Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast with an acquired taste or you’re simply looking for an at-home espresso machine to replace the coffee you used to pick up on your commute, you may benefit from getting a manual espresso machine. 

Although manual espresso machines are much cheaper than electric options on average, they don’t compromise on quality or flavor at all. In fact, it’s quite the contrary: it’s not uncommon for diehard coffee experts to insist on using manual machines because of how much control the user exerts over the entire espresso pulling process. 

However, before investing in a manual machine, you need to consider what you want to get out of it. 

Flair NEO Manual espresso maker

The first single shot espresso machines were developed by Luigi Bezzera in the early 20th century in Italy, and by the 1940s, these machines came to dominate the market. Unlike espresso machines with electricity, each individual aspect of the brewing process, from grinding to pulling, is done manually. Manual machines rely on a hand operated pump or lever to generate the pressure required to pull hot water through the tamped beans. Although they require precision and attention, manual machines are known for being able to pump out espresso shots with a healthy dose of crema, which is the natural golden-brown cream that rests at the top of the cup for a few minutes after each pull. 

Though undoubtedly delicious, manual espresso machines are not the quickest way to make your daily cup of joe. If you tend to have calm mornings and aren’t often rushed, a manual espresso machine may be perfect for you. Once you get the skills down, it can be a soothing aspect of your morning routine. 

However, if you’re often rushed in the morning or need to make your espresso quickly, a manual machine might become a hindrance to your morning or simply languish unused in the corner. This is especially true if you don’t have time to invest in learning how to use it. 

There are two common types of manual espresso machines:

Spring piston machines are easier to learn how to use and are also easier to pull. They also deliver more consistent pressure, but they’re more expensive than direct lever machines. 

Direct lever machines, on the other hand, offer better precision for those who know who to use them well. 

One thing to consider is manual espresso machines usually require more accessories than other, modern, all-in-one machines.  Unless you’re willing to shell out over a hundred dollars, you’re going to need to get a kettle of some sort. And you’re pretty much guaranteed to need a coffee grinder and maybe something like a barista scale.

Because manual machines don’t require electricity, many of them are portable. While this may seem like a strange feature to some, anyone who travels regularly can appreciate how hard it can be to find a good espresso in a new place. If you’re a camper who loves coffee, the struggle is even harder when you're miles away from the nearest telephone pole, let alone coffee shop. If you’re looking for an espresso machine that you can take anywhere, a manual is definitely the way to go, and Flair Espresso is going to offer one of the best options. 

Materials are the largest determinant of durability for manual espresso machines, which are made from precision machined parts. Keep an eye out for machines made from aluminum or stainless steel, and avoid plastic, which is likely to break after repeated use. If you’re willing to splurge, check out machines that are made from copper or brass — metal machines are known for lasting years.

Unlike their electric counterparts, manual espresso machines can be affordable. You can get a high quality budget espresso machine, such as The Neo by Flair Espresso, for $125. However, expect to spend between $350-$1,000 for top-tier models from high-end brands, such as the La Pavoni EPC-8 or the Flair Espresso Pro 2.

A. Manual espresso machines do require some getting used to, however some are geared towards simplicity while others are made for true at-home baristas that appreciate the complexity of the machine. That being said, once you get the hang of it, using a manual espresso machine becomes a rewarding way to start your morning.

A. While some coffee aficionados swear by manual machines, they fell out of popularity in the 1940s and 1950s as a result of rapid improvements in home appliance technology at the time. In comparison to the new automatic machines of the day, the manual espresso machine appeared time consuming and difficult. However, the manual machine has been making a comeback in recent years because of its affordability, interesting design and satisfactory process. 

A. Semi-automatic espresso machines were the main reason manual espresso machines fell out of favor originally, and rely on an electric pump to “pull” the espresso instead of a lever. That being said, the only difference between a semi automatic and a fully automatic espresso machine is the fact that you don’t have to press a button to stop the espresso pull for the latter. Because of this, a semi automatic is much closer in design and function to a fully automatic machine; there isn’t a true hybrid option that combines the best of automatic and manual machines. 

Quick Take: This small machine has a built-in boiler and a handful of luxury features that combine the versatility of an automatic machine with the versatility of a manual one. 

What you’ll love: This machine is more versatile than any traditional manual espresso machine thanks to its integrated 20 ounce water boiler and steam power capabilities. Although the actual pull is lever operated like all other traditional manual machines, the EPC-8 relies on electricity to provide a steam wand that can be used to create thick, creamy foamed milk for cappuccinos. 

What you should consider: As with all La Pavoni products, this machine is incredibly expensive. 

Quick Take: The Flair Signature is reasonably priced, well designed and capable of competing with the very best in terms of quality and precision. 

What you’ll love: This manual espresso machine is light, pleasing to the eye and truly portable. You can even get a customized carrying case for your flair so you can protect it during transit. The Signature makes learning how to use an espresso machine easy and fun, and it comes with a useful manual that you can always reference. Overall, the Signature is a good choice for advanced and beginner espresso enthusiasts. 

What you should consider: Flair products are made from numerous small parts, which makes them a pain to clean and maintain. 

Quick Take: This little manual espresso maker is the size of a thermos and allows you to take the luxury of fine coffee wherever you want. 

What you’ll love: This may be the easiest manual espresso machine you can get; the Nanopresso doesn’t require any technical skill to use. The bottom screws off to become a smaller, espresso-style cup, so you don’t have to drink a small drink out of a large vessel. The Nanopresso has a pressure capacity of 18 bars, which is equivalent to 261 PSI. 

What you should consider: The Nanopresso places a high priority on portability, and as a result can only make a single shot of espresso before needing to be refilled.

Correction: This article previously contained a link to an unrelated, non-manual espresso machine.