5 best manual espresso machines

Thinking of buying an espresso machine for your home? Espresso machines have always been a staple of coffee shops, but they are also making their way into homes. Many offices even have espresso machines. Owning an espresso machine for your kitchen can open the door to a world of new coffee possibilities, such as making your own frothy cappuccino, enjoying a latte with milk, or simply gulping down a hot, well-caffeinated espresso. The market is quite saturated with electric machines, and finding the best manual espresso machine can be a challenge – so we’ve created this guide to help you find the perfect machine for your needs!

Standard electric espresso machines can often be a little pricey, but owning a manual espresso machine can be much more affordable. As well as being affordable, manual espresso machines don’t use electricity, are much more portable and offer a great experience for people who like to make their own coffee. We’ve combed through all the manual espresso machines to bring you the best manual espresso machine. Our editor’s choice is the Flair Signature espresso machine, but there are a few others that stood out to us as well.

In our search for the best manual espresso machine, we considered a few priority features. Things like the number of cups of espresso that can be made at one time, the size, weight and warranty of the espresso machine. We’ll describe each espresso machine in our detailed reviews, and walk you through the features you need to look out for in our handy buying guide. By the end of this article, you can be confident that the espresso machine you buy will be the best manual espresso machine for your particular needs.

The 5 best manual espresso machines

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Flair Signature Espresso Machine

Our editor’s choice for the best manual espresso machine is the Flair Signature espresso machine. Although this espresso machine can only make one cup of espresso at a time, it weighs only two kilos and is very compact.

According to its manufacturer, Blair Espresso, this machine is an upgrade of the original Flair Signature and has an all-metal construction with a polished (by hand!) and glossy finish. This upgraded version is also equipped with a stainless steel tamper, as well as a bottomless portafilter that is supposed to produce a hotter espresso.

The Flair Signature espresso machine is also guaranteed for 5 years, easy to clean, fully portable and environmentally friendly as it does not use pods or plugs to make espresso. For those looking for a manual espresso machine, this model is an excellent choice: the user has total control over the entire espresso preparation process, and cleaning is also easy thanks to the portafilter that holds the grinds and allows for easy emptying.

There are a few drawbacks to this manual espresso machine, however. Firstly, the system is not pressurised and can therefore be fickle when it comes to the consistency of the grind. If the grind is not consistent, the taste of the espresso can also be affected. Another problem that some users have noted is that the filter holder can sometimes be difficult to attach and remove from the machine.

Overall, the consensus seems to be that even the drawbacks are not a good enough reason not to buy the Flair Signature espresso maker, and it’s relatively affordable at just £583, which is why it’s our editor’s choice.

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6 lbs.

12 x 6 x 10 inches

Limited to 5 years

also available in black; 6-10 bar pressure

Professional espresso machine La Pavoni Europiccola EN

The La Pavoni Europiccola EN professional espresso machine is our choice for the best manual lever machine. This is partly due to the fact that it can make up to 16 cups. It is arguably one of the best espresso machines on the market – manual or electric – and one of the oldest. In fact, the La Pavoni professional espresso machine would have been one of our editors’ picks if not for the cost of this incredible espresso machine. This manual espresso machine costs $1,699, but it is also very durable and some customers have been using it for over 20 years. This machine, unlike the Flair Signature espresso machine, can also make lattes and cappuccinos with its dual frothing system.

This machine has a brass boiler and an integrated thermostat, and is a true work of art. Fans of manual espresso machines and coffee lovers will certainly appreciate this machine (if not for its price).

The steps required to create the perfect espresso include the right temperature, hydraulic pre-infusion and the right pressure. With the La Pavoni Europiccola EN professional espresso machine, you get all of these qualities and more to create a perfectly crafted espresso.

The La Pavoni manual espresso machine seems like the perfect espresso machine, but there are pros and cons that need to be weighed carefully. Overall, it seems that although the machine is quite expensive, it is a worthwhile investment and will last for many years with minimal additional maintenance.

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6.2 kg

16.2 x 4.5 x 12 inches

Limited to 1 year

0.8 L brass boiler and internal thermostat

SRHNXW

The SRHNXW is our choice for the best manual espresso machine in the salon. This ROK espresso machine is affordable and even comes with a warranty. The SRHNXW only makes one cup at a time, but it’s also small and very portable. This espresso machine comes with a single-spout portafilter, a non-slip bottom .

