A coffee maker machine is a must for every family. These coffee machines are increasingly becoming popular, and each household is trying as hard as they can to have one for themselves. You may ask, why is that? Well, this is because the best espresso machine for commercial or home use will offer a broad range of benefits such as convenience of use, easy and simple cleaning process, short brewing time and some will even give you a great combination of flavors to choose from. We have listed the 10 best espresso machines under 300 USD based on their price, features, buyer reviews, pros, cons, and some other observations.
Espresso machines come with different price points in the market. This is highly dependent on factors such as price, features, functionality, and performance. Therefore, your choice will be based on your taste and preference.
Here we have compiled the 10 best espresso machines that cost less than $300 that eliminate any guesswork in the brewing process to produce a great cup of espresso, hot tea, cocoa, and other drinks in the shortest time possible. You will also get a genuine review of each product stating clearly its main features, pros, and cons. So are you ready?
- Best Espresso Machine under $300 – Compare Best Model
- 1. Cuisinart SS-700 Single Serve Brewing System
- 2. Keurig K155 Commercial Brewing System with Bonus K-Cup Portion Trial Pack
- 3. KRUPS XP5240 Pump Espresso Machine with KRUPS Precise Tamp Technology
- 4. Nespresso D121-US4-BK-NE1 Espresso Maker with Aeroccino Milk Frother
- 5. KRUPS XP5220 Pump Espresso Machine with KRUPS Precise Tamp Technology
- 6. Keurig K150 Commercial Brewing System: Coffee, Tea, Hot Cocoa
- 7. Gaggia for Illy Espresso Machine
- 8. Nespresso A+GCC1-US-BK-NE VertuoLine Evoluo Deluxe Coffee & Espresso Maker
- 9. DeLonghi EC330-s Pump Espresso Maker
- 10. Nespresso Citiz C111 Espresso Maker
- Which is the best espresso machine under 300 USD? – Editor Choice
Best Espresso Machine under $300 – Compare Best Model
1. Cuisinart SS-700 Single Serve Brewing System
Do you want a programmable single-serve coffee brew system for home use to brew delicious beverages in just a few seconds? The Cuisinart SS-700, which is the first Cuisinart coffee brewer that uses the K-Cups to make hot chocolate, tea, coffee, and other beverages, is an excellent choice. With the SS 700 Cuisinart feature set, coffee lovers can now find most of their favorite features.
Consumers love its attractive industrial design that blends perfectly with their kitchen countertops. This amazing appliance also features a large water reservoir that holds up to 80 ounces of water. Meaning that won’t have to keep refilling it every time you want to make your favorite cup of coffee. With its innovative one-touch technology that uses the Keurig K-Cups, featuring 200+ varieties of pre-measured premium brand tea and coffee, coffee lovers can easily enjoy a wide selection of hot drinks and beverages.
Pros
- Brews in less than a minute
- Easy to use and program controls
- Great customer service
- Comes with a comprehensive user’s manual that is clear and straight forward
Cons
- It is bulk and huge hence taking up much counter-space.
The Cuisinart SS-700 together with the K-Cup ensures that you drink the perfect cup of your favorite drink based on the choice of your brewing size (4, 6, 8 or 10 ounces). Thanks to the machine’s forward-facing control panel that helps you view the clock from multiple points in the room. Even more, this brewer has reusable filters that let you brew your preferred ground coffee.
Another key feature that puts this machine at its prime with both the consumers and the experts is its ease and simplicity of use. Featuring a Hot/Rinse component, the SS-700 will regularly perform self-cleaning by flushing out residual water. And just like other pod coffee makers, it also needs occasional cleaning. The frequency of cleaning depends on how heavily the coffee maker is used. Better yet, this machine is highly programmable. Thus, you won’t have to wait for the brewer to warm up for you to brew a gourmet cup of coffee.
2. Keurig K155 Commercial Brewing System with Bonus K-Cup Portion Trial Pack
Ideal for conference rooms and small office, the Keurig K155 will certainly be a good conversation piece for your guests and visitors. By just the touch of a single button, this machine will undoubtedly brew an amazingly delicious cup of tea, hot cocoa, coffee, and other iced drinks in a matter of seconds. This means, anyone can produce their favorite drink with this machine any time they like.
Being a fully programmable device, the Keurig K155 integrates an easy-to-use, intuitive touchscreen. It lets you tweak this machine’s settings to your needs. For example, you can change your brew temperature, auto on and off feature that ensures you save on energy, and even set your preferred language from the 3 included languages; French, Spanish or English. And amazingly, this machine also comes with a bonus K-cup portion trial pack.
Pros
- Large water reservoir
- Has an intuitive LCD touch screen that displays the water level
- Lets you adjust your brewing temperatures
Cons
- Although the drip tray is adjustable to accommodate even large travel mugs, it sits quite low hence brewed coffee can splash and cause a mess.
