6 Best Manual Espresso Makers: The Pressure Control In Your Hands

Brewing espresso is a true art form. So what can be more rewarding than pulling a perfect espresso shot by hand?

To do so, you will need a manual espresso machine that easily extracts all delicious flavors from your coffee grounds. We found our top picks and gathered all the most important information that will help you choose the best one. In the end, you can also find the instructions and useful tips to use this machine type.

The Rundown

What Is A Manual Espresso Machine?

A manual machine is everything you need to start brewing espresso. It requires some effort input from the user to create the pressure needed for coffee to drop. You can find models that use electrical power, but they still don’t work with one push of a button. Their boilers create the brewing temperature but you control the brewing pressure using the lever. Manual brewers that don’t use electrical power work on the same principle. The difference is that they require you to add hot water as they don’t come with boilers that do that part.

Why Are They So Expensive?

The price is higher than the price of usual espresso machine because the building process is more complicated and the material is more expensive. The manual machines include hand pump to create pressure which is harder to compose and incomporate into the machine. The material of the boiler and other parts must be high-quality to endure high pressure. However, these parts are expensive which makes the overall price of the machine higher than usual.

Different Types You Can Find

As is the case with all espresso machines, manual brewers also come in different types. They don’t only vary in control level but the brewing mechanism as well.

Spring Piston Machines

Spring piston espresso brewers come with an internal spring and piston brewing system that is triggered using an external manual lever. The water for the brewing process is heated inside an internal boiler. To get the spring in action you need to push the lever down. As it starts to come up, the water is pushed through your coffee grounds. The extraction pressure decreases as the lever climbed up. The great thing about this model is that it provides consistent pressure with every shot you make.

Direct Lever Brewers

Direct lever models also require you to pull the lever down, however, by doing so, you are controlling the extraction pressure, speed, and brewing volume. These models are much simpler than spring-piston ones, durable, and can last much longer.

Hand-Pumped Espresso Makers

Hand-pumped espresso machines are the only type that does not require any kind of a power source. To use it properly, you only need to press the pump. They are much more affordable and suitable for travel. Their only downside is that they do not come with a water boiler so you need to have hot water available.

Semi-Automatic Hand Machines

A semi-automatic machine is a great option for those that want to put in less effort. The piston inside the brewer is activated by a mechanical pump instead of a manual lever. This type of brewer often offers programmable settings for brewing variables. However, the user is still in control of the water flow. It also comes equipped with an additional steaming system for brewing espresso/milk-based beverages.

Are They Worth It?

This depends on what you expect to get from the espresso machine. Some benefits are:

• they let you enjoy a traditional brewing experience
• you have complete control over the brewing system
• due to their size and design, they are portable so great for traveling, offices, dorm rooms, etc.

While this all sounds great, they have some downsides too:

• it may be exhausting to press the lever, it depends on user’s power
• there is a learning curve and you will need a lot of practice to get your espresso shot to the perfect level
• you will need an additional coffee grinder as they provide the best performance with freshly ground fine coffee powder

What To Look Out For?

While all hand espresso makers come with amazing features, you might find yourself wondering which one is the best option for you. Here are some parameters you should consider to get the answer you need.

Material & Durability

Many models can last you a lifetime. If you want one you won’t have to replace any time soon, think of stainless steel, chrome, and brass materials. Plastic models can work well for a year or two but will get damaged over time due to high water temperature, wear damage, etc.

Extraction Pressure

The extraction pressure “sweet spot” for manual machine is around 9 bars. If you achieve any higher pressure, your brew will only have a better, more robust flavor. However, any lower than 9 bars, your brew will taste like a watered espresso shot.

Heating System

Only models that use electrical power come with a heating system. This is in the form of boilers. They heat the water to the brewing temperature to ensure that you can pull a perfect espresso shot. The size of the boiler determines how many pulls you can make. Generally, they can hold from 8 to 16 cups at once.

Brewing Temperature

The optimal brewing temperature for pulling a perfect espresso shot should be between 195°F and 205°F. Now, manual models provide you with less precise control over the temperature so you will need to get a bit creative. For instance, you can heat the brew group a few degrees by lifting the machine’s lever halfway for a few moments.

Water Reservoir

These machines for espresso offer a water reservoir from 2 to over 61 ounces, so make sure that their capacity meets your brewing needs. If you brew one cup a day, a small 2-ounce capacity reservoir is just fine. On the other hand, the most popular choice, a 38-ounce water reservoir, will allow you to brew 4 to 5 shots before it needs to be refilled.

Portability Level

If you want a portable machine you can take on your trips make sure that you choose a small and lightweight model. Additionally, make sure that the brewer you buy requires no electricity for the heating or the brewing process. Keep in mind that you will need another heat source to heat the water for the brewing process.

Cleaning Requirements

In general, manual models are fairly easy to clean. If you want to make your life easier, choose a model that comes with removable and dishwasher-safe parts. That way you will be able to choose whether you want to clean it by hand or simply pop it into a machine.

6 Best Manual Espresso Machines

Every model we reviewed below reserved its spot in the “top 6” category. The first one is made for on-the-road use, provides very simple hand-pump performance, and is affordable. The last one, on the other hand, is a semi-automatic brewer, suitable for both home and commercial use, and is much more expensive. Read on to learn more about their differences.

Aeropress Coffee Espresso Maker

This affordable machine features a lightweight and compact design that makes it suitable for use while traveling. Apart from the press itself, the package includes a funnel, coffee scoop, a stirrer, filter holder, and additional 350 microfilters so you can get started with the brewing process the minute you get the machine.

Even though it is made out of plastic (Polypropylene) material, note that this brewer is completely BPA and Phthalate-free. You can be sure that nothing will affect the taste of the brew you make even when you use hot boiling water.

