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Best Manual Espresso Machines In 2021

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This product guide was written by GearHungry Staff
Published June 5, 2020
Support us! GearHungry may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn more

How much of a coffee aficionado are you and how far would you go to make your espresso experience unique? For all the espresso lovers out there, it might be quite pleasing to learn that home espresso coffee machines have been upgraded to meet standards that can be easily compared to the ones you’d expect to find in your favorite coffee shop.

Looking at the plethora of professional at-home types of coffee makers, you can easily come across a fantastic revival trend with respect to the always popular manual espresso machines. These devices allow you to custom-craft your favorite Espresso with Barista style perfection and give you the thrill of being completely in control of your beverage.

Whether you are looking for a lever-operated machine to complement your kitchen and allow you to enjoy a daily cup of creamy coffee perfection, or you’d prefer the portable convenience of something like an aero, press, or pump operated device, we’ve hand-picked our recommendations. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and get ready to sip and savor your favorite brew as you select the perfect manual espresso machine for you.

The Best Manual Espresso Machine

1
Aeropress Manual Espresso Machine

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Let’s start off with our personal Best Choice manual espresso maker: The Aeropress Coffee Maker. This already massively popular coffee press allows you to make smooth, full-bodied, and bitter-less coffee by merely pressing down and activating the total immersion brewing process. The rapid filtering time and immersive mechanism guarantee the lowest level of acidity.

Ideal for home brewing or on the go, this travel size manual espresso machine masterfully extracts the best flavor out of your coffee beans, allowing you to make 1 to 3 cups of Americano or an Espresso brew to enjoy as it is or to add as a base to your favorite beverages. This handy device comes with 350 microfilmers and a filter holder as well as several useful accessories which include a funnel, scoop, and stirrer.

Durable and sturdy, this lightweight coffee press can be easily transported anywhere. Easy to clean thanks to the paper micro-filters, this coffee maker is phthalate and BPA free, making it safe and practical at the same time. It’s an excellent choice and makes a fabulous brew. You may also like some of the best latte machines from our list, so check them out.

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Key Features:

Rapid total immersion brewing process

Brews espresso style coffee for use in espresso-based drinks or regular Americanos

Makes 1 to 3 cups per pressing in about one minute

Phthalate and BPA free

Comes in a zippered nylon tote bag

Specification:
  • BrandAeroPress
  • Model83R20
  • Weight6.4 ounces
Pros

Portable and easy to carry

Supplied with a nylon tote

Makes delicious tasting coffee

Easy to clean and store

Cons

Has different pieces to connect before making the coffee

Comes in a dark brown shade which makes it more difficult to tell the water level

Needs to be attended throughout the whole coffee-making process

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

2
Wacaco Minipresso GR Manual Espresso Machine

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Straight into our Best Value pick! The Minipresso GR is an extremely simple and intuitive coffee maker for bean amateurs wanting to enjoy their brew on the go! Incredibly easy to use, the Minipresso GR only requires you to add ground coffee to the filter basket, level the grind, and add hot water to the tank before unlocking the piston and pump that allow you to press the coffee out.

This Manual Coffee Maker is compact, lightweight, and allows you to use your favorite coffee beans, ground to your liking, to brew the perfect, creamy, and tasty espresso every time. Once the coffee is set in its filter basket, it takes about six pumps to get the water to fill it in, and then it starts pouring out into the handy cup which is provided.

Perfect for those among you who love exploring the great outdoors, this one of a kind portable coffee maker can easily serve as your office, home, or a camping coffee maker – it can be used anywhere your coffee craving might kick in! No electricity or batteries are required to make your minipresso work. You can complete the experience by purchasing a variety of accessories from the brand and enhance your Minipresso GR to suit your needs.

