Coffee lovers everywhere agree that Italian espressos are the gold standard. The days of needing a huge wallet to have one of these in your kitchen are long gone. The best espresso machines are now available for less than $300. What you just read is correct.
Once you have your own espresso machine, coffee will cost you next to nothing. Having this option also means you can drink coffee whenever you choose without having to leave the house. And to help you make your next buy, we have compiled this complete review of the best choices currently on the market.
Now, to the individual reviews…
The Best Espresso Machines Under $300 Reviews
1. Delonghi America Pump Espresso Machine
If you're looking for a high-quality machine to make single or double espresso, cappuccino, lattes, or double shots, go no further than DeLonghi. With so many uses, it's perfect for those who want to keep things interesting without sacrificing any of the quality seen at regular cafes.
It has an automatic flow-stop feature that distributes the proper quantity of espresso. Even better, if you want a larger beverage, you can adjust the double drip tray easily to meet your needs.
What’s the pressure like?
This masterpiece provides 15 bars of professional pressure with fully customizable settings for optimal results every time.
The best Thermoblock heating technology is included as well, so your drinks will be at the ideal temperature in less than 40 seconds. The 35-ounce removable water tank allows you to brew an extremely large number of cups of your favorite beverage without worrying about running out of water.
Froth away…
You also get a high-quality adjustable frother that allows you to adjust the foam and steam levels. With this, you can add a variety of designs to your espresso, whether you want it simple or in a latte.
The DeLonghi weighs about 9 lbs. and has a 6-inch matte-red solid design. It will fit right in with the rest of your kitchen design.
Pressure: 15 bars
Capacity: 1.1 Liters
Coffee: ground, ESE pods
Frother: yes
Dimensions: 5.87 x 12.99 x 11.93 inches
Warranty: 1-year limited
Pros
Cons
2. Capresso 118.05 EC PRO Espresso And Cappuccino Machine
Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or just want to make espresso like you'd get at a café, this Capresso commercial machine is an excellent option.
Here’s why…
Capresso's advanced broilers can contain 42 ounces of water and dispense it with a powerful frother. There are two easy-to-use filters included for added control and convenience. With the filter sleeves, you can quickly and effortlessly make the best brew.
Regarding the design...
A lightweight experience is provided by the product's low weight of 6 pounds, and the superior all-around stainless steel construction is not to be forgotten. The bottomless portafilter is a unique feature that not only enables you to see how even your espresso is but also makes it simple for you to adjust it to the ideal level.
Pressure: 15 bars
Water Tank Capacity: 42-oz
Coffee: ground
Frother: yes
Dimensions: 11.5 x 12 x 8 inches
Warranty: 1-year limited
Pros
Cons
3. Breville-Nespresso Espresso Maker
Need your espresso served in record time? Because of its short preheating time of 30 seconds or less, the Breville-Nespresso is a top contender among the best espresso makers under $300.
The stylish, elegant look is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. It has an Aeroccino3 built in for the best hot or cold milk froth and a folding metal drip tray. The water tank can hold up to 33.8 ounces of liquid.
In terms of performance…
This provides a maximum pressure of 19 bars, which is more than adequate for most uses. Also, those with a love for retro-modern design and single-serve espresso would appreciate this machine.
Pressure: 19 bars
Water Tank Capacity: 33.8 oz
Coffee: Nespresso capsules
Frother: yes
Dimensions: 5.1 x 14.6 x 10.9 in
Warranty: 1-year limited
Pros
Cons
4. Breville Vertuo Coffee And Espresso Machine
The next item on our list is one of the Breville espresso coffee makers, which are renowned for the exceptional design of their machines. In a single touch of a button, the Breville Vertuo produces coffee or espresso that rivals that made by professional baristas.
When you push the button, you can select from five different single-cup coffee sizes: Espresso (1.35 oz.), Double Espresso (2.7 oz.), Gran Lungo (5 oz.), Coffee (7.7 oz.), and Alto (14 oz.). It also includes a 40-ounce detachable water tank that can be refilled without any fuss.
