Best Espresso Machine Under 300

By Asad | Updated 2 years ago

So you are looking for best espresso machine under 300 dollars.  This is an ideal guide as we have not only discussed the best machines in details with pros and cons but also have written a brief guide in understanding what factors are important in decision making to buy an espresso machine.

Below guide serves the purpose of guiding someone who is totally new to espresso. The list contains manual machine for total control lovers to automatic one for the one in a hurry. Choose what suits your style of living the most and make your espresso at your home.

LIST OF BEST ESPRESSO MACHINE UNDER 300

Nespresso Pixie Espresso Maker With Aeroccino

The word Pixie means that this machine is quiet and will make your espresso making process quite quiet. The frother is not integrated with this machine but Delonghi provides a separate frother with this machine. It employs Nespresso coffee capsules and makes espresso shots within a minute. Offering a wide variety of features at a very reasonable price so we included it on our list of best espresso machine under 300 dollars.

You can make espresso, cappuccino with this machine and with foam added from the milk frother will make an exciting drink. Model is quite easy to clean after its silent operation. You can make Aeroccino, you can have the lightest froth by pouring in fresh skimmed milk by a single button push.

It is chrome plated giving the nice metallic look. The inside is also coated with a non-stick coating. The chrome finish and less width allow it to take less space on your kitchen top and makes it look professional. It is perfect for the kitchen which is already low in space.

All you need to do is add the right amount of coffee capsule and select the size of the cup. Just press a button and then wait for the machine to prepare the espresso for you. On average a single capsule cost $0.55.  You can select three sizes of shots of 1oz, 2oz and 3oz. It works quick and gets espresso ready within 25 seconds. It can only make one cup at a time.

Operating at 19 Bar pressure you can extract the maximum flavor. The thermoblock technology will enable you to get perfect temperature for your cup. The water tank is easily removable, indicating that you can easily clean and refill it.

Among the drawback, is a limitation of one cup at a time. Overall cleaning is not very simple and will take quite some time. You would have to clean it quite sometime before getting rid of the coffee traces. It is limited to Nespresso capsules which are priced at quite a high rate. Although it is a Pixie model do not consider that it is super silent. Another problem is the dripping for several minutes after using the machine which requires cleaning the tray afterward.

De’Longhi EC680 Dedica

A great machine to make traditional espresso with 15 bar pump to extract the flavor. The footprint is very small as the machine is only 6 inches wide, 13 inches deep and 13 inches tall. It is small enough to fit on your kitchen top easily if you are running short of space. Portability and other helpful features push it into our list of best espresso machine under 300 dollars.

The design is compact and beautiful with stainless steel look imparts modern appearance. The machine is easier to clean from outside owing to the stainless steel finish. Being a 15 bar pressure machine, you will get great crema and taste. You can change the mode to make it either one or two cup espresso. It can be a bit confusing initially to know how to program the machine but you will get used it to it with few tries. However, if you still cannot decide then refer to the manual. It is explained thoroughly how to use this feature.

There are vents on the top that will heat up the cups. After you are done with using the machine, it goes into standby mode after a while so the power conservation is achieved. Frother comes integrated with the machine and with a little experience you can make fine-textured foam which will allow you to do latte art. We at Tell me Best try our best to help you out.

It comes with a filter which looks very high quality like a high-end expensive units. The tank is of one-liter capacity and is BPA free. If you have the habit of cleaning the machine soon after making drinks then you will find this machine easier to clean.

Among the shortcomings is the descaling. The machine can go on and off if the descaling procedure is not followed. Rinse and let the tank dry completely and wait for the descale light to get turned off. While changing the filter you will observe that the base feels very light and moves around. To fix that you will need to add some weight or hold the base. Because of lightweight, the machine vibrates which makes the shot glasses also vibrate. The tamper is not as useful as it is claimed to be. Programming can be a bit confusing if you are a total beginner.

