Espresso machines make premium quality espressos, everyone knows that but you need to get an espresso machine that can fulfill all your needs and mainly comes under your budget. However, we have made your task easier by listing the top 6 best espresso machines under $300.
Moreover, we have given some general information regarding espresso machines, too. If you are a coffee enthusiast, you would definitely enjoy reading this article. $300 is a good budget for getting an espresso machine. You can enjoy many high-end features at this price range with a premium espresso quality.
Moreover, enjoy hassle free coffee making at home and brew delicious lattes and cappuccinos at home. Check out our article on how to make cappuccino with an espresso machine and how to make latte with an espresso machine for a detailed recipe.
- Best Espresso Machines Under $300
- 1. Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker
- 2. Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine
- 3. Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
- 4. De’Longhi Espresso Maker with twin brewing cycle
- 5. De’Longhi ECP3120 15 Bar Espresso Machine with Advanced Cappuccino System
- 6. Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse Espresso Maker and Cappuccino Machine
- How to make Cappuccino with an Espresso maker?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Best Espresso Machines Under $300
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1. Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker
Why we love it?
- It comes with a powerful pressure pump of 15 bars for a better coffee extraction.
- Moreover, you will be provided with a cup warmer plate so that you can enjoy warm espressos.
- It’s easy to use professional grade steam wand has a great mobility.
Breville is a brand which never lets us down when it comes to the coffee and machine quality. Cafe Roma is also one such model manufactured by Breville which can make amazing espresso shots with its 15 bar pressure pump.
Moreover, it also has an attached steam wand and dual wall filter so that you can brew delicious cappuccinos and lattes at home. Additionally, the espresso maker is easy to use with its dual action dial for espresso and milk.
Moreover, you will also get a cup warmer which will make sure your espresso shot doesn’t get cooled down in the cup. As the looks of this machine are concerned, it has an amazing stainless steel finish.
Pros
- Heats quickly.
- Easy to use dial.
- Durable.
- Takes less space.
Cons
- Drip tray is small.
- Steam nozzle is short.
If you have a budget between $200-$300, then this espresso machine will be the best choice for you. Coming from a trusted brand the build quality is outstanding and made to last long. Moreover, the stainless steel finish makes it look even better, and it makes premium espressos.
However, we and many other machine users have experienced that its steam nozzle is short as compared to other machines so it might be a problem while frothing milk.
2. Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine
Best PickWhy we love it?
- Water tank of capacity 54 oz which is ideal for making 9-10 cups of coffee at once.
- Moreover, it can brew 5 different cup sizes with the VertuoLine coffee capsules.
- Also, when paired with an aeroccino milk frother it brews cafe style coffee recipes at home.
This VertuoPlus Nespresso espresso maker is one of the best espresso machines under $300 because of its lightweight design and price tag. Moreover, it is paired with a milk frother so no need to get one externally. The 5 different coffee sizes make it more special because they provide you with a variety of recipes with minimal work.
However, You can only use Nespresso VertuoLine coffee capsules because they have a barcode embedded on them that has all the information required to process the coffee so you don’t have to set up the machine as per your preference. Moreover, the sleek design lets it fit anywhere on your kitchen top easily.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Makes delicious espressos.
- Coffee capsules with embedded barcode.Â
- Stylish looks.
Cons
- Coffee is not that hot.
- Noisy.
Making lattes as well as cappuccinos and other milk coffees will be easier with this nespresso machine. It not only includes five preset functions but also a milk frother, which makes it perfect for delicious and creamy latte making.
The only problem is you cannot use coffee capsules of other brands as the nespresso vertuo coffee capsules have a barcode on it. So go for this one if you like its design and ability to serve you hot coffee within seconds with a variety of flavours and seasonal creations with a single touch
3. Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
Why we love it?
- A 3 in 1 semi-automatic machine which can make espresso, cappuccino and latte.
- It comes with an inbuilt automatic milk frother that is capable of making delicious Crema.
- Moreover, it has 3 trendy color options to select from for your kitchen color scheme.
This machine will be an eye catcher on your kitchen top with its amazing looks and features. Moreover, it also has 3 color options to choose from. You will be provided with 3 preset functions for espresso, cappuccino and latte. Additionally, you can also personalize them as per your preferences.
