Coffee, espresso, cappuccinos and lattes… we all love them, and this page is dedicated to bringing you the best espresso machines under $300! So much so that we all want espresso machines in our homes, and why shouldn’t we? Making espresso at home is a fraction of the cost of buying it at Starbucks (or another coffee stand), and if you do it right, it tastes better too! For $300, you should be able to get one of the best espresso machines without breaking the bank.
We’ve put together this list of espresso machine recommendations and comparisons based on hundreds of user reviews. These reviews come from real people with real experiences with the espresso machines. We’ve also pulled together the best prices on the internet, so happy shopping!
Compare the Top 5 Highest-Rated Espresso Makers for Under $300
1. De’Longhi ECP3630 15 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
The De’Longhi ECP3630 15″ Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine is one of the best espresso machines. De’Longhi is known for their quality coffee machines, regardless of what price range you are buying in. This particular machine really has it all. It’s adjustable for various cup sizes (even larger cups), has a single or double shot option, will brew espresso pods, has a visible water level detector, heats quickly, and has a sleek, compact design. It looks like stainless steel but is a combination of stainless steel and plastic. Regardless, it will look great in your kitchen.
Pros
- Rapid cappuccino system
- Works with pods
- Adjustable for various drink sizes
- Milk frother
- Removable water container
- Water level detector
- Single and double shot options
- Sleek, compact design
Cons
- No grinder
- Not automatic
- No frothing jug included
De’Longhi ECP3630 15 Bar Pump Reviews
Obviously, I am very delighted with this machine. After my first entry-level machine experience, I wasn’t expecting much at all. At the price point, the ease-of-use and the results far exceed my expectation. The machine heats up quickly, is quiet during brewing and makes very good espresso and cappuccino drinks. It has the power to push through pods. It also looks nice on our counter. I’ve already been talking this one up to friends. I am really looking forward to making my own con panna, pumpkin eggnog lattes (when the season rolls around and Hood puts out their Pumpkin Spice Eggnog) and especially a nice after-dinner decaf espresso.
In my experience, De’Longhi is one of the better appliance companies for quality and customer service. I own a few different products and they have all been top quality in their price range. Their 15 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino maker does an excellent job keeping me highly caffeinated. It’s a simple plug in, rinse, and prime setup, the same as any other coffee maker. It comes with three grind baskets for your choice of single or double as well as one for espresso pods. I used Lavazza Italian espresso exclusively as it the best I have ever tasted.
2. De’Longhi EC680 Dedica
The De’Longhi EC680 Dedica is a great, quality espresso machine if you’re looking for something extremely compact. This produces high-quality espresso but takes up a fraction of the space… may be ideal for someone with limited kitchen space? If you want to use normal-sized coffee mugs, they will fit if you take out the drip tray. Otherwise you may want to buy some little espresso cups. You still get the benefit of the milk frother, to brew espresso pods, and to pull one or two shots of espresso. It also heats up and is ready to brew within 30 seconds or so, and has a cup warming feature on the top which will help keep your espresso warm once it’s brewed.
Pros
- Milk frother
- Cup heater
- Ready to brew within 30 seconds
- Use your own coffee grounds or espresso pods
- Pulls one or two shots of espresso at a time
Cons
- No grinder
- Can be unbalanced at times due to its small size
- Doesn’t easily handle large cups (like for lattes)
- No frothing jug included
De’Longhi EC680 Dedica Reviews
This is an excellent machine… and all the more astounding because of it’s compact size and extremely competitive price. You just need to keep in mind that espresso is just as much science as it is art, and all the tools you need to make great espresso are not necessarily included in this box.
My family purchased this for me for a gift from Amazon and I’m beyond pleased with this machine! First, the slim, space saving, stunning design is beautiful to behold and the machine is heavy enough that it just proclaims quality. The stainless exterior is gorgeous and easy to care for. Then to performance…I love that I can either use the pre-packaged pods or my own blend.
3. Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma
out of 393 customer reviews
Breville is a trusted name in the espresso and coffee industry, which is one reason why the Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker is a quality machine. Unlike many of the De’Longhi models in the same price range, the Breville ESP8XL comes with various espresso-making tools such as two espresso cups, a tamping tool, measuring spoon, and even a milk frothing jug. These are all critical components to making good espresso. Customers report that it pulls delicious-tasting espresso just like models that are $1,000+ and is great for your average espresso-loving coffee drinker! It’s sleek design makes it a beautiful piece for any kitchen.
Pros
- Cup warming plate
- Frother
- Includes two espresso cups and frothing jug
- Removable drip tray
- Single, double shots or espresso pods
- Includes tamping tool
- Visible water level indicator
Cons
- No grinder
Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Reviews
All I can say is WOW! My teenage daughters and I love espresso & designer lattes, This machine made it a BREEZE for us to give up all the overpriced designer cafes in our area. My brother is a coffee snob and spent literally thousands on a fully automated Capresso machine. You could buy a couple dozen of these Breville machines for the price of his.. and you know what? It’s a few seconds more work but the coffee is JUST AS GOOD!
I was tossing up between this and the Sunbeam Cafe Crema. After reading all the reviews here and on other sites about the Breville I decided to stick with the product that seemed to get the all round thumbs up. I am impressed by this machine. Sick of dodgy cappaccinos at the cafe’s near me I can proudly say I’m making better than most of the shop purchased coffee’s I’ve been getting lately.
4. Nespresso VertuoLine Coffee and Espresso Maker with Aeroccino Plus Milk Frother
The Nespresso VertuoLine Coffee and Espresso Maker is great for the coffee-lover that is okay using strictly Nespresso VertuoLine espresso pods. Using your own mixture of grounds is not an option, but some don’t want that option! Customers and reviewers report that this machine is easy to use, easy to clean, and everything is literally done with one button. It does come with a separate milk frother which some say is a disadvantage but others don’t mind. It produces a consistent brew and you have many delicious flavors of espresso pods to choose from.
Pros
- Separate foam frother included
- For use with two cup sizes; 8oz coffee cups and espresso cups
- Height-adjustable coffee spout (up to 4.4 inches)
- Milk frother
- Easy to operate
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not many options for customizing
- For use with Nespresso VertuoLine capsules only; Not compatible with Nespresso Original Line capsules
Nespresso VertuoLine Coffee and Espresso Maker Reviews
This is an absolute keeper. Meets all my needs, is affordable, doesn’t require a massive cleanup every time you make an espresso and delivers consistent delicious coffee. Worth waiting for!
I have to say that I’m very happy that I waited for this one! The espresso is excellent, the drinks have all been hot (even when adding milk from the Aeroccino), the whole spinning process takes about 15 seconds (or less) to pour into the cup, and – most surprisingly – the new coffee-sized cartridges are AWESOME!