Best Espresso Machines Under $300 – Top 8 Rated Reviews

The Best Espresso Machines Under $300

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All around the world, espresso is not only a caffeine delivery system, but also a way of life. There are even right and wrong ways to drink espresso, especially if you are in Italy. So choosing the right espresso machine can pose quite a challenge.

There are about as many espresso machines as there are espresso bean dust particles in that bag of ground espresso in your freezer, which is where it should not be stored. In fact, you shouldn't even grind your espresso beans until you are ready to brew them.

Since there are so many espresso machines on the market, this list excludes those that require a pod. After all, pod systems are not true to the bean and dilute the flavor and purity of espresso. Each one of these machines resembles a counter-top version of what you'd find in a coffee shop and some of them handle more than just espresso.

Flair Signature Espresso Maker

The Flair Signature Espresso Maker is fantastic for an espresso machine—because you are the machine. This is a traditional espresso pump, your arm provides the pressure that a machine would simulate electronically. It comes with a solid chrome tamper that takes me back to my barista days. There is something very satisfying about pressing your own shot of espresso and not leaving it up to a machine. The Flair Signature is also completely portable, so you can take it with you on your travels and be assured you are going to get a pure shot of espresso.

Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine

If you don’t want to put the elbow grease into pressing your own espresso first thing in the morning, you’ll want something simple and quick that doesn’t take up much space on the counter. The Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine doesn’t just press a nice ounce of espresso—it also has a steam wand so you can make lattes or cappuccinos. The difference, of course, is that lattes are made with espresso and steamed milk with a tiny bit of froth on the top, while cappuccinos call for espresso and a ton of frothed milk. It provides the basic 15 Bars of pressure for making espresso—which is how you measure pressure. Anything less than 9 Bars means you aren’t getting enough pressure on your beans, so 15 is pretty solid.

Sowtech Espresso Machine

Of course, there are those who prefer a lighter cup of espresso that is closer to a basic cup of coffee. That’s where the Sowtech Espresso Machine comes in. Sure, it can make a shot of espresso, but with only 3.5 Bars of pressure, it’s more suited to make a small carafe of strong coffee. There’s a market for this, as espresso by itself (don’t you dare put milk in it) is an acquired taste. The Sowtech is less than $60, which is nice for a coffee maker that presses espresso through a filter for what is basically a cup of coffee. There is also a frothing arm, in case you want a dollop of cream on your espresso coffee blend.

De’Longhi Bar Pump Espresso Machine

What's great about the De’Longhi Bar Pump Espresso Machine is not only that it provides 15 Bars of pressure, but that it also has a dual drip for preparing two separate shots of espresso at once. Of course, doing this normally dilutes the espresso, but the De’Longhi has a three-in-one filter that can hold enough espresso for one or two shots or even a round espresso pods. The De’Longhi also has a 37-ounce water tank, so that’s a lot of espresso before having to change the water, but you should do that every time anyway. Fresh, crisp water makes for better espresso. And it has a frother arm and a second drip tray in case you are a foam addict.

Barsetto Espresso Machine with Milk Frother

Barsetto Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is pretty similar in function to the De’Longhi. It delivers the industry standard 15 Bars of pressure through a durable stainless steel exterior. It should easily fulfill all your espresso, cappuccino and latte needs. The Barsetto really focuses on the frothing experience. With a pin socket design in the frothing wand, it enables you to put some artistry in your foam. There are actually stencils for this. Making art in cappuccino foam is well and good, but let's make a great shot of espresso first.

Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse Espresso Maker and Cappuccino Machine

Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse Espresso Maker and Cappuccino Machine comes on strong with 19 Bars of pressure and a thermocouple heating system that evenly heats the water. A simple one-button control allows you to choose from a single shot, double shot and what type of coffee: espresso, cappuccino or latte.

EspressoWorks 10 Pc. All-In-One Barista Bundle

The EspressoWorks 10 Pc. All-In-One Barista Bundle comes with everything you’ll need to pretend you have a coffee shop in your kitchen. It comes with a detachable milk reservoir and frother, cappuccino and espresso cups, spoon and tamper, portafilter with single and double shot baskets, an external 120-volt coffee grinder and even a 16-piece stencil set if you want to get creative in the foam. This machine doesn’t slack on pressure either, with 19 Bars of pressure ready to press out a smooth, dark shot of Italian-style espresso. This EspressoWorks machine has four ready-to-brew premade drink selections, all one-touch. If you are looking for a machine that has all the things you'll need to make a life out of making espresso, you've come to the right place.