The lever espresso machine, born in Italy and beloved globally, stands out for its unique way of making coffee and the exceptional brews it produces. Developed after World War II, it met the Italian public’s thirst for real home-brew espresso. Today, these machines offer many options. Yet, **getting perfect espresso at home** depends on the **quality** of the lever espresso machine you pick.
The best lever espresso machine should be reliable, consistent, easy to use, and built with high-quality, durable materials. The wrong machine can produce lackluster shots, suffer damages, and be challenging to use and maintain. It’s vital to select a lever espresso machine with the right balance of pressure, robust parts, and user-friendly design.
While purchasing a lever espresso machine, it’s essential to pay heed to the quality of its components. It should include a chrome-plated brass portafilter, a high-quality group head, a secure boiler, and a lever mechanism made of sturdy and durable materials such as chromed brass. The right machine will ensure both convenience and excellent taste.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best lever espresso machine. We have methodically researched and tested a range of machines to identify the ones that promise the best performance and reliability. By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to ensure the machine you select will provide you with rich, aromatic, and consistent espresso shots.
Best Lever Espresso Machine
Choosing the right lever espresso machine is vital for ensuring the quality, consistency, and convenience of your espresso brewing experience. The machine should be user-friendly, durable, and deliver high-pressure extraction to create the perfect shot of espresso. With a vast array of options available in the market, it can be a daunting task to sift through the best ones worthy of your investment. After extensive research and rigorous testing, we have assembled a list of the best lever espresso machines to facilitate your decision-making process effectively.
Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2 (Black) – An all manual lever espresso maker with stainless steel brew head and pressure gauge
If you’re looking for a high-quality espresso maker that you can use at home, the Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2 (Black) is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2 (Black) is made from premium materials, including a stainless steel frame and a Borosilicate glass cylinder, which make it durable and long-lasting.
- This espresso maker is fully manual, which means you have complete control over every aspect of the brewing process, from the grind to the extraction. This allows you to experiment with different coffee beans and brewing methods to find the perfect espresso for your taste.
- The Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2 (Black) is easy to use and clean, with a simple 3-step process that involves only a kettle and a cup. This makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to make delicious espresso without a lot of fuss or complicated equipment.
Cons
- The Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2 (Black) requires a bit of a learning curve, especially if you’re new to making espresso at home. However, with a little practice, you’ll be able to make great espresso every time.
- This espresso maker is a bit more expensive than some other options on the market. However, if you’re looking for a high-quality, durable, and easy-to-use espresso maker, the Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2 (Black) is definitely worth the investment.
- Some users have reported that the Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2 (Black) is a bit difficult to disassemble for cleaning. However, with a little patience and care, you should be able to clean this espresso maker easily and thoroughly.
In summary, if you’re looking for a high-quality, durable, and easy-to-use espresso maker that you can use at home, the Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2 (Black) is definitely worth considering. With its premium materials, fully manual operation, and simple 3-step process, this espresso maker is sure to provide you with delicious, perfectly extracted espresso every time.
Flair Espresso Maker – Classic: All manual lever espresso maker for the home – portable and non-electric
If you’re looking for a high-quality, all-manual espresso maker, the Flair Espresso Maker – Classic is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The Flair Espresso Maker – Classic is a high-quality, all-manual espresso maker that is easy to use and produces great results.
- The compact and portable design makes it easy to take with you wherever you go, whether you’re camping, traveling, or just want to bring it to a friend’s house.
- The Flair Espresso Maker – Classic is a great value for the price, especially considering the high-quality materials and construction.
Cons
- The Flair Espresso Maker – Classic requires a bit of practice to get the perfect shot every time, but this is to be expected with any manual espresso maker.
- The Flair Espresso Maker – Classic is a bit more expensive than some other manual espresso makers on the market, but the quality and durability make it worth the investment.
- The Flair Espresso Maker – Classic requires a bit of maintenance and cleaning to keep it in top condition, but this is to be expected with any high-quality espresso maker.
The Flair Espresso Maker – Classic is a great choice for anyone who wants to make high-quality espresso at home or on the go. The all-manual operation ensures that you have complete control over the brewing process, and the compact and portable design makes it easy to take with you wherever you go.
The Flair Espresso Maker – Classic is also a great value for the price, especially considering the high-quality materials and construction. While it may require a bit of practice to get the perfect shot every time, the quality and durability make it worth the investment.
In summary, if you’re looking for a high-quality, all-manual espresso maker that is easy to use and produces great results, the Flair Espresso Maker – Classic is definitely worth considering.
MHW-3BOMBER Manual lever Espresso Maker Sonic S7 Non-electric Espresso Machine CM8011
If you’re looking for a high-quality, durable, and easy-to-use manual espresso machine, the MHW-3BOMBER Manual lever Espresso Maker Sonic S7 Non-electric Espresso Machine CM8011 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The heavy-duty 58mm portafilter is compatible with all kinds of coffee grounds, making it very versatile.
- The upgraded steam pressure valve makes it easy to control the frothing process, ensuring that you get the perfect amount of foam every time.