There is a 90 ounces water reservoir, which is large enough for a machine in its class. This tank ensures that you don’t have to keep refilling water for each drink you want to brew. You can even select your preferred cup size from a choice of four i.e. 4, 6, 8, and 10 ounces. And the removable drip tray is adjustable to accommodate medium size coffee cups and large travel mugs.
If you often forget to switch your coffee machine off, this machine got you covered. All you have to do is set the auto on and off feature, and it will shut down after 20 minutes from the last brew after your last brewed cup of coffee. Even more, there is the quiet brew technology and an included internal hot water tank that you can easily remove and empty.
3. KRUPS XP5240 Pump Espresso Machine with KRUPS Precise Tamp Technology
Have you always wanted to drink cafe-quality Java at the comfort of your home? Here is a great kitchen appliance for you, the Krups XP5240. Built with perfection, precision and passion in mind, this machine will deliver that and even more.
Featuring a revolutionary precise tamp feature, the Krups XP5240 takes any guesswork out of the tamping process by automatically compresses the coffee grounds perfectly to produce uniform results and a rich, thick crema all the times. You can even brew ESE pods, single or double shot any time you like, thanks to the featured universal filter basket.
If you are anything like me and don’t like waiting to get coffee, the Krups have well catered for that. The featured powerful thermoblock heating system pre-heats up this machine and gets it ready to brew in just 40 seconds.
Besides, working along with a 15 bar high-pressure pump, the heating system allows for an optimal temperature control and resistance to lime scale build-up. And when you are in the mood for making authentic steamed or frothed milk such as delicious lattes and cappuccinos, the integrated steam wand will let you do that. It has never been easier to brew good-tasting drinks!
Pros
- Simple frothing and steaming functions
- Easy to use controls
- Cleaning and maintenance are simple
- Comes in a modern and stainless steel design
Cons
- Not durable enough.
Inspired by professionals and designed for aficionados, the Krups XP5240 is made of stainless steel housing with a few plastic parts, making it of high quality. For your convenience, the filter holder on this brewer comes with a cake ejection system that is mess-free. Moreover, the water tank is removable thus making it easy to refill water, not to mention that its drip tray is also detachable for quick and easy cleaning.
4. Nespresso D121-US4-BK-NE1 Espresso Maker with Aeroccino Milk Frother
It is now the time to relish a freshly made cup of cappuccino or latte in your home with the no other than the Nespresso Citiz. By just the press of a single button, you will quickly make either hot or cold milk froth. Featuring the Espresso and Lungo buttons, you can program them to customize volumes, and since they are both backlit, they are easy to use.
Along with the Aeroccino, you can even go an extra mile to make creamy hot milk-froth for making all kinds of milk based drinks. And thanks to the folding and adaptable drip tray that enables the Nespresso D121-US4-BK-NE1 to accommodate taller recipe cups.
With its powerful 19 bar pump, this brewer will produce barista-style coffee at all times, correctly extracting the premium aromas and delicate flavor of each coffee bean to create an irresistibly rich and buttery crema. There is also an excellent heat control system that will reach the ideal temperatures to get the machine started in just 25 seconds.
Pros
- Removable water tank capable of accommodating 1 liter of water
- The coffee volume control is automatic
- Energy saving mode
- There is an alarm that alerts you when the machine needs descaling
Cons
- Frothier doesn’t last for long
The Nespresso D121-US4-BK-NE1 will make your life easy by saving you too much monthly expenses. This has been made possible by the auto energy-saving function that automatically turns off this machine after 9 minutes. You can even extend this period up to 30 minutes.
And if you want to experiment new recipes every time, there is an included set of 16 capsules each with unique aromas to try from. Regardless of the choice you make, the capsule system will effortlessly deliver exceptional taste and radically distinctive aromas.
5. KRUPS XP5220 Pump Espresso Machine with KRUPS Precise Tamp Technology
The KRUPS XP5220 a powerful automatic espresso coffee machine that offers you the opportunity of making lattes and cappuccinos. The Krups deserves to be praised for its crafting skills in designing this beautiful KRUPS XP5220 espresso machine. This mid-priced machine has a state-of-the-art design that looks great in any modern kitchen.
You will experience all the right features with the Krups XP5220, and with the 9-inch width, this espresso machine fits well on any kitchen countertop. It is ideal for home use and with automatic controls for both pump pressure and water temperature.
When compared to most pump is driven machines, the XP5220 comes with same great features, if not better, at an affordable price point. Besides the 15 bar pressure pump, there is also an innovative Precise Tamp System, which automatically exerts optimal pressure for single or double extraction. You will also love its removable filter baskets which let you use either ESE pods or ground coffee.
