7 Best Espresso Machines Under $350; Reviews

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With the best espresso machine under $350 on your countertop, you can quickly and easily treat yourself to everything from a breakfast latte to a mid-day cappuccino to an after-dinner espresso. But knowing which model to buy can be daunting with so many seemingly good options available in the marketplace.

We’ve put an array of espresso machines from brands such as Gaggia, DeLonghi, and  Nespresso through their paces, assessing how well each brews espresso to help you decide which is the best espresso machine for under 350 dollars for you.

Best Espresso Machines Under $350

Comparison Table
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Best Espresso Machine Under $350 - reviews

1. De'Longhi EC685M Dedica Deluxe

Specifications:
  • Machine type: Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
  • Integrated Grinder: No
  • Water Reservoir: 37 oz.
  • Manual milk frother
  • Ground, E.S.E., pod and capsule compatibile
  • Removable Drip Tray: Yes
  • Water Filter: Yes
  • Beverage Specialties: Hot milk, Cappuccinos, Tea, Infusions
  • Warranty: 2 years

The Delonghi Dedica Deluxe EC685M makes a great entry-level semi-automatic espresso machine for under 350 dollars.

De’Longhi Dedica DeLuxe’s modest footprint allows even those with small kitchens to enjoy the ritual of tamping and brewing espresso with a classic portafilter machine.

In fact, it’s even good enough for small cafes or restaurants that sell less than 50 coffees a day but have limited room.

The DeLonghi Dedica is a single-group home espresso machine. It’s made of stainless steel and hard plastic and has a 37oz. water tank.

It can make single and double shots. It also comes with a decent milk frothing wand on the side. 

It runs at 15 bars of pressure so it can extract a very good espresso.

The thermoblock system is also exceptional for the size of the machine in terms of speed and consistency.

Why We Recommend It

Compact and attractive, the De’Longhi Dedica reliably and automatically pulls tasty espresso shots. The coffee maker also steams milk for cafe drinks and has a handy cup warmer.

Since it’s a semi-automatic espresso machine, operating the De’Longhi Dedica is a very simple affair and it even utilizes ESE pods as well.

The EC685 comes with three filter baskets, a removable drip tray and stand, and a plastic scoop/tamper. 

It comes in various color options so you can coordinate it with other kitchen appliances, and choose from red, black, white, or stainless steel.

The top of the machine can be used as a cup warmer which we always like and it looks elegant in the kitchen. There are three buttons on the top for single shot, double shot, and steam, but it doesn’t feel overly plastic or engineered, which is often a problem with cheaper machines.

Pros:
  • Stylish & Compact
  • Simple to use
  • ESE pod compatible
  • Looks & feels professional
Cons:
  • Can’t make espresso straight after steaming milk
  • Tricky to fit two cups under the spout

2. Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp iQ

Specifications:
  • Machine type: Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
  • Integrated Grinder: No
  • Water Reservoir: 70 oz.
  • Manual milk frother
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • 15-bar Italian pressure pump
  • PID & Thermoblock technology

The Calphalon Temp iQ machine is an espresso machine that is affordable and can pull robust shots and make gorgeous milk-based coffee drinks.

It’s a great option for coffee enthusiasts who are neither experienced nor have a big budget but are still hoping for high-quality home-brewed coffee.

Although it is relatively affordable, costing less than $350, thanks to its stainless steel exterior and chrome accents, it looks quite high-end.

This is a standard semi-automatic espresso machine, with a steam wand on the right and a stainless steel group head in the center. 

Directly above the group head is a dial button in the middle of the control panel. 

There are single or double-shot espresso options, and turn on the hot water dispenser or steam wand.

At the top is a cup-warming tray that has space for two to three espresso cups, and there’s also a place for the tamper. 

The water reservoir is removable and has an extremely generous capacity of 70oz.

Why We Recommend It

The Calphalon Temp IQ is easy to use for anyone with basic barista knowledge and skills. 

