The 10 Best Semi Automatic Espresso Machines of 2020

The semi automatic espresso machine is the only coffee maker which overcomes the negatives of both the manual and superautomatic espresso machines. Also, the semi automatic espresso machine allows you to control the brew quality and proportion of froth, water, and extraction time manually. On the other hand, its extraction pump, frothing wand, and boiler help you to brew the coffee in no time.

Top Picks for Best for 2020 – At a Glance

 

About Semi Automatic Espresso Machines

The semi automatic machine is the step-down version of the superautomatic espresso machines and the facelift of the manuals. Moreover, the term ‘semi-automatic espresso machine’ coined for simplicity of describing the typical espresso machine semi automatic types.

Generally, the semi espresso machines have the extraction pump, frothing wand, and the boiler with manual extraction timing control. Because of the flexibility choosing various extraction timings, this machine is the choice of the most coffee lovers. However, learning to extract and frothing the milk can take some time yet the taste and satisfaction of brewing the coffee all by yourself are unparalleled.

Best Semi Automatic Espresso Machine Reviews

Here are the reviews for top Semi Automatic Espresso Makers on the market.

#1. Gaggia 14101 Classic Semi Automatic Espresso Maker

The top semi automatic espresso machine from the brand which has renown and solid reputation for making the top quality coffee machines. Gaggia Classic 14101 is another name in our list which delivers nothing but the perfect espresso shot.

Furthermore, the Gaggia Classic comes with the brushed stainless steel body and tough frame which lasts long. Additionally, the perfect brew quality and rapid heating boiler with the dual heating element cut down the waiting time. In fact, the radiant heat from the boiler allows the cup heating tray to function perfectly and utilize utmost heating energy.

In the same manner, the stainless steel body and the simple to operate control panel complements the elegant design. Along with that, the Pannarello wand for frothing the milk is a useful component for the amateur brewers.

Lastly, the useful water dispenser of this machine is its water drain which dispenses cleansing water directly into the liquid collector tray. These factors make this machine suitable for all type of coffee people.

#2. Breville BES870XL Semi Automatic Espresso Machine

Coming to the second best semi auto espresso machine on our semi-automatic espresso machine review list, the Breville BES870XL comes with many features. The Breville 870 XL is useful not only for brewing the perfect coffee but also for grinding the beans. Having said that, the best part about the grinder is its fineness controls that allow you to choose the appropriate grind size as well as the volume of beans.

In addition to that, the Breville espresso machine provides many options prior to brewing and for brewing the coffee. Right from choosing the grind size to making an espresso shot or the long coffee, the Breville machine does it all. The stainless steel body of the semi automatic espresso machine with the brushed texture adds a lot to the premium looks and elegant feel of the machine.

In contrast to the premium quality and construction, the Breville semi-automatic espresso machine features the stainless steel grinding tool. The stainless steel tool has an ill-reputation for heating rapidly while grinding the beans which in turn develops the burnt flavor in the coffee grounds.

Apart from that, the Breville BES870XL has a phenomenal brewing quality which uses 15 bar pressure. The option allowing you to choose between the single espresso and double espresso shots. Not to mention, the semi automatic espresso machine includes the metal tamper and machine cleaning kit which is necessary for maintaining the hygiene level.

#3. De’Longhi EC155 Pump Espresso

Here we have one of the top semi automatic espresso machines from the renown brand DeLonghi. This is the perfect balance of the fine coffee brew and economical price. It comes with the starting mechanism with the self-priming function. The semi automatic espresso machine with the minimalistic design and the useful features of the machine are great.

In the same manner, the Delonghi has a stainless steel water boiler heating the utmost water volume consuming as little time as possible. However, this espresso maker can only produce the hot water either for the brewing the coffee or frothing the milk at the same time. However, the self-priming function will cut down the waiting time.

Additionally, you can manually operate the steaming wand of the semi auto espresso machine for frothing the milk appropriate for lattes and cappuccinos. Also, the removable water reservoir of this semi espresso machine lets you descale with utmost ease. Similarly, the liquid collector tray also stores the water and coffee that does not end up in the coffee cups.

Lastly, DeLonghi provides a year warranty for the quality they deliver. The one year warranty is sufficient considering the economic cost of the product. In fact, DeLonghi over delivers the features and functions in their EC155 for the price tag of the machine. However, you will find the body of the Espresso machine is majorly made up of the plastic material.s

#4. Mr. Coffee BVMC-ECM180 Espresso

Starting with the machine from Mr. Coffee, it is a regular semi automatic machine which features a powerful steaming wand, brewer, and consistent taste. The unparalleled quality and taste of this Mr. Coffee BVMC-ECM180 are worth a shot, that too, you can get it in as low as getting a basic Stovetop.

