17 Best Semi Automatic Espresso Machines For Home 2022 (Do you know how to choose?)

If you are an espresso lover, I think you may want to buy one espresso machine at home. You can create your own taste with different proportions of espresso, steamed milk, and milk form.

In the holiday, if you have the best semi-automatic espresso machines for home, you can enjoy your espresso all day at home without going to the café. You can invite your friend to your home to enjoy it too.

In the long-term, the cost of making espresso yourself must be cheaper than you buy in the coffee shop. Importantly, you can tailor-made the taste according to your family or friend.

In the market, it has so many options. It is really difficult to choose from. So, in this post, I collect some Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines. I hope you will enjoy it.

Out of the options below, my #1 choice is Mr. Coffee BVMC-ECMP1102 Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker because it features a milk frother, milk reservoir, and 15-bar pump system.

Before making any decision, please read “How To Choose The Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines” to know more first.

Table Of Content

1. Breville BES920BSXL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine – [THE MOST EXPENSIVE]
2. Mr. Coffee BVMC-ECMP1102 Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker – [TOP PICK]
3. Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine – [EDITOR CHOICE]
4. Nespresso Essenza Mini Original Espresso Machine by De’Longhi – [EDITOR CHOICE]
5. Capresso 303.01 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Machine – [BUDGET PRODUCT]
6. Breville BEC680SIL1BUC1 CitiZ and Milk Espresso Machine
7. 7 Pc All-In-One Espresso Machine & Cappuccino Maker Barista Bundle Set
8. Nespresso Lattissima Pro Espresso Machine by De’Longhi, Brushed Aluminum
   
9. Gaggia 14101 Classic Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker
10. DeLonghi BCO330T Combination Drip Coffee and Espresso Machine
11. KitchenAid KES0504ER Nespresso Bundle
12. Cuisinart EM-100 15 Bar Espresso Machine
13. Nespresso C40-US-TI-NE Inissia Espresso Maker
14. AICOOK Espresso Machine, Barista Espresso Coffee Maker
15. Gaggia RI8525/01 Carezza De Luxe Espresso Machine
16. Breville 800ESXL 15-Bar Triple-Priming Die-Cast Espresso Machine
17. Jura Impressa A9 P.E.P One-Touch Automatic Espresso Machine
18. How To Choose The Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines
19. Conclusion

17 Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines

Breville BES920BSXL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine

[THE MOST EXPENSIVE] I think the feature people concern about most is the dual stainless steel boiler. But, what is a dual boiler?

A dual boiler means there’s a boiler for the brew side and a boiler for the steam side which means that you can do both functions at the same time in this espresso machine.

This espresso machine comes with PID temperature control.

You get a lot of control with PID brew temperatures that are extremely accurate and they’re adjustable from 190 to 205 degrees F. The boiler temperature can also be adjusted from 265 to 285 degrees F.

The machine does pre-infusion. You can program the time of the pre-infusion. In a very unique feature, you can also adjust the pressure of the pre-infusion as well.

The portafilter is stainless steel and commercial size of 58 millimeters. With the PID heated group and super adjustable pre-infusion. You now have the ability to do some serious fine-tuning of your shots.

Breville builds it and makes it easy to control.

Not many dual boiler espresso machines with programmable shot volumes but this one has programmable presets for single and double.

The other feature is the volume and the time can completely manual with a dedicated button.

How about the Over-Pressure Valve (OPV)? This machine has an OPV valve to relieve excess pressure so you can’t go too high and end up with bitter shots.

Nice feature, right?

Another nice feature is a 3-way solenoid valve. At the end of a brew cycle, it relieves pressure and excess water from the system so you end up with a nice easy to knock coffee puck.

It’s a three holes steam wand tip. The wand is mounted on a ball joint for easy access. It has the finger grab and it’s got a lever to turn on and off.

A nice tamper can holds on the machine with a magnet. Four filter basket so you get single and doubles pressurized and non-pressurized so you can use pre-ground coffee with those double-wall pressurized baskets.

It is a programmable turn-on. It’s so nice to have a machine. Just set it to turn on every morning about 15 minutes before you’re ready to use it. It’s all heated up and ready to go.

