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10 Best Semi Automatic Espresso Machines in 2023 – Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

best semi automatic espresso machine
best semi automatic espresso machine

The semi-automatic espresso machine is not one to do all the job for you in making your coffee. However, it takes just an amount of stress away from you. Have you been wanting to be a barista, but scared of all the stress involved? Then this coffee machine is your best bet. You don’t have to do it all, this variants of the espresso machines are here to help. Just make a choice of the type of espresso you want, and have it brewed in no time.

There are several semi automatic machines out there, and each is adapted to different functions and features. In this review, we have covered a variety of products to help you pick the best semi automatic espresso machine.

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10 Semi Automatic Espresso Machine List


Breville the Barista Express
Breville the Barista Express

  • Color: Silver
  • Dimensions: 13.25 x 12.5 x 15.75 in
  • Main Feature: Dose control grinding: integrated conical burr grinder grinds on demand to deliver the right amount of freshly ground Coffee directly into the portafilter for your preferred taste with any roast of bean
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KitchenAid KES0504FP
KitchenAid KES0504FP

  • Color: White
  • Dimensions: 13 x 8.2 x 13 in
  • Main Feature: Easy loading capsule system
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La Nuova Era Cappucino
La Nuova Era Cappucino

  • Color: Red and Chrome
  • Dimensions: 16 x 15 x 15 in
  • Main Feature: Fully portable for catering
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Breville the Infuser BES840XL
Breville the Infuser BES840XL

  • Color: Silver
  • Dimensions: 13.7 x 11.5 x 13.2 in
  • Main Feature: 1600 watts thermocoil heating system with integrated stainless steel water coil accurately controls water temperature; Settings
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Nespresso Pixie D60
Nespresso Pixie D60

  • Color: Silver and Black
  • Dimensions: 12.8 x 4.4 x 9.3 in
  • Main Feature: Espresso Pixie Espresso maker has a 19 bar high pressure pump that allows for a barista style result
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Gaggia 12300
Gaggia 12300

  • Color: Silver
  • Dimensions: 10.4 x 9.6 x 15.7 in
  • Main Feature: Espresso machine with chrome-plated brass brew group and heavy 58-mm portafilter
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Nuova Simonellia Oscar Pour-Over
Nuova Simonellia Oscar Pour-Over

  • Color: Silver
  • Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 16 in
  • Main Feature: Espresso Machine Type: Semi-Automatic
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Pasquini Livia 90
Pasquini Livia 90

  • Color: Chrome
  • Dimensions: 20 x 22 x 21 in
  • Main Feature: Simple-to-use semi-automatic controls
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Bezzera PID BZ07
Bezzera PID BZ07

  • Color: Chrome
  • Dimensions: 21 x 21 x 21 in
  • Main Feature: Machine does indeed have a cup warming tray, and its presence is more important than you might think.
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Mr. Coffee Café Barista
Mr. Coffee Café Barista

  • Color: Silver and Black
  • Dimensions: 11.22 x 8.86 x 12.6 in
  • Main Feature: One touch control panel for drink selections
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Best Semi Automatic Espresso Machine Reviews

1. No products found. – Espresso Machine

Breville the Barista Express – Espresso Machine

If you are in search of semi-automatic espresso machines, this is the finest one you will ever find on the market. The simple reason for this is that this machine delivers strong shots, just as your Italian barista will have it made for you. Also, getting started with the onboard grinder is as easy as it can get.

On the machine, there is also a precise digital control that controls and regulates just the temperature needed to make the right flavor of coffee. There is also the presence of a manual wand that gives you total control on how your foam turns out. This is a really compact machine that makes it possible to enjoy your coffee at home without having to break the bank while making a purchase.

Pros
  • Presence of a temperature control node
  • There is an onboard conical burr grinder
  • The machine is designed to make both single and double shots
  • You can also control the temperature manually
  • The design is very striking & attractive.
Cons
  • There is no indicator for low water.

2. No products found. – Nespresso Bundle

KitchenAid KES0504FP – Nespresso Bundle

The KitchenAid espresso machine is one astutely designed with metal used in framing its totality, and the technology imputed in this machine makes it so close to working like a fully automatic espresso machine. If this is your first time of wanting to get an espresso machine for yourself, this is most likely the best machine you should get.

In fact, you may not need to buy another one for a very long time, it is that durable. This machine is also made to feature a milk frother, making you experience the best cup of your favorite coffee, each time. The machine is very tough and sturdy, all covered in metal. When it’s time to make a cup of coffee, you can easily on-load it with the beans and expect a perfect brew!

