Best Manual Espresso Machine
December 13, 2021 | Kurt Parker
Manual espresso machines also knows as lever espresso machines is a coffee shop’s arm-length go-to. Lever espresso machineS uses pressure, along with steady steam pressure, to force water through the grounds. This forces out the optimal flavor of the coffee.
The coffee machine that makes the best espresso is an art form, even manual espresso machines should be able to.
The entire team spent a week trying out different models, each with its own specific combination of features and characteristics to evaluate until we found the best manual espresso machines that suits us all just right!
What’s in the Article
Elektra Microcasa a Leva Espresso Machine (Best Overall)
La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccola (Second Best Overall)
Flair Espresso Maker (Most Durable)
La Pavoni Esperto Competente (Most Stylish Design)
ROK EspressoGC Manual Espresso Maker (Best for Home Use)
WACACO Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker (Best On-The-Go)
What to Expect in A Manual Lever Espresso Machine?
Features to consider before buying a manual espresso machine
Our List of Best Manual Espresso Machine
Without further ado, here’s all you need to know about the best manual espresso machines.
Elektra Microcasa a Leva Espresso Machine – Best Overall
Our top choice among all manual espresso machines. This manual spring lever machine is the ultimate for any coffee lover. It has a beautiful, high-quality finish and uses the same principles as original Italian espresso machines.
The Elektra Microcasa a Leva Espresso Machine is an espresso machine that is known for its quality and durability. The machine has a direct lever that makes it easy to use, and it is also compact so that it can be stored in a small space. It weighs around 22 pounds and so the Micro Casa is definitely not a portable espresso maker.
Elektra is a coffee company that makes machines. They are known for how durable their appliances are. The Elektra Microcasa a Leva Espresso Machine requires very little care, so it is an ideal espresso machine for first-time users.
If you want consistent results, then Elektra Microcasa a Leva Espresso Machine is for you. The spring piston in this machine will make sure that every cup of coffee tastes the same from start to finish. The Microcasa is designed to extract the perfect shot of coffee with a single press.
Things we liked
- Built-in safety valve relieves pressure
- Large capacity
- Outstanding coffee brewing and vaporizer
- beautiful retro-like design handcrafted in Veneto-Italy
Things we didn’t like
- The exposed boiler is a safety hazard for the user
- Water can have an adverse effect on Brass finish
La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccola – Second Best Overall
La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccola is one of the finest home espresso machines on the market. This machine will be a good addition to your kitchen. It has a nice design and is made out of steel. When you turn the handle, it makes coffee that tastes good.
You’ll be able to pull some epic espresso shots or make a proper cappuccino with this machine. It also features an elegant built-in steam wand that will leave your beverages dripping in the perfect consistency for any drink you like.
The La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccola is a machine. It has a water tank, brass boilers, and a steam wand that can be used to make heated foam milk. It also has a gauge for the water level and safety valve.
The La Pavoni espresso machine is one of the most popular machines in Italy and across Europe, with its sleek design that rests on top as you drink. This coffee maker is different from other machines. Instead of levers, it has a piston that you push down when you want to drink coffee. You can drink whatever kind of coffee you want when you want to. That way, if something goes wrong with the machine it will not spoil your cup of coffee.
Things we liked
- Ideal for making coffee drinks at home
- Sleek and sturdy design
- Good for first-time lever espresso users
Things we didn’t like
- Requires electricity
- There’s a steep learning curve involved
Flair Espresso Maker – Most Durable
The Flair Espresso Maker is a great espresso maker for the home. It has a sleek design and it’s fairly easy to use. You can make delicious espresso with this machine in no time. The Flair Espresso Maker is good for entertaining and making espressos and lattes. It comes with a stand that looks nice and it is easy to use. You can use the espresso machine both indoors and outdoors. The manual espresso maker is made from polished aluminum, which makes the product durable and lightweight at the same time.
The machine has a simple design and it’s easy to operate. You just need to place the espresso grounds in the filter and add hot water. The pump will do the rest of the work for you.