Saeco RI9376/04 Aroma Espresso Machine

For those who prioritize ease of use than fancy complicated machines. It comes in semi-automatic category espresso machines. The build is stainless steel and has a nice compact design. The 15 bar pump is the optimal pressure to get flavor, aroma, and crema. The minimum pressure required is 9bar and it is well above the par limit. So it makes into a list of best espresso machine under 300 dollars.

Because of stainless steel build, it is quite durable. The boiler is resistant to rust because of preserving coating. The water tank is huge with the capacity of 2.5 liters or 85 Oz. That is huge considering the competing unit only come up with 1-liter capacity. You will be free from the stress of water getting short during the brewing process. You can keep a constant check on the water bottle from the enabled side view which indicates water level.

Brewing will not commence until the proper pressure has been reached. The portafilter’s spring-loaded valve open ups once the pressure is achieved to allow the water to go through. This is a safety feature which overrides user negligence. The one cup portafilter is also compatible to use the Easy Serving Espresso pods and pre-grounded coffee beans.  You can make great cappuccinos or lattes with the Pannarello Seam Wand of Saeco RI9376/04.

The cup warmer is included on top like the espresso that has the capacity to hold up to 4 cups. The warming process takes some time but if you are in a hurry then you can use the microwave to warm the cups. With availability in two colors, the footprint is 8.26 inch wide, 9.84 inches deep and 11.6 inches tall. You do not need a lot of kitchen space to hold this machine.

Amon the shortcomings is the steam wand inability to frother pitchers due to the compact design. The portafilter is attributed to making pods little messy after brewing. Another drawback is the noise made while brewing. It can be troublesome if you are making espresso in the office.

Waring Pro ES1500

One of the cheapest manual machine you will come across. The manual machine is way more priced but Waring Pro ES1500 has changed this perception. This model is great for those who want all the control in their hands at an affordable price. You will be doing brewing, grinding and tamping all by yourself. It may sound like a lot of work but the end result would be the best quality of espresso.

If you can master the art of balancing all the ingredients then you will stick with a manual machine. If you are like those, who save every millisecond then this is probably not the ideal choice for you. ES1500 is a great machine who is just entering into the world of manual brewing. Its the only manual machine at a reasonable price it you are looking for best espresso machine under 300 dollars.

It has two filter holders, compatible with both loose and pre-prepared coffee pods. It is ideal for those who want to save time grinding coffee or who are willing to save some extra bucks by not buying a coffee grinder. Coffee pods are already ground and tamped so you can save time setting up the beans. It is a manual machine but it still has the cup warmer at the top.

A great plus point is the 5 years warranty the machine comes up with. Conventional espresso makers provide a maximum of the 1-year warranty. Comparing with that is a major difference. Design wise it is quite compact and stable and stainless steel finish will make it look good on your kitchen top.

Another great aspect is the quietness. You will love it if you are irritated by the thunderstorm noises made by conventional espresso machines. There is plenty of space available under the nozzle and you can fit in mugs of the wide variety of sizes. It will heat up the water ideal for brewing temperature quite quickly. The 15 bar pump pressure is way above the minimum requirement of 9 bar.

Among the shortcomings is space 17.4’’ x 12.5’’ x 11.6’’ although it is not a lot but is still more than most of the units that come with similar price tags. Also, the coffee holder has been complained to leak and create a mess of water and espresso. You would have to be quick while making espresso as the machine loses steams at a fast pace. In addition, the cup warmer is not as effective as it is claimed so you have to rely on the microwave to do that job. In addition, you need to give some time for the machine to reheat itself after steamer been used for a long time.

De’Longhi EC860 Espresso Maker

Semi-automatic Delonghi EC860 weighs 15.4 pounds and has dimensions of 10.6’’ x 12.2’’ x 12’’. It is not quite small but is still reasonable in terms of dimensions to be placed on the kitchen counter. The weight makes this more stable and easier to use. It is an automatic machine you can press a button and get your selected drink quickly. Use the frother to get a whip of crema on your drink.

