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Most Recommended Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines

Updated

Check out the semi-automatic espresso machines recommended the most by Coffee Experts here on Curated. Note, however, that we don't believe in "best of" lists at Curated – everyone has different needs and we believe in finding the best gear for you and not generally for the masses. Chat with a Coffee Expert here on Curated to receive personalized recommendations on the best espresso machine for your needs.

Andrea D., Coffee Expert
Matthew W., Coffee Expert
BP
By Prosumer Espresso Machine ExpertsAndrea, Matthew, Bonica and others

Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine

$124.99
$499.95
75% off
4.73(15)
The Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine is a top choice for home baristas seeking cafe-quality espresso without breaking the bank. It's compact, easy to use, and heats up quickly. Its professional-sized fittings, powerful steam wand, and automatic milk frothing system deliver consistently great-tasting espresso and creamy milk foam. It's perfect for those who value control over their espresso process and are looking for a stylish, user-friendly machine.
Ideal for
  • Home baristas seeking cafe-quality espresso
  • Those looking for a budget-friendly and space-saving option
  • Individuals who value control over their espresso process
  • Those who prefer a stylish, user-friendly machine
  • Coffee lovers who enjoy a quick and convenient espresso experience
Not ideal for
  • Those seeking a high capacity machine for large gatherings or commercial use
  • Those who want to make more than a couple of drinks back-to-back
Janelle G., Coffee Expert
Holly Bastin, Coffee Expert
David Boyer, Coffee Expert
by Curated experts Janelle G., Holly Bastin, David Boyer
The Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine is a semi-automatic machine that's perfect for those who want to optimize espresso taste and performance without the need for automated or fancy features. It has a built-in grinder, PID temperature control, and 30 grind settings for high quality and consistent espresso. It heats up in just 3 seconds, and its excellent steam wand makes it ideal for frothing milk. It's a great fit for households with mixed experience levels, offering a blend of automatic and manual features.
Ideal for
  • Those with limited counter space
  • Those who want high quality and consistent espresso
  • Those who want a machine that heats up quickly
  • Those who want a semi-automatic machine with built-in grinder
  • Households with mixed experience levels
Not ideal for
  • Those who prefer fully automated machines
  • Those who want a machine with a stepless grinder adjustment
  • Those who want a machine with a sturdy tamper
  • Those who prefer machines with standard size portafilters or standalone grinders
  • Those who prefer machines with automated brewing process
August Croft, Coffee Expert
Janelle G., Coffee Expert
David Boyer, Coffee Expert
by Curated experts August Croft, Janelle G., David Boyer
The Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine is a perfect blend of digital functionality and manual experience, making it an ideal choice for beginners in the espresso realm. It features a touch-screen control center that provides tutorials, maintenance operations, and multiple programs for enhanced control. The machine stands out with its advanced controls for manual operation integration, allowing users to get creative. It also features Thermojet technology, which enables the machine to be used just 3 seconds after turning it on.
Ideal for
  • Beginners in the espresso realm
  • Users who appreciate digital functionality
  • Users who want to experiment with manual operation
  • Users who value quick heat time
  • Users who enjoy a variety of espresso drinks
Not ideal for
  • Users seeking a more hands-on espresso making experience
  • Users who struggle with tech for changing grind settings
  • Users who find the cleaning process too involved
Brooke Burnett, Coffee Expert
Caleb Jones, Coffee Expert
Adam L., Coffee Expert
by Curated experts Brooke Burnett, Caleb Jones, Adam L.
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The Rancilio Silvia M Espresso Machine is a perfect choice for coffee enthusiasts who enjoy the process of preparing their own espresso. This semi-automatic machine is known for its durability, high-quality construction, and performance over time. It's a great option for those wanting to learn how to tune and dial their machines in and customize their coffees. Plus, it's a machine that will grow with you, with a huge community of Rancilio owners who can help you modify and upgrade it over the years.
Ideal for
  • Coffee enthusiasts who enjoy preparing their own espresso
  • Those wanting to learn how to tune and dial their machines
  • Those looking for a durable, high-quality construction
  • Those looking for a machine that can grow with them
  • Those who want a high-quality Italian build with the ability to upgrade/tinker
Not ideal for
  • Those who need to steam and pour shots simultaneously
  • Those who prefer a less manual machine
  • Those who need a quick heat-up and switch from espresso to steaming
Holly Bastin, Coffee Expert
Janelle G., Coffee Expert
Fatimah H, Coffee Expert
by Curated experts Holly Bastin, Janelle G., Fatimah H
The De'Longhi 15 Bar Espresso & Cappuccino Machine is perfect for home baristas eager to craft their own espresso shots. It's quick to heat up and recover, and comes with pressurized portafilters that are forgiving for beginners. It's compatible with pre-ground espresso beans, burr grinder beans, and ESE pods for easy dosing and clean-up. The cup warmer, which picks up heat from the group head, is a standout feature. However, its steam wand and temperature stability may not meet the needs of more experienced baristas.
Ideal for
  • Home baristas
  • Beginners in espresso making
  • Users looking for quick heat-up and recovery
  • Users preferring easy dosing and clean-up
  • Users who value a cup warmer feature
Not ideal for
  • Users seeking a high-quality steam wand
  • Users requiring steady temperature control
