, it's another excellent, beginner-friendly option. However, it does not have a built-in pressure gauge on the front.

For those looking for an espresso machine that requires a bit less work, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ is another great value alternative. The compact machine allows you to brew five sizes, including a single shot of espresso or a 12-ounce cup of coffee. It does all the work for you with prepackaged pods, so you don't have to worry about pressure, tamping, or grind size.

The bottom line

I've used this espresso machine every day for five months now and have enjoyed consistently great espresso throughout that time. For someone looking for a budget- and user-friendly espresso machine, the Casabrews is a top choice. It offers the option for everyone, from simple coffee drinkers to espresso aficionados, to pull shots, steam milk to the ideal consistency, and put together excellent espresso drinks at home.