Best Steam Wand Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines of 2026

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2026

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Steam Wand Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines are a great choice for those who want to have more control over their espresso-making process. These machines feature a steam wand that allows users to froth milk to their desired consistency, making it perfect for crafting latte art or adding a creamy texture to their espresso. The semi-automatic nature of these machines means that they require some skill and attention from the user, but the end result is a high-quality espresso that can rival that of a professional barista. With a variety of brands and models available, there is a Steam Wand Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine to fit any budget or skill level.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Electactic 20 Bar Espresso Machine with Grinder Cover #TOP 1
Electactic 20 Bar Espresso Machine with Grinder
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine Cover #TOP 2
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine Cover #TOP 3
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Steam Wand Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines

#TOP 1

Electactic 20 Bar Espresso Machine with Grinder

Espresso Machine CM8031
Deep Black
Medium
Electactic 20 Bar Espresso Machine with Grinder Cover
(2025 Upgrade)20 Bar Espresso Machine with Built-in Anti-Clog Coffee Grinder, Expresso Coffee Machines with Milk Steam Wand/Frother/Tamping Tools,Espresso Maker with Grinder for Lattes-Deep Black

The Electactic Espresso Machine offers an upgraded grinder designed to prevent jams, so you can grind your coffee beans smoothly even with oily dark roasts. This means less mess and more convenience in your coffee preparation. With 20 bars of pressure, it extracts maximum flavor and aroma, delivering rich, café-quality espresso with a thick crema. The steam wand lets you create barista-style microfoam, perfect for lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites, giving your drinks a creamy, velvety texture. Easy to use and clean, this machine makes brewing professional-quality coffee at home simple and enjoyable for any coffee lover.

What We Like
Built-in grinder
Easy to use
Quick brewing time
Customizable settings
Easy to clean
#TOP 2

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine

BES870XL
Large
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine Cover
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel

The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is a super-automatic espresso machine that offers all-in-one convenience for the home barista. It features a precision conical burr grinder, low pressure pre-infusion, digital temperature control, manual microfoam milk texturing, and a grind size dial. Customers have praised its full-featured, high-quality performance, but note that it requires some time to learn the machine and get the most out of it.

What We Like
Consistent espresso quality
Built-in adjustable grinder
Easy to use and clean
Premium build and design
Good value for money
#TOP 3

Breville Bambino Espresso Machine

BES450BSS1BUS1
Small
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine Cover
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel

The Breville Bambino Espresso Machine is a semi-automatic espresso machine that comes with a user guide to ensure proper use. It has a capacity of 47 fluid ounces and is made of stainless steel.

What We Like
Easy to use
Consistent espresso quality
Quick heat-up time
High build quality
Effective steam wand
#TOP 4

atatix 20 Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother

EM3111
Silver
Compact
atatix 20 Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother Cover
atatix Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 20 Bar Pressure Espresso Maker, with 44OZ Removable Tank, Compact Stainless Steel Coffee Machine for Home, Office, Latte, Cappuccino, Gift for Women or Men

The atatix Espresso Machine lets you craft your favorite espresso drinks like lattes and cappuccinos right at home, giving you a café-quality experience without leaving your kitchen. Its powerful 20 bar pressure system ensures your coffee is rich and full of aroma, delivering a great taste every time. The built-in temperature control keeps the water just right, so your espresso is brewed perfectly and consistently. Plus, the steam wand froths milk to a creamy, smooth texture, allowing you to create beautiful latte art and enjoy your coffee just the way you like it.

What We Like
Rich, flavorful espresso
20-bar pressure extraction
Easy to use and clean
Compact, stylish design
Effective milk frother
#TOP 5

Chefman CraftBrew Digital Espresso Machine

RJ54-SS-15-D-AM
Stainless Steel
1.8 Liter
Chefman CraftBrew Digital Espresso Machine Cover
Chefman CraftBrew Espresso Machine, 15-Bar Pump Digital Espresso Maker w/Steam Wand for Latte & Cappuccino, Compact Espresso Coffee Machine w/ 1.5L Removable Water Reservoir - Stainless Steel

The Chefman CraftBrew Espresso lets you enjoy café-quality espresso right at home, saving you time and money by skipping the coffee shop lines. Its powerful 15-bar pump ensures you get a rich and bold espresso every time. You can easily make your favorite drinks like cappuccinos and lattes thanks to the built-in milk frother. The machine offers flexibility with two shot baskets and a steam wand, so you can brew single or double shots and customize your drinks. Plus, the large 1.5-liter removable water tank means you can make multiple cups without constantly refilling, making it perfect for entertaining guests or busy mornings.

What We Like
15-bar pump pressure
Built-in milk frother
Two shot baskets
1.5L removable water tank
#TOP 6

KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother

BCM2201
Black
Medium
KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother Cover
KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 800W Compact Espresso and Cappuccino Machine with Preheating Function, 4 Cup Espresso Maker for Cappuccino or Latte, Gift for Coffee Lover

The KEENSTAR Espresso Machine makes brewing coffee easy and convenient for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Its simple single-knob control lets you quickly prepare hot or iced coffee, with a pause function to handle any interruptions. Thanks to fast heating technology, you can enjoy 1 to 4 cups of rich espresso in just about 2 minutes, perfect for busy mornings. The powerful 800W steam wand heats quickly and creates creamy micro-foam in 40 seconds, helping you craft delicious cappuccinos and lattes with smooth texture. Plus, its compact size fits well in any kitchen, saving space without sacrificing features like pressure control and milk frothing.

