• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
nuts about coffeenuts about coffee

Nuts About Coffee

True quality espresso at home

  • Blog
  • Brewing
  • Beans
  • Gear
    • Espresso Machines
    • Coffee Makers
    • Coffee Accessories
    • Coffee Maker Brands
  • About

Home » The Best Lever Espresso Machines For Home Use

The Best Lever Espresso Machines For Home Use

Brian Wills This content is relevant as of November 17, 2021 / Written by Brian Wills

Nuts AboutCoffee.com is reader-supported. If you buy via the links here we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you, learn more.

Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • So, How Does This Manual Espresso Machine Work?
  • At A Glance – Best Lever Espresso Machines
  • 1) La Pavoni Europiccola Espresso Machine
  • 2) La Pavoni PBB-16 Professional
  • 3) Elektra ART-S1CO Micro Casa
  • Gaggia 11400 Achille Espresso Machine
  • Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker
La Pavoni espresso machine

Manual espresso machines hearken back to the original espresso making experience where you are involved in every single step of the process. Here we nail down the best lever espresso machines on the market today.

In my opinion, the La Pavoni Europiccola is the best value for money in this range, but let’s see what I found during my research.

So, How Does This Manual Espresso Machine Work?

For true espresso connoisseurs, there’s often nothing like a high-end manual espresso machine. After all, this is the way this type of coffee was originally made, before there were things like electricity and steam to make the process more automated.

These machines are also known as lever espresso machines, because of the simple fact that you usually have to pull a lever to make them work.

The basic idea behind espresso is that you force a small amount of water through coffee grounds to make a super-strong small cup of coffee. In the case of a manual espresso machine, you and, more specifically, your arm strength, are the force that makes the water go through the grounds.

For many people, this is the quintessential espresso experience. You grind your beans, spoon them into the appropriate location. Add water, heat it, and then force it through the ground beans.

For your troubles, you get an extremely strong, extremely tasty little cup of coffee.

While the manual espresso maker is possibly not good for some people who struggle with arm strength, most people will find them a fun and a pleasure to use. If this seems like it might be too much work there are many other types of coffee maker available, and here is an overview of the best home coffee machine in each category.

See also
Best Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine - Complete Reviews and Comparisons

Let’s take a look at the best lever espresso machines

At A Glance – Best Lever Espresso Machines

#PreviewProductRatingPrice
1 La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccola 8-Cup Lever Style Espresso Machine, Chrome,Silver La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccola 8-Cup Lever Style Espresso Machine, Chrome,Silver No ratings yet $904.96Amazon Prime View Latest Amazon Price
2 La Pavoni PBB-16 Professional 16 Cup Espresso Lever Machine, 38-Ounce Boiler Capacity, Chrome with Black Base La Pavoni PBB-16 Professional 16 Cup Espresso Lever Machine, 38-Ounce Boiler Capacity, Chrome with... No ratings yet View Latest Amazon Price
3 Elektra Microcasa Lever Espresso Machine Finish: Chrome and Brass Elektra Microcasa Lever Espresso Machine Finish: Chrome and Brass No ratings yet View Latest Amazon Price
4 AeroPress Original Coffee Press – 3 In 1 Brew Method Combines French Press, Espresso, Full Bodied Coffee Without Grit or Bitterness, Small Portable Coffee Maker for Camping & Travel AeroPress Original Coffee Press – 3 In 1 Brew Method Combines French Press, Espresso, Full Bodied... No ratings yet $33.99Amazon Prime View Latest Amazon Price

Affiliate links / Our affiliate policy  /Last updated on 2025-05-11 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

1) La Pavoni Europiccola Espresso Machine

La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccola 8-Cup Lever Style Espresso Machine, Chrome,Silver

With 2 manual espresso makers in the top three best sellers, La Pavoni is a brand to take seriously and to consider when buying a lever espresso machine.

The La Pavoni Europiccola is perfect for making espresso and other speciality coffee drinks in the comfort and privacy of your own home. No longer do you have to go to a coffee shop to get these, but you can make them yourself.

The EPC-8 offers all-steel construction under heavy chrome plating, so it should last and last.

In addition, it comes with a tamper, screen, screen holder, measuring ladle, cappuccino attachment, as well as an instructional video for getting started with it all.

