5 Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines of 2022

Breville 'Barista Touch'

PROS
• Adjustable coffee strength
• Barista-quality foam
• Auto steam wand
• Easy to use

CONS
• Grinder needs to be more durable

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Breville 'Barista Express'

PROS
• Complete control with grind size
• Optimal flavor extraction
• Easy to setup and maintain

CONS
• Could be a little less messy

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Nuova Simonelli Oscar II

PROS
• Professional quality steam wand
• Velvety microfoam
• User-friendly

CONS
• Takes 15 mins to heat up

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Gaggia Carezza De LUXE

PROS
• Automatic shut off
• 1 minute heating time
• Makes delicious coffee
• Zero leakage

CONS
• Water tank could be larger

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Ascaso Dream Up V3

PROS
• Easy-fill water bin
• High-quality build
• Makes delicious coffee

CONS
• Non-pressurized baskets could be larger

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The Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines

Making a great cup of espresso is an art form.

It takes time and practice to get it just right. That's why more and more people are turning to semi-automatic espresso machines. These machines make the process a little bit easier, but still require some finesse to get the perfect cup of coffee.

We've compiled a list of the 5 best semi-automatic espresso makers of 2022.

Breville 'Barista Touch'

Why It’s a Great Choice

The first thing you'll notice about the Breville 'Barista Touch' is its sleek design. The machine is compact enough to fit on any countertop, and its stainless steel exterior will match any kitchen décor. But looks aren't everything. This machine is also built to last.

But the best part about this machine is how easy it is to use. The touch screen allows you to make multiple preset espresso drinks, and the machine also lets you customize your espresso drinks to your individual taste. Plus, the automated milk frothing system means that you can make a latte or cappuccino without any fuss or mess.

What You Should Know

When it comes to making coffee, precision is key. The Breville 'Barista Touch' has been designed with this in mind. The integrated coffee grinder ensures that your beans are always evenly ground, while the ThermoJet heating system achieves the perfect extraction temperature every time. And with its automatic milk texturing feature, you can create perfectly creamy milk foam without any effort at all. Simply put, this machine takes all the guesswork out of making great coffee.

Breville 'Barista Express'

Why It’s a Great Choice

One of the most important aspects of making a great cup of espresso is ensuring optimal extraction. The Breville 'Barista Express' gives you complete control over the grind size, no matter the bean type. This means that you can get the perfect grind every time, ensuring that your espresso is always extracted perfectly.

In addition to being able to control the grind size, the Breville 'Barista Express' is also simple and intuitive to use. The controls are clearly labeled and easy to adjust, so even if you're new to making espresso at home, you'll be able to figure it out easily. The compact design also means that it doesn't take up much counter space, which is important in small kitchens.

What You Should Know

This machine has everything you need to make professional-quality coffee right in your own kitchen. From the built-in grinder to the easy-to-use steam wand, the 'Barista Express' takes all the guesswork out of making great coffee.

The built-in steam wand allows any at-home barista to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos with ease. And because it's built into the machine, clean-up is a breeze. Simply wipe down the wand after each use, and you're good to go.

Nuova Simonelli Oscar II

Why It’s a Great Choice

The most important thing an espresso machine can do is make great espresso shots, and the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II does not disappoint. Every shot comes out tasting rich and flavorful with a thick, creamy crema on top. This is partly thanks to the powerful pump that generates enough pressure to extract all the deliciousness from your coffee beans.

What You Should Know

The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II has a water tank capacity of 3 liters, making it ideal for households who drink a lot of coffee. The water source is pour-over, meaning you'll need to pour water into the machine manually when it's time to refill the tank.

This espresso machine is semi-automatic, which means that it does most of the heavy lifting for you but still requires some user input. For example, you'll need to load the coffee beans and tamp them down before brewing. This maker also has a built-in grinder, so you can go straight from whole beans to delicious espresso without any extra steps in between.