Mr. Coffee BVMC-ECMP1102 Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

[TOP PICK] It’s a semi-automatic 3-in-1 espresso maker, cappuccino maker, and latte maker. It comes with a 15-bar pump system that creates powerful pressure to extract bold and rich flavors that can brew rich-tasting espresso coffee.

You just need to push one button and all the magic happens. Actually, it’s quite entertaining to watch the espresso machine froth the milk and create the separate layer

The trouble-free automatic milk frother saves you a lot of work.

Mr. Coffee has come up with a machine for you that’s easy to use professional-grade and really is going to make you your own barista. It’s the Mr. Coffee café barista espresso latte and cappuccino maker.

Do you remember what you always do before?

You may always jump in the car and spend about 4-5 dollars at your favorite coffee shop because you think that’s the only way you can have a nice coffee.

With Mr. Coffee, everything is going simple.

All you’re going to do is fill up your water reservoir in the back. You’re going to add your soy milk your whole milk fat-free cream or whatever you want in the milk reservoir.

Then you’re going to put your ground coffee in your filter. You can go single or a double shot whichever you’re going to make for your beverage. Tamper it down and give a scoop and tamper as well.

Next, put it in the brew head. Then what you’re going to do is you’re going to put your coffee cup under and you’re going to put your froth nozzle. Wherever you want a cappuccino or latte and direct it right into the cup and press your button. That’s all you need to do.

It’s so quick and so easy. In less than one minute you have the perfect espresso cappuccino or latte.

In the long term, it will save you a lot of money.

Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine

[EDITOR CHOICE] Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine won the 2013 award for the best new consumer product by the FCA which is the Specialty Coffee Association of America.

This semi-automatic machine combines both brewing and grinding in one unit and has some technical features that are typically only found on higher-level consumer or prosumer machines

Usually, when you buy a semi-automatic espresso machine, you either have or will be buying a grinder. With this machine, the grinders built right in. It’s a pretty good one with stainless steel conical burrs and 16 grind settings.

There is a sealed bean hopper on the top as you see in the image. If you think the hopper isn’t the place to be storing the beans, you can remove it.

When the hopper door is closed, the beans stay inside that makes it easy to return the beans to storage or change them out when switching between different types of coffee.

Along with 16 grind settings, you have adjustable automatic dosing for single and double shots as well as manual dosing too. Just select single or double and place the portafilter in the holder, press it once and release the grinder starts and then stops automatically.

The amount of dose can be adjusted using the grind amount knob.

For manual dosing, just press the portafilter in and hold. It’ll continue to grind until you release.

To brew, just lock the portafilter into the group head and press either a single or double-shot button. This is preset to deliver about 1-2 ounces respectively.

It can be reprogrammed by pressing the programming button. Pressing a brew button to start and then pressing a brew button again when the desired volume is reached.

This machine comes with four filter baskets. It’s a single and double pressurized basket and a single and double non-pressurized basket.

With the pressurized baskets, little or no tamping is needed. With the non-pressurized baskets, the machine comes with a tamper for compressing.

The tamper is magnetic and stores on the machines themselves. It’s really a convenient design.

Digital temperature control (PID) results in extremely accurate brew water temperature control. This is an important element in producing consistent shots.

If you don’t want to buy an extra grinder, this is a good choice.

Nespresso Essenza Mini Original Espresso Machine by De’Longhi

[EDITOR CHOICE] The Nespresso Essenza Mini is a manual machine that is different than other semi-automatic espresso machines. It uses the Nespresso capsule instead of coffee bean or ground coffee.

The Essenza Mini’s measurements are 8.1in x 12.8in x 4.3in. It weighs approx. 2.3 kilos. The electric usage is between 1200-1320 watts.

There are three colors that let you choose from, black, lime, and red.

Just like other Nespresso machines, it generates a pressure of 19 bar high press pump to create a barista-like coffee every time.

At the top, there are 2 programmable buttons for the best single serve Espresso and Lungo beverages. The left one is for Nespresso brewing and the right one is the Lungo Nespresso. The Lungo button operates as the power button as well.

If you want to have a nice espresso, you have to raise the metal lever for the insertion of the Nespresso capsule. You don’t need to use too much pressure to operate the lever.

