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The internet is full of weird and wacky inventions; there is no disputing that fact. Even so, I was surprised when I stumbled upon such a unique-looking machine as the Teglu.
I knew from the very minute I laid my eyes on this magnificent specimen that I had to try it. So, here is my review of the Teglu espresso machine and whether I think it’s a good investment or just a quirky product.
My Rating
The Design
To kick things off, let’s talk about the design. It’s certainly clear that the Teglu is one of a kind, but is it functional?
My answer to that question is a surprising yes. The portafilter fits nicely, the steam wand can be adjusted almost effortlessly, and filling the water tank up is incredibly easy. Oh, and the machine doesn’t take up too much room, which is perfect if you haven’t got much space in your kitchen.
The only issue I had with the design was the lack of room under the portafilter. If you use a small glass or cappuccino mug, there won’t be a problem. However, anything bigger will likely not fit.
The Price
Considering how unique this machine is, I thought that the price would be a lot higher. I was happy to find out that the machine was only slightly north of $100, at least when I purchased it.
The Teglu has pretty much everything a coffee enthusiast would need. Well, apart from a grinder. If you have a separate grinder (like I do), then this shouldn’t be an issue. Otherwise, you can look into getting one or opt for another machine that has a built-in grinder, like this one.
The Technical Bits
The Teglu espresso machine comes equipped with a 20 bar. This basically means that it can push water through the coffee grounds at 20 times the atmospheric pressure. Most espresso machines come as 15 or 20 bars.
The benefit of having a machine that has the ability to produce higher pressure is that it can extract more flavors from the coffee grounds. Although, it’s worth mentioning that just because an espresso machine says that it has a 20 bar, it doesn’t mean it produces that amount of pressure in reality.
After rigorously testing the machine, I found that the 20 bar was quite impressive. The pressure was just under 20 bars, which was a lot better than some of the other machines I’ve tested.
Now, let’s talk about the PID system or the “NTC temperature control system,” which is what Teglu has decided to call it. If you’re unfamiliar with what this means, it is designed to control the consistency of the water. A good PID system means that you’re getting a consistent hot espresso that doesn’t vary much in terms of its temperature. A bad PID system, or a machine that doesn’t have one, will basically be like flipping a coin – you’ll never know what to expect!
Coffee Taste
A big part of how good an espresso tastes will ultimately come down to the type of beans used. However, the type of machine you use will always contribute to the overall taste, especially when you consider the technical elements I’ve covered.
I’m happy to report that the combination of some good coffee beans and this machine results in a flavorful, hot, and refreshing espresso. Furthermore, it makes one heck of a good latte and cappuccino too.
Cleaning
Unless you’re Monica from Friends, you are probably like me and hate cleaning. However, don’t fret, the Teglu espresso machine makes the cleaning process bearable. You can remove the water tank and drip tray easily, allowing them to be thoroughly cleaned, so they look as good as new.
Machine Specs
Summary
Overall, I was very happy with my purchase. The quirky design grabbed my attention; however, I soon discovered it had way more value than just its appearance. I think it’s definitely a good purchase for beginners or coffee lovers who have a tight budget.
There we go! I hope you enjoyed my review of the Teglu espresso machine. I’ll catch you latte.