Choosing an accessible, entry-level espresso machine often comes down to one core question: Can it deliver consistent barista-quality coffee without a steep learning curve or a messy workflow?

To test the real-world performance of this semi-automatic espresso machine, we conducted an exhaustive hands-on evaluation. We dialed through all 6 grind settings, analyzed particle size, measured post-extraction puck moisture, evaluated crema formation, and tested milk frothing density across multiple settings.

Here is our detailed, practical breakdown to help European home baristas get the best possible results.

Fine Settings (Grind 1–3)

Grind Size & Texture: Yields very fine, compact coffee particles designed for high-resistance extraction.

Post-Extraction Puck Condition:

• Setting 1: The extracted coffee puck remains saturated and liquid-like. The leftover grounds remain suspended in excess standing water (See Image 1), making portafilter cleanout wet and messy.
• Settings 2 & 3: The puck holds its shape slightly better but remains noticeably soft and damp to the touch.

Taste & Extraction Profile: Despite the higher moisture retention in the puck, flavor extraction remains strong, rich, and well-balanced without harsh bitterness.

Visual Proof: Comparison of pucks from Settings 1 to 3. Notice the wet, unformed standing coffee grounds at Setting 1 compared to the semi-solid pucks of Settings 2 and 3.

Medium-Coarse Settings (Grind 4–6):

Puck Condition:

Settings 4, 5, and 6: Water channels evenly through the bed, leaving behind dry, solid, and fully formed coffee pucks.

• Workflow Advantage: Pucks pop out cleanly into a knock box in a single solid piece with zero liquid residue, drastically cutting down on cleanup time between shots.
• Visual Proof: Comparison of pucks from Settings 4 to 6. The grounds compress into neat, dry cakes that knock out instantly without sticking.

Key Extraction Findings:

Best Crema Settings: Settings 2 and 6 produced the thickest, most velvety golden crema layer, delivering a satisfying mouthfeel and strong aromatic concentration.

The Ideal Sweet Spot: While Setting 2 offers rich crema, Setting 6 is the overall winner for daily home use because it combines excellent crema production with a completely dry, easy-to-clean puck.

Visual Proof : Side-by-side shot glass comparison showing crema depth across settings, with Image 6 highlighting the smooth, golden micro-bubbles of an optimal extraction.

Settings 6

Finer Density Settings: Produce silky, tightly textured microfoam with minimal visible air bubbles. The foam layers smoothly over the espresso base without separating prematurely.

Coarser Density Settings: Introduce larger air pockets, creating lighter, fluffier foam better suited for traditional dry cappuccinos.

Recommendation: For latte art and velvety mouthfeel, select the finer milk frothing settings to achieve optimal microfoam density.

Visual Proof: Top and side profiles demonstrating foam structure, layering precision, and velvety texture.

Key Operating Tips from the Video

• Recommended Milk Froth Setting: Based on our testing, we recommend using the middle or highest milk frothing setting. These settings produced the best results, with dense, smooth, and fine-textured microfoam.
• Grind Handle: If the grind container is moved to the extraction position without pulling down the lever, a funnel-shaped indicator light will appear. The light turns off once the lever is pulled down correctly.
• Milk Carafe: If the selected milk-based drink does not appear on the display, the milk carafe is not installed correctly. Reposition it until the drink options appear.
• Cappuccino or latte Preheating: After selecting Cappuccino, the indicator may keep flashing before extraction starts. This is normal—the system is heating the milk, which takes approximately 17 seconds.