4 Best Manual Espresso Machines, Tested and Reviewed
Be your own barista with these hands-on espresso machines.
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Unlike automatic espresso makers, manual espresso machines offer hands-on control over brewing variables like grind size, temperature and pressure, allowing coffee enthusiasts to bring out unique flavors. While automatic machines are more convenient for casual coffee drinkers, we've found that some manual models are are surprisingly easy to use and don't require an elaborate hands-on process.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab has tested over 45 espresso machines, including Nespresso machines and combo coffee-and-espresso makers. When it comes to testing manual espresso makers, we prioritize assessing espresso quality and ease of use. These are our top picks.
Our top picks:
Pros
- Adjustable temperature switch
- Consistent brew temperature
- Compact size
Cons
- Has a high learning curve
The Lelit MaraX manual espresso maker is ideal for coffee enthusiasts who want to dive deep into their espresso-making journey. This manual espresso machine allows you to have control over multiple variables such as water temperature, brewing time and pressure. It also includes portafilter baskets in various doses, 1-dose filter (9–11g), a smaller 2-dose filter (14–18g) and larger 2-dose filter (18–21g), allowing you to select your preferred dose and find what works best.
One of the standout features of the MaraX is its unique heating system. The group head preheats in advance, ensuring that there’s no temperature drop when water flows through your grounds. According to the brand, this patent pending innovative system keeps the brewing temperature constant, eliminating the long waits between each coffee and avoiding overheating. In our Lab, we found the espresso temperatures were consistent without large temperature swings. Not only does this thoughtful design element contribute to the temperature stability typically found in dual boiler systems, but it also keeps the machine slim and space-efficient. The MaraX also features a proprietary pump that we found kept noise to a minimum.
The temperature control switch offers three precise settings: 195°F, 200°F and 205°F. There's also a switch to choose coffee mode or steam mode, optimizing the temperature stability for each function. When we brewed a shot of espresso, it came out flavorful, strong and full-bodied. However, the beauty of manual espresso machines is that you can experiment to find flavor profiles that you enjoy best. Our pros also appreciated that the puck comes cleanly out of the basket when you knock it against a bin, so you’re not scraping leftover coffee grounds out of the portafilter.
We found the milk steamer worked well to quickly steam and froth whole milk, but plant-based milk barely produced froth which is common in milk frothers. There's also a pressure gauge for the steaming wand to monitor or adjust the pressure.
In our tests we found the machine heated in just under 15 minutes. Lelit states that the machine warm-up time can take up to 24 minutes, so you’ll need to plan accordingly. This manual espresso maker has a learning curve, so it’s best for someone who wants to take the time to perfect their espresso. We wish the manual were more thorough as some operations were confusing until we got the hang of it.
Pros
- Slim design
- Simple operation
- Tamping not necessary
Cons
- Top heavy design so it doesn't feel as stable
The Presso Smartshot features an interesting design with only two lever arms and a portafilter to operate, making it very simple to use. Its small and slim design makes it easy to store in a cabinet or bring to the table, giving guests a tableside expresso experience. Plus, it’s priced just under $170.
We found that brewing is easy and requires just a few simple steps. First, add your coffee grounds to the portafilter, then load it into the machine and turn to lock it into the device. Next, add hot water just below the metal top line, slowly lift the arms and push them back down. One notable feature is that, according to the brand, the Presso Smartshot is quite forgiving with the coffee grind size and tamping (compressing the grinds into an evenly distributed puck) is optional. If you choose to tamp, the centrally located spout can make balancing the portafilter on the surface a bit challenging.
In testing, our experts tasted espresso that was tamped and not tamped since the brand stated you could skip tamping, which is unusual for espresso. The tamped espresso grounds resulted in a stronger flavor and more body, along with a thin layer of crema, though not as much as a typical espresso shot. On the other hand, the espresso not tamped tasted similar to concentrated coffee and lacked crema. Our pros liked that the machine was forgiving and it wasn’t necessary to measure exact amounts of coffee grounds and tamp at a certain pressure to produce good espresso.
Even though this manual espresso maker is simple, changing the coffee type and grind size can significantly affect the flavor, allowing you to experiment with different coffee types and coffee grind sizes to achieve the coffee best suited to your tastes. Also, you control the temperature by pouring in hot water yourself, which is another factor that affects flavor. The maximum amount of espresso it makes is about 1.7 ounces. The initial setup is easy, and the instructions are simple and clear. While it can accommodate a taller cup underneath, it may splash a bit when using a shorter cup.
Pros
- Compact design makes it perfect to take traveling or camping
- Easy to use
- Makes strong coffee concentrate
Cons
- Does not make a traditional espresso
The OXO Brew Rapid Brewer is technically not espresso, but it creates an espresso-like concentrate perfect for Americanos, iced latte and other coffee drinks, similar to the popular Aeropress (which we also love). The OXO slightly edged out the Aeropress as our best portable pick since it doesn't require paper filters (One less thing to pack!), the pump is easier to press and all the parts pack nicely together so you don't have to rummage around for loose parts in your bag.
It has a compact design, measuring less than nine inches tall, three inches in diameter and weighing less than 1.5 pounds, making it easy to take on trips or camping. There’s no need for paper filters, as it has a built-in stainless steel mesh filter. It makes one to three servings of coffee concentrate, and our experts measured the maximum amount of brewed coffee a little over 5 ounces.
