10 Top Rated Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines in 2020

Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine (View on Amazon)

If you want to get the Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine, then undoubtedly the Breville BES870XL is certainly one of the best that you should seriously consider. Since only high quality materials are used in its design, you can have the peace of mind that this model is going to last you for years to come. When the burr is activated, the no slip feet ensure that the machine stays firmly on your counter-top, preventing accidental falls. In terms of design, the BES870XL is housed in a very stylish casing made of stainless steel, making it a timeless and attractive addition to any kitchen. The unit is also very easy to clean and on top of that easily removable drip tray, it also features a hideaway storage compartment.

Integrated half pound bean hopper and conical burr grinder: By maximizing the grinds’ surface area, the conical burs greatly improve the extraction of flavor from the bean. For a fuller espresso flavor, it’s very important to use freshly ground beans every single time. When it comes to the hopper, it features a locking system for easy transfer of coffee beans, storage and removal.

Other features you’re going to love about it include a filter size button, grind amount and grind size selector dials, 54 mm tamper, hands free grinding cradle, but also volumetric control and a 67 fl oz water tank (removable).

Pasquini Livia 90 Semiautomatic Commercial Espresso (View on Amazon)

Intended for small restaurant, office and home use, the Pasquini Livia 90 incorporates sturdy commercial grade components, but also excellent features and functionality that set a new standard for what it’s possible from a home espresso machine. This is actually one of the Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines out there and it’s highly recommend for the espresso aficionado. One thing you’ll love about this model is the fact that its boiler is used for steaming on demand and when it comes to the espresso water, it draws directly from the built in reservoir. With this espresso machine, you can finally steam instantly and produce espresso shots one after another. In fact, frothing milk and brewing espresso is never going to be a problem for the Livia 90.

Not only is this vital for those that want to use it in a c commercial environment, but it also saves you the need for waiting on the boiler to recover between the milk heating and espresso brewing functions, which is the case with each single boiler machine. While the Livia 90 is a semi-automatic espresso machine, it doesn’t come with the one-touch brewing system that’s available in the automatic version.

Breville BES840XL the Infuser Espresso Machine (View on Amazon)

This Breville BES840XL/A the Infuser Espresso Machine is feature rich in the semi-automatic espresso machine category. It has some features normally found in super-automatic machines. For example, it has programmable volumetric control and automatic temperature settings. Another energy saving feature: it goes into sleep mode after 1 hour, and it shuts itself off if not used for three hours.

However, let’s focus on the functions a bit. For one, at the start of the extraction process, the pre-infusion function will apply low water pressure in order to ensure the grinds are gently expanded in order to make for an even extraction. Secondly, if you’d like to be able to accurately control water temperature, you can now do that thanks to the 1600W thermocoil heating system that features an integrated water coil (stainless steel).

In terms of accessories, the BES840XL features a water filter with holder, cleaning tool, cleaning disc and tablets, stainless steel jug, coffee scoop, but also dual and single wall filter baskets.

Other highlights include a cup warmer, but also a special feature which helps removing the extra water from the filter basket after the coffee extraction process is over.

Bezzera BZ07 PID Commercial Espresso Machine (View on Amazon)

The amazing, yet compact Bezzera BZ07 is an excellent espresso machine made of stainless steel and is a wonderful addition to any kitchen. This model is capable of preparing some of the most delicious espresso shots you’ve ever had and since it also comes with a host of features, you can have the peace of mind that it’s going to satisfy the needs of even the pickiest espresso lovers out there.

Since the BZ07 is classified as a semi automatic machine, this means that you need to press a button in order to start the extraction process and then press the same button again in order to stop the process. The grouphead of the BZ07 houses a thermostat (that accurately monitors temperature) and 2 electric heating elements, while the boiler temperature pressure is monitored by a PID sensor in the boiler and a PID micro CPU.

In terms of features, the BZ07 also comes with a spring loaded, lever type steam and hot water valves, OPV adjustable for changing the exiting overpressure created by the pump, strong copper boiler, thermostat controlled heated fifty eight millimeter grouphead and a multi directional hot water and steam wand among other features.

Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine (View on Amazon)

The Breville BES920XL is one of the most impressive semi-automatic espresso machines available. It produces superior espresso drinks with exceptional crema. It is a well-built model with many features commonly found in more expensive machines. For example, it has dual boilers which allows low pressure infusion with programmable duration and pressure. If you’re an espresso machine connoisseur, then you’re probably aware of the fact that this feature is only seen in top of the line commercial espresso machines.

The BES920XL comes with a stainless steel heat exchanger. It delivers pre-heated water to the boiler through the steam boiler, helping thermal stability for ideal extraction temperature. Controlled by the PID technology, the actively heated group head is able to ensure that thermal stability is maintained throughout the entire extraction process.

