Best espresso machine 2025 for the sophisticated coffee connoisseur

Home LivingAppliancesKitchenCoffee MachinesBest espresso machine 2025 for the sophisticated coffee connoisseurThese are the best espresso machines, from affordable and compact to premium and largeWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

These are the best espresso machines, from affordable and compact to premium and large

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Pexels | Chevanon Photography)

Espresso lifestyle

(Image credit: Pexels | Chevanon Photography)

Various types of machine or gizmo may lay claim to the title ofbest coffee maker, but for most Europeans nothing compares to a hit of good strong espresso. And for that you want the best espresso maker you can buy, whether you favour a plain shot, cappuccino, latte or macchiato.

Yes, espresso machines may be a little more difficult to use than your averageNespresso machineor any of the entries in ourbest pod coffee machineguide. And yes they are also a touch more expensive. The results, however, are usually much more satisfying. Everyone in Europe knows it, Finland and Sweden – the world’s biggest coffee consumers – certainly know it, and word is getting out even in America, homeland of thepour over coffee machine.

Trouble is, there’s a bewildering plethora of espresso machines out there and that presents a daunting challenge for anyone wishing to narrow the shopping list down to just a handful of machines.

Luckily, we’ve got everything in this guide from top-quality domestic and manually operated hand-pump machines to larger, semi-pro behemoths. There’s even a portable or two knocking about for those for whom nothing but the real thing will do, even when far away from home.

It’s also worth noting that thebest bean to cup coffee machinesare also, in effect espresso makers with a coffee grinder andmilk frotherattached to them, so don’t rule out one of those big kitchen beasts. Alternatively, opt for thebest capsule espresso machineif you prefer the lazy and cheap option – nothing wrong with that!

The best espresso machines to buy today in 2025

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(Image credit: Sage)

Best espresso machine: Sage the Bambino Plus on pink background

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(Image credit: Sage)

Sage the Bambino PlusThe best manual espresso maker for novicesOur expert review:Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆SpecificationsHeight:31cmWater capacity:1.9lSteam nozzle:YesToday’s Best DealsCheck AmazonReasons to buy+Easy to use+Smallish footprint+Unpretentious styling+Great performerReasons to avoid-Not that cheap-No espresso cup shelf under the portafilter
Sage the Bambino Plus

1. Sage the Bambino Plus

The best manual espresso maker for novices

Our expert review:Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

Our expert review:

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

SpecificationsHeight:31cmWater capacity:1.9lSteam nozzle:Yes

Height:31cmWater capacity:1.9lSteam nozzle:Yes

Height:31cm

Water capacity:1.9l

Steam nozzle:Yes

Today’s Best DealsCheck Amazon

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Reasons to buy+Easy to use+Smallish footprint+Unpretentious styling+Great performer

+Easy to use+Smallish footprint+Unpretentious styling+Great performer

Easy to use

Smallish footprint

Unpretentious styling

Great performer

Reasons to avoid-Not that cheap-No espresso cup shelf under the portafilter

-Not that cheap-No espresso cup shelf under the portafilter

Not that cheap

No espresso cup shelf under the portafilter

You may have noticed while perusing this website that we’re rather keen on Sage coffee machines. That should come as no surprise since pretty much all of their appliances are expertly built using top-quality materials and the majority are designed to operate with as little fuss as possible. Just like this compact manual espresso machine.

Measuring a petite 32 x 31 x 20cm, the Bambino Plus comes with a removable 1.9-litre water tank for easy filling, an automatic steam wand and a simple three-button interface: two buttons for one- and two-cup extractions, and another for the steam wand. Two more buttons to the right operate the temperature for the milk (using a sensor) and the texture of the froth. The whole shebang heats up in just three seconds. Yes, that’s right, just three seconds from start up to your first caffeine hit.

Some manual espresso machines require a degree in chemistry and physics but not this little titan. There’s no faffing about with levers, extraction times and water pressures here me hearties; just load the 54mm portafilter with some finely ground espresso coffee (it holds 19 grams if you really must know), twist it into the group head and press a button. Boom, instant deep, rich espresso with full luxurious crema – just as we like it.

The Bambino Plus is available in five colours – stainless steel, black, grey, off white and a wonderful Damson Blue – and comes with a two-year ‘Repair, Replace or Refund’ guarantee. If you’re in the market for a hassle-free manual espresso maker that delivers the goods quickly and consistently then bung this beauty on the list.