- The thickened stainless steel base with 4 rubber feet makes this espresso machine very stable, even when you’re using it to make multiple shots in a row.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the steam wand can be a bit difficult to operate, especially if you’re not used to manual espresso machines.
- While the 304 stainless steel construction is very durable, it also means that this espresso machine is a bit heavier than some other models on the market.
- The lack of an electric pump means that you’ll need to use your own arm strength to extract the espresso, which can be a bit of a workout if you’re making multiple shots in a row.
Overall, we were very impressed with the MHW-3BOMBER Manual lever Espresso Maker Sonic S7 Non-electric Espresso Machine CM8011. It’s easy to use, durable, and produces excellent espresso shots every time. If you’re a fan of manual espresso machines, or if you’re looking for a high-quality machine that you can take with you on the go, this is definitely one to consider.
Flair The NEO Flex: Direct Lever Manual Espresso Maker for Home with Two Portafilters
If you’re looking for a manual espresso maker that’s easy to use and produces great results, the Flair The NEO Flex is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The direct lever espresso extraction is a game-changer, allowing for a more precise and consistent extraction than other manual espresso makers.
- The included dual-wall press espresso cups help to maintain the temperature of your espresso, ensuring that you get to enjoy it at its best.
- The compact size of the Flair The NEO Flex makes it easy to store, whether you have a small kitchen or limited counter space.
Cons
- The Flair The NEO Flex is a bit more expensive than some other manual espresso makers on the market.
- The process of making espresso with the Flair The NEO Flex can be a bit time-consuming, especially if you’re new to manual espresso making.
- While the Flair The NEO Flex is relatively easy to clean, it does require a bit of attention to ensure that all of the components are properly cleaned and dried.
We’ve been using the Flair The NEO Flex for a few weeks now, and we’re really impressed with its performance. The direct lever espresso extraction is a real standout feature, allowing us to easily achieve the perfect espresso extraction every time. We also appreciate the fact that the Flair The NEO Flex comes with two portafilters, making it easy to brew for two people without having to switch out the portafilter in between.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Flair The NEO Flex is a bit more expensive than some other manual espresso makers on the market. However, we believe that the quality of the product justifies the price. The Flair The NEO Flex is also a bit more time-consuming to use than some other manual espresso makers, but we find that the extra time is worth it for the quality of the espresso that we’re able to produce.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Flair The NEO Flex to anyone who is looking for a high-quality manual espresso maker that’s easy to use and produces great results.
La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccola 8-Cup Lever Style Espresso Machine, Chrome,Silver
If you’re looking for a traditional espresso machine with a modern twist, the La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccola 8-Cup Lever Style Espresso Machine is a great option.
Pros
- The commercial-grade heat exchanger boiler provides quick recovery time between brewing, making it perfect for heavy home use.
- The machine is fully automatic with a pressure statistic, allowing you to control the extraction time and pressure.
- The machine is handmade in Italy with high-quality stainless steel, ensuring durability and longevity.
Cons
- The machine is relatively heavy, weighing in at 22 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around.
- The steam wand may require some trial and error to get the perfect steam texture.
- The machine is on the pricier side, which may not be ideal for those on a tight budget.
We’ve been using the La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccola 8-Cup Lever Style Espresso Machine for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The commercial-grade heat exchanger boiler heats up quickly and provides consistent temperature stability, ensuring that every shot of espresso is flavorful and well-extracted.
One of the standout features of this machine is its fully automatic operation with a pressure statistic. This allows you to control the extraction time and pressure, ensuring that you get the perfect shot every time. The machine also features a 2-liter removable water tank and a 6.7-inch cup clearance, making it easy to use and clean.
While the machine is relatively heavy, we appreciate the fact that it’s handmade in Italy with high-quality stainless steel. This ensures that it will last for years to come, even with daily use. The machine also comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty, providing peace of mind in case of any issues.
Overall, we highly recommend the La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccola 8-Cup Lever Style Espresso Machine for anyone looking for a high-quality, traditional espresso machine with a modern twist.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best lever espresso machine, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Build Quality
The build quality of the espresso machine is an important factor to consider. Look for machines made with high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting. Stainless steel is a popular choice for both the body and the lever.
Pressure Control
Pressure control is another important feature to consider. Look for machines that allow you to adjust the pressure of the espresso shot. This will allow you to customize your shots to your liking.
Brewing Capacity
Consider the brewing capacity of the machine. If you plan on making multiple shots at once, look for a machine with a larger brewing capacity. However, if you only need to make one or two shots at a time, a smaller machine may be more suitable.
Portafilter
The portafilter is an important component of the espresso machine. Look for a machine with a high-quality portafilter that allows for easy dosing and tamping. Some machines also come with a built-in grinder, which can be convenient.
Steam Wand
The steam wand is used to steam milk for latte art and other milk-based drinks. Look for a machine with a high-quality steam wand that allows for easy steaming and frothing. Some machines also come with a separate pitcher for steaming milk.
By considering these factors, you can find the best lever espresso machine to suit your needs.