Gaggia Carezza De LUXE

Why It’s a Great Choice

The Gaggia Carezza can hold up to 18 grams of ground coffee. That means you can make espresso for two, or enjoy a longer coffee if you feel like treating yourself. The grounds are soaked evenly before brewing, which ensures full-bodied extraction and rich flavor in every cup. Plus, the simple button setup, pressurized portafilter, and auto-frothing pannarello wand help make good espresso, latte, or cappuccino. And when you're done making your masterpiece? The Gaggia Carezza will go into idle mode to save energy, which is important both for your wallet and for the environment.

What You Should Know

What sets the Gaggia Carezza De LUXE apart from other espresso machine brands is its built-in water filter. This means that your coffee will always taste great, no matter what kind of water you use. The water filter also ensures that your machine will always be working properly, as it prevents scale build-up in the internal workings of the machine.

Another great feature of the Gaggia Carezza De LUXE is its easy-to-use control panel. With just a few simple clicks, you can select your desired coffee strength and cup size. You can also choose from various milk frothing options, so you can make your coffee just the way you like it.

Ascaso Dream Up V3

Why It’s a Great Choice

With most espresso machines, you have to remove the entire water reservoir to fill it up, but not with this one. The Ascaso Dream Up V3 has a built-in water tank that can be easily filled without having to remove it from the machine. This is a small but much-appreciated feature that makes using this machine a breeze.

It also has a manual shot switch. This means that you can control how much coffee is dispensed with each shot, which is perfect for those who like their coffee strong or weak. You can make each cup of coffee just the way you like it.

What You Should Know

The Ascaso Dream Up V3 Espresso Machine is a semi-automatic coffee machine that is designed for use at home. It has a 3-pound capacity aluminum boiler that heats up quickly and provides consistent heat throughout the brewing process. Additionally, the machine comes with a brass portafilter that evenly distributes water during brewing, resulting in a rich and flavourful espresso shot.

Things to Consider When Buying Semi-Automatic Espresso Makers

Cost

The cost of a semi-automatic espresso maker can range from around $200 to $2,000. If you are looking for a high-quality machine, you will likely have to pay closer to the upper end of that range. However, it is important to remember that the quality of your espresso will also depend on the quality of the beans you use.

Size

Another thing to consider when choosing an espresso makers is the size. If you have limited counter space, you may want to choose a smaller machine. However, keep in mind that some smaller machines may not have all of the features that you want.

Features

When choosing a semi-automatic espresso machine, you should also consider the features that are important to you. For example, some machines come with built-in grinders, while others do not. Some machines also have frothing wands, while others do not. Consider which features are most important to you before making your purchase.

Ease of Use

Ease of use is another important consideration when choosing a semi-automatic espresso machine. If you are new to making espresso, you may want to choose a machine that is relatively easy to use. However, if you are more experienced, you may be able to handle a machine with more features and buttons.

Maintenance

You should also consider how easy the machine is to maintain. Some machines require regular descaling and backflushing, while others do not. Be sure to read the instructions carefully before making your purchase so that you know what maintenance will be required.

FAQs

What is the difference between semi-automatic and automatic espresso machines?

Semi-automatic machines require the user to do some of the work, such as grinding the coffee beans and tamping them down before brewing. Automatic machines, on the other hand, handle all of those steps for you.

What is the best semi-automatic espresso machine for home use?

The best semi-automatic espresso machine for home use depends on your personal preferences and needs. However, all of the machines on our list would make a great addition to any kitchen.

Can an espresso maker make hot chocolate?

Yes, some high quality espresso machines have a hot chocolate function. However, not all machines have this feature, so you'll need to check the product description to see if it's included.

Are espresso machines hard to clean?

Espresso machines can be difficult to clean, but it is important to clean them regularly to prevent build-up on the internal parts of the machine. Many espresso machines come with a cleaning kit that includes a brush and other tools to help make cleaning easier.

Breville 'Barista Touch'

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Breville 'Barista Express'

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Nuova Simonelli Oscar II

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