10 Best manual espresso machines 2025 in the United States

The CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine is a versatile and compact manual espresso maker that aims to bring the café experience to your home or office. This machine features a professional 20 bar pressure system, ideal for extracting rich and aromatic espresso shots. The built-in pressure gauge allows for adjustments based on personal taste preferences, making it a great option for those who enjoy customizing their coffee.

The stainless steel build gives it a stylish and durable appearance, fitting well in any kitchen size. Its 34oz removable water tank is convenient for multiple brews without frequent refilling, and the included milk frother lets you create creamy, textured milk foam for lattes and cappuccinos. Users should be mindful of the machine's need to cool down after frothing milk to avoid overheating.

The semi-automatic operation mode strikes a balance between ease of use and control, and the instructional videos available from CASABREWS can help you get the most out of the machine. The CASABREWS CM5418 offers excellent value for those seeking a high-quality, user-friendly espresso machine with the ability to craft various coffee drinks at home.

The Breville Barista Express is a semi-automatic espresso machine that combines an integrated grinder with espresso brewing, making it ideal for coffee lovers who want a hands-on but straightforward experience at home. It uses a dial interface rather than a traditional lever, which simplifies control while still offering manual adjustment over grind size and shot volume. The machine features a single-boiler design with a 67-ounce water tank, which is sufficient for daily home use but might require refilling for multiple cups. While it doesn't have a traditional pressure gauge, it manages optimal pressure automatically, including a low-pressure pre-infusion step to help evenly extract coffee flavors.

Build quality is solid, with a brushed stainless steel exterior and a 54mm portafilter that fits standard sized filters, allowing for good compatibility with accessories. The steam wand lets you manually texture milk for lattes and cappuccinos, though it requires some practice to master. Maintenance is relatively easy thanks to a permanent filter and included cleaning tools, but the integrated grinder means occasional burr cleaning is necessary.

This espresso machine suits beginners to intermediate users who want to learn espresso making without investing in separate devices. Its all-in-one design saves counter space and speeds up the process from bean to cup. Those seeking a traditional lever machine or larger boiler capacity for commercial-style use might find it less suitable. The Barista Express provides good value with its blend of convenience, quality materials, and control features, making it a popular choice for home espresso enthusiasts.

The Breville Bambino Espresso Machine is designed for those who want to enjoy barista-quality coffee at home. One of its main strengths is the fast heat-up time, thanks to the innovative thermojet heating system, which gets the machine ready in just 3 seconds. This is particularly useful for busy mornings or when you want a quick coffee fix.

The machine features a 54mm portafilter, which is a bit smaller than the commercial size but still capable of delivering rich flavors in your espresso. The automatic steam wand is a standout feature, providing hands-free microfoam milk texturing, perfect for latte art and enhancing the flavor of your drinks. This makes the machine user-friendly, especially for those new to making espresso drinks at home.

Build quality is solid, with brushed stainless steel that should hold up well over time. The low-pressure pre-infusion ensures that flavors are drawn out evenly, contributing to a balanced cup of coffee. The digital temperature control (PID) is another plus, making sure the water temperature is precise for optimal extraction. However, the machine might fall short for those who prefer manual control over every aspect of their espresso-making process. Maintenance and ease of use are generally good, although the automatic features might require some getting used to. The 1-year warranty adds a layer of confidence in the purchase. This machine is ideal for home users who want a quick, quality espresso with minimal fuss.