Quick as a flash...
A lightning-fast 15 seconds is all it takes for the preheat process, which is significantly less than the average wait time for similar appliances. As an added safety measure, the machine will power off after nine minutes of inactivity.
The uniqueness is heightened by the blend recognition that happens automatically. Using barcodes, the Nespresso CentrifusionTM technology ensures that even the largest coffee sizes have the ideal crema.
If you want your coffee piping hot, it's best to preheat your mug by filling it with hot water from the tap and waiting two to three minutes before pouring it out.
And finally...
The Nespresso Club app also provides excellent after-sale support via the mobile app.
Pressure: not specified
Water Tank Capacity: 40 oz
Coffee: Nespresso capsules
Frother: yes
Dimensions: 8.32 x 11.93 x 11.91 inches
Warranty: 1-year limited
Pros
Cons
5. Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse Espresso Maker - Best Espresso Machine with an Automatic Frother
With the push of a single button, you can choose between a single or double shot of espresso from this high-powered automatic coffee maker's 19-bar Italian pump.
An automatic milk frother in the form of a classic spigot is included for turning any kind of milk into velvety foam. To keep any remaining milk in the refrigerator, just remove the 650-ml milk reservoir by snapping it off the device. The unit's adjustable cup tray supports a wide variety of cup heights, from short mugs to taller thermos-style coffee holders.
This machine includes an automatic timer, making it ideal for those who appreciate waking up to the smell of freshly brewed espresso made in a barista-like style.
Some Mr. Coffee purchasers have mentioned that they have had success making cappuccinos and lattes using coconut milk and other nut milks with their new machine. It was praised for its fast heating time and remarkable simplicity of cleanup.
The machine was also simple to assemble, although some buyers were disappointed to find that the instructions were not very clear and that the milk and water reservoirs lacked measurement lines to help estimate liquid capacity.
A customer complained that the machine is quite noisy and that it performs better with wide-mouthed cups than narrow-mouthed ones.
Pressure: 19 bars
Water Tank Capacity: 40 ounces
Coffee: coffee ground
Frother: yes
Dimensions: 13.7 x 10.9 x 15.5 inches
Warranty: 1-year limited
Pros
Cons
6. Illy 206591 X7.1 Iperespresso Espresso Machine
Weighing in at just 11 pounds, this sleek masterpiece has an eye-catching appearance and makes delicious, strong espresso with no effort.
The secret?
The secret to IperEspresso lies in the company's patented brewing technology, which ensures that the coffee never touches the machine itself. One capsule contains about 7 grams of perfectly roasted Illy coffee. This is a drawback because it can only be used with the capsules provided, but the resulting espresso and coffee are consistently high quality.
What makes Illy the best option?
For nearly eight decades, Illy has been perfecting the art of coffee brewing via the development of groundbreaking technology that produce the best tasting results.
Pressure: 15 bars
Water Tank Capacity: 40 ounces
Coffee: coffee groud, iperEspresso capsules
Frother: yes
Dimensions: 11.4 x 10.2 x 12.6 inches
Warranty: 1-year limited
Pros
Cons
7. Mr. Coffee Espresso And Cappuccino Maker – Best 3-In-1 Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
These days, this is one of the best semi-automatic espresso machines you can buy for its three useful features. Mr. Coffee makes the usual espresso drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. And anytime you feel like it, the 15-bar pressure pump will supply you with all the pressure you need to brew a delicious shot of espresso.
What more?
You can choose between single and double shots with the touch of a button. The knob can also be used to automatically froth milk. The milk reservoir is detachable, allowing you to store milk and then use the machine to froth it automatically for your latte or cappuccino.
Excellent for sipping on that freshly brewed espresso.
