When you’re hunting for espresso machines, you have what seems like a minefield to navigate…
There’s so much choice and so many different varieties at your disposal it can be tough to determine what you really need.
That’s where we come in here at La Mano.
Our primary focus today is on highlighting the best manual espresso machines but what does that mean?
Well, an automatic espresso machine might be extremely convenient but that comes at the cost of a complete lack of control. If you’re looking to get hands-on and dial in the brewing method to your precise taste, you should opt for a manual model.
Manual espresso makers come in different variants. Small, portable presses that don’t call for any batteries or electricity make excellent travel companions. Lever-driven machines, on the other hand, work well in the home kitchen.
Today, then, we’ll guide you through a broad cross-section of the best options up for grabs. As always, our reviews are impartial and we’ll point out any flaws just as readily as the advantages. We want you to make the right decision for you based on facts.
We’ll also throw in a treasure trove of buying guidance so you can spend less time hunting for a serviceable machine and more time making coffee the way you want it.
So, if you want the possibility of making great espresso rather than something that’s merely drinkable, we can’t recommend strongly enough considering a manual approach to brewing.
If you’re impatient for the main event, here’s a snapshot of the leading benefits of the manual espresso machines on our shortlist…
Contents
I. Our Top Picks for Manual Espresso Machines
| Products & Features | Image & Price |
|---|---|
Flair Manual Espresso Press Our #1 Pick
|  |
AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker
|  |
La Pavoni Pro-Grade 16-Cup Espresso Machine
|  |
Wacaco Minipresso GR Portable Espresso Machine
|  |
La Pavoni PC-16 Professional Espresso Machine
|  |
ROK EspressoGC
|  |
Elektra Lever Espresso Machine
|  |
La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccola 8-Cup Lever Espresso Machine
|  |
II. Things You Should Consider
OK, before we dive down into our full reviews of these manual presses and machines, we’ll give you some pointers on what you should consider on the buying trail.
Focus on these elements:
- Type of Espresso Maker
- Budget
- Ease of Use
- Portability
- Durability
- Accessories
Type of Espresso Maker
First thing’s first, you should think closely about what type of manual espresso maker best gels with your needs.
An automatic or semi-automatic machine is a sure path to consistency but you won’t necessarily achieve excellence. While a semi-automatic allows for some manual input, a pure manual machine is entirely hand-operated.
The distinction you’ll need to make is whether you want a manual press or a manual machine. We provide plenty of options of each style so you can see which best suits.
The manual route offers you much more opportunity to customize the brewing process. You can manipulate every step of brewing and dial things in brilliantly. Once you’ve got your preferences fixed, you can roll out immaculate coffee every time with absolute ease.
The other key benefit of choosing this type of machine is the tactile and involved approach which is the polar opposite of the push-button ease of a single-serve machine.
So, all that remains is to decide which manual variant is the most suitable fit.
Budget
We typically don’t raise price as factor in most of the products we review. With manual espresso makers, however, there’s an enormous spread of prices from throwaway cheap to several thousands bucks.
If you consider your budget before you start weighing up different models, you’ll make your life easier by whittling down the options. After all, if you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful travel model, there’s not much point considering a weighty, costly, La Pavoni.
Think about budget and stick to it. Spend as much as you can comfortably afford without overextending yourself.
Ease of Use
Arguably the most vital element of your buying decision is to get a machine that’s easy enough for you to use.
Everyone is different in this regard. Think about your experience level and the amount of effort you’re
Although physically operating a lever-based machine isn’t hard, you will need a detailed knowledge of the brewing process if you’re seeking excellence.
Setting aside the fiddly nature of these machines in general, you should investigate the models on your shortlist fully to make sure you’ll be comfy with learning this new skill. Once mastered, you’ll never look back!
Portability
The size of manual espresso machines varies considerably.
Some models we explore today are expressly designed to be travel-friendly. Calling for no electricity and no batteries, you can take these dinky machines just about anywhere.
La Pavoni’s range, by contrast, are not travel models but some are still pretty compact.
All that counts here is establishing which size best gels with your intended use. Personalize your buying decision every step of the way and you’ll end up with a faithful addition to your kitchen which should last for years.
Durability
Durability and lifespan should be weighed against price so you can determine which manual machine or press offers best overall value for your needs.
Linked to this, you should think closely about how often you’ll be using your machine. If you only rack up the occasional espresso to serve with dinner, you won’t need to prioritize build quality as much as someone looking to make morning shots for the whole family every day.