Pros
- Comes with a universal filter holder that accommodates soft pods, ESE pods, and ground coffee
- Removable filter tanks
- Tamp system allows you to set 1 or 2 cups at a time
- Mess free ejection system
Cons
- Its parts are fragile and break down after a few months of use
You will not have to wait to get your favorite cup of espresso, thanks to the Thermoblock heating system that heats water to an optimal temperature in 40 seconds. Aside from that, along with the integrated steam wand, you can steam your milk efficiently and enjoy sipping milk-based drinks anytime.
6. Keurig K150 Commercial Brewing System: Coffee, Tea, Hot Cocoa
With the Keurig K150, life at your office just got easier. It only takes a touch of a single button to make your preferred cup of coffee, hot tea, cocoa, iced drinks in less than a minute. Isn’t that what anyone would want? Even more attractive, its touchscreen control is very interactive and easy to use.
You can adjust a couple of settings such as your brew temperature, choose your cup size, let you view the current water level in the tank, auto on and off and also select a language of your choice from the 3 given; French, English, and Spanish.
If you like drinking different quantities each time or depending on your mood, you can have the pleasure of doing so. This has been made possible since the Keurig K150 offers a choice of 5 different cup sizes.
There is also the removable, dishwasher-safe drip tray that not only prevents mess and in turn making the cleaning process quick and easy but is also adjustable to accommodate taller travel mugs. This highly programmable machine, goes an extra mile to introduce a drain able internal hot water tank for easy storage and transport.
Pros
- Capable of accommodating 5 different cup sizes
- Energy saving
- Doesn’t make much noisy compared to its contenders, thanks to the quiet brew technology
- The direct water line plumbing is compatible with additional accessories
Cons
- Beverages produced taste and smell like plastic.
Making coffee anytime you like has never been easier, thanks to the 90 ounces water reservoir that saves you the hassle of having to refill your tank each time. This machine is even compatible with the Keurig K-Cup pods hence allowing you to choose from a wide variety of drinks. Better yet, if you forgot to turn it off after you last brew, the Keurig K150 will auto turn off after 2 hours of inactivity.
7. Gaggia for Illy Espresso Machine
The Gaggia for Illy is a machine that you are going to love. In case you were not aware, here is a little secret that makes this star of the show shine brightest. It is a combination of 2 well-known Italian espresso brands, which tells a lot about its quality, functionality, and performance. Gaggia is a manufacturer of espresso machines while Illy is an espresso coffee producer, and have teamed up to bring to you this amazingly incredible machine.
This espresso machine is fully automatic and uses the Illy Iperespresso capsules to produce what the manufacturers describe and promise to be thick, balanced,d and aromatic espresso. The Gaggia for Illy is advertised as a convenient and efficient alternative to other more cumbersome machines while still offering premium espresso.
This machine is also very straightforward and easy to use and doesn’t require any skills to make a delicious, decent shot of espresso. What you have to do is simply drop in a pod, press the button and in just 30 seconds you will be sipping coffee from your favorite cup. In fact, if you are a beginner home barista, you should give this machine a shot.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Energy saving
- Heats water in just 90 seconds
- Easy and straightforward to program to control the strength of your espresso shot
Cons
- Small water tank hence you have to keep refilling
When it comes to cleaning the Gaggia for Illy, you will require very little effort to do so. The only main thing to focus on is descaling, at least every 2 months. This involves emptying all the spent capsules catchment once it fills up as well as wiping down the steam wand after you are done using the frothed milk.
8. Nespresso A+GCC1-US-BK-NE VertuoLine Evoluo Deluxe Coffee & Espresso Maker
Now is the time to reframe how you totally see your coffee with the new Nespresso A+GCC1-US-BK-NE. This coffee machine offers freshly made coffee with deep crema and genuine, aromatic espresso through its revolutionary centrifusion technology. This smart technology lets the VertuoLine Evoluo to brew both espresso and coffee gently with a touch of a single button.
Its Aeroccino milk frother includes a rapid once the touch of cold milk or sizzling froth. There are also the code reading and capsule recognition technology that work together to blend-specific brewing parameters. You will be able to choose from 2 capsule sizes, small for espresso and large for coffee.
Better yet, the capsules are easy to insert and eject as well. Although this machine only uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and is not compatible with the original line capsules, the capsule container is removable and is capable of holding 17 used capsules.
If you often forget to switch you coffee machine off, the VertuoLine Evoluo got your back. It will automatically turn off 9 minutes after your last cup is brewed. This saves you on energy and other associated costs. The water tank is removable and can hold up to 54 ounces of water hence saving you the hassle of refilling each time you want to make your favorite cup of coffee.