Then you just need to wait under 30 seconds to heat up with a single touch. It will power off after 9 minutes with the automatic energy-saving function of inactivity and change to eco-mode for low energy consumption after 3 minutes.

The used capsule will drop into the capsule’s container. The container can hold up to 6 capsules. Under the cup, it is a detachable drip tray.

If you’re using a tall glass, you may need to remove the drip tray. And at the back of the machine is a 20.3 oz water tank.

Along with the machine the package includes a Nespresso Original capsule welcome kit with 16 Nespresso capsules with unique aromatic profiles. It also has some relevant documentation as well.

Last thing, the compact size of the Nespresso machine results in a smaller water tank and a smaller capsule container.

If you’re drinking a lot of coffee, it means you’ll have to fill water and empty the capsule container more frequently. It may be a nuisance for some people.

Capresso 303.01 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

[BUDGET PRODUCT] This is an ideal machine for making coffee drinks like espresso, latte, or cappuccino and is great for entertaining guests at home. The brewer is powered by an 800-watt motor.

All the components are very solid. The plastic components are sturdy and the metal portafilter are well constructed and very well made

The operation is pretty quick and simple. Simply fill the reservoir with water. It’s a good idea to periodically run lemon juice to remove the limescale.

Then put the lid back on. The lid has a big old gasket in here because this is gonna be under a lot of pressure as there is a steam machine.

It recommends a medium espresso grind and you have to put the portafilter in place because if you don’t, steam comes out of the brew head and it won’t build up the pressure.

Then you put your little cup or original carafe under the portafilter. When it builds up the pressure, it takes it over here.

Finally, turn the machine on.

It has a 4 cup capacity and features a steam selector control and frothing device. If you like to steam your milk, you can simply use the steamer attachment.

The cleanup is pretty quick. Simply knock out your coffee grounds, rinse them out since the portafilter is stainless steel. It’s easy to clean.

Keep in mind, always unplug the machine and wait until the machine has cooled down before cleaning.

It comes with a removable drip tray and a carafe that is dishwasher safe to make the process of cleaning the machine much simpler

It also comes with some safety features like the safety boiler cap and thumb guard for the filter holder which prevents burn injuries.

This machine has a relatively small size that takes up very little room and can be used on most countertops. It’s a good choice if you don’t have much space.

Nespresso CitiZ Espresso Machine Bundle with Aeroccino Milk Frother by Breville, Silver

This is not only the Nespresso Espresso Machine, but it also bundles with the Aeroccino milk frother.

The operation is just like the other Nespresso machine. You have to fill the water reservoir first. The water reservoir is located on the back which can hold 34 ounces of water.

Then, lift the handle up, pick one espresso capsule, and drop it into the hole. Just push down the handle. All you do is just push on the button. It’s really simple.

There are two buttons on the top of the machine. Either Espresso (1.35 oz) or Lungo (5 oz) buttons. Choose a suitable one according to different single serve coffee cup size.

The used capsule will drop to the removable Nespresso capsule container for quick and simple cleaning.

How about the Aeroccino milk frother? How to use it? It’s very simple too.

Fill the milk frother up to one of the two max level indicators.

The highest max milk level indicator is for hot milk preparations. The lowest max foam level indicator is for milk froth preparations

For hot milk froth, press the button to start. The button lights up red and it will turn off after approximately 80 seconds when the milk preparation is ready.

For cold milk froth, keep the button press for 2 seconds. It will light up blue. Your cold milk froth will be ready after approximately 60 seconds when it will turn off.

Something needs to keep in mind when using Aeroccino milk frother. Do not put the Aeroccino in the dishwasher as there is a risk of electrical shock and fire. Furthermore, make sure the underside of the milk frother is dry

Read the instruction for more details before washing the Aeroccino because it has many parts.

It comes with a welcome kit with a range of 16 capsules with unique aroma profiles.

The automatic energy-saving function will turn the machine off after 9 minutes of inactivity (this period may be extended from 9 to 30 minutes).

It has a 1-year warranty.

