The 10 Best Espresso Machines Under $300

As someone whose day starts with a cup of coffee, you might want to get your hands on a good espresso machine. Especially one that gets the job done at an affordable price. That’s why we wanted to find the best espresso machine under $300.

Let’s get started!

Below you’ll find an excellent list of espresso machines. If you find the below not quite what your after, a coffee machine under 500 may be right up your alley.

How We Review The Best Espresso Machines Under $300

We start our search by compiling a list of products that meet your criteria – espresso machines under $300 in this case. We single out the very best performers of the category by overall performance and value; then rank them in order.

We then search every corner of the internet for relevant facts and customer feedback for the products that made the cut. We then compile the data and form your detailed review.

In each review, you will find:

• We score our top-rated products out of 10 in terms of their features, ease of use, durability, brew quality and overall value for money so you get a good idea of what to expect at a glance.
• Where possible, we provide a video to get you a hands on demonstration.
• We provide the important product statistics in one handy place.
• We form a list of pros and cons for you to consider from reading customer feedback. We pick out the most common threads and list them as pros and cons so you can see what works and doesn’t with each product.

The two best picks on our list for 2022 are almost certainly the Mr. Coffee Café Barista and Caphalon Temp IQ Espresso Machine. Both have a long list of great features and it’s hard to split them.

If we had to choose a top pick, it would probably have to be the Mr. Coffee Café Barista. It’s an exceptional espresso make that not only delivers a brilliant brew but its cost is well below the $300 mark, making it fit with in budget.

It has a detachable milk container that you can store in your fridge overnight instead of refilling it every morning. Froth is produced automatically for your cappuccino or latte. All in all, for its price tag and features, it’s worth considering.

The Caphalon Temp IQ is at the higher end of the spectrum as far as the price is concerned. There are different variants of it in the market, some that even include a grinder on top. As long as you’re willing to spend a little bit of extra cash, the Caphalon Temp IQ espresso machine will provide you with everything you need to kick-start your day.

It features a steamer for milk froth as well as a cup warming tray to ensure your starting with a warm cup. With automatic temperature settings, the Caphalon outperforms similar spec machines in the same price range when it comes to extraction.

While we see these as the best espresso machines, we found another eight which had similar qualities and may be better suited to your needs. Let’s check them out.

In this section, our team of testers go into further detail, demonstrating why they’d be a good fit for your life style.

1. Mr. Coffee Automatic Espresso Machine

Voted our best espresso machine under $300, the Mr. Coffee Espresso and cappuccino maker is a semiautomatic machine excellent enough to be given the top spot on the list. It has an affordable price tag and incredible versatility to automatically make espressos, lattes, and even cappuccinos. This machine is compact, robust, and just a delight to own and operate.

The Mr. Coffee has a stainless steel and plastic body. It comes with a milk container and a water container. Both of which are detachable. Operating the machine is as simple as pressing a button to select your type of coffee.

The machine comes with a froth setting which allows automatic selection for the perfect froth for your cup of coffee. Unlike other espresso machines, Mr. Coffee switches a milk steamer for an automatic milk frother – perfect for a beginner.

Mr. Coffee’s espresso maker tops the list based on the sheer ease of usage and low cost for an espresso machine. Also, it’s a machine ideal for larger families or dorms since it allows you to pour lattes, cappuccinos as well as espressos. All of which require just a simple tap on a button, no need for guesswork or effort.

In short, this machine can provide the coffee fix for people of all tastes all the while being inexpensive. For anyone looking to buy a simple, efficient, and versatile espresso maker for under $300, the Mr. Coffee Café Barista Espresso and Cappuccino maker is the way to go.

Highlights: 

• Semiautomatic mode of operation
• Detachable milk container
• Versatile design for all types of coffee
• Automatic frothing
• 15 bar pump for good extraction
• Easy to use
• Best value

2. Calphalon Temp iQ Semi Automatic Espresso Machine

Voted our second best espresso machine under 300, the Caphalon Temp IQ semiautomatic espresso machine is a slightly more expensive option for people willing to spend a decent amount on a good espresso machine. As the name suggests, the Caphalon Temp IQ Espresso Maker is innovative in temperature control.

