Can anyone give me suggestions on manufactures that have the best espresso machines for around $300 and recommend some model numbers? Thanks

There are a number of threads offering entry-level buying advice; I found these by searching on "budget" (title only) as suggested in forum search tips:

Espresso machine for latte lover with $400-$600 budget
Recommendations for new espresso machine with budget around $300
Espresso machine for budget around $300
First time buyer with $300 budget
Best espresso machine for around $500 budget

You'll find most recommendations are along these lines:

zin1953 wrote:Now for the machine -- two problems: 1) we as a group often over-recommend, in that our recommendations often exceed someone's stated budget; 2) that said, a flat $300 budget is a bit difficult.

Something like the Gaggia Espresso Pure ($279) might work, but it's very true that the Gaggia Classic at $399 is a significantly better machine -- it's $399 and over-budget, but as Tom pointed out, a 20% Bed Bath & Beyond coupon drops the price to $319!

peacecup wrote:I also think a hand grinder and a used Gaggia or Saeco can make very acceptable espresso. I spent the first five years of my espressohood with a Saeco/hand grinder combo that cost less than $200.

hperry wrote:How about a Mypressi Twist, a Kyocera hand grinder and a stovetop steamer? You could get all three for about 300 and make very good espresso. Your milk frothing wouldn't be as good as a commercial machine, but would be OK for the time being. I'm really impressed with the espresso from the Twist and am pulling a couple of shots a day with it.

An important consideration is the grinder. Without a good grinder and freshly roasted coffee, the quality of the beverage is limited independent of the espresso machine you choose. Use the search page to find plenty of recommendations for low-cost grinders.

Thanks Dan,
I'm using the Baratza Preciso for my grinder.
I'll take a look at the links you recommended.

I recently got a Classic for 320ish, Aabree Coffee has a 20% discount code rainy20 that still works on all Gaggia machines although it's no longer listed. With Bed Bath and Beyond you would probably have to pay shipping and tax.

Intrepid510,
Did the Gaggia Classic come with a non pressurized or pressurized porta-filter?

From Aabree: "The Gaggias use commercial-standard 58mm filter baskets made of stainless steel."

Thanks, I didn't know if commercial-standard was non-pressurized.

Non-pressurized. The Classic has been shipping with a single basket, double basket and a pod adapter basket. They have been throwing in a rubber disk with a pin hole that can be used as a pressurizing device...it is usable to backflush if one doesn't have a blind basket.