Now read our full review of the Sage The Bambino Plus

(Image credit: Beem)

Beem Espresso Grind Expert on white background

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(Image credit: Beem)

Beem Espresso Grind ExpertA top choice for discerning espresso aficionadosSpecificationsHeight:39.5cmWater capacity:2.8lSteam nozzle:YesToday’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit SiteReasons to buy+Very easy to use+Excellent pro-style performance+Good-quality onboard grinder+Great valueReasons to avoid-It’s hefty-Plastic construction
Beem Espresso Grind Expert

2. Beem Espresso Grind Expert

A top choice for discerning espresso aficionados

SpecificationsHeight:39.5cmWater capacity:2.8lSteam nozzle:Yes

Height:39.5cmWater capacity:2.8lSteam nozzle:Yes

Height:39.5cm

Water capacity:2.8l

Steam nozzle:Yes

Today’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit Site

Today’s Best Deals

Check AmazonVisit Site

Check Amazon

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Reasons to buy+Very easy to use+Excellent pro-style performance+Good-quality onboard grinder+Great value

+Very easy to use+Excellent pro-style performance+Good-quality onboard grinder+Great value

Very easy to use

Excellent pro-style performance

Good-quality onboard grinder

Great value

Reasons to avoid-It’s hefty-Plastic construction

-It’s hefty-Plastic construction

It’s hefty

Plastic construction

If you struggle to get a decent espresso out of a manual machine, you might want to try this new model from German company Beem which comes with its own grinder, 15 bars of pressure, an integrated milk frother and two thermoblocks so you can make an espresso while frothing milk at the same time. At a smidgeon under £400, it’s one of the most intuitive models available and it produces excellent café-style espressos, cappuccinos and lattes with almost zero fuss.

The Beem Espresso Grind Expert comes with its own 250g built-in grinder with 30 grind levels, a huge 2.8-litre water container, a professional non-pressurised twin-spout portafilter with two baskets for single and double espressos, and a gloriously weighty 388g tamper that is a joy to use.

A key element of this espresso machine is the large pressure dial on the front fascia. Simply ensure that the needle is as close to centre as possible when hitting your preferred extraction button – there are two, one for single shots and another for doubles – and chances are you’ll create the espresso of your dreams. It really is that simple. And if you prefer milk with your coffee, there’s a top-tier frothing wand to the right (the product ships with a stainless steel milk jug). Incidentally, if you create a lot of mess emptying the portafilter of used grounds, consider purchasing aBeem knockbox for Portafilterwhich makes the process a lot let messy.

I tested the Espresso Grind Expert using my new favourite beans – the deliciously chocolatyQuarta Caffè Baroccoblend – and the results hit all the right notes. Crema was deep and silky and the flavour had oodles of clout, just like a barista bar.

Despite the surfeit of plastic, this keenly-priced model comes highly recommended. It’s easy to use, attractively styled and it produces top-quality shots that will make you the toast of the neighbourhood.

Now read our full review of the non-digital version, the Beem Espresso Grind Profession

(Image credit: Smeg)

Best manual espresso 2023: Smeg ECF01 on pink background

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(Image credit: Smeg)

Smeg ECF01The prettiest espresso machine on the marketAverage Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆SpecificationsHeight:33cmWater capacity:1 litreSteam nozzle:YesToday’s Best DealsView at Amazon(Red)View at Amazon(Blue)View at Amazon(Black)Reasons to buy+Stunning looker+Well madeReasons to avoid-Art deco look might not suit all kitchens
Smeg ECF01

3. Smeg ECF01

The prettiest espresso machine on the market

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

SpecificationsHeight:33cmWater capacity:1 litreSteam nozzle:Yes

Height:33cmWater capacity:1 litreSteam nozzle:Yes

Height:33cm

Water capacity:1 litre

Steam nozzle:Yes

Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon(Red)View at Amazon(Blue)View at Amazon(Black)

Today’s Best Deals

View at Amazon(Red)View at Amazon(Blue)View at Amazon(Black)

View at Amazon(Red)

View at Amazon

(Red)

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View at Amazon

(Blue)

View at Amazon(Black)

View at Amazon

(Black)

Reasons to buy+Stunning looker+Well made

+Stunning looker+Well made

Stunning looker

Well made

Reasons to avoid-Art deco look might not suit all kitchens

-Art deco look might not suit all kitchens

Art deco look might not suit all kitchens

This tall-standing, gorgeous hunk of quintessential Smeggishness is just the ticket for those who love a bit of retro in their Hampstead kitchen.

