Finding a good espresso maker for your needs can be difficult, especially if you’re on a budget. If you’ve got less than $300 to spend, you’ll have a lot of competition to wade through.

But you don’t have to trouble yourself with extensive research, because we’ve done it for you. And we’ve found the best espresso machines $300 budget can buy.

They’re based on our own experiences, dozens of online reviews, and conversations with baristas and coffee lovers. Let’s dive right in!

[su_note note_color=”#fcf7e6″]When you buy a product via the links on IlCappuccinoExpress.com, I may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.[/su_note]

[su_box title=”At A Glance: TOP PICKS FOR THE BEST ESPRESSO MACHINE UNDER 300″ box_color=”#FF7777″ title_color=”#fcf5f6″ radius=”2″]

• BEST OVERALL: De’Longhi Dedica 15-bar Pump Espresso Machine
• BEST ENTRY LEVEL: Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine
• BEST SINGLE SERVE: Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee & Espresso Machine
• BEST AUTOMATIC: Mr Coffee One Touch Espresso Maker and Cappuccino Machine
• BEST BUDGET PICK: EspressoWorks 7 Pc All-In-One Espresso Machine & Cappuccino Maker
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Best Rated Espresso Machines Under $300

De’Longhi Dedica 15-Bar Pump Espresso Machine – Best Overall

De’Longhi Dedica Espresso Machine is sleek and well-made, and it’s a good option for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money on an espresso maker. This coffee maker comes from a reputable brand, and we love the fact that it’s also suitable for beginners (descaling it is also quite easy).

The machine heats up quickly and makes hot coffee with a nice crema on top every time. It’s compatible with ESE pods and ground coffee, giving you more options when it comes to choosing your favorite coffee beans.

The machine also comes with an attached frother that lets you make your favorite espresso-based drinks at home, as well as experiment with latte art. This machine is compact enough to fit in a dorm, an office, or on a small kitchen counter. In other words, this is the best Delonghi espresso machine under 300.

[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] PROS

• 15-bar pressure
• Heats up quickly
• Single and double espresso shots
• Works with ESE pods and ground coffee
• Inbuilt manual milk frother
• Cup warming tray
• Removable water tank
• Space-saving design
• 2-year limited warranty [/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] CONS
• Steaming jug isn’t included[/su_column][/su_row]

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Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee & Espresso Machine  – Best Single Serve

Make customized espresso based beverages in the most convenient way possible. Nespresso Vertuo is a perfect solution for those who love their espresso hot, fast, with minimal brewing process. If you’re looking for barista-style beverages, look no further.

The brewer allows you to personalize your espresso-based drinks with different settings. This smart coffee maker uses advanced Nespresso technology, scanning the capsule barcodes to deliver the perfect crema every single time.

This is a convenient and fast espresso machine that’s perfect for anyone who loves a tasty latte. Press a button, wait for coffee, and the machine will look after the rest. It has an auto shut-off, which I loved since it makes it easier to use early in the morning.

[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] PROS

• Versatile; brews coffee and espresso
• Different cup sizes: 5 and 8oz, and single and double espresso
• Heats up quickly
• 60oz removable water tank
• 3 levels of milk temperature and frothing
• Easy to use
• Automatic shut-off [/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] CONS
• Works only with Nespresso ertuo capsules [/su_column][/su_row]

Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine – Best Entry Level

Calphalon Temp iQ is a solid espresso machine that’s perfect for any espresso lover. It’s convenient, quite basic, but excellent for smaller countertops, and straightforward to use.

Calphalon Espresso is a sleek and stylish espresso machine that’ll make any coffee station look professional. It’s excellent for espresso, Americano, latte, and cappuccino. It can brew single or double shot, and the cup warming tray is a nice addition.

What’s more, it also comes with a PID temperature control, so it evenly distributes the heat and produces consistent results every time, especially when combined with a pre-infusion function. It includes a few additions that allow you to get brewing right away: stainless steel frothing jug, tamper, cleaning pin, and dual wall 1- and 2-cup filters.

For a few extra $40, this espresso machine comes with a grinder. However, I don’t recommend that – get a separate, high-quality grinder instead (which you can then use for other types of brewing, not just espresso).

[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] PROS

• 15-bar pressure
• Pre-programmed single and double shot
• Thermoblock heating technology
• Pre-infusion function
• Removable water reservoir
• Cup warming tray
• Enlarged portafilter
• Suitable for small space
• Easy to use [/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] CONS
• Stlightly noisy [/su_column][/su_row]

Mr Coffee One Touch Espresso Maker and Cappuccino Machine – Best Automatic

Skip long waiting lines in your local coffee shop in the morning. Brew your favorite beverage with one single touch of the screen from the comfort of your home! Mr. Coffee One Touch Espresso Maker brings coffeehouse quality coffee to you.

Mr. Coffee Espresso Machine is the best automatic espresso machine under 300 currently available. It can produce single and double shots of espresso with one single touch of a button. The frother is also automatic and works well with both non-dairy and dairy milk (pro tip: try your coffee with hazelnut milk!).

With the removable milk reservoir, there’s minimal waste as you can easily store leftover milk in the fridge. Overall, this espresso machine is a great option for beginners and those who don’t want to brew coffee with minimal fuss.

