The Top 3 Best Semi Automatic Espresso Machines You Have to Know

Are you looking for the best semi automatic espresso machine for your home use? Here, we have reviewed and shortlisted the top 3 semi automatic espresso machines at different price ranges. So if you have a certain budget, you will find a suitable one here.

 

Best Semi Automatic Espresso Machine under 200 dollars

#1 De’Longhi Pump Espresso EC702

 

Many amongst us love our espresso perfectly brewed, strong and with that thick crema on top like our favourite coffee shop serves it. But time, money and a lack of knowledge, don’t allow us to indulge in that pleasure daily. The well-known company De’Longhi created a solution.

 

 

With the new De’Longhi Pump Espresso EC702, everyone can make their favourite espresso drink in the comfort of their home, and at an affordable price. The EC702 is the best semi automatic espresso machine for just below 200 dollars.

It is a classic machine made from durable stainless steel, that produces good coffee in a few simple steps. The process being largely automated assures a perfect brew every time which makes it the ideal unit for laymen. Adjustable controls allow advanced users to adapt their espresso to their liking.

The Italian-manufactured De’Longhi Pump Espresso EC702 works with a 15 bar pressure pump and a unique filter to create a frothy crema.

Related: Espresso Machines from Italy

Two thermostats maintain the water and steam pressure – achieved by a stainless steel boiler – to ensure the extraction always happens at the optimal temperature. All these features are important to guarantee the user a coffeehouse worthy espresso.

To again facilitate the process, DeLonghi invented a dual filter holder that lets you choose between ground beans and pre-measured, packaged coffee pods, which enable you to get that early morning espresso almost at the push of one button.

Should you prefer using ground coffee, the included measuring spoon and built-in tamper make that pleasantly simple too. For an authentic Macchiato or Cappuccino, a milk frother is attached to the machine, creating a rich, creamy foam to top your espresso with. 

Staying true to the easy-to-use philosophy of the De’Longhi Pump Espresso EC702, cleaning it is a breeze. Both the 44oz water tank and the drip tray are removable and dishwasher safe and the unique no-drip design prevents messy spills.

Additional features are the practical cup warmer and the energy-saving standby setting. The De’Longhi Pump Espresso EC702 is the perfect machine for coffee lovers of every level of experience and the price will surely not bust any budget.

 

Best Semi Automatic Espresso Machine under 300 dollars

#2 De’Longhi EC680M DEDICA Pump Espresso Machine

 

‘Form follows function’ is the modernist designer’s motto but I think we can all agree that the look is always a big part of the reason why we buy anything – especially if that something is a central point in your kitchen. That is why the De’Longhi EC680M DEDICA Pump Espresso Machine has a sleek, minimalist design while being as compact as possible.

You can brew creamy espresso and piping hot americano and froth rich milk foam for cappuccinos at home, using merely 6 inches of your countertop. The elegant machine is easy to use, the stainless steel shell makes it robust and durable and a choice between steel, black and red permits it to blend into any surrounding.

The advanced thermo block technique heats to the ideal extraction temperature in as little as 40 seconds, which, in interaction with the 15 bar pressure pump, ensures a frothy crema topping your espresso.

The De’Longhi EC680M Dedica has an automated flow stop, allowing amateurs to create perfect coffee drinks. The time of extraction is set for both a single or double shot but can be adjusted to your personal liking with the intuitive illuminated control panel.

Thanks to a specially invented dual filter holder, ground espresso as well as coffee pods can be used – the pre-packaged pods making the brewing process even faster. If the more authentic taste of ground coffee is your choice, a stainless steel tamper and measuring spoon come with the unit.

The frother has a built-in steam regulator which controls the temperature and keeps it at a safe level, and it can pour hot water for long blacks and teas, aside from creating immaculate, thick foam. To perfect your espresso more, you may opt for the installation of a water filter to ensure that the water are clear of impurities which may alter the taste of the espresso. 

To keep it in good condition, the De’Longhi EC680M Dedica Pump Espresso Machine will light the orange indicator, letting you know when it’s time for descaling.

The 35oz water tank is also removable to facilitate refilling and cleaning. Should the machine not be used for a while, it will automatically go into standby mode to save energy.

All these features – the incorporated cup warmer being another one of them -, together with the marvellous design, make the De’Longhi EC680M Dedica one of the best semi automatic espresso machine under 300 dollars. 

 

 

Best Semi Automatic Espresso Machine under 600 dollars

#3 Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine

 

The Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine is a dream come true for aspiring and advanced baristas alike. Highly professional, this stainless steel model includes a bean grinder for a fresh and flavourful brew. With features of higher end espresso machines and a price tag of just under 600 dollars, this is the best semi automatic espresso machine, giving you the best value for your money!

 

 

The number one advantage of the Breville BES870XL is the built-in conical burr grinder. The freshness and the flavour of ground coffee declines rapidly over time. Only grinding the beans immediately before use will give you the ultimate aroma.

Using a separate grinder can take time whereas this hands-free, integrated one, is easy and quick to use, allows you to adjust the grind size and on top of that, maximises flavour extraction through increased surface of the grind. The half-pound bean hopper is equipped with a locking system enabling easy removal, transfer and storage of the beans.

Everything that ensures a perfect espresso is included in the Breville BES870XL Barista Express. The heating element is a 1600W thermo coil heating system. There is also an auto purge function controls which adjusts the temperature after steaming.

The optimal pressure is reached with the 15 bar Italian pump and you can monitor it using the espresso pressure gauge sitting at the front of the control panel. This way, extraction temperature and pressure are consistently in the ideal range to extract a thick, creamy espresso.

For the 54mm stainless steel coffee puck, both dual- and single-wall filters are available. The dual-wall filter is pressurised to help amateurs achieve a perfect crema. If you are more experienced, you can use the single walled ones to experiment with grind size and amount and also with tamping.

At the press of a button, you let the machine know how many filters are being used and the appropriate amount of coffee grind to be dispensed.  You can also choose the volume of espresso that should be extracted. These settings can be adjusted and programmed to your liking.

A pre-brew function ( not found in the lower end espresso machines ) and the flat shower head help distribute the water evenly through the portafilter, ensuring a thorough extraction of the flavours in the coffee grinds.

A water filter prevent fast scaling of the machine and guarantees a pure taste. The indispensable steam nozzle is also included provided for frothing your own creamy cappuccino foam. It can be swivelled 360 degrees to accommodate pitches of all sizes.

The Breville BES870XL Barista Express is timeless with its classic design and steel exterior. No-slip feet inhibit any moving, especially during the grinding process. Cleaning is facilitated through removable parts, like the 67oz water tank with handle and the drip tray, and through a feature removing excess water from the filter basket.

Everything needed for proper grooming of the machine is stored in a little compartment within the machine. Nothing can go wrong with a light reminding you to descale at the right time and an indicator advising you to empty full drip trays. An integrated cup warmer and the tamper, equipped with a smart magnetic storage while still being removable, complete this flawless espresso machine.

The Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine really is the best semi automatic espresso machine for beginners and pros alike!