Last Updated on October 13, 2023 by Timothy Byron Smith
Managing daily life in 2023 is very challenging. The stress of being an adult and working 9 to 5 is very demanding. All these activities require energy, and what better way to refuel yourself than a caffeinated shot of espresso?
The idea of rushing to your neighborhood coffee shop daily is likely a thing of the past. When time and necessity require, a reliable and affordable home espresso machine is the quickest way to brew a fresh cup of coffee.
We have hand-picked the ten best espresso machines under $300 for you to choose from along with a comprehensive buyer’s guide with all the necessary information.
Our Top 10 Picks
| Picture | Product | Pressure | Key Feature | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | De'Longhi EC702 Espresso Machine | 15 bars | Larger tank of 44 oz. | Check Price |
  | Nespresso Pixie Espresso Machine by De'Longhi | 19 bars | Lightweight but sturdy Aluminum built | Check Price |
  | Mr. Coffee 15-Bars Espresso & Cappuccino Maker | 15 bars | Automatic milk frother | Check Price |
  | Breville Nespresso Vertuo Espresso Maker | N/A | Single touch coffee brewing mechanism | Check Price |
  | Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Espresso Maker | N/A | Built-in milk frother | Check Price |
  | De'Longhi EC680M Espresso Machine | 15 bars | Compact design and easy to maintain | Check Price |
  | Keurig K-Cup Espresso Maker | N/A | Larger water reservoir capacity | Check Price |
  | Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker | 15 bars | Premium stainless steel built | Check Price |
  | De'Longhi All-in-One Combination Espresso Machine | 15 bars | Brew espresso and drip coffee simultaneously | Check Price |
  | Mr. Coffee 19-Bars Espresso and Cappuccino Machine | 19 bars | Pre-programmed settings for lattes and cappuccino | Check Price |
Read More: How to Use An Espresso Machine (Step By Step)
Best Espresso Machines Under $300| In-Depth Reviews
As a home barista, you would want an espresso machine with the best features. A machine that will address your need and can easily pull a decent espresso shot each time.
Here, we’ve reviewed each appliance’s pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
1. De’Longhi EC702 15 bar Pump Espresso Maker
This beautiful appliance deserves to have a separate space in the kitchen. In complement to how it looks, it has beautiful stainless steel built that enhances durability.
It is the best choice for people who want to experience the art of coffee making as baristas do in coffee shops. The De’Longhi EC702 espresso machine is semi-automatic which means that you have to grind, temp, and prepare the portafilter before brewing.
Espresso should be extracted at a temperature of between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit. For a delicious extraction, the De’Longhi EC702 automatically reaches and maintains the ideal temperature.
This machine does have a larger portafilter than other competing espresso machines under $300. During the extraction process, the flavor is further enhanced by the greater size. While extracting two shots in one go, the coffee shop-type double sprout portafilter helps a lot.
The device is simple to use and clean. Additionally, it features a safety feature that turns itself off automatically after a period is not in use, which further conserves energy.
Pros:
Beautiful and elegant looking design
Large water tank with 44 oz capacity
Easy to use milk frother included
Cons:
No build-in coffee grinder
De’Longhi EC702
2. Nespresso Pixie Espresso Machine by De’Longhi
The Delonghi Nespresso line of espresso machines, which is included on our list of the top espresso makers under $300, is nothing short of wonderful.
The Delonghi Nespresso line of espresso machines, which is included on our list of the top espresso makers under $300, is nothing short of wonderful. Any conventional espresso machine that you know about cannot compare to the usability aspect of a Nespresso. Neither grinding the coffee nor setting up the filters is necessary with these lovely coffee makers.
However, using only Nespresso-branded coffee pods will give you the ideal results. The machine dynamically adapts the pressure and temperature for brewing the best espresso shot due to the barcode system that specifies ideal settings for every Nespresso pod.
This Nespresso Pixie Espresso Machine is easy to clean and maintain having quick removable parts. Having a compact design this takes very little space on the kitchen counter and is lightweight to move from one place to another.
Pros:
Compact and lightweight frame
Uses a pump pressure of 19 Bars
Sturdy Aluminum built that weight just 6.97 lbs
Cons:
Water tank is small
Nespresso Pixie
3. Mr. Coffee 15-Bars Espresso & Cappuccino Maker
This semi-automatic machine makes brewed espresso, cappuccino, and latte. For the perfect espresso, this machine is packed with a 15-bar pressure pump, giving an enhanced taste. On the other hand, the automatic milk frother makes an authentic cappuccino.
For easy use, the machine is equipped with a one-touch control panel to select the drink of your preference. It is also equipped with a removable water tank and a self-cleaning option that will help you maintain your machine for years to come.
Pros:
Easy to use control panel
Automatic milk frother
Has a 15 bar pressure pump for quality espresso
Cons:
Uses more energy
Mr. Coffee Espresso Maker
4. Breville Nespresso Vertuo Espresso Maker
Created with a single-touch brewing system, this automatic espresso machine will be a perfect addition to your kitchen counter. The Breville Nespresso conveniently adjusts to different capsule sizes and intelligently extracts coffee according to each blend. Once used, the machine automatically ejects the used capsule
The top-loading Breville espresso machine provides authentic espresso with crema. The machine comes with a detachable water tank and caters to five different cup sizes: 14 oz, 8 oz, 5 oz, 2.7 oz, and 1.35 oz. This simple yet elegantly designed machine also heats water in a matter of seconds, saving you time.