To say it’s easy to use is an understatement. Just load up the pleasingly weighty stainless steel portafilter with your favourite espresso blend, tap one of the cup buttons and either leave it to complete a predetermined measure of water or stand over it with a stopwatch and press the button to stop it manually, on exactly 27.5 seconds (or whatever your favoured extraction time may be).

The milk frother is just as simple to use though you may need to adjust the angle of the milk container to find the sweet spot. Other fine details include a one-litre removable water reservoir, a cup warming plate that rarely gets warm and three simple buttons: one cup, two cups and steam.

The espresso this pretty appliance produces is nothing short of marvellous. If style and design are as important as flavour when it comes to your morning coffee, get over to the John Lewis website pronto and snap one up. It’s available in seven rich colours when fully stocked.

(Image credit: Staresso)

Staresso on pink background

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(Image credit: Staresso)

Staresso Basic Portable Espresso MakerThe best portable espresso maker for travellersSpecificationsHeight:20cmWater capacity:100mlSteam nozzle:NoToday’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit SiteReasons to buy+Brilliantly designed+Easy to use+Makes top-flight espresso+Nespresso compatibleReasons to avoid-Requires a little elbow grease
Staresso Basic Portable Espresso Maker

4. Staresso Basic Portable Espresso Maker

The best portable espresso maker for travellers

SpecificationsHeight:20cmWater capacity:100mlSteam nozzle:No

Height:20cmWater capacity:100mlSteam nozzle:No

Height:20cm

Water capacity:100ml

Steam nozzle:No

Today’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit Site

Today’s Best Deals

Check AmazonVisit Site

Check Amazon

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Reasons to buy+Brilliantly designed+Easy to use+Makes top-flight espresso+Nespresso compatible

+Brilliantly designed+Easy to use+Makes top-flight espresso+Nespresso compatible

Brilliantly designed

Easy to use

Makes top-flight espresso

Nespresso compatible

Reasons to avoid-Requires a little elbow grease

-Requires a little elbow grease

Requires a little elbow grease

If you’re a fan of portable espresso makers that don’t require electricity then you’ll be very interested in this model from Staresso. In many ways it’s an even better option than our long-term favourite, the Wacaco Nanopresso, which the Staresso pips to a higher slot on this page.

The Staresso was designed for travel and you’ll thank your lucky stars you bought one next time you’re at a hotel that only serves percolated sludge or worse, instant coffee.

It measures just 20cm x 7cm, weighs 455g and is comprised of a 100ml water chamber, a small circular portafilter and an integral shatter-resistant drinking glass. Ingeniously, the Staresso also accepts Nespresso pods.

To use, simply fill the chamber with hot water, then fill the portafilter with your favourite blend or, for extra convenience and less mess, pop in a Nespresso pod. Now screw it all together and pump the silver plunger until a slim stream of rich, lip-smacking crema-topped espresso is dispensed into the cup below.

The Staresso Portable is must-have item for any travelling caffeine aficionado, especially since it also accept Nespresso pods without the need for any extra add-ons. Hotly recommended.

Best manual espresso 2023: Sage Dual Boiler

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Sage The Dual Boiler Espresso MachineBest money-no-object espresso machineAverage Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆SpecificationsHeight:36cmWater capacity:2.5 litresSteam nozzle:YesToday’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit SiteReasons to buy+Consistently excellent coffee+Minimal effortReasons to avoid-Rather a large thing
Sage The Dual Boiler Espresso Machine

5. Sage The Dual Boiler Espresso Machine

Best money-no-object espresso machine

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

SpecificationsHeight:36cmWater capacity:2.5 litresSteam nozzle:Yes

Height:36cmWater capacity:2.5 litresSteam nozzle:Yes

Height:36cm

Water capacity:2.5 litres

Steam nozzle:Yes

Today’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit Site

Today’s Best Deals

Check AmazonVisit Site

Check Amazon

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Reasons to buy+Consistently excellent coffee+Minimal effort

+Consistently excellent coffee+Minimal effort

Consistently excellent coffee

Minimal effort

Reasons to avoid-Rather a large thing

-Rather a large thing

Rather a large thing

A hulking brute of an appliance, in Sage’s usual battleship-like brushed metal (with matching, tough plastic bits), this is a near-cube of 36x37x36cm. However, if your kitchen can take it – hey, it’s almost compact in comparison to the brand’s bean-to-cup behemoths – you should seriously consider one.

