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10 Best Manual Espresso Machine 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,117
Build Quality and Materials
Pressure Control
Ease of Use and Maintenance

Most important from
26303 reviews

Build Quality and Materials
The exterior is easy to maintain, keeping the machine looking good over time.
Pressure Control
The pressure gauge is a nice touch for monitoring and adjusting the brewing process.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
It's easy to use and brews incredible espresso, ideal for home baristas.
Size and Design
The machine's sleek design is an absolute eye-catcher and looks great on the counter.

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.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,117
Build Quality and Materials
Pressure Control
Ease of Use and Maintenance

Most important from
26303 reviews

Build Quality and Materials
The exterior is easy to maintain, keeping the machine looking good over time.
Pressure Control
The pressure gauge is a nice touch for monitoring and adjusting the brewing process.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
It's easy to use and brews incredible espresso, ideal for home baristas.
Size and Design
The machine's sleek design is an absolute eye-catcher and looks great on the counter.
#2

CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Compact Espresso Maker with Steam Milk Frother, Stainless Steel Coffee Machine with 34oz Removable Water Tank for Cappuccino, Latte, Silver

Rating
9.6
Build Quality and Materials
Boiler Type and Capacity
Ease of Use and Maintenance

Most important from
5452 reviews

Build Quality and Materials
The CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine exceeds expectations with its elegant stainless steel body and delicious espresso.
Boiler Type and Capacity
Affordable yet high-quality, this machine is built with safe materials like a stainless steel boiler and BPA-free plastic.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Preprogrammed espresso shots and a clear manual make it easier to get the best shots, steam, and heat for your coffee.
Size and Design
Its slim and low-profile design doesn't take up much counter space, making it practical for smaller kitchens.

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.

Rating
9.6
Build Quality and Materials
Boiler Type and Capacity
Ease of Use and Maintenance

Most important from
5452 reviews

Build Quality and Materials
The CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine exceeds expectations with its elegant stainless steel body and delicious espresso.
Boiler Type and Capacity
Affordable yet high-quality, this machine is built with safe materials like a stainless steel boiler and BPA-free plastic.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Preprogrammed espresso shots and a clear manual make it easier to get the best shots, steam, and heat for your coffee.
Size and Design
Its slim and low-profile design doesn't take up much counter space, making it practical for smaller kitchens.
#3

Breville Infuser Espresso Machine BES840XL, Brushed Stainless Steel

Rating
9.3
Type of Lever
Build Quality and Materials
Boiler Type and Capacity

Most important from
2952 reviews

Type of Lever
This machine strikes the perfect balance between ease of use and manual control, making it ideal for home users who want to fine-tune espresso shots without a traditional lever.
Build Quality and Materials
Although well-made and durable, some small design choices like a plastic cleaning tool, lack of a proper bean scoop, and a small knock box are missed branding opportunities.
Boiler Type and Capacity
Its 61 oz water tank allows multiple cups without frequent refills, and the machine heats up in under a minute and a half, ready for espresso or hot water quickly.
Pressure Control
This machine delivers espresso quality just a tiny step below professional $4,000+ machines, consistently producing shots with perfect pressure every single time.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Maintenance is straightforward with automatic purge cycles and included cleaning tools, though the drip tray requires regular emptying and the steam wand tip needs wiping after use.
Size and Design
The machine’s size fits well under standard kitchen cabinets and requires only a standard power outlet and no water line, making it convenient for most home setups.

The Breville Infuser BES840XL is a solid choice for anyone interested in a manual espresso machine that combines some smart automation with traditional control. Rather than a classic lever, it uses buttons for shot and volumetric control, which makes it easier to get consistent espresso shots without complex manual pressure. Its brushed stainless steel body feels durable and looks good on most kitchen counters. The 61 oz water tank is a generous size, so you won’t need frequent refills during several cups.

The machine has a single boiler with a powerful 1650W heating element, ensuring quick heat-up times and stable temperature control through a digital PID system. This means your espresso extraction is precise, improving flavor quality. One standout feature is the low-pressure pre-infusion that gently starts the extraction to balance taste and reduce bitterness. The pressure gauge also helps you monitor and adjust for a perfect shot. For milk-based drinks, the steam wand produces high-pressure steam and microfoam that's great for latte art, although it requires some practice to master manually.

