Best Espresso Machines Under $300 (2026)

Top Picks

Breville Bambino Plus

Compact, fast heat-up, and consistent shots. The auto milk frother is a real time-saver.

Key specs

• 54 mm portafilter
• 15 bar pump
• 3-second heat-up
• Auto steam wand
• Compact footprint

Pros

• Very fast heat-up
• Auto milk frothing
• Consistent extraction

Cons

• Plastic parts in some areas
• Small water tank

★★★★½4.6/5

$299–$349

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Gaggia Classic Evo Pro

Sturdy, repairable, and great for learning. Best long-term value if you’re willing to learn.

Key specs

• 58 mm portafilter
• Stainless steel boiler
• Commercial-style group
• 3-way solenoid
• Upgradeable

Pros

• Built to last
• Industry-standard 58 mm
• Strong steam

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Manual only

★★★★½4.5/5

$449–$499

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De'Longhi Stilosa

The cheapest way to pull real espresso at home. Good for trying out the hobby.

Key specs

• 51 mm portafilter
• 15 bar pump
• Manual steam wand
• Compact
• Single boiler

Pros

• Very affordable
• Simple to use
• Small footprint

Cons

• Plastic build
• Narrow portafilter
• Basic steam

★★★★☆4/5

$99–$129

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Comparison

How to choose

• Decide if you want manual control (Gaggia) or convenience (Bambino).
• 58 mm portafilters have more accessories; 51–54 mm is fine for beginners.
• Auto milk frothing saves time; manual wands offer more control.
• Check counter space—some machines need room for the water tank.
• Avoid the cheapest machines with non-standard baskets; they’re hard to upgrade.
• Read real reviews for “grind size” and “channeling”—signs of real use.

FAQ

• Do I need a separate grinder for under $300?

  Yes. Built-in grinders in this price range are usually weak. A good burr grinder ($80–$150) will improve your shots more than upgrading the machine.

• Can I make lattes with these machines?

  Yes. All three have steam wands. The Bambino Plus has automatic milk frothing; the others are manual. Practice makes a big difference.

• What’s the difference between 51 mm and 58 mm?

  58 mm is the café standard—more accessories and easier to find parts. 51–54 mm is common on entry machines; shots can still be great, but upgrade options are fewer.

• How long do these machines last?

  With regular cleaning and descaling, 3–5+ years. The Gaggia is known for longevity and repairability; the others are less serviceable.

• Is a 15 bar pump necessary?

  Espresso needs about 9 bar. “15 bar” is a marketing number; good machines regulate pressure. Focus on consistency and build, not the number.