The steam wand is made detachable. This is to cater both who want to froth milk for espresso and to make cappuccino by detaching. The cup warmer has the capacity to warm up to 6 six small cups easily. Calcium is a killer in tap water for an espresso machine. De’Longhi has provided an efficient water filter which filters out the impurities so your machine can last longer.

You can remove the drip tray to fit in bigger size cups. It is quite an easy machine to make espresso with. It can pick up the heat in a minute and can fill a 10oz cup along with froth for cappuccino. This machine portafilter also has two inserts for both ground coffee and espresso pods. It has an automatic cappuccino system which is De’Longhi special technology allowing you to make drinks quickly and easily.

You should read the manual and learn how to do three coffee temperatures settings achieved via the programmable menu. The filter in water tank will clean out the impurities and make clean, odorless espressos. The casing is stainless steel and has a very sturdy build which makes its ability to retain heat while saving itself from corrosion and rust. If clean regularly it will last for long. Its a must to include into our list of best espresso machine under 300 dollars.

Among the shortcomings is the very small 35oz tank. You need to keep an eye on the water level or that will break down the machine. It does not use single boiler and exchanger for heat, this means that you will not be able to make multiple shots in a couple of minutes. For newcomers, it will be slightly difficult to understand the buttons and features. For that, it is recommended that you thoroughly read the manual. Also, you can fit in cups just around 3 inches in height it can be troubling for those who are a fan of bigger shots.

BUYING GUIDE FOR ESPRESSO MACHINES

There is a great difference between coffee and espresso and with the passage of time, you will realize this difference. Once the taste is developed you will crave for developing the ideal espresso at home. Having an espresso machine at home is a bliss.

After some experimentation and knowledge of how to use the machine properly, you will be making the perfect espresso. However, to buy the espresso machine you need to educate yourself about the basic. This guide is written keeping in mind a total beginner. We have not included too much detail, for not making this guide complicated.

ESPRESSO MACHINE CAPABILITIES

Most of the drinks made in your local café are actually made by an espresso machine. You will be surprised that there is no rocket science involved in making a perfect Mocha. All you need to do is to mix the right amount of right ingredients. Therefore, you can achieve the same level of Star Bucks at home but with practice and persistence. Here are some of the drinks you can make at home.

Espresso Shot

This is a dark version of black coffee. It is much stronger in taste and for espresso lovers, a shot made straight out of freshly ground coffee beans tastes like heaven. It’s a very strong drink and can charge you for no time.

Macchiato

If a shot is too strong for you but you still want to maintain the strong taste. Then add some milk on top of your coffee to create a foam on the shot. This will make the flavor slightly weaker and easier to drink.

Cappuccino

This is the most loved form of espresso and lies at the balanced sweet spot. It is not too strong not too light. It is a perfect balance if made by an expert. If you made macchiato then add little more milk on the drink. The taste will become further lighter and you can even enter some sugar to cater your need.

Latte

If you add more milk on to latte it will make the flavor even lighter. In latte the foam is lower in comparison to the macchiato.

Mocha

If you add milk and chocolate to your espresso shot drink. Then you will have a great sweet yet strong drink. For the chocolate enthusiast, it is a great drink.

These are some of the main drinks that you will learn to make with an espresso machine. As time pass by you will be ready to do experimentation and further increase the fun you will have an espresso. You can even add ingredients like cream, nuts, mint, caramel, honey, cinnamon etc. Try your own ideas and you might hit the best espresso ever.

ESPRESSO MACHINE TYPES

Espresso machine comes with all sizes and features. But in terms of functionality they are divided in terms of control they allow the user to have. From doing It all by yourself to just pressing a button to get your espresso, manufacturers have made a wide variety of models to cater needs of each type of users. Here are some of the machines:

MANUAL ESPRESSO MACHINE – DO IT ALL BY YOURSELF

As made clear in the name, you have to do everything all by yourself. This machine offers you control over all steps that are involved in making an espresso. By more control, you will have complete choice of ingredients quantity.

