The Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines, According to Our Tests

At its core, an espresso machine pressurizes hot water through finely-ground coffee to pull a concentrated espresso shot—but even the term “pull” is a little old-fashioned. Originally, “pull” was used to describe baristas literally pulling on a spring-loaded lever that drove a piston through a column of hot water into the coffee. Nowadays, most espresso machines you see in cafes and in homes are semi-automatic. 

In simple terms, a semi-automatic espresso machine has an electronic button or switch that the barista (or home barista) uses to start and stop the espresso shot. It’s a relatively user-friendly, cost-effective design that’s easier to operate than manual machines and usually more affordable than automatic and superautomatic machines (which can cost between $3,000 and $7,500 for home models). To help you wade through this wide category of equipment, we put together a list of our favorite semi-automatic options.

The Winners, at a Glance 

• The Best Small Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine: Breville Bambino Plus
• The Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine for Tinkerers: Gaggia Classic Pro
• The Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with a Built-In Grinder: Breville Barista Express Impress
• An Entry-Level Dual Boiler Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine: Breville Dual Boiler
• A Sturdier Dual Boiler Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine: Rancilio Silvia Pro X
• A Splurge-Worthy Semi-Automatic Home Espresso Machine: La Marzocco Linea Micra
• A Truly Professional Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine: La Marzocco Linea Mini

Things to Consider

So, What Is the Difference Between Semi-Automatic and Automatic Espresso Machines?

To put it plainly, automatic machines are able to stop espresso shots automatically. You’re most likely to see one at a busy high-end coffee bar where automation helps move the line forward, but there are automatic home machines, too. The guts of both types of machines are extremely similar, with one key difference: automatic espresso machines have a flow meter. Most flow meters use a tiny magnet in the water line and track the number of times it spins as an espresso shot is running. It then uses this data to pump the same amount of water through the machine every time, and can even be programmed to the exact millimeter. While automatic machines are great, accurate flow meters are extremely sensitive, expensive precision devices, and even most commercial espresso machines don’t have them.

Semi-automatic espresso machines rely on a more basic way to stop each espresso shot: the user. While they require a bit more attention, semi-automatic machines are more affordable, have fewer complex parts, and are extremely reliable, making them a great option for a home espresso machine.

Han On—Aren’t Those Breville Espresso Machines Automatic?

Technically, yes: but as we mentioned in the previous paragraph, accurate flow meters are extremely sensitive and expensive. In our testing, we found the flow meters in Breville machines were lacking in precision. Espresso recipes are extremely specific because just five milliliters of water can throw off the entire flavor of a shot, and the only machine we’ve used that’s that accurate is the La Marzocco GS/3. We still really, really like these Breville machines, but we had better success when we stopped the shots ourselves.

What Are Superautomatic Espresso Machines?

Ah, yes: the superautomatic espresso machine. If you’ve ordered a drink at a large coffee chain, your drink was made on a commercial, superautomatic machine, though there are home versions, too. Superautomatic machines do everything: push a button, and they grind, dose, tamp, and brew. Many offer automatic milk frothing, too. Because there are so many moving parts, they’re expensive, not to mention a nightmare to maintain. Lastly, without human input on how much water or coffee is being used or how coarse or fine the grind is set, the espresso from these machines is rarely better than passable. They represent ultimate convenience, but we think the Spinn Coffee Maker, which is a one-touch brewer that uses a centrifugal brewing chamber, does a better job (and for half the price, too).

I Keep Hearing About Dual Boiler Vs. Single Boiler Machines—Does It Really Matter? 

It may sound like technical jargon, but yes—the number of boilers an espresso machine has matters a ton. Single boiler machines rely on one water boiler to heat water for brewing (around 200ºF) and for steaming milk (around 266ºF). Since these two functions happen at entirely different temperatures, you have to take turns between pulling a shot and steaming milk. Some machines (like the Breville Bambino Plus and the Barista Impress Express) can switch functions pretty quickly, but the Gaggia Classic Pro takes 45 seconds to heat up and steam milk—long enough for the espresso shot you just pulled to begin to oxidize and turn sour. Dual boiler machines offer three main advantages: simultaneous espresso pulling and milk steaming, precision temperature control, and steam power. With separate boilers for brewing and steam, you can do both at the same time. Plus, separate steam boilers are usually bigger and offer more power (which helps create better-textured microfoam for smooth latte art, if you want to show off). There are two major downsides to dual boiler machines, though: they’re bigger, and cost much more. 