Pressure: 15 bars
Water Tank Capacity: not specified
Coffee: ground coffee
Frother: yes
Dimensions: 11.4 x 10.2 x 12.6 inches
Warranty: 1-year limited
Pros
Cons
8. Cuisinart EM-200 - Budget Pick
Whether you like ground coffee or pre-packaged pods, this espresso machine is up to the task. It operates at a professional-grade 15 bars of pressure.
Since most espresso machines can be programmed to begin brewing at a certain time, you can use it as an aromatic alarm clock to wake you up in the morning with the smell of brewing coffee. You have the option of pre-programming the cup size to be either 1.5 or 3 ounces.
The integrated steam nozzle, made of stainless steel, can be cleaned with a quick purge of steam, and the portafilter, which locks into place, can be removed with a simple turn to the left, allowing you to toss away used espresso grounds with ease.
The detachable reservoir on this 69-ounce machine is dishwasher safe, and it also contains a tamping tool and a stainless steel frothing cup.
The company claims that the unit's aluminum inner boiler is not ideal for individuals who want to limit their exposure to the metal for health or memory problems. Note that this machine works best with a medium or coarse coffee grind, since finer grinds will result in less liquid being extracted from the coffee.
The steamer adds to the already excessive volume of this espresso machine's high-pitched wheezing. Multiple users have mentioned that the plastic steam wand connector has fallen off or come loose.
Many users, however, have noted that the performance of this espresso machine under $300 is on par with that of professional ones costing $400 or more.
Pressure: 15 bars
Water Tank Capacity: not specified
Coffee: ground, pods
Frother: yes
Dimensions: 10.6 x 9.2 x 12.8 inches
Warranty: 3-year limited
Pros
Cons
9. Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine - Best Automatic Espresso Machine under $300
With the press of a button, this modern espresso machine can brew a single shot or double shot of espresso in a variety of handy single-serve cup sizes. Espresso holds 1.35 ounces, but an Alto can hold up to 14 ounces. The only restriction on this best home espresso machine under $300 is that it can only utilize Nespresso capsules.
Included in the package are twelve Nespresso Vertuo capsules, each with its own unique, sensational aroma and flavor.
The Nespresso VertuoPlus has the added benefit of being a "smart Nespresso machine," meaning that it employs patented centrifusion technology that uses bar codes to brew the ideal crema for cups of different sizes. To help you make the best cappuccino or latte, as well as iced coffee with cold foam, this model has its own Aeroccino 3 milk frother.
Users of this automatic espresso machine have praised its large 60-ounce tank, although some have noted that it can leak if the tank is even slightly misaligned with its connectors to the base. Some buyers found that it was too pricey to make a cup of coffee using a pod, which costs $1.00 on average.
Pressure: not specified
Coffee: Nespresso capsules
Frother: yes
Dimensions: 13.2 x 9.1 x 12.8 inches
Warranty: 1-year limited
Pros
Cons
10. Espressoworks All-In-One Espresso Machine & Cappuccino Maker
Espressoworks' model is next on our list of the Best Espresso Machines under $300 since it comes with everything you need to brew a delicious cup of coffee. Among these are a frothing cup, a measuring spoon, a tamper, and a set of stainless steel portafilters. Can you ask for anything else?
Got it all…
The Mr. Coffee 15-bar Thermoblock coffee machine heats up quickly and is ready to use in just 45–50 seconds after being turned on. Using the 120-volt electric grinders, you can choose to grind any coffee beans you choose, and the process couldn't be easier. You can make as much coffee as you like thanks to the large 1.25-liter water tank.
You won't have any trouble using it, and you won't have any trouble maintaining it either.
Pressure: 15 bars
Coffee: ground (grinder included)
Frother: yes
Dimensions: 11.5 x 9 x 9.75 inches
Warranty: 1-year limited
Pros
Cons
11. Flair Signature Espresso Maker
If you're searching for a portable coffee maker and like a more classic approach, the flair signature espresso machine is a great option. It comes with a specially designed carrying bag for safe transportation.
It has a pressure gauge and a stainless steel tamper so you can keep track on and control the pressure. However, there is a cost to going the manual route, as you will be limited to a range of 6–10 bars rather than the norm of 15 bars used by others.
