If you’re a bit of an amateur barista looking for something that will make high-quality espresso every time, then these sleek and convenient machines are an ideal choice.
With semi-automatic espresso machines, you can adjust settings for temperature control and pressure as well as choose between different levels of grind size – all perfect for creating individualized espresso in no time at all.
As a former barista who knows his way around the industry, in this post, I’ll discuss some of the best models on the market. I’ll help you decide which one is best for you.
Table of Contents
- The 9 Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines on the Market
- How To Choose The Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine For You
- Our #1 Recommendation
- FAQs
The 9 Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines on the Market
OVERVIEW TABLE | ||
BEST OVERALL | Breville Barista Express
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RUNNER UP | Calphalon Temp IQ
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BEST BUDGET | Gevi Espresso Machine
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BEST UPGRADE | Bezzera BZ13 PM
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EDITOR'S PICK | Breville Infuser
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BEST SMALL SIZE | De'Longhi EC680M
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BEST ENTRY LEVEL | Gaggia RI9380/46 Pro
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BEST FEATURES | De'Longhi La Specialista
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BEST BUILD | Ascaso Dream Up V3
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If you want to brew high-quality espresso at home, you should get yourself one of the best semi-automatic espresso machines on our list.
Not only will they make your life easier but they are guaranteed to elevate your espresso game because of their accurate heating systems and advanced features.
I will walk you through the basics of these awesome machines and give you all the details on some of our favourite models.
Consider this your cheat sheet before buying!
Breville Barista Express – Best Overall
SPECS
- Brushed stainless steel
- Built-in smart grinder
- 60 oz water tank
PROS
Built-in grinder
Manual control
Temperature stability
Durable construction
Pre-infusion feature
CONS
Single boiler
Smaller water tank
One of the key benefits of the Express is its ability to grind coffee beans automatically using the high-quality built-in burr grinder.
The machine offers a range of grind settings, from coarse to fine, allowing you to adjust to your preferred coffee grind consistency.
The machine uses a 54mm tamper to ensure even coffee puck extraction, ultimately resulting in consistently perfect espresso shots.
The Express model also includes a digital temperature control feature, which enables the espresso machine to accurately maintain the optimal brewing temperature.
This way your coffee’s rich flavours and aroma, along with its natural oils, stay right where they belong, giving you an awesome coffee experience.
The Express has a professional-grade milk frother that lets you make café-quality microfoam, perfect for those Insta-worthy lattes.
But getting the angle and depth right takes some practice. Don’t be afraid to waste a bit of milk until you master your milk-frothing skills.
The machine features a sturdy stainless-steel build easy to clean and maintain. Thanks to its high chromium content, this metal resists corrosion, rust, and tarnishing.
One of my favourite things about the Express is the pre-infusion function. It lets the water soak the coffee grounds slowly which gives it a rich, intense flavour.
It can take a bit to figure out how to use the espresso machine right, and it can be extra loud when making your espresso, which might bug some people.
But all in all, it is an impressive espresso machine. If you are looking for the best semi-automatic for your home, office, or any other place, we recommend Barista Express.
Calphalon Temp IQ – Runner Up
SPECS
- Stainless steel body
- PID temp control
- 94 oz water tank
PROS
Exceptional build quality
Powerful steaming
Temperature stability (PID )
Commercial-grade components
Built-in grinder
CONS
Some plastic parts
Longer heat-up time
The Temp IQ espresso machine boasts a key feature – its PID temperature control system. In other words, no more bad espresso shots.
With the Temp IQ system, the machine automatically adjusts the temperature to ensure that each shot of espresso is perfect.
This is important because water that is too hot can scorch the coffee, while water that is too cold can result in under-extracted coffee with a weak flavour.
The Temp IQ espresso machine even has a powerful steam wand, so you can quickly froth milk and create delicious lattes at home.
And the machine’s commercial-grade portafilter ensures that your coffee is evenly distributed and properly tamped for a perfect extraction.
Just like the Express, it also has a built-in burr grinder. And it is a high-quality burr grinder as well.
In our experience, the Temp IQ espresso machine is super user-friendly. You’ll be making professional-quality espresso in no time, even if it’s your first time making it.
During our review process, we learned that the machine takes a bit longer to heat up compared to our #1 pick – Barista Express. But this doesn’t make any big difference.
It also contains a bit more plastic (BPA-free though) than Express. And it can be quite loud when frothing milk. Again, no big deal. We still love it and rank it very high.
Gevi Espresso Machine – Best On-Budget
PROS
Super-fast heat-up time
User-friendly design
Powerful pressure
Affordable unit
CONS
Plastic components
Frother isn’t the best
Small water tank
One of the primary features of this little espresso maker is its powerful 20-bar pressure pump, which provides a smooth and rich brew.
