The 11 Best Espresso Machine Under $300 [Detailed Buying Guide]
When it comes to making a great cup of coffee, there are many things to consider. First of all, you want to ensure that your machine is powerful enough to produce the best results. Next, you want to find a machine that produces a consistent result and doesn’t require constant maintenance.
And, with the growing popularity of coffee houses, espresso machines are becoming more popular than ever before. However, finding the best espresso machine under 300 dollars can be a bit tricky. That’s why we’ve come up with this detailed buying guide, so you can easily get the best one for your needs.
Our guide will help you make the right choice, based on how you plan to use your machine. We’ll give you the pros and cons of each model and what makes them different, so you can confidently buy the best espresso machine for you.
Editor’s Top Picks Compared
The 11 Best Espresso Machines Under 300 [Picked by Baristas]
We have scoured the market to find the best espresso machines under 300. Don’t let the price tag fool you – these machines deliver exceptional quality and taste without breaking the bank. Say goodbye to long lines at your local coffee shop and hello to barista-quality brews right in the comfort of your own home.
Get ready to indulge in café-worthy creations without emptying your wallet with our top picks for the best home espresso machine under 300 dollars.
1. Breville Vertuo BNV250BLK
Brand | Breville |
Item Weight | 9.8 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 11.91 x 11.93 x 8.32 inches |
Capacity | 5 Cups |
Color | Black |
Special Feature | Electric Stovetop Compatible |
We’ve tried out many different coffee makers over the years, but the Breville Vertuo BNV250BLK is easily our favorite.
It’s a simple, straightforward machine that lets you make coffee and espresso the way you like it. It features a stainless steel construction and an easy-to-use interface. The machine also features a 24-ounce water reservoir, which is large enough for most drinks.
You get all the features you need to brew great-tasting coffee or espresso, and it’s super easy to use.
It automatically adjusts to the ideal water temperature in just 25 seconds, and it uses a patented extraction system that gives you a consistent shot every time. There’s also a range of programmable options for the milk and espresso, and you can adjust the size of the coffee or espresso cup.
The machine has a 24-ounce tank, which should last you quite a while. It’s programmable, so you can set it to run for different amounts of time depending on your needs. You can also make up to 6 cups of coffee or espresso at once.
You also get a folding drip tray that can accommodate larger single-serve cup sizes. The machine has a few programmable options, and the buttons are very intuitive.
There’s a Smart Energy Saving Mode that automatically switches off after 9 minutes, so you won’t have to worry about running out of battery. The Aeroccino 3 milk frother is included and is designed to give you the best results.
Overall, we really like the Breville Vertuo BNV250BLK because it’s an excellent choice for anyone who wants to make great-tasting coffee and espresso in a streamlined, affordable package.
Pros
- The machine has an automatic shut-off system, which is great if you forget to turn it off.
- The cup warmer is a nice feature that keeps your coffee warm.
- The machine is easy to use and clean.
Cons
- It has some bad reports on durability.
2. Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse
Brand | Mr. Coffee |
Item Weight | 13.72 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 13 x 10.6 x 14.3 inches |
Material | Plastic |
Color | Silver |
Special Feature | Programmable |
This is an incredible espresso machine that’s a lot of fun to use. It delivers a delicious, consistent shot every time.
While it’s not the cheapest espresso machine we reviewed, the Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse is a great option for those who want to enjoy the same great taste as a classic espresso machine.
It comes with all the standard features you’d expect from a modern espresso machine, including a removable milk container, a stainless steel drip tray, a thermocouple heating system, a removable water tank, and a removable filter basket.
It’s also very easy to use thanks to the 1-button interface that makes it simple to select single or double shots of espresso and the built-in milk frother that will make you forget about the hassle of making your own frothy milk.
You can adjust the size of the milk froth by adjusting the settings on the machine, and the cup tray can be adjusted to fit tall or short mugs.