So there’s no reason to be intimidated, even though the machine itself can look confusing. In no time at all, you’ll be making the coffee drinks you love, at a fraction of the price you’d pay in a coffee shop… [Read The Full La Pavoni Europiccola Review]

Sale
La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccola 8-Cup Lever Style Espresso Machine, Chrome,Silver
La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccola 8-Cup Lever Style Espresso Machine, Chrome,Silver
    −7% $904.96 Amazon Prime
    Check Latest Price on Amazon

    Affiliate links / Our affiliate policy  /Last updated on 2025-05-12 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

    2) La Pavoni PBB-16 Professional

    La Pavoni PBB-16 Professional 16 Cup Espresso Lever Machine, 38-Ounce Boiler Capacity, Chrome with Black Base

    The La Pavoni Professional PBB-16 is not only one of the best lever espresso machines, but also a work of art.

    See also
    The 3 Best Prosumer Espresso Machines

    Made by the Europiccola company and coming straight from Italy, its nickel plating and solid brass boilers will look good in any kitchen. In fact, it’s so striking that it just might become your new centerpiece!

    After all, everyone who sees it will want to know just a little bit more about it.

    Not only is it pretty, but it makes great coffee. With a 38 ounce boiler capacity, you can make up to 16 of the traditional 2-once cups of espresso.

    It’s heating elements are made of stainless steel, and have 1000 watts of power coursing through them. This makes sure that your water gets to just the right temperature, and does so fast.

    And just in case something goes wrong, it also comes with a re-set fuse, so you can get things working again in no time.

    Finally, this lever espresso machine has a dual frothing cappuccino system, so you don’t have to drink the coffee straight unless you want to. Thus, it gives you the most control possible over your brew… [Read Full La Pavoni PBB-16 Professional Review]

    La Pavoni PBB-16 Professional 16 Cup Espresso Lever Machine, 38-Ounce Boiler Capacity, Chrome with Black Base
    La Pavoni PBB-16 Professional 16 Cup Espresso Lever Machine, 38-Ounce Boiler Capacity, Chrome with Black Base
      Check Latest Price on Amazon

      Affiliate links / Our affiliate policy  /Last updated on 2025-05-11 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

      3) Elektra ART-S1CO Micro Casa

      Elektra Microcasa Lever Espresso Machine Finish: Chrome and Brass

      The superior Elektra ART-S1CO MicroCasa is developed for use at home, its a fantastic piece of kit that doesn’t generate a great deal of noise each morning!

      The Micro Casa boasts a great looking chrome and brass finish, wood handles and a brass eagle on the dome to enhance the decor of your home.

      The belief is that producing espresso is hard using a manual espresso machine and yet that simply just isn’t correct.

      This Elektra espresso machine comes with a spring inside the piston that delivers the correct pump pressure at each and every pull.

      It features a water level sight glass which shows the amount of water inside the boiler.

      See also
      Best Espresso Machine Under $1000

      And A pressure gauge that displays the amount of steam pressure within the boiler. So when the needle is within the green sector, it indicates the optimum time to extract espresso… [Read Full Elektra Espresso Machine Review]

      Elektra Microcasa Lever Espresso Machine Finish: Chrome and Brass
      Elektra Microcasa Lever Espresso Machine Finish: Chrome and Brass
        Check Latest Price on Amazon

        Affiliate links / Our affiliate policy  /Last updated on 2025-05-12 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

        Gaggia 11400 Achille Espresso Machine

        gaggia 11400 achille

        The Achille Gaggia is recognized as being the founder of the modern lever espresso maker, and so you wouldn’t think an appliance that carries his name will let you down.

        This is a unique vintage-looking Gaggia coffee machine is indeed a throwback, with a round body, stainless-steel housing, along with domed water tank, the Achille will certainly get a person’s attention.

        Whenever friends see this unit in your home, they’ll instantly believe you’re an experienced Barista, and they had better be right. As being a direct lever espresso machine, this specific model is definitely not for novices.

        You’ve got to learn how to grind, tamp, measure water as well as pull the actual lever using the optimal pressure.

        So how does this machine measure up against the best manual espresso machine on the market?.. [Read Full Achille Gaggia Review]

        Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker

        AeroPress Original Coffee Press – 3 In 1 Brew Method Combines French Press, Espresso, Full Bodied Coffee Without Grit or Bitterness, Small Portable Coffee Maker for Camping & Travel

        The Aeropress is a very different kind of manual espresso machine. It’s concept is completely new, offering rich, concentrated coffee taste without the bitterness and acidity that so many people hate.

        It’s extremely fast, too – it only takes 1 minute to make between 1 and 4 cups of either American or Espresso coffee.

