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 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 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.