Mr. Coffee is a well-known brand that’s known for its quality and reliability, so you can rest assured that this is a reliable, high-quality product.
If you’re looking for a reliable espresso machine that delivers delicious, consistent espresso shots, the Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse is an excellent choice.
Pros
- It is very easy to use, thanks to its one-touch control panel.
- This machine comes with an automatic milk frother, which makes it quick and easy to make cappuccinos and lattes.
- You can easily program with the two settings apiece for espresso, lattes, & cappuccinos.
Cons
- This machine is not as durable as some of the other espresso makers on the market.
3. Calphalon Temp iQ BVCLECMP1
Brand | Calphalon |
Item Weight | 15.53 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 13.9 x 11.6 x 15.3 inches |
Capacity | 4.4 Pounds |
Color | Stainless |
Special Feature | Manual |
It’s a well-known fact that there’s no better way to start your day than with a cup of coffee. If you want to make the best coffee possible, you’ll need to invest in a good machine. Thankfully, Calphalon makes some of the best machines on the market, and their Temp iQ BVCLECMP1 Espresso Machine is one of them.
We really liked this espresso machine because it’s affordable, has a good warranty, and does a pretty good job making espresso.
We were impressed by how easy it was to fill, and how it works just fine when you use ground coffee. The espresso-making time was pretty fast, and it produced a decent amount of pressure.
We were also impressed by the quality of the portafilter. The espresso was smooth and flavorful, and it gave us the right amount of crema. The design of the portafilter is also nice.
You can also program this machine to have the desired shot ready at a certain time so that you can brew up your coffee without wasting any time.
The 58mm portafilter has a large capacity for holding more ground, and it can be easily removed for cleaning. It also has a removable 4.4 pound water reservoir, which makes it easy to fill.
The machine also has a PID temperature control, which allows you to set the desired temperature for your coffee. This helps to deliver a consistently great-tasting espresso.
It also has a good warranty. The warranty covers parts and labor for the first year, and then it extends to 3 years. You can buy a separate warranty for the power cord too.
Pros
- The machine is very easy to use. The controls are straightforward, and the espresso comes out consistently good.
- The steam wand is a great feature. It’s easy to use and makes it possible to create perfect espressos at home.
- The price is very reasonable for an espresso machine of this quality.
Cons
- The water reservoir could be larger. It’s not a huge problem, but it means you’ll need to refill the water more often than with some other machines.
4. Nespresso Citiz
Brand | Nestle Nespresso |
Item Weight | 7.5 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 15.91 x 7.44 x 12.99 inches |
Capacity | 2.1 Pounds |
Color | Black |
Special Feature | Removable Tank, Programmable |
If you want to make your own coffee at home but don’t want to spend a fortune on a professional coffee machine, you should check out the Nespresso Citiz Coffee and Espresso machine.
It is a very simple machine that takes just a few minutes to use. The machine is fast to heat up, reaching the ideal temperature in 25 seconds. It uses 19 bar of pressure, which is the industry standard, and it’s adjustable too.
You start by filling the water tank, which can hold about 2.2 pounds of water. Then you put the coffee capsules in the machine and press the button. The machine is programmed to make espresso or cappuccino, but you can switch the settings manually to make whatever type of coffee you prefer.
The machine is easy to clean, so it’s not a big deal to do it yourself. You just have to put the drip tray back in and it’s ready to use again. You can also use it with the Aeroccino 3 milk frother to make milkshakes and cappuccinos, but you’ll have to buy the Aeroccino separately.
This machine makes great coffee. It produces an excellent shot of espresso, and the cappuccino is really smooth.
It is also easy to maintain. The water tank is made of stainless steel, so it doesn’t rust and it’s dishwasher safe. The coffee capsules can be easily removed and washed in the sink.
If you like the idea of a single-serve espresso machine but want to make it more of a family affair, then the Nespresso Citiz Coffee and Espresso Machine by DeLonghi is a great choice.