7 Pc All-In-One Espresso Machine & Cappuccino Maker Barista Bundle Set

This is 7 pieces all in one espresso machine and cappuccino maker. It bundles with a built-in steamer & frother, coffee bean grinder, stainless steel portafilter, stainless steel milk frothing cup, a spoon with the tamper, and 2 ceramic cups (3.6 oz each cup).

This machine is easy and fast to use. It is ready to use in as little as 45 seconds with the thermoblock fast heating system.

On the transparent water tank with 1.25L capacity, there’s a built-in handle, making it easier for you to remove, clean, and refill it.

Not like some espresso machine on the back. You need to move your machine to remove and refill the water tank. It provides an easy front view to make you conveniently monitor the water levels.

A detachable frothing device and removable drip tray make it easy to clean. With the 15 bar pump pressure system, you will be able to enjoy amazing tasting coffee.

Stainless Steel milk frothing cup for you to make creamy and delicious lattes and cappuccinos easily.

You can either have a single shot or double shot during each extracting by 2 stainless steel portafilter baskets.

This machine comes with a 120V plug-in electric coffee grinder. It has a manual twist top, making for the perfect grind each and ensures fresh and rich taste for every single time. Remember never brew without fresh beans.

With the all-in-one, the set included you no need to buy any additional accessories.

It will turn off automatically after 25 minutes of inactivity.

Nespresso Lattissima Pro Espresso Machine by De’Longhi, Brushed Aluminum

If you love superior quality espresso and coffee cappuccinos and latte macchiato, you want them super quick and easy, this machine is suitable for you that pack a lot of power into an incredibly small package.

The size is 10.8″ L x 7.6″ W x 13″ H, it just about the size of a toaster. It’s made by De’Longhi and uses Nespresso capsules.

You may probably familiar with capsule machines that use k cups. This machine uses recyclable aluminum capsules that provide convenience and variety of espresso.

The operation is very simple.

You have to keep in mind the quality of water is essential for enhancing the aroma of your espresso so I suggest you refill the water tank on a daily basis using freshwater.

If you don’t use the machine for more than 9 minutes, it will automatically turn off to reduce energy consumption.

Just press the power button, the machine will heat up in 25 seconds. It’s really fast.

To prepare an espresso, lift the lever completely and insert a Nespresso capsule. Close the lever. And place a cup under the coffee outlet.

Press the Ristretto, Espresso, or Lungo button on the top to start. The espresso will automatically stop. During the flow phase, you can stop it at any time by pressing the button.

You can manually increase your cup volume by pressing the button again. After every use, it is important to remove the used Nespresso capsule and not let it remain in the extraction system.

If you want to prepare hot water, insert the hot water nozzle. Adjust the height according to your cup. Touch the Hot Water button to start. Hot water will automatically stop.

After use, remove the hot water nozzle and store it back in its storage area. Close the steam connector door. To turn the machine off, simply press the Power button.

To maintain the optimum temperature and quality of your Espresso, I recommend that you descale your machine regularly.

I suggest that you do not use vinegar as it may damage the connections of your machine. It’s better to use the Nespresso descaling solution specifically designed for your machine.

Gaggia 14101 Classic Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker

In 2009, Money Magazine named this machine the top home espresso machine to get that makes the perfect espresso.

What are the reasons? This is caused by three key components that are temperature stability, water distribution, and brew pressure.

It’s is brushed stainless steel, very heavy duty.

It has three switches on the front of the machine. It’s really simple to operate. From left to right, there is the main power switch, steam switch, and brew switch. The brew switch operates the pump, turns it on and off to start and stop the brewing process.

The steam knob is located on the right-hand side. This controls the hot water or the steam that comes from the steam wand.

The drip tray in front of the machine is removable for you. You can wash it in the sink, drain it out, and then put it back.

You can fill the water from the top of the machine with a maximum of 72 ounces of water. It is removable too, from the front of the machine.

The brass portafilter is chrome-plated with commercial size 58mm that have a large surface area of the coffee that’s exposed to the water so you get the best extraction.

Maybe stainless steel will be better because chrome-plated may peel off in the future.

The commercial 3-way solenoid valve releases the water pressure of the coffee and puts it into the drip tray. When you’re done brewing, you can knock the nice dry coffee puck out from the portafilter

Also, it’s a positive closing valve so you don’t get water leaking through the brew group, just like you will with some of the other machines.

