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As a self-proclaimed coffee aficionado, the thought of not having an espresso machine in my home gives me nightmares. Unfortunately, this became a reality when my old-reliable machine broke, leaving me in a state of panic.
From that moment onwards, I only had one goal: to find a replacement. After scrolling through what seemed like thousands of options, I came across this machine. But is it actually any good? Well, here’s my honest review of the Empstorm Espresso Machine and whether or not I think it’s worth buying.
My Star Rating
Coffee Taste & Consistency
Taste
This is a 20-bar coffee machine. If you’re unfamiliar with what that means, the espresso maker is capable of pushing water through the coffee grounds at 20 times the atmospheric pressure of the earth. Although, the design of the machine influences whether 20-bars of pressure actually reach the grounds or not.
Most espresso machines have either a 15-bar or 20-bar. In my opinion, this is one of the biggest determining factors as to whether the coffee tastes wonderful or is just nasty. Machines that have a 15-bar typically can’t compete with the almighty 20-bar.
After adding some of my favorite coffee grounds and turning the Empstorm on, I was delighted to find out that the espresso it made tasted fantastic. The espresso was hot, flavorful, and had a lovely layer of crema on top, what more do you need?
Consistency
I’ve tried a lot of espresso makers that suffer from inconsistency. One minute they are making delicious coffee, the next it tastes like lukewarm garbage. You usually find this is the case with cheaper machines.
Thankfully, the Empstorm espresso machine did not have a consistency problem. I have used it for roughly three months now, and every espresso, latte, and cappuccino that I made has been warm and delicious.
Milk Frother
Using the milk frother on the Empstorm was extremely easy. It can be adjusted without hassle, which makes heating and frothing the milk almost effortless. However, compared to other machines, the process of warming up the milk and making it frothy did take longer.
In all fairness, the espresso machines I found to be quicker cost a lot more money. So, I guess you’ll have to decide if you want to splash some more cash for a faster milk frother or if you’re happy to wait a little longer with this one.
Accessories
Alongside the machine, I got various accessories. They included:
- A measuring spoon/tamper
- Portafilter
- 2 filters (one cup and two cups)
- Capsule filter
- Capsule portafilter
Although getting most of these items is standard, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Empstorm came with a capsule filter and portafilter. I’ve never used a machine that could brew espresso the old-fashioned way and by using capsules as well – amazing!
The only disappointment was that it didn’t come with a milk frothing jug. This isn’t a big deal if you already have one, but if you don’t, then you’ll have to get one.
Interface
There isn’t much to discuss when talking about the interface on the Empstorm espresso maker. I would describe it as straightforward but a little bland. There are 4 buttons on the front, all of which are self-explanatory. Also, on the side of the machine, there is a round turn switch, which is very easy to use when needed.
Usually, you’ll find fancy interface features on espresso machines that cost a lot more money, so even though the interface on this one didn’t blow me away, I was still more than happy with what it did for the price.
Cleaning
When it came to cleaning the Empstorm, I’m happy to report that the process was painless. Different parts of the machine could be removed easily and cleaned, such as the drip tray and water tank.
The steam wand had to be properly cleaned from time to time to prevent milk from clogging it up; however, doing so wasn’t too difficult. I found that the best and most efficient way to clean it was using some espresso cleaning solution or white vinegar mixed with water.
Specs
Conclusion
Overall, I was really happy with my purchase. I think that Empstorm is perfect for coffee lovers on a tight budget or beginners looking for their first espresso machine. It certainly makes a tasty latte!
If you’re looking for a machine that offers a little more than this one, take a look at the Mirox. Just like the Empstorm, it is a brilliant choice for those in need of a high-quality machine.