On the bright side…
The burr grinder facilitates the use of freshly roasted beans of your choosing. However, there is no built-in heating system, so be prepared to use boiling water. If you have a true passion for espresso and the energy to press the lever with gusto, you should be fine.
Pressure: 6–10 bars
Water Reservoir: 60 ml
Coffee: ground
Frother: no
Dimensions: 11.5 x 9 x 9.75 inches
Warranty: 3-year limited
Pros
Cons
Things to Consider
Purchasing an espresso machine has several benefits beyond the obvious pleasure of having espresso whenever and wherever you want. Your espresso machine could more than pay for itself in a matter of weeks if you consider the average price of a cup of espresso outdoors ($3.00–$8.00), which does not include taxes or a tip for the barista. If you're still looking for the perfect unit, the guide below might help.
Best Espresso Machine Under $300 Buying Guide
On a cold morning, there is nothing better than holding a perfectly brewed espresso that you personally prepared in your hands. And a high-quality espresso maker is the first step in this process. So, let's have a look at what you should think about before making your purchase...
Espresso Machine Type
Although everyone can make espresso, there are subtle differences in the preparation methods. So, let's explore the many espresso machine types available:
Manual espresso Machines
These are not very effective since they do not maintain a steady pressure over time. Adding water by hand is the only way to utilize it, although it won't produce consistent results. In comparison to their more complex rivals, manual espresso machines are more reasonably priced.
Super-Automatic Espresso Machine
These are the next level up, with all the bells and whistles you'd expect. The water flow can be controlled by a timer, and the whole process can be automated so that the user can sit back and enjoy the show.
You can make great espresso in just a few seconds by filling the tank with water and adding fresh coffee beans.
Using one of them is meant to be as easy as sliding a hot knife into butter. Even if you can find these buttery machines for under $300, they are more expensive than manual espresso makers.
Semi-automatic Espresso machine
These fall in between manual and super-automatic. Also, they lack an inbuilt timer and an automatic coffee bean processor. Therefore, a separate coffee grinder is recommended.
Nevertheless, in the long term, they are worth it because the majority of coffee houses are reliant on them for their day-to-day operations.
Pressure
The more pressure bars an espresso machine has, the closer the finished product will taste to one prepared by a barista in a traditional Italian coffee shop, or so the theory goes. Our third-place Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse Espresso Maker has a pressure bar rating of 19 bars, when most espresso machines under $300 have a rating of 15 bars.
Commercial coffee houses use rotary coffee presses, not vibratory ones, but the greater the pressure, the closer your espresso will get to replicating the flavor of a cup from a real coffee house.
To prepare a perfect cup of espresso, no more than 15 bars of pressure are required when using a commercial rotary press, which is what is often seen in coffee houses.
Water reservoir capacity
If you plan on making several espresso-based drinks at once, or if you just don't want to fill a smaller reservoir every day, the size of the water reservoir in your espresso maker is important. The Cuisinart EM-200 has a 64-ounce water tank that can be removed, making it the only espresso machine on this list that can go seven days without needing to be refilled.
A great cup of espresso should always be made with fresh filtered water every day, but true coffee connoisseurs will tell you that the reservoir size is irrelevant unless you are having a party and serving several people.
K-Cup pods vs. Nespresso capsules vs. ground coffee
A coffee machine that is considered "old school" is more likely to have variable stainless steel slots that allow you to brew either a single or double shot of espresso.
The EspressoWorks All-In-One Espresso Machine & Cappuccino Maker, for instance, is limited to making espresso using grounds. The Delonghi America Pump Espresso Machine, for example, can switch between using ground coffee and pods, whereas the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine can only use pods made by its own brand.
Which beverages it can make?
The EspressoWorks All-In-One Espresso Machine & Cappuccino Maker is a good example of a machine that can make both espresso and cappuccino, which is an important consideration when looking for an espresso machine.