Pros
  • It is made of extremely durable metal to give it a sturdy feel
  • The milk frother is just excellent
  • You get consistent results for a particular flavor.
  • You can easily load the capsule in the machine
Cons
  • The machine is actually quite heavy

3. No products found. - Espresso Machine

La Nuova Era Cappucino – Espresso Machine

This is an Italian designed coffee machine, and the offerings are just endless. The machine is very portable, and makes your coffee in the typical Italian fashion.

It is very portable and makes it fit just right in the home, office or even a dorm. Whether you need it for domestic or commercial use, this machine is always on the go.

Pros
  • It enjoys a great deal of aesthetic feel.
  • It has a very compact size, which makes it fit just into anywhere
  • The quality of the machine makes is so similar to that of the automatic machine
  • It features an E61 with a heat exchanger
  • When in use, you can be sure that the side panel will not heat up
  • It has a very sturdy frame, which makes it very durable
Cons
  • Unlike other semi-automatic espresso machines, it comes at a high price

4. No products found. - Espresso Machine

Breville the Infuser BES840XL – Espresso Machine

This is another machine by Breville, with so much attention paid to the temperature control for optimal efficiency. You can carry out temperature control as well as volumetric settings on the machine.

These are just the basics of the features. What makes it stand out from it's peers is the featuring of a pre-infusion technology. There is also the presence of the thermocoil system.

All these are the main features, coupled with the ability of the machine to go to sleep if it has not been used for an hour. If the dormancy time gets to 3 hours, the machine shuts down completely. Hence, you can be sure of the power saving ability.

The thermocoil system makes temperature control very easy and efficient. The essence of the pre-infusion technology is to put the grinds in a state of low pressure, which gives it ample time to extract all the flavor from the espresso. If you buy this product from Amazon, there are some other products that come as side bonuses with it.

Pros
  • It is very compact but delivers so much power
  • It enjoys low pressure pre-infusion that brings out the best flavors
  • It is very easy to use and clean
  • It has a very elegant design
  • You can be sure of consistency with the taste of your preferred flavor
Cons
  • You will need to get a good burr grinder separately.

5. No products found. - Espresso Maker

Nespresso Pixie D60 – Espresso Maker

This is another great espresso machine, and one feature that makes it stand out in the pack is the ability to generate 19 bars of pressure. This is simply outstanding. Its power is not only limited to this, it also features an advanced thermoblock heating system.

This is then coupled with a pump that ensures that every cup of coffee you make from it is simply awesome. If you are a coffee lover, and crave the barista feel to your coffee, then this is the best machine to get that done for you.

In just about 25 seconds, you will get a superb cup of espresso shot. This machine is really one in its own class.

Pros
  • It is one of the fastest semi-automatic espresso machine you’d find out there
  • It has a unique body frame
  • It is highly efficient and budget friendly
  • It has a very compact size and can fit into just about anywhere
  • It can be easily operated, and the maintenance of this machine is also very easy
  • The used capsule can always be recycled.
  • It has an auto shut-off feature
Cons
  • The pods are not cheap
  • The water tank is very small sized.

6. No products found. - Manual Espresso Machine Baby Class

Gaggia 12300 – Manual Espresso Machine Baby Class

Don’t be fooled by the name of this machine from Gaggia. In fact, it fields parts fashioned out of Italy. These parts include a chrome plated brass group, as well as an outstanding 8mm commercial style porta-filter. There is also the presence of a solenoid valve. With this machine, any cup of coffee you make will seem like one made by a professional barista.

Either you need to make something for yourself, your guests or your friends, this is the perfect machine to make them feel the excellence of coffee. While using this machine, you don’t need to take guesses on frothing and steaming, all that is eliminated.

The pump in this machine has the capacity to produce about 15 bar of pressure. It also features a 60 oz water reservoir, which makes it easy to quickly brew espresso. In the pack, you also get a performance boiler, followed by a single and double shot basket. This machine is the perfect blend between aesthetics and high performance.

Pros
  • It has a very great look and style
  • The body is built to high quality
  • The steam and froth made by this machine seems like that of a professional barista
  • It features a large water tanks
  • During maintenance, this machine is very easy to clean
Cons
  • It is not as compact as expected.

7. No products found. - Espresso Machine

Nuova Simonellia Oscar Pour-Over – Espresso Machine

This machine is one with a top-notch frame that depicts aesthetics and sturdiness. With the exterior used on this machine, you can be sure that it will last for years to come.

There are different models you can choose from. You can pick from either the plumbed or tank model. This machine comes really handy when you run a small coffee shop.