The ideal extraction temperature for an espresso is between 195F to 205F. The Caphalon automatically achieves and maintains the optimal extraction temperature for a flavorful extraction.

The portafilter on Caphalon is slightly larger than its competitors. The larger size further enriches the flavor during the extraction procedure. The cafe-sized portafilter also helps it maintain good quality when pulling two shots at once.

The machine itself is easy to operate. Pulling your espresso shot requires the turn of a dial. Additionally, it also has a safety feature of an automatic turn-off after some time without use which also helps to have energy.

The Caphalon did not take first place on the list because of its slightly higher price tag. Additionally, it lacks automatic cappuccino/latte maker features like Mr. Coffee. However, if you’re after a more traditional machine were you are in control, this is a machine well worth your investment.

There are variants of Caphalon Temp IQ Espresso Makers that also come with a grinder. Although the cost of a new Caphalon Temp IQ with grinder might be too expensive, you can opt for refurbished models for a lower price and decent performance.

Highlights:

• High-quality espresso every time
• Smart Temperature Control
• Cup warmer
• 58mm portafilter
• Can make two cups at once
• Semiautomatic operation
• 15-bar pump for perfect extraction

3. De’Longhi ECP3420 Semi Automatic Espresso Machine

Voted our third best espresso machine under $300, the DeLonghi ECP3420 Pump Espresso stands out for its quality of espresso (coming in well under budget). This machine is for the people that like to keep it simple as it is a robust and simplistic espresso machine. It is similar to the Caphalon it comes with both single and double espresso shot sizes. It also comes with a detachable water tank and a shot-cup storage area.

The Delonghi ECP3420 Pump Espresso maker is an excellent machine for beginner and learner baristas. Unlike the top contenders on the list, the Bar Pump Espresso does not have a 1-button / dial operation, nor does it have an automatic stop and turn-off feature. However, the main selling point of this Delonghi is its ability to get you a quality coffee fix.

The drip tray is removable to make room for larger cups, and the milk steamer is movable inwards towards the drip tray. This flexibility ensures the process of making your daily cup of coffee is as mess-free as possible.

The DeLonghi ECP3420 Pump Espresso maker is the ideal pick for those looking to get a simple machine at a low cost to pull clean espresso shots. With stainless steel material for the body, it is a quality machine.

Highlights:

• Excellent value for money
• Compact and robust
• Simplistic control system
• Single/Double shots option
• Easy to clean and maintain
• 15-bar pump

4. De’Longhi EC680M Automatic Espresso Machines

Delonghi Dedica EC680M Espresso Machine is another high-performance, cost effective machine. The espresso machine combines a simplistic design with a compact build and tops it off with excellent extraction quality.

It has standard single and double shot filters for single and double shot pulls. The semiautomatic mode of operation is coupled with a 15 bar system to ensure brew quality.

The price tag on the Delonghi Dedica is towards the higher end of the spectrum on this list. However, it is not without reason. It has an incredibly compact and slim design. With a total width of only 15cm, it can fit comfortably in limited shelf space. It is a machine suited for those who have limited space in their kitchens.

The mode of operation for this espresso maker is very straightforward. After you have filled the portafilter and attached it, you can pull a hot shot of espresso by simply pressing the 1 shot or 2 shot button on top of the machine. The steam wand allows you to froth the milk to an appealing foamy texture.

Like all things, the Dedica is not without problems. The main issue is the small boiler capacity. The boiler may cool down upon repeated use, resulting in an unsatisfying successive shot. This machine might not be suitable for large families or shops as it requires reheating.

If you need a compact espresso machine for personal use and are willing to stretch your budget a bit, the De’longhi Dedica would be a great pick for you.

