Are you in a hurry? The Breville Barista Express is the greatest semi-automatic espresso machine in our opinion and our top selection overall.
An espresso maker that is only semi-automatic gives you the most control over your coffee. With some effort and ingenuity, you’ll be able to demonstrate your barista abilities right in the comfort of your own house using this equipment.
It might be difficult to make the appropriate choice when the products available to you range from the most fundamental options to equipment designed for commercial use.
In order to assist you in narrowing down your options, I will discuss the greatest semi-automatic espresso machines that I have come across in my research.
We’ll go over the characteristics that set them apart from other products, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of using them.
Let’s not waste any time and get started!
Best Semi Automatic Espresso Machine: Our Top Choices
• Breville Barista Express (Best Overall)
• De’Longhi La Specialista (Fastest Brewing Machine)
• Gaggia Classic Pro Espresso Machine (Best Value)
• Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine (Most Durable)
• Mr. Coffee Café Automatic Espresso & Cappuccino Machine (Budget Pick)
• Breville ‘Barista Touch’ Espresso Machine (Most Customizable Machine)
• DeLonghi Dedica (Most Compact)
• Nuova Simonelli Oscar (Best Design)
• EspressoWorks Espresso Machine & Cappuccino Maker (Best For Beginners)
• KitchenAid Metal Semi Automatic Espresso Machine (Best For A Large Coffee-Drinking Household)
The Barista Express provides all of the necessary functions at an affordable price, allowing users to properly prepare espresso and save money.
You may tailor your beverage to your preferences with only a couple of the buttons on the user-friendly control panel. You’ll fall in love with how straightforward but adaptable the coffee-making process is with this machine, regardless of whether you’re a novice or a seasoned barista.
Because this model already has a burr grinder, you won’t need to purchase a separate appliance to fulfill your grinding needs. You don’t need to use your hands or make a mess because the freshly ground coffee goes straight into the portafilter. You have 18 different grind size options to pick from, giving you the ability to customize the flavor of your espresso.
Because the water reservoir holds 67 ounces, it is possible to prepare approximately 30 cups of espresso before it needs to be refilled. And because it comes with a water filter, there is no need to descale the machine because it is already done for you. Just keep in mind that you need to replace the filter every two months.
The manual steam wand is the primary component that makes this espresso machine suitable for use by both novices and seasoned baristas. Because you can turn a full circle with it, frothing is a breeze when you use it. There is a hot water outlet right next to the wand, which enables you to create Americanos or warm up cups.
Because there are lights to indicate when the container needs to be cleaned or emptied, it is difficult to fall behind on maintenance. Tablets and a brush tool are included in the package of included cleaning accessories that come packaged with the machine.
Pros
• Because this machine has such a powerful heater, you can start making espresso almost as soon as you turn it on.
Because it has such a huge water tank, the machine can produce up to 30 espresso shots before needing to be refilled.
• The pre-infusion step involves soaking the coffee beans in water before the brewing process.
• Equipped with a hot water outlet that enables the preparation of Americanos and the warming of coffee cups in advance
Cons
• It is difficult to reach the water reservoir from the front of the building.
De’Longhi La Specialista
The fact that this machine can brew a cup of coffee in such a short amount of time is the aspect about it that jumps out to me the most. As soon as you turn it on, it is already hot and ready to brew when you use it.
In addition, this model features separate heaters for the brewing process as well as the steaming of milk. Because it has a dual system, the coffee can be brewed one cup after another without halting in between. This comes in quite handy if you have a large number of people in your family that enjoy drinking coffee.
The grinder for the La Specialista is incorporated right into the machine, and it can measure out exactly how much coffee grounds you need for each cup. By doing so, you will eliminate the possibility of getting stale grounds in your cup.
The use of this gadget eliminates the need for guessing while heating milk. It is equipped with a Panarello wand, which is responsible for doing all of the laborious tasks. You are only required to decide whether you want to make froth or microfoam.