What We Like
Compact design
Quick heat-up time
Easy to use
Excellent milk frother
Great value for price
#TOP 7

De’Longhi Classic Espresso Machine with Milk Frother

EM450M
Stainless Steel
Linea Classic
De’Longhi Classic Espresso Machine with Milk Frother Cover
De’Longhi Classic Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 15-Bar Pump & Temperature Control - Barista Coffee Maker Kit for Espresso, Latte, Cappuccino & Iced

The De’Longhi Classic Espresso Maker is designed to help you brew barista-quality espresso at home. Its powerful 15-bar pump ensures your coffee is extracted with the right pressure, perfect for making lattes, cappuccinos, and even iced drinks. Thanks to Thermoblock technology, the machine heats up quickly and keeps the temperature steady, so your coffee always tastes just right. The adjustable steam wand lets you easily froth milk or milk alternatives to your liking, whether you want smooth steamed milk or thick, velvety foam for latte art. Plus, you can customize single or double espresso settings to suit your taste, making every cup just how you like it.

What We Like
Beginner-friendly operation
Compact and space-saving design
Consistent espresso quality
Easy-to-clean components
Reliable milk frother
#TOP 8

SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar

CM1661
silver
medium
SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar Cover
SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Professional Espresso Machine with Milk Frother and Touchscreen, Expresso Coffee Machines with Adjustable Temperature,for Cappuccino, Latte

The SHARDOR Espresso Touchscreen offers a powerful 20-bar pressure system that helps you brew rich and flavorful coffee right at home or the office. Its easy-to-use touchscreen lets you pick between single or double cups and adjust coffee strength to match your taste. You’ll also appreciate the professional steam wand, which froths milk perfectly for creamy cappuccinos and lattes. Plus, with three temperature settings, you can control how hot your coffee brews, making each cup just the way you like it. This machine brings barista-quality drinks with simple, convenient features.

What We Like
Delicious, creamy espresso
Easy-to-use touch screen
Compact, slim design
Quick heat-up time
Affordable price
#TOP 9

Breville Barista Express® Espresso Machine

BES876BSS1BNA1
One Size
Breville Barista Express® Espresso Machine Cover
Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine BES876BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel

The Breville Barista Express® Espresso Machine is a semi-automatic machine that grinds, tamps, and extracts espresso all in one. With a 2-liter water tank and brushed stainless steel design, it is easy to use and clean. It is important to note that proper pressure for a proper brew is dependent on grind size, amount of coffee, and tamping, and may require reprogramming. Refer to the user guide before use.

What We Like
Great taste in lattes
Consistent espresso shots
Affordable coffee costs
Easy setup and cleanup
Informative training videos
#TOP 10

CASABREWS Espresso Machine 20 Bar with Milk Frother

CM5418BC-UL
A-Silver
Small
CASABREWS Espresso Machine 20 Bar with Milk Frother Cover
CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Compact Espresso Maker with Steam Milk Frother, Stainless Steel Coffee Machine with 34oz Removable Water Tank for Cappuccino, Gift for Women or Men, Silver

The CASABREWS Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is a semi-automatic 2-in-1 espresso maker that allows you to prepare all your favorite espresso-based coffees at home. It has a professional 20-bar pressure system and a milk frothing system that quickly textures creamy, rich microfoam milk, creating amazing milk foam art and enhancing the flavor of your brews. The compact, stylish and practical design makes it suitable for any size kitchen, and the 34 oz water tank allows you to brew multiple cups.

What We Like
Affordable price
Compact, slim design
Easy to use
Good espresso quality
Effective milk frother
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are semi-automatic espresso machines worth it?

Yes, semi-automatic espresso machines are worth it if you value being involved in the espresso-making process and having control over your shots. They are also usually less expensive compared to fully automatic machines.

2. What is the difference between manual and automatic steam wands?

The main difference between manual and automatic steam wands is that automatic steam wands replace the manual steam handles with a button. This eliminates the need for input from the barista to texture the milk, making it more convenient.

3. Should I get an automatic or semi-automatic espresso machine?

The choice between an automatic or semi-automatic espresso machine depends on your preferences. Automatic machines offer convenience and are hands-off, but you have less control. On the other hand, semi-automatic machines give you more control and the ability to tailor each cup of coffee to individual preferences.

4. Why do baristas prefer to use machines with a semi-automatic option?

Baristas prefer using machines with a semi-automatic option because it allows them a high level of control over the espresso shot. The manual work involved gives them the ability to fine-tune and customize each shot, making semi-automatic espresso machines popular in specialty coffee shops and for home use.

5. What are the 3 types of espresso machines?

There are three main types of espresso machines: semi-automatic, automatic, and super-automatic. These machines use an electronic pump to drive pre-heated water through the brew chamber and coffee bed, with each type offering different levels of control and automation.

6. What's the difference between a frother and a steam wand?

The main difference between a milk frother and a steam wand is that a frother adds air without heating the milk much, resulting in tall, foamy, and light froth. A steam wand, on the other hand, uses heat and pressure to create tiny bubbles and a velvety texture with a flatter microfoam.

7. What is the difference between a Panarello and a steam wand?

A Panarello is a detachable adapter or sleeve that can be fitted over a regular steam wand for easier milk steaming. Some models have a built-in panarello, where the air holes are directly in the wand body and cannot be removed.

Editor's Notes

During our steam wand semi-automatic espresso machine research, we found 24 steam wand semi-automatic espresso machine products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 168,758 customer reviews through our big data system to write the steam wand semi-automatic espresso machines list. We found that most customers choose steam wand semi-automatic espresso machines with an average price of $192.14.

The steam wand semi-automatic espresso machines are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of steam wand semi-automatic espresso machines, including Electactic, Breville, atatix, Chefman, KEENSTAR. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.