The machine comes with a few technical perks that make brewing easier and more efficient. 

Those technical features include Thermoblock water heating technology and PID temperature control. 

The machine has a 15-bar pressure pump and a portafilter with a diameter of 58 mm.

People who like cappuccinos, lattes, and other milk-based coffee drinks will love the fact that this machine also has a milk frother that uses steam power to create a foamy, creamy froth.

Thanks to the  PID and Thermoblock heating technology, the Calphalon Temp IQ heats the water quickly and efficiently and maintains it at a constant, optimum temperature for coffee brewing.

The pre-infusion allows ground coffee to expand for amazing espresso results. 

Further, a 58m portafilter is larger than a typical 52mm portafilter. This allows more water to come in contact with coffee grounds.

The time to heat water is very short. It takes about 30 seconds to brew a double shot espresso. 

Pros:
  • Stainless steel machine with a simple yet stylish design
  • Double-pouring spout to make two cups of coffee simultaneously
  • Thermoblock heating and PID digital temperature control
  • Comes with a milk frothing pitcher, tamper, and cleaning pin
  • Best for coffee lovers with basic brewing skills
Cons:

 

  • Some parts are made of plastic
  • No coffee dosing spoon

3. Nespresso Citiz Espresso Machine with Aeroccino

Specifications:
  • Brew Sizes: 1.35 oz espresso, 3.70 oz lungo
  • Water Reservoir: 34 oz
  • Milk Container: None
  • Pressure: 19 bars
  • Frother: Included
  • Spent Capsules: 10 capsules
  • Wireless Connectivity: No

The CitiZ, which is made by both Breville and De’Longhi, is a compact mid-range option with a fairly large water reservoir. 

It heats up quickly, offers customizable brew sizes, and produces up to 19 bars of pressure. It’s also sleek, simple, and reliable.

It comes in four colors, including a vibrant red, and features a removable cup tray for smaller cups. 

The Nespresso CitiZ has a very simple two-button interface. These one-touch buttons can be programmed to your preferred volumes. 

The water flow will stop automatically after 1.35 ounces (espresso) or 3.7 ounces (lungo), but you can pause the brew or add more after it finishes by pushing the one-touch buttons again. 

The package comes with a CitiZ coffee maker, an integrated milk frother, an instruction manual, an information folder, and a complimentary pack of pods to get you started. 

Why We Recommend It

The CitiZ coffee maker comes integrated with an Aeroccino milk frother to prepare milk froth for you to have with your coffee, allowing the milk espresso machine to make you the perfect latte, cappuccino, or any other milk-based drink on demand.

The espresso it makes is flavorful and aromatic, with a strong layer of crema no matter which coffee variety you use. 

Brewing coffee and espresso is super easy with this machine. Just lift up the metal handle at the front, drop your chosen capsule into place, and shut the lid. 

The main cup stand will take a mug of coffee, but there’s also a fold-down stand that’s designed for espresso cups, positioning the spout closer to your mug. It’s a neat design that can take quite tall mugs for lattes, too.

This model conveniently offers a descaling mode, though there isn’t a dedicated cleaning button or indicator.

The used capsule container, drip tray, and water reservoir are all removable for easy cleaning, and the machine’s streamlined body is simple to wipe clean.

Pros:
  • Simple to use
  • 19 bar pressure pump
  • Compact design
  • Large reservoir
  • Ability to brew two coffee types
  • Programmable brewing amount
  • Great value for money
  • Environment-friendly
Cons:
  • Poorly-designed drip tray
  • Doesn’t work well with full-size coffee cups

4. Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse

Specifications:
  • Machine type: Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
  • Integrated Grinder: No
  • Water Reservoir: 55 oz.
  • Milk reservoir: 22 oz.
  • Automatic milk frother
  • 19-bar Italian pressure pump

Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse is a semi-automatic, 19-bar espresso machine. It features a one-touch control panel, so you can easily brew plain espresso, lattes, or cappuccinos with single and double shot options for each. 