What Does PID Stand for...and Why Does It Make Better Coffee?

Lots of machines advertise that they have a PID controller, but there’s not a lot of information out there about what that actually is and what it does. PID stands for “proportional integral derivative,” which is an algorithm that can be used to predict temperature swings and then adjust the boiler to correct them. It’s a common piece of technology in immersion circulators and high-end toaster ovens to stabilize temperatures but was originally popularized in espresso machines through home enthusiasts who liked to modify their equipment. Without a PID, the brew boiler might swing 20ºF as the heating cycle kicks on; with a PID, the temperature can be stabilized within 0.1ºF. High temperatures can bring out bitter flavors, while low-temperature shots might taste sour. Having a PID in your machine eliminates guesswork and leads to more consistent, better-tasting espresso. 

Are Expensive Espresso Machines Really Worth It? 

This is a loaded question, but it’s also very personal. All of our picks are able to make great-tasting espresso and aerate microfoam into milk, it’s just that the expensive machines do it better. How much better? Well, that’s tough to say. The most expensive machines on this list are a lot easier to work on, but beginners might not know enough about espresso minutiae to warrant the upgrade. At the same time, an expert will find it easier to pull a great shot on a $500 machine than a beginner, but might long for the precision of a pricier piece of equipment. This guide hopefully can help you balance the features you’re looking for against your budget, and all of these machines are great options for home use.

A Good Grinder Is Important

An espresso machine isn’t anything without a great espresso grinder. In our testing, the Baratza Encore ESP came out as a really solid option to pair with a lower-cost machine for a budget-friendly duo. It can manage precision espresso grinds while also tackling coarser grinds for drip brewing, making it an excellent choice for those who want a grinder that can do double duty. The Baratza Sette 270 was our favorite grinder, hands down, but is a little pricey for beginners. It has a continuous micro-adjustment lever for fine-tuning your espresso shots, and its unique burr design holds onto less coffee and makes it super easy to clean. For high-end machines, the Mazzer Lux D packs the power of a commercial espresso grinder into a body that fits on most counters. 

The Criteria: What to Look for in a Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine

While there are a number of different machines with an array of features and varying price points, a great semi-automatic espresso machine should be easy to use and be able to pull a cafe-quality shot of espresso. It should also have a powerful enough steam wand to create microfoam and be able to switch between brewing and steaming modes easily (if it doesn’t have dual boilers). Ideally, it has precision temperature regulation via a PID controller (though it’s not necessary). Ultimately, a great semi-automatic espresso machine lets you make the drinks you want at a price point that matches your budget. 

Our Favorite Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines

The Best Small Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine

Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine

Orig. $500 $470 at Amazon $500 at Williams-Sonoma $500 at Sur La Table

What we liked: Not only were we impressed with this machine's espresso, but we also really loved the automatic steam wand, which shuts off when it hits the right temperature, ensuring silky, well-aerated foam every time. We were also surprised by how quickly the machine heated up—it took just seconds for the machine to reach brewing temperature, which is regulated by a PID. It’s a great all-around machine for beginners and enthusiasts on a budget, and as a small espresso machine, its compact size makes it countertop-friendly.

What we didn’t like: The quality of the microfoam from the automatic steam wand wasn’t quite as good as a skilled home barista could produce with a manual steam wand. This machine also has programmable buttons for single or double shots (technically making it an automatic espresso machine), but they weren’t very accurate. 

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 8 x 13 x 12 inches
• Weight: 11 pounds 
• Portafilter diameter: 54 millimeters 
• Capacity: 1 liter 
• Boiler: Single
• PID: Yes
• Warranty: 2-year limited product warranty
• Comes with: 54mm tamper, precision dosing tool, 16 fl. oz / 480ml stainless steel milk jug, 1- and 2-cup single wall and dual wall filter baskets, cleaning tool, cleaning disc

The Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine for Tinkerers

Gaggia Classic Pro Espresso Machine

Orig. $499 $399 at Amazon $499 at Sur La Table View on Gaggia-na.com

What we liked: The Gaggia Classic Pro pulled incredible tasting shots that matched the quality of machines three times its price, and its commercial-sized grouphead meant we could swap the filter baskets for high-end versions. There’s also tons of information online about how to modify your shot-pulling experience in order to bring out incredible coffee quality, like how to temperature surf the brew boiler or amp up the steam pressure. It’s a great option for anyone willing to invest a little extra time and who considers pulling espresso a hobby.