        In addition, this machine requires you to use water that is not but not boiling, finely-ground coffee, and a special filter that allows all the taste to get through to your cup but none of the grit.

        If you’re looking for a new sort of espresso experience, the Aeropress may be for you. It’s not a traditional lever espresso machine by any means, but it produces coffee that many espresso drinkers have come to love.

        You’ll have to froth your milk separately, though, which is worth keeping in mind if you’re considering this lever espresso maker.

        Sale
        AeroPress Original Coffee Press – 3 In 1 Brew Method Combines French Press, Espresso, Full Bodied Coffee Without Grit or Bitterness, Small Portable Coffee Maker for Camping & Travel
        AeroPress Original Coffee Press – 3 In 1 Brew Method Combines French Press, Espresso, Full Bodied Coffee Without Grit or Bitterness, Small Portable Coffee Maker for Camping & Travel
          −15% $33.99 Amazon Prime
          Check Latest Price on Amazon

          Affiliate links / Our affiliate policy  /Last updated on 2025-05-11 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

          Share this post:

          Share on Facebook Share on Pinterest Share on X (Twitter) Share on WhatsApp Share on LinkedIn Share on Email
          Brian Wills

          About Brian Wills

          As a qualified Barista, I’ve used coffee machines and quality espresso makers for many years. Coffee is an integral part of our lives. It’s what wakes us up in the morning, keeps us productive at work, and provides a comforting end to our day.

          Related Posts:

          espresso machine under 200

          Best Espresso Machine Under $200

          best espresso machine under $500

          Best Espresso Machine Under $500

          automatic espresso machine

          The Best Automatic Espresso Machine – A Complete Guide

          bean to cup espresso machine pour

          Best Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine – Complete Reviews and Comparisons

          Prosumer Espresso Machines

          The 3 Best Prosumer Espresso Machines

          nespresso espresso machine

          The Best Coffee Pod Machines On The Market Today

          Reader Interactions

          Comments

          1. Avatar photoChris

            June 16, 2017 at 11:10 pm

            I have the Elektra. It makes great coffee. But there is an appalling design weakness. Under the tray there is a bolt which holds the plastic footing to the stainless steel base. It’s not necessary. The footing could be attached easily from below. Water overflow over the years has gathered around that bolt and rusted out the base! Moisture then gets underneath the machine and fouls up the electrics.

            Reply
            • Avatar photoDiana

              February 24, 2018 at 1:46 am

              Chris, you are absolutely right about the design flaw.
              I love the Elektra though, it’s so versatile, and it looks stunning.

              Reply
          2. Avatar photodidi

            July 28, 2018 at 3:13 pm

            What about the “Flair” manual lever espresso maker? How would you compare results & ease of use (arm strength) with the Pavoni?

            Reply

          Leave a Reply Cancel reply

          Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

          Rating




          Sidebar

          Hi & Welcome!

          Brian WillsAs qualified Baristas we're sharing our love of coffee and our dream is that this site will help you and many others prepare a true quality beverage at home!

          Latest Posts

          Two group heads with different grinds of coffee

          How To Grind Coffee Beans With Or Without A Grinder

          Half and half just added to coffee and ice to make an iced coffee

          How To Make Iced Coffee At Home

          Green coffee beans being roasted in a pan and agitated by a balloon whisk; the beans are dark brown

          How To Roast Coffee Beans At Home: The Easy Way!

          A french press, showing beaker, plunger, lid and filter

          How To Use A French Press & Get The Most Out Of It

          a cup of espresso

          What Is Espresso, Where Is It From & How Is It Made?

          A pile of coffee beans

          The Different Types Of Coffee Beans & Which Are The Best

          DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3500

          Explore The DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3500

          La-Pavoni europiccola EPC-8

          The La Pavoni Europiccola Espresso Maker

          Nespresso CitiZ

          Nespresso CitiZ Espresso Maker

          DeLonghi Nespresso Lattissima

          The Nespresso Delonghi Lattissima

          NutsAboutCoffee.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.

          True Quality Espresso At Home

          “Hang out for a while & we’ll help you wow your friends & family with fantastic coffee!”

          Brian & Daniel

          Recent Posts

          coffee maker under $200
          4 cup coffee
          dual coffee maker
          espresso machine under 200
          coffee maker under $50
          Two group heads with different grinds of coffee

          Nuts About Coffee

          • Home
          • About
          • Contact
          • Privacy
          • Disclosures
          • Archives
          • Twitter
          • Facebook
          • Mail

          Copyright © 2025 · Nuts About Coffee · All Rights Reserved