Pros:
Comes with 30 coffee capsules
Caters to 5 different cup sizes
Single touch coffee brewing mechanism
Cons:
Can’t make adjustments to temperature or pressure for an improved flavor
Breville Nespresso Vertuo
5. Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Espresso Maker
This fancy-looking espresso machine offers 4 different brew styles; namely, iced, rich, classic, and specialty brew. The special brew creates lattes, macchiatos and cappuccinos. Not just that, but it caters to 6 different cup sizes ranging from single to extra large traveling mugs. The appliance also has an easy-to-use control panel.
If you have family or friends who have different coffee preferences, then this machine is a perfect choice. Moreover, if you want to experiment with a variety of coffee roasts and blends, then this is the machine for you. It doesn’t use pods and allows ground coffee, saving all that plastic waste as well.
Pros:
comes in 4 brew style
Uses ground coffee
Easy to clean
Automatic shut off saves energy
Built-in milk frother
Cons:
Doesn’t include a grinder
Ninja Espresso Maker
6. De’Longhi EC680M Espresso Machine
If you are a coffee enthusiast and want to drink espresso like an Italian Pro, you would probably know that the key to a good cup of coffee is the right kind of pressure. For this reason, we have picked the automatic De’Longhi espresso machine that ranges up to 15 bars of professional pressure. It will allow you to make adjustments to your espresso according to your liking.
Its narrow design will allow you to place it even on a compact kitchen countertop. When it comes to cleaning, you don’t need to break a sweat! The easily detachable parts, such as the drip tray and water tank are dishwasher safe.
Pros:
Compact design
Offers 15 bar professional pressure for authentic espresso
Comes with 3 in 1 filter
Easy to maintain
Manual milk frother
Cons:
Noisy
De’Longhi Espresso Machine
7. Keurig K-Cup Espresso Maker
The Keurig Espresso maker is all about making your life easy. Specifically designed for the use of K-cup pods, the Keurig can make any kind of caffeinated beverage. It saves you time as it has a smart start option, allowing the coffee maker to heat and brew in one go.
The water tank can also hold up to 6 cups of water, so you don’t have to waste your time refilling it after a few pulled shots. The machine also saves energy with its auto-off feature. It also comes with a milk frother and a large water tank with up to a capacity of 6 cups.
Pros:
Large water reservoir capacity
Easy to use panel
Offers 4 different brew sizes
Smart start and auto-off
Cons:
Uses only coffee k-cup
Keurig K-Cup Espresso Maker
8. Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker
An Australian coffee maker company Breville has revolutionized the domestic espresso machine world with its amazing products. Breville creates products with innovative and clever features that are reasonably priced compared to their Italian rivals.
This BREVILLE ESP8XL espresso machine is quite simple. Yet packed with all the tasks that a semi-automatic maker can do. To frothy milk top of the cappuccino, use a steam wand.
To frothy milk top of lattes, use a steam wand. Although this model is underrated it does have some amazing qualities like the durable stainless steel frame, easy-to-remove drip tray, and 1-year warranty.
Having a pretty good satisfactory trend hundreds of positive reviews online. Most of these are quite favorable and make getting the BREVILLE ESP8XL espresso machine a wise investment.
Pros:
A 40.6 oz large water tank
Premium stainless steel built
Does not take that much space
Cons:
Portafilter included feel cheap
Breville ESP8XL
9. De’Longhi All-in-One Combination Espresso Machine
A multifunctional coffee maker with a lot of features is available for a reasonable price. The De’Longhi All-in-One Espresso Machine & Cappuccino Maker includes a steam wand, portafilter, removable drip tray, and an intuitive interface to control all the crucial features. The device uses a 15-bar pump pressure to produce the ideal crema for your espresso shot every time.
The washer heats up within only 45 seconds thanks to its sophisticated Thermoblock warming mechanism. This technology makes sure that the temperature during brewing is maintained evenly.
It has a built-in steam wand that uses advanced streaming technology that produces authentic cappuccinos and lattes. This device can be used to brew espresso or to make drip coffee simultaneously.
Pros:
Uses a intuitive digital touch screen
Water tank has a larger capacity of 47 oz
The espresso machine looks modern and premium
Cons:
No build-in grinder
De’Longhi All-in-One
10. Mr. Coffee 19-Bars Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
For the first-time barista who wants an easy and simple performance from an espresso machine without a significant investment, this Mr. Coffee 19-Bars Espresso maker is an excellent beginner set.
The overall build of the machine is plastic and stainless steel which seems quite durable. However, it looks quite ordinary, which causes it to rank lower on our list. Especially given the over $200 price, we expect to have a device that looks a bit premium.
Beforehand what you can expect from this machine in terms of features is quite amazing, This All-In-One espresso machine uses a 15-bar pressure pump for a quality brewing experience.
