10 Best Manual Espresso Machine 2026 in the United States

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.

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 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.