It’s fast to heat up, and it’s made with high-quality components, so you can enjoy it for many years to come. It’s not the most expensive coffee machine around, but it’s definitely one of the best.
Pros
- It boosts the classy and high-end premium look of any kitchen.
- You can easily clean the machine without any fuss.
- It has a number of nifty features, including a milk frother and a cup warmer.
- This machine is also very easy to use and can be operated with just one button.
Cons
- The milk frother attachment may not work as well as some other brands.
5. De’Longhi Dedica Deluxe EC685M
Brand | De’Longhi |
Item Weight | 8.8 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 13 x 5.9 x 12 inches |
Capacity | 2.2 Pounds |
Color | Metallic |
Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
One of our top picks for the best home espresso machine under 300 comes from De’Longhi, a reputable manufacturer that has been making appliances for over 100 years.
If you want an espresso machine that is easy to use, quick to set up, and great for families, then this is a great option. It’s one of the top-selling models on Amazon right now, and we’re excited to see how it stacks up against other popular machines on the market.
This machine boasts 15 bars of pressure and it is ideal for making latte art. It’s also great for making cappuccinos and other espresso-based drinks.
It has customizable controls that allow you to adjust the strength, strength, grind size, and steaming level, and it’s also got a built-in frother that allows you to create custom foam and steam levels.
The adjustable frother allows you to adjust the amount of foam and steam, which is perfect for creating a wide variety of drinks. The double drip tray is easy to adjust, and it has a built-in filter that keeps the coffee clean.
De’Longhi has a solid reputation for building reliable and durable products, and this model is no different. It’s easy to use and comes with a year warranty.
Pros
- Extremely easy to use compared to other models in this roundup.
- Makes delicious espresso drinks in minutes.
- It features a sleek design.
- Complements any kitchen décor.
Cons
- The water tank is not as durable as compared to other models in this price range.
- Sometimes the machine may fail to produce the optimal pressure needed for brewing espresso.
6. De’Longhi COM532M
Brand | De’Longhi |
Material | Glass |
Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
Capacity | 10 Cups |
Wattage | 1500 Watts |
Item Weight | 13.67 pounds |
The De’Longhi COM532M is a great machine for the money. It is a very well-designed machine that combines a lot of features.
You can brew coffee and espresso at the same time, and you can customize the settings to your liking.
The digital touchscreen is easy to use, and it’s nice to wake up to a fresh cup of coffee in the morning. You can also set it to automatically turn off after a certain period of time, so you don’t have to worry about leaving it on for too long.
The steam wand is designed to be ergonomic, so you can easily control the strength of the espresso shot, and it’s made of stainless steel.
The 24-hour programmable timer is nice to have, and you can set it for when you wake up in the morning.
You can also choose between various different coffee and espresso flavors, and there are two pre-set modes. The carafe is spill-proof, and it has an integrated lid that seals tight to keep the coffee fresh for longer.
De’Longhi claims that this model is built to last for 10 years. It’s got a sleek, modern design, and the warranty is one of the best available.
So if you’re looking for a coffee maker that will perform well, and last for many years, then the De’Longhi COM532M is definitely worth a look.
Pros
- Suitable for larger families.
- The advanced adjustable milk frother is a great feature for making coffee, espresso, cappuccino, and latte.
- The glass coffee pot has a capacity of ten cups, so it is great for large groups.
- The machine is easy to use and clean.
Cons
- The machine takes up a lot of counter space.
7. Nespresso Vertuo Next BNV550MTB
Brand | Breville |
Item Weight | 8.8 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 14.72 x 5.51 x 12.45 inches |
Capacity | 2.42 Pounds |
Color | Matte Black |
Special Feature | Programmable |
We love the Vertuo line of machines because they’re incredibly easy to use and clean, and they make the best espresso we’ve ever tasted. The best part is that you can easily switch between different types of beans.
You get a variety of different coffee blends, including both single-origin and blended coffees. All of them come from small and family-owned farms and are grown sustainably.
