There are numerous espresso machines available in the markets that are ideal in extracting espresso. Before settling on a particular espresso machine for your home, there are a number of factors to be considered such as performance, features, safety, warranty and price. Having been through the process of finding the ideal espresso machine, we know that this will involve significant time to read through reviews, analyze and compare the various espresso makers. To save your time, we have compiled the top three best espresso machines under 300 dollars below.
Best Espresso Machine under 300
#1. Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker
Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Espresso Maker
This is definitely one of the best espresso makers under $300 available in the market. With 15 bars of pressure, the Breville ESP8XL brews some of the best espressos for a maker within this price range.
Many users have found the Breville to be easy to use and require low maintenance. Its unique design and a stainless steel body give it a modern contemporary look. It measures 12 x 12 x 15 inches, thereby guaranteeing on space economy. With a weight of 14.7 pounds, the Breville ESP8XL is light and easily portable when there is need to shift.
The Breville is a semi automatic espresso machine. This will appeal to espresso fanatics who enjoy the process of brewing a shot on their own. It will automatically shutdown after every brew, thus saving you energy costs. It also have a ready indicator light and clock display. With just a few operation buttons, it is really easy to use and clean.
Some of its other features include:
- Dual-wall filter system: It comes with a double ultra-thin filter system that guarantees you a rich, thick crema for your espresso.
- Thermo block heating system: It is able to heat up to the ideal temperature for espresso extraction in less than a minute
- Water tank. It comes with a 40 ounces water tank, enough to brew up to five cups of espresso at one go. The tank has an water window, allowing you to see the water level.
- This espresso maker requires little maintenance when it is used correctly. Like many others espresso makers, the Breville occasionally clogs and cleaning it after every brew is highly recommended.
- Cup-warming plate. It comes with a cup warming plate on top which helps to keep your cup warm, thus allowing your espresso to stay warm after extraction.
- Removable drip tray. This makes it easy for clean up after use.
Cons:
- It clogs if not frequently cleaned.
- It may start leaking if overused.
#2. Delonghi EC680M DEDICA Espresso Machine
DeLonghi EC680M DEDICA Pump Espresso Machine
If you are looking for an attractive espresso maker that requires minimal space, you will like the Delonghi Dedica Espresso Machine. It is undoubtedly one of the best espresso makers in the market for under $300.
The Dedica comes with an array of cool features and brews some of the best espresso for a machine at this price range. Its design not only saves you on space but also gives your counter top a modern look and feel.
It is light and portable, measuring only 13 x 5.9 x 13 inches and weighing 9.5 pounds. Its body is made of stainless steel with chrome finishing, making it easy to clean the surface. The Dedica is easy to use with its distinct operating buttons and automatic espresso flow stop upon delivery.
In addition, the Dedica shifts to stand-by mode after a period of inactivity. This makes it an efficient energy saver. Other features on the Dedica include;
- Thermo block heating system. This technology helps to heat up water to the ideal brewing temperatures in a record forty seconds. It also comes with self-priming ability that keeps the maker warm, making it ever ready for the next brew.
- General maintenance. When used correctly, this espresso maker has been able to stand the test of time and is one of the most durable in its category.
- Built-in cup warmer. With the Delonghi, you espresso will never get cold. It comes with a built-in cup warmer that heats up the espresso cups prior to the brewing. With a warm cup, your hot beverage stays hot longer.
- Programmable extraction time. You get to customize the extraction time for your coffee beans. You also get the option to choose between using loose ground coffee or ESE coffee pods for espresso extraction.
Cons:
- Cup-warming platform not very effective until the boiler heats up.
- Location of the on/off switch button at the back can be hard to reach in a crowded counter.
#3. Nespresso Vertuo Evoluo Coffee and Espresso Machine
The Nespresso Vertuo Evoluo is by far the best espresso maker machine for under 300 dollars. With advanced technology, this espresso maker makes some of the best espressos, with a thick and rich crema.
It also comes in a compact size and design, thus saving you space and provides a modern-urban look to your kitchen counter. It measures 19.4 x 11.5 x 15.7 inches and weighs just 13 pounds, making it easily portable.
The Evoluo comes with a self-cleaning system, making it one of the easiest espresso makers to clean. It is really easy and convenient to operate with its one button operation.
Here are some key features making it a top home espresso machine under 300 dollars.
- Centrifusion Extraction Technology. This patented technology developed by Nespresso produces the perfect crema for your espresso with ease. Just insert a capsule and close the lever. The capsule is spinned up to speeds of 7,000 revolution per minute. The ground coffee is blended and mixed with water, producing the perfect crema for your espresso.
- Removable water tank. The Vertuo comes with one of the largest water tanks in its category. The 54 ounces ( or 1.6 liters ) water tank allows you to brew more of your favorite espresso at one go. The tank is also detachable for easier cleaning.
- Double brewing system. This is one of the best feature! With it, you can brew both coffee and espresso with just one machine! And it is done at just one touch of a button.
Cons:
- It is made of plastic and only few chromed areas.
- Its capsules are only available from Nespresso.
Which is the best Espresso Machine under 300 dollars?
A comparison of the three espresso machines is a difficult task. This is because they are all impressive machines that will brew the best espressos for you within this price range. Nevertheless, Nespresso Vertuo Evoluo Coffee and Espresso Machine really stands out because of a few features.
- It brews two different beverages; coffee and espresso, at the same time.
- Because of its Centrifusion technology, it brews the sweetest espressos of the three machines.
- It has the largest water tank of the three.
- It is the easiest to use with a single button.
That said, if you are willing to spend a little bit more, you can get some of the best value espresso machine for just under 500 dollars. 500 dollars? Probably what you pay for 100 days of coffee? If you do the maths, it doesn’t take long for you to recoup your investment and start saving on your coffee from then onwards!
