Maestri House Espresso Machines 20 Bar ULKA Pump, Compact Espresso Maker Built-in Flow Meter Steam Milk Frother, 43oz Removable Water Tank Stainless Steel Coffee Machine for Cappuccino (Rose Golden)

I was so nervous! I've been going back and forth between getting an easy, convenient Nespresso machine, or an actually espresso maker. I like the compact size of a Nespresso machine, as I don't have the space for a huge espresso maker. When I saw this tiny espresso maker, I was intrigued. There's nothing like a fresh capaccino or espresso. But that is so much work! But again, reading the posting for this espresso maker, I was intruiged! I decided to jump in and give it a try. What's the worst that could happen? I hate it and have to return it? But let me tell you, I LOVE THIS MACHINE! I was worried about the learning curve, the mess, the clutter. And if you're worried about those things, too, let me help ease your mind. First, the espresso maker arrived really fast. It comes nicely packaged, and I'm planning on keeping the box so that I can travel with my tiny espresso maker. Yes, I'm bringing it with me, because as you can see in my photos, it's only a little bit bigger than my single cup keurig. My daughter has a huge, very expensive espresso maker, and I never wanted something that complicated or huge. But the compact design of this machine is what really caught my eye. The first thing I did upon its arrival was unpack it, take off all the tape, remove the plug, and I looked over it and got familiar with all the parts. Then I read the instructions. Twice. Next day, I read the instructions again. And then I followed initial set up instructions word for word. I ran n it through a couple of times with just water, and then ran the frother/steamer. After that 10 minutes process, I was ready to make espresso! I weighed my beans, I ground them to the texture of sea salt, I filled the basket, I tamped with the provided tamper, and I made my first brew. IT WAS DELICIOUS! And so incredibly easy! From my first cup onward, because I followed the directions to the T, I got the correct pressure, and the perfect crema. I cannot believe how impressed I am with this little machine. I am so glad I got this instead of a Nespresso. It really is easy, and other than grinding your beans, it doesn't take any time at all to get a delicious espresso. You really don't need many extra accesssories to get started. I just used a small cup to dispense the espresso from the machine, because I don't have the cute little espresso shot classes yet. And I used a larger mug for steaming my milk, because I don't have one of those stainless steel frothing pitchers. What I do need, is a knock box like they have at the coffee shops, for banging the used coffee "puck" into. I have to dig the grounds out with a spoon because after brewing, it becomes pretty solid and I have nothing to knock it into. So, I suggess getting a knock box. In terms of functionality, this machine functions great! Heat up is quick, steaming is quick, and this is much quieter than I expected! It's very, very quiet. Yes, this machine is expensive. Until I've had it for over a year, I won't know if it's overpriced. If it lasts a long time, I think the price is comparable to the quality. I am very pleased and pleasantly surpised at how easy it is to learn to use, and how much I missed having fresh espresso at home. I recommend it!

We have had several espresso machines for different uses (some in dorm rooms and small apartments for our adult children, and some at our coffee station in our own house or vacation home). One thing we've learned is that they don't have to be "high end" to be good (and that sometimes expensive ones aren't that great, either).

This is one that we are very happy with. It is very quiet and has a small profile, making it good for an apartment or office.

Most important, once you get the hang of tamping it (which takes some practice), it makes great espresso. It doesn't have lots of features, but just what you need to do the job.

Very happy with it for a simple basic machine.

This espresso machine delivers an impressive at-home coffee experience with professional-level performance. The premium Italian ULKA pump produces stable, high-pressure extraction that brings out the full flavor, oils, and aroma from the beans, resulting in rich, well-balanced shots. The built-in flowmeter ensures an even water flow through the grounds, so every cup comes out consistently smooth with a thick, creamy crema. The operation is quiet, and I noticed the crema held up well without dissipating quickly, which really enhances the presentation and taste.

It’s also extremely user-friendly with its one-touch operation and quick heat-up time. I could pull a single shot in around 20 seconds and a double in under 30, which is perfect for busy mornings. The 1.3L detachable water tank makes refilling simple, and the compact design fits nicely on the counter without taking up much space. Overall, it’s a well-engineered machine that combines efficiency, consistency, and style, making it a strong choice for anyone wanting café-quality espresso at home.

This is a very high quality espresso maker. You can tell just in the design and the materials used that this thing is made for professionals or people who are serious about their espresso. It's super easy to use no different than any other espresso machine. It holds enough water to make several cups of espresso. And it's easy to clean when that's necessary. It is definitely a very high quality machine.

Brews strong, café-style shots with a frother that whips milk into perfect foam. The rose gold finish looks stunning on a countertop, though it does show smudges. Not as quiet as pricier machines, but the results are worth it.

This espresso machine from Maestri House can make the perfect cup of espresso (or latte, cappuccino, etc.), although you do have to read the manuals and other included literature to learn how to do it properly. This takes time but is well worth the effort. If you are not familiar with the various parts and procedures of making espresso and froth, the manuals (both written and visual) do a great job showing you how. Daily cleaning is easy. I have yet to do a descaling cleaning; after 400 brews, the machine will indicate that a descaling is needed, and instructions are given on how to do that.

Besides the delicious espresso, the steamer does a really nice job of turning milk into a creamy texture; again, it is necessary to follow the directions given in the manual to get the right consistency. The box comes with a lot of accessories, such as a heavy duty tamper that will make your attempt for making espresso a reality.

The two things that I wish would come with this box, though, are a 12 oz stainless steel pitcher for frothing (which, for the price, I believe should have been included) and a knock box for emptying used coffee grounds. Overall, though, this is a great machine that can give you the perfect cup, if all the steps are followed.