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

Product Overview

Using the Maestri House CM01 feels intuitive from the first brew. The one-touch buttons let you choose single or double shots, and the built-in flowmeter ensures every extraction uses the same volume of water—no more guesswork. The 1.3-liter removable water tank is easy to fill and clean, and the 51mm portafilter accepts standard accessories. Many reviewers note that the machine pulls shots with a thick, hazelnut-colored crema that rivals more expensive models. The steam wand, while not professional-grade, produces enough power to froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes in reasonable time. At just 5.12 inches wide and weighing 6 pounds, it fits neatly on small countertops. The stainless steel body with black finish looks sleek, and the cup-warmer on top adds a thoughtful touch. Care is straightforward: the auto-clean function helps keep the internals free of scale, and the drip tray and water tank are dishwasher-safe. For users who want to experiment, the machine is compatible with bottomless portafilters and precision baskets, as one reviewer mentioned upgrading to an IMS basket. The only minor inconvenience reported is that the spent coffee puck tends to stick, requiring a gentle edge-loosen before tapping out.

Build & Materials

The Maestri House CM01 is built around a stainless steel chassis with a black matte finish that resists fingerprints. Its compact dimensions (5.12 x 12.5 x 11.7 inches) allow it to slide under standard cabinets while still accommodating tall cups on the drip tray. The 1.3-liter water tank is fully removable from the rear, making refills effortless. The 51mm brass portafilter feels sturdy and accepts standard pressurized and non-pressurized baskets. The steam wand is constructed from stainless steel and rotates 360 degrees, though it uses a rubber tip rather than a professional one. Buttons are responsive and clearly labeled. An integrated cup-warmer on top uses residual heat to preheat cups, enhancing temperature stability. Overall, the machine feels solid for its price class, with no loose panels or wobbly components.

The portafilter uses a three-lug design common to 51mm accessories, so users can easily upgrade to a bottomless portafilter or precision basket. The included pressurized basket is forgiving for pre-ground coffee, while the unpressurized basket suits fresher grounds. The water tank has a transparent window with level markings, and the drip tray includes a float indicator when full. The machine lacks a solenoid valve, which means a small drip after brewing—a common trade-off at this price point. Cleaning is straightforward: the drip tray and water tank are dishwasher-safe, and the auto-clean cycle helps maintain the flowmeter and pump.

Shot Quality

Reviewers consistently praise the espresso quality from the CM01. One buyer reported replacing their $800 La Pavoni because the CM01 produced excellent, consistent shots. The combination of the ULKA pump and flowmeter delivers a steady extraction, resulting in shots with a rich crema and balanced flavor. Although the temperature and preinfusion are not adjustable, the default settings work well for most medium and dark roasts. Users who prefer lighter roasts may find the water temperature slightly low, but this is not a common complaint. The machine's shot volume can be limited by the automatic shut-off, but setting the volume higher lets you manually stop the shot at your desired yield, as one reviewer noted.

The steam wand performs admirably for a sub-$200 machine. It takes about 20–30 seconds to produce adequate steam for frothing milk, and the tip creates a decent vortex for microfoam. However, it is not as powerful as dual-boiler machines, and the rubber tip limits control for latte art. The hot water dispenser is a welcome addition for making Americanos or preheating cups. In terms of build durability, the machine has held up well for early adopters, with no reports of pump failure or leaks after several months of use. The main performance caveat is the lack of a solenoid valve, causing a few drips from the group head after the shot ends. This is manageable by moving the cup away quickly.