Some accessories for your machine are going to come with you. You will get two filter baskets. One for a single shot, one for a double shot.

DeLonghi BCO330T Combination Drip Coffee and Espresso Machine

With this DeLonghi machine, you not only can enjoy espresso, Cappuccino, and Latte but also can have a nice drip coffee. What a nice combination. One machine two use. Save time and save money.

Thank the patented Flavor Savor brewing system. It’s good news for those who prefer a more full-bodied brew. It can fully saturate and steeps coffee for a full, robust taste.

With the 24-hour digital timer, you can set the time precisely. If you want to enjoy a nice fresh-brewed coffee the next morning once you wake up, this is a nice feature for you.

Your coffee will no more stale or bitter by the freshness indicator. The LED light will flash every 15 minutes for the first hour to remind you how long the coffee has been standing.

If you want to access the water and filter, you no need to move your coffee maker again. Just simply pull the handle on the front with a unique front access design for easy access.

The operation is very simple. Just pour the water into the reservoir. But one thing I must tell you. You have to pour the double amount of the water that you need to make the espresso because half of the water needs to steam the milk.

You can use the “Swivel Jet” frother to steam your milk to create a rich and creamy froth for your espresso every time.

The pause and serve function allow you to enjoy a cup before the full pot is brewed. At the top of the machine, it is an easy cleanup with a non-stick warming plate.

The advanced water filtration can eliminate off-flavors caused by chlorine to optimize the taste of your coffee.

If you want to brew another cup of coffee, just simply switch off and on the machine again.

KitchenAid KES0504ER Nespresso Bundle

This Nespresso machine is produced by KitchenAid which provides five colors to let you choose from, empire red, frosted pearl, onyx black, slate, and sugar pearl.

Whole KitchenAid Nespresso machine is made by die-cast that is durable, timeless, and premium design. It comes with a milk frother.

Let me introduce how to use this machine for the first time.

Put your machine into a clean dry level surface. When the machine is turned on, the LED light will flash as it warms up.

Take the water tank carefully and remove it from the machine. Wash the water tank with hot soapy water and dry with a soft cloth. Remember, the water tank cannot be washed in the dishwasher.

Fill the water tank with fresh cold drinking water. Becare the max fill line, the water level should be below that. Place the water tank back to the machine.

For the first time, you brew the espresso, make sure to run the plain water to the espresso machine on the Lungo setting three times.

You are now ready to brew your coffee. Place your cup on the holder. Lift the handle fully to raise the lid. Place your select capsule in the loading compartment.

Lower the handle fully to close the capsule compartment. Make sure the handle is rotated horizontal position.

Turn the selection dial to your desired volume setting. Press the brew button. The espresso will begin to brew.

Press the brew button the second time if you want to stop brewing. To top off the cup at the end of the first cycle

After brewing is done, lift the handle fully to its upper position to drop the used capsule into the disposal container.

You see, it’s really simple. If you don’t want to learn anything and just want a coffee, this one may be a good choice.

Cuisinart EM-100 15 Bar Espresso Machine

With this machine, you can make espresso shots of various sizes plus steamed milk for specialty drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.

In the back, it has a removable 53-ounce reservoir come with a handle. You can hold it and carry it to the sink and fill it to the max fill line. And then you place it back on the back of the machine.

If you are not drinking so many coffees every day, you can refill it about once every few days.

It comes with 3 different filters, one single shot, one double shot, and the one that is using the pods. You can change it every time according to your needs. Sure, it also comes with the scoop. The other end of the scoop is the tamper.

The tamper is for you to press down to tamp the coffee to the filter before you put it to the portafilter. If you like the pod, just simply put the pod to the pod holder, and then put the holder to the portafilter.

The stainless steel cup also comes for you to froth your milk when you want to make lattes or cappuccinos.

After preparing those, just put the portafilter right on the brew head and lock it into place and turn on the machine. If the coffee is done, just unlock it and dump the coffee puck into the rubbish bin.

Along with the wand that is a commercial quality wand. You can use it to make your lattes and frothing your milk.

