10 Best Manual Espresso Machine 2025 in the United States

The De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo blends manual espresso machine qualities with semi-automatic convenience, making it a strong choice for home users wanting both control and ease. It features a built-in conical burr grinder with 8 grind settings, which ensures freshly ground coffee tailored to your taste. The machine uses a 15-bar Italian pump offering ideal pressure, crucial for extracting rich espresso and maintaining consistency. While it lacks a traditional lever, it compensates with precise pressure control through its pump system.

Its Active Temperature Control and three infusion settings stabilize water temperature, helping you get the best flavors from different coffee beans. The commercial-style steam wand heats quickly and produces smooth microfoam, perfect for latte art and creamy drinks. Unique to this model is its Cold Extraction Technology, allowing cold brew coffee in under five minutes, an innovation not commonly found in manual espresso machines.

The build quality feels solid with stainless steel materials and a compact design that fits well in modern kitchens without taking up much space. Cleanup is simplified by detachable, dishwasher-safe parts and a helpful barista kit with tamping tools that guide consistent pressure. This espresso machine suits home baristas who want a balance of manual feel and automation, appreciate excellent pressure and temperature control, along with versatility including cold brew and milk frothing. While it may not satisfy those wanting pure manual lever operation, it remains a versatile and user-friendly option for most coffee lovers.

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.