The great thing about Sage’s best coffee makers is that they look, act and feel like professional machines. However, your dirty secret is that the delicious coffee they produce is not down to your skills as a barista; clever electronics and well engineered components are taking the guesswork out of it for you.

The Dual Boiler, as its name suggests, has two boilers. There’s one for steaming the milk and one for making the coffee, so you can do both at once. If you don’t run a coffee shop or have a large household full of caffeine fiends who all need their fix at the same time each morning, that is arguably not very useful.

However, the brace of boilers also allows more consistent water temperature for your beverage, which means it tastes better. Coffee making is a precision art, but the Dual Boiler makes it pretty simple.

There are manual settings you can play with as well, so if you want to experiment and develop some real barista skills, the Dual Boiler is still a top choice.

As you’d expect for its premium price, the Dual Boiler comes with a very good tamper, is easy to clean (although not so easy to descale; another good reason to use filtered water) and gives the impression that, if maintained properly, it ought to last forever.

The milk frother works well enough but unlike some of the newer Sage machines, it isn’t fully automated, and while it’s fine for lattes, you may find you struggle to get milk to the denser consistency required for cappuccino. You could always add one of thebest milk frothersto your setup, I suppose…

(Image credit: Gaggia)

Best manual espresso 2023: Gaggia Classic

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(Image credit: Gaggia)

Gaggia ClassicA top espresso maker for trendiesAverage Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆SpecificationsHeight:38cmWater capacity:2.1 litresSteam nozzle:YesToday’s Best DealsView at AmazonView at AmazonReasons to buy+Authentic espressos+Large water tank+Commercial build qualityReasons to avoid-A bit noisy, maybe
Gaggia Classic

6. Gaggia Classic

A top espresso maker for trendies

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

SpecificationsHeight:38cmWater capacity:2.1 litresSteam nozzle:Yes

Height:38cmWater capacity:2.1 litresSteam nozzle:Yes

Height:38cm

Water capacity:2.1 litres

Steam nozzle:Yes

Today’s Best DealsView at AmazonView at Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

View at AmazonView at Amazon

View at Amazon

Reasons to buy+Authentic espressos+Large water tank+Commercial build quality

+Authentic espressos+Large water tank+Commercial build quality

Authentic espressos

Large water tank

Commercial build quality

Reasons to avoid-A bit noisy, maybe

-A bit noisy, maybe

A bit noisy, maybe

The Gaggia Classic brings a slice of Shoreditch to your kitchenette. Given that Gaggia pretty much invented the espresso, we think it’s safe to say the Italian company knows a thing or two about the subject. The newly revamped Classic is built to near commercial standards and constructed almost entirely out of stainless steel, including the boiler. At 38cm tall, it will still easily fit the space between the kitchen worktop and the wall units.

Whether you like an industrial-looking machine on your kitchen worktop is up to you, but what can’t be argued with is the quality of its espresso. Despite the noise, this thing makes a sensational cup of black gold with a deep, almost Guinness-like crema.

You thankfully don’t need a degree in baristaology to operate it either, since it comes with just three industrial-size buttons: one to turn it on and off, another for the coffee and a third for the steam wand. You will, however, need to stop the extraction process yourself.

The Gaggia Classic is a cracking espresso maker that is easy enough for even the most tech illiterate user to get a handle on.