They’re the first of their kind to use a patented capsule design that makes it easier to get the right amount of coffee grounds into the machine and extract the perfect espresso. It also works with any bean, so you can switch between different types of coffee blends at any time.
Vertuos are super easy to clean. There’s no mess to clean up, and they’re dishwasher-safe. After each use, you simply pop out the capsule and rinse it under the faucet. That’s it! If you need to clean the inside of the machine, you can use the provided brush and sprayer to get rid of any stray grounds.
There are two main settings, one for regular coffee and another for decaf. We were pleasantly surprised by how good our first cup of coffee was.
The Nespresso Vertuo Next BNV550MTB is the seventh best espresso machine under 300 on the market for making great espresso. It’s easy to use, fun to drink, and most importantly, it’s a great way to help support small and family-owned coffee farmers around the world.
Pros
- The machine is very easy to use. You just insert a Vertuo coffee pod into the top, select your desired cup size, and press the start button. The machine does the rest.
- It makes excellent espresso. The coffee comes out hot and with good crema.
- It has a built-in milk frother, so you can make lattes and cappuccinos with ease.
- The Vertuo Next is smaller than previous models, so it takes up less counter space.
Cons
- You can only use Vertuo coffee pods with this machine, so you’ll have to buy those separately.
8. De’Longhi EC680M
Brand | De’Longhi |
Item Weight | 9.3 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 12.99 x 5.9 x 12.99 inches |
Capacity | 2.2 Pounds |
Color | Metallic |
Special Feature | Milk FrotherDrip Tray |
If you’re looking for a reliable, well-made espresso machine, De’Longhi is a good option. The EC680M is their most popular model and it’s a great choice for most people.
The 15-bar professional pressure is designed to make sure that you get the quality coffee you deserve, and it gives you control over the strength of the espresso.
The adjustable controls allow you to modify the settings to suit your personal preferences. This allows you to adjust the pressure to get the perfect level of coffee for you, and also the temperature and strength of the espresso.
The removable water tank and drip tray make for easy cleaning and the parts are dishwasher safe, so the machine is easy to clean.
It also comes with a removable milk frother, so you can easily switch between espresso and cappuccino. This lets you enjoy the best of both worlds, and the machine is ready to go whenever you are.
The EC680M also has the Advanced Cappuccino System, which allows for the perfect temperature and consistency of the foam.
The machine also has a Manual Milk Frothing feature, which is perfect for making latte macchiatos and other specialty drinks.
Furthermore, it’s tall enough to accommodate taller mugs, which makes it ideal for those who prefer to drink their coffee in that way. There’s a manual adjustment to the bottom tray to help you get the perfect height, and it’s easy to adjust or remove for easy cleaning.
Pros
- The machine has a stainless steel casing, which gives it a high-quality look and feel.
- The machine also has an automatic shut-off feature, which is great for safety.
- The De’Longhi EC680M espresso machine is compact and easy to use.
Cons
- The water tank of this machine is on the small side, so you may need to refill it frequently.
- The machine does not have a built-in grinder, so you will need to purchase one separately.
9. Francis Francis X7.1 iperEspresso Machine
Brand | Illy |
Item Weight | 11 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 11.4 x 10.2 x 12.6 inches |
Material | Polycarbonate |
Color | Black |
Special Feature | Programmable |
With this illy espresso machine, you can brew your espresso using the espresso capsule. And when you want to switch to milk, you can use the Pannarello steam wand to froth up a latte.
You’re also able to choose how strong your espresso should be and set the time and amount of coffee grounds.
The auto-stop feature automatically shuts off the machine after you’re done, and you can program the machine to turn itself off after a certain time. It’s really convenient, especially if you’re not at home.
There are three different modes to select: the power save mode, the programmable mode, and the manual mode. The power-saving mode saves electricity by reducing the pump pressure, and it’s really easy to activate.
