10 Best Semi Automatic Espresso Machines 2025 in the United States

The CASABREWS CM5418 is a semi-automatic espresso machine that offers a lot of features for an affordable home brewing experience. It boasts a professional 20 bar pressure system with an Italian pump, which is impressive for extracting rich and aromatic espresso. The powerful 1350W boiler ensures the machine heats up quickly.

The steam wand is powerful enough to create creamy microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos, allowing for at-home barista-style coffee art. The 51mm portafilter size is standard and should suffice for most home users. The temperature control relies on built-in pressure gauges, making it user-friendly even for beginners. The build quality, with its stainless steel body, is both stylish and durable, fitting well in any kitchen setup. One of the significant advantages is the 34oz removable water tank, which makes refilling and cleaning straightforward.

However, users should be cautious about the machine's tendency to overheat if used immediately after frothing milk, which can trigger an overheating protection mode. This requires following specific steps to cool down the machine. The included accessories—filters, portafilter, tamper with spoon, and manual—are helpful additions, especially for those new to espresso making. This machine is well-suited for home or office use, offering a good balance of performance and aesthetics with some minor quirks that users should be aware of.

The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is a robust semi-automatic machine that is suitable for home baristas looking to elevate their coffee-making experience. It features an integrated conical burr grinder which allows you to grind beans directly into the portafilter, ensuring fresh coffee grounds every time. The machine's low pressure pre-infusion and digital temperature control (PID) are designed to extract balanced and flavorful espresso shots consistently.

This machine also includes a powerful steam wand capable of creating microfoam milk, ideal for making lattes and cappuccinos and even practicing latte art. The 54mm portafilter is standard for semi-automatic machines, offering versatility in coffee preparation. Build quality is high with a brushed stainless steel finish, adding durability and a sleek appearance to your kitchen. The machine is relatively easy to clean, with a removable drip tray and an included cleaning kit.

However, at 22.1 pounds, it is on the heavier side, and its dimensions might require ample counter space (13.8”D x 12.5”W x 15.9”H). The machine includes a one-year limited warranty and is an excellent choice for coffee enthusiasts willing to invest in a comprehensive and durable espresso maker, though the learning curve might be steep for absolute beginners.

The Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine is a robust and stylish option for home use, designed to make third wave specialty coffee. It features a ThermoJet heating system that heats up in just 3 seconds, ensuring your coffee is made quickly. The machine comes with a digital temperature control (PID) for precise espresso extraction, and an integrated precision conical burr grinder that delivers the right amount of coffee for optimal flavor.

The 54mm portafilter is of high-quality stainless steel and fits perfectly with the machine’s overall build, which is sturdy and made of brushed stainless steel. The automatic microfoam milk texturing feature allows you to create barista-quality microfoam for latte art, making this machine ideal for cappuccino and latte lovers. The touch screen interface simplifies the process, letting you adjust coffee strength, milk texture, and temperature with ease. You can even save up to 8 personalized coffee settings for a consistent brew every time.

However, the machine is relatively heavy at 21.8 pounds, which might make it less portable. Additionally, while the many features add convenience, they may also complicate the cleaning process, requiring regular maintenance. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Breville Barista Touch offers exceptional performance and customization, making it a great choice for coffee enthusiasts looking for a versatile and high-quality espresso machine for home use.