The best part about this machine is that it costs less than what you would spend on one of those pricey levers. Plus, there’s nothing involved with manually operating a switch or dealing with the hassle of electric wires.
Things we liked
- Cost-effective Espresso Maker
- Easy to learn
- Fully manual machine
- Simple design
Things we didn’t like
- A bit difficult to clean
- Not as sturdy compared to other manual espresso makers
La Pavoni Esperto Competente – Most Stylish Design
La Pavoni. The name says it all, this is espresso you can depend on! Their Professional range is an elegant design with quality components. It will please both experts and newcomers.
You won’t be able to put this espresso machine down. It’s built with a triple copper and brass plating exterior, as well as wood handles on the base! Plus it has chrome-plated brass construction that will last a long time.
The big boiler prevents limescale deposits on the walls. That doesn’t mean you need to do maintenance all the time on it. The inside has been light-polished for protection against problems caused by moisture residues.
One of the greatest things about this machine is that it can prepare coffee in such an efficient manner. The direct lever lifts and water pressure pushes through a spring piston, which then allows for all those tasty flavors to be released into your cup. When the lever is lowered, it compresses a spring and pushes up on weights. This causes water to pass through your coffee at different rates depending upon how fast you lower or raise the plunger handle until all of its potentials has been extracted.
The machine is beautiful to look at and it produces delicious espresso. You need a good eye for detail in order not just to admire its craftsmanship, but also use them well–the reward can be great.
Things we liked
- Beautiful and sleek design
- Dual frothing system
- Offers group gauge
- Very durable
Things we didn’t like
- A bit challenging for beginners
ROK EspressoGC Manual Espresso Maker – Best for Home Use
ROK Presso Manual Espresso Maker is a manually operated espresso machine that has been designed to be intuitive and easy to use.
The Presso is a durable, manual espresso maker. It requires no electricity and can be used by pressing down on it with ease to build pressure. The four rubberized feet keep this espresso maker in place as you work so that accidents don’t happen while using them.
This new design for the pressure chamber makes it so that you can’t leak. It also keeps your espresso warm.
You’ll feel like a true barista with the single-shot portafilter. With so many great flavors to choose from who want to experiment with different types of coffee beans.
If you’re traveling and need an espresso, the ROK Presso is your best bet. It’s so light! And with its tin storage box, it’ll be easy to take anywhere without weighing down on baggage limits or precious counter space.
Things we liked
- Budget-friendly
- Portable machine, ideal for traveling
- Easy to use
- Uncomplicated design
- Sturdy finished metal
Things we didn’t like
- Always involved preheating
- Platic materials and not the most sturdy
- Has some issues with consistency
WACACO Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker – Best On-The-Go
This simple machine is portable, simple to use, and compact enough to carry in your pocket for travel or in your home for storage. This simple machine can make a delicious espresso from direct access to water!
Nanopresso has all the features of a good espresso maker. It is simple to operate with a one-touch system and can make a great cup of espresso with just a few simple steps.
The Nanopresso is perfect for making an espresso on the go, in your office, or at home. This simple machine is also durable and easy to clean so you can keep your espresso-making skills sharp. The manual control system on the Nanopresso gives you more barista skills so you can perfect your coffee-making abilities.
The Nanopresso is a great choice for coffee connoisseurs who want to make a delicious shot of espresso anywhere they go. With its simple design and manual control, this espresso maker is perfect for coffee lovers of all experience levels.
Things we liked
- It has a simple and intuitive design that makes it easy to use.
- No electricity/battery needed / Fully manual
- Inexpensive
- Easy to clean
- Very compact, travel friendly
Things we didn’t like
- Cleaning is a bit of a challenge if you’re not at home
What to expect in A Manual Lever Espresso Machine?
If you like to get your hands dirty, manual machines offer more space for customization. This means that every minute detail of the brewing process can be tweaked according to preferences and will give off a challenge in doing so – making this type worthwhile.
The process of making an espresso is more than just pressing a button. Sure, you can get good shots when doing it this way- but what about that laborious time and care put into each individual pour? That’s something only true baristas know how to truly appreciate.
