Best Manual & Lever Espresso Machines
- Best Overall: Flair Espresso Maker – Classic Manual Press
- Runner-Up: AEROPRESS Coffee and Espresso Maker
- Best Budget: ROK Presso Manual Espresso Maker
- Best Value: Staresso Portable Espresso Machine
- Best for Beginners: La Pavoni Europiccola Lever
- Best for Traveling: Wacaco Minipresso Portable Espresso Maker
- Best in Design: Elektra Microcasa Lever Espresso Machine Finish
Level espresso machines have been around for decades, and it is no wonder that this type of machine is still very popular among coffee aficionados. Not only does it produce a great cup of espresso, but it is also a lot of fun to use.
If you are looking for the best lever espresso machine, here are seven of the best machines on the market today. In this article, you will also find a buyer’s guide to help you choose the best machine for your needs.
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- Best Manual & Lever Espresso Machines
- 7 of the Best Manual & Lever Espresso Machines
- Best Overall: Flair Espresso Maker – Classic Manual Press
- Runner-Up: AEROPRESS Coffee and Espresso Maker
- Best Budget: ROK Presso Manual Espresso Maker
- Best Value: Staresso Portable Espresso Machine
- Best for Beginners: La Pavoni Europiccola Lever
- Best for Traveling: Wacaco Minipresso Portable Espresso Maker
- Best in Design: Elektra Microcasa Lever Espresso Machine Finish
- Manual vs. Automatic
- Things to Consider When Buying Lever Espresso Machines
- Conclusion
7 of the Best Manual & Lever Espresso Machines
Best Overall: Flair Espresso Maker – Classic Manual Press
KEY FEATURES
- Dose: 12-18 grams
- Reservoir: 60ml
- Yield: up to 45ml
- All manual brewing process
- Durable base, post, and lever
- Stainless steel brewing cylinder
- With custom carrying case
The Flair Espresso Maker tops our list thanks to its eco-friendly operation. It operates without electricity, is portable, affordable, and easy to use. Group head parts won’t burn you since these all have a rubber base.
If you need a great-tasting espresso shot, you only need to heat and assemble the group head. Pour boiling water above the grounds, and you can whip up to 45ml worth of espresso. This durable machine already comes with a compact carrying case, making it easy to store and carry.
Runner-Up: AEROPRESS Coffee and Espresso Maker
KEY FEATURES
- Capacity: 3 cups
- Total immersion brewing process
- With paper microfilter
- Phthalate-free
- BPA free
If you love espresso but are always on the go, then the AEROPRESS Coffee and Espresso Maker is the perfect upgrade for you. Now, you can make smooth and delicious coffee anytime, anywhere. Its rapid brewing system helps avoid high acidity and bitterness.
Another feature that sets this espresso maker apart from other machines is its paper microfilter. This helps reduce grit, making cleaning and maintenance effortless. This portable coffee maker can even make up to 3 cups of lattes.
Best Budget: ROK Presso Manual Espresso Maker
KEY FEATURES
- Capacity: 1 cup
- Durable metal construction
- Rubber-padded base
- With a tin storage
- With a single spout portafilter
- Includes a 10-Year warranty on metal parts
The ROK Presso Manual Espresso Maker is one of those manual & lever budget machines. It has a durable and straightforward design that is also portable and functional. The company even offers a 10-year warranty on metal parts.
With the right beans and by following the instructions to the “T,” you can make a decent cup of espresso anytime. This model can also help you male milk-based coffee in no time.
Best Value: Staresso Portable Espresso Machine
KEY FEATURES
- Capacity: 100ml
- Dose: 11 grams
- Built-in 15 bar pressure valve
- Stainless steel inner tank
- Compatible with coffee capsules
- Anti-skid pads
- Non-toxic
- Available in 2 colors
The Staresso Portable Espresso Machine is one of those manual espresso makers with a built-in 15-bar pressure valve. This means you can make great and authentic espresso every single time. For those into weak espresso, you only need to load half the amount of coffee grounds in the portafilter.
This unit also enables its users to create milk foam. This means you can make creamier coffees as you wish. Overall, this model is portable, reliable, and extremely hard wearing.