Whatever feature you may need from a semi-automatic espresso machine, this fields it in high quality. This is a machine you can depend on, anytime of the day. The machine has a perfect water tank, a heat exchanger, steam pressure options, professional porta-filter, removable tray and cup warmer. You don’t need to study a whole guide just to get things right with this machine. It is very easy to operate.

Pros
  • This machine produces quality shots, of the barista quality
  • The heat exchanger of the machine is very affordable to get.
  • It has a very precise ergonomic design, user-friendly and can be easily operated.
Cons
  • This machine is compromised in the aspect of elegance, due to the presence of rubber in its build.
  • There is no indicator for the water level.

8. No products found. - Commercial Espresso

Pasquini Livia 90 – Commercial Espresso

If you have been seeing different semi-espresso machines, this one is bound to impress you on first contact. It is mainly for commercial use, and can fit into any of such establishment. Be it the office, coffee shop, or just a lounge somewhere. The machine is made of a professional boiler, which makes hot water readily available.

Hence, whenever you need water, it is always on the go. In no time, you’d have the perfect cup of coffee in your hands. With this feature, it gets to eliminate the waiting time that used to exist between brewing the coffee and heating the needed milk.

Pros
  • It has a very elegant and professional look
  • It is very reliable and you can trust in the quality of coffee it makes.
  • The frame of the body is protected against corrosion as the components of the machine are very durable
  • The machine is very easy to navigate
  • This machine is very inexpensive
Cons
  • It comes with a plastic storage reservoir.

9. No products found. - Commercial Espresso Machine

Bezzera PID BZ07 – Commercial Espresso Machine

This machine is very small and compact, but don’t be fooled by this. The efficiency of this machine is that of any premium coffee maker. Irrespective of your level of love for coffee, this machine makes the cup that satisfies you completely.

During each brew, the thermostat installed in the machine keeps accurate read on temperature. With this machine, you can be sure of the perfect cup of coffee each day.

Pros
  • The machine is designed to keep the cups at an ideal temperature
  • It is very easy to use
  • There is no need for so much flushing
Cons
  • It doesn’t offer so much in aesthetics

10. No products found. - Coffee and Espresso Maker

Mr. Coffee Café Barista – Coffee and Espresso Maker

This is a semi-automatic machine, and it does not cost a fortune. Whatever pressure you may need to make the perfect cup of coffee, this machine offers it rightly. Also, you make the right type of coffee you want with this machine.

The display is as simple as it can get, and with a minimalist budget, you can have yours sitting in your home, in no time.

This machine makes great quality and comes at a low price, but there is an obvious compromise on the body build. If you can live with that, this is your best bet at a budget semi-espresso machine.

Pros
  • It offers so much value for the price
  • It can make other types of coffee other than the espresso
  • It has an easy to understand display that makes navigation easy
Cons
  • The quality of the build is not as top-notch as expected
  • It is not very sturdy on seat.

A Quick Guide to Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines

What are the Benefits of the Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines?

There are several reasons why you should choose the semi-automatic coffee machines over the fully automatic ones.

Most of the Features are Automated

This way, you get the ease of use that is the major characteristics of automatic machines, and still don’t spend much. Most of the hard work of the coffee making process is done by the machine.

Flexibility

In the semi-automatic machines, the user has complete control over the extraction time. Hence, you can set it to whatever you want. If you are looking to take part in the coffee making process of your drink, this machine type serves well.

Double Function

Some boilers are adapted to make possible the processes of brewing and extraction, at the same time. This is not found in all boilers of the semi-automatic machine type. If you want one with this capability, you need to demand for it.

How to Choose the Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine for You

There are so many espresso machines, hence, it may get really difficult to pick the best one for you. Here are some tips that will make selection easier.

Usability

You should consider how easy it is to use the particular model you are looking to buy. These machines come with indicators, check out how visible they are. Check the location of the switches, can you easily reach them? Also check if the cup warming tray is functional. You should also check how the portafilter handle locks fit.

Reliability

This is a feature you may not be able to give accurate answer to. However, on feeling the build quality of the machine, you can easily tell if it’s going to stand the test of time. If you are looking for a machine that will actually last, you shouldn’t go for a low budget semi-automatic espresso machine. The higher the build quality, the higher the price.

Final Take/Conclusion

Coffee is great, and you deserve a good cup of coffee every morning when you get off bed, or while at work. However, at this times when coffee is most needed, preparing it manually cannot be the case. This is just proof that you need the semi-automatic espresso machine.

There are several types of the semi-automatic espresso machines out there, but with the guide provided above, choosing one is bound to be easier. Enjoy your coffee making days!