We’ve drawn attention to any issues with lifespan in our reviews to make things easier for you.
Accessories
While not a deal-breaker, you should check that the machine you’re looking at comes with enough accessories and attachments for your needs.
Most of these manual espresso makers give you everything you need to get started without a trip to the hardware store. Just make sure you have some great espresso beans and use a manual or electric grinder to blitz your beans right before brewing.
With all these elements in place, finding the right machine isn’t so tough.
Right, with that brief buying guide in place, it’s time to get down to business with our summary reviews of the leading models in this crowded space…
III. The 8 Best Manual and Lever Espresso Machines
1. Our #1 Pick: Flair Manual Espresso Press
Off the bat, the Flair is the perfect travel companion. Use this press anywhere with no need for electricity or batteries and throw everything in the nifty case when you’re done.
Delivering up to 10 BAR of pressure, you’ll generate tasty and rich espresso with that trademark crema in well under a minute. Extraction time comes in at 30 to 45 seconds so fine-tune within these parameters to taste.
This iteration is uprated so you’ll get an even stronger ally than ever. The base, post, and lever have all been improved over the outgoing model.
Thanks to the detachable brewing head, clean-up isn’t too time-consuming or tedious.
Get things started the right way using a burr grinder and blitz up those beans directly before brewing. Then get creative and hands-on to enjoy the espresso process in a more traditional way.
Pros: Compact footprint and travel case for great espresso on the go. Straightforward clean-up. Show-stopping good looks. Pressure from 6 to 10 BAR ideal for short, strong shots. Swift extraction time of 30 to 45 seconds.
Cons: A steep learning curve so be patient and experiment.
Bottom Line: If you want a manual espresso maker that makes a statement on the kitchen counter while delivering first-class shots every time, do it with Flair.
2. AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker
AeroPress is a super-compact unit that makes a wonderful travel machine or sits well in the home kitchen. You’ll get plenty of versatility with this unit.
The rapid and total immersion you get with this brewing method keeps bitterness to an absolute minimum while still generating a deep, rich espresso the Italians would be proud of. The best thing? You can enjoy this with no need for a costly and fiddly machine.
The only notable drawback is the fact pressure tends to weaken over time so bear this in mind and keep your expectations reasonable.
Pros: Svelte package ideal for use on the road or in the home kitchen. Make up to 3 cups of espresso in less than a minute. Full complement of attachments and accessories. Microfilter helps cut down on sediment in your cup.
Cons: Tends to lose pressure over time so keep an eye on this.
Bottom Line: As with all manual espresso makers, you’ll need to put in some practice but the rewards of the AeroPress make this worthwhile. Enjoy superb espresso in less than a minute with no electricity required: what’s not to love?
3. La Pavoni PPG-16 Pro-Grade 16-Cup Espresso Machine
The chrome-plated brass ensures every guest will be heading straight over to the machine to see what it’s all about.
Despite the complex appearance, using this machine isn’t too tough once you get used to it. There’s a useful instructional DVD bundled so you can get started without standing on ceremony.
The oversized boiler allows you to make up to 16 shots before it needs topping up. Operation is as simple as pulling on some levers while the machine does the work for you.
A dual-frothing system expands your repertoire and allows you to make cappuccino and latte as well as espresso. Choose whether you want to pour one or two shots at a time then enjoy the spoils of first-class coffee.
Pros: Unbeatable brand heritage. Exceptional design. 38oz boiler allows you to pour up to 16 shots of espresso. Dual-frothing system with steaming mechanism that renders creamy coffees not just short shots. Chrome-plated brass build to stay the distance.
Cons: Eye-wateringly expensive so not for bargain hunters.
Bottom Line: La Pavoni is an industry legend and the PPG-16 is a dependable and versatile espresso maker that also lets you create longer, creamier coffees. It’s not cheap but the best things in life rarely are.
4. Wacaco Minipresso GR Portable Espresso Machine
Capable of delivering 8 BAR of pressure, you’ll get espresso that’s more than fit for purpose and also a joy to make.
As with many manual presses, you won’t need a power outlet and you won’t even need batteries. Throw in your preferred coffee and some off-boiling water and use the semi-automatic piston to produce a drinkable espresso even if you’re camping or in a hotel room on the other side of the world.
