Semi-automatic espresso machines are undoubtedly the most popular type of coffee maker because they combine the convenience and consistency of fully automatic models with the control and flexibility that coffee purists prefer in manual espresso machines. With the best semi-automatic espresso machine, you have greater control over water flow and extraction time, as well as adjustable cup volume, tamping pressure and grind size for a uniquely personal flavor.

Before making your purchase, you should consider the capacity of the water tank to ensure that it can produce the amount of espresso you need. This will also reduce the frequency of refills. Next, you need to assess the dimensions that can fit into the space available. You will also need to check if the machine comes with a grinder if you do not have one separately. Finally, confirm whether the espresso machine can work with ESE pods for more brewing options and convenience.

We’ve compared the individual features of several models and reviews from verified buyers to compile our list of recommendations. In this review, you’ll find a comprehensive buyer’s guide that will serve as a useful checklist for your reference. We’ve also included detailed reviews of each model after the comparison table below.

SAGE SES875 The Barista Express

The SAGE SES875 is a best-selling model that embodies the best semi-automatic espresso machine for novices and experienced baristas alike. It comes with multiple automated features and accessories that can be set to suit individual tastes or switch from manual to automatic mode for flexibility and convenience.

The integrated stainless steel conical coffee grinder allows you to prepare single or double doses of freshly ground coffee in 60 seconds. You can use the pressurised double-wall filters for pre-set grind options or the non-pressurised single-wall filters to choose your preferred grind size, grind quantity and brew pressure. It also allows you to choose the filter size for automatic dosing of one or two doses or to manually determine the dose volume.

In addition to the coil heating system, this model features an 8-ounce top-loading bean hopper, a PID for accurate temperature and a pressure gauge to prevent a burnt or watery taste without cream.

Other notable features include a classic steam wand and a stainless steel milk jug.

With purchase, you will also get accessories such as the razor dose cutting tool, port filter, coffee spoon, cleaning disc and tablets, cleaning brush, Allen key, carbon resin water filter and water filter holder.

Although not prohibitive, the most common customer complaint is the mess and overflow created by the built-in grinder. Frothing milk can also take some time.

BEEM ESPRESSO-PERFECT porta-filtre espresso 20 bars

The BEEM ESPRESSO-PERFECT espresso filter holder is equipped with everything you need to turn into a barista and reproduce your favourite drinks in your own home. The espresso set includes a plug-in electric grinder, tamper, measuring spoon, stainless steel frothing cup, two 3.5-ounce ceramic espresso cups and a pressurized portafilter with two baskets for single or double shots.

To save energy, the automatic shut-off function is activated after 25 minutes of inactivity, 25 minutes of continuous use or if the pump runs continuously for three minutes. To turn the machine off completely, press the On/Off button for four seconds until the light goes out.

With its advanced Thermoblock rapid heating system that prepares the machine for brewing in 45 seconds, a full tank that extracts 16-18 shots of espresso, a steam nozzle that heats and froths the milk, and separate settings for brewing and frothing that allow you to do either at any time, this model allows you to experiment endlessly with coffee drinks, making it probably the best semi-automatic espresso machine for home use. The included illustrated guide and tips will help you along the way.

We love the removable frothing device for creamy cappuccinos and the inclusion of the blade grinder as you can grind whole beans for a fresh espresso flavour. You can also use pre-ground coffee, but not ESE pods.

De’Longhi EC221.

The De’Longhi EC221.B is an economical coffee maker with a patented dual filter holder and 3-in-1 functionality that allows you to enjoy your favourite caffeinated beverages in one or two cups as well as ESE pods, making it one of the most affordable semi-automatic espresso machines.

Two adjustable thermostats and a durable stainless steel boiler maintain the right temperature for cappuccinos and espressos, while the rotating frothing wand adds a creamy foam to your latte. Each fill of the 35-ounce water tank produces eight to ten cups.

The unit also has a built-in sieve that gives aspiring baristas more control, although most buyers opted for a separate manual sieve to reduce the mess created by coffee on the counter and drip tray. Fortunately, the tank and drip tray are removable and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

A red light comes on when the machine is warming up, followed by a green light after two minutes. However, the manufacturer recommends letting the self-priming unit pre-heat for 15 minutes for a better flow of espresso and milk foam.

