Best Manual Espresso Machines of 2025

"I researched various espresso machines and found that this DeLonghi model was ideal for me. It brews a fantastic cup of espresso with the perfect crema, and the milk steamer works excellently. It's straightforward to use and very reasonably priced. While the drip pan shakes a bit and the machine can be loud, these are minor issues for such great performance."

"I recently bought this espresso machine, and I'm thrilled! The price is fantastic for the quality it delivers. It consistently brews rich, flavorful espresso with perfect crema. The modern design fits my kitchen perfectly, and it's easy to use even for beginners. I love that it can make cappuccinos and lattes just like at a coffee shop!"

"This De'Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine is a good choice for beginners at the sale price of $85. If you're willing to put in some effort to learn how to make espresso, it's worth it. The manual operation gives you control, but it does require some education. The instructions are a bit sparse, and I found myself needing to clean it thoroughly every time, which is a bit more intensive than I expected."

"I find this product very good, exceeding my expectations. Now, I can enjoy coffee wherever I am!"

"I initially thought this would be comparable to the picopresso, but I was mistaken. It's more like concentrated coffee, and the plastic feel makes it seem flimsy."

"This little machine delivers with consistent, rich crema, all powered by hand. It’s compact and fun to use, especially when camping or in places without power."

"I purchased this machine for my vacation home, wanting something portable and less expensive than my Ascaso. I enjoy making a couple of coffees each morning, and while it requires more effort than an electric machine, it’s worth it. The value is fantastic—my electric machine cost 17 times more for not much better espresso!"

"After ten years with Nespresso Kazaar, I decided to try the Neo Flex for its cost-effectiveness and support local coffee from Ghana. I love the product, but unfortunately, the piston broke after two months, affecting my shots. I ordered a Flair Pressure Gauge kit to hopefully resolve this issue. Despite that, I’m very pleased with my Neo Flex."

"At first, I was skeptical about the build quality, but once I had the Flair in hand, I found it to be very sturdy and aesthetically pleasing. Using it with the pressure gauge was smooth, and I appreciated that it required minimal preheating. Ultimately, I returned it for the larger Flair Pro, but I was satisfied with the Neo."

"As an espresso enthusiast, I found the Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2 to be a beautifully designed marvel that has completely redefined my home brewing experience. This machine delivers world-class results with the right effort and is an exceptional value compared to my previous global espresso experiences. Seriously, you'd have to pay 10x as much for an automatic machine that offers equivalent quality."

"Since I purchased the Flair, I've saved a significant amount of money by not going to cafes. It's not on the level of a Marzocco, but for what it is, it pulls damn good espresso. The manual operation allows me to engage deeply with the brewing process, making it a truly enjoyable experience."

"I found the Flair to be pretty simple to set up and a lot of fun to use. The espresso it produces is exceptionally good. I followed Flair's guidelines for coffee weight and achieved an exceptional taste and perfect crema. The fact that it's manually operated adds to the satisfaction of brewing. Plus, it looks great and is more compact than I expected!"

"I've saved this in my cart for almost a year. With several upcoming trips, I finally decided to buy it. Now I wish I had bought it sooner. I tested it three times and found it compact, light, and easy to pack. It makes rich espresso, but not quite as creamy as a regular machine. The only downside is that water leakage is possible during use."

"I was amazed that such a small product could produce good espresso! I had an issue with the first adapter not puncturing the pods, but after exchanging it, the new one worked perfectly. The thick plastic parts seem durable. I just carry a separate insulated cup, as the provided one took a bit of figuring out."

"I can't believe this product exists! I usually don't drink black coffee, but this Nanopresso has changed my mind. The crema is incredible and there’s no bitter taste at all. It's portable, affordable, and I use it every day. This is a game changer!"

"I was initially hesitant about spending $60+, but this product has proven to be worth every penny. It has transformed my morning routine, allowing me to enjoy high-quality espresso in less than a minute. The durability and ease of cleaning are impressive, and I love how portable it is. After using it daily for a month and a half, I can confidently say it has already paid for itself!"

"I rarely write reviews, but I feel compelled to share my experience. We bought this espresso maker back in July 2018, and it has become an essential part of our daily routine. The fact that we can easily make 2-4 mugs of Americano coffee every day and take it on our adventures makes it so convenient. After contacting the company about a replacement gasket, I was thrilled to find they now sell it for $1, making this purchase even more worthwhile!"

"The espresso produced is pretty good when using strong coffee beans, but it does require a lot of cleaning afterwards. I found that creating espresso manually is quite challenging as it needs a lot of pressure, which this product also requires."

"I find this espresso maker perfect for hiding at work. It makes a large shot quickly and is easy to clean, similar to my home machine. Its durability impressed my coworkers, who thought the water tank was glass. For the price, it’s unbeatable."

"I really wanted to like this portable espresso maker. After several attempts, I discovered it's not quite up to the task of making true espresso. It makes decent coffee, but I prefer my AeroPress for better results. The build quality is decent, but I’d hoped for more."

"This espresso maker is great for road trips and camping. It requires some effort, but it's worth it for the value it provides. While it might not be the fastest option, it does its job well when access is limited."

"I bought this to replace an old machine. I'm still learning how to make espresso like my wife did. The combo with my new burr grinder works really well. It's quiet and easy to clean."

"This coffee machine is the easiest and best tasting I've used. I love the espresso it produces, especially with fresh ground coffee!"

"After purchasing this, I wanted to stop spending on coffee outings. I appreciate the two espresso size options and the steamer. It's compact, but remember, it's not self-cleaning."

"I was really excited to receive my Staresso Tamper and the espresso maker. After a little hiccup, I was pleased with their prompt customer service and the gift I received as an apology. Now, I’m thoroughly enjoying my mochas every day, and the cleaning is straightforward, which is a big plus for me living in an RV!"

"After using the Starpresso Mirage, I’m quite satisfied. It produces proper espresso with nice crema and feels solid in my hands. The manual pump is effective, but it requires quite a few strokes to build pressure. Cleanup can be a bit messy, but overall, it delivers on its promises."

"Initially hesitant about the crema, I was pleasantly surprised by my first shot—it was smooth and tasty! The construction feels premium, and while it took some time to assemble, I’m getting the hang of it. I think the 53mm filter helps, and I’d advise others to grind their own beans for the best results!"