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Welcome to “Reviews inside tv,” where we give you the honest lowdown on products that promise to elevate your life. Today, we have something that promises to bring the full espresso bar experience into your kitchen—the Combination Stainless Steel Espresso + Coffee Maker. If you’re an espresso connoisseur or someone who enjoys a fresh cup of coffee in the morning, stick with me to see how this machine stacks up in terms of performance and ease of use.
This Swiss-designed, dual-purpose espresso and coffee maker is a sleek and powerful appliance that boasts a 19-bar ULKA pump from Italy, providing the pressure needed to brew rich, full-bodied espresso. Operating at 1250 watts, it packs quite the punch, giving you the ability to brew everything from a single shot of espresso to creamy cappuccinos and frothy lattes. Now, the key feature here is its combination design—one machine for both coffee and espresso, saving space while giving you versatility. It also has an automatic and manual brewing setting, so whether you’re in the mood for hands-on control or just want to hit a button and go, this machine has you covered.
The filter holder is made of die-cast aluminum, with a ‘moustache style’ outlet for double shots of espresso. This means that you can brew into two cups at once, which is great for sharing that morning pick-me-up. And if you’re the kind of person who likes to keep your coffee gear clean, you’ll appreciate the removable frontal water tank and drip tray, making it easier to clean and maintain.
In terms of functionality, the machine offers a heating grid on top to keep your cups warm, and the stainless steel exterior gives it that polished, professional look. The steam tube with a spherical head and stainless steel nozzle allows you to froth milk for those creamy cappuccinos and lattes. But is it all smooth sailing when it comes to brewing? Let’s break it down a little more.
When you first set it up, the machine is relatively easy to use. The programmable functions allow you to create your perfect brew, whether you’re pulling a shot of espresso or making a cappuccino. The instructions in the user manual are fairly clear, but there are some nuances that could trip up new users—like the grind size and tamping pressure. If your grind is too coarse or you’re not tamping the coffee grounds enough, the pressure may not be sufficient to pull that perfect shot. So, it’s a bit of trial and error at first, but once you get the hang of it, the machine delivers consistent results.
After using it for a few weeks, I’ve tested it in a variety of scenarios: from brewing a quick espresso in the morning to making a frothy cappuccino in the evening. The espresso comes out rich, with a nice crema on top, and the frothed milk is creamy enough for a latte. However, I did notice a couple of things. When brewing multiple cups in a row, the machine tends to lose a little steam, requiring a brief pause between shots to allow it to regain full pressure. Not a huge deal, but if you’re in a rush, it could add a couple of extra minutes to your routine.
On the pro side, this machine does a great job delivering strong espresso and frothy milk for lattes and cappuccinos. The combination of automatic and manual brewing gives flexibility, which is ideal if you’re brewing for one or multiple people. The stainless steel design feels premium, and the easy-to-clean design adds to the overall convenience.
On the con side, while the coffee tastes great, there are a few minor drawbacks. First, it does take a bit of time to dial in the perfect grind and tamp pressure, which could be frustrating for beginners. The steam nozzle, though effective, might take a little longer to heat up, and during long brewing sessions, the machine can get a bit noisy, especially when frothing milk. Lastly, if you’re a fan of very hot coffee, you may find that the temperature could be a little higher. It’s warm, but not scalding hot, which might be a minor issue for some.
Now, let’s talk value for money. This espresso and coffee maker combination falls in the mid-range price bracket. It offers the versatility of brewing both espresso and coffee, and the quality is comparable to more expensive machines that focus on only one type of brew. Compared to machines like the Breville Barista Express, which is in a similar price range, this unit holds its own. The build quality, while sturdy, doesn’t feel quite as robust as Breville’s offerings, but you’re getting two machines in one, which is a huge plus if space is at a premium in your kitchen.
When comparing it to cheaper models, the combination design here is a clear differentiator. Many budget options focus solely on one function, but this one gives you the best of both worlds. For the price, it’s a solid offering—though if you’re looking for the absolute best espresso quality and build, you might have to spend a bit more.
In terms of build quality, the die-cast aluminum filter holder and stainless steel exterior contribute to a strong, durable machine. While long-term durability is tough to judge right out of the gate, this machine feels like it’s built to last. However, if you’re using it multiple times a day for both coffee and espresso, it may show some wear over time, especially in the steam nozzle, which gets a fair bit of use.
If you happen to need customer support, the brand reputation is generally solid. I didn’t need to reach out, but their user manual is comprehensive, so that should cover most questions you might have. The company behind the product is known for its robust customer service, so rest assured, you’re not buying into a brand with poor support.
In terms of updates, this model doesn’t rely on any firmware or software updates. So, if you’re hoping for a “smart” espresso maker that syncs with your phone, this one is purely about the hands-on experience, which can be refreshing for those who enjoy that manual touch in their brewing routine.
To wrap things up, the Combination Stainless Steel Espresso + Coffee Maker provides solid value for its price. It delivers strong, flavorful espresso, and its dual-functionality makes it ideal for coffee lovers who want both types of brews in one machine. It’s not perfect—there are a few quirks like needing the right grind and pressure for the best results, but once you figure it out, it’s a reliable machine that produces quality drinks. If you’re someone who enjoys both espresso and coffee, this is definitely a product worth considering.
Available to buy here:
