A good cup of espresso is a thing of beauty. The rich, dark coffee is flavorful and aromatic and can be the perfect pick-me-up for any time of day. But making a great cup of espresso at home can be tricky, especially if you don’t have the right equipment.
If you’re in the market for a new espresso machine, you may be wondering if a semi-automatic model is a right choice for you. Semi automatic espresso machines are a popular option for many coffee lovers, as they provide more control over the brewing process than automatic machines.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best semi automatic espresso machines on the market for 2022. We’ll also provide a brief overview of what to look for when shopping for a semi-automatic machine, so you can find the perfect model for your needs.
What is a Semi Automatic Espresso Machine?
A semi automatic espresso machine is a type of coffee maker that gives the user more control over the espresso brewing process than an automatic machine. With a semi-automatic machine, you’ll need to grind the coffee beans and tamp them yourself. You’ll also need to monitor the brewing process and stop it when the espresso is finished brewing.
While this may sound like more work than using an automatic machine, many coffee lovers prefer semi automatic espresso machine because they allow for more control over the final product. This means you can experiment with different grinds and tamps to find the perfect espresso for your taste.
A Quick look at Our Favorites
Top Pick  | Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine |
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 | Gevi 15 Bar Pump Espresso Coffee Machine |
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 | Gaggia Classic Pro Espresso Machine |
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 | Calphalon Espresso Machine |
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 Budget Friendly | Bonsenkitchen 15 Bar Espresso Machine |
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Most Compact  | De'Longhi Dedica Deluxe Automatic Espresso Machine |
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 | Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine |
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The 7 Best Semi Automatic Espresso Machines
1. Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine [TOP PICK]
Looking for a top-of-the-line espresso machine that will help you create perfectly taste coffees every time? Look no further than the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine. This machine is crafted with steel finishing and an integrated precision conical burr grinder, making it durable and easy to use.
Additionally, its optimal water pressure and digital temperature control ensure that your coffee will always be extracted perfectly. Plus, with manual microfoam milk texturing, you can create rich and creamy coffees just like the professionals. Best of all, this machine has a compact footprint, making it perfect for any kitchen countertop.
Pros
Stainless steel finishing
Compact footprint
Precision conical burr grinder
Steam wand with foam-making options
Accurate digital temperature control
15 Bar pressure pump
Cons
The quality of the grinder is not good
Excess water trap tends to fill up quite quickly after heating and cleaning shots
2. Gevi 15 Bar Pump Espresso Coffee Machine
The Gevi 15 Bar Pump Espresso Coffee Machine is the perfect choice for anyone who loves the rich taste and aroma of freshly brewed espresso. This 2-in-1 semi automatic espresso machine is easy to use, thanks to its fast and stable extraction system that assures espresso richness and flavor every time.
Plus, the manual steam wand turns milk into a silky smooth micro-foam, making it the perfect addition to your morning coffee ritual. The two separate thermostats control the temperature of the water and milk foam, so you can enjoy perfectly heated espresso every time.
Pros
Stainless steel
2 separate thermostats control
Manual steam wand
Removable drip tray allows you to use a larger cup
15 bar professional high pressure
Cons
No automatic stop
Steam wand not up to standard
3. Gaggia Classic Pro Espresso Machine
If you’re looking for a great entry-level semi automatic espresso machine, the Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro is a great option. It features a brushed stainless steel housing and a commercial three-way solenoid valve for easy operation. The commercial steam wand makes it easy to create rich, creamy espresso drinks, and the easy-to-use rocker switch controls make it simple to use. You can use pre-ground or ESE pods with this machine, so you can easily make your favorite coffee drinks.
Pros
A three-way solenoid valve system
Commercial-grade components
Single shot and double shot filter basket
Can use either non-pressurized or pressurized portafilters
6 color choices
Cons
Steam capability is barely acceptable.
Hard to monitor the water level of the water reservoir
4. Calphalon Espresso Machine
The Calphalon Espresso Machine is the perfect way to enjoy delicious espresso at home. With its 58mm café-sized portafilter, it holds more grounds and ensures even water dispersion and extraction for robust flavor. Thermoblock heating technology and PID temperature control deliver even heat for consistently great-tasting espresso, and pre-infusion gently blooms the espresso grounds for optimally extracted espresso.
The cup warming tray keeps espresso-ready cups warm, and the steam wand froths milk for a perfect cappuccino or latte. Enjoy the perfect cup of coffee with the Calphalon Espresso Machine.
Pros
58mm café-sized portafilter
Thermoblock heating technology
PID temperature control
Auto-Shot Control
Cup Warming Tray
Cons
Cannot fit larger cup
The knob is flimsy and hard to turn
5. Bonsenkitchen 15 Bar Espresso Machine [BUDGET FRIENDLY]
The Bonsenkitchen Espresso Machine is a budget-friendly, high-performance espresso machine that provides the perfect amount of pressure to extract delicate flavors. It features a built-in steam wand that can quickly produce milk foam and a drip tray and bubbler that can be removed for easy cleaning. The sleek stainless steel design and over-temperature protection make this espresso machine a must-have for any coffee lover.
Pros
Budget-friendly affordable price
Stainless steel steam wand
Over-temperature protection
Easy to clean
Cons
The machine is very light
Very loud
6. De’Longhi EC685M Dedica Deluxe Automatic Espresso Machine [MOST COMPACT]
If you’re looking for a premium semi automatic espresso machine that can deliver quality results every time, look no further than the De’Longhi EC685M Dedica Deluxe Automatic Espresso Machine. With a sleek metallic finish and compact design, this machine is perfect for those who want to save counter space without sacrificing quality.
The 15-bar professional pressure ensures that each cup of coffee is brewed to perfection, while the adjustable controls allow you to customize your drink to your own taste preferences. The premium adjustable frother allows you to create rich, creamy foam for your favorite lattes and cappuccinos, and the automatic flow stop prevents spills and messes. The double drip tray is easy to adjust or remove to accommodate taller cups, such as latte glasses, and the removable water tank makes it easy to fill and clean.
Pros
Compact size
15-bar professional pressure
Automatic flow stop feature
Double drip tray
Cons
Machine lacks pressure
No grinder
7. Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
The Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine is the perfect addition to any kitchen. With its 19-bar Italian pump, it delivers the ideal pressure to extract robust coffee flavors. The easy one-button interface makes it simple to use, and the thermocouple heating system ensures that your coffee is always at the perfect temperature. The automatic milk frother makes it easy to make your favorite coffee drinks, and the cup tray adjusts to conveniently fit tall and short mugs.
Pros
19 bar Italian pump
Easy one-button interface
Automatic milk frother
Adjustable cup tray
Cons
Plastic finishing
The milk reservoir is difficult to clean
How to Choose the Best Semi Automatic Espresso Machine?
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the best semi automatic espresso machine for your needs. One of the most important is the type of coffee you like to drink. If you prefer lattes or cappuccinos, you’ll need a machine with a built-in milk frother. If you like strong, black espresso, you’ll want a machine with a high-pressure pump. Other factors to consider include price, built-in features like a built-in grinder, the type of portafilter, the type of boiler, and more.
Price
When it comes to semi automatic espresso machines, you’ll find that there is a wide range of prices. You can find entry-level machines for around $100, and premium models can cost over $1000. It’s important to find a machine that fits your budget and needs. If you’re just starting out, an entry-level machine may be all you need. But if you’re a coffee enthusiast, you may want to consider investing in a higher-end machine.
Features
- Built-in grinder
If you want to make espresso from freshly ground beans, look for a machine with a built-in grinder.
- Portafilter
The portafilter is the basket that holds the coffee grounds. Some machines come with a single-shot or double-shot portafilter, which is designed for making one or two shots of espresso at a time.
- Boiler
There are two types of boiler systems: single and double. A single boiler system heats the water for brewing espresso, while a double boiler system has a separate heating element for steaming milk.
- Milk frothing wand
If you want to make lattes or cappuccinos, look for a machine with a milk frothing wand.
Counter Space
If you’re limited on counter space, look for a compact machine that won’t take up too much room.
Bottomline
Our top pick for the best semi automatic espresso machine is the Breville BES870XL Barista Express. It’s easy to use and makes delicious espressos with minimal effort on your part. Plus, it comes with a lot of great features that will make your morning coffee ritual even more enjoyable. So what are you waiting for? Pick up one of these machines today and start enjoying barista-quality espressos at home!