Best Semi Automatic Espresso Machine Reviews 2024

We show you what is the best semi-automatic espresso machine in the market today and the best semi-automatic espresso machines for each budget and purpose.

Coffee is an important part of many Americans’ daily routines. Coffee is an integral part of life for millions of people from different backgrounds, regions, jobs, and demographics. Thus, for many, a semi-auto espresso machine is the most efficient option to access a barista-quality espresso shot.

Whether you’re looking to break the bank or get your cup of joe fast and cheap, this article outlines some of the best semi-automatic espresso machines available.

Compiled are some of the best machines for different budgets and different people. There’s a machine out there for everyone; you need to find yours.

Our Pick: Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine

If you’re concerned about quality above all else, the Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler Semi Automatic Espresso Machine is a fantastic choice. Breville is renowned for its high-quality and reliable products, which are fantastic in both precision and functionality. This espresso machine is an absolute monster when it comes to reliability and can deliver the same exact cup of coffee thousands of times over. 

If you’re looking for a machine that can perfectly serve your needs every day and for years to come, the BES920XL will surpass all expectations. Its internal components are highly advanced and keep absolute control of everything from temperature to water pressure. It will help you experience your coffee as you’ve never known, taking the same beans you’ve always used and giving them a new life.

Additionally, it has two spouts, meaning you can fill two cups at once for those busy mornings. Although a bit on the pricey side, $1250 as of writing, this is easily one of the most complete machines out there, and it has proven to be of great appeal to the most affluent of espresso enthusiasts. Overall, this machine will allow you to experience coffee as you never have before and is simply the best machine you can buy.

“Owned one for more than a year and a half now. Out of the box made a top notch quality espresso, up there with the barista espresso I have every day after office at Upwtown Espresso. Never a problem. A work of art by the Breville people. If looking for a Semi-Auto, hands-down this is the one to get… “ Rick D., Breville Customer

For Home: DeLonghi Nespresso Lattissima Plus Espresso Maker

Retailing for about $400, the DeLonghi Nespresso Lattissima Plus Espresso Maker is a fantastic home-use option. It is a high-quality machine readily apparent at first glance; it is highly aesthetically pleasing and looks fantastic on any kitchen countertop. It also uses Nespresso’s capsule system, which is as fast as the Inissia.

However, it also has a range of other amenities, like its revolutionary hot milk system.

With the press of only one button, the Lattisma will dispense a set amount of hot milk into your beverage. This makes it perhaps one of the best semi-automatic espresso machines available for milk heating.

The Latissima Plus strikes a fine balance between quality, ease of use, and aesthetics and will be a happy purchase for the home of any espresso and coffee aficionado.

To match your personal home design and taste, the Lattissima+ comes in five colors: Jet Black, Passion Red, Silky White, Midnight Blue, and Ice Silver.

Value Pick: Nespresso Inissia Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker

If you’re looking for a great ratio between cost and quality and need your daily jolt, chances are that you won’t need the most fancy machine out there. You need something that won’t break the bank but will deliver quality coffee. That’s where the Nespresso Inissia Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker comes in. 

Its genius is in its simplicity: pop in a capsule in a flavor or style of your choosing, turn the machine on, and wait for the coffee to pour out. 

This simple concept allows for its coffee delivery to be reliable, high quality, and rich in flavor, with only a button or two pressed. It’s also fast and thus perfect for anyone pressed for time in the morning.

However, it does have a couple of downsides.

Firstly, the capsules aren’t priced very well. When bought in bulk, they run about 75 cents per capsule, which may be expensive in the long term. Additionally, your coffee options are relatively limited to whatever flavors Nespresso manufactures.

However, this budget coffee maker is a fantastic value and will supply you with a high-quality price at a low-quality price, at least for the machine.

Under $1000: Breville BES840XL Infuser Espresso Machine

As one of the precursors to the BES920XL, the Breville BES840XL Infuser Espresso Machine is a fantastic machine that contains much of the functionality of its pricier brother at a fraction of the cost. Retailing at $500 as of writing, its appearance resembles the BES920XL.

However, under the hood, things are very different. Its internal components are much less advanced and do not work the same magic. This means that its quality will be a bit lower, as well as its precision. Take this with a grain of salt, however, as the BES920XL is a monster of a machine.

Overall, with the BES840XL, you get marvelous functionality in a very fairly priced package, and this machine is still truly one of the top semi-automatic espresso machines on the market. 

Under $300: Philips Saeco RI9366/47 Via Venezia Espresso Machine

Priced at just under $300 as of writing, the Philips Saeco RI9366/47 Via Venezia Espresso Machine is one of the best espresso machines in its price range. It’s a veritable juggernaut in terms of positives and is a fantastic machine overall. Quality, ease of use, and fluidity all come together in one solid package, and the Via Venezia delivers on all those fronts.

Aesthetically, it’s also very simplistic and lacks the flashy look of espresso machines such as the Lattisma, which may be a pro for some. It also has a relatively simple process for boiling milk, although the process is nowhere near as simple as that of the Lattisma.

One potential gripe that you may have is about this espresso machine’s time drain. Getting your coffee out the door is not a very fast process, so be sure to leave yourself a minute or two in the morning with this one. However, if you can work around this, the Via Venezia is a fantastic semi-automatic espresso machine and won’t leave you wanting for quality or ease of use.

Under $200: Philips Saeco HD8327/47 Poemia Top Espresso Machine

At only about $170 as of writing, the Philips Saeco HD8327/47 Poemia Top Espresso Machine is an excellent choice for a semi-automatic espresso machine. Crafted beautifully out of stainless steel, this espresso machine is truly beautiful and fits into any kitchen setting. It isn’t quite as polished as the Lattisma, but nearly so. It combines minimalism with functionality to get the best of both worlds, and neither takes a hit in this machine’s design.

It has the price of the Inissia but a lot more power under the hood. And although it does not have the same level of simplicity, it is still fairly simple to use. It also includes options for hot water or brewing tea, which is a nice bonus from such an inexpensive machine. One potential downside to this machine is that it does not have the same level of automation as other ones out there, meaning that you’ll have to do more to get your cup of joe. However, this is a small price for an otherwise spectacular machine, and it will serve you and your morning routine well.

What is the Best Semi Automatic Espresso Machine?

Every machine on this list is a great choice for your daily cup.  All these machines, at their most basic, brew espresso quickly and easily and will improve your morning routine. However, not all espresso machines are created equal, and that’s why each is the best semi-automatic espresso machine in its own arena. Know what you are looking for; this list should help you decide what is best for you.

Our Top Pick Overall was the Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler Semi Automatic Espresso Machine. 

But remember, you are an individual and shouldn’t just pick up the first machine you see or one just because your friend told you to! Doing the proper research into an espresso machine really pays off, as you’ll likely one day reflect upon it during your morning routine. Whatever your path in life, these machines will help you get there, one cup at a time.

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References & Resources

• De’Longhi, Official Brand Website.
• Breville, Official Brand Website.
• Nespresso, Official Brand Website.
• Philips Saeco, Official Brand Website.
• Energy Star, Official Website.