The downside of this model is the low clearance – about three inches – of the espresso and steam wand, which makes it difficult to fit cups and pitchers. You may need to use shot glasses and six-ounce latte glasses. Buyers also report malfunctioning thermostats after a while. Otherwise, this bestseller is the best deal for aspiring baristas and coffee aficionados with limited space or budget.

Espresso machine Rancilio Silvia

Coffee lovers who like to play with different aspects of the brewing process to tailor the results to their preferences will love the Rancilio Silvia espresso machine because of its professional quality in terms of construction, features and skills required for efficient operation. Owners describe it as a commercial machine condensed for home use that froths milk like a pro.

The machine has a water heater with mechanical valves for pressure adjustment and three switches for espresso preparation, frothing and hot water delivery.

It works with pre-ground coffee, but you can use ESE capsules and pods if you buy an adapter kit. Most customers recommend investing in a grinder for best results.

Not surprisingly, novices will have a steep learning curve as they have to choose the right grind fineness and tamping pressure and understand how this water bath espresso machine works with different temperatures for different functions. Due to the high temperature required for steaming, you need to let the water run for about ten seconds in Espresso mode to get all the steam out before switching from steaming to brewing to avoid a bitter espresso and a burnt taste.

We like the spacious removable tank that can also be filled from the top and produce 50 cups a day, the multiple thermostats, the patented portafilter for one or two cups, and the sturdy construction that makes this model a long-lasting investment. Some customers have reportedly owned it for over ten years.

What is the difference between a semi-automatic and a fully automatic espresso machine?

The main difference between a semi-automatic espresso machine and a fully automatic model is the level of control you can have over the extraction process, including water flow, ground coffee filling, grindAutomatic machines use an internal timer to automatically stop dispensing a pre-determined volume of water once the extraction process is complete, to ensure consistency in each shot or to start and stop at specific times. They also have push buttons which are convenient and easy to use, but they are less flexible and more expensive than their semi-automatic counterparts.

On the other hand, the best value semi-automatic espresso machine combines the best of both automatic and manual espresso machines, allowing you to adjust the grind and jam settings and start and stop the machine to control the extraction time. This gives you more flexibility to customise the end results while automating temperature and pressure to reduce human error.

Features to consider when choosing a semi-automatic espresso machine

As the choice and volume of drinks, as well as the space and budget available, varies from person to person, keeping the following features in mind will help you choose the best value semi-automatic espresso machine for you.

Water tank capacity

The hot water in the tank flows through the ground coffee at high pressure to produce the espresso. This then determines the total volume of cups you can produce with a full tank and how often you need to refill it. That’s why it’s important to consider the capacity of the reservoir before making your decision.

The EspressoWorks All-In-One Espresso Machine & Cappuccino Maker, which is one of the best semi-automatic espresso machines under £300, extracts 16 to 18 cups of espresso, while the 67-ounce tank of the Rancilio Silvia espresso machine produces up to 50 cups a day. If capacity is not an important criterion, you may also want to consider a single serve coffee maker.

If it comes with a grinder

Some coffee purists consider the grinder to be more important than the espresso machine because the fineness and consistency of the grind has a significant impact on the final result.

Some espresso machines, such as the Breville BES870XL, have a built-in grinder that grinds fresh coffee beans using preset settings that can be switched to manual mode to customise the size and volume of the grind, while others, such as the EspressoWorks All-In-One Espresso Machine & Cappuccino Maker, have a separate grinder. A grinder with wheels is preferable to a blade grinder because you can customize the grind size.

Although some semi-automatic espresso machines do not have a grinder and only accept pre-ground coffee, some models such as the Gaggia RI8525/01 and the De’Longhi EC155 work with both pre-ground coffee and ESE pods.

If it can be used with ESE pods

Easy Serving Espresso (ESE) pods come in a paper filter envelope containing seven grams of pre-ground and compressed fine coffee for a single cup. This makes them convenient because they provide instant and consistent espresso by eliminating the hassle of grinding, measuring and tamping. Simply place the pod in the coffee filter or change the filter in your filter holder and brew. ESE pods are also easier to clean.

ing, jamming and duration.