You’ll get an espresso cup and a scoop bundled giving you a pocket-friendly package that’s almost small enough to actually fit in your pocket. To ice the cake, this unit is priced within almost anyone’s budget so check out the Wacaco at your earliest convenience.
Note that a number of extra accessories are available for this model but you will need to buy them separately.
Pros: 8 BAR of pressure sufficient for serviceable espresso. Remarkably easy to use even for complete beginners. No need for batteries or electricity. A first-class travel solution.
Cons: Not designed for sustained and heavy use.
Bottom Line: If you frequently travel and you don’t want to sacrifice great espresso on the road, this compact and manual Minipresso means you won’t need to go without your favorite drink.
5. La Pavoni PC-16 Professional Espresso Machine
You’ll get the same 16-shot capacity from this generous boiler streamlining production. Cater for the whole family in the mornings without needing to constantly top up the tank.
Pouring single or double shots to taste, this machine combines the hands-on involvement of a manual extraction with the benefits of a machine. Why compromise when you can get the best of both worlds?
Grab the cappuccino attachment if you want to broaden your menu and incorporate longer, creamier coffees when you’re not in the mood for espresso.
As with all kit from La Pavoni, we’d suggest taking the time to watch the instructional DVD provided. This will minimize the learning curve and help you get started with ease.
Pros: Unimpeachable reputation. Draw up to 16 shots of espresso and pull 2 shots at the same time if desired. Exceptional build quality. 1000 watts of power. Striking chrome finish. A relatively affordable entry-point to La Pavoni.
Cons: Certainly not the cheapest option at your disposal. Takes over 10 minutes to warm up from cold.
Bottom Line: If you want a hands-on experience making espresso how the Italians love it and you have a more flexible budget, La Pavoni smashes another home run with the pro-grade PC-16.
6. ROK EspressoGC
Absolutely. Ease of use is uppermost but we’d advise diving deep into the manual so you can rack up your caffeine fix just the way you like it.
You get all the attachments required thrown in so you’ll be free to create crema-rich espresso right out the box without needing to buy any extras.
The previous model was somewhat lacking on the pressure front. ROK has ramped up the piston gasket on this iteration giving you a superior short shot.
Weighing a mere 3.5 pounds and standing just 11 inches tall, this press is a neat fit in small kitchens and works well as a portable press if you’re a frequent traveler looking for great coffee on the go.
Crowned by a class-leading 10-year warranty, you can buy with complete confidence and peace of mind without needing to blow the budget. This affordable and capable press is one of our favorites of the models we highlight today.
Pros: Cost-effective manual press that still punches hard. All the accessories you need thrown in. Couldn’t be easier to use. Enjoy a rich crema without too much effort. Portable and compact.
Cons: Read the manual closely as espresso tastes weak until you tweak operation.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking to get lip-smacking espresso at home without spending a fortune, this travel-friendly manual press is a must.
7. Elektra Lever Espresso Machine
Well, you get a machine that looks the part finished in a classy chrome. You’ll get durability to match those good looks, too. Is it a case of form over function, though?
Certainly not. Every espresso machine stands or falls on the quality of its shots and you’ll enjoy a full-bodied espresso with no bitterness and a strong crema.
The lever mechanism helps you to get fully involved when you’re making coffee rather than just sitting back and pushing a few buttons. Dial things in to your liking then replicate your preferred shot with ease.
Pros: Eye-catching appearance makes a conversation piece. Powered by a brass boiler. Lever-style operation for a hands-on experience. See the pressure at a glance. Get going right out the box with practically no assembly.
Cons: Crema can be underwhelming so grind your coffee finer if you want a richer effect.
Bottom Line: While not exactly cheap, you’re getting outstanding value when you consider the design, build, and overall performance delivered by Elektra.
8. La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccola 8-Cup Lever Espresso Machine
Last but absolutely not least is yet another stellar machine from the unsurpassable La Pavoni, this time to EPC-8, also known as Europiccola.
This model allows for up to 8 shots of espresso. While capacity is reduced, so is the overall sizing. You’ll get a compact machine ideal for apartments or cramped kitchens and you won’t need to take a hit on quality to achieve this reduction in dimensions.
The only real snag with this gem is the fact the steam generated for milk is rather limp. If you’re likely to make lots of long, creamy coffees, this might not be the best fit for you. If, on the other hand, you’re primarily looking to make espresso, you’re in luck.
