Rating: 4/5
If you are a coffee lover, you would resonate with our take on a good espresso: There is something deeply satisfying about a perfect shot – watching the rich, dark liquid flow into the cup, a layer of golden crema settling on top and cafe filling with the kind of aroma that makes you feel like you are in a dream. I can bet many of us have always wanted that in our home kitchens. But for years, achieving that result at home meant either spending a significant amount of money on a high-end machine or settling for something that approximated espresso without quite delivering it.The MYESPRESSINO Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine is positioning itself as the answer to that problem: a machine that brings genuine espresso extraction capability to the home kitchen without the complexity or the premium price tag of professional equipment. At a price point (Rs 26,999 or Rs 25,000 on Amazon) that puts professional-grade espresso within reach for home users, the MYESPRESSINO makes a strong case. After spending time with the machine, here is a thorough look at what it offers, how it performs, and answer the question, “Is it the right machine for you?”
MYESPRESSINO Espresso machine : Design and build quality
The first thing you notice about the MYESPRESSINO is that it looks the part due to its compact, heavy duty design. The stainless steel exterior is clean, modern and well-finished – the kind of design that sits comfortably on a kitchen counter without looking out of place – neither too flashy nor too clumsy. The construction feels solid without being excessively heavy, and the materials suggest durability that should hold up to daily use over an extended period.
One of the problems that people face with cleaning their espresso machines is cleaning, which is pretty straightforward in this case. Since, stainless steel wipes down easily and does not retain stains or odours, a wipe using a mildly wet cloth does the work. To clean the portafilter (handle-mounted filter basket holder for espresso machines), filter and other removable parts, washing them under running water and wipe with a soft, dry cloth does the job.
MYESPRESSINO Espresso machine: Features
On the back is a 1.7-litre removable water reservoir, and we feel it is a practical capacity for a home machine of this size. It is large enough to brew multiple cups without constant refilling and this was particularly useful during mornings when we were rushing for office. The best part is its removable design that makes it easy to fill at the sink/ water purifier rather than carrying jug full of water multiple times to the machine.Other key features of the MYESPRESSINO espresso machine include the 15-Bar Italian ULKA pump, which is the benchmark generally considered optimal for espresso extraction. After all, it is the pressure that forces hot water through the compacted coffee grounds to extract the full range of flavours and produce the characteristic crema that defines a good espresso.
Pro tip: A good espresso is the one that has a layer of white crema on top and if you sprinkle grounded sugar, it takes a few seconds to sink down. The inclusion of a 58mm professional portafilter is a detail that experienced home baristas will appreciate as it is the standard used by professional commercial espresso machines. A larger diameter matters because it allows for better, more even water distribution across the coffee puck, contributing to a more consistent and flavourful extraction.The machine is not just for espresso shots; For anyone who drinks lattes, cappuccinos or any milk-based espresso drink, the steam wand is an essential feature. The MYESPRESSINO’s steam wand is designed to texture milk to a velvety smoothness. We’re sure you are fascinated by the microfoam and design that professional baristas use for latte and transforms a shot of espresso into a café-quality drink.
With MYESPRESSINO, you can do that at the comfort of your home. It takes some practice – and a milk frothing pitcher (purchased separately) – to do it, but once you develop the technique, the results are impressive for a machine at this price point.No two people are same, and the makers of MYESPRESSINO Espresso machine know that. One of our favourite features that worked for us is the ability to programme the preferred shot volume. By holding both buttons simultaneously for five seconds in standby mode, the machine enters a volume setting mode. You then hold the large or small cup button while the machine brews until your desired volume is reached, then release. Holding both buttons again for five seconds saves and exits the setting. Finally, there’s a quick heating system which means that the machine reaches brewing temperature quickly, reducing the wait between switching it on and pulling your first shot.
How to make coffee in an espresso machine
For those new to semi-automatic espresso machines, the process is more involved than pressing a button on a pod machine and is much different than what you see in videos or cafes. Here is a step-by-step guide to making espresso on the MYESPRESSINO:Step 1: Grind your coffee. Espresso requires a fine grind – finer than you would use for a drip coffee maker – but not so fine that it becomes powder. Bigger chunks will make an Americano and a powdered coffee will choke the water passage. Freshly ground beans produce better results than pre-ground coffee.Step 2: Add approximately 18 to 20 grams of ground coffee to the portafilter basket. Use the provided tamper to press the grounds down firmly and evenly. During this time, ensure that your coffee machine is on and is ready to dispense hot water.Step 3: The machine has 3 buttons: Power, Espresso and Steam. When the Espresso button stops blinking, it is an indicator that the right temperature and pressure have been reached for an espresso. Switch on the Espresso button to drain small amount of water. Lock in the portafilter. Insert the portafilter into the group head and twist it firmly to lock it in place.Step 4: Place your cup under the spout and press the Espresso button. A good espresso shot takes approximately 20 to 30 seconds to extract. The liquid should flow smoothly and steadily, producing a shot with a visible layer of golden-brown crema on top.Step 5 (Optional): For milk-based drinks, pour cold milk into a frothing jug according to your need. Now, submerge the steam wand just below the surface of the milk, open the steam valve and introduce air by keeping the tip near the surface. Once the milk begins to foam, lower the wand slightly to heat and texture the milk as per your desired consistency. Keep one hand on the frothing pitcher.Step 6: Pour the textured milk over your espresso shot, and if you are feeling ambitious, attempt some basic latte art by controlling the pour angle and speed.
Performance in real life
The MYESPRESSINO delivers on its core promise. The 15-bar pump produces espresso shots with genuine crema. When we removed the portafilter, we removed a solid puck of grounded coffee – an indication that you’ve just poured a good cup of espresso. The flavour extraction is balanced, capturing the sweetness of a flavoured coffee and complexity of good bean without excessive bitterness. The steam wand performs well once you develop a feel for it.
However, new users must expect a learning curve in areas including, the right texture and ground of a coffee bean and texturing milk.
Verdict
The MYESPRESSINO Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine is a well-built, solid and capable machine that delivers on its central promise of making a barista-quality espresso at home. All this without the complexity or cost of professional equipment. Some of the takeaways from the coffee machine is the 15-bar Italian pump, 58mm professional portafilter, functional steam wand and programmable volume settings.Importantly, it is not a machine for those who want a completely hands-off experience like it is done in automatic machines that use capsules – as the semi-automatic format requires engagement with the process of grinding, dosing and tamping. It’s like a manual vs automatic transmission in cars – both have advantages and shortcomings.For anyone willing to invest a little time in learning the craft, the MYESPRESSINO provides the tools to make coffee that is genuinely worth the effort. For home coffee enthusiasts ready to move beyond pod machines and instant coffee, this is a compelling starting point.