After a period of inactivity, la Specialista will automatically enter standby mode in order to reduce its overall power consumption. You have the option of disabling the auto-off feature entirely, in addition to configuring it to turn off after a period of time that you specify or after no time at all.
I adore how easy it is to clean and maintain this espresso machine. After each and every use, you should use the rinse function that is included in the machine. In addition, there is a descaling application that comes with an alert light, which means that you cannot avoid cleaning.
Pros
• With a one-second start, you may begin brewing coffee as soon as you give the machine a single turn of the dial.
• When the device is not being used, an energy-saving standby mode is activated.
• The grinder delivers the right amount of grounds to the portafilter, ensuring that none are wasted.
• Using intelligent tamping allows you to consistently produce coffee with an even extraction.
Cons
• Unable to brew coffee that has already been ground
• It is somewhat cumbersome, rendering it unsuitable for use in restricted quarters.
Gaggia Classic Pro Espresso Machine
Don’t be fooled by the straightforward appearance of this espresso machine.
The Classic Pro includes components that are suitable for professional use. These components comprise the filter holder, the group, and the steam wand. The combination of these characteristics makes it very easy to take consistent photos.
This espresso maker’s dimensions of 9.5 inches by 8 inches by 14 inches make it suitable for use in RVs, dorm rooms, and tiny flats.
The excellent craftsmanship of this model came as a pleasant surprise to me considering the reasonable cost of it. In a product of this price range, it is unusual to find the body made of brushed stainless steel, but that is exactly what this one does.
The control panel’s simplicity is unparalleled given that it only contains three switches. Because of this, the machine does not provide you with a great deal of leeway to personalize your coffee.
However, what this does is provide you with complete control over the milk steaming and foaming process. You can easily obtain excellent microfoam with just a little bit of effort, and you can even focus on improving your latte art talents.
This model comes with both a single espresso filter and a double espresso filter, both of which may be used with either coffee grounds or pods. Additionally, there is a crema perfetta filter, which enables you to produce a coffee froth that is dense and rich.
Pros
• Because the espresso machine can accommodate both ground coffee and pods, you have the flexibility to switch back and forth between the two preparation styles.
• Constructed entirely of stainless steel, ensuring that it will serve you well for a very long time
This espresso machine’s space-saving proportions make it an ideal choice for cramped quarters.
• The steam wand is of professional quality, allowing you to produce microfoam of barista caliber.
Cons
• The machine needs around five minutes to heat up and be ready to brew before it can be used.
Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine
Because it is so long-lasting, this is one of those models that you will be able to hand down to your children. This device, which has a frame made of iron and side panels made of stainless steel, is probably going to make it through the apocalypse.
Because this model has only four switches, there is no need to read through the manual before using it for the very first time. However, despite the fact that the control panel is easy to understand, firing the shot can be quite complicated. In the absence of a pressure gauge, you will have to rely on your intuition to brew a satisfying cup of coffee.
On the other hand, the steam wand is far simpler to operate. The wand is constructed out of stainless steel, and it features a complete range of motion, which enables you to make microfoam in addition to latte art.
In spite of the absence of a hot water inlet, this espresso machine comes equipped with a cup warmer that is of a sizeable enough capacity to be useful. It is especially helpful when making coffee for guests because it can preheat up to six cups at once, which is the maximum capacity of the device.
When it comes to cleaning, you should anticipate that your hands will get dirty. To remove fingerprints and smudges off the exterior, you will need to wipe it down with a clean cloth. You can clean any pieces that can be removed by running water over them in the sink. However, there is no autocleaning option, so you will need to manually descale it in order to use it.
Pros
This device is constructed to have a very long lifespan thanks to the use of iron for the frame and stainless steel for the panels.
• A huge cup warmer gives you the ability to hot cups for the entire household all at once.
• The used grounds are transformed into a dry puck by the group head valve, which makes disposal much simpler.
