Choosing the best manual espresso machines for this guide was a different level of enjoyment. Every coffee lover wants one and considers it a holy grail of brewing.
Here are 6 manual espresso makers you will most definitely like – five classics and one modern.
If manuals aren’t your thing, I also covered 3 amazing semi-automatic espresso machines.
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By Jozo Salmanić – Croatian barista with 15 years of experience.
Top 4 Money Can Buy
The Most Stylish Small Lever Espresso Maker: Flair Espresso Maker Pro 2
Best High-End Manual Home Line Machine: Olympia Cremina
Top Commercial Lever Espresso Machine: La Pavoni Bar 2L-B
An Excellent Semi-manual Espresso Maker: De’Longhi La Specialista Arte
5 + 1 Excellent Lever Espresso Machines On The Market
Why do baristas love manual espresso machines?
It’s the amount of involvement in every brewing step, and that feeling when you make your espresso the old-fashion way.
Manual espresso makers are not just a decoration.
If you know what you are doing, they can and will produce the finest espresso you ever tasted.
Take a look at my 6 amazing picks for your every need.
Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2 – Best Small Manual Espresso Machine
This compact espresso maker could become your best friend on travels or anywhere you want to be sure you will drink the best cup of Joe.
Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2 is very compact, and you can carry it everywhere.
It is made from stainless steel, combined with a sturdy aluminum base.
This coffee maker is durable and easy to clean. Just disassemble it and rinse it with running water.
This size means Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2 doesn’t have a boiler or a steam wand.
You have a bottomless portafilter that holds up to 24 grams of freshly ground coffee and a reservoir that you fill with hot water, up to 70 ml.
Flair company also outlines the importance of using the burr grinder for their products, which shows their professionalism.
To make a shot of espresso with it, you will need to apply around 30 lb pressure.
Not too much, but the short handle means most people will have to use both hands.
You can see the amount of pressure on a handy gouge.
Flair is a modern-looking and compact espresso maker that is top-class, and won’t ruin your budget.
If you prefer classical design more, this next espresso machine will suit you better.
Esperto Competente – Best Vintage Lever Espresso Machine
This retro-style espresso maker only looks old school. Actually, it is a tech miracle.
La Pavoni espresso makers are the best-known on the market. Their design is always a work of art, and Esperto Competente fits that frame.
A 38-oz boiler means everybody can get his cup of coffee without waiting. LCD strip for showing the temperature fitted perfectly into the classical design. On average, this machine needs 5 minutes for proper heating.
You will also get three easily replaceable baskets.
The long and ergonomically shaped lever makes extraction easy. You can do it with one hand while you keep an eye on the manometer on the left.
You will find steam wands on the right side.
Wands? Yes. Besides a standard one, you will also see the “Cappuccino maker”, a smaller steam wand with a single hole.
As for the materials, the Competente model has a brass water reservoir and a chrome base.
Have I mentioned this espresso maker is handmade in Italy?
Every detail is carefully picked, from rosewood knobs to the capped eagle on the boiler cap.
If you want a high-end designer’s masterpiece that produces flawless espresso and has a classical look, Esperto Competente is your best choice.
And speaking of high-end espresso machines…
La Pavoni Bar 2L-B – Best Commercial La Pavoni Espresso Machine
This elegant lever espresso machine is on the higher end of the scale – the Rolls Royce of espresso makers.
La Pavoni Bar 2L-B has two groups, two steam wands, and one hot water tap, so two baristas can work on it.
A large 14-liter boiler releases hot water around chrome-plated brew heads, keeping them warm.
You can see the water level inside the boiler on the bottom left, and the water pressure on the bottom right side.
Four-position power switch enables energy saving during idle times.
This machine also has telescopic handles for effortless transport, which can come in handy.
If you want your coffee shop to get famous for pulling the best espresso shot in town, this is the espresso maker you need.
But if you need something smaller, I found just the right thing for you.
Rok Manual Espresso Maker – Best Budget Lever Espresso Machine
When this small and practical espresso maker was put together, it had the smallest carbon footprint in its class.
Years pass, and I am still amazed at how convenient Rok Manual Espresso Maker is.
It can fit two espresso shots at most. You fill the portafilter basket with a fine espresso grind, pour hot water into the small plastic chamber, and push two levers to make your coffee.
Two levers? Yes, it has two small levers, just like a wine opener. You can produce 5 – 10 bars of pressure, which is optimal for a perfect espresso.
However, there is no pressure gauge here. You will have to rely on your instincts or pass that learning curve. But when you do, you will get a durable, small, and reliable manual coffee maker that won’t hurt your budget.
Is it as beautiful as a blazing sunset? Nope.
You have La Pavoni Esperto Competente for that.
But it does make a great shot of espresso.
Rok Manual Espresso Maker is a great budget buy for anyone that needs a simple and portable manual espresso maker.
Olympia Cremina – Best Lever Espresso Machine In The World?