The top of the machine, it is a cup-warming plate that gives you the place to store all your coffee stuff. You can buy a small basket for everything and it can keep your kitchen nice and tidy.

It has a removable drip tray. You can remove it to clean and mount it back easily.

If you have any trouble or set up problems, you can refer to the user manual, troubleshooting document, and video.

Nespresso C40-US-TI-NE Inissia Espresso Maker

This is another espresso machine by Nespresso. As you see in the picture, there is a handle instead of the lever on the machine.

The handle is the same kind of design you have seen very typically on most Nespresso machines. If you want to brew the espresso, just fold the handle right up, and then drop the capsule and then close up the machine. Then you can start brewing.

Certainly, don’t forget to place your cup in the drip tray. If your cup is small, just place it in the tray. If you use a larger mug, just fold up the tray.

Before brewing your nice shot, please make sure you fill the water into your 24 ounces water tank first. The water tank is just in the back of the machine.

The water tank is not too big but big enough that you shouldn’t have to refill it every single time you use the machine

On top of the machine, there are brew buttons. This also the same you saw on most Nespresso machines. The left one is a single shot and the right one is a double shot.

This machine is quite straightforward. It has no power button. Just plugin and use. The machine will automatically turn itself off after about 9 minutes of non-activity.

If you want to turn it on, just simply press any one of those brew buttons on the top. It will blink until the machine is ready to brew.

How about the used capsule? There is the container if you pull out the drip tray. It can catch 9-11 used capsules. If you want to keep the machine clean, better empty it after every use.

Each machine includes a welcome set with 16 capsules containing individual aromas. You can try each one by one.

AICOOK Espresso Machine, Barista Espresso Coffee Maker

Instead of the normal button, this machine uses a one-touch control digital screen that has 7 buttons. They are “Single Cup Espresso”, “Double Cup Espresso”, Single Cup Cappuccino”, “Double Cup Cappuccino”, “Single Cup Latte”, “Double Cup Latte”, and “Clean”.

The removable transparent water reservoir is on the back of the machine. You can fill and clean easily. It has a 61.5-ounce capacity. There is “MAX” and “MIN” marks in the reservoir to let you see how much water you need to fill.

If you want more coffee, just fill more water for brewing more shots.

The milk reservoir also has the mark to let you know how much milk you are filling. Thank the froth control knob in the milk reservoir, you can easily adjust the foam level according to your preference.

Just turn the froth control knob to right for more form and to the left for less foam. After you set everything, the frothing wand automatically froths the milk for you.

It comes with the portafilter with the single or double shot filter for you.

The removable drip tray uses to collect the drip and spill. It can be washed easily. You can put the glass up to 5.5” tall there.

The dimension is 12.59″ H x 8.26″ W x 11.02″ D. It will go to the sleep state if you don’t use the machine for 25 minutes.

How to use the machine? It’s very simple.

Just fill the water and the milk. Then, choose the filter and fill the coffee ground and tamp it. Lock the portafilter properly to the machine.

Next, place your cup and turn on the machine.

Lastly, just select the coffee you like on the one touch screen and adjust the tube from the milk reservoir.

If you have milk left in the milk reservoir, you can put the whole reservoir in the fridge for the next use.

Gaggia RI8525/01 Carezza De Luxe Espresso Machine

This machine brews the coffee using a pressurized portafilter. It simplifies home and office espresso brewing because it can work with pre-ground coffee and ESE pods to benefit those who don’t have a grinder.

It has a Pre-infusion function that is something you usually only find on high-end machines or done manually by a barista.

Pre-infusion can pre-wet the ground briefly before full pressure to brew that causes the ground coffee to swell and result in a rich and deeper more complete extraction of flavor.

It’s an advanced feature you will find on low-end coffee machines at this level.

Normally the filter basket of other coffee machines is only about 12 grams of coffee but this machine holds as much as 18 grams. Nowadays, 17-18 grams of coffee is almost the standard in most food cafes.

The filter baskets are also the commercial style that is different than other machines.

How to use the machine? It’s very simple.

Lock the portafilter in, turn the machine on. Then the machine will heat up, it will run a short preheat rinse cycle from turn on to brew ready. It only takes about a minute once the brew light is on solid. Then the machine is ready.