The programmable mode lets you set the time and amount of coffee grounds, and it’s also really easy to use. There are five levels of coffee grounds to choose from, so you can select the amount that you want.
The manual mode is really simple. It lets you choose how strong your espresso should be, and the amount of coffee grounds. It is an ideal espresso machine for beginners.
So if you’re looking for an espresso machine that’s easy to use and makes great coffee, then get the Francis Francis X7.1 iperEspresso Machine.1, It’ll make you feel like a real barista.
Pros
- It is easy to use and has many features that make it user-friendly.
- The machine comes with a one-year warranty.
- It heats up very quickly, usually in under two minutes.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the machine breaks down easily.
10. Gaggia Carezza De LUXE
Brand | Gaggia |
Item Weight | 13.2 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 11 x 8.3 x 11.8 inches |
Capacity | 2.9 Pounds |
Color | Silver |
Special Feature | Water Filter |
We are really impressed with this machine. It’s pretty much perfect for us – we love the look and it does exactly what it’s supposed to do.
It’s very intuitive and makes perfect espresso every time. For someone who’s never used an espresso machine before, this is a great place to start. It’s also super easy to clean – all you need is warm water and a sponge.
It comes with a lot of features like a pre-infusion function, a water level indicator, and a 2.9-pound capacity reservoir. It also has a pressurized portafilter and a 1-year warranty. All of these features add up to a very high quality, highly rated machine at a very affordable price.
We like how it makes it easy to adjust the strength of the froth, and also gives you a nice dose of caffeine. It’s also easy to clean and maintain. We’ve had it for about a year now, and it still works as well as when we first bought it. We’ve had no problems with it at all, and we haven’t had to replace anything.
This best semi automatic espresso machine under 300 is designed for the busy person and delivers what you need. It has everything you need to make a fantastic espresso. We can’t recommend this machine enough.
Pros
- The machine has a sleek, modern design that will look great in any kitchen.
- It is very easy to use, even for those who are new to espresso machines.
- The machine comes with a one-year warranty.
Cons
- The milk frother can be noisy and messy.
- The warranty does not cover damages caused by user error.
11. Espressione EM-1040
Brand | Espressione |
Filters | 2 |
LED Lamps | 2 |
Capacity | 10 Cups |
Color | Stainless Steel |
Special Feature | Two cup sizes preset with automatic shut-off |
If you want to enjoy a real espresso shot, Espressione’s EM-1040 Espresso machine is the way to go.
This Espressione stainless steel machine offers great versatility. It comes with a stainless steel boiler and a powerful 19-bar pump, which ensures that you can make your own espresso shots, cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, and more.
There are two separate buttons for espresso and for steam, which makes it easier for you to choose between these two different drinks. There are also four buttons that control the power, water, and steam settings. The machine also has a temperature controller that lets you set the desired temperature.
You can use either ground coffee or espresso pods to make your drinks. If you want the best results from this espresso machine, make sure to use fresh ground coffee beans. These will give your espresso a richer flavor, while stale grounds will ruin your espresso.
The machine features a 3.3-pound transparent water tank, which lets you easily see when you need to change the water. There are two blue LED lamps, which show you how much water is left in the water tank.
The Espressione stainless steel machine is also equipped with a thermoblock heater, which ensures that the water stays at the right temperature for brewing.
Pros
- It has a sleek and modern design that will look great on your countertop.
- It comes with a frothing attachment so you can make lattes and cappuccinos as well as espresso.
- The price is very reasonable, especially considering all of the features that this machine offers.
Cons
- The machine is not very durable and has been known to break down after just a few months of use.
- It can be difficult to clean, and the parts are not dishwasher-safe.
- The coffee that it produces is not always as hot as you would like it to be.
Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Espresso Machine Under 300 Dollars
If you’re looking for a new espresso machine, there are hundreds of different options to choose from, but it’s important to look at a few different features and make sure you’re getting the most out of your money.
