Not so many things can make your day go well, like grabbing and gulping down a cup of espresso before hurrying off to work. If queueing at a coffee shop is not what you like, then you need an espresso machine. An espresso machine works by forcing hot water on finely-ground coffee beans at high pressure. The result is a syrup-like liquid stronger than the normal coffee and has a brown foamy ‘crema’ on top.
Your heart, liver and brain have a lot to benefit if you take your daily espresso intake seriously. Luckily you can get some of the best espresso machines for less than $300. You just have to choose if you want a manual one, a semi-automatic one, or a super-automatic one.
Expresso can be used as a base for other drinks like Caffé Americano, Caffé Latte, Red-eye, and Cappuccino. The French, Spanish, and Italians love their espresso shots; we know you love it too. We also love to help you reduce the hassle of finding the best espresso machines for your daily use. Below are our 5 best espresso machines under $300 reviews.
Table of Contents
Best Espresso Machines Under $300
| Image | Best Espresso Machines Under $300 | Rating |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Machine | 99% |
 | 2. De'Longhi EC702 Pump Espresso Machine | 96% |
 | 3. Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine by Breville | 92% |
 | 4. Nespresso Vertuo Espresso Machine | 89% |
 | 5. De'Longhi ECP3120 Espresso Machine | 85% |
Want to learn more?
Here are our Best Espresso Machines under $300 reviews.
1. Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Machine
You can get your milk perfectly textured for that great cup of cappuccino with the Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Machine. It has a dual-action dial that switches between extracting espresso and texturing milk. This quality espresso machine gives your espresso an excellent crema due to its in-built dual-wall filter system. It comes on the heavy side weighing about thirteen (13) pounds.
The Breville Espresso Machine measures 9-inches x 9-inches x 12-inches and is made of stainless steel, making it easy to clean. Do not underestimate the 40.60z (1.2L) water tank that accompanies this machine. It has an adjustable steam wand that has a finger loop for full control.
Whenever you are in the mood for an espresso shot, this reliable, professional-grade espresso machine is all you need. It pumps 15 bars of pressure while extracting espresso with a rich-tasting crema. You will always get your espresso at the right temperature due to its specialized thermo-block heating system. Its brushed stainless steel finish will certainly look great on your countertop.
Why do we like it?
- It has a warming tray for heating espresso cups
- Accessories include a frothing pitcher, a cleaning tool, and a measuring spoon.
- It is very durable
2. De’Longhi EC702 Pump Espresso Machine
There are many ways you might prefer your cup of coffee. Be it single espresso, double espresso, latte, or cappuccino; we recommend that you brew it with the De’Longhi EC702 Espresso Machine. Preparing espresso is easy and convenient when this machine’s easy serving espresso (E.S.E) filter is used with pods or one measure of ground coffee beans. You can also make the perfect caffé latte or cappuccino with its simple usage frothier.
The large 44-oz (1.3 liters) water tank saves you the stress of frequent refilling. Luckily, the water tank is removable and has a water level indicator. We recommend that you do not allow the water in the water tank to freeze so as not to damage the machine. The De’Longhi Espresso Machine allows you to make coffeehouse quality espresso without stepping a foot out of the door to visit a public coffee stand. The controls on this machine are adjustable to suit your preference.
The De’Longhi Espresso Machine spots two separate thermostats, allowing steam pressure and water to be separately controlled. If your budget is less than $300, this is the best espresso machine for you.
Why do we like it?
- The drip tray and other parts are dishwasher safe
- It has an on and off switch
- Offers 15 bars of pressure for extracting quality espresso
3. Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine by Breville
The world we live in is fast-paced. We understand that most times, you would be in haste. The Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine heats the water to reach the ideal temperature for serving in just 25 seconds. It takes one touch to achieve this. If you want barista-style espresso, we recommend this great espresso machine for you. It is one of the best espresso machines for under $300.
The Nespresso Espresso Machine weighs a miserly 5.1 lbs and has a curvy and stylish design with well-rounded edges. It spots a 19 bar high-pressure pump that extracts the flavor and aroma you long for. Don’t worry if you forget to switch it off before leaving your home. The energy-saving feature of the Nespresso Espresso Machine automatically switches it off after an inactivity period of 9 minutes.
