10 Best Manual Espresso Machine 2025 in the United States

The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is a popular choice for home baristas seeking to make quality espresso. It features a manual operation with an intuitive grind size dial and a built-in conical burr grinder, which ensures dose control grinding for freshly ground coffee. The machine uses a low-pressure pre-infusion method that gradually increases pressure at the start to draw out flavors evenly, coupled with digital temperature control for precise extraction. This results in a balanced and flavorful espresso.

The powerful steam wand allows for manual microfoam milk texturing, ideal for creating latte art and textured milk drinks. Made from brushed stainless steel, the machine exudes durability and a sleek aesthetic that fits well in most kitchens. Its dimensions are relatively compact, making it suitable for a variety of countertop spaces.

The boiler has a capacity of 67 ounces and supports single or double shots, with adjustable grind amounts and a manual override for customization. Maintenance is facilitated by included cleaning tools and easy access to components. However, the machine weighs 22.1 pounds, which may be cumbersome for some users. Additionally, the manual operation requires a learning curve to master the perfect shot, which might be challenging for beginners. Despite these drawbacks, the Breville Barista Express offers a comprehensive set of features for espresso enthusiasts who appreciate control over their brew.

The Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Maker is a semi-automatic espresso machine designed for home or small office use. While it is not a traditional manual lever machine, it offers good pressure control with its powerful 20-bar pump and features like pre-infusion and a built-in pressure gauge that help you extract rich, flavorful espresso shots. Crafted with a full stainless steel body, it feels durable and stylish, fitting nicely on most kitchen countertops thanks to its compact size (12.3" deep x 5.5" wide x 12" high). The boiler type isn’t explicitly stated, but the inclusion of an NTC temperature control suggests reliable heat management.

Its steam wand produces smooth microfoam quickly, making it easy to create cappuccinos and lattes, and the removable frother nozzle simplifies cleaning. Controls are straightforward with button operation and adjustable shot volume, making this machine approachable even for beginners without sacrificing quality. Additional perks include a hot water function useful for Americanos or tea and a cup warmer. As a semi-automatic model, it requires some user involvement but does not offer the full manual control of a traditional lever machine.

The water tank is removable for easier refilling, but the machine weighs about 8.6 pounds, which might be less portable than some smaller models. This espresso maker is well suited for those wanting a relatively hands-on, durable, and compact machine that delivers café-style drinks with moderate effort, although it may not satisfy purists seeking full manual lever operation.

The Breville Barista Express Impress is a manual espresso machine designed to bring third-wave specialty coffee to your home. With its brushed stainless steel finish, this machine boasts a high-quality build and modern design. The intelligent dosing system automatically calculates and adjusts the coffee dose, while the precision measurement feature helps take the guesswork out of making espresso. Assisted tamping ensures consistent pressure and a polished puck surface, which is ideal for achieving a professional-quality espresso shot.

The machine includes 25 grind settings to fine-tune your coffee grind and a Thermocoil heating system with PID control for precise temperature management. This results in consistent and great-tasting coffee. Additionally, the built-in microfoam steam wand allows for excellent milk texturing, perfect for latte art enthusiasts. Its generous 2-liter water tank and 250-gram bean hopper mean you won't have to refill often, making it convenient for daily use.

However, weighing in at 23.7 pounds and with dimensions of 12.5”D x 14.5”W x 16.5”H, it may take up considerable counter space, which might be a drawback for smaller kitchens. Also, while its features are geared towards making manual espresso crafting easier, there is still a learning curve for beginners. This machine is best suited for coffee lovers who are eager to refine their barista skills at home and do not mind dedicating some time to mastering its use.