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Key Features:

Compact, lightweight and versatile

Makes creamy and delicious espresso in a matter of minutes

Built-in espresso cup and scoop

Water capacity: 70 ml – ground capacity: 8-gram – Average pressure: 8 bar

Specification:
  • BrandWacaco
  • ModelMPGR100
  • Weight1 pound
Pros

Can be used on the go

Doesn’t require the use of electricity

Will never need to be recharged

Simple to operate with pressing action

Reasonably priced

Perfect travel size

Cons

Makes only about 50 ml of coffee per press

Pumping system might need some adjusting to

Espresso is never piping hot

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

3
Flair Signature Manual Espresso Machine

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And to make it three in a row here is our Premium Pick: The Flair Signature Espresso Maker. This Manual Espresso Maker is undoubtedly an eye-catcher! Its elegant design makes it the perfect complement for a stylish kitchen and will definitely spice up any existing decor. looks aren’t everything though and luckily this machine doesn’t disappoint when it comes to efficiency either. This is a high level, professional style coffee maker engineered to deliver the perfect espresso shot every time.

This marvelous, lever-operated coffee machine can brew a top-notch, creamy, thick and rich espresso cup without needing any electricity, pods, or capsules. Al you’ll additionally require is a high-quality grinder to produce your desired ground thickness, boiling water, and love for handcrafting state of the art espresso. Add 60ml of boiled water and up to 18 grams of your favorite blend to yield a 40 ml shot with a finger of cream at the top.

This unique machine allows between 6-9 BAR pressure which is the perfect range to pull an espresso shot. You’ll also get a stainless steel tamper and a bottomless portafilter which lets you brew with or without the filter. Easily transportable thanks to its carrying case, this bespoke Manual Espresso Machine is a breeze to clean as its head is completely detachable. That means you can simply run it under water to give it a thorough clean. Its cast aluminum and stainless steel body make it sturdy, durable, and reliable too. It’s easy to see why we hand-picked this unit as our Premium product recommendation.

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Key Features:

Lever Pressure: 6 BAR to 10 BAR

Shot Volume: 45ml

Recommend coffee grounds weight between 13 and 18 grams

Stylish and elegant design

Specification:
  • BrandFlair
  • ModelFlair Signature PressureKit
  • Weight6.23 pounds
Pros

Makes a bespoke cup of creamy, rich espresso

Beautiful design

Suitable for true coffee lovers

Complete control of coffee making

Cons

Not a quick use machine, needs tending and patience.

Portable but not travel size

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

4
STARESSO Portable Manual Espresso Machine

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This portable manual espresso machine is compact, lightweight, and easy to use. A small size that can fit on any kitchen top and is also perfect for carrying around, the STARESSO Portable Espresso Machine allows you to enjoy a full-flavored rich coffee experience anywhere.

Easily brew espresso to enjoy its full, round flavor or use it as a base for your favorite beverage. This one of a kind portable coffee maker doesn’t require electricity or batteries. Intead, it’s  conveniently operated via a pumping system of 15 to 20 BAR pressure to produce the perfect cup of espresso every time. You can brew your own coffee easily and manually and can even froth your own milk with this portable espresso maker!

This manual coffee maker is extremely compact and easy to use. It takes less than one minute to brew a cup of coffee and it’s perfectly portable with its 400 gr weight and compact 8″ x2.7″ size. It can hold up to 80 ml water and up to 0.53 ounces of ground coffee and is also compatible with Nespresso pods, making it even easier to brew your perfect cuppa! It can be used without or cold water to create your favorite customized drink.

Extremely easy to clean and stow away, this fantastic and compact device is BPA free and made of high-quality stainless steel and glass. A special spoon to dose coffee is provided. They’ve pretty much thought of everything when it comes to the design and functionality of this excellent coffee making device. If you still don’t want to give up your coffee pods, here is our list of the best pod coffee machines.