One look at this precise Swiss mechanism, and you will fall in love.
Olympia Express built its name by making uncomplicated durable high-end coffee makers that produce great coffee.
This small machine takes 10 minutes for morning warm-up. If you use lighter roasts, allow around 15 seconds of preinfusion, while dark roasts need no such thing.
The boiler has around 70 oz capacity. That is more than enough for every house party but insufficient for commercial purposes.
The water temperature is locked at 198 F, and you can even use a steam wand to boil a cup of water for your tea.
Materials used here are polished brass, stainless steel, and chrome steel. If treated right, this machine will outlive you. I’ve seen Olympia Express machines from the 60s that still work flawlessly.
If you want a high-end durable espresso maker which will last for years, you should choose this Swiss diamond.
If you are in a budget squeeze, look at the next entry-level espresso maker.
WACACO Picopresso – Best Portable Manual Coffee Machine
The future is here, and it starts with the most compact coffee maker you will ever see.
Meet WACACO Picopresso, the only espresso maker that can fit in your pocket.
Technically, it is not a lever mechanism, because you pump the pressure with your hand.
And yet, it can produce max 18 bars, which is more than enough for the perfect espresso.
Witchcraft?
No, just good ol’ science.
That, and the fact you need to use extra-fine grind.
You will find all you need for coffee brewing inside this package, from the distribution tool to the instruction book.
And for more info about manual coffee makers in general, look at the last part of this guide.
Picopresso is the best small espresso machine to carry on every camping trip from now on.
Just be careful, as it can overheat if you pull too many shots in a row.
The next section is dedicated to semi-automatic machines, the most popular type on the market. Why is that?
3 Best Home Line Semi-Automatic Espresso Makers
Manual espresso making is great, no doubt about it. However, most mornings I just want my shot of espresso, without worrying about temperature and pressure.
That’s when I use my semi-automatic home-line espresso maker.
Here are the 3 excellent choices for your home.
La Specialista Arte – Best Espresso Maker With An Inbuilt Grinder
This De’Longhi espresso maker is a perfect hybrid between home-line and professional barista equipment.
La Specialista Arte has a built-in conical burr grinder that gives you eight grinding options to adjust for your espresso and other espresso-based drinks.
You have three different temperature settings for different beans.
The body of the machine is dressed in stainless steel, except for a plastic water reservoir in the back, and a few other parts.
It is a home-line machine, so you can’t hook it to the plumbing system.
A powerful steam wand will let you make stunning latte art, and stays cold on the touch, even after the longest steaming.
All detachable parts are dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning and maintenance of this machine a breeze.
You get a milk frothing jug, tamper, tamping mat, and different portafilter baskets. You even get a small stand for getting that delicious crema every time, in every cup you use. The built-in grinder is a plus if you want to have it all in one place.
For a beginner barista, La Specialista Arte is a one-stop shop.
Breville Infuser – Best Espresso Machine For Specialty Coffee
You want a home-line espresso machine that brings out maximum flavor from your specialty coffee beans?
Meet the Breville Infuser.
You can control the volume of your espresso using buttons, or you can trust yourself and stop the pour when you feel like it.
Control the temperature with digital PID, use pre-infusion for thorough flavor extraction, and adjust the temperature by your wish.
The mighty steam wand will create the thickest microfoam you’ve ever seen, and your days of drinking cappuccinos of dubious quality are over.
This is a package solution, just like La Specialista Arte from the previous section. However, the Infuser doesn’t have a built-in grinder, which is not necessarily bad.
Most coffee aficionados (including yours truly) prefer a separate grinder anyway.
This stainless steel baby is all you need to step up your espresso game at home and extract your specialty beans in the best possible way.
Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista – Best Entry-Level Home Espresso Machine
People underestimate simplicity. But one look at this compact coffee maker will make you change your mind.
Mr. Coffee is one of America’s all-time favorite brands, and its Cafe Barista model will win your heart, too.
A simple panel lets you choose your drink and dosage – single or double.
Unsure about your latte skills? Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista has a small reservoir for milk and will automatically froth it, so you don’t have to worry about that.
With the coffee maker, you will get a measuring scoop that acts as a simple tamper, two portafilter baskets (single/double dose), and a handy recipe book. You can start serving Espresso Martinis at your next party.
Overall, a great coffee maker and a ticket to the world of coffee. I would just buy a metal tamper, tho. This plastic one doesn’t seem so sturdy.
Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista is an entry-level machine for a smaller budget. But that doesn’t make it a bad choice.
So, there they are. Nine fine espresso makers for everyone.
Whichever you choose, you can’t go wrong. Just pick one that best suits your needs.
And don’t let the coffee jargon scare you.
In the next section, you can find everything about manual coffee makers.
Everything You Need To Know About Manual Espresso Makers
Most people from the coffee world use technical terms combined with jargon. That sometimes sounds like high elvish or just snobbish.
It can all be said using everyday language. Here is a guide for everybody.