It is not necessary to purchase an espresso machine with a built-in or separate milk frother if you want your espresso black. To make other espresso-based beverages like cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites, four of our top five choices come with an attached milk frother. The Aerocinno Milk Frother, which comes packaged with the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine, is designed like a cup and costs around $100 on its own. It can be used to create cold and hot froth for your coffee beverages.
Dimensions
Smaller espresso machines, like the Delonghi America Pump Espresso Machine or the Cuisinart EM-200, can be a good choice if you're short on counter space but still want to enjoy the convenience of freshly brewed coffee.
The Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine, for example, has a cup-shaped milk frother and a tall tubular glass water reservoir on the side, yet it still fits easily in most kitchens because it is smaller than the professional ones seen in cafes, which often cost over $300.
Warranty
A one-year limited warranty is standard for espresso machines priced under $300; however, some come with a two-year warranty. The three-year limited warranty offered by Cuisinart for the EM-200 is a nice touch. The nozzles and plastic pieces of a steamer are the most prone to breaking, so check the warranty to be sure you're covered if anything happens to them.
Other features
You should also look for an adjustable cup tray that allows you to fit taller cups and small coffee thermoses beneath the coffee and frother spout, as well as a push-button control panel for easy use and a timer for scheduling your morning brew.
A coffee grinder, measuring spoons, frothing cups, and espresso cups are all included in the box with the EspressoWorks All-In-One Espresso Machine & Cappuccino Maker. In addition to being one of our top picks, the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine also includes a 12-capsule sampler of Nespresso coffee.
Some safety tips
Some important espresso machine safety considerations are listed below.
Be careful not to burn yourself by touching any metal parts of the espresso machine, as they can reach risky temperatures in as little as 45 seconds.
Never put your hands or face in the path of the milk steamer.
Daily cleaning or purging of steam wands is recommended to prevent the growth of milk-borne bacteria.
Regularly emptying the drip tray will keep coffee or water from getting on the electrical cord.
FAQs
What Are Espressos?
To put it simply, it's an Italian coffee preparation technique. Under pressure (expressed), a little amount of nearly boiling water is pressed through finely ground coffee beans to produce coffee.
Do You Need Espresso Machines?
The answer is "no" if you don't consume coffee very often; but, because you are here reading this, you clearly don't fit that description. However, they are necessary if you are a passionate coffee drinker who enjoys a hot mug of espresso first thing in the morning.
What’s the difference between 15- and 19-bar machines?
Typically, home espresso machines provide a pressure range of 15–19 bars, with the standard pressure for espresso being 9 bars; anything less would result in a lack of taste concentration.
These higher pressures are achieved by the use of a vibratory pump. Despite using pre-ground beans or stale coffee, the crema can be produced by the machine thanks to the pump mechanisms.
In any given circumstance, the higher the bar number is, the higher the amount of crema that the pump will produce.
Can espresso machines also make lattes and cappuccinos?
Buying an espresso machine that also has a milk steamer attached allows you to quickly and simply make lattes and cappuccinos. Stainless steel milk steamer cups and even a fully automated frother are included with certain espresso machines.
How noisy are such appliances?
Espresso makers designed for the home are often quieter than their professional counterparts. The grinding of fresh coffee beans is the noisiest part of making espresso, and a grinder is not often included with the machine.
Nozzles that steam milk to make foam for cappuccinos and lattes can be rather loud as they create these foamy drinks. When the liquid is automatically pressed through the coffee grounds, some machines produce a quiet gurgling sound, while others make a louder hissing or clicking noise.
So, What’s The Best Espresso Machines Under $300?
With this information at your disposal, picking the best espresso machines under $300 shouldn't be a problem. If you're still having trouble deciding, though, we recommend checking out the...
EspressoWorks All-In-One Espresso Machine & Cappuccino Maker
It offers a long-lasting user experience and is equipped with everything you could possibly need. However, its primary selling point is that it makes a perfect espresso cup whenever you want one.