This machine also boasts a fast heating system that can get your coffee ready in just 25 seconds. We find this quite amazing for a little machine like this.
The Gevi also has a built-in milk frother that can whip up velvety foam for your cappuccinos and lattes. Super handy!
This coffee maker has a user-friendly design with an easy-to-use touch panel. It’s a breeze to clean, too, thanks to the removable drip tray and water tank.
Despite its cool features, the Gevi Espresso Machine isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. We expected this since it is an on-budget option.
Some people have had issues with the machine getting clogged, which makes for a real pain in the neck when it comes to keeping things clean.
Then there’s the frother, which seems to be hit or miss, and the machine itself doesn’t always deliver the consistently great results you’d expect.
But overall, this little guy from Gevi’s workshop is an excellent investment for espresso and coffee lovers who want an easy-to-use, affordable, and versatile machine.
However, if you are looking for a machine that offers consistent results you should consider either the Express or the Temp IQ models above.
Bezzera BZ13 PM – Best Upgrade
SPECS
- Stainless steel body
- Heat exchange boiler
- 101 oz water tank
PROS
Exceptional build quality
Excellent performance
Temperature stability
Attractive and sleek design
Commercial-grade components
CONS
Expensive
Learning curve
The Bezzera espresso machine is a high-quality, Italian-made espresso machine. It is more a prosumer machine than it is your classic home model.
This machine is also known for its exceptional build quality, impressive features, and intuitive design, making it a top choice for many coffee lovers.
One of the key features of the BZ13 PM is its powerful thermosiphon heating system, which delivers consistently hot water for exceptional espresso extraction.
This system also allows for quick and easy temperature adjustments, so you can fine-tune your brewing process to achieve the best results.
Another benefit of this machine is its commercial-grade components. For instance, its E-61 group head is a tried and tested design that is known for its excellent temperature stability and even heat distribution.
The adjustable steam wand and hot water dispenser make it easy to create latte art or heat water for tea or other beverages.
In addition to its impressive performance and features, the BZ13 also boasts a sleek and stylish design that is sure to complement any kitchen or coffee shop.
Its stainless steel construction is not only durable but also easy to clean, while the ergonomic control knobs and gauges ensure precise and easy operation.
The Bezzera is a great espresso machine, but it’s pricey. Also, brewing the perfect espresso shot requires a bit more manual effort with no automatic settings.
But if you are looking for the best of the best in semi-automatic espresso machines, and you’re not afraid to spend, then this one is it.
Breville Infuser – Editor’s Pick
SPECS
- Stainless steel body
- Volumetric control
- 61 oz water tank
PROS
Temperature stability
Easy to use
Build quality
Programmable settings
Powerful frother
CONS
No grinder
Smaller water tank
One of the key features of the Infuser is its pre-infusion system. This system gradually increases the water pressure during the extraction process.
This ensures that you get the most out of your espresso. You will also notice a pressure gauge that accurately displays the pressure during the brewing process.
Furthermore, its programmable shot volumes and temperature control system ensure accurate brewing with your personalized setting.
Another feature of the Infuser is the high-quality and robust stainless steel construction. It’s resistant to rusting and corrosion.
Just like the other Breville model on our list, the Infuser has a milk frother that is capable of making barista-quality microfoam for your espresso drinks.
The Breville Infuser is a great choice if you’re looking for an espresso machine that’s super easy to use. It’s got a user-friendly interface and is really easy to keep clean.
Plus, it’s built to last, so it’s definitely worth the investment in the long run!
The main difference between this and other Breville models is that it doesn’t have a built-in grinder. If you don’t own one, you’ll have to invest in it too.
Also, the machine has a smaller water tank capacity than some other machines on this list. We assume this might be a problem if you are a heavy user who wants to brew continuously.
Here is our in-depth review of Breville Infuser if you want to keep on reading.
De’Longhi EC680M – Best Small Size
SPECS
- Stainless steel body
- Compact size
- 34 oz water tank
PROS
Compact design
Programmable settings
Fast start-up
Thermoblock heating
CONS
No grinder
Frequent cleaning
Inconsistent frother
The De’Longhi EC680M is super cool because it heats up really fast and guarantees a consistent brewing temperature thanks to the thermoblock heating system.
The automatic flow-stop function allows you to brew up to two cups of espresso simultaneously while ensuring that each cup receives the same amount of coffee.
Another notable feature of the EC680M is its frother. It’s not the best one we have had a chance to test, but it does the job well. This machine also has a removable water tank for easy maintenance and cleaning.
One of the major benefits of this machine is its compact size. It is designed to fit even in small kitchens, yet it still delivers a good quality cup of espresso.
The De’Longhi EC680M Espresso Machine has some cons to consider, depending on personal preferences.
For example, it doesn’t have a built-in grinder, which means you need to grind the beans separately. Also, some users say it needs frequent cleaning to avoid clogs, which takes away from its convenience.
