If you are a real coffee lover, then you understand how important it is to start the day right with a good cup of coffee. While it may seem impossible to get a good espresso without spending money at your local cafe or paying a ton for a coffee machine, that’s no longer the case. As long as you have the best espresso machine under $300 you can find.

As you can imagine, there are plenty of features to consider when looking for the best home espresso machine under $300. When we came up with our list, we first looked at the types of coffee to use with each machine, to make sure your favorite coffee is compatible. Next, we looked at the capacity of each device, as this will let you know how much coffee you can brew in one go. We also checked whether the models on our list come with a nozzle or not. Finally, we looked at the dimensions of each model, as this will let you know whether or not you have the counter or cabinet space needed to properly store your new machine.

In order to find the best espresso machines for under $300, we spent dozens of hours reading hundreds of user reviews. This has allowed us to compile an exhaustive list and write in-depth reviews of the best models on the market. We’ve also put together an in-depth buying guide that you should check out if you’re not quite ready to make your final purchase.

Best Espresso Machines Under $300- Comparison Table

ESPRESSO MACHINE	PRESSURE	WATER TANK CAPACITY	PRICE
DeLonghi Lattissima Touch EN 550.B	19 bar	unspecified	CHECK PRICE
KitchenAid Nespresso Candy Apple	19 bar	44oz.	CHECK PRICE
DeLonghi Dedica Style EC685M	15 bar	34oz.	CHECK PRICE
De'Longhi All-in-One Magnifica S	15 bar	42oz.	CHECK PRICE
Capresso 118.05 EC PRO	15 bar	42oz.	CHECK PRICE

Top 5 Espresso Machines Reviews

DeLonghi Lattissima Touch EN 550.B

If you are looking for the best espresso machine for under $300, then this model might be the one to meet your needs. It is a fully automatic model, which largely explains its excellent reputation. Even if you are an inexperienced home barista, this machine will allow you to easily prepare delicious cups of coffee. As the name suggests, all you have to do is press a button, and you’re done.

Not only does this machine make espresso very easy, but it will also allow you to make many other types of caffeinated beverages. With the push of a button, you can also prepare delicious lattes or smooth cappuccinos, although, of course, these will take a little longer.

One of the main problems with espresso machines is that they cannot handle cups of different sizes. This can be a big problem if you’re trying to brew something larger than a standard cup of espresso coffee. Fortunately, this model has an adjustable cup tray that can accommodate even larger cups to take the coffee with you when you leave home.

Even though this espresso machine is very easy to use, it does have one drawback that you will want to keep in mind. Unlike many other models on the market, this device does not have a warning light when water is insufficient. Although not the most important, you don’t want to run it too often without water, as this could damage the pump. However, as long as you add water every day, this shouldn’t be a problem.

Feature:

• One-touch control panel
• Adjustable cup tray

KitchenAid Nespresso Candy Apple

Even though the previous starter is very easy to use, the fact that you have to use ground coffee can make it a bit less convenient. If you're looking for the best capsule espresso maker, this option from KitchenAid is a great place to start. This company has been around for a long time and, as the name suggests, it deals exclusively with kitchen appliances. You can tell it's a high-quality company and a well-made machine in part because of the long warranty it offers. Not only are they confident that their machine will last, but also that it is worth covering.

This machine is extremely durable. Even if you intend to use it every day, you should have no problem seeing it break on you. While many other models use cheaper plastic parts, this machine is durably constructed from metal. This style of construction helps make this espresso machine one of the most durable and stylish on the market.

When brewing with this machine, you have a bit more control than with a fully automatic model. In fact, it lets you select the brew strength you need, which is really handy since everyone has a different preference when it comes to taste and caffeine content.

The only thing to keep in mind with this model is that the pod tank can get quite dirty if you don't clean it after a few uses. Luckily, it's very easy to do, so it shouldn't be a problem in the long run.

Feature:

• Brew strength selector
• All-metal, die-cast construction

DeLonghi Dedica Style EC685M

The big worry many people have when it comes to switching from their standard coffee machine to an espresso machine has to do with how much space their new machines are going to take up. This concern is warranted, as many espresso machines are quite large.

Luckily, if you're looking to save some counter or cabinet space because you have a smaller kitchen, this model is on the market. This machine is extremely compact and while it doesn't have as many bells and whistles as other machines, it is quite capable of brewing a great cup of espresso.

This DeLonghi espresso machine is also very energy efficient. Since it can only be used to brew a single cup of espresso at a time, it doesn't consume a lot of energy to do so. Of course, this energy-efficient design limits how fast you can make your drink. Since you can't froth your milk and brew your coffee at the same time, you'll have to switch between them, which can be quite messy. And that, of course, until you have a little more experience in using both functions.

