Best Manual Espresso Machines – Best Coffee Beans

In the dynamic world of coffee brewing, the surge in popularity of manual espresso machines is a fascinating evolution, blending tradition with modern coffee culture. In this post, we’ve laid the best machines out to help navigate the intricate landscape of the best manual espresso machines, offering insights and detailed analyses of the top models that stand out in the market today.

The best part is it doesn’t matter if you’ve got no idea hwat you’re doing, this article aims to equip you with all the necessary information to make a kick ass espresso. We’ll explore various aspects of manual espresso machines, from the classic charm of lever-press models to the innovative features of the latest designs. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision, ensuring that your choice meets your espresso quality expectations and complements your personal style and coffee-making ritual. So, let’s dive in and uncover the secrets behind selecting the best manual espresso machine that aligns with your coffee aspirations.

How much pressure is required for an ‘authentic’ espresso?

A pressure of about 9 bars is required. This standard has been established over many years of espresso brewing and is widely accepted among coffee professionals and enthusiasts.

A bar is a unit of pressure, and 9 bars is equivalent to approximately 130 pounds per square inch (psi). This pressure level is crucial for extracting the rich flavors, oils, and crema that characterize a well-made espresso. The manual espresso machines in this post are aimed at 9+ bars of pressure.

Staresso Manual Espresso Machine + Grinder Kit

In the realm of portable coffee solutions, the Staresso Coffee Maker Grinder Set emerges as a versatile and innovative contender. Designed for the coffee enthusiast on the move, this manual espresso maker offers the flexibility to brew espresso with 20 bars of pressure. In fact you can even use coffee powder or pods and also make iced coffee in it, regular coffee, and tea. Its durable construction and ease of portability are underscored by its inclusion of a handy carrying bag, and an included manual burr coffee grinder which uses metal CNC’d burrs with 24 grind settings.

Key Features and Benefits:

Versatility: Capable of brewing both hot and cold beverages, this machine provides options for different coffee and tea preparations.
Durability and Portability: Robustly built, yet lightweight, the Staresso Coffee Maker is designed for easy transportation, as evidenced by the accompanying handbag.
Customizable Brewing: The machine allows for adjustments to suit individual taste preferences, ensuring a personalized beverage experience.
Warranty: The product comes with a one-year warranty, offering peace of mind and reliability.

Flair Neo Flex

The Flair NEO Flex espresso machine presents itself as a standout choice for those seeking to replicate professional-quality espresso on the go. This manual, lever-based espresso maker can generate 6-9 bar poressure to deliver an awesome espresso crema, offering a hands-on approach to espresso extraction that is both gratifying and effective.

Key Features and Unique Selling Points:

Manual Lever Operation: Emphasizing the art of espresso making, this machine employs a lever-based system that puts you in full control of the extraction process.
Professional Quality Espresso: Designed to yield espressos that rival those of professional machines, the NEO Flex is easy to use, and it’s easy to clean.
Dual Portafilter Options: It offers two different portafilters, allowing users to choose between convenience and a more controlled, customizable brewing experience.
Ease of Cleaning: With a removable brewing head, the machine prioritizes user convenience, making the cleanup process straightforward and efficient.
Pressure Profiling: Capable of brewing at different pressure profiles, the Flair NEO Flex caters to a wide range of taste preferences and allows for experimentation with extraction techniques.

Staresso Plus Portable Manual Espresso Machine

The Staresso Plus portable manual espresso machine represents a fusion of portability, quality, and versatility. This compact yet powerful device promises to deliver a rich, flavorful espresso experience, and can achieve 15-20 bar pressure for an excellent crema. It’s characterized by an impressive extraction rate and stable pressure, food grade stainless steel, and a tripod to allow for better stability during extraction.

