We know how expensive espresso machines can get, and not everyone has a huge budget to buy a top-notch machine with all the bells and whistles. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best espresso machines under $300.
Our top pick is the De’Longhi Dedica (EC680M) espresso machine because of its build quality, compact size, ease of use, and other additional convenient features.
However, we understand that everyone has different preferences, so keep reading to learn about the other options we’ve picked for you.
Our Top Espresso Machines Under $300
- De’Longhi Dedica (EC680M) Espresso Machine (Best Overall)
- Breville The Café Roma (ESP8XL) Espresso Machine (Best Classic Style)
- Krups OPIO (XP3208) Espresso Machine (Best Large Water Reservoir)
- Nespresso CitiZ (Best for Espresso Pods)
- Nespresso Vertuo Plus (Best for Pod Variety)
- Flair Espresso Maker (Best Manual)
- De’Longhi (ECP3420) Espresso Machine (Best for Beginners)
- Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse (Best Programmable)
- EspressoWorks All-In-One Barista Series Espresso Maker (Best Accessory Pack)
- De’Longhi Stilosa (Best Budget)
- Wacaco Picopresso Portable Espresso Maker (Best Portable)
- Mr. Coffee Café Barista (Best Interface)
12 Best Espresso Machines Under $300 Reviewed
The espresso machines listed below have been carefully selected based on user and expert opinions, as well as their quality and functions.
De’Longhi Dedica (EC680M) Espresso Machine
- Key Feature: Stainless Steel Construction
- Brew Sizes: Single, and double shots
- Water Reservoir: 35oz
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Brand: De’Longhi
The De’Longhi Dedica (EC680M) is a compact and efficient espresso machine designed for coffee lovers who appreciate quality and functionality.
With its sleek and modern design, it measures just 6 inches wide, making it perfect for smaller kitchens and tight spaces. Also, it has a sturdy stainless steel construction for extra durability.
The Dedica (EC680M) boasts a 15-bar professional pressure pump and a unique Thermoblock technology that ensures that the water is kept at the optimal temperature. These features help this machine brew rich and aromatic espresso shots.
The user-friendly control panel allows you to easily brew one or two shots of espresso. Additionally, Dedica’s Frothing wand enables you to create rich, creamy froth for lattes and cappuccinos.
The machine comes with a double steel drip tray that can be easily adjusted or removed to accommodate taller cups, such as latte glasses.
Overall, the De’Longhi Dedica (EC680M) is the best espresso machine under $300 because of its quality, features, and price.
Pros & Cons
A few pros and cons of the De’Longhi Dedica (EC680M) espresso machine.
Pros
- Compact and sturdy, measuring just 6 inches wide. It feels like a premium product
- User-friendly control panel
- Includes a frothing wand
- Unique Thermoblock technology keeps water at the exact temperature required for the perfect espresso
- Can brew two cups of espresso at the same time
Cons
- Since this is a single boiler machine, the milk frother is a little bit inconsistent and can’t heat milk for too long
Reviews
The reviews of the De’Longhi Dedica are mostly positive.
Some users think that the machine works perfectly, even after a few months of use.
“This is a great little espresso machine. I’ve had it for about two months and it works like a charm. Makes great tasting espresso drinks and froths milk really well.”
You can read more reviews of the De’Longhi Dedica (EC680M) on Amazon.
According to some users, the machine has some problems heating milk for too long.
“I love the style and size of this espresso machine but it cant handle heating milk to long. I constantly have to turn it off then on again to finish steaming milk. It just runs out of steam before the milk is hot, very annoying. The taste is great if you have the time to make a cup.”
You can read more reviews of the De’Longhi Dedica (EC680M) on Amazon.
Breville The Café Roma (ESP8XL) Espresso Machine
- Key Feature: Professional-grade adjustable steam wand
- Brew Sizes: Single, and double shots
- Water Reservoir: 40.6oz
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Brand: Breville
The Breville The Café Roma (ESP8XL) is a top-quality espresso machine.