Automatic machines use an internal timer to automatically stop dispensing a pre-determined volume of water once the extraction process is complete, to ensure consistency in each shot or to start and stop at specific times. They also have push buttons which are convenient and easy to use, but they are less flexible and more expensive than their semi-automatic counterparts.

On the other hand, the best value semi-automatic espresso machine combines the best of both automatic and manual espresso machines, allowing you to adjust the grind and jam settings and start and stop the machine to control the extraction time. This gives you more flexibility to customise the end results while automating temperature and pressure to reduce human error.

Features to consider when choosing a semi-automatic espresso machine

As the choice and volume of drinks, as well as the space and budget available, varies from person to person, keeping the following features in mind will help you choose the best value semi-automatic espresso machine for you.

Water tank capacity

The hot water in the tank flows through the ground coffee at high pressure to produce the espresso. This then determines the total volume of cups you can produce with a full tank and how often you need to refill it. That’s why it’s important to consider the capacity of the reservoir before making your decision.

The EspressoWorks All-In-One Espresso Machine & Cappuccino Maker, which is one of the best semi-automatic espresso machines under £300, extracts 16 to 18 cups of espresso, while the 67-ounce tank of the Rancilio Silvia espresso machine produces up to 50 cups a day. If capacity is not an important criterion, you may also want to consider a single serve coffee maker.

If it comes with a grinder

Some coffee purists consider the grinder to be more important than the espresso machine because the fineness and consistency of the grind has a significant impact on the final result.

Some espresso machines, such as the Breville BES870XL, have a built-in grinder that grinds fresh coffee beans using preset settings that can be switched to manual mode to customise the size and volume of the grind, while others, such as the EspressoWorks All-In-One Espresso Machine & Cappuccino Maker, have a separate grinder. A grinder with wheels is preferable to a blade grinder because you can customize the grind size.

Although some semi-automatic espresso machines do not have a grinder and only accept pre-ground coffee, some models such as the Gaggia RI8525/01 and the De’Longhi EC155 work with both pre-ground coffee and ESE pods.

If it can be used with ESE pods

Easy Serving Espresso (ESE) pods come in a paper filter envelope containing seven grams of pre-ground and compressed fine coffee for a single cup. This makes them convenient because they provide instant and consistent espresso by eliminating the hassle of grinding, measuring and tamping. Simply place the pod in the coffee filter or change the filter in your filter holder and brew. ESE pods are also easier to clean.

Adjustable cup tray: It allows you to adjust the height to accommodate different sized cups and mugs. It is useful if your appliance has a poorly placed pouring spout or low clearance, which makes pouring difficult.

Frothing Wand: This is an important feature for making specialist drinks such as latte, cappuccino, macchiato and americanos. All models in this review include it.

Ease of cleaning: Due to its constant exposure to moisture, your machine will need to be cleaned regularly to maintain optimum performance and extend its life. Look for parts that can be easily disassembled and reassembled and are dishwasher safe. You can also use descalers and cleaning tablets periodically.

Material: An espresso machine should be made of a material that can withstand heat and maintain the right temperature without breaking or overheating. You need to know what the espresso machine can handle before you buy it. Some parts, such as grinders and tampers, need to be strong enough to withstand the pressure of grinding and tamping.

Our verdict

This is Breville for beginners and baristas. Our editors’ choice, the Breville BES870XL, includes several settings that can be automated to reduce the learning curve for beginners and ensure consistency with each shot, or tweaked in manual mode to give coffee connoisseurs control over every aspect of the brewing process, from grinding fresh beans to dispensing hot shots of espresso.

The EspressoWorks all-in-one espresso and cappuccino machine comes in a seven-piece package, with a rapid heating system, a steam wand that also froths and warms milk, and separate settings to make 16 to 18 cups of espresso on a full tank and rich, creamy cappuccinos.

The De’Longhi EC155, our budget choice, is also one of the best semi-automatic espresso machines under $100. Featuring a built-in tamper, two adjustable thermostats, a steaming wand, single- and double-dose filters and ESE pod compatibility, it’s an affordable choice for beginners who want to develop their skills to become macchiato maestros.