The company prides itself on having developed a delicious, uncomplicated espresso. Simply add hot water to your coffee, lift the arms of the machine and press slowly for a perfect cup. The learning curve is not as steep as with the La Pavoni model, for example, so you can drink great coffee very quickly after receiving this manual espresso machine. The machine also comes with a milk frother, which many customers have praised.

Like any coffee machine, SRHNXW is not perfect, but it has all the important qualities of a good manual espresso machine for the home – and it is affordable. The pros and cons seem to be the same for almost all reviewers, giving you a clear idea of what it’s like to own and work with this machine on a daily basis.

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Size21.5×16.2×21.6 cm

Portable coffee machine

non-slip rubber feet; improved design with better pressure

LEVERPRESSO Espresso machine with lever

The Leverpresso pressurized espresso machine is probably the best portable manual espresso machine you can find on the market. Since it is a portable espresso machine, the two most important elements are size/durability and espresso quality. The Leverpresso weighs only 1.2 pounds and also has fairly compact dimensions, which means you can store it in your bag, if you need it when you travel.

Although the online product description doesn’t mention whether there’s a warranty, the machine is affordable enough that it’s not too difficult to replace – however, that shouldn’t be a problem anyway, as according to reviews it’s also durable.

The Leverpresso is a very easy to use espresso machine that makes a good espresso in three minutes. It uses up to 9 bar of pressure to extract just the right amount of espresso flavour, but the machine also has manual pressure profiling, which means you can enjoy different types of coffee without pressure control. It can make up to two cups of espresso and is even BPA-free.

Take this portable espresso machine on your next camping trip and enjoy the most artisanal espresso available.

1.2 lbs

9.3 x 4.4 x 4 inches

not specified

offers pressure up to 9 bar; available in 3 colours; BPA free; replaceable parts

Portable espresso machine STARESSO

Our budget choice for the best manual espresso machine is the STARESSO portable espresso machine.

It’s the perfect machine for those new to the world of manual espresso machines, and it’s perhaps the easiest to use of all the manual espresso machines we found, although the instruction manual provided is a little vague. Nevertheless, the STARESSO is quite intuitive when it comes to making the perfect cup of espresso. Like the Leverpresso model above, it’s also very portable, and you can take this compact unit with you if you fancy a good cup of coffee when travelling or at work!

This espresso machine has the unique ability to froth milk to make a cappuccino or latte and can take cold water to make a cold brew. Another unique feature of this coffee machine is that it is also compatible with Nespresso pods, but users can also put in their own coffee grounds.

The STARESSO comes with a 2-year limited warranty and has a normal working pressure of 15-25 BAR. With a minimum of parts, this espresso machine is also very easy to clean.

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052 kg

7 x 7 x 20 cm

Limited to 2 years

portable; compatible with Nespresso pods; BPA-free; 15-25 bar pressure

Advantages of a high quality manual espresso machine

A manual espresso machine is the original way to make espresso. It requires a small amount of manual labour to make an espresso – this is usually done by operating a lever. Those who believe in manual labour say that once a person has mastered the brewing process, a manual espresso machine will give you the best espresso because you control every step of the process. The closest alternative to a manual unit is a semi-automatic espresso machine, which combines manual and automated functions.

On a more superficial level, manual espresso machines also tend to have a more unique look that helps create an aesthetic and good conversation.

Features to consider when choosing a manual espresso machine

When using a manual espresso machine, because the barista is involved in every part of the brewing process, there are many things to consider when purchasing a manual espresso machine. Taking these things into account can make the manual espresso experience much more enjoyable.

Espresso quantity: how many cups can you make?

The first thing to consider when choosing a manual espresso machine is how many cups the machine can make at a time. If you’re on your own and don’t intend to make multiple cups, then a single-cup machine is perfect for you. However, if you are making two or more cups of espresso at a time, it is best to choose an espresso machine that can make several cups at once. In general, the more cups the machine can make, the more expensive it is. Check out our list of the best espresso machines under $300 if you’re on a budget!

Pressure

Another thing to consider is the pressure of the manual espresso machine. The amount of pressure a machine produces can determine the quality of the espresso.