• You are able to experiment with the consistency of the foam thanks to the professional-grade steam wand.
Cons
• The heating process for brewing can take up to fifteen minutes.
• Utilizing it properly calls for a slightly higher level of expertise.
Automatic Espresso and Cappuccino Maker by Mr. Coffee Café
Because of its low price and user-friendliness, the Mr. Coffee model in question is an excellent pick for those just starting out. It is significantly more affordable than the majority of the other models on this list, but it still produces a cup of coffee that is pretty respectable.
And not just espresso. One button on this machine is all that’s needed to make either latte or cappuccino, but it also has the ability to make lattes.
A layer of foam will be created by an automatic frother by drawing milk from the carafe and pouring it directly into your cup. When you are finished, place the carafe in the refrigerator to keep until the next time you make coffee.
Regarding maintenance, this model takes care of its own daily maintenance by itself. It comes with an automatic cleanup function that works for 30 seconds and makes it much simpler to remove any residue. However, there is no descaling option; therefore, you will need to perform this step manually.
This model has a water reservoir that is a respectable size despite the fact that the machine itself has a relatively small footprint. Because it has a capacity of 55 ounces, it will allow you to prepare approximately 25 espresso shots or five lattes before it needs to be refilled.
Pros
This model is available for a price that is quite reasonable, and it possesses all of the features necessary for producing satisfactory coffee-based milk beverages.
This model’s small footprint makes it well suited for use in areas with limited counter space.
• The use of an automatic frother makes the production of foam virtually entirely hands-free.
• Until the next time you need it, you can keep the detachable milk carafe in the refrigerator alongside the remaining milk.
Cons
• While it’s being brewed, it can be pretty noisy.
• The milk carafe is not the easiest thing to clean due to its design.
Espresso Maker by Breville Called the “Barista Touch” Model
With the Barista Touch, you can customize your coffee with as little manual labor as possible, from the grinding of the beans to the steaming of the milk. It is simple to move through the prepared settings and modify them according to your preferences when the display is in the form of a touch screen.
You have full command over every aspect of your beverage using this machine, from the intensity of the coffee to the temperature of the brew. Once you’ve found the ideal configuration, you’ll have the option to save up to eight different individualized coffee drinks for later usage.
After turning it on, you just need to wait three seconds before you can start using this model because it has a quick heating system. It is possible for you to make coffee even when you are extremely busy, so don’t let that stop you.
The conical burr grinder has 16 different grind settings, allowing you to customize the coarseness of the ground coffee based on the beverage that you are preparing. The device has a doze control system, which means that it will only grind as much coffee as you require at any one time.
Another task that is simplified by this espresso machine is cleaning the machine. When you see the warning appear on the screen, you will know it is time to begin the cleaning process. In the case of components that can be removed, you need to run them under water in the sink and dry them off with a towel to clean them.
Pros
• You have complete control over the characteristics of your beverage, including the grind size and the texture of the milk, with this machine.
• Because the machine heats up quite quickly, you may begin the brewing process nearly immediately.
• You can save up to eight different individualized coffee beverages so that you may make them more quickly in the future.
• You won’t have to worry about receiving a defective item thanks to the product’s two-year warranty.
Cons
This espresso machine’s enormous footprint makes it inappropriate for use in areas with limited floor space.
DeLonghi Dedica
It is difficult to find an espresso machine with a smaller footprint than the Dedica, which is one of the most compact on the market. This device is only six inches wide, so it only takes up half the area that traditional machines use. This model will fit on your counter, regardless of how little space you have. There is enough place for it.
This little gadget packs quite a punch for its size. It takes only 35 seconds to heat up, which means that you won’t have to wait very long before you can have a hot cup of something. Additionally, it enables you to produce one drink after another without the need for a rest in between.
The body of the Dedica is made of stainless steel, making it extremely durable. This material is also very simple to clean; all you need to do is wipe it down with a damp cloth, then follow up with a dry cloth.