It is worth adding that this quality espresso machine has a water tank of 0.6 liters (20.29oz). It also features a long 40-inches cable length in case your socket is far off. Additionally, It offers two (2) programmable cup sizes (Espresso and Lungo). This espresso machine has small parts that may constitute a choking hazard for little children.
Why do we like it?
- Comes with an instruction booklet, drip grid, and drip base
- Very portable
- Easy to use
4. Nespresso Vertuo Espresso Machine
You can get the ultimate brewing experience with the Nespresso Vertuo Espresso Machine. Save space on your countertop with this compact 5.5-inches wide espresso machine with a water tank capacity of 37-oz. Not just space, you can save energy with this innovative machine that enables you to make a tasty cup of espresso with just one touch of a button. Interestingly, the capsule ejects and stores automatically after brewing.
We understand that you love the taste of cappuccino with frothed milk. The Nespresso Vertuo Espresso Machine offers you a quality milk frother accessory called the Aeroccino. Amazingly, this excellent espresso machine froths your milk without making any noise. In 20 seconds or less, you’ll have milk-froth for your espresso-based drink.
This quality espresso machine is made from 54% recycled plastic material. It gives you that great feeling of saving the environment while having your barista-style cup of espresso. This is one of the best espresso machines under $300.
Why do we like it?
- Includes a complimentary welcome set of 12 capsules
- Has a beautiful design
- Has Bluetooth connectivity
5. De’Longhi ECP3120 Espresso Machine
No one likes to wait between cups of tasty espresso. The De’Longhi ECP3120 Espresso Machine maintains optimal temperature allowing you to brew cup after cup of espresso without pausing. You won’t have to guess how much water is left in the water tank; you can easily see through it. The water tank is removable, so is the drip tray. Interestingly, you can fit taller cups on this espresso machine. All you have to do is adjust or totally remove the bottom tray.
The De’Longhi Espresso Machine with Advanced Cappuccino System offers a 15 bars pump pressure and a 3 in 1 filter holder to give you that nice taste you long for. We highly recommend this espresso machine if you want to continuously make coffeehouse quality espresso with a machine under $300.
Why do we like it?
- Mixes and steams milk perfectly to create a creamy froth.
- It has a space-saving design
- It has dishwasher safe parts
Espresso Machines Under $300 Buyer’s Guide
The caffeine in coffee beans keeps the world running. Espresso machines have become very popular. With several espresso machines on the market, you can find yourself not knowing which one to buy. To eliminate the fear of buying a substandard quality espresso machine, we have put together important things to consider when buying a new one or replacing an old one.
Types
There are a variety of espresso machines out there. They include the Reservoir Espresso Machines, the Plumbed-in Espresso Machines, the Pump Driven Espresso Machines, the Single Boiler Espresso Machines, the Semi, Super and Ultra Automatic Espresso Machines, the Pod Espresso Machines, and the Stove-Top Espresso Machines. Decide on the type that suits your lifestyle before purchasing one.
Frothing capability
Drinks like cappuccino, macchiato, and caffé latte are made by adding steamed or frothed milk to espresso. If you love to make a nice cup of cappuccino now and then, then strive to purchase an espresso machine with outstanding frothing capabilities. Many cheaper espresso machines do not usually come with a frothier. If you would like to make espresso-based drinks, ensure that you go for a machine with a frothier.
Durability
Quality products last much longer than inferior ones. Depending on how often you use your espresso machine, it will do you good to buy the best espresso machines under $300 made with quality materials that will serve you for years.
Easy cleaning
Regular cleaning and maintenance of your espresso machine is highly recommended. Parts like the drip tray, water tank, and frothing equipment need to be thoroughly cleaned. We encourage you to buy machines with easily detachable dishwasher safe parts. Also, beware of the kind of soap you will be using to clean your espresso machine. Some soaps may interfere with the taste and aroma of the espresso you make.
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