Lastly, thanks to the low pressure pre infusion process, the Breville BES920XL dual-boiler espresso machine is able to increase water pressure gradually at the beginning of the extraction in order to expand grinds gently and ensure an even extraction. Also, the backlit LCD display adds a great touch to the overall look of the machine and it can be set to display time, shot clock or brew temperature.

la Nuova Era Espresso and Cappuccino Machine (View on Amazon)

Manufactured in Italy, the La Cuadra espresso machine is ready for both home and commercial use thanks to its excellent list of specifications that include a copper boiler, group and coffee handle. In fact, if you’re the type who is very picky about his espresso shots, then you may certainly want to give this model a shot. For one, it comes with a one point eight liter boil, a three liter pour in reservoir, but also 1 hot water tap, 1 steam wand and 1 group, giving you plenty of functions to help you make the perfect espresso shot. The unit can also be used both as a catering unit or at home and since it’s easily portable, you can also take it along with you on special occasions.

In total, the La Cuadra has a capacity of sixty drinks per day, which means that no matter how many friends you have over, you can rest assured that it’s going to be able to prepare espresso shots for everyone. Design wise, the unit features red side panels with stainless steel accents which make the unit really stand out.

Nuova Simonelli Oscar Pour Over Espresso Coffee Machine (View on Amazon)

If you’re one of those people who never thought that you’d live to see the day when an affordable heat exchange espresso machine would hit the market, it seems that the Oscar from Nuova Simonelli is here to finally prove you that this is indeed possible. This unit is not only cheaper by a few hundred dollars compared to similar models out there, but it also employs a high quality construction that’s going to help you get many years of use out of it. One thing you’ll actually love about this is that it is available in 2 water sources, including a tank model and a plumbed model. If you have a small cafe setting or want to brew a lot of coffee at home, then the direct connect model will suit your needs best. Overall, the Oscar is very easy to use and not only does it feature a stylish look, but it’s also going to help you prepare some of the most delicious espresso shots you’ve ever had.

In terms of features, the Oscar comes with a removable tray, sturdy construction, a cup warmer, great steam pressure, large water tank, direct connect, professional portafilter, simple interface, heat exchanger.

Nespresso D60 Pixie Espresso Maker (View on Amazon)

The Nespresso D60 is undoubtedly one of the most budget friendly semi automatic espresso machines you’re going to find on the market today. Not only does it feature dotted side panels with chrome accents that give it a special look, but in terms of performance this is one of the fastest machines of its type. In fact, it features a powerful pump and advanced thermoblock heating system that’s able to press with up to nineteen bars of pressure. If you love espresso shots with lots of rich cream, then it’s recommended to use this machine with the Grand Cru coffee capsules from Nespresso.

The total heat time for the Nespresso D60 is just twenty five seconds, which is pretty quick, with other features including an illuminated LED refill light and a 24 oz removable water tank. Better yet, you also have a folding drip tray for larger cups, programmable buttons for lungo and espresso, auto power off, water level detection and backlight indicators. In total, the unit can hold ten used capsules.

KitchenAid KES0504FP Nespresso Bundle (View on Amazon)

Combining technology with the premium and iconic metal design, KitchenAid has managed to come up with a very impressive semi automatic espresso machine that’s certainly going to be the first and last unit for a lot of people. The KES0504FP comes with a milk frothier as well, meaning that all your espresso shots are going to taste exactly the way you want them to. If you love the nespresso coffee quality, then the KES0504FP’s nineteen bar pressure system is certainly going to deliver in this regard.

In terms of features, you get a one point three liter removable water tank, solid die cast, all metal construction, a brew strength selector and an easy loading capsule system. Besides these, the KES0504FP also comes with a set of sixteen Nespresso capsules.

Gaggia 12300 Baby Class Manual Espresso Machine (View on Amazon)

Known for its sleek brewing controls and excellent stainless steel build quality, the Gaggia 12300 is one of those few semi automatic espresso machines on the market that are going to simply stop you in your tracks and convince you through their unique set of features and impressive design that you definitely need to own one. This specific model incorporates high quality components that are manufactured in Italy, including a 3-way solenoid valve, a heavy fifty eight millimeter commercial style portafilter and a chrome plated brass brew group.

If you’ve steamed and frothed before, then you probably know that this is in most cases, very hard to get right, but the good news is that the Gaggia 12300 finally managed to help take the guesswork out of this. As a result, you can now steam and froth like a real pro and prepare delicious espresso shots for friends and family.

Notable features include a coffee scoop, coffee tamper, ESE filter basket, double shot and single shot basket, high wattage boiler, fifteen-bar pump and a sixty oz reservoir (removable) which can help you brew 2 cups at the same time. All in all, when you put everything together, you realize that the Gaggia 12300 offers the perfect balance between performance and style.