Moreover, a 54 oz water tank is ideal for a large family with high coffee needs. Also, an inbuilt milk frother with a dial is included for making delicious Crema on the go. This semi automatic espresso machine can brew espressos within minutes. However, the drip tray is pretty small to accommodate large cups.
Pros
- Fast.
- Makes amazing espressos.
- Milk frother works perfectly.
- Stylish design.
Cons
- Loud.
- Can’t accommodate larger cups.
Mr Coffee is a trusted brand for years so you can blindly go for this espresso machine. Moreover, it is cheaper than other espresso machines with the same features. This is a semi automatic espresso machine therefore, it is easier to use with its touchscreen controls and preset coffee functions. Therefore, it is the best choice for coffee enthusiasts and large families with tight budgets. Moreover, it can be a good gifting option
4. De’Longhi Espresso Maker with twin brewing cycle
Why we love it?
- Its 44 oz water container capacity is ideal for a large family or a small company.
- Can make delicious espressos, lattes and cappuccinos with its amazing steam wand.
- The twin brewing cycle lets you brew two single espresso shots at once.
An espresso machine with a large water tank is perfect if you have a large family. Therefore, we have included this superb DeLonghi espresso machine with 44 oz water tank. Moreover, you can brew two espresso shots at once with its twin brewing cycle.
Additionally, this machine uses a highly efficient pressure pump for extracting the right flavors. Moreover, you will have the freedom to use ground coffee or coffee pods as per your preference.
This DeLonghi espresso machine also features a 3 in 1 filter holder so that you can have one or two espresso shots at once with amazing consistency. Moreover, its dual temperature control feature will let you control the temperature of espresso and milk distinctly.
Pros
- Includes a cup warmer.
- Easy to clean.
- Large water tank.
- Can use coffee pods.
Cons
- Steam wand is delicate.
- No inbuilt coffee grinder.
With all the high end features, this espresso machine is available at such a good price range. Additionally, it is a good investment in the long run. The machine comes with a highly mobile, flexible steam wander which can froth milk within minutes.
Unlike other espresso machines, you can also use coffee pods into it. However, it is quite delicate, so handle it with care. Moreover, a cup warmer is also included so that you can enjoy warm coffees anytime.
5. De’Longhi ECP3120 15 Bar Espresso Machine with Advanced Cappuccino System
Budget PickWhy we love it?
- It comes with adjustable controls which can be personalized according to your preferences.
- Can brew 2 single espresso shots at once with its twin brewing cycle.
- Moreover, the machine maintains the optimal temperature in between shots.
With its stylish looks and amazing qualities, this espresso machine can also fit anywhere you want. It includes a steam wand for making delicious milk coffee recipes. Moreover, the advanced cappuccino system maintains the optimal temperature so that you don’t have to wait between shots.
Unlike other espresso makers this one can accommodate taller cups easily. Additionally, the 15 bar pressure pump makes sure your espresso has the perfect flavors extracted out of the coffee grounds.
You can also make two espresso shots at a time with its twin brewing cycle so you don’t run late anywhere. Lastly, a sleek and compact design helps it accommodate anywhere on your kitchen or table top.
Pros
- 15 bar pressure pump.
- Adjustable cup height.
- Twin brewing cycle.
- Compact design.
Cons
- Delicate porta filter.
- Less capacity.
Sleepy heads can be very much benefited by this espresso machine for its easy and fast espresso making abilities so that they don’t have to wake up early for a small espresso cup. Moreover, if you have less kitchen space, then you should definitely have this trendy and compact espresso machine.
It also comes with a twin brewing cycle. However, it has comparatively lesser water capacity than other espresso machines so it would be perfect for individuals and couples.
6. Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse Espresso Maker and Cappuccino Machine
Staff PickWhy we love it?
- The machine Can make espresso, latte or cappuccino with its preset functions by simply pressing on of those buttons.
- The 19 bar pressure pump can extract the perfect flavor out of your coffee grounds with the aroma intact.
- Moreover, it has an inbuilt removable milk frother for making delicious milk coffee recipes.