Maintenance is straightforward with automatic purge after steaming and included cleaning tools. The machine is a bit bulky for small spaces and might feel heavy at over 17 pounds. While it offers manual overrides, it doesn’t have a traditional lever mechanism, which some manual espresso fans might miss. This espresso machine is ideal for home users who want a reliable, well-built device that balances ease of use with the ability to fine-tune espresso shots and milk texture.

Rating
9.3
Type of Lever
Build Quality and Materials
Boiler Type and Capacity

Most important from
2952 reviews

Type of Lever
This machine strikes the perfect balance between ease of use and manual control, making it ideal for home users who want to fine-tune espresso shots without a traditional lever.
Build Quality and Materials
Although well-made and durable, some small design choices like a plastic cleaning tool, lack of a proper bean scoop, and a small knock box are missed branding opportunities.
Boiler Type and Capacity
Its 61 oz water tank allows multiple cups without frequent refills, and the machine heats up in under a minute and a half, ready for espresso or hot water quickly.
Pressure Control
This machine delivers espresso quality just a tiny step below professional $4,000+ machines, consistently producing shots with perfect pressure every single time.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Maintenance is straightforward with automatic purge cycles and included cleaning tools, though the drip tray requires regular emptying and the steam wand tip needs wiping after use.
Size and Design
The machine’s size fits well under standard kitchen cabinets and requires only a standard power outlet and no water line, making it convenient for most home setups.

Buying Guide for the Best Manual Espresso Machine

Choosing the right manual espresso machine can be a rewarding experience, especially if you are passionate about coffee. Manual espresso machines, also known as lever machines, give you full control over the brewing process, allowing you to craft your perfect cup of espresso. When selecting a manual espresso machine, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs and preferences.
Type of LeverManual espresso machines come with either a spring piston lever or a direct lever. A spring piston lever uses a spring to help push the water through the coffee grounds, making it easier to achieve consistent pressure. A direct lever, on the other hand, requires you to manually apply pressure throughout the extraction process, giving you more control but requiring more skill and effort. If you are a beginner, a spring piston lever might be a better choice, while experienced baristas might prefer the control of a direct lever.
Build Quality and MaterialsThe build quality and materials of a manual espresso machine are crucial for durability and performance. Machines made from high-quality materials like stainless steel or brass are more durable and can maintain consistent temperature and pressure. Cheaper materials might not last as long or perform as well. If you plan to use your machine frequently, investing in a well-built machine will pay off in the long run.
Boiler Type and CapacityThe boiler is responsible for heating the water used to brew your espresso. Manual espresso machines can have single or dual boilers. Single boilers are simpler and more compact but require you to wait between brewing and steaming milk. Dual boilers allow you to brew and steam simultaneously, which is more convenient if you make multiple drinks in a row. The capacity of the boiler also matters; larger boilers can produce more drinks without needing to refill. Consider your usage patterns to decide which boiler type and capacity suit you best.
Pressure ControlPressure control is a key aspect of making good espresso. Manual machines allow you to control the pressure manually, which can be a bit challenging but also rewarding. Some machines come with built-in pressure gauges to help you monitor and adjust the pressure. If you are new to manual espresso machines, look for one with a pressure gauge to help you learn and improve your technique.
Ease of Use and MaintenanceManual espresso machines can be more complex to use and maintain compared to automatic machines. Consider how easy it is to operate the machine and clean it. Some machines have removable parts that make cleaning easier, while others might require more effort. If you prefer a low-maintenance option, look for machines with user-friendly designs and easy-to-clean components.
Size and DesignThe size and design of the machine are important, especially if you have limited counter space. Manual espresso machines come in various sizes and styles, from compact models to larger, more elaborate designs. Consider the space you have available and choose a machine that fits well in your kitchen. Additionally, the design should appeal to your aesthetic preferences, as a beautiful machine can be a great addition to your kitchen decor.

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