Best manual espresso 2023: Delonghi Dedica

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De’Longhi Dedica StyleBest espresso machine under £200SpecificationsHeight:33cmWater capacity:1 litreSteam nozzle:YesToday’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit SiteReasons to buy+Compact+Makes excellent espresso+Surprisingly good steam wandReasons to avoid-Doesn’t look or feel hugely robust
De’Longhi Dedica Style

7. De’Longhi Dedica Style

Best espresso machine under £200

SpecificationsHeight:33cmWater capacity:1 litreSteam nozzle:Yes

Height:33cmWater capacity:1 litreSteam nozzle:Yes

Height:33cm

Water capacity:1 litre

Steam nozzle:Yes

Today’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit Site

Today’s Best Deals

Check AmazonVisit Site

Check Amazon

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Reasons to buy+Compact+Makes excellent espresso+Surprisingly good steam wand

+Compact+Makes excellent espresso+Surprisingly good steam wand

Compact

Makes excellent espresso

Surprisingly good steam wand

Reasons to avoid-Doesn’t look or feel hugely robust

-Doesn’t look or feel hugely robust

Doesn’t look or feel hugely robust

The Delonghi Dedica is a slim, handsome looker that produces exquisite espressos, cappuccinos and lattes with the push of a button. Simply fill the portafilter, press one cup or two, and it extracts an excellent brew with very little fuss. Or at least, it does once you dispense with the fairly terrible tamper that the Dedica comes with and invest in something a little more heavyweight. You’ll also need to experiment with what size dose of coffee to use, but this is soon mastered after a few experiments.

The steam wands on cheaper espresso machines are often terrible, and the wand on this one doesn’t at first appear very promising, but with a little practice, it can actually turn out very nicely textured milk to service your latte or cappuccino needs. If you don’t fancy spending too much on a manual espresso machine, the Delonghi Dedica is an excellent choice.

Best manual espresso 2023: Wacaco Minipresso GR

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Wacaco Minipresso GROur second favourite portable espresso making deviceAverage Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆SpecificationsHeight:18cmWater capacity:70mlSteam nozzle:NoToday’s Best DealsCheck AmazonReasons to buy+Brilliant portable option+Surprisingly excellent espresso+No electricity required – just add hot waterReasons to avoid-A bit fiddly to use-Requires strong fingers
Wacaco Minipresso GR

8. Wacaco Minipresso GR

Our second favourite portable espresso making device

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

SpecificationsHeight:18cmWater capacity:70mlSteam nozzle:No

Height:18cmWater capacity:70mlSteam nozzle:No

Height:18cm

Water capacity:70ml

Steam nozzle:No

Today’s Best DealsCheck Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

Check Amazon

Reasons to buy+Brilliant portable option+Surprisingly excellent espresso+No electricity required – just add hot water

+Brilliant portable option+Surprisingly excellent espresso+No electricity required – just add hot water

Brilliant portable option

Surprisingly excellent espresso

No electricity required – just add hot water

Reasons to avoid-A bit fiddly to use-Requires strong fingers

-A bit fiddly to use-Requires strong fingers

A bit fiddly to use

Requires strong fingers

If you’re a travelling espresso junkie who can’t function without a decent caffeine hit, try this little portable lifesaver. The cylindrical Minipresso measures just 18cm x 5cm and comes with everything you need to make a genuinely creamy espresso.

Just add hot water and a scoop of fine-ground blend and slowly squeeze the piston for an unexpectedly rich, aromatic espresso as good as the majority of machines on this page. And that’s no exaggeration. It’s made from seemingly unbreakable plastic, too, so it should stand up to a lot of knocks.

If hotel coffee rarely meets your high expectations or you’re stuck out in the wilds, pop one of these in the shoulder bag and you’ll never be without a proper caffeine fix again.

Best manual espresso 2023: LA PAVONI EN EUROPICCOLA

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La Pavoni EuropiccolaOkay, now we’re getting seriousAverage Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆SpecificationsHeight:32cmWater capacity:0.8 litresSteam nozzle:YesToday’s Best DealsView at AmazonReasons to buy+Great looks+Excellent resultsReasons to avoid-Copious manual reading required-A chore to clean
La Pavoni Europiccola

9. La Pavoni Europiccola

Okay, now we’re getting serious

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

SpecificationsHeight:32cmWater capacity:0.8 litresSteam nozzle:Yes

Height:32cmWater capacity:0.8 litresSteam nozzle:Yes

Height:32cm

Water capacity:0.8 litres

Steam nozzle:Yes

Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

View at Amazon

Reasons to buy+Great looks+Excellent results

+Great looks+Excellent results

Great looks

Excellent results

Reasons to avoid-Copious manual reading required-A chore to clean

-Copious manual reading required-A chore to clean

Copious manual reading required

A chore to clean

If you truly believe espresso making is an art form, this debonair cast brass and chromium-plated machine is for you. Unlike most domestic computer-controlled espresso makers that use pre-programmed presets to determine the right levels of extraction time and pressure, this one is a back-to-basics manual job that involves a bit of elbow grease.

