Best Espresso Machine Under $300 (Great For Beginners)

Blog Title - Best Espresso Machine Under $300

As you dive into this article you’ll find thee best espresso machine under $300 that you can buy for your home. One of the best items I’ve ever purchased was an espresso machine. The reason I say that is because it brews just about the best coffee I ever had. I used to visit chain coffee shops quite often, but ever since I bought an espresso machine I only go to a coffee shop when I have no other choice. I never thought I would cut that part out of my life, but it happened.

The cost of the espresso machine has made up for itself in the money I saved on coffee I used to buy from a coffee shop. It’s also good to remember that these machines are not just an espresso machine. They will also make cappuccinos, cafe lattes and cafe mochas so it really could be a coffee shop in your home.

Top Picks If You’re In A Hurry…

De’Longhi ECP3630 Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, Stainless Steel

Mr. Coffee BVMC-ECMP1102 Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

Capresso 118.05 EC PRO Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

If you’re wondering, my first espresso machine was well under $300. In fact, I still own that machine and it’s going strong now for well over 3 years. It’s the De’Longhi ECP3630 Espresso and Cappuccino Machine and is great for beginners.

Best Espresso Machines Under $300

This list of espresso machines has a lot going for it. In addition to them being friendly on the wallet they’re also really good machines for beginners. They may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive machines, however, these are still real quality machines. All are pretty easy to use and easy to clean. We don’t think that any of the choices on this list would be a bad one.

Now let’s get on with it! Let’s review the list of the best espresso machines under $300 to find the best fit for you.

1. De’Longhi ECP3630 Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

Well, I listed this espresso machine first because this is the espresso machine that I have. I’ve had it for over three years now without any issues. It’s fast. It’s powerful. It does exactly what it’s supposed to do. One my favorite things about it is the stem wand (the thing that froths the milk) is made of rubber. This makes for easy and quick cleanup. The steam tip comes off for a quick rinse or wash.

The only thing that I don’t like about this machine is that it’s difficult to tell how much water is left in the water reservoir. Without an LED underneath I’m having to open the lid to check. Since the machine is under my cabinet I need to pull the whole machine out to see inside the water reservoir.

Why This Is The Best Espresso Machine Under $300:

  1. 15 bar professional pressure assures quality results every time.
  2. Second tier drip tray to accommodate larger cups.
  3. Removable 37 ounce water tank. Full stainless steel housing.
  4. Self priming operation for minimum start up preparation.
  5. Two Separate Thermostats – Water and steam pressure are controlled separately, so you can make espresso or cappuccino at the perfect.

2. Mr. Coffee BVMC-ECMP1102 Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

The Mr. Coffee CafĂ© Barista brews espresso and automatically froths milk for cappuccino and latte selections. You don’t need to be a barista to create custom drinks like your favorite coffeehouse. Simply pick a single or double shot filter and select your grounds. Then fill the milk reservoir and choose your brew. You’re ready to go!

A recipe book is included to help you create impressive coffee drinks—from Espresso Martinis to Raspberry Cappuccinos to Choco-Nutty Lattes.

Why This Is The Best Espresso Machine Under $300:

  1. Semi-automatic 3-in-1 espresso maker, cappuccino maker, and latte maker.
  2. 15-bar pump system brews rich-tasting espresso coffee.
  3. Trouble-free automatic milk frother removes the guesswork.
  4. One-touch control panel for drink selections.
  5. Easy-fill, removable water and milk reservoirs.
Mr. Coffee BVMC-ECMP1102 Espresso & Cappuccino Maker

3. Capresso 118.05 EC PRO Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

Featuring an advanced pump boiler system and two filter choices, the commercial-grade Capresso EC PRO Professional Espresso and Cappuccino Machine is the ideal choice for brewing cafe quality espresso and cappuccino at home. The EC PRO is equipped with two filter options that allow coffee lovers at any skill level to prepare barista-quality espresso. The heavy-duty double spout espresso filter, designed for beginners, is convenient and easy to use, brewing one or two espressos at a time.

The filter’s sieve helps produce an ideal brew quickly and easily, by creating optimal pressure without having to perfect tamp or grind size. Ideal for expert home brewers and those looking to improve their barista skills, the EC PRO’s bottomless espresso filter lets users brew barista style. Unlike the double spout filter sieve, the pressure in this sieve is built up based on grind size and tamp. The bottomless sieve produces a richer, thicker crema and a hotter brew because the espresso has less contact with the surfaces of the portafilter.

Why This Is The Best Espresso Machine Under $300:

  1. The bottomless espresso filter lets you brew barista style and perfect your technique.
  2. Advanced pump boiler maintains a reservoir of hot water at the perfect temperature for faster and more consistent results.
  3. State-of-the-art boiler increases brewing pressure and temperature stability.
  4. 15 bar pump provides optimal pressure for rich crema, the thin layer of foam that marks a perfectly brewed espresso.
  5. Commercial-style power frother for perfectly foamed or steamed milk for delicious cappuccinos and lattes.
best espresso machine under $500 - Capresso 118.05 EC PRO

How To Make The Perfect Espresso

Last Thoughts On Espresso Machines

I never used to consider myself a coffee snob. But over time I realized that I am a coffee snob. When I bought my first espresso machine I didn’t actually plan on the purchase. However, I saw a great deal at Costco and it was an impulse purchase. Although I had to return that machine it still made really good coffee! In fact, it was so good it made me decide to buy a better machine. And that’s the same one I currently own. When the day comes and my espresso machine no longer works I will upgrade to a better machine with more frills. I’ll spend a little more money for the best espresso machine under $500 that has some more bells and whistles.

The first time you use an espresso machine it could be a little intimidating. Obviously, you want to make sure you do all the right things. We all want a good cup of coffee. But the learning curve is a very short one and it’s actually fun to make the coffee. There are a lot of quality espresso machines in the market. I’m confident that all of the ones I listed will brew an excellent cup of coffee. Hopefully, I gave you enough tools and information to find you the best espresso machine under $300 for your personal tastes and preferences.