Are you someone who loves to put your own effort and artistry into making an espresso? If yes, then manually operated espresso machine is for you. A manual machine is also known by the name lever machine. As the name suggests, it has to be manually operated, and it’s more hard work than a super automatic machine. However, once you know how to operate it, understand all its functions and the ingredients required in making the espresso, you can make an excellent cup of espresso.
Things to keep in mind while choosing a manual espresso machine:
The manual espresso machine has two categories; namely, Direct Lever and Spring Lever piston machine.
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Direct Lever Operated Machine
In this type of machine, the user manually operates the machine. The user pushes down the hot water by pushing the lever, and the hot water then flows down to the coffee ground. Different types of coffee require different levels of pressure. So it all depends on understanding the type of coffee and the pressure required for making the perfect espresso. Since it’s all about the pressure applied manually and the type of coffee used; the user should keep practicing and have patience until they understand how to get the perfect brew. You can always start with the standard coffee to water ratio and adjusting to your tastes from there.
Spring Lever Operated Machine
The Spring Lever uses spring technology to apply pressure as well as increase or decrease the speed. There is no guesswork or manual work required in this type of machine. It has a calibrated spring that pushes water through the coffee bed with the required pressure. To operate this machine, you just have to push down the lever and then let it go, and the spring does all the work to make an excellent espresso.
Both machines have their respective fan following. One requires skill. The other is more about enjoying a consistent taste of espresso. Whichever type of manual espresso machine you choose it’s all about your priorities. It’s a matter of choosing whether you want to be involved and immerse into the art of making your own espresso or you need an excellent espresso without any fuss.
The other characteristics that you would want to consider before choosing a manual espresso machine are:
- Durability: You should consider if you want a machine as a beginner or would you like a machine that will last a lifetime. The gorgeous ones that you would want for a lifetime could be expensive.
- Portable: Ask yourself, if you’re looking for a machine that you want to carry around wherever you’re traveling or you want a machine that will stay forever on the kitchen counter.
- Electrical appliance: There are electrical and non-electrical machines available. Do consider which one you would prefer.
- Expense: There are economical to expensive machines. You can make a choice from different price ranges.
I have mentioned below a few excellent manual espresso machines that you can check:
La Pavoni Espresso Machine
La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccola 8-Cup Lever Style Espresso Machine, Chrome
La Pavoni is one of the most trusted and popular espresso machine brands in the market today. It is known for manufacturing machines that can last for a lifetime and also make authentic espresso coffee. This Italian-made manual espresso electric machine is for people who love their coffee and enjoy the process of making the perfect espresso. This is one of those machines that you can use for learning and experiment until you succeed in making your perfect espresso shot. It’s for those who are serious coffee lovers and enjoys the artistry of coffee making.
It is covered by a warranty of one year. You can easily find places that will fix the machine if it ever gets broken after a year of using the machine. It’s a sturdy machine made of steel and plated with heavy chrome. This machine is heavy, and it is advisable if you can find a permanent place on your kitchen counter to place it. It comes with an instructional video to help you understand how to use the machine. It’ll take a bit of time and practice to make a perfect shot. It comes with accessories such as a screen holder, a cappuccino attachment, a milk foamer, and a measuring ladle. It has fairly large capacity and measures 11 x 7 x 12 inches.
Elektra – Microcasa a Leva Espresso Machine
Microcasa a Leva Espresso Machine
This is an ideal manual espresso machine for a beginner. The Elektra is a spring lever electric machine that is easy to operate. This electric machine works on a pressure gauge as well as on a relief valve. It is 25 pounds and is quite heavy and hence non-portable. You should find a fixed place to keep this machine in your kitchen. It is a beautiful looking manual espresso machine, so don’t hide it in the kitchen. Place it where it is easily spotted, and it will elevate the look of your kitchen. It will work with normal house outlets. It has a gorgeous looking design. This machine is made to last forever.
Flair Espresso Maker – Manual Press
Flair Espresso Maker – Manual Press
This is a non-electronic espresso machine. You don’t even need batteries to run this espresso machine. The brewing head is detachable from the machine, and hence it is easy to clean parts of this machine. It is also easy and fun to make perfect espresso shots in this espresso machine. Flair has kept durability in mind while constructing this machine.
The press stand is made of aluminum, and the brewing head is made of stainless steel. This lever press machine is covered by a 5-year warranty. It weighs around 5 lbs and is easily portable. It comes with a travel case that ensures the safety of the machine while it’s transported. If you’re planning to buy the Flair Espresso Maker, either you must already have, or you will have to buy a grinder to grind your coffee beans. This machine is for those who love to handcraft their own espresso, and it is definitely not for those who want a push-a-button kind of solution.
About Olivia Moore
Olivia is an avid traveler, has a quest for adventure and a coffee junkie. She co-writes at Fourth Estate Coffee and Pretty Home. She lives to travel and explore and can never say no to a well made cup of coffee.