Top 5 Best Manual Espresso Machine

Best manual espresso machine: our top 5

At MaxiCoffee, we’ve set ourselves a new challenge: to compare the best manual espresso machines of the year. After spending hundreds of hours testing all the espresso machines sold on our site, we’ve come up with a ranking of the 5 best. Our goal? To help you find the best manual espresso machine from among the hundreds on the market and to guide you in your purchase. So, what’s the best manual espresso machine in 2025?

Superkop Espresso Maker

The Superkop Espresso Maker is an excellent choice if you are after an innovative single-lever espresso machine made from durable, robust materials. It is easy to use, offers a modern and elegant design and operates without electricity. The Superkop’s body is constructed from cast aluminium, while its internal structure and pivoting components – the portafilter and filter – are constructed from stainless steel.

Flair 58X 

The Flair 58X is a fully manual, portable espresso maker, that offers professional-grade espresso without electricity. Its robust frame and wider base improve stability, while the industry-standard 58mm portafilter allows for wider compatibility with tools and baskets. Two preheat caps (open and closed) enable temperature control, and the wooden handle ensures comfortable operation. The low-flow 18g basket simplifies grind size for easier espresso extraction, making it ideal for a wide variety of grinders. Enjoy barista-quality espresso on the go with the Flair 58X!

Flair Espresso Pro 2

The Flair PRO 2 boasts a removable spout, an enhanced bottomless portafilter, a gauge guard for added durability, and a silicone grip for improved brewing ergonomics. Housed in a portable kit, complete with its own carrying case, the Flair PRO 2 is a model of convenience, allowing you to enjoy exceptional espresso anywhere you go. Achieve precise shot extraction effortlessly thanks to its large capacity cylinder and portafilter. The integrated pressure gauge ensures optimal brewing conditions.

ROK Espresso GC Classic SmartShot

Both elegant and eco-friendly, the ROK Espresso GC Classic SmartShot lever espresso machine offers an unbeatable manual espresso-making experience. With its innovative SmartShot pressurised filter, this compact machine allows you to use any ground coffee. Made out of cast aluminium, steel, and composite glass, the ROK Espresso GC Classic SmartShot is built to last, backed by a 10-year guarantee on metal parts. With a showerhead for uniform water distribution and accessories including a portafilter, double spout, and dosing spoon, the ROK Espresso GC Classic SmartShot delivers quality espresso, every time.

ARAM Espresso Maker

The Aram Espresso Maker is crafted in Brazil with premium materials including noble wood and solid stainless steel. This manual espresso maker features a distinctive crank mechanism for pressure control, offering a unique coffee extraction process through its bottomless portafilter.  This versatile machine can be used with or without the included steel support, doubling as both a functional espresso maker and a decorative accent. It was also designed for easy maintenance with entirely removable parts.

Why choose a manual espresso machine?

By choosing a manual espresso machine, you can adjust your coffee to suit your tastes and control a wide range of variables: enough to make a delicious cup of coffee!

What Is A Manual Espresso Machine?

A manual espresso machine is a favourite amongst many coffee enthusiasts. For the uninitiated, a manual espresso maker is a traditional coffee-making device that requires manual operation to produce a rich and flavourful espresso shot. Manual espresso machines are prized for their simplicity, durability, and ability to produce espresso shots that rival those from the best professional coffee shops. Unlike automatic espresso machines, which automate much of the brewing process, manual espresso machines rely on the user’s control and skill to create the perfect cup.

These machines typically consist of several parts: a lever, piston, or pump mechanism that forces hot water through finely-ground coffee at high pressure, extracting the intense flavours and aromas characteristic of espresso. Here’s a breakdown of these parts and how they work:

• Lever, Piston, or Pump Mechanism: This component serves as the driving force behind the brewing process. When pushed, pumped, or turned by the user, it applies pressure to the hot water, forcing it through the ground coffee to extract the desired flavours and aromas.
• Portafilter: The portafilter is a handle-equipped, detachable basket that holds the coffee grounds during the brewing process. It attaches to the machine and is where the coffee is brewed. After brewing, it can be removed for cleaning and refilling.
• Group Head: The group head is the part of the machine where the portafilter attaches. It delivers hot water from the boiler to the coffee grounds in the portafilter, ensuring even extraction and consistent brewing temperature.
• Steam Wand: While not directly involved in espresso brewing, the steam wand is a feature of many manual espresso makers. It is used to froth and steam milk for drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos.
• Water Reservoir: This is where the water is stored for brewing. Depending on the model, the water reservoir may be removable for easy refilling or built-in for convenience.
• Pressure Gauge: Some manual espresso machines feature a pressure gauge that indicates the pressure at which the water is being forced through the coffee grounds. This helps users monitor and adjust the brewing process for optimal results.

How To Choose A Manual Espresso Machine

Choosing the perfect manual espresso machine for you will depend on your needs, your budget and your level of coffee knowledge. There are several types of percolator espresso machine to choose from.

But if you’re still not sure how to choose from our comparison, here are a few tips to help you.

There you have it, you now have all the know-how to pick the best manual espresso machine to suit your needs. Want to have a look at a few more options? Take a look at our full selection of manual espresso machines.