Due to its size, this brewer can easily make up to 3 cups of coffee at once. If you want to try out different brewing methods, you can find the same brewer that is compatible for use with coffee pods on Amazon.

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Flair Espresso Maker

This espresso maker for home use consists of 3 main parts: its base, post, and lever. They are made out of aluminum and stainless steel materials to ensure optimal durability. Each part is completely detachable to ensure that you can transport the brewer inside your suitcase.

Keep in mind that this brewer does not come equipped with a heating boiler for the water. This means that you will need to boil water in an external heating device and then add it to the brewer.

With its standard brew head, this machine allows you to dose about 12 to 18 grams of freshly ground coffee powder. Its reservoir can hold up to 60 ml of water and yield up to 45 ml per single espresso shot.

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Rok Manual Espresso Maker

This is another espresso brewer that is entirely controlled by hand. While it may lack additional features that high-end brewers offer, it will easily brew a perfect espresso shot. To achieve the best results, you should pre-heat the stainless steel portafilter. You can do that by simply leaving it inside hot water before you start the brewing process.

It is worth mentioning that this brewer can provide the extracting pressure between 5 to 10 bars, depending on how hard you pull on its levers. As a result, you will get a delicious brew you can enjoy the moment you complete it.

Since it does feature a fairly lightweight design, it is suitable both for home and on-the-road use. It doesn’t require any electricity and is suitable even for use in remote locations. It comes with firm, non-slip bottom base feet that ensure its stability atop any surface.

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WACACO Portable Espresso Machine

This portable model is also very easy to use. Everything you need to do is fill up the filter basket with your favorite grounds and level them. Add hot water to its tank, unlock the piston, and make a few pumps.

The most amazing thing about its design is that it comes in a handheld size. Thanks to this feature you can have a firm grip on it without worrying you might drop the brewer. It comes with a convenient carrying case that will help you transport the machine around safely.

Since it is a piston-controlled brewer, you will get great brewing results, with as little effort as possible. The machine creates up to 18 bars of pressure and can extract all delicious flavors from your coffee grinds in only a few minutes.

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Microcasa a Leva Espresso Machine

As opposed to the previously reviewed models, this espresso brewer is suitable for home use but is made with professional use in mind. It is constructed out of durable chrome material and features a retro-style design with an eagle-topped dome top.

Another thing we need to point out is that this model does use electricity. It comes with a heating system that heats the brewing water to the optimal temperature level. The machine also features a steam pressure gauge that helps you monitor the boiler’s temperature.

The best thing about this model is that it comes equipped with a thermal safety switch and an overpressure valve that makes it much safer to use. However, a lot of its heating parts are exposed and compromise the user’s safety so you do need to be careful while handling the machine.

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La Pavoni Lever Espresso Machine

Just like the previous model, this hand crank espresso machine is suitable for both home and commercial use. It features durable stainless steel construction and heavy-duty chrome plating. As a result, it provides amazing durability and resistance to exterior damages.

Due to its water reservoir capacity, this brewer can easily make up to 8 2-ounce servings. It can even make two espresso shots at once. It is steam pressure and piston operated model and offers internal thermostats that continuously keep track of the extraction pressure.

Note that this model comes equipped with a traditional steaming wand. You can use it to make versatile espresso/milk-based beverages including cappuccinos, lattes, etc. It also includes a coffee tamper, screen, screen holder, and an additional measuring ladle.

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How To Make Delicious Espresso Using These Machines?

Although it’s important how you use the machine, there are some things you should consider while making an espresso. The first thing that make it delicious is optimal measure. It’s best to use the spoon included in the package. One full spoon of ground coffee is ideal for one cup of espresso. Moreover, before you add coffee into the portafilter, it’s neccessary to press it. It’s best to do it with the same spoon you use for dosing. When you flip it, you will see a flat round part purposed just for pressing the fresh coffee. Press strongly and hold for a second and it’s enough. It’s not good to press too much.

Then you are ready to use the machine. Here are some steps you need to follow to get the perfect espresso brew:

1. Heat up the brewing water – If you opt for an electrical/manual model, the boiler inside the brewer will do this. If you don’t, use a kettle to quickly heat the water. Note that the optimal water temperature is around 195 and 205°F. Lower than 195°F, you might end up with unwanted sourness. Higher than 205°F, your brew will end up being bitter.
2. Get your grinds ready – When possible, use a grinder to grind coffee beans into a fine powder right before you start the next brewing process. If you don’t have a grinder, make sure that your pre-ground coffee is still fresh. Stale coffee will not provide you with a flavorful espresso brew. The average amount of coffee you should use is about 6 to 8 grams on 1.5 fluid ounces of water.
3. If you use a pump machine – You will need to manually pump the extraction pressure. To do so, press the pump using consistent pressure. Once enough pressure builds up inside the machine, the coffee will start to drip out. To achieve that, you will usually need to make about 20 to 30 pumps.
4. If you use a lever machine – You will need to pull down on its lever to create the pressure inside the brewer. Some models come equipped with a pressure gauge that allows you to check how high the pressure inside the machine gets. As you press the lever down, you will notice that coffee is starting to flow out from the machine.
5. Once the espresso stops flowing out – You can spice up your brew the way you like.
6. Don’t forget to clean the machine – Remove the used grounds and run hot water inside the brew head. In case you have a lever machine, the piston head might get hot so, for your safety, make sure that it is cool before you clean it.

Are These Brewers Hard To Use?

When it comes to “hard to use” meaning complicated, it’s not complicated to use manual machine. It may be even easier than using electric espresso makers since there are not programms you should learn how to use. When we talk about “hard” as physically hard to press the handle, it depends on the person’s strength. But all the manual machines are made so the adults, both men and women, can press it.