Even in the hands of a novice magician, a Panarello wand can transform into a useful tool for performing magic. You’ll need to put in a little bit of effort initially, but it won’t be long before you’re an expert at creating foam. Just make sure to clean it out after each usage to prevent milk from accumulating in it.
This model comes equipped with a double drip tray, which assists in minimizing the amount of mess that is produced. In the event that you wish to transfer the coffee from the brew head directly into a travel mug, all you have to do is lift the tray out from under the brew head.
Pros
• The compact design will not take up more than six inches of width on your countertop.
• You can immediately pour coffee into a higher mug by removing the drip tray, which is included with the coffee maker.
• The heating up process for the brewing machine just takes a quarter of a minute.
Why An automatic shutoff helps save money on electricity and minimizes accidents with electricity
Cons
• If the water reservoir is not very large, you will have to refill it more frequently.
Nuova Simonelli Oscar
The fusion of art deco and futurism in the design of this model is primarily what drew my attention to it. However, there are a plethora of other aspects that should also be brought to your attention.
Because it has a heat exchange boiler, this device gives you the ability to brew coffee and steam milk at the same time. In order to prevent the machine from becoming too hot, it will power off on its own if the water reservoir is running low or if it has been functioning for more than 90 seconds.
The espresso machine’s body is composed of stainless steel, with the exception of the top and the drip tray, both of which are made of plastic. This reliable device gives the impression that it could serve you for the rest of your life.
The solenoid valve ensures that the process of disposing of old coffee grounds is clean and uncomplicated. It removes all of the water from the filter, allowing you to dispose of the clumped grounds in the trash. What it does is that it suctions the water out of the filter.
This model is available in two distinct iterations. The first one requires the usage of a sizable water storage tank, while the second one can instead be connected to the mains water supply. Because of this, the machine is suited for use in both homes and commercial settings.
Pros
Milk may be steamed in practically any direction thanks to a steam wand that has a rotatable axis that can rotate through 360 degrees.
• The heat exchange boiler gives you the ability to make coffee and steam at the same time.
• A large cup warmer gives you the ability to simultaneously reheat up to 12 cups at once.
• In order to avoid overheating, the boiler is programmed to automatically refill itself anytime the water level dips.
Cons
• Just like any other device that utilizes heat exchangers, the Oscar requires a waiting period of half an hour before it can be used.
Cappuccino and Espresso Maker by EspressoWorks Espresso Machine
The usage of touch displays or a large number of buttons, knobs, and other controls can be rather challenging. If you want making coffee to be a straightforward and speedy process, then you’re going to adore the control panel that comes with this model.
Because there is only one knob that allows you to choose between steaming and brewing, there is no way that you could possibly get it wrong. After that, you just need to pull the shot and watch as espresso is poured into your cup.
If you would rather have a latte, the machine also comes equipped with a manual steam wand that makes the process of foaming milk an easy one. It grants you control over the foam while at the same time preventing you from making any mistakes due to the lack of space for error.
The speed at which this machine got hot was one of the things that pleasantly surprised me about it. It will only take you forty-five seconds to bring the water to the appropriate temperature, at which point you may begin the brewing process.
This model comes with an integrated grinder; however, it is of the blade variety rather than the burr variety. The blade grinder does not always produce beans with the same level of groundness. At the same time, they have the potential to cause your coffee to become hotter and subtly modify its flavor.
When you’re out of preground coffee, this built-in feature can be a convenient alternative to using a separate grinder if you don’t already have one. However, you shouldn’t anticipate the outcomes to be of the same quality.
Pros
• In comparison to the vast majority of other models now available, its price is significantly more reasonable.
It takes less than a minute to heat up, which means you can start using it almost as soon as it’s ready.
• If the water storage container is see-through, you will always be able to gauge how much water is left.
• Powers down by itself after twenty-five seconds of inactivity, resulting in a reduction of energy consumption
Cons
The quality of a blade grinder is not the highest possible.