With its 15-bar pressure pump and easy-to-use selector dial, this machine allows you to customize your coffee experience to your liking.
It comes with a light that turns on and off to let you know when the machine is ready to brew, which is ready convenient.
It comes with three filters made of stainless steel, single shot (7g), double shot (14g), and pod, to provide more versatility.
Also, it has a professional grade steam wand that produces very consistent results, additionally, it features a finger looper for easy control.
The warming tray is cast from a single piece of aluminum and can heat up 6 espresso cups.
It comes with a 40.6oz water reservoir, meaning you won’t have to refill it as often. It also comes with a tamper, measuring spoon, and cleaning tool. More than enough accessories to start brewing espresso right away.
While the machine is made of durable stainless steel and has excellent milk-frothing capabilities, its major drawbacks are the noisy steam and its inability to fit large mugs.
Overall, the Breville The Café Roma (ESP8XL) is one of the best espresso machines under $300 in the entry-level market due to its quality, accessories, and coffee quality.
Pros & Cons
A few pros and cons of the Breville The Café Roma (ESP8XL).
Pros
- Excellent frothing
- Durable stainless steel body
- Comes with plenty of accessories
- Aluminum warming tray
Cons
- Noisy steam wand
- Can’t fit large mugs
Reviews
The reviews of The Café Roma (ESP8XL) are mostly positive.
The machine is highly durable and it brews decent coffee.
“We’ve had this for over two years and it is still working perfectly. We use it everyday! My husband is kind of a coffee snob and if he loves it, that means it’s good stuff. Easy to use, easy to clean, and makes the best coffee.”
You can read more reviews of The Breville The Café Roma on Amazon.
However, some users didn’t like that the steam wand was really noisy.
“When steaming, the pump is pretty noisy and I don’t know if that is how it is designed. It sounds like a parade is heading toward my kitchen, drummer in front of the line! But again it does what it is supposed to do, so I am satisfied.”
You can read more reviews of The Breville The Café Roma on Amazon.
Krups OPIO (XP3208) Espresso Machine
- Key Feature: Extra large water reservoir
- Brew Sizes: Single, and double shots
- Water Reservoir: 50oz
- Material: Aluminum
- Brand: Krups
The Krups Opio (XP3208) comes with a 15-bar pressure pump and advanced aluminum boiler technology; these features allow the machine to preheat quickly and deliver a couple of shots of espresso in no time.
The machine includes a milk frother, making it easy to prepare lattes, cappuccinos, and more. It can brew two espressos at the same time, which is perfect for when you have unexpected guests.
The Krups Opio (XP3208) features adjustable manual settings, allowing you to customize your coffee experience to your liking. It also has a large 50oz water reservoir, which means you won’t have to refill it as often.
The machine comes with a tamper and measuring spoon, making it easy to get the right amount of coffee in the portafilter.
The major downside of the machine is that the way it disperses water from the group head doesn’t allow for an even extraction, which can affect the flavor of the espresso.
This machine is ideal for those who want an affordable and quick espresso machine with a large reservoir and don’t mind sacrificing the quality of coffee extraction.
Pros & Cons
A few pros and cons of the Krups Opio (XP3208).
Pros
- Comes with a large 50oz removable water reservoir
- Brews really fast
- Comes with a tamper and a measuring spoon
Cons
- Coffee extraction is not even which highly affects the flavor
- Plastic feels a bit cheap
- You must stop the machine after brewing a shot of espresso because it doesn’t stop on its own
Reviews
The reviews of the Krups OPIO (XP3208) are mixed, but most users recommend it.
Some customers like the speed and price of this machine.
“The coffee comes out frothy and strong without being bitter, and FAST! I mean once you turn the nob, the cup fills up in milliseconds.”
You can read more reviews of the Krups Opio (XP3208) on Amazon.
On the other hand, some users complain that the frother doesn’t have enough power to froth regular-sized cups of coffee.