It has an automatic milk frother, and both the water and milk reservoirs are removable and easy to fill and clean.

You can pull single or double shots of espresso but you can also make specialty drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. 

Mr. Coffee CoffeeHouse has the capacity to make 6 Cappuccinos or 3 Lattes before refilling water or milk.

This one of the best espresso machines under 300 dollars has 3 thermocouples that are responsible for heating the machine effectively.

With one push of a button, this machine will produce the perfect cup of java every time. Absolutely no second-guessing on what to push or how many times. Simply choose from 1 or 2 espresso shots based on the size of the mug.

Why We Recommend It

Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse features an automatic milk frothing system that takes action after the selection of espresso shots is chosen. 

Simply turn the dial to adjust the amount of stirring you want and it does all the rest. It is compatible with any sort of milk, dairy, or non-dairy. 

The machine’s innovative thermo-couple heating system ensures quick, uniform heating of your beverage. This is extremely important not only for the taste but for each cup, every time.

Mr. Coffee espresso maker also has a one-touch cleaning button. This cleaning button sends a cycle through the machine to give it a good rinse out.

The machine’s removable tank ensures even, steady pouring for no mess. It inserts easily back in place meaning you can get on with making your desired drink.

Overall, this is an impressive-looking espresso machine with sleek silver and black coloring for a modern look that matches any kitchen. 

The Coffeehouse has a great drip tray design to accommodate 2 espresso cups. 

This machine is super simple to use because it’s designed for beginners who just want to get a feel for things without being overwhelmed by too many options. 

Pros:
  • Easy to use
  • Automatic milk frother
  • Sleek & stylish
  • 19-bar pressure pump
  • Can make all espresso-based beverages
Cons:
  • Replacement parts are difficult to find

5. Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2

Specifications:
  • Operation: Manual Lever
  • Boiler Type: No boiler—requires a source for hot water
  • Coffee basket capacity: About 16–20 g
  • Coffee basket diameter: 45.5 mm
  • Weight: 7 lbs

Made of high-quality, durable material, the Flair Pro 2 is crafted of mostly metal parts and features a steel brewing chamber. 

The handle is fitted with a silicone grip that provides extra comfort when pulling a shot. The pressure gauge, also coated in silicone, allows the user to see exactly how much pressure is being applied to ensure consistency. 

In addition to its convenient features, this lever machine comes with extra accessories like a dosing cup, tamper, pre-heating cap, and carrying case.

It weighs about 7 pounds, which isn’t heavy but offers a weight that ensures it was made with quality. 

What’s also convenient about the Flair Pro 2 is that it’s very portable.

Setting up Flair 2 for the first time can be challenging as there are 13 individual parts. But the included instruction manual is quite thorough and after a few tries, anybody can learn to set up the espresso maker easily in no time.

Extracting on the Flair takes some force… the sizable lever provides you with a 9:1 mechanical advantage, but this system is not for the faint of heart. 

The pressure you need to apply, combine with slightly longer typical shot times, can result in some shakiness close to the end of the pull.

Why We Recommend It

The Flair Pro 2 boasts a sleek and minimalist aesthetic. 

It is composed of stainless steel and aluminum cast materials, giving it a sturdy and durable construction that will last a long time. 

Being a standard lever machine, the Flair puts the quality of the shot in your hands. It can produce true 9 bar lever espresso, so the ability to experiment is limitless. 

The attached gauge promotes consistency so that producing the perfect shot doesn’t have to be done by feel alone. 

With the Flair Signature Pro 2, the user can produce espresso that enhances the unique flavor notes and aromas by manipulating the amount of pressure being applied and the time span in which the shot is pulled.

The Flair PRO 2 costs less than 350 dollars and it is capable of pulling top-quality shots of espresso, but only if you create the right conditions for it to do so.

The Flair is relatively easy to clean, considering the whole machine can be disassembled quickly into each of its 13 parts.