David Boyer, Coffee Expert
Matthew W., Coffee Expert
Eric T, Coffee Expert
by Curated experts David Boyer, Matthew W., Eric T
The Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine is a semi-automatic espresso machine that is perfect for those who want to delve into the world of espresso making without the hassle. It's equipped with a built-in grinder and an automatic tamping function, making it ideal for beginners. The machine's smart technology calibrates and adjusts the grind setting based on your first drink, ensuring consistent results. It also features a steam wand for milk frothing, allowing users to practice and perfect their latte art skills. However, it's not ideal for those who want more control over their espresso or don't want to grind their own beans.
Ideal for
  • Beginners in espresso making
  • Those who want a semi-automatic machine with built-in grinder
  • Users who prefer automatic tamping
  • Individuals who want to practice latte art
  • Those who appreciate smart technology for consistent results
Not ideal for
  • Those who want more control over their espresso
  • Individuals who don't want to grind their own beans
  • Users who are sensitive to temperature fluctuations affecting their shot
Aysia M, Coffee Expert
Shelby Lewis, Coffee Expert
Hannah Ramsey, Coffee Expert
by Curated experts Aysia M, Shelby Lewis, Hannah Ramsey
The Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine is perfect for coffee enthusiasts who crave cafe-quality espresso at home without the manual hassle. It's a semi-automatic machine that offers a blend of automation and customization, with features like the Impress tamping system for perfect tamping every time, and the Touch system for intuitive use. It even has a built-in grinder, making it a star player in the super vs semi-auto debate.
Ideal for
  • Coffee lovers seeking cafe-quality espresso at home
  • Users who appreciate a blend of automation and customization
  • Individuals who prefer a semi-automatic machine that does most of the work
  • People who want a machine with a built-in grinder
Not ideal for
  • Individuals who enjoy the process of making coffee by hand
Eric T, Coffee Expert
Matthew W., Coffee Expert
Westin H., Coffee Expert
by Curated experts Eric T, Matthew W., Westin H.
The Capresso Cafe Touchscreen Espresso Machine is perfect for those seeking a feature-rich, affordable espresso machine. Its 15-bar thermoblock heating system, steam technology for lattes and cappuccinos, and illuminated touchscreen interface make it user-friendly. It's compatible with both ground coffee and pods, and features a 50-ounce removable water tank. Plus, it comes with a tamper and a 1-year warranty from Capresso.
Ideal for
  • Those seeking an affordable, feature-rich espresso machine
  • Users who prefer an intuitive, touchscreen interface
  • Coffee lovers who enjoy both ground coffee and pods
  • Those who appreciate a large, removable water tank
  • Buyers looking for a machine with a warranty
Jeff Sutton, Coffee Expert
Crystal Baker, Coffee Expert
by Curated experts Jeff Sutton, Crystal Baker
The Rancilio Silvia Pro X Home Espresso Machine is a perfect fit for those who want to bring the cafe experience into their kitchen. It's a durable, semi-automatic machine that's ideal for low volume commercial use or for the home barista who wants to crank out drink after drink with minimal downtime. Its dual boilers allow for higher output than some home espresso machines, and it comes with features like pre-infusion, automatic cleaning, a tamper, a PID, and 58 mm portafilters. However, it's not suitable for high volume use and can't be plumbed into a water line.
Ideal for
  • Low volume commercial use
  • Home baristas who want a cafe experience
  • Those who value durability and higher output
  • Users who appreciate features like pre-infusion, automatic cleaning, a tamper, a PID, and 58 mm portafilters
Not ideal for
  • High volume commercial use
  • Scenarios where plumbing into a water line is necessary
Janelle G., Coffee Expert
TV
David Boyer, Coffee Expert
by Curated experts Janelle G., Tiffany Velasco, David Boyer
The Quick Mill Silvano Evo Espresso Machine is a dream come true for coffee lovers who want a professional feel at home. This Italian-made machine is a dual boiler, allowing users to steam and pull shots simultaneously. It's built with a solid stainless steel construction and a hefty weight of 35 pounds, giving it a solid presence on your counter. It also features a programmable PID, solid state relay, and a 58mm portal filter. However, it lacks a hot water spigot.
Ideal for
  • Coffee enthusiasts seeking a professional feel at home
  • Those who appreciate high-quality, durable equipment
  • Individuals who value the ability to steam and pull shots simultaneously
  • Users who prefer a solid, hefty machine
  • People who appreciate the convenience of a programmable PID and solid state relay
Not ideal for
  • Those who require a hot water spigot
David Boyer, Coffee Expert
Eric T, Coffee Expert
Matthew W., Coffee Expert
by Curated experts David Boyer, Eric T, Matthew W.

Most Recommended Espresso Machines Under $1000

Most Recommended Espresso Grinders under $500

Most Recommended Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines under $1,500

Most Recommended Espresso Grinders

Most Recommended Entry-Level Espresso Machines

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Have a question about the article you just read or want personal recommendations? Connect with a Curated expert to find exactly what you are looking for!
Result Summary
  1. Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
  2. Breville the Barista Pro Espresso Machine
  3. Breville the Barista Touch Espresso Machine
  4. Rancilio Silvia M Espresso Machine
  5. De'Longhi 15 Bar Espresso & Cappuccino Machine with Advanced Cappuccino System
  6. Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine
  7. Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine
  8. Capresso Cafe Touchscreen Espresso Machine
  9. Rancilio Silvia Pro X Home Espresso Machine
  10. Quick Mill Silvano Evo Espresso Machine
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