“The frother only allows a regular-sized mug so if you want a large drink, you will need to froth twice. But even the frother is quick.”
You can read more reviews of the Krups Opio (XP3208) on Amazon.
Nespresso CitiZ
- Key Feature: 19 bar high-performance pump, and compact design
- Brew Sizes: Espresso, Lungo, and custom
- Water Reservoir: 34oz
- Material: Plastic
- Brand: Nespresso
The Nespresso CitiZ is a high-quality espresso machine that allows you to enjoy delicious espresso at home with minimal effort.
This machine is compatible with Original Line Nespresso pods, giving you access to a wide variety of flavors and types of coffee to try.
The Nespresso CitiZ has an auto shut-off feature that ensures safety and energy savings.
The machine has just two programmable buttons (one for brewing espresso and the other for brewing lungo) and an automatic flow-stop function for extra convenience.
The Nespresso CitiZ is a very compact machine that can easily fit in any kitchen. Also, it has a powerful 19-bar pump that ensures optimal extraction and a 34oz water tank, which is not huge but is pretty decent.
The major downside of the Nespresso CitiZ is the cost of Nespresso pods, which can be a decisive factor for many people.
Overall, the Nespresso CitiZ is a great option for anyone who wants to enjoy high-quality coffee at home without having to spend too much time or effort. Its features and price make it the best espresso pod machine under $300.
Pros & Cons
A few pros and cons of the Nespresso CitiZ.
Pros
- Compact
- Powerful 19-bar pump
- Wide variety of pod flavors
- Extremely easy to use
- Brews coffee quickly
Cons
- Nespresso pods can be expensive
- Limited brew sizes
Reviews
The reviews of the Nespresso CitiZ are mostly positive. In fact, 85% of them are 5-star reviews.
Most users are very pleased with the features of the Nespresso Citiz, and they love the wide variety of flavors to try.
“We love our Nespresso machine! I always want something sweet in the evening; I use a little vanilla coconut creamer and make decaf espresso and it satisfies my sweet tooth. I also just discovered the vanilla and creme brûlée Nespresso cups and love them. So happy with this low profile affordable espresso machine!”
You can read more reviews of the Nespresso CitiZ on Amazon.
Some users did not like the fact that the machine is quite noisy when brewing coffee.
“Great little matchine but VERY noisy when dispensing the water thru the capsule..it even shakes…reminds me of how noisy Keurigs were when they 1st came out..the noise will wake you up before the coffee will…:”
You can read more reviews of the Nespresso CitiZ on Amazon.
Nespresso Vertuo Plus
- Key Feature: Automatic machine head open/close function
- Brew Sizes: Espresso single, espresso double, 5oz cup, and 8oz cup.
- Water Reservoir: 40oz
- Material: Plastic
- Brand: Nespresso
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus is a versatile and user-friendly coffee machine that uses Nespresso VertuoLine pods.
With a single touch, it can brew three different sizes of coffee, ranging from 1.35oz espresso to 8oz coffee thanks to the unique Vertuo technology.
The Vertuo technology is impressive as it reads the barcode on each capsule, allowing the machine to automatically adjust to the perfect settings, delivering a consistent and high-quality cup of coffee every time.
Its automatic machine head open/close function also makes it convenient to use, and its 40oz removable water reservoir is adjustable which is great for easy refilling or even saving space.
Although the cost of Nespresso capsules is a drawback, the Vertuo Plus compensates with its excellent features and convenience.
Unlike the CitiZ (Original Line), which is more focused on espresso, the Vertuo Plus (Vertuo Line) is designed to offer a more complete coffee experience.
Overall, the Nespresso Vertuo Plus is an excellent choice for coffee lovers looking for an easy-to-use, versatile, and affordable coffee machine that can deliver a variety of coffee styles with a simple touch of a button.
Note: Check the differences between the Nespresso Vertuo Plus by Breville vs De’Longhi here.
Pros & Cons
A few pros and cons of the Nespresso Vertuo Plus.