Espresso preparation mechanism

Almost all machines that produce espresso have the same basic parts, including a water tank, portafilter, lever/pump and pressure gauge. As mentioned earlier, espresso needs a certain amount of pressure to taste good and be fully extracted. The pressure is created by pushing and pulling the lever or pump during the preparation of the espresso. This is why many attempts can fail when you first try to make espresso by hand. Coffee makers tend to be much simpler to use, so if an easy-to-use machine is important to you, take a look at some of the best thermal coffee makers.

Size and weight

Another important factor to consider when choosing the best manual espresso machine is that of size and weight. This will vary depending on the person and their espresso machine needs. For example, if you’re looking for a large, sturdy espresso machine that you’ll keep on your kitchen counter, you’ll probably be happiest with something like the Flair Signature espresso machine or the La Pavoni PPG-16 professional espresso machine. If you’re more interested in enjoying a delicious espresso on your travels and putting it in your backpack, a smaller model like the Leverpresso Lever espresso machine or the Staresso portable espresso machine would be your best bet. If you are looking for something that falls in the middle of these two needs, then the ROK EspressoGC is perfectly suited to your needs.

Materials and finish

The materials and finish of your new manual espresso machine are also more a matter of personal preference than anything else; however, the material can determine the longevity and durability of the machine. Some manual espresso machines are chrome plated, such as the La Pavoni Professional Espresso Machine, while others are made of stainless steel and plastic, such as the Staresso. The material won’t necessarily affect the quality of your espresso, but customers have been able to keep their La Pavoni products for decades, whereas the Staresso machine might only last a few years. The price difference also confirms this truth: a higher quality material will cost more and last longer than a cheaper one.

Accessories included

From a cost and compatibility point of view, you need to make sure that your espresso machine comes with all the necessary parts and accessories, or that it is compatible with enough generic parts that it is not too difficult to buy the other parts. Also, some of the accessories included may only be included to enhance the package and may not be of the highest quality for the machine. Accessories are something you should do your research on and read the comments of others who say they have had problems or enjoyed using the accessories included with their manual espresso machine.

How do you make a great espresso with a manual espresso machine?

Finally, it is imperative to understand how to make a great espresso using a manual espresso machine. Of course

Included accessories

From a cost and compatibility point of view, you need to make sure that your espresso machine comes with all the necessary parts and accessories, or that it is compatible with enough generic parts that it is not too difficult to buy the other parts. Also, some of the accessories included may only be included to enhance the package and may not be of the highest quality for the machine. Accessories are something you should do your research on and read the comments of others who say they have had problems or enjoyed using the accessories included with their manual espresso machine.

How do you make a great espresso with a manual espresso machine?

Finally, it is imperative to understand how to make a great espresso using a manual espresso machine. Of course, each machine has its own peculiarities, but we will explain the basic steps to prepare a perfect manual espresso.

Grinding the beans for the perfect espresso can be tricky. You want the beans to have a specific grain size. If they are over- or under-ground, it can affect the result of your espresso. Essentially, you want your beans to be halfway through: well ground, but still relatively coarse.

The next step is to pack or compress the coffee grounds. This is basically packing the grounds into the filter pan. If the grounds are packed too tightly, the espresso cannot pass and if the grounds are not packed tightly enough, there will be no crema and you will have a weak espresso.

The next step is easy, but still requires some practice to get it right. Once you have put the grounds in the filter holder and it is attached to the machine (the way it is attached varies from machine to machine), all that is left is to pump the lever until the espresso flows. Try to go at a medium speed for this step, and don’t rush it! After a few tries, you will be able to find the perfect speed and technique.

Our verdict

Ultimately, there are so many different types of manual espresso machines on the market that it all depends on personal preference and cost. The Flair Signature espresso machine is small enough to be portable (although it wasn’t designed for that purpose) and produces a delicious espresso. It’s easy to clean and has a very sleek, modern design. If you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars but are looking for a high quality espresso machine, the Flair Signature espresso machine is the one for you.

The La Pavoni PPG-16 professional espresso machine is arguably one of the best manual espresso machines on the market because of its beautiful design, incredible durability, and ease of use. However, as it can cost thousands of dollars, it is only a worthwhile investment for those who are seriously passionate about coffee and consider making espresso an art form! If this model fits your budget, you will be able to make an espresso every time you use this machine.

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use and affordable manual espresso machine, we recommend the ROK EspressoGC, as it’s versatile, lightweight, compact and makes a deliciously frothy espresso.

If you are looking for the best manual espresso machine, any of the machines mentioned in this article will give you a good dose of caffeine and satisfaction!