Highlights:

• Compact and portable size
• Great Quality Espresso
• 15-bar pump
• Needs frequent reheating for constant use
• Excellent for personal use
• Single/Double shot options

5. Yabano Espresso Maker

The Yabano Espresso Espresso Maker is a compact, low-cost, and high-efficiency coffee maker. It is similar to other espresso machines on the list as it also boasts a 15-bar pump for rich extraction of the flavor. Compared to other options, it is somewhere in the middle of the price spectrum.

The Yabano comes with single and double-shot filters and is capable of pulling double espresso shots in addition to single shots. Also, the Yabano has an inbuilt gauge to monitor the pressure, enabling you to constantly pull espresso shots with the ideal pressure for better flavor.

Maintenance is easy as the drip tray, frothing nozzle, and water tank are removable for cleaning. If left unattended it will also turn itself off after a while as a safety precaution.

Interestingly, the water tank capacity of the Yabano Espresso Machine is 33.8 ounces which means it is capable of serving up to 4 espressos at a time. This makes it a good middle-ground option for those wanting the optimal balance of performance, price, and usage capacity.

With a steam wand to help you make creamy froth, you can be a barista at home without the need for high-end equipment. The Yabano Espresso machine is operated via the buttons on top and with a simple press, you can get your preferred shot.

Highlights:

• Can choose one or two cups
• Relatively compact design
• 15-bar pump
• Easy maintenance and cleaning
• Easy to operate for beginners
• Built-in pressure gauge

6. Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse Espresso Machine

Another solid pick from Mr. Coffee, the CoffeeHouse Espresso Maker is a powerhouse among these machines. It packs a 19-bar Italian pump for high-pressure flavor extraction. Additionally, the CoffeeHouse also comes with a thermocouple temperature regulator to maintain the ideal extraction temperature.

The coffee maker is sturdily made of quality materials like stainless steel and durable plastic. The overall weight is 14.2lb making it slightly heavier than many other machines in this round up.

Similar to the Caphalon Temp IQ and Delonghi Dedica, the coffee maker is a good pick for those willing to spend a little extra cash. It comes with single and double shot filters as well and is very similar to Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista in its features.

Along with perfect espressos, you can also use it to automate the creation of lattes and cappuccinos. The milk container can likewise be removed and stored overnight in the fridge as well and cleaning is easy as the water filter and drip tray are also removable.

To put it simply, Mr. Coffee CoffeeHouse Espresso Maker is everything in Mr. Coffee Café Barista made slightly better, for a slightly higher price tag. If you’re willing to spend the money and prefer the automatic and seamless preparation of coffee of the Café Barista then CoffeeHouse is the perfect pick for you.

Highlights:

• 19-bar powerful pump
• Temperature regulators
• Automatic cappuccino and latte maker
• Exceptional build quality
• Easy to clean and maintain
• User-friendly operation

7. De’Longhi Pump Espresso Machine

DeLonghi EC702 is what many consider to be a machine that is hard to master. With a 15-bar pump and stainless steel boiler as a heating element, the EC702 is a powerful machine for flavor extraction. It’s ideal for those who want to spend time learning the craft.

The coffee maker has auto priming for both the steam wand as well as the espresso shot. Unlike De’longhi ECP3420, the EC702 can froth milk and pull a shot of espresso simultaneously. However, it is a simplistic machine requiring only a button press for an espresso.

Similar to other espresso machines on the list, the EC702 has single and double-shot filters. Therefore, you can pull double and single shots with it. Also, it is compatible with ESE pods providing you with an easy and quick way to make your early morning coffee.

The De’Longhi Pump is very robust and powerful. While nearer to the top of our price range, it still represents excellent value for money. It is an easy-to-maintain device with a removable water tank and washable drip tray.

DeLonghi EC702 15 Bar Pump Espresso Machine is an ideal option for an expert barista who likes to manually pull the perfect espresso shot and wants a robust long-lasting coffee maker.