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Key Features:

Portable, compact and easy to carry

Holds up to 80 ml water and 15 ml of ground coffee

Able to froth milk with the included accessory

All components are detachable for an easy cleanse

BPA free

Specification:
  • BrandSTARESSO
  • ModelSP-200
  • Weight14.1 ounces
Pros

Easy to use and carry around

Incredibly versatile

Make espressos, Americanos and any kind of drink you like, hot or cold

Cons

Hard to find replacement parts

Not the sturdiest of builds

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

5
La Pavoni PPG-16 Professional Manual Espresso Machine

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An Italian beauty, La Pavoni PPG-16 Professional Espresso Machine is a high-quality and extremely reliable manual espresso machine. It is a durable and sturdy machine made of chrome-plated brass, steel, and copper plating on the outside and features solid wooden handles. Stylish and appealing as you’d expect from an Italian designed product, it also benefits from being fully functional and practical too, and is equipped with all the necessary accessories you should ever require.

You can efficiently operate the machine by lifting the lever which raises a piston, allowing pressurized water to infuse the coffee in the filter holder. You can then lower the lever which will cause the piston to force the water through the coffee and into the cup. You have complete flexibility to select your preferred speed of infusion so you could make a more robust and aromatic coffee or a lighter and more delicate brew. The choice is entirely yours. You can also master an ideal frothy foam, matching your tastes, thanks to the steam jet, as well as craft the perfect cappuccino with the automatic cappuccino maker. This really is a versatile machine. This lovely manual espresso machine can pull up to 16 espressos thanks to the one-liter boiler, even making one or two shots at a time. It is portable, but not as lightweight as some others; however, you can always take your drink anywhere in one of these top coffee thermoses.

Key Features:

Professional-style machine

Lever operated

16 espresso cups with one boiler fill

Can pull two shots in one go

Specification:
  • BrandLa Pavoni
  • ModelPPG-16
  • Weight14.4 pounds
Pros

High quality, Italian style Espresso

Excellent design features

Range of accessories

1-litre tank makes it easier to make multiple coffees

Cons

Requires more time and ability to operate

Not portable

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

6
Moocoo Manual Espresso Machine

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This portable espresso maker will help you make the creamiest of espressos and also create the perfect cold brew coffee as well as delivering wonderful frothy foam to top off your cappuccinos. Thanks to the advanced pumping technology, the Moocoo Portable Espresso Machine can reach 20 BAR stable pressure during extraction, ensuring a cafe-like Barista style experience at home.

This easy to use, compact and manageable coffee maker allows you to use both ground coffee and espresso capsules and it lets you build your favorite custom drink by selecting the water amount as well as adding foam to your coffee. In less than a minute, you could be sipping and savouring your favorite drink any time, any place!

Key Features:

Unique anti-slip design

It comes equipped with a built-in espresso cup and scoop for measuring the coffee

Reaches 20 BAR stable pressure

Specification:
  • BrandMoocoo
  • Model8541895278
  • Weight1.4 pounds
Pros

Manageable and handy to carry

Travel size

High pressure for creamy espressos

Dishwasher safe

Cons

Makes limited amounts of coffee in one press

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

7
La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccola

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Another La Pavoni model, the EPC-8 Europiccola includes a cappuccino attachment to make deliciously frothy and creamy cappuccinos. An all Italian stylish machine built to last and designed to give you a perfect espresso with each pull, this is one stylish yet practical machine that you will get so much use out of.

This manual machine utilizes steam pressure alongside being piston operated and has internal thermostats that constantly monitor its pressure to ensure the perfect brew is delivered every time. It can make up to two cups of espresso at a time and a total of 8 cups with one tank fill.

It features a highly durable  design and is complemented by shiny triple-plated chrome, nickel-plated, and brass detailing, as well as stainless steel heating elements. It comes with an internal thermostat, tamper screen, screen holder, measuring ladle, and cappuccino attachment as well as a removable drip tray for no-fuss cleaning. It’s a superb little machine and sure to take pride of place on your worktop, just like any of these unique coffee mugs.