Pros:
  • Elegant design
  • Capable of making high-quality espresso
  • Great value
Cons:
  • Relatively steep learning curve
  • Too many parts
  • Cumbersome pre-heating process

6. De'Longhi BCO430BM All-in-One Espresso Machine

Specifications:
  • Type: Combination coffee & espresso maker
  • Water reservoir 1: 47 oz.
  • Water reservoir 2: 40 oz.
  • Carafe size: 10 cups
  • Milk frother
  • Warranty: 12 months

The DeLonghi BCO430 All-in-One Cappuccino, Espresso, and Coffee Maker is a sleek, polished option that its users love for its ability to brew big batches.

The espresso maker is on the left side of the unit and includes the group head (where the filter basket attaches), a water tank, a milk frother, and a warming tray. 

The right side of the unit contains a standard coffee maker that can brew up to 10 cups of coffee.  

Each side of the unit has its own water tank so the two sides can function separately and simultaneously.

It is an automatic espresso machine that doesn’t come with a grinder.

To make cappuccinos and lattes, it comes with a milk frother wand located on the far left-hand side of the machine to steam milk and add it to the prepared espresso. 

The DeLonghi BCO430 has a polished look with sleek stainless steel accents. It will easily fit in with most other modern kitchen appliances. 

The front-loading water reservoir for “Drip coffee” has a 47-ounce capacity, while the removable water tank for “Espresso” has a 40-ounce capacity.

Why We Recommend It

This unique brewer combines a coffee maker, espresso machine, and milk frother all into one unit. 

Housing a 15 bar espresso machine and drip coffee maker with each having its own dedicated brewer, settings, power button, and even water reservoir.

Made from ABS plastic and a stainless steel exterior, it’s durable and functional. This model has an LCD display, making it easy to use, regardless of whether you want to pull a shot or brew an entire pot. Just load the brewer with ground coffee, and off you go.

Other useful features include 24 hr programmability time management system and other accessories such as a carbon filter, glass carafe, dedicated water filter, and different sized espresso filters (with filter holder) to ensure you pull the perfect shot.

A unique feature of the Delonghi BCO 430’s coffee maker is its patented “Flavor Savor Brew System” that saturates the coffee grounds slowly, leading to a more intense flavor and aroma, kind of like a pre-infusion process. You can toggle the system through the dedicated “1-4” button on the coffee settings.

Pros:
  • Single/double filters for espresso
  • A 15-bar pump for brewing lattes and cappuccinos
  • A 24-hour programmable timer is there for convenience
  • Milk frother
  • Active carbon filters
Cons:
  • Doesn’t come with a grinder
  • Long setup and cleanup

7. Gaggia Carezza De LUXE Espresso Machine

Specifications:
  • Machine type: Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
  • Integrated Grinder: No
  • Water Reservoir: 47 oz.
  • Manual milk frother
  • Push-button controls
  • Single boiler/dual-use
  • 15-bar Italian pressure pump
  • Pre-infusion technology

The Gaggia Carezza Deluxe is an espresso machine out to provide a barista-style coffee-making experience. 

With striking looks and quality coffee on offer, the Gaggia Carezza Deluxe makes a good addition to just about any kitchen.

It features pre-infusion technology that’s usually only found on higher-end machines or done manually by a barista. 

With a rounded front and a retro-looking analog temperature dial, it has a lot more personality and Italian flavor than most.

Pre-infusion wets the coffee briefly prior to full pressure brewing. Doing that causes the coffee to swell and results in a deeper more complete extraction of flavor. 

The water tank slots in behind the coffee holder, and holds a fairly generous 47 oz. of water.

This machine can prepare the usual Italian-style short espresso, or the long espresso, but also latte, cappuccino, hot chocolate, and even tea.

Why We Recommend It

The Carezza Deluxe machine will brew your drink by use of a pressurized portafilter basket and a Pannarello wand. 

The setup is very easily made by pushing a specific button. You can use this machine either with pre-grinded coffee, of your own liking, or with Easy Serve Espresso (ESE) pods.