On the contrary, despite having a considerable brewing quality, the build quality is not as good as the brew quality. Nevertheless, this economical machine still has a promising warranty for the period of one year after purchase. In fact, the feel of using the machine surpasses your expectations. Because of the stainless steel body, the aesthetics of the machine maintains the stance.

Additionally, the apparent machine comes with a lot of components or let us say the Barista-Kit as a part of this deal. It makes buying this machine a fair deal of advantage. The deal includes the glass-decanter, two coffee cups, tamper, measuring scoop, and stainless steel frothing pitcher.

In the end, this machine is suitable for the coffee people who are looking for a budget espresso machine. Because the BVMC is the perfect coffee machine which brews good and costs way lesser than best semi espresso machine of an entry-level category on the market.

#5. Breville BES840XL Infuser Espresso Machine

Here we have another entry form the renown brand Breville whose coffee machine we saw previous to this product. The BES 840 XL as you see it, the apparent semi automatic espresso machine is from the similar product line of that of the BES  870 XL. However, the major change in this machine of the product line is absence of the built-in grinder.

Apart from that, the BES 840 is a worthy equivalent of the 870 XL variant which brews the coffee using the similar components. As the matter of fact, there are some changes in the heating element of the machine. This machine has a single aluminum boiler with a stainless steel lining. And the heating element of the semi automatic espresso machine does not work as fast as its higher variant counterpart.

In addition to that, the Italian semi automatic espresso machine provides the portafilter with a set of different filters. Along with that, the portafilter comes with the double spout outlet. Not to mention, the frothing wand of this machine produces the swirling jet of steam for frothing the milk.

Moreover, this machine will be suitable for people who don’t want to spend a considerably high amount. Because this semi automatic espresso maker will not cost you as much as any super automatic coffee machine yet maintain the fine brew quality. Along with that, this deal not only includes brewing the coffee but also the premium brushed stainless steel body.

#6. Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Espresso Machine

The Nuova Simonelli Oscar is the best home semi automatic espresso machine version of the heavy duty espresso maker. As it can produce the espresso shots rapidly compared to other  machines. In addition to that, we are looking at the frothing wand of the Nuova Simonelli which has the minute opening holes at the bottom of the wand making it similar to the Pannarello. Generally, the frothing wand having the steam outlet at the bottom ends will be easy for frothing the milk even if you are a rookie brewer.

Apart from that, this machine is made up of the combination of plastic and metal panels. This semi automatic espresso machine has more of the metal body than the plastic. In this case, the plastic despite having aerial groves and design yet it does not have an impressive appearance. Also, the frothing wand of the Simonelli Oscar with its protruding stance does not add up to the aesthetics of the coffee machine.

Nevertheless, the Nuovo comes with the upright shining body made from both the metal and plastic materials. Operating the machine to make the perfect espresso with its easy to use controlling panel is great. It allows you to brew an espresso shot, hot water, and frothing. Moreover, the machine utilizes optimum pressure for brewing and producing the perfect espresso.

Additionally, this brand produces the best affordable espresso machines. Nuovo has gained popularity for its domestic semi automatic espresso makers along with its heavy-duty products. In the same manner, Oscar II is the evident product which has helped a lot of people kickstart their day making an espresso shot. The Oscar is a heavy-duty semi automatic espresso machine suitable for making coffees back to back especially in places like office, hospital, etc. Only for that reason, this coffee machine suits for using for the houses having hardcore coffee people.

#7. Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine

Yet other entry from the Breville coffee maker machine on our list. The apparent product features two water heating boilers which speed up the water heating process. Not only the BES 920 XL will cut the waiting time brewing the coffee but also allows frothing the milk faster.

Furthermore, this coffee machine delivers more than the required features considering the semi automatic espresso machine category. Because when we are looking for a coffee machine with an extraction pump and the steam wand with complete manual controls. Whereas here the Breville offers the extraction mode, bean grinder, preinfusion mode, frothing wand, dual boiler, and the temperature sensing thermostatic sensor.

In addition to that, the Breville comes with the three-way operating solenoid valve which helps in maintaining the pressure over the coffee puck. Generally, the life of the solenoid valve will not be as long as the pump and heating element of the machine. Nevertheless, the two-year warranty of the espresso machine semi automatic will be enough to consider the working of the machine to be without any setbacks. Also, the three-way solenoid valve is very important to initiate and cut off the pressure over the coffee puck of the water flow. It keeps the coffee from overextracting, as well as avoids the pressure build-up in the portafilter and also prevents locking.

Lastly, the coffee from this machine has the least possibilities of over extracting when the PID temperature sensors control the boiling process. In fact, you can control the temperature of the water in addition to its boiling or non-boiling.