What we didn’t like: This machine lacks a PID controller to regulate its temperature, requiring the user to monitor the brew boiler to keep it from scorching the coffee. It also takes a while to heat up to make steam, and even then the pressure isn’t very strong. This machine is better suited for an espresso-focused person who occasionally enjoys a latte.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 9 x15 x 9.5 inches
• Weight: 16 pounds 
• Portafilter diameter: 58 millimeters
• Capacity: 2 liters
• Boiler: Single
• PID: No
• Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
• Comes with: Single and double single- and dual- wall filter baskets, plastic tamper

The Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with a Built-In Grinder

Breville Barista Express Impress

Orig. $900 $700 at Amazon $900 at Williams-Sonoma Orig. $869 $700 at Walmart

What we liked: Assisted tamping and automatic coffee portioning automate the two trickiest parts of pulling a shot, making this machine a great option for beginners or those who just don’t enjoy tinkering. It heats up quickly and can jump to steam mode in just seconds, producing enough pressure for good-quality microfoam. To get more in-depth about how the built-in grinder works with the tamping lever, you can read our dedicated review here.

What we didn’t like: The built-in grinder is handy, but lacks the precision and power that some of our favorite espresso grinders have. And even though it has a built-in grinder, it’s still more expensive than some standalone grinders and espresso machine pairings that we would recommend. 

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 13 x 15 x 16 inches
• Weight: 24 pounds 
• Portafilter diameter: 54 millimeters
• Capacity: 2 liters 
• Boiler: Single
• PID: Yes
• Warranty: 2-year repair or replacement limited warranty
• Comes with: 480ml stainless steel milk jug, 1- and 2- cup single and dual wall filter baskets, Water filter holder with filter, precision trimming tool, cleaning tablets, allen key, steam wand cleaning tool, cleaning disc, cleaning brush, descale powder

An Entry-Level Dual Boiler Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine

Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine

$1,600 at Amazon $1,600 at Williams-Sonoma $1,280 at Sur La Table

What we liked: This is the cheapest dual boiler machine out there, and even though it’s a big price jump compared to most of Breville’s machines, it’s packed with features. Dual boilers allow the user to pull shots and steam milk at the same time, and you can even tweak your brew temperature. With a commercial-sized filter basket and a group head that keeps temperatures steady, the Dual Boiler offers more precision than any of its siblings, and it also has a built-in shot-timer. It’s an excellent choice for anyone who wants to step up their espresso game, but who still wants the user-experience details of a Breville machine (like wheels to help it move around the counter, a pop-up sign when the drip tray is full, and cleaning instructions right on the water reservoir).

What we didn’t like: At this price point, we wish it wasn’t mostly made out of plastic. We also would like the steam pressure to be more powerful, so it could create a silkier microfoam. 

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 15.9 x 14.7 x 14.9 inches
• Weight: 30 pounds 
• Portafilter diameter: 58 millimeters
• Capacity: 2.5 liters 
• Boiler: Dual
• PID: Yes
• Warranty: 2-year repair warranty
• Comes with: 58mm razor dosing tool, 58mm stainless steel portafilter, 1-cup and 2-cup single and dual wall filter baskets, integrated tamper, 16-ounce stainless steel milk jug, cleaning kit, water hardness test strip, water filter holder and water filter

A Sturdier Dual Boiler Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine

Rancilio Silvia Pro X Espresso Machine

$1,990 at Amazon

What we liked: The Silvia Pro X crams a lot of commercial features—and parts—into a home machine. Aside from the machine’s sturdy stainless steel body, it also offers precision temperature control and lets the user fine-tune the exact flavor profile they want out of their espresso. We also really liked the power behind the steam wand, which made it easy to make excellent microfoam. This is a great option for anyone with a larger budget who wants a machine that’s built to last. 

