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 CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine is designed for home or office use, allowing you to make a variety of espresso-based drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. With its 20 bar professional pressure system and 1350 W powerful boiler, it ensures high-quality extraction for rich and flavorful coffee.

The machine is semi-automatic with button controls, making it user-friendly but requiring some manual operation. The integrated pressure gauge helps you monitor and adjust the pressure for the perfect brew according to your taste. The stainless steel exterior gives it a stylish and durable appearance, suitable for any kitchen or office space. Its compact size (12.28"D x 5.9"W x 11.97"H) makes it practical for smaller spaces, and the 34 oz removable water tank allows for multiple cups of coffee before needing a refill.

However, you need to be cautious about the machine's temperature and pressure, as it requires cooling down after frothing milk to prevent overheating. Maintenance is relatively straightforward with easy-to-clean components and instructional videos available for guidance. While it offers great features for its price, making it a top choice in its category, the manual aspects like adjusting pressure and grinding settings may require a bit of practice for optimal results.