#8. Bezzera BZ07 Espresso Machine

Here, we start with the coffee machines made for serving higher coffee volume. This semi automatic machine is the Bezzera BZ07 which has the toughest body and the shiny stainless steel panels. In fact, the body of the machine has the smooth plain texture giving it the shiny and matt appearance.

The Bezzera comes with the heavy duty extraction pump generating more than 15 bar pressure for brewing. Yet the pump is configured to deliver 9 bar pressure for brewing the tightly packed coffee puck. In addition to that, the BZ07 has one of the best heating elements which heats half of the water volume i.e. 0.4 gallons at a time from the total reservoir measuring 0.79 gallons. Because of its dual heating element of 1200 watts capacity.

In fact, the heating efficiency of the coffee machine keeps the machine running even during brewing multiple coffees consecutively. In the same manner, the boiler will keep on heating the water whereas the frothing wand will be good to use at all the times. Therefore this product is effective and one of the finest semi automatic espresso machine for home.

Lastly, this machine is robust and will be expensive for brewing only a couple of cup in a day. To optimize the utility of this espresso machine n a practical way then making at least a dozen coffees will be necessary. Because the semi automatic espresso machine will work efficiently only if you have to use it to make more volume throughout the day. Hence, purchasing the Bezzera coffee machine for office, restaurants, etc. is advisable.

#9. Rancilio Silvia Semi Auto Coffee Machine

Rancilio is a premium semi automatic espresso machine which has found its place in many homes. Yet this semi automatic coffee machine remains the choice of the buyers ready to stretch their budget for one coffee machine. In fact, some people do not coin buying a semiautomatic espresso machine at a high price to be practical. On the other hand, there are coffee fanatics who prefer buying this machine for the brew quality.

Further, the best feature of this semi automatic espresso machine is its large boiler which is one of a kind compared to other machines. As the matter of fact, the brass boiler with the stainless steel chrome lining has the capacity of heating 0.3 gallons of water at once. Also, it can instantly heat the water consistently considering the double quarter reservoir of the semi auto espresso machine.

In addition to that, the machine with its huge price tag can be intimidating at one point. In fact, initially, the deal appears like a walk on thin ice but surprisingly it not. The heavy-duty component of the semiautomatic espresso maker has a long lasting life compared other semi automatic espresso machines on our list.

Lastly, the portafilter with the double spout coffee outlet and the flexible frothing wand are the useful provisions. Not to mention, the frothing wand with small holes at the bottom of the wand for subtle and uniform frothing of the milk.

#10. 7 Pc Semi Automatic Espresso Machine

In the end, we have a product which offers many accessories. It includes the Barista kit and a portable grinder inclusive in the deal. This coffee machine hence found the spot in our best coffee machine list.

Additionally, this semi automatic espresso machine has the 1.25-liter removable water reservoir and extraction pump brewing coffee at 15 bar pressure. Not to mention, the heating element thermoblock quickly heats water reducing the waiting time.

In contrast, using the steam frothing wand can be difficult if you are a learner. Because of the straight wide wand will deliver the jet of steam which can lead to uneven frothing. Hence, learning the frothing skills might take some time yet this is not the deal-breaker.

As we mentioned, the set of accessories is the main attraction of considering this product. But there is the hunter waiting and using the accessories as the bait, this has disappointed some of the buyers as its reliability does not match the requirement of the buyers.

Buyer’s Guide

You can refer this section in case, if you find selecting the best from the above list difficult.

How to Choose the Best Semi Automatic Espresso Machine?

Here are the factors that ideal a product should have, of course, you shall go for the product that comes closest, because none of the product will be perfect ideally.

Material of the Body

The first thing you need to look at is the material of the machine’s body. Generally, the coffee machine will have the stainless steel panels with either the brushed or the satin-smooth texture.

On the other hand, the semi automatic machine will have the plastics in rare cases. But refrain from buying the machine having plastic panels. However, none of the entries on our list have plastics as the cheap addition.

Water Reservoir

Next important thing, will be the water reservoir. Try choosing the reservoir as large as possible.

Warranty

Reliability of the machine is the inevitable factor to check while buying any semi automatic espresso machine. It depicts the reliability of the machine.

Built-In Grinder

Although semi-automatic coffee machines hardly have the built-in grinders yet having a grinder in the deal in a plus. For example, the last product on our semi auto espresso machine reviews includes the additional grinder complementary with the deal.

THE ENDNOTE

Here we come to an end, the best semi-automatic machine is the one which satisfies all your requirements. Hence, to say the least, you can follow the buying guide to check the important features. It will guide you to towards the best semi automatic espresso machine.