You can make a fully customised espresso drink with this kind of machine. Also, you will observe that all manual espresso machine have a lever in front. You have to put some effort on the lever in comparison with a spring piston. These machines are more expensive than the other kind of machines. But they are more durable as they do not have any electronic board to malfunction.

The machine is capable of producing high-quality drinks. It gives more control and better taste. Once you get experienced in using this machine it will open up the gates for new kinds of espresso drinks.

SEMI-AUTOMATIC ESPRESSO MACHINE

This is in-between from a full automatic to a manual machine. It requires you to do some work. They are powered by electrical pumps which make them easier to use in comparison with manual espresso machines.

You will still enjoy the perks of control over the espresso drink while also get the benefits of automation. It is a matter of personal preference and experience. With experience and developed taste, you can identify how much control suits you the most.

FULLY AUTOMATED MACHINES

They are equipped not only with the electrical pump buy also they automate the amount of water that is needed to make the espresso. Also, they are great if you go office in a hurry every day and need an energizing espresso quickly.

They are available at different prices and offer different features. But do keep in mind as you increase the electronic circuitry on the machine, its life also lowers. As these chips get dirty over time and begin to malfunction. Hence you have to pay for repairs or total replacement.

SUPER AUTOMATIC ESPRESSO MACHINES

It is the most automated processes providing espresso machine you can get. All you need to do is to add coffee grounded or pods in the machine and press a button to make espresso. You will get the espresso within few minutes. It takes the control out of your hands at the expense of making the machine completely automated.

This is ideal for those who are very busy and are not usually concerned with customisation or experimentation. Office goers or even in restaurants with too much traffic this is a great machine. As automation is expensive, the price tag for this kind of machine is also different.

FACTORS THAT MAKE DIFFERENCE

Once you know the types of espresso machines and you know how much you are into espresso then it is time to measure machines on basis of several factors. When you have shortlisted two machines you can further dig into them and analyze how much these below factors influence them. If your budget is lesser than 300 you can still find effective espresso machines by reading our another review here.

CLEANING

All espresso machines required to be cleaned up. If you do not clean the machine right after you are done with the espresso then it will make it harder to clean afterward. If you do not do it within a week then you will start smelling the foul smell.

When you are deciding to buy a machine, try to get knowledge about how easy it is to clean the machine. Some machines have hidden parts, where the hands or dishwashers find it difficult to reach. Such machines can become a problem down the line.

EASE OF USE

The amount of control you have on your hands can either make the espresso making process easier or very difficult. If your machines come with loads of extra features then the machine is extremely easy. However, if you are expert espresso maker and love to experiment then you will find semi-automatic or manual machine very easy to use.

BUDGET

Espresso machines come in all kinds of sizes and price tags. It gets very confusing when it comes to price as there are accompanied with fancy terms which actually can be a basic feature. But do also keep in mind that sometimes a machine is priced very high and does not offer great features. The higher price tag is only because the machine is able to prepare great espresso.

Under budget of 300 dollars, you may not get the features which start at over 500 dollars budget.

TYPE OF DRINKS

Notice how many boilers the machine has, how much steam pressure is generated, how many bars it is operating at, how long is the frothing process, how milk or water steam is made. All these factors contribute to making different types of drinks.

Some fully automated espresso machines are capable of producing drinks all by themselves without giving any kind of control to the user. Just read the manual and know what you will be able and not able to do with an espresso machine.

DURABLE

Espresso machines are made to operate at higher temperature. Therefore, they should be made of a material that can withstand higher temperature. They should not get rusted with time. The metallic taste should not be difficult to get rid of the machine.

