Do you find it challenging to get the best espresso machine for a low price of $300? Then you are lucky to be here. There are new models released into the market that are now cheaper. 

But how do you get a premium espresso machine at an affordable price? 

Well, no worries, I have selected the best espresso machine under 300 on the market.

Top 8 Espresso Machine under 300 in 2022

1. Breville ESP8XL

Make your espresso like an expert using the Breville ESP8XL Cafe Espresso Maker. The gadget lets you make double and single espressos as well as a cappuccino in grand style. 

You can get larger cups of your favorite coffee drink in a matter of minutes, thanks to its 15-bar pressure.

And that’s not all 

It also comes with a filter system that has double walls. This helps it to produce excellent crema to make your drink even more delicious with a superior flavor. 

Also, you can retain the warmth in 6 cups at the same time using the cup warming plate. 

It also features a selector dial that you can use to choose different options. Thus, a swing to the right yields the espresso, while a left swing gives you the creamy milk. The steam wand is stainless steel and comes with a finger hopper for better durability. 

Pros

  • Easy frothing
  • Enhanced aroma and taste
  • Offers the best temperature for espresso
  • Accurate measurement spoon
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • The steam wand is difficult to use

Takeaway

You get to enjoy your espresso anyhow you want it with this Breville espresso machine. It’s a joy when you have the options of 7g single or 14g double espresso. 

The stainless-steel froth pitcher, measuring spoon, and cleaning tool make this gadget a joy to use.

2. De’Longhi EC680M

The frothier, the better; the De’Longhi EC680M Espresso machine gives you the best quality beverage. It comes with a manual frother that efficiently mixes the steam and milk to get the best foam. 

It has a 3-in-1 filter holder, consisting of a holder for two espresso shots, including an easy-serve pod. 

Here’s more 

It can hold both short and taller cups, so you have no issues with a bigger brew of espresso. The tray unit beneath is easily removable to enable it to hold a larger cup. 

I will also recommend that you take out the water tank for easier cleaning. 

Additionally, you don’t need much space to accommodate this espresso machine as it comes with a sleek design. This model has a narrow footprint which makes it sit beautifully on any countertop you choose. 

Pros

  • Superior flavor in cappuccino
  • Excellent temperature control
  • Supports dual-brewing cycle
  • Saves space
  • Simple to clean

Cons

  • It breaks down after a while
  • Produces a lot of smoke

Takeaway

Enjoy your beverages with enough froth thanks to the advanced frothier of this machine. De’Longhi espresso device provides all you need based on quantity and quality with the twin brewing cycle. Besides, the steel drip tray and removable water tank enhance the process and make brewing easier.  

3. Flair Signature Espresso Maker

If you love it all manual, then you should go for the Flair Signature Espresso Maker. And the good thing is, with this machine you can produce a quality jar of espresso. 

The gadget comes with a padded case to enable you to carry it around as you wish. Thus, there is no limitation to where or how much you can produce. 

What’s more 

It also has a customized pressure gauge that allows you to input the target range and display visual feedback.  It sports the perfect extraction range for espressos with a 6-9bar pressure capacity. 

Besides, you can make a naked or spouted brew with ease, thanks to its fantastic pressure kit. The kit contains stainless steel tamper and a 2-in-1 portafilter with no under to simplify gushed brewing. 

Moreover, the brew head is detachable to enhance easy cleaning. Hence, you can take out the parts one after the other and rinse with clean water. 

Pros

  • Excellent and delicious crema
  • Compatible with a burr grinder
  • Easy to clean
  • Extremely durable
  • Amazing blending power

Cons

  • Polished part may wear
  • Pressure kit not durable enough

Takeaway

The flair espresso maker will last for a long time because it’s made with durable materials such as stainless steel and cast aluminum. Besides, you can take it with you anywhere. It’s portable and strong enough to handle travel stress. 

4. Nespresso ENV135GY

Make your desired drink with the versatile coffee and espresso machine. Nespresso ENV135GY gives you unlimited access to frequent shots of the best coffee brew. It’s a single-serve espresso machine but functions with inch-perfection. 

Here’s an interesting fact

Besides, it uses barcodes to provide tasty crema coffee, thanks to its unique centrifugation technology. All you need to do is to put in the coffee capsule and let your cup fill with a shot of goodness. 

You can also make cups of different sizes with the touch of a button. 

The single and double crema options, as well as the Lungo, are available on Nespresso. It also allows the use of virtuoso capsules to make cold coffee drinks. A 54-pound water tank accompanies the machine, which is more than enough for even the largest coffee cup. 