To use pre-ground coffee, make sure you take away the pod adapter first, then place the double shot filter basket in the portafilter. Fill the filter with pre-ground coffee to the rim and level off the taps of the portafilter to the machine. Press the brew button.

It’s only about a minute and you don’t have to worry about turning it off that happens automatically after 9 minutes of no use.

You can slides out the water reservoir from the front of the machine and have a clear window for monitoring the water level.

A large drip tray can also slide out from the front for easy emptying

Breville 800ESXL 15-Bar Triple-Priming Die-Cast Espresso Machine

This is a refined diecast construction espresso machine. Unlike stainless steel, diecast is forged at extremely high temperatures.

It comes with an instruction booklet, single and double shot filters, a pod filter option, a tamping tool, a cleaning tool, and stainless steel frothing pitcher.

The diecast espresso machine maximizes every inch of its design to every use. At the top of the machine, there is a warming tray for mugs. The removable water tank with 75 ounces can produce 50 shots of espresso.

At the bottom, it is a drip tray. It is removable too. You can slide out for easy cleaning. After you slide the drip tray out, you will find the hidden storage container for filter tools and other accessories.

If you like to use a large glass, just simply slide the drip tray out and place your glasses there.

How to use it? It’s really simple. Just turn the dial selector to the right for espresso. Turn to the middle for standby mode. And the left is for you to alternate between hot water and steam using the illuminated control buttons.

You can choose from a single shot that requires one scoop of coffee, a double shot that requires more or use a pod filter. Then just simply tamp the coffee as you do on other espresso machines.

What next? Lock the portafilter into place and start the brewing process. Before the cycle begins, the diecast espresso machine automatically releases 3 bursts of hot water to moisten the ground coffee by its triple prime pump.

Once the cycle begins, the thermoblock system keeps the water temperature precisely at 204 degrees F to avoid that bitter burnt flavor when espresso is made to hot.

If you want to steam the milk, just turn the dial back to the left to activate the steam and make sure the steam button is light up.

Once you finish, the auto-purge function automatically releases any leftover steam which then brings the machine back down to optimal temperature.

If you are a first time user, I think you can create perfect froth with the skill of a professional barista.

Jura Impressa A9 P.E.P One-Touch Automatic Espresso Machine

This is a one-touch automatic machine that makes milk-based espresso drink like a latte macchiato or cappuccino with the touch of a single button. It has 12 coffee specialties let you choose from.

What does one-touch mean?

All the drinks can be selected using a color touchscreen display. Just like your own personal café on your smartphone. If you want a drink, just press the picture of it. Everything will then do for you.

This Jura Impressa A9 espresso machine is a bean to cup machine. You can use regular coffee beans that are ground fresh right before brewing.

The grinder inside uses high-quality conical burs engineered to grind fast.

When you have selected a specialty coffee and grinding, you can touch the display to change the coffee strength. If you want to prepare the same coffee next time, the same strength setting will be used. It has 8 programmable coffee strength levels.

Not only the coffee strength, but you can also change the amount brewed during grinding using the arrows on the touchscreen too. It will only affect the current volume of that cup. The setting will not be saved.

You can also change the amount brewed permanently. Just press and hold the picture for about 2 seconds and follow the instruction. Everything is straightforward.

After brewing, the coffee puck will be ejected to an internal box. The box can hold the puck for about 10 brewing cycles.

The 37 ounces water tank is enough for you to prepare at least 15 espressos. If you use it in a heavy use situation, I recommend you place the machine near water sour for easy refilling.

Remember, Jura suggests hand cleaning of all the internal components after use for the best performance.

How To Choose The Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine

Before buying an espresso machine, I think you should understand the difference between espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes first.

Different people have different tastes, you can buy a suitable one after you understand it.

In the below, let’s talk about what you need to pay attention to when buying.

Espresso, Latte, Cappuccino, etc

Not all the models in the market can make all types of espresso, you should read the product description carefully.

You should only buy an espresso machine that produces the type of espresso you actually enjoy.

Otherwise, you will go to the coffee shop again.