Manual Lever Espresso Machine is a popular and efficient way to make espressos. This type of espresso maker is one that does not need electricity. It is good for places where there are power outages and in hot places like the summer (because it does not use electricity to work).
Other Things To Consider
If you’re looking for a manual machine that gives you complete control over your espresso shot, then one of the lever machines is right for you. Lever machines are often seen as more traditional and give the barista more control over the extraction process than other types of machines.
This means that they can be trickier to use, but with a little practice, you can make some of the best espressos you’ve ever had. These machines are also often smaller and more compact, making them a good choice for those with limited counter space.
The best part? One can make different types of espressos, thanks to the many variants that are available on lever machines. This includes single-shot double espressos, which are found in most espresso bars today. Manual espresso machines is nice because it allows for quick delivery of the product to its customer if you are accustomed to it.
Fully automatic espresso machines are often found in cafes and restaurants, as they can produce large quantities of coffee in a short amount of time. Still manual espresso machines are old-school favorites.
Features to consider before buying a manual espresso machine
When it comes to making espresso, there are many different methods and styles. So just like every other coffee making gears, there are must-have features to achieve what you like. The manual machine is no exception! Here we’ll take a look at the features that differentiate these machines while also explaining how they can impact your brewing process so you don’t have any trouble getting those perfect shots of caffeine in due time.
Water Capacity
You may want to invest in an espresso machine with a larger water tank, as this will allow you to make multiple shots at once. Most pumping machines can only handle enough for one shot which means that it’s necessary when making lots of coffee drinks like lattes or cappuccinos.
When it comes to making espresso, there are many different methods and styles. The manual machine is no exception! Here we’ll take a look at the features that differentiate these machines while also explaining how they can impact your brewing process so you don’t have any trouble getting those perfect shots of caffeine in due time.
The most recent lever machines from ROK and Flair allow you to heat water for all individual shots, which is really nice because it means less time spent reheating freshly boiled liquid.
At 10 shots or more, the La Pavoni’s tank is big enough for any coffee lover. With an easy pour feature and no need to heat up before serving customers, it’s perfect.
The pressurized lever espresso machine also has many other benefits like higher quality brews made with less pressure which means that they require fewer beans per shot making them significantly cheaper than traditional machines too.
Materials used
Manual espresso machines are an investment that will last you a lifetime or longer if taken care of properly, as they’re typically made from high-quality materials like steel. Lever Machines can be passed down through generations because their durability is extraordinary.
Unlike electric machines, manual espresso pumps are not without their downsides. Pumps in coffee makers sometimes stop working. That is because they are made of plastic that gets hot. Rubber gaskets can also break, which lets power out of the machine. If they are made of hard plastic on the outside and steel parts inside, then they will not break when you make hot drinks with them.
If you want the best espresso machines below 500, we got a list for you here.
Is Manual Espresso Machine Difficult to use?
To make a good espresso, you need to put in the right things. Know how each thing will affect it. Without experience, it is difficult to know what levels to set the machine at or how much coffee to use. Working with machines or looking up things about brewing coffee is a way to find out how to make coffee. You can also ask someone who knows how to brew coffee.
It’s true that learning how to use these machines is more difficult than just pressing a button. But if it were too easy, there wouldn’t be any challenge left for you.
Manual espresso machine is a great tool for those who like tweaking and experimenting with their coffee. However, some people find it difficult to use than others which can lead them to make mistakes or waste expensive shots in spite of being an expert user. French press pots are a good way to make coffee. They take less time so you won’t have any wasted coffee.
If you are always on the go, you should consider the best portable espresso makers on this list.
Our Verdict
On our onhand reviews with a range of prices to suit every budget, we’ve outlined 6 powerful espresso makers that’ll help you make the best drinks. Whether your hands can do it all or not at all; these machines are up for any task.
Our overall choice is the Elektra Microcasa a Leva Espresso Machine. If you don’t want to worry about heating the water and only need a single setup capable of brewing shots as well, then this is perfect for your needs.
Can you become the next great barista? who knows! learn more tips and tricks to make the best coffee from our blogs.