What we didn’t like: It’s an expensive machine and only offers minor improvements over the less pricey options on this list. Still, it is excellent.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 16.5 x 10 x 15.2 inches
• Weight: 44 pounds 
• Portafilter diameter: 58 millimeters
• Capacity: 2 liters 
• Boiler: Dual
• PID: Yes
• Warranty: 1-year parts and labor warranty
• Comes with: Black handle double spouted commercial portafilter, 7-gram single basket, 18-gram double basket, rubber backflush insert, stainless steel tamper, water softening pouch, coffee scoop

An Ultra Splurge Semi-Automatic Home Espresso Machine

La Marzocco Linea Micra

View on Lamarzoccousa.com

What we liked: La Marzocco is known for its precision commercial espresso machines, and they were able to make a home version that feels like working on the real thing. The Linea Micra is an incredible feat of engineering. Not only can it pull shots and steam milk simultaneously, but it also has precision temperature control and a commercial-style pump, all packed into a kitchen-countertop-friendly body. Oh, and you can use the app that pairs with it to schedule on/off times. It was a dream to pull shots with the Linea Micra, and you can read more about how much we liked it in our review.

What we didn’t like: The only real issue with this machine is the price: it’s twice the cost of other dual boiler machines on this list, and while the build quality is worth it, it also puts the Linea Micra in a category that only the most dedicated enthusiasts would be willing to shell out for. 

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 12 x 12 by 15 inches
• Weight: 40 pounds 
• Portafilter diameter: 58 millimeters
• Capacity: 2 liters
• Boiler: Dual
• PID: Yes
• Warranty: 2-year parts and labor warranty
• Comes with: Convertible portafilter with dual-spout and single-spout attachment, 7-gram, 14-gram, 17-gram, and 21-gram baskets, 58mm convex La Marzocco tamper, 12oz steaming pitcher, Purocaf Cleaning Solution

A Truly Professional Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine

La Marzocco Linea Mini Espresso Machine

View on Seattlecoffeegear.com

What we liked: The Linea Mini has all the same features as the Linea Micra, just in a bigger body with larger boilers. It’s often used for pop-up coffee events when someone needs a portable machine with a lot of power, and it delivers. And while other machines in this list have good steam pressure, the Linea Mini’s steam wand goes toe-to-toe with any commercial machine twice its size. It may be overkill for most people’s needs, but for anyone who wants cafe-quality espresso at home, the Mini is one of the best options available. 

What we didn’t like: In contrast with its name, the Linea Mini is big—it weighs around 80 pounds when full. It’s also extremely expensive, dwarfing any other espresso machine’s cost on this list. 

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 14 x 21 x 16 inches
• Weight: 70 pounds
• Portafilter diameter: 58 millimeters
• Capacity: 2 liter 
• Boiler: Dual
• PID: Yes
• Warranty: 2-year parts and labor warranty
• Comes with: Break-away double spouted portafilter with standard rubber handle, 7-gram, 14-gram, 17-gram, and 21-gram baskets, 58mm convex La Marzocco tamper, 12-ounce steaming pitcher, Purocaf Cleaning Solution

FAQs

What is a semi-automatic espresso machine? 

A semi-automatic espresso machine uses a single button to start and stop an espresso shot. There are no preset volumes on a semi-automatic espresso machine the way there are on an automatic/volumetric machine, requiring the user to stop shots.

How much should you pay for a good espresso machine? 

We have recommendations for espresso machines at a variety of price points. The lowest-priced espresso machine we recommend is the Gaggia Classic Pro, while the most expensive machine is the La Marzocco Lina Mini. There are a lot of great models in between these two machines with various jumps in price, but in general, pricier espresso machines make it easier to pull a great espresso shot and have more powerful steam pressure.

How do I clean my espresso machine?

Most espresso machines are cleaned through backflushing, which involves putting a filter basket with no holes into the portafilter, adding coffee detergent, and running the group head. This flushes water and coffee detergent up through the group head to clear out any old coffee oils—but before you attempt this, check with the manufacturer’s instructions. Some machines don’t have the right type of valve that lets you backflush, and this could damage the machine.

Why We're the Experts

• Jesse Raub was Serious Eats' commerce writer and spent over 15 years working in the specialty coffee industry. He mostly focuses on reviewing coffee equipment, like pour-over coffee makers and coffee scales.
• For this piece, he tested machines hands-on while also compiling testing results from our espresso machine review.