Pros

  • Quick prep time
  • It comes with a welcome kit having vertuo capsules
  • Saves energy with automatic shutoff
  • Sleek and compact design
  • Versatile and smart

Cons

  • No coffee grinder included
  • Water is very massive and hard to refill

Takeaway

Give yourself an espresso treat in the fastest possible time with Nespresso ENV135GY. The single-serve design makes for great quality of delivery. 

What’s more, it helps save energy as it goes off even when you’re not around. This machine has an excellent countertop design that prepares quality espresso with a single button-press. 

5. Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine

Enjoy a straightforward brew process with the Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine. It functions on a 15-bar pressure capacity for the perfect extraction and tasty crema. 

It comes with a unique slide and lock feature that fastens the portafilter from the sides and front. 

This feature crowns up the setup for a special brewing session. Besides, the steam wand is a one-touch button to enjoy sweet froth milk and steam. 

Do you know what excites me more?

You need not worry about the warmth of the drinks as it comes with a cup warmer. Besides, you can clean the machine with so much ease. 

With easy-to-use features, there’s not much you’d need to restore the sparkle to stainless-steel beauty. All you to do is have to do is swipe through the front with a damp cloth. Then the detachable parts will quickly come off for a thorough wash. 

Pros

  • Less cleaning required for utmost care
  • It doesn’t need much maintenance
  • Efficient and productive steam wand
  • Excellent extraction process and product

Cons

  • Machine pumps are weak
  • Filter holder ferments easily

Takeaway  

Out of the numerous options on the market, this device is the easiest to use. Hamilton Beach is one of the best espresso machines under 200 you’d see in any store. It is lightweight and easy to move around, which gives the utmost flexibility to brew anywhere. 

6. Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

Make and enjoy a cup of cappuccino or latte with the best home espresso machine under 300. Mr. coffee has automatic milk frothier to ease the extraction and preparation processes. 

It also has controls with easy and distinctive access to enhance an easier selection process. The control panel helps you go through the selectable options. 

What’s more 

Moreover, you can refill the water reservoir with ease due to its detachability. Besides, you can remove the milk holder without hassles for a quick refill. It also comes with an instructional manual to help you with any complicated process. 

Guess what!

The machine has a pressure pump of 15 bar, which is ideal for a healthy and nutritious espresso. Moreover, the design is not bulky. Hence, it can fit in any place within your home space. 

Pros

  • Automatic milk frothing
  • Simple to operate
  • Parts are removable and easy to wash
  • Has an adjustable control knob

Cons

  • Frothing tube clogs easily
  • Requires frequent maintenance

Takeaway

Mr. coffee espresso machine is all you need for a frequent cup of well-brewed cappuccino or latte. You can’t ask for more from the automatic machine as it makes the process easier and faster. Plus, you can take-out left-over milk with just the press of a button. 

7. Breville Nespresso Essenza Mini

Extract your coffee in a matter of minutes with the Nespresso Essenza Mini Original Espresso Machine by Breville. This machine gives you the fastest production of cappuccinos and lattes among similar gadgets. And it comes with features that make it easy to operate. 

Here is what I like more. 

You get an adjustable cup size with two programmable Espresso (1.35 oz) and Lungo (5 oz) buttons making Essenza Mini a great coffee maker for all you single serve coffee needs. It also extracts up to 19 bars of pressure.

Furthermore, the machine only uses medium and coarse ground coffee for its functions. Don’t forget about the Complimentary Gift that comes with the machine; Includes a complimentary starter set of Nespresso capsules. This machine also brings a touch of class to your countertop with its fantastic look.

Pros 

  • Fast espresso production
  • Rapid extraction process
  • Saves energy
  • Good for coarse coffee

Cons

  • May feel bulky

Takeaway

The beautiful sight of the Sboly espresso machine only goes to complement its amazing functions. Thus, it’s one of the best looking espresso machines you’d find in the market. You can prepare one to four cups in two mins and rest assured of a superior taste in all. 

8. EspressoWorks All-In-One Machine

Enjoy your Italian macchiato and American cappuccino all with this home espresso machine with a grinder. It features advanced tech operations that help you process these amazing shots in less than a minute. 

The thermo-blocking heating system enables the quick production of espresso and cappuccino. 

Moreover, it features a removable water tank for easy refilling. It has a handle that facilitates easy removal and better gripping when refilling. You can also monitor the level of water because the tank is transparent. 

Another exciting part! 

You have a choice of either single or double shots during each extraction as it has two stainless steel portafilter baskets. The package contains the best coffee mugs, milk frothing cups, and a coffee grinder for convenient serving. 