Another element that helps to differentiate this model from its competitors is the fact that it incorporates a descaling alarm. Descaling is an important step in cleaning an espresso machine. If left unchecked, leftover grain deposits can seep into the system, resulting in bitter and less appetizing drinks. This alarm helps prevent that from happening, as it reminds you when you need to clean the machine.

Feature:

• 40 second heating time
• Power saving mode
• Descaling alarm

De'Longhi All-in-One Magnifica S

Another big misconception people have when it comes to espresso machines is that they cost a ton of money. It certainly is, but a good machine doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg, just so you can make quality espresso. Take this model, for example. This machine is very economical and can still make delicious coffee.

All the equipment that comes with it helps make it such a cost-effective espresso solution. While most machines only offer the bare minimum for making espresso, this machine has it all. This includes two cups, a frother, a filter, and even a bean grinder, which is a huge plus since this machine needs ground beans. With this grinder, you can prepare as much espresso as possible every morning.

This machine is also very easy to use, partly thanks to its very simple controls. Basically, just select the sequence you want to follow and press "Start". From there, the machine will do all the work for you so you can enjoy a delicious cup of espresso to start your day.

However, keep in mind that with this machine, you cannot prepare your espresso and your steamed milk at the same time. It's definitely not the biggest problem, but it probably means you won't do both on the day you're late, which could affect the quality of your drink.

Feature:

• Comes with a grinder
• A foam cup
• A filter
• 2 espresso cups
• Measuring cup

Capresso 118.05 EC PRO

One of the best parts of a great cup of coffee, whether it's a cappuccino, latte, or espresso, is sharing it with someone you care about. This machine is a great option if you want to brew more than one cup of espresso at a time, simply because it has more than one spout. This dual spout will give you plenty of time to brew a cup for yourself and someone else, so you can spend time chatting over delicious drinks, rather than making them in the kitchen.

That doesn't mean it won't take a bit of practice to use this machine properly, though. Even though the controls on this model are quite simple, it will take some practice to get the mix right to make your dream mug. The hard part is determining the exact amount of ground coffee to use. Luckily, this machine comes with a measuring spoon, which should help you keep your measurements as accurate as possible.

This machine also has a very large capacity, making it a great choice if you have a lot of companies staying at your house. It is also fully equipped with a cup warmer tray. This tray will allow you to brew your own cup of espresso when you're ready while keeping your partner's or guests' cup piping hot for when they're ready to drink it.

Feature:

• Double spout
• Comes with a scoop
• Cup warmer tray

Things to consider while choosing the best espresso machine under $300

As you can imagine, there are several different factors you need to consider when looking for the best espresso maker under $300. In this section, we'll go over everything you need to know to find the best machine for your home.

Automatic or semi-automatic?

The first thing you will need to determine is the type of espresso machine you want. You can choose between a semi-automatic model or a fully automatic machine. Whichever type of machine you choose for your new espresso machine, you are guaranteed to get delicious coffee, as they operate very similarly.

A semi-automatic espresso machine is a great buy for anyone who wants complete control over the brewing process. With a semi-automatic espresso machine, you measure the amount of water you use and the amount of coffee, giving you more control over the strength of the espresso you brew.

An automatic espresso machine, like the Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse Espresso Machine, on the other hand, will make the process completely automatic. All you need to do is make sure the machine has water and coffee loaded before you use it and, as the name suggests, just give it a twist, and it will take care of the rest.

What coffee to use with it

The main difference between brewing espresso and a standard cup of coffee is in the preparation. Basically, espresso is made by heating water to a much higher temperature and passing it through dense coffee grounds under pressure. The grits you use shouldn't vary much from what you normally buy, other than the texture. You need to make sure that you only use finely ground beans. So you can pack them more densely. You can also try grinding them yourself to keep them fresh longer.

You also need to consider the type of beans you are using. When it comes to espresso, the most commonly used beans are Arabica or Robusta. Arabica is a higher quality bean, which has more flavor, but less caffeine. Robusta, on the other hand, does not have such a strong taste, but its caffeine content is much higher.

Finally, the last thing you need to consider when choosing your coffee for your new espresso machine is the price of the beans. Of course, the higher the arabica bean content, the more expensive the coffee will be. If you are a true coffee lover, the price will be worth it. If you are simply looking for cheaper, but higher quality coffee, look for blends that contain more Robusta beans in their formula.

Water tank size

Once you have determined the type of beans you are going to use with your new espresso machine, the next thing you will need to consider is the size of the water tank. This is especially important if you have an automatic system, like the EspressoWorks All-In-One Espresso Machine Set, where you don't have to add water every time you use it. use.

When it comes to finding the right size water tank, you need to think about how many cups of espresso you are going to brew each day. If you live alone, you can probably get away with a much smaller tank, like the one in the DeLonghi EC685M.

