10 Best Semi Automatic Espresso Machines 2026 in the United States

The De'Longhi Magnifica Start is a user-friendly semi-automatic espresso machine that suits home coffee lovers who want convenience combined with decent control over their drinks. It uses a 15-bar pump to deliver good pressure for espresso, and its built-in conical burr grinder offers 13 grind settings, making it easy to get fresh, consistent coffee grounds tailored to your taste. The machine features adjustable brew strength and coffee temperature, which helps customize each cup. While it doesn’t specify the boiler type, it includes a manual milk frother that allows you to create creamy foam for lattes and cappuccinos, adding to its versatility. Its 1- to 2-cup capacity is typical for home use, and the portafilter size is standard for this class, balancing ease of use and quality extraction.

The build quality is solid with a sleek black finish, and the touch interface simplifies operation with three one-touch recipes for espresso, coffee, and Americano. Cleaning is straightforward thanks to removable and dishwasher-safe parts, which is great for busy users. However, the manual frother means you’ll need some practice to get milk texture just right, and it lacks fully automatic steam wand controls found on higher-end models.

This machine is well suited for those who want to enjoy freshly ground espresso with some manual milk frothing without complicated setups, making it a practical choice for everyday home baristas.

The Breville Oracle Jet is designed for coffee lovers who want a semi-automatic espresso experience with professional-level features and convenience. It uses a fast and energy-efficient ThermoJet heating system that lets you get started quickly with precise temperature control, adjustable in small increments to suit your taste. The built-in Baratza burr grinder automatically grinds, doses, and tamps the coffee, making it easier to get a consistent 22g dose through its large 58mm stainless steel portafilter. This helps deliver rich, full-bodied espresso.

The steam wand creates silky microfoam with adjustable settings for different milk types, including dairy and alternatives, ideal for latte art enthusiasts. A standout feature is its ability to make cold brew-style coffee with smoother, less acidic flavors. The machine also offers helpful barista guidance and an auto queue system that streamlines the brewing and steaming process. In terms of build, it has a sturdy stainless steel finish that looks good and feels durable. Cleaning is simplified by an auto-clean function, which is a plus given the machine's complexity.

On the downside, the machine is quite large and heavy, which might not suit smaller kitchens. Also, its high-end features come with a price tag that may be steep for casual users. It ranks well among semi-automatic machines but may be more than what beginners need. This makes the Oracle Jet an excellent choice for people who want café-quality espresso at home with advanced control and automation, though it requires some investment in space and money.

The Breville Barista Express BES870BSXL is a strong choice for anyone wanting to make café-quality espresso at home without needing professional skills. It features an integrated conical burr grinder that grinds fresh beans right before brewing, which is great for flavor. The machine uses a pump with low-pressure pre-infusion to gently start extraction, helping bring out balanced espresso flavors. Its digital temperature control (PID) keeps water at the perfect temperature, which is important for consistent espresso shots. The 54mm stainless steel portafilter is a standard size and easy to handle. For milk drinks, the steam wand provides good control for frothing microfoam, so you can create lattes or cappuccinos with smooth texture and latte art. The build quality is solid with a stainless steel finish, making it durable and stylish in the kitchen.

Cleaning is manageable thanks to included tools and cleaning discs, but as with most semi-automatic machines, some regular maintenance is needed to keep it in top shape. The bean hopper holds about half a pound of coffee, and the water tank is reasonably sized at 67 ounces. While the machine is not fully automatic, its manual controls for grind size and dose allow good customization, ideal for users who want to learn barista skills. One downside is the weight (over 22 pounds), so it’s less portable and takes up some counter space. This machine is well suited for coffee lovers who want hands-on espresso making with quality results and are willing to spend a bit of time learning the process.