Pros: Entry-level La Pavoni machine allowing you to buy into that winning brand without bankrupting yourself. Pull up to 8 shots of espresso before topping up. Build quality is impressive. Measures up at just 11 x 7 x 12 inches so fits on a crowded countertop.
Cons: Steam for milk is disappointingly weak.
Bottom Line: If you want to invest in a machine from this legendary brand but you’re on a tighter budget, the EPC-8 is the perfect solution.
IV. FAQ
1) What is a manual espresso machine?
Where automatic espresso machines give you complete convenience and automation at the push of a button, a manual alternative gives you far more control. You can take charge of the grind, the tamping, temperature, pressure, and extraction time with a manual machine. Whether you opt for a small manual press or a lever-driven machine, take full control and make coffee the artisanal way.
2) What grind size do I need for espresso?
You want a fine grind that’s not quite as powdery as Turkish coffee but coarser than the medium consistency you’d use for drip coffee. You should always grind your beans directly before brewing since beans spoil quickly when exposed to the elements. And after all, if you’re going to the time, trouble, and expense of making espresso manually, why leave anything to chance?
3) Does it matter what type of grinder I buy?
Yes. Blade grinders are cheaper but the blades crudely smash up the beans resulting in too much heat and friction. Consistency is also questionable. Instead, opt for a burr grinder, ideally with stainless steel or ceramic burrs. You’ll find you get much more consistent results with none of the degradation blade grinders bring about. Do yourself a favor and invest in a burr grinder.
4) What beans should I use for espresso?
Light, medium, and dark roast profiles reflect how long beans have been roasted for. For espresso, dark roasts work well. You can also find dedicated espresso beans. You should experiment until you find just what you’re looking for. Be prepared to make a few false turns and to try some beans you don’t like before stumbling on those that blow you away.
5) How much pressure is required to make authentic espresso?
The industry standard is 9 BAR of pressure. You should pay little attention to coffee machines marketed as having much higher pressure. It’s not a bad thing, it’s simply not necessary. None of the machines we review today are in that category, though.
6) Can I only make espresso with a manual espresso maker?
You could always use the shot of espresso to create a longer, creamier coffee. Many of the machines we review today also give you the option of creating steam for cappuccino and latte if you get the requisite attachment. If you’re looking for variety above all else, you should consider another type of machine. If you’re principally concerned with finding the ideal espresso brewing method, on the other hand, you’re in luck with a manual press or lever-driven machine.
7) Why do La Pavoni machines cost so much?
As with any industry, you’ll find upscale brands catering to aficionados and professionals. In the coffee space, that brand is La Pavoni. One of the early lights of the espresso industry, the company has been making espresso machines since the early 1900s. Along with that rich heritage, you also get equipment that’s precision-engineered, built to the highest standard, and with jaw-dropping good looks. All of this results in those stiff price tags. We would suggest, though, that if you can afford one of these costly gems, you’ll consider you’re getting great value rather than bemoaning the cost.
8) How can I get any pressure at all from a manual press?
You can achieve this with surprising ease. When you pull the lever on a manual press, the water is forced through your coffee grounds. It’s this that produces anywhere from 8 to 16 BAR of pressure and gives you the industry standard minimum pressure without needing to resort to a complex machine.
9) Are manual espresso makers difficult to clean?
Most are not, no. Look for models with removable brew heads and think about how much time you’re prepared to devote to clean-up. Many of the models we review today take very little time or trouble to keep in immaculate condition. Remember: the better you take care of your machine, the longer it will last.
10) How is it possible to call machines that need electricity “manual”?
Well, it’s the mechanism involving pulling a lever that gives these machines the manual classification. Manual presses allow you to get fully back to basics while a lever-driven machine offers similar control with a little helping hand. Choose the style that best meshes with your needs.
V. Conclusion
By now, you should have everything you need in place to quickly and easily find the right manual espresso maker for your kitchen.
If you take a step back before rushing in, you’ll soon discover that what first seems a complex decision is actually not so difficult.
Study our buying guide then compare the various options we’ve thrown your way and you should soon be drinking mouthwatering espresso the same as the Italians without needing to take out a bank loan.
Before you go, why not bookmark La Mano? We’re here to guide you throughout every step of the coffee brewing process. Check out our brewing tips right here. We’ll also bring you a broad selection of the finest products with something to suit all budgets.
Also, don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any queries or feedback. We love to hear from our readers so don’t be shy and drop us a line!
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