10 Best Manual Espresso Machine 2026 in the United States

The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact and user-friendly espresso machine perfect for home enthusiasts seeking café-quality coffee. One of its standout features is the ThermoJet heating system, which heats up in just 3 seconds, allowing for quick coffee preparation. Moreover, the machine's digital temperature control ensures precise espresso extraction, which is crucial for achieving that rich, balanced flavor.

The build quality is robust, thanks to its brushed stainless steel finish, which not only looks sleek but is also durable. It uses a manual portafilter with a 19-gram capacity, supporting dose control for consistent coffee quality. The machine also offers automatic microfoam milk texturing, letting you create lattes with barista-quality foam, which is a boon for milk-based coffee enthusiasts.

In terms of size, the Bambino Plus is compact, with dimensions of just 7.7 inches wide, making it suitable for small kitchens or limited counter space. Maintenance is straightforward, aided by features like the auto purge system that helps maintain the correct temperature for subsequent shots. However, new users might experience a learning curve with the manual controls for milk frothing and pressure adjustments. While the machine excels in delivering quick and consistent espresso, its semi-automatic nature means it might not offer the full manual experience some espresso purists seek. Additionally, the 54mm portafilter is slightly smaller than the industry standard, which could limit the precision needed for advanced users looking to experiment with larger doses or finer grinds.

The Breville Bambino Plus is an excellent choice for those who want a quick, reliable, and easy-to-use espresso machine that doesn’t sacrifice quality. It's particularly well-suited for beginners and intermediate users who appreciate both speed and simplicity.

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.

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.