Since you won't need to brew more than one or two cups a day, you can save a bit of money by upgrading to a smaller reservoir. Of course, if you have a family of coffee drinkers, it's probably best to get a larger model, like the Capresso 118.05 EC PRO. So you can meet the growing demand for delicious espresso without having to constantly refill the machine.

Pressure

As we said before, espresso is made by forcing extra hot water through very dense, high-pressure coffee grounds. This process results in richer, bolder cups of coffee. The rich, intense flavor can be altered by changing the amount of pressure used to push the water through the beans. The minimum pressure should be 8 or 9 bar to get a standard cup of espresso.

If you like strong coffee, you should get an espresso machine that has a higher pressure rating. For example, the KitchenAid KES0504SZ can use up to 19 bar of pressure, resulting in very dense, dark, and robust cups of coffee. If you tend to look for fewer sturdy cups, then you should look for a model that uses less pressure, like the EspressoWorks All-in-One Espresso Maker Set.

If a foaming wand is included

Another element that helps differentiate espresso from a standard cup of coffee is the choice of whether or not to use a frother with the coffee. Skimmed milk is an ingredient you'd expect to find in your local cafe's espresso, and luckily you can find it at home too, provided your new machine has a frother.

While there are several different methods to create the delicious foam on your espresso, by far the easiest is to use a frothing machine. These machines heat the milk while mixing it very quickly. This process is so simple that anyone can do it. This, of course, is why you should look for a model like the Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse Espresso Maker, which comes with a frother. So you can make a gourmet espresso in the comfort of your own home.

Dimensions

Unlike a typical coffee maker, espresso machines can be quite large. This larger size is mainly due to the fact that they need more space than a standard drip coffee maker to accommodate the various mechanisms inside to create the heat and pressure needed for a cup of coffee. espresso. If you are someone who has limited space in your kitchen, then you might want to look for a model that takes up a little less space.

For smaller kitchens that have limited counter or cabinet space, you should probably look for something like the DeLonghi EC685M. This model is much smaller than any other on the market, making it ideal for a smaller kitchen. Of course, if you have ample storage space for your new espresso machine because you have a larger kitchen, you can choose any model on the market.

Guarantee

No matter what kind of kitchen appliance or machine you buy, it always pays to look for a model that has a good warranty. Not only does this show you that you are buying something from a quality company that stands behind their product, but it also gives you peace of mind knowing that you are covered if something goes wrong with the device during normal use.

More features

One of the most important features you can get from a new espresso machine, especially if you're new to brewing, is clear, easy-to-read controls. A simple display will help you make a much better espresso right from the start, giving you a better chance of continuing to use the device.

There's another thing you should look out for when buying your new machine: the descaling alarm. Like all coffee makers, espresso machines sometimes need to be descaled. It is therefore very useful to have an alert system so that you can do this when necessary.

How to keep your espresso machine clean- Quick Guide Step by Step

As you will be using your espresso machine often, if not every day, you need to make sure that you understand how to clean it properly. If you use your machine daily, you will need to clean it at least once a month. Whenever you are ready to clean your machine, be sure to follow these steps:

To do this, you need to run the machine as normal, without putting any coffee in the filter. Hot water will pass through the system and clean it. You must ensure that the water tank is full before carrying out this operation, in order to be able to descale your machine correctly.

Remove the basket from the filter and clean it. It should then be rinsed off with warm water. Make sure it dries completely before putting it back in the machine.

Use a brush to clean the shower head, which is the part of the machine that dispenses the coffee into your cup.

You should always clean the steam jet after each use. This will prevent the milk from burning or sticking to the outside of the wand.

A few safety tips

Here are some essential safety tips for using espresso machines.

• As the stainless steel parts of most espresso machines can heat up in 45 seconds, be careful not to burn yourself by touching metal parts when the machine is running.
• Never point the milk steamer towards your hands or face.
• Clean or purge your steam wands daily to prevent bacteria buildup in the milk.
• Empty the drip tray regularly to ensure that coffee or water does not spill onto the electrical cord.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for the best espresso maker under $300, then the Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse Espresso Maker is the model for you. It is extremely easy to use. Just set the type of drink you want, including lattes and cappuccinos, and press the start button. Even if you are new to the world of espresso, this is the machine for you.

Convenience is a key thing to look for in an espresso machine these days. The KitchenAid KES0504SZ is the most convenient machine on the market, thanks to its coffee capsules, making it a great choice for a busy family on the go.

For anyone with a small kitchen, the best espresso maker under $300 will be the most compact model out there. In this case, the DeLonghi EC685M is an excellent choice. Its compact and efficient design will save you a lot of space, but still, allow you to brew a great cup of espresso.