Pros
- Removable water tank
- Auto turns off after 9 after your last brew
- Has a removable capsule holder
- Comes with a milk frother
Cons
- Produces coffee with too much heat and it is not hot enough
9. DeLonghi EC330-s Pump Espresso Maker
There are many coffee machines out there that claim to produce an excellent, professional cup of espresso via a convenient and kitchen-friendly product, but the DeLonghi EC330S is a self-priming machine that is capable of going an extra mile in making a broad range of delicious coffees.
Featuring a 15 bar pressure pump along with a self-priming operation, this machine will produce a shot in 25 to 30 seconds. This means that you won’t have to experience the annoying start-up preparations since it is always ready for use. You will also find the milk frother for manual frothing. With this feature, this machine will produce high milk-based drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes with a push of just 3 buttons. Simply, sit down and relax as the machine does all the work for you.
The stylish, DeLonghi EC330S, has a brushed stainless steel finish and its brewing performance is top-notch. It will not disappoint when it comes to making quality espresso, cappuccino and latte are quick and straightforward. What is even more interesting is that it is compatible with the ESE pods and ground coffee for convenience, owing to this to the patented dual-function filter holder.
This machine attracts a lot of praise from its well-built body, which guarantees of longevity and durability e.g. its boiler is made of stainless steel. When it comes to ease-of-use, it continues throughout this machine as seen with its removable water tank that also makes the cleaning process easy.
Most users have also complemented this product for its straightforward and straightforward instruction manual. Above all, the DeLonghi EC330S is compact and will only take up very little space in your kitchen.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Compatible with ESE pods and ground coffee
- Takes about 25-30 seconds to brew a shot
- Removable water tank
Cons
- Some users complained that it is noisy noise
10. Nespresso Citiz C111 Espresso Maker
Designed to please the connoisseurs and devotees of a modern design, the Nespresso Citiz C111 is a perfect expression of the union between retro-modern design and high-tech inspirations. This design together with its full automatic brewing features have been well received and ranks high amongst most espresso machines. It comes with a modern Thermoblock technology with a stainless-steel element for accurate temperature control.
Another feature is the 19-bar pressure pump which produces aromatic and fresh lungo and espresso. And with the smart Nespresso’s capsule technology, you can enjoy your preferred blend in just a push of a button.
With a 5 inch width, the Citiz C111 is made of high-quality materials and is available in chrome or black finishes. The compact brewing unit technology ensures you don’t wait for long to get your espresso because it only takes 25 seconds to preheat.
Pros
- Cup tray that is adjustable to accommodate taller mugs
- Auto- shuts off after 9 minutes
- Preheat in just 25 seconds
- Comes with a removable water tank
Cons
- The drip tray is small and shallow thus water sloshes around and spills on the counter or around the machine.
You can even enjoy drinking milk-based beverages such as lattes, macchiato and cappuccinos in an entirely new experience owing this to the featured Aeroccino Plus milk- frother that includes rapid one touch cold orhot milk preparation.
There is also a refillable water tank and an adjustable tray that can accommodate different cups of varying sizes. And based on your preferred recipe, you can now enjoy having Nespresso with milk. In fact, when combined with a rich, creamy-milk foam, you are most likely going to experience an entirely new and wide variety of flavors.
Which is the best espresso machine under 300 USD? – Editor Choice
You cannot do any better than the Keurig when it comes to pod coffee machines. The Cuisinart SS-700 is one of a kind and no other machine can beat it up. This machine gets raves for its smooth and delicious results and also ease of use. When it comes to performance, it excels in most professional tests for its consistency and speed. Well, its performance is guided by the saying, first time, and every time consistency.
Having used this machine for over 2 years I can only say that nothing comes closer to the SS-700 when it comes to ease of use. It features intuitive and user friendly controls that users speak highly of. The self-cleaning feature makes cleaning this machine a breeze although some occasional manual cleaning is required.
Normally, the cleaning should be done once every 3 months, depending on the frequency of your brewing. Even more, this machine is highly programmable and should be descaled frequently for great performance and durability.
The SS-700 is not all about performance. It comes in a sleek, modern design that creates a bold statement on any kitchen counter it is placed. It comes in silver and black and its water tank is large enough to hold up to 80 ounces of water enough for 10 and 8 ounces of coffee cups. Therefore, if you are thinking of buying a coffee maker for home use, give the Cuisinart SS-700 a shot. You will love it!!
Final Thought
Right above is what anyone would wish for if they had not made a purchase yet. Investing in either of the above models will guarantee you of a whole new experience in your coffee brewing world.
For just less than $300 and you are assured of a high-quality coffee machine from trusted brands across the world. Each of the espresso machines will bring to you the professional tasting coffee, produced at your local cafe shop or high-end hotels, right in the comfort of your home. Buy one today and share your joy with friends and family.
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