Key Features and Highlights:

Exceptional Extraction Rate: The Staresso Plus boasts an 18-22% gold extraction rate, leveraging segmented hydraulic extraction to produce a pressure range of 15-20Bar. This innovative approach ensures optimal flavor extraction from the coffee grounds.
High-Quality Construction: Safety and durability are paramount in the Staresso Plus design. It utilizes baby bottle-grade silicone materials, coupled with all metal parts being made from food-grade 304 stainless steel. This guarantees both longevity and user safety.
Advanced Pump Durability: The machine’s pump is coated with an aerospace-grade nano-ceramic layer, significantly enhancing its durability to threefold, a testament to its robust engineering.
Portability and Easy Maintenance: Designed for coffee lovers on the go, the Staresso Plus features a main body separation design, allowing for easy folding, storage, and deep cleaning of each component, which adds to its convenience and hygiene.
Large Capacity, Versatile Use: It can hold up to 24g of coffee powder, suitable for 1-2 people, making it an ideal choice for various environments such as travel, office, or home use. Its independence from electricity enhances its versatility, allowing for coffee brewing in almost any setting.

Flair Maker Pro 2

The Flair PRO 2 stands out as a paragon of craftsmanship and innovation. Renowned for its ability to produce professional-level espresso shots, this high-quality, durable, and portable device is designed for those who seek complete brew control in their coffee-making process. But how does it stack up against the NEO Flex?

Custom Pressure Gauge: Equipped with a custom pressure gauge, the Flair PRO 2 offers a clear visual indicator for optimal extraction pressure, specifically between 6-9 BAR. This feature ensures precise control and consistency in each shot of espresso.
Brewing Enhancements: This model introduces three significant upgrades, including a removable stainless steel spout for cleaner pouring, an enhanced all-stainless steel bottomless portafilter for richer crema, and a silicone lever grip for improved handling.
Portability and Ease of Cleaning: The Flair PRO 2 champions convenience with its detachable brewing head for quick cleaning and a precision-cut carrying case that accommodates the entire device, making it an ideal companion for travel.
Durability and Warranty: Crafted from robust materials like cast aluminum and stainless steel, the Flair PRO 2 is built to last. It comes with a 5-year warranty on the aluminum press stand and stainless steel brewing head, emphasizing its quality and longevity.

La Pavoni Lever Style Manual Espresso Machine

The La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccola is a hallmark of traditional espresso craftsmanship, combining manual precision with robust durability. Designed and made in Italy, it’s geared towards the espresso enthusiast who cherishes the classic brewing method; this lever-operated machine offers an immersive experience, allowing for unparalleled control over the extraction process. This machine stands out because, while manual in operation, it has an electrical component to heat the water in its boiler. Here’s a closer look at the key features and attributes that define the La Pavoni EPC-8.

Core Features and Attributes:

Manual Lever Operation: The La Pavoni EPC-8 champions the traditional lever-based system, providing a hands-on approach to espresso extraction. This method requires skill and patience to perfect but offers a uniquely satisfying brewing experience once mastered.
Exceptional Build Quality and Durability: Handcrafted with triple-plated chrome, the machine boasts exceptional durability and a timeless aesthetic. Its internal construction includes high-quality steel components, such as stainless steel heating elements, ensuring long-term reliability and performance.
Boiler Capacity: With a 20-ounce boiler, the machine can brew up to 8 cups of espresso consecutively. The large brass boiler, internally coated with food-safe nickel, maintains consistent heat and pressure throughout the brewing sessions.
Compact and Elegant Design: The EPC-8 features a high polished chrome finish, available with either a chrome or black base. Its dimensions (12 x 7 x 11 inches) make it a perfect fit for home kitchens, adding both functionality and elegance without occupying excessive space.
Safety Mechanisms: Safety is a key aspect of its design, incorporating an internal thermal fuse that automatically shuts off the machine at 225°F and a safety valve to release excess pressure, ensuring safe operation.
Comprehensive Accessories: The machine comes equipped with an array of accessories, including two stainless steel filter baskets, a milk frothing wand, a portafilter, a scoop, a tamper, and an instructional video, enhancing the user experience. An indicator light signals when the water is at optimal brewing temperature.

Other Things You Might Need

You might want to pick up a method of boiling water on the go. I personally love the JetBoil for camping, because it’s super easy to use and it just works phenomenally. Otherwise we’ve got articles for the best strong coffees that are great for espresso, and an article on the best manual coffee grinders.