Here are some key things to consider when choosing the best espresso machine under 300:
Brand
It’s important to know what brand you’re purchasing, as not all brands are created equal.
For example, an expensive model from a well-known brand may have more features than a similar model from a lesser-known company.
However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s worth the extra price. So it’s good to have an idea of what your budget is before you start shopping, to make sure you don’t end up spending too much.
Brand isn’t always a clear indicator of quality, however, so it’s important to keep an open mind and do your research.
Machine Size
The size of your espresso machine is also important to think about.
If you’re looking for a model that’s smaller, it’s important to keep in mind that smaller machines tend to heat up and cool down faster than larger ones, so you’ll need to monitor how quickly they heat up and cool down.
They also use less power, so if you’re looking for a compact model, it’s best to choose one with the smallest footprint.
Power
Power is also an important factor to consider, as it’s the driving force behind how fast a machine heats up and cools down.
Some of the most powerful machines heat up and cool down extremely quickly, so if you’re looking for a quick brew, you may want to think twice before choosing one of these.
Ease of Use
When selecting a new espresso machine, you may want to consider features that make it easier to use, such as programmable buttons and touchpads.
If you’re someone who likes to play around with the controls of a machine, you may find that a programmable model is better suited to your needs.
If you’re looking for a model that’s easy to use, however, you may want to opt for a simpler model.
Temperature Control
Many espresso machines are equipped with thermostatic controls, which allow you to set the ideal temperature for the machine.
This is especially helpful if you’re looking for a fast brew, as you can adjust the temperature to match the best brewing conditions for your beans.
Features That Excite You
The best espresso machines have many features, including built-in grinders, steaming baskets, and even warming plates.
You may also find that a model comes with a grinder attachment, which allows you to make your own beans.
If you’re looking for a machine that includes these features, make sure to check out the specifications before buying.
Design
The design of your machine may also be a factor when you’re looking to purchase a new one.
For example, a glass pot tends to be more expensive than one that’s made of stainless steel or plastic, so you’ll want to be sure that the glass pot is worth the cost.
The same goes for the internal parts of your machine, so it’s important to make sure that everything is durable and reliable before making a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions | Best Espresso Machine Under 300 Dollars
Who Makes The Best Espresso Machine Under 300$?
That depends on your preferences and personal preferences. However, espresso machines from Nespresso and Krups are the best options for making your own coffee, since they offer the fastest brewing time, the most control, and the best quality. They can be used to make cappuccinos, lattes, and other beverages as well.
Does It Make A Difference If I Buy A Cheaper Espresso Machine Or A Better One?
It does make a difference, but not always. When you’re buying an espresso machine, you should focus on what you need, not on how much you can afford. For instance, if you want a quick start and are willing to spend less money, you can always buy a cheap machine that works fine. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something that offers a better performance, you should go for a high-end machine that will make a delicious coffee.
Does An Espresso Machine Need To Be Plugged In?
An espresso machine requires a constant flow of electricity to function, but you don’t necessarily need to plug it in. You can instead run the machine on a portable battery charger, like a car battery. It will also help if you have a constant, stable power source nearby, like a wall outlet.
Our Final Thoughts
After countless hours of research and testing, we’ve finally found the best espresso machine under 300 dollars. The Mr. Coffee One-Touch is the best option for anyone looking for a reliable, easy-to-use, and cost-effective machine that will save you lots of money over time.
It’s easy to use, simple to clean, and will deliver a delicious espresso every time. And if you’re not sure which model to buy, the Mr. Coffee One-Touch is our top pick. It comes with a year warranty and is made from quality materials.
But if you’re looking for something more powerful, or you want to save more money, the Nespresso Citiz Plus is our next-best pick. It offers the same functionality and simplicity as the Mr. Coffee One-Touch, but it’s a little more powerful and offers a longer warranty.
Want more top-rated espresso machine buying guides, check out our top pick for best espresso machine reviews, or check out our full list of recipe guides.