But overall, it is a solid little machine that makes nice espresso. Our detailed DeLonghi Dedica review could help you to learn more.
Gaggia RI9380/46 Pro – Best Entry Level
SPECS
- Brushed stainless steel
- Commercial steam wand
- 72 oz water tank
PROS
Exceptional build quality
Powerful steam wand
Temperature stability
Manual pressure control
Easy cleaning
CONS
Single boiler
Lack of PID temp control
Some plastic parts
The Gaggia RI9380/46 Pro espresso machine is a top-of-the-line coffee maker that blends affordability and performance seamlessly.
We already mentioned this machine on our list of espresso machines for beginners.
Its features include a commercial-style portafilter and a three-way solenoid valve that allows for a dry puck and easy clean-up.
It also includes dual heating for temperature stability and more consistent brewing.
The machine also features an updated steam wand, which allows you to create velvety frothed milk and a hot water spout for making tea and other beverages.
Just like the top semi-automatic models on our list, Classic Pro is made entirely from stainless steel. Little to no plastic is found in the construction.
Plus, the water reservoir is large enough (72oz), so there’s no need for frequent refills. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a built-in grinder.
All things considered, we know that the Classic Pro is a great choice for home baristas who want commercial-grade features with exceptional results. With some practice and patience, you can perfect your shots and latte art.
It’s a worthwhile investment! We also wrote a long-form review of Gaggia Classic Pro where we reveal much more about this amazing unit.
De’Longhi La Specialista – Best Features
SPECS
- Stainless steel body
- Integrated grinder
- 44 oz water tank
PROS
Super-fast heat-up time
Dual boiler system
Advanced temp control
Smart tamping station
Built-in grinder
Professional-grade frother
CONS
Expensive
Steep learning curve
The De’Longhi La Specialista espresso machine is a high-end coffee maker that is designed to give coffee enthusiasts an authentic Italian coffee experience.
You might have seen it in commercials with Brad Pitt. It’s that popular, yea.
Aside from its popularity, this machine is developed with professional features and capabilities to provide top-quality home-brewed espresso.
It is an all-in-one barista-style machine that incorporates the latest technology.
One of the major features of this machine is its dual heating system that heats up in just 3 seconds. This is perfect if you are in a rush to get your dose of espresso.
And just like the best semi-automatic espresso machines, La Specialista is capable of advanced temperature control during the brewing process.
The machine is also equipped with a smart tamping station that helps you create a perfectly level and compacted coffee bed.
Other features of the De’Longhi La Specialista include a built-in grinder with an advanced grinding system with multiple settings.
Then there is a medium-sized water tank and a professional-grade milk frother. All in all, it is an advanced espresso-making machine for sure.
One of the most common complaints about La Specialista, which we experienced too, is the learning curve. It may take a while even for advanced baristas like me to figure it out.
If you need more information, here is our DeLonghi La Spacialista review.
Ascaso Dream Up V3 – Best Build
SPECS
- Aluminium body
- Dual-spout portafilter
- 44 oz water tank
PROS
Sturdy build
Fast heat-up time
Temperature stability (PID )
Portafilter options
Powerful steam wand
CONS
Expensive
No grinder
The Ascaso Dream Up V3 espresso machine has been taking the coffee brewing world by storm with its sleek design, and a multitude of advanced features.
One of the key features of the Ascaso Dream Up V3 is its thermoblock heating system, which ensures that the machine heats up quickly and efficiently.
This semi-automatic machine also comes with a built-in PID temperature controller that maintains the desired temperature throughout the brewing process.
The machine has a high-quality brass boiler that maintains consistent brewing temperature, even when making multiple shots in a row.
Another advantage of the Dream Up V3 is its user-friendly interface. It features a simple one-touch brewing button, as well as an intuitive steam wand for frothing milk.
Did you know that Ascaso can make coffee using grounds or pods? You don’t need any special kits. All you have to do is switch the filter basket.
One of the main reasons it ended up on our list is the fact that it is super durable and high quality, built to last for years with top-notch aluminium materials.
However, the price of this machine is on the higher end of the scale in this category. And add to that the fact that it doesn’t have a built-in grinder is a bit disappointing.
Nonetheless, Ascaso Dream Up V3 is a great investment that’s going to last for years and years. Despite some disadvantages, it’s still an excellent choice.
How To Choose The Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine For You
Choosing the ideal semi-auto espresso machine requires considering factors like construction, durability, brewing system, simplicity of use, and cost.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose an espresso machine that fits your needs and budget, as well as get tips on how to pick the best semi-automatic for you.
How Easy Is It To Use The Espresso Machine?
Ease of use is a crucial factor to consider. The machine should be intuitive and easy to use, even for beginners. Complicated features will just complicate your life.
Additionally, a machine that is straightforward to assemble, clean and maintain will make your life easier.