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Key Features:

Professional-style machine

Lever operated design

8 espresso cups with one boiler fill

Can pull two shots in one go

Specification:
  • BrandLa Pavoni
  • ModelEPC-8
  • Weight14 pounds
Pros

High quality, Italian style espresso

The automatic Cappuccino maker create a lovely frothy finish

Cons

Requires more time and ability to operate

Not portable

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

8
Elektra Microcasa a Leva Espresso Machine

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Elektra Microcasa a Leva Espresso Machine is a little gem of a coffee maker resembles an original Belle Epoque espresso machine. This unique design makes it very appealing for those with a retro taste in decor. It will look very much at home within any discerning and stylish kitchen setup.

This lever operated machine comes in three versions: Copper Brass, Chrome and Brass, and features a professional coffee grinder, available in a matching color alongside a wooden base with a drawer. The convenient sight glass allows for easy water level control, while the pressure gauge shows the steam pressure within the boiler for accurate results. This unit also benefits from featuring a needle which clearly indicates the optimal time to extract the espresso.  This durable and stylish manual coffee machine also features dry steam to produce lovely microfilm for your custom drinks.

Key Features:

Belle Epoque style machine

Lever operated

Three beautiful colors options

Dry stem for micro-foam

Specification:
  • BrandElektra
  • ModelART-S1
  • Weight25 pounds
Pros

Beautiful decor item

Durable and easy to maintain

Cons

Requires more time and ability to operate

Not portable

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

9
Fortune Candy Portable Manual Espresso Machine

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This easy to use Fortune Candy Manual Espresso Machine has the added feature of being Nespresso pod compatible, making it even more convenient, and a perfect unique gift for coffee lovers. A patented pumping system allows for 15 BAR pressure that can make a rich and creamy 60 ml coffee in one go.

Made with stainless steel and BPA free, food-grade materials, this coffee maker is easy to clean and perfect to carry to work or outdoors. It also benefits from requiring no batteries or electricity to operate. 

Key Features:

Portable, travel size

All components are detachable for an easy cleanse

15 BAR of pressure for a creamy, tasty espresso

Specification:
  • BrandFortune Candy
  • Weight1.64 pounds
Pros

Lightweight and compact

Easy to use

Two espressos at a time

Cons

Makes a small amount of coffee in one go

Coffee is never piping hot

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

10
Staresso Portable Espresso Maker

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Another handy and compact Portable Espresso Maker by STARESSO. This coffee maker features a stainless steel bracket that gives it a sturdy and durable build. Perfectly sized for travel, this Mini Espresso Maker has an enhanced personalized pump equipped with an innovative pressure regulating valve which allows for perfect 15 to 20 BAR of pressure to make the perfect espresso cup. 

It can make two Espresso shots at one time, and with its 180 ml water tank as well as a large filter basket, you have a choice of any kind of coffee drink you desire. This machine is straightforward to clean thanks to its modular design which allows for quick and effortless disassembling to rinse out your espresso machine when you’re done. If you are a true coffee addict, don’t forget to check out our list of the best cafetieres, too.

Key Features:

Portable, compact and easy to carry

All components are detachable for an easy cleanse

Equipped with an enhanced personalized pump with innovative pressure regulating valve

Specification:
  • BrandSTARESSO
  • ModelSP-300
  • Weight2.07 pounds
Pros

Lightweight and portable

Compact and practical design

Versatile applications

Make espressos, Americanos and any kind of drink you like, hot or cold

Cons

Makes a small amount of coffee in one go

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Manual Espresso Machine Buying Guide & FAQ

Before going ahead and investing in a new manual espresso machine, it’s worth taking some time to consider the various options and in particular what the key features are that you’d find most beneficial. Decide whether you are looking for a machine to permanently position on your kitchen top for everyday use or if you are looking for a more portable model to carry to the workplace, on your business or leisure trips, or to take with you on outdoor activities. Let’s take a look at some of the key features to consider.

manual espresso machine

Features To Look For In Manual Espresso Machines

Quality and Durability - Make sure your machine of choice is sturdy and built to last as constant contact with water might cause rusting and deterioration of parts. Some Manual Espresso Machines might seem expensive overall, but a small investment in a pricier type can go a long way in regards to performance and long term durability.