Highlights:

• Able to froth milk and pull shots side by side
• 15-bar pump
• Robust and long-lasting design
• Ideal for expert espresso makers
• Versatile 3-in-1 design
• Incredible flavor extraction

8. Breville Cafe Roma Espresso Machine

Breville Café Roma is an entry-level espresso machine. However, its performance is still commendable. It has a 15 bar pump for flavorful extraction of the crema. Also, the thermoblock heating system ensures optimal temperature for the coffee.

The Café Roma has a water tank capacity of 40oz and also has a cup warmer for espresso-ready cups. While it may not have the automatic features like Mr. Coffee, it still makes up for it in ease of usage and quick recovery time.

An important thing to note here is that similar to De’longhi ECP3420, the Café Roma does not have an automatic stop function. Therefore, you must supervise the machine when pulling a shot of espresso and manually turn it off.

This machine is not suitable for big mugs as there isn’t much space between the filter and the drip tray. Therefore, it is best suited for those looking to make multiple small servings of coffee quickly. The steam wand cover, water tank, and drip tray can be removed for cleaning, making it easy to maintain.

Highlights:

• 15 Bar pump
• Manual shot control
• Good water tank capacity
• Not suited for travel mugs
• Excellent for trained baristas
• Slightly expensive
• Cup warmer

9. Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee & Espresso Machine

The De’longhi Nespresso series can only be defined as magnificent and makes our list of the best espresso machines under $300. The Nespresso is unlike any traditional espresso machine you’ve seen before. These beautiful espresso machines do not require you to grind the coffee, nor do they require you to set up the filters.

The Nespresso series makes the perfect cup of coffee for you using Nespresso exclusive coffee pods. When the pod is inserted into the machine, the machine reads the barcode on the pod and automatically adjusts the temperature, pressure, water, and froth for the selected coffee pod, and always delivers the perfect cup of coffee to you. With Nespresso Vertuo Plus’s advanced technology, you can get the perfect cup of coffee for yourself by just pressing a button.

A change in the Vertuo line compared to the original Nespresso line is that water is no longer pressured directly into the pod, rather the coffee is made by spinning the pod at high speeds, and then pressurized water enters the pod before the extract is poured out into the cup.

The cup may fall off the drip tray platform due to the vibrations produced by the machine during the extraction. Therefore, you should watch out for potential accidents.

The biggest selling point of the Nespresso Vertuo series is the amazing crema that every cup of coffee made using the Nespresso has. If you want to use a classy modern device to make you the perfect cup of coffee then Nespresso Vertuo Plus is the device for you.

However, at this point, it should be noted that the model uses the barcode inscribed on the pod to make the coffee. As such, these devices are incompatible with third-party pods and you will have to constantly buy slightly expensive coffee pods. Nevertheless, the taste and experience are well worth it.

Highlights:

• A perfect cup of coffee
• Easy to use
• Amazing aesthetics
• No effort required
• Very affordable machine
• Incompatible with third party pods

10. Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee & Espresso Machine

The Nespresso Nertuo Next machine is similar to the Nespresso Vertuo Plus. They both utilize the same technology, and they both operate the same way as well. The only difference between the two would be the physical designs and slightly better technology used in Vertuo Next.

With better technology, the increase in performance comes with a little extra cost. If you were willing to pay up to $300 for an espresso machine then you probably won’t mind paying a little extra for the Next model but that’s up to you.

Another area where they are different is in terms of design. The Vertuo Next is more stylish than the Vertuo Plus, with the latter adopting a more futuristic design. Regardless of looks, the Nespresso Vertuo Next is an amazing machine, much like Nespresso Vertuo Plus.

As with all Nespresso machines, you do need to factor in the ongoing cost into your budget to see whether or not it’s the right choice for you.

Highlights:

• A perfect cup of coffee every time
• Easy to use
• Slightly better taste than Vertuo Plus
• Incompatible with third-party pods
• Less aesthetic value compared to Plus
• An excellent automatic espresso machine

Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect machine that suits your budget best can be a difficult task. The best espresso machine is highly dependent on your personal needs so choose the one which is the best fit for you. The best espresso machine under $300 for you is one that fulfills all your requirements at the lowest cost.

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