From manual to super automated all espresso machines requires regular maintenance. If carried out properly then it can save you from total malfunction.

SIZE AND WEIGHT

A bigger machine will sit on the countertop with stability. But do you even have the space to keep it there? Lack of space can make you move the machine back and forth in the kitchen counters but that will only be possible if your machine is low in weight. From few kg to over 10 kg, companies are offering machines with different weight and sizes. Some will be wider but lighter in weight. Some will be narrower but heavy in weight. Try to find what you can handle the best.

COFFEE GRINDER

Espresso machines come with and without a grinder. Some make it necessary that you use grounded coffee from a particular brand. While other have an inbuilt coffee grinder available. This is related to amount to control you can enjoy with your espresso machine.

FILTER

If the water is cleaned up from your espresso machine then it will taste much better water which is not clean. Clean water has much more benefits than from a tasty espresso.

DRIPPING TRAY

Is the dripping tray removable in your espresso machine? This will help input cups of bigger size under the tap. A difference of up to half an inch can be significant.

FROTHING

How is the milk frothing process done? How long it takes? Also does the espresso machine even comes with a frother. In some machine, you will have to buy a separate frother.

WARMING CUP

If you pour espresso into your cabinet mug then it will absorb heat from the espresso and lower its temperature. However, if the cup is prewarmed then the espresso will maintain its temperature for longer and you can enjoy it more. Some espresso machine comes with this feature of warming the cups before espresso is made.

SETTINGS CUSTOMISATION

Machines can be preprogrammed to prepare specific taste but they can also be altered to tweak the flavor. If you are buying a fully automated machine try noting how much changeable is the control. As you might get bored by tasting the same kind of espresso every time and will crave for experimentation.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Different brands have built their reputation over the years. When you are deciding which brand to buy then do note that how good is their customer service. How are people regarding their services? Sooner or later you will get into the problem and will need to get the espresso machine fixed.

SOME BRANDS

These are just some of the brands who have been in espresso industry for quite some time. Buying a machine from a well-reputed brand can make your investment double checked and secured. Please note, there are more brands out there than below list.

Breville

From food processors, choppers, juicers to espresso machines, Breville is in the kitchen industry for quite some time. It is a reliable brand with a firm authority.

Nespresso

A brand with established authority and track record. Nespresso has been producing one of the best espresso machines that you can rely on.

Gaggia

Gaggia offers a different range of espresso machines. They have the reputation of lasting more than a decade. This is exactly the type of quality that you should target after. Durability standard is very high and machines are easier to use.

De’Longhi

Delonghi has covered customer with all kinds of budget. From low to high end you will find one according to your budget from Delonghi. It is a well-reputed brand and is worth a try.

Keurig

This is another brand specialized in making espresso. But like many other brands, they also confine in using the coffee pods of specific brands.

Mr.Coffee

Brand focusing on coffee drinks. Overall the brand is well reputed and provides great customer service.

JURA-CAPRESSO

From under 100 dollars to way above 1000 dollars. Jura also offers diverse machines. It is a great brand.

Saeco

Another brand with established authority. Offer good machines are reasonable budget and features.

Waring

Nice entry level machine manufacturers. You can get good features at a reasonable price by buying a waring machine.

VERDICT

From Manual to Semi-automatic we have tried to cover the best espresso machine. In the list of best espresso machine under 300, you will find great features but balanced with few problems. If you got the time to read the buyer guide then the picture must be clear in your mind.

Also if you are looking for experimenting and want complete control of what you need then go for a manual machine. If you are someone who is always in a hurry and does not have the time to do all the procedures for perfect espresso then you can compromise on taste and get yourself a semi-automatic machine.

Different budget ranges are covered in this list of best espresso machine under 300 dollars. Choose what suits your style and kitchen the most. The fancy terms on a machine manual are gimmicks only to get the attraction. Most of the advanced features remained unused for a good percentage of machine usage time.