Its 45-second heat-up makes it best for a quick and easy morning coffee brew. Having two single and double portafilter baskets, and a built-in milk frother makes this machine a valid option for people who like milk-based espresso drinks.
Pros:
Build-in frother with pre-programmed settings for lattes and cappuccino
Uses 19-Bar Italian Pressure Pump
Available in silver, white and gray colors
Cons:
The built of the machine does not look premium
Mr. Coffee 19-Bars Espresso Maker
Buying Guide for Espresso Machine Under $300
Before you decide on buying a home espresso machine, you should be aware of the features you should keep a lookout for. Instead of investing money in a random espresso maker, you should make an informed decision by prioritizing your preferences.
We have gathered a few features that you should consider before buying an espresso maker.
1. Longer Lifespan
If you are investing in an espresso machine, you would want it to have the maximum life span. Usually, espresso machines work best between 5 to 15 years. It doesn’t only depend on how frequently you clean and maintains your machine, but also on the type of espresso machine you buy.
Fully automatic espresso machines are known to have the longest shelf life. On the other hand, the drip filter coffee machine has the least lifespan: up to 6 years!
2. Easy Maintenance
If you buy a machine that is complicated to clean or wash, you are eventually going to find its maintenance a hassle. Regular and timely maintenance of an espresso machine is imperative for it to function for years to come.
You should be in search of a machine that has easily removable and washable parts, allowing you to clean the appliance whenever you want.
3. Display Options
A user-friendly control panel can make your life simple. You wouldn’t enjoy fancy display options if it makes no sense how to use them. Simple buttons or dial knobs that can allow you to select the right coffee blend and set the perfect temperature.
4. Machine Size & Weight
If you are searching for an espresso machine exclusively to be used at home, you would want a design that is compact and light-weighted. This way you can easily adjust it on your kitchen countertop even if you have a small kitchen.
5. Water Reservoir Capacity
The primary reason for investing in an espresso machine is to save time. You wouldn’t want to occupy yourself by constantly refilling the water tank. Make sure the water reservoir capacity of your appliance can hold at least 4 cups.
6. Affordability
All in all, what matters the most is the affordability of your desired espresso maker. Since there are different models and different features of an espresso machine, you will find ranging prices. But of course, you would also need the best deal in your budget.
You might want to save up and invest wisely since an expensive machine would also mean a longer shelf-life.
Types of Espresso Machines
There is a wide range of espresso machines that cater to specific settings. Some people would want their coffee instantly at the push of a button and then some would want to experiment. In either case, there are espresso machines available according to your preference.
Super-automatic Vs Semi-automatic Vs Manual
A super-automatic machine relieves you of most of the work. By supplying the coffee and water and with a push of a button, you can get instant coffee. The machine will automatically set the temperature and pressure according to the blend. This saves you time but also limits you from customizing your beverage.
A semi-automatic machine allows you to make temperature and pressure adjustments with the help of the control panel. You will also need to decide when to start and stop pulling the shot. This gives you the freedom to alter your beverages and also saves time.
Now if you are a coffee enthusiast, you would want to prepare your espresso from the word go. The manual espresso machine has no electrical parts and is completely dependent on the user’s skills. This can be time-consuming but the results can be extraordinary.
Heat Exchange Boiler Vs Dual Boiler
The heat exchange boiler is half-filled with water to form steam. The heat exchange tube, in the tank, is instantly heated which creates steam from the water for milk-based drinks. The temperature of a steam boiler reaches to 255-265 Fahrenheit approximately.
On the other hand, a dual boiler forms steam at a high temperature while the espresso is brewed simultaneously at a lower temperature. The dual boiler mechanism comes with a PID that can allow the user to make adjustments to the temperature depending on the kind of beverage being prepared.
Capsule Espresso Vs Espresso Pod Machine
With automatic espresso machines, you have the option of a capsule or a pod. A pod is like a tea bag, only that it contains coffee. They are packed in single doses and are easier to store. On the other hand, capsules come in various sizes. They have coffee concealed in a vacuum seal and aluminum or plastic containers.
The pods can work with any machine using a filter. Whereas a capsule machine is specifically designed for its use where it breaks the seal and brews the coffee.
Best Espresso Machine Under $300: Expert Tips!
If you’re going to buy an espresso machine under $300, you might want to make an investment in an espresso grinder and tamper. If you want quality coffee, you would want to grind your own coffee. A steel tamper is effective in pressing down the ground coffee on the filter.
Don’t forget to thoroughly read the user manual. You can pick up plenty of tips for proper appliance maintenance
Since you will have to frequently clean your machine, remember to go for a coffee maker that has easily removable parts.
If you have limited kitchen space, you should look for a sleek and compact designed machine that includes all your favorite features.
FAQs
Conclusion
If you’re looking forward to spending more time with your family and friends, that too with a good cup of coffee, then the best espresso machines under $300 can help.
We have elaborated on all the relevant features and thrown in some useful tips when it comes to buying the most advanced and affordable espresso maker.
Before making a choice for yourself, it is advisable you read complete product reviews and understand your preferred needs. This way you can enjoy authentic crema-topped espresso without wasting any time on returns or refunds.