What Is A Manual Espresso Machine?
A manual (or lever) espresso machine is an espresso maker that uses a manual process to extract the beans and get you your hard-earned shot of coffee.
We have two basic types of them.
Direct Lever Espresso Machine
With a direct lever machine, you will use your hand to press the lever by a certain level of force.
That force will push the water through ground beans, which will extract them.
This method has a steep learning curve, as you will have to practice until you achieve that level of force.
And when you do it, you will find out that it’s not universal – it will depend on bean type, origin, grind size, freshness, and much more.
However, your reward will be the best espresso you have ever tasted.
Spring Piston Espresso Machine
Spring piston espresso makers are an evolutionary step. Pressing the lever of these machines will cock the spring. When you release the lever, the spring releases the pressure that forces the hot water through ground coffee.
These are still manual machines. The spring only makes extraction easier for your hands. You still control the shot time, pre-infusion, and water amount.
Does Every Manual Coffee Machine Use Levers For Making Espresso?
A few decades ago, the answer would be yes, because levers were the only way to create enough pressure to make espresso.
The ideal pressure for espresso is 9 bars, as SevenMiles reminds us.
However, modern science has enabled the creation of smaller coffee makers that use hand pumping (instead of levers) to produce more than enough pressure for espresso extraction.
Picopress is just one example.
Coffee is still evolving, my friends.
How To Buy The Best Manual Espresso Machine?
I love manual espresso makers. Sure, they require some elbow grease, and you will waste some precious beans until you learn how to make a decent espresso, but in the end, it’s worth it.
If you want to buy one, here are the questions worth asking.
Does It Have A Boiler?
Espresso machines with boilers will heat your water and enable you to use steam wands.
“Bigger boiler means more drinks.” – Marina Miletic says in her Craft Coffee Spot guide about espresso machines.
It also means you need electricity to heat that water, and you will pay more.
Espresso makers without a boiler are smaller and less expensive.
However, you need to find some way to heat water, and you can brew one single or double shot at a time. Of course, no steam wand.
There are even dual boiler espresso makers around, such as Breville Dual Boiler.
Do You Know How To Use It?
Manual coffee machines have a deserved reputation for being difficult to use.
However, all you have to lose is some beans and some time. And that’s not a waste, but a learning process.
Try, fail, and write down. Repeat the process until you master it.
Is It Portable?
For a manual coffee machine to be portable, it must be small-sized and lightweight.
That usually means it doesn’t have a boiler.
Luckily, the market has a decent offer of smaller manual espresso machines, and you can find a couple of them in the review above.
Or if you’d just see reasons why getting one is a good idea, click to Aropy’s blog.
Is It Durable?
Most manual espresso makers are constructed using stainless steel, chrome, and other durable materials.
Some parts are still plastic and silicone, but that’s completely normal.
Simple manual espresso machines have fewer things to break and will last longer than more complicated ones.
More expensive ones also tend to last much longer, so buying a top-tier one is a long-term investment.
Manual And Semi-Manual Espresso Machine – The Differences
Semi-manual espresso machines are better known as semi-automatic espresso machines.
Tomayto – tomahto.
The semantics don’t matter that much in this case.
What matters are different things semi-automatic machines can, and manual ones can’t.
Semi-automatic machines will take care of pressure, brew temperature, and steam temperature.
That makes life much easier for those still new to espresso brewing.
However, you still have to grind the beans, put ‘em into the portafilter, tamp ‘em and start/stop the extraction.
Do You Need A Commercial Lever Espresso Machine Or A Semi-Automatic One?
Semi-automatic espresso machines did to manual ones what Henry Ford did to carriages.
Sure, lever machines are beautiful, silent, and make perfect shots. Your coffee shop will be famous for having one, but…
They are just too slow.
There, I said it.
Semi-automatic espresso machines are quicker, easier to work on, easier to train staff and offer the same or nearly the same espresso quality.
Commercial lever machines are fit for small cafes or restaurants that don’t sell too many drinks, or as a second espresso maker for particular purposes.
Do you need to make a lot of coffee in a short timeframe? Semi-automatic wins.
If you want an espresso maker with a soul and a story, but a slower brew time, take a lever machine and find a skilled barista.
And don’t rush them.
5 Useful Links
https://www.eraofwe.com/coffee-lab/en/articles/are-lever-espresso-machines – Yker Valerio answers: Are lever machines worth it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETSAuxKcr6c – In this video, Kinloch Earle explains how to use a La Pavoni lever espresso machine.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-long-history-of-the-espresso-machine-126012814/ – Jimmy Stamp takes us through the history of espresso machines
https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/edible-innovations/espresso.htm – How espresso works? Madeline Bullock answers that question.
https://www.instructables.com/How-to-Make-a-Lever-Espresso-Machine/ – Guide how to make your own simple lever espresso machine. Thanks, Mike Robert Godfrey.
Photos by Thirdman, Pavel Danilyuk, Ketut Subiyanto