The concept is simple enough: a lift of the lever raises a piston that allows water under pressure to infuse the coffee in the filter holder. When you pull back down on the lever, the piston forces the water through the coffee and into the cup. The knack here – and it’s very trial and error – is to vary the speed at which the water passes through the coffee. The slower you pull, the stronger the brew.

(Image credit: Flair)

Flair Pro 2 espresso maker on white background

(Image credit: Flair)

Flair Pro 2The best manual shot puller for aficionadosToday’s Best DealsView at AmazonReasons to buy+Produces amazing results+Looks good on the worktop+Collapsible for easy transport+No electricity requiredReasons to avoid-Steep learning curve-Requires muscle power-Fiddly to use-
Flair Pro 2

10. Flair Pro 2

The best manual shot puller for aficionados

Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

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Reasons to buy+Produces amazing results+Looks good on the worktop+Collapsible for easy transport+No electricity required

+Produces amazing results+Looks good on the worktop+Collapsible for easy transport+No electricity required

Produces amazing results

Looks good on the worktop

Collapsible for easy transport

No electricity required

Reasons to avoid-Steep learning curve-Requires muscle power-Fiddly to use-

-Steep learning curve-Requires muscle power-Fiddly to use-

Steep learning curve

Requires muscle power

Fiddly to use

This aesthetically pleasing manual espresso maker doesn’t require electricity to work, just access to some hot water. Like the manual Pavoni machine we review above, the Flair Pro 2 requires muscle power to pull a shot and a really good dose of trial and error during initial use.

Don’t even consider using this shot puller with packaged pre-ground coffee (even those labelled espresso) because the grounds mostly likely won’t be fine enough and when you come to pull down the handle, the piston will have almost zero resistance and all you’ll get is a cup of black dishwater.

The folks at Flair suggested I try the Niche Zero coffee grinder which is the grinder of choice among baristas (it grinds coffee all the way down to talcum powder consistency). After a few experimental grinding sessions I eventually found the perfect consistency for the Flair and, after four attempts in total, finally extracted an espresso that looked as appealing as those on the numerous demonstration videos I’d seen. Granted, the learning curve with this model is steep but once you’ve got it dialled, you’ll be pulling shots till the cows come home.

Best manual espresso 2023: ELEKTRA MICRO CASA LEVER S1 on white background

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ELEKTRA MICRO CASA LEVER S1Now we’re just being ridiculousAverage Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆SpecificationsHeight:50.8cmWater capacity:1.8 litresSteam nozzle:YesToday’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit SiteReasons to buy+A real conversation piece+Produces a truly authentic espressoReasons to avoid-Complicated to use-Decidedly ‘distinctive’ looking
ELEKTRA MICRO CASA LEVER S1

11. ELEKTRA MICRO CASA LEVER S1

Now we’re just being ridiculous

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

SpecificationsHeight:50.8cmWater capacity:1.8 litresSteam nozzle:Yes

Height:50.8cmWater capacity:1.8 litresSteam nozzle:Yes

Height:50.8cm

Water capacity:1.8 litres

Steam nozzle:Yes

Today’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit Site

Today’s Best Deals

Check AmazonVisit Site

Check Amazon

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Reasons to buy+A real conversation piece+Produces a truly authentic espresso

+A real conversation piece+Produces a truly authentic espresso

A real conversation piece

Produces a truly authentic espresso

Reasons to avoid-Complicated to use-Decidedly ‘distinctive’ looking

-Complicated to use-Decidedly ‘distinctive’ looking

Complicated to use

Decidedly ‘distinctive’ looking

Constructed almost entirely out of beautifully polished chrome and brass, this manually-operated Italian model is as much a style statement as it is an espresso machine.

Admittedly, the process required to make an espresso is so complex – and slow – that it’ll likely take you a number of attempts before you achieve a perfect extraction, but we assume you’ll put in the effort having stumped up the readies in the first place.