Pros
- Wide variety of pod flavors
- Can brew a wide variety of types of coffee
- Extremely easy to use
- Auto machine head open and close feature
- Adjustable water reservoir
Cons
- Nespresso pods can be expensive
Reviews
The reviews of the Nespresso Vertuo Plus are mostly positive. In fact, 81% of them are 5-star reviews.
Many users are really satisfied with the features of the Vertuo Plus, as well as the wide variety of pod flavors.
“Loving this espresso machine! Looks sleek and makes quality espresso. Still trying to figure out all the different coffee pods that go with it. It did come with a variety pack in the box. Also got the glass pod drawer to go under machine to keep it organized.Now I just need some cute cups to go with!”
You can read more reviews of the Vertuo Plus on Amazon.
However, some users say that the bigger brew size (8oz) can be a little bit watered down, and it can take some time to learn the commands of the machine.
“I love this espresso machine. I use it everyday and am happy with the taste. I like the espresso pods better than the coffee pods as they have more of a thick, creamy texture and flavor. The 7.7oz coffee seems a little watered down to me. I use the self clean about once a week toavoid clogs and it has worked just fine. I recommend keeping the manual to remember the commands of the functions (e.g push brew 3x’s to clean). I appreciate the simplicity of just two buttons however remembering the commands for how to shut the machine down or deep clean before or after a long hiatus is not so easy. No big deal. Overall (*sips morning coffee*) I am happy!”
You can read more reviews of the Vertuo Plus on Amazon.
Flair Espresso Maker
- Key Feature: Comes with a custom pressure gauge and a travel case
- Brew Sizes: Single shots
- Water Reservoir: 60ml
- Material: Cast aluminum and stainless steel
- Brand: Flair
The Flair Espresso Maker is a one-of-a-kind manual espresso machine that enables coffee enthusiasts to handcraft shots of espresso like a professional barista, no matter where they are.
Built with premium materials like stainless steel and aluminum, the Flair is designed to last for multiple years.
Using the Flair Espresso Maker, users can put in 60ml of boiled water and a dose of up to 18 grams to prepare a 40ml shot with a gorgeous crema.
Using a burr grinder is crucial when using this product. Moreover, it comes with a custom pressure gauge that permits instant visual feedback and a target espresso range while brewing.
The Flair Espresso Maker comes with a travel case to ensure secure transportation, making it perfect for taking to a friend’s house, work, or even worldwide.
The device breaks down into three main components: the base, the post, and the brewing head. Along with the funnel and measuring cup.
One drawback of the Flair is that it takes multiple steps to brew an espresso, and since every step is carried out by humans, there is more room for errors that can affect the quality of the shots.
This implies that it’s not ideal for those seeking a quick, automated espresso machine.
However, for those who relish the process of making espresso by hand and desire genuine high-quality espresso shots, the Flair Espresso Maker is an outstanding selection.
Pros & Cons
A few pros and cons of the Flair espresso maker.
Pros
- Allows users to handcraft shots of espresso like a professional barista
- Made with high-quality materials like stainless steel and aluminum, it will last for years
- Custom pressure gauge allows for immediate visual feedback
- Comes with a custom-fitted travel case
Cons
- Takes multiple steps to brew an espresso
- Requires practice and learning to brew a high-quality espresso shot since everything is done manually
Reviews
The reviews of the Flair espresso maker are mostly positive. In fact, 74% of them are 5-star reviews.
Plenty of users love the quality of espresso produced by this machine. Also, the customer service seems to be great.
“This is a quality product that makes delicious, repeatable, espresso shots. Also, their customer service department responded to questions I had almost instantly, even on a holiday.”
You can read more reviews of the Flair Espresso Maker on Amazon.
For other users, it seems that the process of brewing shots takes too much time, especially when you want to brew espresso shots for several people.
“The flair makes some very tasty espresso. I have really enjoyed being able to make it from home. Admittedly, it is an overall finicky process… It works well enough for one person, but if you want to make more, it’s going to take some time. I WAS looking into purchasing another brew head to optimize this process. I’m glad I waited.”