Size - If you're investing in a permanently positioned coffee maker, then make sure to take the measurements of the area it will be sitting on. On the other hand,  if you are looking for a portable machine, depending on its principle use, remember there are plenty of options that are compact and easy to carry around.

Built-in Steamer - Another feature to look out for a built-in steamer. Bear in mind that  most Manual Espresso Makers won't have built-in steamers. However, most deluxe machines should offer this feature, and if you are looking for the all-round barista experience, this is definitely something worth investing in.

Easy to Clean - Last but not least, make sure you look for cleaning ease and also general aesthetics. How easy a machine can be disassembled for cleaning will also weigh in on its durability.  The style and aesthetics of the machine are also something to consider, especially if you are planning on making your espresso machine a permanent feature in your household. You want it to look the part if it’s going to be permanently out on display.

Before you even begin to consider any of the above, we recommend that you first set out your budget. Price, performance, and quality definitely go hand in hand when it comes to Espresso Machines. However, you can still find good quality options even at the lower end of the budget as our guide demonstrates.

manual espresso coffee machine

Manual Espresso Machine FAQ

Q: What is a manual espresso machine?

A: A manual espresso machine is a traditional coffee brewing system dating back to 1945, when Achille Gaggia perfected and slightly modified the first type of steam-driven espresso machines, creating the first piston-driven device. This model functioned through a lever that was used to send pressurized hot water through the coffee grinds to make a creamy and aromatic shot of espresso.

Nowadays, these machines have become less common due to the level of maintenance these complicated precision style machines require and instead have given way to the more manageable and faster, automatic coffee makers readily available.

However, some people still prefer the traditional style Manual Espresso Machines as they believe that having more control over the coffee-making process, from the grinding of the beans to exerting the exact pressure on the lever, has an undeniably stronger appeal. They also deliver a strong design aesthetic and can instantly upgrade any kitchen, giving it a more retro and stylish look.

Q: How difficult is it to use a manual espresso machine?

A: Depending on which kind of Manual Espresso Machine you are using, there will be different levels of difficulty. Lever manual machines are often more challenging to use as they need a bit of experience and assessment in order to figure out the exact pressure to exert and the timing for pulling the shot. Some machines are easier to use than others and you'll probably find it a challenging and interesting process to learn their specifics and become a pro espresso coffee maker. This is certainly something worth considering when deciding whether to buy or not a lever-operated Manual Espresso Machine.

On the other hand, portable espresso machines can be relatively straightforward to use. All you have to do is fill them up with water and apply the slightest pressure to the coffee granules. The same goes for aero-presses. It really comes down to personal preference.

a manual espresso machine

Q: How do manual espresso machines work?

A: Manual coffee machines create water pressure that they then force through tightly packed coffee in the handle, either when they are lever-operated, or passed through the device's filter if portable. The elevated pressure then allows the water to extract the maximum aroma from the coffee granules. This process is similar to an automatic espresso machine, with the main difference being that in a manual espresso machine, you can choose the pressure you want to apply. Conversely, in an automatic machine, the pressure is always set at the same programmed level. In a manual machine, you can also control the amount of water you want to introduce into the coffee bed, and even when to release the water.

Q: Are manual espresso machines portable?

A: Some manual espresso machines are portable, yes. They generally use a pumping mechanism that is activated by the pressure of your hands and will enable you to push the water down into the chamber and then further pass it through the coffee granules to release the liquid.

Other types of portable espresso machines, such as aero presses or French presses, use pressure generated by the air vacuum between the metal or plastic lid and the coffee granules.

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