Pros 

  • Easy water refill
  • Yields single and double espresso shots
  • Fast cappuccino and macchiato production
  • Good handle for easy cleaning

Cons 

  • Difficult to get steady pressure
  • No burr grinder or tamper

Takeaway

This machine works just the way you want it and even more. The durability and ability to last long have endeared it to most coffee lovers. Moreover, it’s one of the best coffee makers with grinders as it gives you a peek into its versatility.

What to Consider When Looking for the Best Espresso Machine under 300 Dollars 

Here are the important things to consider before buying an espresso machine.  

Type of Espresso Machine

There are various types available on the market. Each type determines how you can use it to brew your espresso or coffee and the brewing speed, and its additional features.    

Semi-Automatic

Do you like having some control over the coffee-making process?

Semi-automatic products offer the right balance between manual control and automated brewing.

The device monitors the water temperature and pressure and makes suitable adjustments as needed.     

Automatic

This type regulates the extraction time as well as other parameters and makes automatic adjustments as needed. 

The machine automatically stops brewing after making a cup full of beverages. 

Why so much like this type? 

You do not need to supervise the gadget or stop it manually. Hence, this type is easy to use makes than semi-automated ones.  

Pod Espresso Coffee Maker

Do you want the most seamless and stress-free coffee-making experience?

Then a pod espresso coffee maker is just what you need. All you have to do is put the capsule in and tap a button. 

Afterward, you get your drink fast with the same taste every time if you use the pod. 

Pressure

The pressure at which the beverage brews affect the taste and the time to brew. The recommended pressure for an espresso machine is 9 bars. 

Commercial brewers work well with these 9 bars, but domestic brands may operate under lower pressures. 

Under lower pressures, your beverage tastes good but wouldn’t have the perfect taste like a cup from Starbucks. It will also take longer to brew under lower pressure. 

Some brands may claim the feature 15 bars pressure. That’s a buying trick in most cases because, in the end, you still get a model with just 9 bars.  

Steam Wand

If you are looking for the best espresso machine, consider getting one with manual or automatic wands.

If you like being in charge, you should go for a manual wand that lets you control the steaming strength and duration.     

Automatic wands are the best for making special brews like lattes and cappuccinos.  No stress at all. Add milk into a container and leave the machine to do the steaming. 

If you want an effortless control, fast preparation with the same result at all times, consider getting one with an automatic wand.

Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance 

How often will you be using and cleaning your device?

You should consider the cleaning and maintenance of the machine before buying it. 

Ensure to get one with machine washable parts, so you don’t need to clean them manually at all times. If the component is removable, that also a big plus for an easy wash. 

Additionally, choosing a model with large drip trays and ground containers will save you from washing it regularly. 

Storage Space

How much storage space do you have at home?

The size and weight of the machine will determine how easy it is to store it. 

Hence, before buying any, consider your kitchen storage cabinets’ size and how often you’ll be putting the device away for storage.  

if you don’t have excess storage space., I will recommend you choose a smaller and compact option.

Longevity

How often will you be using the machine? 

This plays a long role when looking for a durable machine for a long period of use. Top-notch and premium models can work all day without damage after a long period of use. 

Smaller, cost-effective espresso machines might break down if overused. 

But if you’ll not be using it all day long, getting an affordable option is the best bet.   

Frequently Asked Questions

What Bar Pressure Should A Brewer Have?

The espresso machine should have 9 bars of working pressure. 

Nine bars are the equivalent of 9 times the earth’s atmospheric pressure. That means, as you operate the machine, you are applying this much pressure on the heated water in the cup for half an hour.  

How Long Should an Espresso Machine Last?

The durability of the espresso machine depends on the build material and electronic quality. 

Steel and brass often last longer than other build materials. You should also inspect the pump mechanism and heating element of a brand as these are quite susceptible to breakdowns.  

Above all, buy the best-looking espresso machine made with quality materials and durable components that is serviceable and repairable.  

What is the Meaning of Bars for These Products?

The bar rating refers to the pressure required to make a cup of coffee. This could vary from 3.5 to 15 bars. 

Electric devices use an internal pump to attain the right pressure. But lever machines require you to pull the lever manually and apply the correct pressure needed. They have a gauge to help you determine where to pull the shot correctly.   

Final Word 

Nothing beats the feeling that comes with making yourself a cup of well-brewed cappuccino. However, it may not be easy as it sounds, as even the best espresso machines under 100 are difficult to get. 

But my list of the top 8 best espresso machine under 300 gives you a wide range of options to choose from, even with your limited budget.