Espresso Maker made of Metal and Semi-Automatic by KitchenAid
It is really convenient to have a machine that can produce one shot after another if you live in a family that is full of people who enjoy drinking coffee. If that’s the case, you should go with this KitchenAid model since you won’t be disappointed.
Because this machine heats up in only forty-five seconds, you may immediately begin the brewing process. That comes in very handy for people who are perpetually pressed for time.
You also won’t have to wait for the device to cool down in between steaming and brewing because it comes with an auto-purge function. This feature eliminates the need. Because of this, you won’t need to take a break while you prepare coffee for the whole family.
A cup warmer is a feature that is always pleasant to have, even though it is not required. The fact that the machine’s top can hold up to two cups concurrently, despite its diminutive size, is a wonderful feature.
It won’t take you more than a few tries to get the hang of using the steam wand because it’s so straightforward. Bear in mind that it is rather noisier than on some other machines, especially if you plan on making coffee early in the morning while the rest of your household is still asleep.
With this particular model, cleaning is not a very challenging task. When using an automated descaling tool, there is no input required from your end. The detachable parts are not designed to withstand the heat and pressure of a dishwasher, so you will need to hand-wash them in the sink.
Pros
• Because the machine heats up so quickly, you may begin brewing espresso as soon as you turn on the device.
• The auto-purge feature allows you to brew one cup of coffee after another without having to wait in between.
• You have full control over steaming thanks to the wand’s ability to rotate across 360 degrees.
• A descaling indicator light makes it simple for you to stay on top of maintenance.
Cons
• The steam wand can be somewhat loud at times.
A Buyer’s Guide Covering What Features to Search for in a Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
Never before had access to a semi-automatic espresso machine?
It is really simple to become overawed by the numerous features that can be discovered on these kinds of equipment.
In this part of the article, I’ll go over the things that you need to keep in mind when shopping so that you may make an educated decision on what to purchase.
Grinding
Nothing surpasses coffee that has been ground just before use. If you don’t already have a grinder, you might want to look into purchasing a machine that comes with its own grinder already installed. The 2-in-1 models are typically somewhat more cumbersome, but they offer a lot of convenience.
Only coffee beans can be used in some models of semi-automatic espresso machines. Others use only coffee that has already been ground. And then there are certain models that use both of these elements.
Let’s imagine you start your day with caffeinated coffee but switch to decaf in the afternoon. In such a scenario, it might come in handy to have a machine that gives you the ability to switch between different kinds of grounds.
Ease of Operation
Let’s face it: who really wants to spend their time poring over a handbook in order to figure out how to operate their brand new piece of equipment?
Semi-automatic espresso makers have a slightly steeper learning curve when compared to fully automatic ones. Then, of course, there are additional features that may be configured, which makes the whole process of brewing far more complicated.
In the end, everything boils down to whether you place a higher value on adaptability or simplicity of usage.
Budget
Every person’s budget can accommodate a machine that makes espresso semi-automatically. However, the idiom “you get what you pay for” is one that aptly describes the circumstances of this situation.
In most cases, entry-level features such as a single boiler can be found in inexpensive espresso makers. Plastic or aluminum are typically the materials of choice for the construction of affordable versions.
The machines available at this price point provide a selection of features, such as grinders and commercial wands. In addition, brew customisation is typically available on devices that fall within this pricing bracket. These espresso machines offer a choice that is ideal for both inexperienced and experienced baristas alike.
Machines of essentially industrial quality are typically seen in models with high-end price tags. In most cases, they are equipped with a number of nifty features that make it possible to experiment with various kinds of beverages. These models can often be too challenging for baristas who are just starting out in the industry.
Boilers
There are three distinct choices available to you when it comes to boilers. There are also heat exchanger machines and dual boiler machines in addition to the single boiler machines.
Espresso machines with a single boiler do not have the capacity to brew coffee and steam milk at the same time. After you have pulled the shot, the boiler will heat up to a little higher temperature in order to steam the milk.