Get one of the best and semi-automatic espresso machines below $300. It’s one of the special espresso machines having a range of features and also lasts long. Many semi-automatic espresso machine reviews suggest that this is the best espresso machine under $300. In this model you will get a powerful 19 bar pressure pump which can extract the right amount of espresso out of the grounds.
Moreover, you can brew two espresso shots at once with its twin brewing cycle so that you never run late to your office. Additionally, you don’t have to buy a separate milk frother or steam the milk manual as it already features an inbuilt milk frother. Moreover, it is removable too.
Pros
- Amazing looks.
- 19 bar pressure pump.
- Preset coffee functions.Â
- Simple user interface.
Cons
- Long heat up time.
- heavy.
With a decent budget of $300 this Mr Coffee espresso machine can work for years for anyone who maintains it properly. It features a range of features which are rare at such a low price range.
Moreover, the build quality is incredibly high therefore, it is the best option to go for if you have a budget between $250-$300. However, we found that it is quite loud during processing and also takes a lot of time to heat up therefore, the choice is up to you.
How to make Cappuccino with an Espresso maker?
Cappuccinos are loved by many people but how about making it on your own at home? Here we have given a short cappuccino recipe so that you can enjoy homemade delicious cappuccino at home. Cappuccinos are made with â…“ espresso and â…” steamed milk therefore a milk frother plays a major role in brewing a cup of espresso.
For making a single cup of cappuccino, you will require the following items:
- Espresso machine.
- Coffee grinder (if you will use whole beans).
- Cappuccino cup.
- External Milk frother (if inbuilt is not included).
- 4 oz water.
- 4 oz full fat milk.
- 2 tsp coffee grounds (any type you prefer).
- Cocoa powder, cinnamon (optional).
Before moving ahead, make sure your espresso machine is clean. Moreover, you can check out our article on how to clean an espresso machine.
Now, with no delay, lets move to the recipe
Step 1: Fill the water container with 4 ounces of water. Moreover, make sure the water container is clean.
Step 2: Attach the plug to the main switch and start the machine. Now your machine will enter the preheat mode.
Step 3: Remove the porta filter from the group head and add 2 teaspoons of coffee grounds into it and attach it to the group head again.
Step 4: Place the cappuccino cup below the nozzle and on the drip tray. Now, pull out an espresso shot by clicking on the double espresso button.
Step 5: If you have a milk frother start it simultaneously with the espresso machine and add the 4 oz milk into it. Within minutes the steamed milk will be ready. Moreover, if you have a steam wand, pour the milk into a container and start the steam wand while keeping its nozzle at the surface of the container and stop after you achieve your desired consistency.
Step 6: Now slowly pour the frothed milk into the cappuccino cup. Moreover, make sure the 3 distinct layers are visible.
Step 7: If you love art, you can try making latte art on your cappuccino cup. Additionally, you can sprinkle some cocoa powder and cinnamon on the top for a better taste.
Step 8: After enjoying your delicious self made cappuccino, now it’s time to clean the machine. Run a cleaning cycle through the machine and clean it inside out if you are not going to use it for that day. Moreover, make sure there is no moisture left.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Breville or DeLonghi?
We can’t tell which one is better, both have their own pros and cons. However, DeLonghi offers a powerful pressure pump of 19 bars; on the other hand, Breville only uses 15 bars. On the contrary, Breville has many options to choose from.Â
How often should an espresso machine be cleaned?
An espresso machine should be cleaned every day by running a quick cleaning cycle through it. However, descaling should be done every 2 months for better functionality.
Is vinegar good for descaling?
We don’t recommend you to use vinegar for descaling your espresso machine as it may harm the internal parts of the machine. It has also been proved through experiments. However, if you have an experience of descaling an espresso machine with vinegar, you can try it at your own risk.
How long does it take for an espresso machine to heat up?
The heat up time varies from machine to machine so we can’t tell the exact heat up time. However, a consumer espresso maker takes a maximum of 20 minutes for heat up.
Conclusion
So that’s our list of recommendations. You can choose any of these espresso makers with a blind eye because we have already tested them. You can make different coffee recipes while sitting at your home. Moreover, you can be a self made barista and try learning latte art. Espresso machines can save your energy and time and also provide you with premium quality espressos.