[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] PROS

• 19-bar pressure pump
• No learning curve
• Adjustable cup tray
• Automatic timer
• One-touch operation
• Single and double shot options
• Automatic milk frother
• 22oz removable milk reservoir
• 1-year limited warranty [/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] CONS
• Noisy[/su_column][/su_row]

EspressoWorks 7 Pc All-In-One Espresso Machine & Cappuccino Maker – Best for Budget

A seven-piece cappuccino and espresso maker from EspressoWorks is a complete semi-automatic machine and everything you need to start your own home barista journey. It packs all sorts of features, including an inbuilt milk frother, and, unlike others on the list, it comes with a grinder, which sets it apart from the other machines on the list.

What’s more, this brewer comes with additional accessories: a milk steaming jug, a measuring spoon, a tamper, and even 2 espresso cups! The machine heats up in about 45 seconds and it’s an excellent addition for any household with many espresso lovers and for those who love to entertain.

This model can brew 2 cups of espresso at a time. While it’s not the best for beginners as it comes with a learning curve, it’s an excellent budget-friendly alternative to other machines on the list.

[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] PROS

• 15-bar pressure pump
• Makes 2 cups at a time
• Coffee intensity control
• Easy to clean
• Cup warming tray
• Removable drip tray and frother
• 42oz removable water tank
• Comes with a coffee grinder
• Inbuilt milk frother
• Includes extra accessories
• 1-year limited warranty
• Excellent customer service  [/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] CONS
• Not compatible with pods
• Not the best quality grinder[/su_column][/su_row]

Things to Consider

Buying an espresso machine for home use can cause headaches and undeniable levels of stress. We understand. That’s why we listed a couple of points that can help you make the decision easier.

Fully Automatic, Semi-Automatic, or Manual Machine

There are many different types of espresso machines.

Manual espresso machines don’t need electricity to work. They require the strength of your arm while you pull down the lever. They’re an interesting thing to see – Napoli in Italy is full of them and the espresso coming from there is rich, thick, and very strong.

Semi-automatic espresso machines give you some space for customization. Choose pods or ground coffee, customize water and coffee level for the optimal cup of espresso.

Automatic espresso machines are easy to use; they do most of the work for you. Plus, they come with pre-programmed settings.

Fully automatic espresso machines come with pre-programmed settings that anyone can use, even if you have zero espresso brewing skills. They allow you to adjust the brew setting somewhat.

Coffee pods or ground coffee

Some espresso machines only work with ground coffee, others with pods. Some machines (and we prefer those) are compatible with pods and grounds. Pick the one that works best for you.

Warranty

Machines under $300 should come with a minimum of a one-year warranty. Some come with a two-year limited warranty. Make sure to double-check that the warranty covers plastic parts, steamer nozzle, and other parts that most commonly break.

Dimensions

Some espresso machines are bigger than others. Double-check the dimensions of the coffee machine to make sure it fits in your kitchen.

FAQ

What is the best espresso machine under 300?

In our experience, the best espresso machine under 300 is De’Longhi Dedica. De’Longhi is a well-recognized brand of coffee and espresso makers, and Dedica is no exception.

Delonghi EC680M is a compact and reliable espresso maker that’s perfect for all kinds of beverages – espresso, latte, cappuccino. It works with ground coffee and ESE pods, makes double shots, and heats up in about 40 seconds. It’s sleek, stylish, and doesn’t take up much space. A bonus? 2-year limited warranty.

How many bars of pressure is good for espresso?

Generally, 9 bars of pressure are the minimum of a quality espresso.

What’s the difference between 15 and 19-bar machines?

Here’s the thing. The standard espresso machine pressure is 9 bars. Most home machines come with 15 or 19-bar pressure. The higher the bar pressure, the more crema the machine produces.

Can espresso machines make lattes and cappuccinos?

That depends if your machine comes with a milk frother – a steaming wand or not. Those that do, can also make lattes and cappuccinos. But you always have an option to buy a separate milk frother and froth the milk yourself.

How noisy are espresso machines for home use?

Espresso machines for home use are usually quieter than those used for commercial purposes. The noisisest part of any machine are the coffee grinder and the milk steaming nozzle. Some machines make extra noises, while brewing, but most aren’t too bad.

Best Home Espresso Machine Under 300: A Recap

The espresso machines listed above are all great options if you’re looking for a quality home espresso machine with a $300 budget. If I had to choose just one from the list, I’d go with the Delonghi Dedica 15-Bar Pump Machine for a few reasons.

Dedica is affordable enough to help you get started with espresso at home. It’s built better than machines below $200 and it’ll last a long time with regular care. Dedica comes with a learning curve, but it’ll help you brew amazing espresso once you master it.

Overall, the machine can help you save money in the long run with its consistently delicious shots of espresso. It heats up quickly – in 40 seconds and it’s flexible when it comes to the brewing options. Choose from ESE pods or ground coffee and make stunning latte art with an inbuilt steamer to impress your guests.

Delonghi is suitable for all who’re struggling with space issues; it can fit into small spaces, dorms, and offices. It also comes with a 2-year warranty, unlike most brewers on the list.

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RECOMMENDED READING

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• 10 Best Portable Espresso Makers 2022: Brew Espresso On The Go!
• 8 Best Decaf Espresso Beans – Maximum Flavor, Minimal Caffeine
• 5 Best Espresso Machines Under $600 For Home Use
• Americano vs Latte Differences Explained: What’s Your Favorite Espresso?
• Whole Bean VS Ground Coffee: Which One Is Best For You?
• 5 Best Coffee Scales: Fool-Proof Way To Amazing Coffee In 2022

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