Coffee and milk have their own separate boilers on machines that have dual boilers. The temperature must be higher for steaming than it is for brewing. Because of this, the temperatures on the inside of these two boilers are different. Dual boiler systems are often only seen in mid-range and higher-end models of espresso machines.
Last but not least, particular types come equipped with heat exchanger devices. A heat exchanger is similar to having two separate boilers in that it gives you the ability to brew and steam at the same time.
However, there is only one boiler operating at steam temperature in the heat exchanger. It makes use of a copper rod that raises the temperature of the water as it moves through the device.
Heating
If you are constantly on the move and need a cup of coffee, the last thing you need is an espresso maker that takes an inordinate amount of time to heat up. Considering the circumstances, it would be smart for you to choose a device that has a quick heating system.
On the other hand, brands typically do not include a heating time recommendation on the label. In order to determine the model that is the most efficient, it is necessary to conduct additional research while comparing several models that are based on this factor.
Pressure
It is recommended that you pull a shot of espresso at a pressure of nine bars, which is known as the “sweet spot.” However, if you increase the pressure, you will also increase the rate at which coffee is extracted.
In principle, you could exert a great deal of pressure on the coffee grounds, and the extraction process would take place in the blink of an eye. However, other factors, such as the temperature and the brew ratio, might also have an impact on the final product.
There are a lot of versions available on the market that go far higher than nine bars, some of which go as high as 18 bar pressure. It seems reasonable to draw the conclusion that these machines can complete the task in one-half of the allotted time, doesn’t it?
No, not quite like that.
These figures are more indicative of the initial pressure that is applied, rather than the pressure that is ultimately utilized for the brewing process.
These high numbers are typically found on models that are more affordably priced, and the pressure that these machines produce gradually decreases over time.
Don’t be concerned about reaching an impossible height. A machine that has a pressure of 15 bars is likely to produce results that are comparable to those produced by machines that are marketed as having a pressure of 9 bars.
On the other hand, setting the water level too low can result in a cup of espresso that is not fully extracted.
FAQ
Does the operation of a semi-automatic espresso machine leave you with some unanswered questions?
In this section, I will do my best to respond to the questions that are asked the most frequently about the subject.
What exactly is an espresso machine that is semi-automatic?
You have control over a substantial chunk of the brewing process when you use a machine that is just semi-automatic. You can individualize your beverage, for example, by selecting the grind size or brewing temperature that you want. After that, the machine takes care of the most labor-intensive steps.
How quickly does a semi-automatic espresso machine get up to temperature after being turned on?
The amount of time it takes to heat up varies from model to model.
The length of time required for a machine to heat up is proportional to the number of metal parts it has. Espresso machines of a size and quality suitable for commercial use take longer than 15 minutes to attain the proper temperature.
Many of the more compact models come equipped with a quick-start mechanism that allows them to be heated up and ready for brewing in a matter of seconds. However, even if you don’t have it, completing them shouldn’t take more than five minutes.
What sets fully automatic and semi automatic espresso machines apart from one another?
Automatic espresso makers are more simpler to operate than their manual counterparts. These machines allow you to relax as they take care of finishing your drink for you while you wait. The one and only thing that is required of you is to select the type of coffee beverage that you wish to take sips of.
Espresso machines that are only semi-automatic require the user to manually draw the shot. Your ability as a barista will determine the final product. This is something that seasoned professionals are great at, but novices should stay away from.
To summarize everything:
Whoever foots the bill determines who gets to play the music when it comes to semi-automatic machines.
However, it seems that the Barista Express by Breville is the one and only exception. This model strikes the ideal balance between the degree to which it can be personalized and the degree to which it is straightforward.
Then there is the built-in grinder, which also has a large water reservoir and a steam wand that is operated by hand.
These are just a few of the features that combine to make this espresso machine the best option available on the market for home baristas of all experience levels.
