10 Best Manual Espresso Machine 2025 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 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 Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS is a solid choice for those venturing into the world of manual espresso machines, particularly if you're aiming to recreate third-wave specialty coffee at home. It comes equipped with a 54mm portafilter that holds 19 grams of coffee, ensuring full flavor extraction, which is a great asset for coffee enthusiasts. The standout feature here is the automatic steam wand, which makes milk texturing effortless and allows you to create barista-quality microfoam—ideal for those interested in crafting latte art.

A major advantage of this machine is its fast heat-up time. Thanks to the innovative thermojet heating system, it reaches the optimal extraction temperature in just 3 seconds, significantly reducing your wait time for that morning brew. Additionally, the low-pressure pre-infusion feature gradually increases pressure to extract flavors evenly, delivering a balanced cup of espresso.

The build and design are both attractive and practical. Made with brushed stainless steel, it not only looks sleek but is also durable. Its compact size (13.7"D x 6.3"W x 12"H) makes it a good fit for smaller kitchen spaces or office environments.

While the digital temperature control (PID) aids in maintaining consistent quality, its semi-automatic operation might not be for everyone—especially if you're new to espresso machines. It requires a bit of a learning curve to master. Additionally, though the machine is easy to maintain, the need for regular cleaning and descaling is necessary to keep it performing at its best.

This model is best suited for those who appreciate the art of making espresso and are willing to invest some time in learning the nuances of the machine. It balances ease of use with the ability to customize your espresso experience, making it a good fit for both home and office settings.