You can read more reviews of the Flair Espresso Maker on Amazon.
De’Longhi (ECP3420) Espresso Machine
- Key Feature: 3-in-1 filter holder
- Brew Sizes: Single, and double shots
- Water Reservoir: 37oz
- Material: Plastic
- Brand: De’Longhi
The De’Longhi ECP3420 is an excellent espresso machine that will allow you to brew coffee like a pro in the comfort of your own home.
It comes with a manual frother that allows you to make a creamy froth for your lattes or cappuccinos.
With its 15 bar pressure, this machine is designed to deliver quality espresso every time, so you can enjoy the full flavor of your favorite coffee beans.
The De’Longhi ECP3420 also features adjustable controls so that you can tailor the brewing process to your personal preferences.
The 3-in-1 filter holder is another highlight of this machine, allowing you to choose between one or two espresso shots at a time, or use easy-serve pods for saving even more time.
The double wall filters ensure that your espresso is brewed to perfection, with a high-quality crema. The machine also brews instantly, so you won’t have to wait long to enjoy your morning cup of joe.
The sleek profile of the De’Longhi ECP3420 espresso machine makes it a stylish addition to any kitchen.
The drip tray is removable, making it easy to fit larger cups or travel mugs. The 37oz water tank also ensures that you can brew multiple cups of coffee without constantly refilling the reservoir.
Overall, the De’Longhi ECP3420 is a decent and really high-quality espresso machine with standard features for a reasonable price, making it one of the best home espresso machines under $300.
Pros & Cons
A few pros and cons of the De’Longhi ECP3420 espresso machine.
Pros
- Brews quickly
- Brews fairly consistent and rich coffee
- Simple controls
- Comes with a spoon and tamper
Cons
- No automatic stop
- The steam wand is not very powerful
Reviews
The reviews of the De’Longhi ECP3420 espresso machine are mostly positive.
Plenty of customers appraise the high quality espresso shots produced by this machine.
“Makes excellent espresso so good it has the crema! Easy to use and easy to clean. I use mine every day. Saving big bucks from the coffee shop. Paid for itself in one month. In my opinion it’s better than the coffee shop. With every penny. And customer service is excellent!”
You can read more reviews of the De’Longhi ECP3420 on Amazon.
Some users report that the vaporizer is not very powerful, so the job it does with milky drinks is not the best.
“The expresso comes out nice. Just be sure to press it down well. As far as the wand for the milk, it does not get very hot at all. If you are looking for something that makes great cappuccino you may be disappointed.”.
You can read more reviews of the De’Longhi ECP3420 on Amazon.
Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse
- Key Feature: Programmable
- Brew Sizes: Single shots, double shots, cappuccinos, and lattes
- Water Reservoir: 50oz
- Material: Plastic, and stainless steel
- Brand: Mr. Coffee
The Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse is an easy-to-use coffee machine that can make a variety of coffee drinks.
With simple controls, users can choose from a single or double shot of espresso, cappuccino, or latte.
Both its 19-bar Italian pump and Thermocouple heating system, which heats the water quickly and evenly, work together to ensure that every cup of coffee is brewed to perfection.
The machine features an automatic milk frother with a removable milk reservoir that can hold up to 650ml of milk, making it easy to create frothy, creamy milk. The scoop/tamper tool that comes with the machine is a handy addition.
One drawback of the machine is cleaning the milk container, which can be challenging due to its design, and when milk gets dry. Additionally, some users have found the milk frother to be noisy.
Also since the milk frother is automatic, it is not possible to do latte art.
Overall, this is an excellent choice for coffee lovers who want a quality coffee machine that is easy to use, semi-automatic, and reasonably priced.
We consider the Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse one of the best semi-automatic espresso machines under $300.
Pros & Cons
A few pros and cons of the Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse.
Pros
- Automatic milk frother
- Intuitive control panel
- 19 bar Italian pump for better espresso shots
Cons
- The milk container is quite uncomfortable to clean
- The milk frother is noisy
- Latte art is not possible
Reviews
The reviews of the Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse are mostly positive.
Most users are happy with this machine and its features.
“I was skeptical about this espresso maker, but it is easy to make the latte, cappuccino or espresso shots. The lattes come out hot, and with the amount of foaming or frothing that you choose!”
You can read more reviews of the Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse.
A few users say that the milk frother is not the best for making foam.
“Makes pretty good espresso for the price range. The milk frother isn’t really that impressive when making foam but makes good steamed milk.”
You can read more reviews of the Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse.
EspressoWorks All-In-One Barista Series Espresso Maker
- Key Feature: Comes with several accessories such as an electric grinder
- Brew Sizes: Single, and double shots
- Water Reservoir: 47oz
- Material: Stainless steel, and plastic
- Brand: EspressoWorks
The EspressoWorks All-In-One Barista Series Espresso Maker comes with a set of useful accessories like a plug-in electric coffee grinder, a measuring spoon, and a tamper.
Additionally, it includes two premium double-walled espresso cups and two high-quality cappuccino glasses, as well as a built-in heating tray for keeping cups warm.
This espresso maker features a powerful 19 bar of pressure and an intuitive control panel with LED indicators for several functions.
The built-in frother with an integrated milk reservoir is a convenient and essential tool for creating smooth, creamy milk foam for your favorite drinks.
One of the major advantages of this machine is the extensive collection of useful accessories included in the package, making it an excellent value for money.
However, some users have reported that the coffee brewed by this machine is not very hot, especially lattes. Additionally, the milk container is not very easy to clean.
Overall, the EspressoWorks All-In-One Barista Series Espresso Maker is an excellent choice for those who want a complete espresso-making setup with all the necessary accessories included.
Pros & Cons
A few pros and cons of the EspressoWorks All-In-One Barista Series Espresso Maker.
Pros
- 19 bars of pressure
- Built-in frother and integrated milk reservoir
- Comes included with several accessories
- Intuitive control panel
Cons
- Coffee is not very hot
Reviews
The reviews of the EspressoWorks All-In-One Barista Series Espresso Maker are mostly positive.
Many users enjoy the features of this machine, especially its size.
“This product works great. I have it for a year and have had no issues. I like that it’s compact in size. I live in an apartment doesn’t take up much counter space. Makes great coffee however you have to find the right bean nothing to do with machine. I use Starbucks kirkland blend and it’s great. I also enjoy setting my own milk ratio.”
You can read more reviews of the EspressoWorks All-In-One Barista Series Espresso Maker on Amazon.
Although the machine brews nice coffee, it comes out a bit cold.
“Makes good coffee if you have the goodies to add into it. Only complaint I have is that the coffee comes out on the warm to cooler side and not up to temperature. I always have to put my finish cup of coffee in the microwave for 30 seconds to warm it up. Good for blended or ice coffee.”
You can read more reviews of the EspressoWorks All-In-One Barista Series Espresso Maker on Amazon.
De’Longhi Stilosa
- Key Feature: Durable stainless steel boiler
- Brew Sizes: Single, and double shots
- Water Reservoir: 34oz
- Material: Plastic, and stainless steel
- Brand: De’Longhi
The De’Longhi Stilosa espresso machine is a compact and reliable option for coffee lovers who want to make espresso at home.
With its simple manual milk frother and durable stainless steel boiler, this machine is designed to last for years. Its adjustable cup holder can accommodate a range of cup sizes, making it versatile for any user.
With a 15 bar pump, the De’Longhi Stilosa ensures optimal pressure for extracting rich and flavorful espresso shots.
It comes with a portafilter and two filters, one for single espresso and another for double espresso. Additionally, a measuring scoop and tamper are included for precise dosing and tamping.
While the De’Longhi Stilosa is a decent machine at an affordable price, its key feature is its robust stainless steel boiler.
However, its steam wand has a limited range of motion, which may not be ideal for some users. Additionally, despite its adjustable drip tray, it is quite limiting when trying to fit taller mugs.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the De’Longhi Stilosa is a reliable and efficient option for those who value simplicity and durability in an espresso machine.
Pros & Cons
A few pros and cons of the De’Longhi Stilosa.
Pros
- Compact
- Robust stainless steel boiler
Cons
- The steam wand has a limited range of motion
- The drip tray is limiting when trying to fit taller mugs
Reviews
71% of De’Longhi Stilosa reviews are 5 stars.
Many users love this machine for its compact size and ease of use.
“Went back and forth on which espresso machine to purchase…..finally decided on this one and am quite pleased with it……small footprint, heats up quickly and EASY to use, especially for a beginner like myself!”
You can read more reviews of the De’Longhi Stilosa on Amazon.
However, some of them are not very happy with its steam wand.
“Decent for the price steam wand is just ok but for the price, I didn’t expect greatness.”
You can read more reviews of the De’Longhi Stilosa on Amazon.
Wacaco Picopresso Portable Espresso Maker
- Key Feature: Extremely compact. Weighs only 0.77lbs (350gr)
- Brew Sizes: Single, and double shots
- Water Reservoir: 80ml
- Material: Stainless steel, and plastic
- Brand: Wacaco
The Wacaco Picopresso portable espresso maker is a game changer for coffee enthusiasts who want to enjoy their favorite beverage on the go.
This compact device fits in the palm of your hand, weighing only 0.77lb (35gr), making it incredibly easy to carry around.
Despite its small size, the Picopresso is capable of producing creamy shots with dense flavors and strong aromas at the same level as bulky espresso machines, thanks to its powerful 18 bars of pressure.
It also can even brew double espresso, which is an excellent feature for a portable espresso maker.
The device is made of metal and other durable materials, ensuring its longevity. It is also 100% BPA-free.
Its sturdy build quality makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy a great cup of coffee while camping or hiking.
The only downside to the Picopresso is its pump mechanism, which can be uncomfortable to use for some people.
Overall, the Wacaco Picopresso is an excellent investment for anyone looking for a portable espresso machine that delivers top-notch results for under $300.
Pros & Cons
A few pros and cons of the Picopresso.
Pros
- Extremely compact and lightweight, easy to carry around.
- 18 bars of pressure.
- Can brew double espresso, making it a versatile device.
- Made of durable materials, ensuring its longevity and BPA-free.
Cons
- The pump mechanism can be uncomfortable to use and hard on your hands.
- May not be suitable for those who prefer a hands-free or automatic espresso machine.
- Limited capacity due to its small size, may not be suitable for large groups or gatherings.
Reviews
78% of the Picopresso reviews are 5 stars.
Most users are very satisfied with the benefits the Picopresso provides.
“This is an excellent mini espresso machine. It takes so little room; yet, it makes very good coffee. I even enjoy the completely manual espresso making process that takes 5 minutes. This has become my morning ritual. The build quality is very good with high-end materials. I can feel the smoothness and the precision of the pump.. Overall, I give this product a 95/100. I will change it to 100/100 if the next edition is less hot to hold when pumping coffee.”
You can read more reviews of the Wacaco Picopresso on Amazon.
A few users report that the Picopresso is confusing to use at first.
“As kitchen gadgets go this is one of the most confusing I have used. It takes a while to work out whats what and how to use it. however once you master this, it does produice a nice cup of coffee, but then of course it needs cleaning, which as with most gadgets is not the easiest. Is it worth the money, i would say not, unless you are desperate for a proper cup of coffee!”
You can read more reviews of the Wacaco Picopresso on Amazon.
Mr. Coffee Café Barista
- Key Feature: One-touch controls
- Brew Sizes: Single shots, double shots, cappuccinos, and lattes
- Water Reservoir: 55oz
- Material: Plastic, Stainless steel
- Brand: Mr. Coffee
If you’re looking for a semi-automatic espresso machine that won’t break the bank, the Mr. Coffee Café Barista is an excellent choice.
This machine features a 15-bar pump that extracts rich flavors, giving you a café-quality espresso shot every time.
With its one-touch controls for single shots, double shots, cappuccinos, and lattes, the Mr. Coffee Café Barista makes it easy to create your favorite espresso drinks with just the press of a button.
One of the standout features of this machine is its automatic milk frother with a control knob for more customization. This allows you to create frothed milk for your cappuccinos and lattes without any manual intervention.
While the Mr. Coffee Café Barista is a reliable machine with convenient features, it does have some inconsistency issues when it comes to the milk frother, which is to be expected for the price.
However, with a little bit of practice and experimentation, you can still produce excellent results. Overall, the Mr. Coffee Café Barista is a pretty standard machine with reliable parts and a few very convenient features.
It is considered one of the best semi-automatic espresso machines under $300.
Pros & Cons
A few pros and cons of the Mr. Coffee Café Barista.
Pros
- Features a 15-bar pump for rich flavors
- One-touch controls for easy use
- Automatic milk frother with a control knob for customization
- Offers a good value for its price point
Cons
- Inconsistency issues with the milk frother
- You can’t use the milk frother to make latte art
Reviews
71% of the Mr. Coffee Café Barista reviews are 5 stars.
Most users are very satisfied with this espresso machine.
“After a lot of searching I bought this machine and I love it! I have had it for a year now with no issues. I have two little ones at home so I knew I wanted an espresso maker that would do the frothing for me to make it as easy as possible. It tastes great! After I figured out my perfect blend of milk with flavoring I hardly even want to go to Starbucks anymore. Great option that doesn’t cost a lot!”
You can read more reviews of the Mr. Coffee Café Barista on Amazon.
Some customers report that it requires some practice to get used to the inconsistencies of the machine.
“We love our “Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine” and use it very frequently! We enjoy different types of Coffees … It already paid for itself! The only thing is that you have to adjust the level of the milk and the level of the water, because if we don’t add more milk and water after making the first cup, the second cup does not come out the same way. So we got the hang of it! We use the milk, water, and coffee of our choice (organic), and it’s delicious!”
You can read more reviews of the Mr. Coffee Café Barista on Amazon.
Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Espresso Machine Under $300?
Here’s what you need to know to buy an espresso machine under $300 that perfectly suits your needs.
Which Type of Espresso Machine Do You Prefer?
There are several types of espresso machines to choose from. This factor will determine the daily experience of using the machine. Here are some examples:
- Manual espresso machines
- Semi-automatic espresso machines
- Automatic espresso machines
- Pod espresso machines
Want to learn more? Check out our article about the types of espresso machines.
How Steep Is the Learning Curve?
Do you want a machine that works by just pressing a button? Or perhaps you want to experience the whole process of brewing an espresso shot?
Some machines are more complicated to use than others, for example, if you want a hands-free experience, choose a pod espresso machine, otherwise, a manual or semi-automatic machine can be a challenging and fun experience.
How Much Coffee Will You Prepare at a Time?
The size of the water reservoir will determine if a machine is ideal for brewing shots for a group of people or just for yourself. This decision will save you a lot of frustration and time.
Grounds, Pods, or Both?
Some machines can brew espresso shots using coffee grounds, and others can brew using coffee pods. However, some machines have both options.
Coffee grounds offer a more customizable experience since you can choose the grind size. Also, you can grind your own coffee beans which will provide superior flavor and aromas.
On the other hand, capsules are very convenient, since they save preparation and cleaning time. The disadvantage is that they are more expensive and the coffee is not as rich as if you use coffee grounds.
Our Verdict
The ideal espresso machine will change depending on every person’s needs and budget.
However, we consider the De’Longhi Dedica (EC680M) to be the best espresso machine under $300 due to its price/quality ratio.
The other espresso machines mentioned previously are great options if you are looking for other features that the De’Longhi Dedica does not have.