The Carezza sits firmly in the semi-automatic espresso machine category. 

A single, dual-use boiler heats the water for both espresso and steamed milk. A 15 bar pump provides more than enough pressure needed to pull a quality shot.

Shots are pulled by hand with a portafilter that you fill with coffee grounds yourself. The milk is steamed with the Pannarello wand. 

Or, if you really want to get into it, you can remove the Pannarello, and steam with the standard wand… especially if latte art is your goal.

Pros:
  • Pre-infuses the coffee grounds for better extraction
  • Large 18-gram commercial style portafilter baskets
  • Removable Pannarello steam wand for latte art
  • Front access reservoir 
  • Smart design
  • Great, reliable espresso quality
Cons:
  • Only a one year limited warranty
  • It may be a bit overstyled

Best Espresso Machines Under $350; Buying Guide

Selecting the best espresso machines for less than 350 dollars comes down to 3 considerations: how much space you have in your kitchen, the size of your budget, and how much work you want to put into the brewing process.

Below we describe the three types of machines so you can decide which is best for you.

Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines

With semi-automatic espresso makers, an electric pump maintains consistent pressure and flow. You control how much coffee is in your cup by stopping the extraction process. 

Almost all semiautomatics have a steam wand or some other mechanism for heating and frothing milk. Most don’t have a built-in grinder. 

Automatic Espresso Machines

With a fully automatic espresso maker, all you have to do is set it up with beans, water, and milk. 

The machine does everything from grinding the beans to pulling the shot to frothing the milk for your drink of choice whether it’s a short espresso or a double latte. 

Most automatic espresso machines allow you to customize the grind, the temperature, the strength, and/or the volume of espresso to your preference. 

Pod Espresso Machines

These machines are the ultimate in ease of use and a consistent cup of espresso. You pop in a capsule, press a button, or push down a lever and in seconds, can enjoy a crema-topped cup of espresso. 

The only thing you have to do is keep a supply of coffee capsules or pods on hand and a tank filled with water. A wide variety of styles, with and without frothers or steaming wands, are available.

Things To Look For in an Espresso Machine

1. Bar Pump Pressure

An espresso machine requires pressure to extract flavor from finely ground coffee. The pressure in pump machines is measured in bars or units of atmospheric pressure. 

Although 8 to 9 bars is considered sufficient, most machines, including all of our best espresso machines, have at least 15-bar pumps.

2. Ease of Use

“Pulling a shot”—a term that’s a holdover from the days when espresso machines had levers you’d have to pull down to get espresso out, and now encompasses the process of tamping, leveling, and inserting the portafilter into the machine and either pressing a button or doing some manual action—should feel intuitive, easy to repeatedly do, and shouldn’t strain your wrists or require you to brace the machine. 

3. Ease of Cleaning

Speaking of, an espresso machine is only as good as how clean it is, so you should look at how easy cleanup would be by taking the machines apart and putting them back together. Some machines came with cleaning kits too. 

4. Milk Frother and Steam Wand

A built-in milk frother or steam wand can be a useful tool if you plan to make espresso-based drinks, like lattes and cappuccinos.

5. Other features to consider

There’s a lot to consider when picking out the right espresso machine for your needs.

What does it feel like getting the machine out of the box? How easy is it to set up? Are the instructions clear? What features does the machine have? What accessories does it come with? Does it need additional tools to make espresso, like a tamper, and espresso-based drinks, like a milk pitcher? 

Conclusion

To select our best espresso machines under $350, we relied on our experience of using them. We checked review sites to see what recommendations were made by other sources and also read user comments to find out what home baristas have to say.

In addition to considering whether they make consistently great cups of espresso, we considered how easy they were to use and what special features they offered.

Written by:
Shiv Kumar
Shiv Kumar

Shiv has been a coffee fanatic since caffeine became a necessity in college, and since then, his enthusiasm has only grown. He specializes in espresso machines and single-serve coffee makers.

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