Quantity

Many of the espresso machines can only make just one cup at one time if you drink more than one cup every morning or your family has more than one person who likes to drink espresso.

Then somebody may need to wait every time before they can enjoy the espresso.

Water Filter

Quality of the water is very important to make a nice espresso because it will influence the overall flavor of your espresso.

Some model of espresso machine will have a built-in water filter, many espresso aficionados will make the decision because of this factor.

Cost

Normally, the function can decide the cost. The more function, the higher the cost.

Frothing Wand

Some models of an espresso machine can automatically froth milk for cappuccino and latte let you free from the guesswork. This will save you much time if you are rush every morning.

Programmable Settings

Once you know your own taste, you can program it to the machine. There are some machines that allow you to set a few different flavors so everyone in your home can make different ones each time according to their own taste.

One simple touch

Some semi-automatic espresso machine is a 3-in-1 espresso maker, cappuccino maker, and latte maker. If you want to enjoy the espresso, just simply touch one button.

One-touch Controls

Some machine can let you choose between single or double shots and automatically with an adjustable control knob

High-Pressure Pump

Some machine is a 15-bar pump system, some of them are 19 bar high-pressure pumps. Read the instruction to make sure you buy the right machine you want.

Milk Reservoir

The milk reservoir is removable to store leftover milk not used during the brew in the refrigerator, so you just fill it and let the Café Barista determine the amount needed.

Recipe Book

If you are new to making espresso, the recipe book is good for you to make different kinds of espresso you like. When you master it, you can create your own taste for yourself.

Remember, not all the espresso machine include the recipe book.

Cup Warmer

cup warmer on the top of the machine and a feature that removes excess water from the filter basket after coffee extraction, so the used grounds form a dry puck for quicker cleanup.

Water Temperature

Some high-end model will automatically adjust water temperature after steam for optimal espresso extraction temperature

Heat Up Time

The different machines will have different heat up time, if you want fast and don’t like to wait, make sure the one you want to buy will not take too long to heat up.

Some machines heat up in under 30 seconds with a single touch.

Auto Turn Off

Some machines will reduce energy consumption after a certain period. And, with the auto-off feature, the machine will turn off after a certain period of non-use.

You no need to worry about plugging and unplugging your machine!

Try to imagine that, if you are already at work, but you remember you didn’t turn off your machine, how will you feel? Can you still focus on your job?

So, if you always forget to turn off the machine, the auto-off function is good for you.

Dual Boiler

The Dual Boiler also features an Over Pressure Valve (OPV) which limits the maximum pressure throughout the extraction, preventing bitter flavors in the shot

Pre-infusion

It gradually increases the pressure to gently expand the grinds for an even extraction.

Razor Dosing Tool

You can get the perfect dose of coffee using the Razor precision dose trimming tool.

You can watch the demonstration in this video.

Nespresso Capsules Or Beans

Make sure which kind you like, some of the models use Nespresso capsules instead of coffee beans.

Electric Grinder

Some machines include the built-in electric grinder.

Fast Preheating Time

If you don’t have any patience, buy the one with a fast preheating time.

Backlit LCD

It can displays brew temperature, shot clock or time.

Conclusion

I believe that you should have a certain understanding of semi-automatic espresso machines in the market. The most difficult part is to match your budget, usage, taste, place, and brand preferences. Normally, the price is not low, so the maintenance of the espresso machine becomes important. It can extend the service life of the machine.

If you make any buying mistake, the worse case is you will go to the coffee shop every day again.

If you make the right choice, then you can enjoy your own espresso every day. You can taste a different flavor every day.

If you want to know more about different products related to coffee, please read the following post.

• 15 Best Milk Frother and Heater
• 15 Best Handheld Milk Frothers
• 15 Best Coffee Makers For The Home
• 15 Best Single Serve Coffee Brewers
• 15 Best Steam Espresso Machines
• 15 Best Manual Coffee Machines
• 15 Best Fully Automatic Espresso Makers
• 12 Best Electric Coffee Percolators
• 15 Best Electric Burr Coffee Grinders

I hope my post can help everyone to choose the best semi-automatic espresso machines and make the best espresso for yourself, your family and your friend.

If you have any questions or opinion, please leave them below, I’d love to hear that.