Gevi Espresso Machines 20 Bar Fast Heating Automatic c/ Milk Frother Wand 1350W, Silver
I have been talking about purchasing an espresso machine and researching them for a while. I love good strong flavorful coffee without grounds or gritty residue!!! The machine I ultimately want is the retro stainless steel Smeg but at around $820.00 it was more than I was willing to shell out seeing that I have never used an espresso machine before... so I decided to try a less expensive machine.I live in a small place (399 sq ft) so real estate is at a premium. With that being said any machine I purchase must be: low profile, simple to use / clean, decent quality, and stylish looking. I read reviews the good and bad ones then weigh the pros and cons.I decided the Gevi Espresso machine would fit my requirements and provide me with the opportunity to learn and practice my skills. Purchased on Feb 23rd and delieved Feb 25th and used the first time on Feb26th of 2022.So far I have not been dissapointed in this small but powerful machine and these are things I have learned in the past 7 days:1. Purchase a 12 oz stainless steel frothing container. I am using a 20oz and it is too deep for the 1/4 cup of milk I use to froth. So now waiting for the arrival of my 12oz container.1a. Purchase 12oz cups designed for cappucinnos or 2.5oz for espresso. American sized cups (bigger the better) do not work nor should they if you are looking for a true Italian experience.2. This machine heats up fast and can produce a wonderful 1 or 2 shot espresso in no time. I estimate under 5 minutes when starting from cold. Way less then that when it is heated up.3. The color, texture, taste and crema of the espresso is perfect for my all time favorite Iced Vanilla Almond Milk latte with double shot! But then I make my almond milk from scratch.3a. Using an Espresso Powder is essential... do not use grounds the taste, texture and crema is non-exisitent if you use coffee grounds! Currently my two favorites are Illy or Medaglia D'Oro both DARK ROAST.3b. The only negative thing I can say is the tamper/scoop is plastic. I use a separate metal tamper and coffee scoop. But those are my preferences.4. If I want a hot cup of cappuccino it suggests steam/froth first but I prefer making th espresso first and steam milk second. That way I do not have to cool down the machine before making the espresso. It isn't a big deal but it works for me.5. The steam/froth feature is killer and works well with whole milk & lactose free whole milk. I have not tried steaming my homemade almond milk yet so I cannot comment of milk alternatives as of yet.6. I love the pressure gauge on the front which tells me if I am in the sweet spot for pulling shots! Simply brilliant.So there you have it. An initial review of my very first espresso machine. So far on a scale of 1 to 10 - I rate this machine a 10 for simplisity, functionality, quality, looks, and ease of cleaning. If anything changes I will return and update this review.