So make sure to look into machines that fit the bill. Our best choice for all skill levels is Breville Barista Express. It’s simple to use, yet super-advanced from the inside.
What Kind Of Material Is Used To Build the Machine?
One of the main aspects to consider when selecting the best semi-automatic espresso machine is the build quality and durability of the unit.
A good machine should be constructed with high-quality materials to ensure that it lasts for a long time without any issues.
For instance, a machine with a stainless steel body and heavy-duty die-cast metal will be more durable and likely to last longer compared to plastic units.
How Good Is The Espresso Machine’s Brew Unit?
The brew unit is where we put the ground coffee beans, hot water flows through it, and voila, your cup gets filled with tasty coffee.
The top espresso machine should have a reliable system that produces excellent-quality coffee with minimum effort.
Also, the ideal unit should offer adjustable settings to allow you to control the strength, texture, and temperature of the coffee to suit your preference.
Luckily, the quality of the brew unit was our main focal point while putting this list of best semi-automatic espresso machines together for you.
Does The Machine Have a Single or Dual Boiler?
Single-boiler machines have just one boiler for both coffee and milk, so it takes time to make espresso and steam milk. Plus, quality might slip.
The upside: single-boilers are cheaper, smaller and more energy-efficient. Examples are Gevi and De’Longhi EC680M.
Dual-boiler machines get the job done in a jiffy with two different boilers, one for coffee and one for steaming. The temperature stays perfect, resulting in great espresso made quickly and consistently.
Dual-boilers are bigger, hotter, and pricier, but totally worth it for a latte or cappuccino. All other machines on our list have this feature.
Does The Espresso Machine Come With a Grinder?
If you’re already using a coffee grinder at home, you can skip this feature when considering an espresso machine – but having a built-in grinder is super convenient.
Quality machines will more or less simplify the grinding process for you. You might need to dial in some settings. Once you do, it will grind at a push of a button.
It’s a great feature that saves time and money because you don’t need to buy a grinder and grind your beans separately.
How Big or Small Is The Espresso Machine?
If you’re trying to pick between a big and small semi-automatic espresso machine, first thing first: think about how much espresso you’re gonna make.
If you’re planning to whip up a bunch at once, a larger machine could be a better fit. But if it’s just for home or a small office, a smaller machine might work just fine.
Also, make sure you’ve got the space for it, especially since the big ones can take up lots of counters or floor space.
How Much Money Are You Willing To Spend?
Lastly, it’s essential to consider the cost of the machine. Choose a machine that falls within your budget but ensure that it offers all the essential features you’re looking for.
However, don’t compromise on quality just to save a few bucks.
Investing in a high-quality, durable, and reliable machine will save you from frequent repairs and replacements, which can quickly become costly.
Our #1 Recommendation
We’ve tried loads of machines and have to say, Barista Express is a real winner. It’s one of the best semi-automatic espresso machines out there.
SPECS
- Brushed stainless steel
- Built-in smart grinder
- 60 oz water tank
PROS
Built-in grinder
Manual control
Temperature stability
Durable construction
Pre-infusion feature
CONS
Single boiler
Smaller water tank
Not only does it come with features like a built-in grinder and adjustable manual settings, but it is simple and easy to use and clean.
Plus, its stainless steel body ensures a long lifespan so you can make many cups of espresso without any concerns of breaking or malfunctioning parts.
I highly recommend it if you are serious about investing in a semi-auto machine.
On the other hand, if you just want to test this category of espresso machines, maybe it would be a better option to go with our budget-friendly pick.
Also, here is our list of super-automatic espresso machines if you want a more hands-free approach to brewing your daily coffee at home.
FAQs
What is a semi-automatic espresso machine?
A semi-automatic espresso machine is a coffee maker that allows you to control the amount of water being delivered to the coffee grounds manually.
It offers more control over the brewing process, giving you more flexibility to experiment with different brewing techniques.
How do I choose the right semi-automatic espresso machine for my needs?
When choosing a semi-automatic espresso machine, consider factors such as your budget, the machine’s features, ease of use, and the quality of the coffee produced.
Look for machines with a high-quality boiler, a powerful pump, and a large water tank.
Consider the type and size of the portafilter, the ease of cleaning and maintenance, and whether the machine is compatible with different coffee types and grinds.
What types of coffee drinks can I make with a semi-automatic espresso machine?
These machines are versatile and can be used to prepare a wide range of coffee drinks, including espresso shots, macchiatos, cappuccinos, lattes, and Americanos.
The machine can also be used to make other speciality coffee drinks, such as mochas and caramel macchiatos.
How do I clean and maintain my semi-automatic espresso machine?
It is essential to clean and maintain your machine regularly to ensure it continues to produce high-quality coffee drinks.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and descaling the machine, and clean the portafilter and other parts after each use.
