10 Best manual espresso machines 2025 in the United States

The Breville Barista Express Impress is a semi-automatic espresso machine that simplifies manual espresso making with its assisted tamping and smart dosing features. Unlike traditional lever machines, it uses a built-in grinder and a precision dosing system that automatically adjusts the coffee amount, helping beginners avoid common dosing errors. It has a Thermocoil heating system with PID control, ensuring stable and accurate temperature—important for consistent espresso extraction.

The machine includes a 54mm stainless steel portafilter, a standard size that fits most espresso accessories, and offers a 2-liter water tank and 250g bean hopper, suitable for daily home use. While the machine doesn’t have a traditional lever, it offers manual control over grind settings (25 levels) and shot volume, giving some flexibility to those who want to fine-tune their brew. It also features a pressure gauge and a powerful manual steam wand for milk frothing, which is great for lattes and cappuccinos.

Build quality is solid and stylish with stainless steel parts and a modern design in Olive Tapenade color. Maintenance is straightforward with included cleaning tools and a removable water filter. For those seeking a pure manual lever espresso machine experience, this model leans more towards semi-automatic ease rather than full manual control. It suits home users who want the craft of espresso making without the steep learning curve of a traditional lever machine.

The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine in brushed stainless steel is a robust choice for home baristas looking for manual control and quality. Its standout feature is the integrated conical burr grinder which grinds coffee beans on demand, ensuring fresh and precise doses for each shot. The machine incorporates a low-pressure pre-infusion system that gradually increases pressure, enhancing flavor extraction for a balanced espresso. Additionally, the digital PID temperature control ensures optimal water temperature, crucial for consistent espresso quality.

The manual steam wand allows you to create microfoam milk for lattes and cappuccinos, providing room for creative latte art. With a 54mm portafilter and included accessories like the tamper, milk jug, and cleaning tools, it offers a comprehensive package for beginners and seasoned users alike. However, the machine is on the heavier side at 22.1 pounds, and its size could be a consideration if you have limited counter space.

The included 1-year warranty is relatively standard, but some users might prefer a longer warranty period. The build quality is solid, utilizing brushed stainless steel which is both durable and visually appealing. The ease of use is enhanced by simple controls and maintenance tools, though new users may face a learning curve. The Breville Barista Express is best suited for coffee enthusiasts looking for a semi-automatic machine that balances manual control with convenience.

The Breville Infuser BES840XL is a semi-manual espresso machine that does a great job bringing high-quality coffee into your home without being overly complicated. Unlike traditional lever machines, it uses electronic controls for shot volume, which helps beginners achieve consistent espresso doses with ease. It features a 61-ounce water tank and a 1650W thermocoil heating system that provides precise temperature control via a digital PID, ensuring your espresso extracts at just the right heat for balanced flavors. The pressure gauge is a helpful addition, guiding you to maintain optimal extraction pressure. The build is solid, with brushed stainless steel giving it a durable and stylish appearance. The portafilter is a standard size that works well with most ground coffee and comes with both single and dual wall filter baskets, making it versatile for different skill levels.

Maintenance is user-friendly thanks to an auto purge system that resets the temperature after steaming milk, plus included cleaning tools and water filters help keep the machine in good shape. On the downside, it’s not a true manual lever machine, so those looking for full manual control might find it less authentic. Also, while it steams milk well for microfoam, mastering manual texturing can take some practice. This model is well suited for home users who want quality espresso with some hands-on experience but prefer helpful automation to simplify the process.