We found this OXO brewer easy to use. To make coffee, load the grinds up to the line indicator with a choice to make hot or cold coffee. You need to heat the water separately, using a kettle or microwave and then pour it into the top chamber and wait two minutes. Then use the hand pump to exert pressure and push the hot water through the coffee grounds. In our Lab, the hand pump was easy to push and only needed four to five pumps. Even though this is a relatively simple device, it allows for customization of both the amount and temperature of the water, as well as the quantity of coffee grounds to create a variety of coffee profiles.
Our experts found that using finely ground coffee produced a full-bodied coffee concentrate, resembling French press coffee with a stronger flavor. The finely ground coffee added some sediment giving it a full body, so someone who prefers a clean cup of coffee may not like this or need to grind their beans coarser to reduce sediment. While this coffee is not technically an espresso shot, it was strong enough to make an Americano or latte without tasting watered down. Cleaning is simple; everything except the pump is dishwasher safe, and all the parts nest together making it easy to take with you.
Pros
- Simplifies some manual steps
- Makes tasty espresso with crema
- Doesn't take up a lot of counter space
Cons
- You won't have full control over certain functions
For beginners or those who want control over their coffee type and grind size, the Breville Bambino is an excellent choice. It isn’t fully manual, simplifying the process by automatically heating the water, pre-infusing the grounds and dispensing the coffee through the portafilter at a pre-determined pressure.
We appreciate how it eliminates some manual steps while still allowing you to load and tamp the coffee grounds. This enables you to try a range of beans, from light to dark roasts, and adjust the grind size without the headache of keeping track of too many steps.
Size options include 1- and 2-shot volumes, or a manual override to select your preferred volume. In our tests, this machine produced espresso that was strong but not overly bitter, and a nice layer of crema on top. It also offers a hot water dispensing function and a manual steam wand to froth milk for drinks like lattes or cappuccinos. One of our experts used it at home for years and appreciated the high-quality espresso. Plus, it’s not heavy or bulky compared to manual machines and you can grab one for just under $300.
How we test
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we evaluate many types of espresso makers, including manual espresso machines, for their ease of use and performance.
Over the past few decades, we've tested more than 45 espresso machines to identify the best options for brewing outstanding espresso at home. In our latest round of testing, we brewed nearly 20 cups of espresso. Here's how we test.
For ease of use, we consider factors such as machine setup, clarity of the instruction manual, ease of filling water and overall user experience.
We note any special features or qualities that set it apart. We also note if the espresso machine is easy to clean, as well as whether splattering occurs during brewing.
Our experts taste the espresso and rate it based on flavor, body and crema.
If the machine includes a milk frother, we test it with whole milk and oat milk to evaluate froth quality.
For espresso makers that heat the water, we measure the temperature of multiple brews and rate the consistency of the temperature.
What to look for
✔️ Types: Manual espresso makers vary in the level of control they offer over different functions and the number of hands-on steps required to make espresso. Some models are quite involved, requiring adjustments for pressure by turning knobs or levers, controlling water flow, selecting the temperature and deciding on brew time, among other tasks. Then there are simpler models that require just a few steps and use hand pumps or levers to produce the pressure needed for espresso. There are also models that are considered semi-automatic but still allow you to add coffee grounds into a portafilter and tamp it yourself for a partial manual experience.
✔️ Complexity: Manual espresso machines can vary significantly in ease of use, with some requiring only a few steps while others cater to more experienced coffee enthusiasts. Simpler machines are easy to learn, but they offer less control over factors like water pressure and extraction time. On the other hand, more complex machines provide advanced options for fine-tuning pressure, extraction time, water temperature and more, making them ideal for those who want to dive into the details of making espresso. However, these machines come with a steeper learning curve, making them better suited for someone who enjoys spending time experimenting with their espresso.
✔️ Features: Depending on how involved you want your espresso-making experience, features such as water temperature, pressure and more will impact the machine's versatility and your ability to fine-tune the brewing process:
- Adjusting the water temperature affects which flavor notes come out from the coffee. The ability to change the temperature is also handy for various coffee types and roasts, as some taste better with higher or lower water temperatures. Some machines have built-in water heating elements, while others require you to boil water separately and pour it into the espresso maker.
- Pressure while brewing is one of the factors that sets espresso apart from drip coffee. If you prefer to control the pressure or experiment with different settings, look for ones with pressure gauges that show the pressure the espresso is being made.
- For those who enjoy lattes and cappuccinos, look for an espresso machine with a built-in frothing wand. Some manual machines come with steam wands that allow you to froth milk to your desired texture and temperature, while others lack this and require purchasing a separate milk frother.
✔️ Size and weight: Some manual espresso machines are heavy and bulky, which means once it’s set up it stays there since moving it is cumbersome. They can also take up more counter space. Some manual espresso makers look rather impressive and can create a fun table side espresso experience for guests. Other devices are lighter and more compact, making them an excellent choice for traveling.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Jamie Ueda has tested and written extensively about many espresso machines, as well as coffee makers and accessories such coffee grinders. She loves all things coffee and has completed rigorous courses from the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) in coffee brewing, barista skills and sensory tasting. She is also a judge for GH's annual Kitchen Gear and Coffee Awards.
Jamie Ueda is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing. She has held leading roles at both mid-size consumer goods companies and one of the most notable and largest apparel brands in the world. Jamie has contributed to several of the GH Institute Labs, including Kitchen Appliances, Media and Tech, Textiles and Home Appliances. In her free time she enjoys cooking, traveling, and working out.
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