Best for Beginners: La Pavoni Europiccola Lever
KEY FEATURES
- Capacity: 8 cups
- 11 in x 7 in x 12in
- All-steel construction
- With automatic milk foamer
- Comes with a measuring ladle, cappuccino attachment, screen, screen holder, and tamper
If you are after a long-lasting manual & lever espresso machine, consider the La Pavoni Europiccola Lever one of your best choices. This reasonably basic machine resembles antique coffee machines. It is fairly long-lasting with regular cleaning and proper usage.
This is also one of those machines that can be an excellent choice for beginners. It quickly heats your coffee to the correct temperature. The lever helps customize your coffee according to your taste, while the automatic milk foamer can give you just the right froth for your coffee drink.
Best for Traveling: Wacaco Minipresso Portable Espresso Maker
KEY FEATURES
- Capacity: 50ml
- Dose: 8 grams
- Piston-based extraction
- Integrated scoop
- With portafilter
- Accessories sold separately
If you travel occasionally and like to be able to make home-made espresso, then the Wacaco Minipresso Portable Espresso Maker is for you. It offers hand-operated convenience in a sleek, gorgeous design. All you need is to use coffee grinds, add hot water, and pump the piston to make authentic espresso wherever you might be.
This model comes with an integrated scoop for easy loading. Its piston-based extraction allows you to extract the perfect espresso and its generous crema. There are also complementary accessories available and sold separately.
Best in Design: Elektra Microcasa Lever Espresso Machine Finish
KEY FEATURES
- Capacity: 1.8 liters
- Pressure gauge
- Bakelite handles
- Large round base
- Water level sight glass
- Spring piston-operated lever
- Built-in thermostat
- Internal pressure regulator
- Gorgeous chrome finish
If you want a manual & lever espresso machine that will complement your modern kitchen, consider the Elektra Microcasa Lever Espresso Machine Finish as a steal. You can clearly see the Italian craftsmanship in this model. Its sturdy structure and delicate features can instantly make perfect espresso and milk-based coffee drinks.
The machine is lightweight, has safety features, and prevents accidents. It is easy to assemble and effortless to use. With this lever espresso machine, your kitchen will look immaculate, and your guests will surely love drinking your home-made coffee.
Manual vs. Automatic
Manual machines require you to grind the coffee beans, tamp the grounds, and extract the espresso yourself. This can be a bit of a process, but many people prefer it because it allows them to have more control over the final product.
Automatic machines, on the other hand, do most of the work for you. You simply add the coffee beans and water, and the machine does the rest. These machines are generally more expensive, but they can be worth it if you want a good cup of espresso with minimal effort.
In terms of learning curve, manual machines are definitely more difficult to use than automatic machines. However, once you get the hang of it, using a manual machine can be very rewarding.
Things to Consider When Buying Lever Espresso Machines
Customization
One of the best things about manual machines is that they allow you to customize your espresso to your liking. You can experiment with different grinds, tamps, and extraction times to find the perfect combination for your taste.
You may also consider one with milk steaming capabilities. This can be great if you want to make lattes or cappuccinos as well.
Ease of Use
As we mentioned before, manual machines can be a bit more difficult to use than automatic machines. If you are new to espresso-making, you might want to consider an automatic machine.
Portability
Lever espresso machines can vary widely in terms of size and weight. And since they do not need electricity to operate, they can be very portable.
If you plan on taking your machine with you when you travel, be sure to choose a model that is lightweight and easy to transport.
Durability
Lever espresso machines are generally very durable. However, some models are made with better-quality materials than others. If you want a machine that will last for many years, be sure to choose a model that is made with high-quality materials. Consider stainless steel grade 304 construction for durability.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning an espresso machine can be a bit of a pain, but some models are easier to clean than others. If you don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning your machine, choose a model that is easy to disassemble and has dishwasher-safe parts.
Space
If you have limited counter space, be sure to choose a compact model.
Conclusion
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the best lever espresso machine. However, if you take the time to find the right machine for your needs, you will be rewarded with delicious espresso for many years to come.
In this post, the best overall lever espresso machine is Flair Espresso Maker – Classic Manual Press. You won’t go wrong with its durable stainless steel construction and its easy to use design. Not to mention its portability, making it the best choice for those who love to travel.
Have a great coffee experience!