From base to eagle, this model stands nearly half a metre in height, if you count the lever. It’s 25cm in diameter, so despite ‘Micro' in the name, it is not very ‘micro’ at all. All that metal work gets scalding hot too, so maybe avoid this machine if you have small kids who can reach the worktop. I don’t know why I even say that; nobody with kids would buy this, unless their job description is ‘dictator of small country with large oil reserves’.

Aside from the complexities of the coffee-making process itself, lever-based machines of this nature don’t appreciate having their portafilters removed immediately after extraction. You have to wait a few minutes for the pressure to equalise or the contents of the portafilter – and some very hot water – could be disgorged over you in a rather discomforting manner.

If you can handle the steep learning curve and don’t mind having a crazy, chrome, eagle-topped gizmo in your kitchen, you won’t be disappointed. This barista-spec machine is not only a ‘striking conversation piece’ (or ‘explosion in a bad-taste factory’, depending on your aesthetic sensibilities), it also happens to produce a flavourful espresso with bags of silky crema.

How to buy the best espresso maker for you

(Image credit: Beem)

Beem Espresso Grind Profession review

(Image credit: Beem)

Despite the modern trend for bean-to-cup and capsule based machines, there’s definitely something to be said for the good old ‘manual’ espresso maker.

Their portafilters (the metal container you press the ground coffee into) may require regular emptying and cleaning, and the extraction time is usually down to you rather than being automatically set, but the process is so easy to get to grips with, you’ll seldom need to refer to the instruction manual.

Moreover, manual machines are likely to be more reliable than the capsule or bean-to-cup variety simply because there are fewer things to go wrong with them.

If you want a richly aromatic espresso, cappuccino or latte and require at least a modicum of help from the machine itself, try the stunning Sage Bambino Plus, its higher-end stablemate, the Sage Dual Boiler, the newer Beem Espresso Grind Expert, the Smeg ECF01 or Gaggia’s more affordable Classic. All these machines excel at making rich aromatic espressos every bit as good as those served in any decent European café.

If you’re a wannabe barista who is keen to sample the complex science behind the art of manual espresso pulling, consider a hand-operated machine like the popular La Pavoni Europiccol or the extraordinary, if much more complex, Elektra Microcasa Lever S1.

Most of these machines do much of the work for you, but they need the best ingredients, and they do require maintenance. Especially if you’re in a hard water area the Number One, top tip of ALL time is touse filtered water. Even if the machine has a filter built in (they never seem quite as effective as a filter jug). You’ll be amazed at how much better the coffee tastes, and you won’t need to descale anywhere near as frequently.

The other Top Tip of ALL time is to use good quality, freshly ground beans or, if you don’t want to splash out on a grinder, at least keep your pre-ground stuff in a screw-top jar in a dark and cool cupboard (but not the fridge). Whether using beans or ground, your mission is to always try to polish it all off as quickly as possible, as even under ideal storage conditions, it degrades rapidly as soon as the vacuum seal on the bag is opened.

And you know what the best way to get through bags of coffee rapidly is? Buy the best espresso machine, so making great coffee is an easy and pleasurable experience.

Round up of today’s best deals

Smeg ECF01$488.88ViewSee all pricesGaggia Classic$499$455.51ViewSee all pricesLa Pavoni Europiccola$965.71ViewSee all pricesFlair Pro 2$325ViewSee all prices

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The best espresso machines to buy today in 2025#

1. Sage the Bambino Plus#

2. Beem Espresso Grind Expert#

3. Smeg ECF01#

4. Staresso Basic Portable Espresso Maker#

5. Sage The Dual Boiler Espresso Machine#

6. Gaggia Classic#

7. De’Longhi Dedica Style#

8. Wacaco Minipresso GR#

9. La Pavoni Europiccola#

10. Flair Pro 2#

11. ELEKTRA MICRO CASA LEVER S1#

How to buy the best espresso maker for you#

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox#

The best espresso machines to buy today in 2025

1. Sage the Bambino Plus

2. Beem Espresso Grind Expert

3. Smeg ECF01

4. Staresso Basic Portable Espresso Maker

5. Sage The Dual Boiler Espresso Machine

6. Gaggia Classic

7. De’Longhi Dedica Style

8. Wacaco Minipresso GR

9. La Pavoni Europiccola

10. Flair Pro 2

11. ELEKTRA MICRO CASA LEVER S1

How to buy the best espresso maker for you

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox