Impressive And Affordable Espresso Machines Under $300

There's something special about an espresso-based drink, which is perhaps why individuals will so readily pay $5 dollars or more for a single beverage at a coffee shop. While it's not intrinsically bad to go out for your coffee drinks from time-to-time, it can feel extra luxurious having your own espresso machine at home, where you can play barista every morning. Of course, espresso machines can be pricey and out of reach for many people, with many of the nicer models costing $500 or more. Fortunately, today there are more and more impressive espresso machine models available — and they're reasonably priced, too.

If you or someone you know has been eyeing a specialty espresso machine, there's no time like the present to begin investigating options. With the holidays right around the corner, it's good to know that for under $300 you can have your pick of espresso machines that offer a range of capabilities. Whether you want a straightforward grinder and espresso maker for a no-nonsense layer of crema, or a high-quality espresso machine that pairs with it a frothy cup of milk for a cappuccino, the sky's the limit. For this price point, you'll also have your pick of good-looking machines that can elevate not only your morning cup of Joe, but the look of your kitchen. No matter your preference, the ideal combination of function and affordability is now easier than ever to track down in the search for the perfect espresso machine.

If you find yourself ordering a straight espresso whenever you go out for coffee, a simple espresso machine that pulls the perfect shot each time may be right up your alley. The Flair Espresso Maker ($140) offers a completely manual espresso-making process, so you don't have to worry about overcomplicating things. Its design is streamlined and simplistic, while the bold red and black color scheme will make it a statement piece on your kitchen countertop or island. While a solid burr coffee grinder is a must-have coffee accessory (or, you can purchase already ground espresso beans), this espresso maker comes with everything you need. Simply fill the water reservoir with the appropriate amount of liquid, your preferred coffee, and use the manual press to squeeze out a balanced shot of espresso.

Customers have high praise for this simple coffee machine, with 76% of buyers offering it a full 5-stars on Amazon. They mention that the learning curve is very accessible and that the quality of coffee is wonderful. One writes, "I'm surprised at how quickly and easily I can produce espresso with the Flair. I'm finally able to make cafe quality cappuccinos and drinks." Another writes, "For the price, portability, and simplicity of the Flair, it produces great espresso with control over temperature and pressure. This combination cannot be beat. It is hard to find this much control unless you spend hundreds to thousands of dollars on an espresso machine."

Perhaps you love a good espresso, but are overwhelmed by the prospect of making a consistently good cup of coffee. In this situation, a happy medium is an espresso machine that has automated the process, like this alternative to a Keurig coffee maker that delivers a delicious espresso shot. The L'OR Barista System Coffee and Espresso Machine has made achieving the ideal espresso easier than ever before. Available for $188, it's affordable enough to get for a loved one this holiday season, while its compact footprint means it can fit even in cramped spaces. With the L'OR coffee maker, you have your choice of size — from small to large — be that for straight espresso or a cup of brewed coffee. Thanks to the fact that it is made with L'OR pods, you can count on the same taste every time.

Customers have determined that this is a solid coffee maker for any espresso lover, with a 70% 5-star-approval rating. One customer compliments how seamlessly the machine blends into the kitchen, in addition to being very functional, "It's a looker! I love the sleek black design, it blends well with most kitchen decor. As others have stated the heat-up time is very quick, with no noise whatsoever." As far as taste goes, many customers are over the moon with the quality of espresso you can achieve with the simple press of a button, "I love the coffee and espresso that this machine makes. It is better tasting than my Keurig coffee for sure. The coffee tastes rich and creamy."

If your household loves a variety of coffee drinks, investing in a machine that offers quality espresso shots, as well as the ability to get hot water for americanos or steamed milk for lattes and cappuccinos, is undoubtedly the way to go. Currently available for $189, the Gevi EzBru 1000 Espresso Machine is a very affordable option for what you get. A sleek silver body and generous 2.2-liter water reservoir makes it easy to implement into your kitchen, as well as your daily routine. It is capable of pulling a single or double shot of espresso, making both smaller or larger coffee drinks easy to achieve. The attached steam wand can produce creamy micro-foam or simply dispense hot water to convert your espresso shots into a simple cup of black coffee.

62% of customers have given the Gevi a 5-star review, praising how quickly it heats up, as well as the quality of drinks you can get from it. One customer says, "Be your own barista with this espresso machine. Easy to use, stylish, and makes killer coffee. Coffee game strong." Another is more specific in their praise and mentions the impressive espresso that comes from a machine costing under $200, "great price (particularly for an espresso machine using a 58mm portafilter)."

Kitchens that are short on space but don't want to lose out on quality can look to the Neretva 20 Bar Espresso Machine. Its super-small footprint allows you to make lattes, cappuccinos, or espresso shots without taking up valuable room on your counters. The Neretva 20 Bar Espresso Machine is normally priced at $120, which is a steal, given the positive reviews from customers. The machine says that you'll get a consistent 198 degrees Fahrenheit every time, which helps you attain that perfect cup of coffee.

With a 66% 5-star approval rating, customers are passionate about this machine which delivers on flavor. "I had a $300 machine for a few years that I loved but this one I actually already love more. Worth the money. It is very easy to use and makes great coffee. The steamer is awesome too and will be easy to clean." Another says that it can help you scratch the itch for European-grade espresso drinks: "I bought this after visiting my parents abroad and getting hooked on espresso and it has been worth every single penny."

The aforementioned espresso machines can deliver a delicious cup of coffee, but they all require that you either have pre-ground espresso beans or have a separate coffee grinder to go along with it. If you're wanting an all-inclusive machine that only requires you to purchase some quality espresso beans, the COWSAR Espresso Machine 15 Bar ($295.99, at time of writing) has got you covered. This machine comes with a 75-ounce water tank, which allows you to make many drinks before you have to worry about replenishing it. You also get the benefit of the built-in coffee grinder, so you can prepare your beans and brew your drink in one place.

Customers are impressed with the coffee experience they get from this machine, with a 76% 5-star average. One customer writes, "I couldn't be happier! From the moment I unboxed it, the build quality impressed me; it feels sturdy and well-made. The machine heats up quickly, allowing me to enjoy my favorite espresso in just a few minutes. What truly stands out is the rich crema and bold flavors it produces." Another review says that this espresso machine is just as good as pricier brands. While a specialty espresso maker will always be a luxury compared to a conventional drip coffee maker, a small investment can make you or your loved ones the proud owner of such a machine. Finally, while a quality espresso machine can last a long time, remember to keep up with deep cleaning for the best performance.