CUSIMAX Espresso Machine 20Bar Compact Coffee Maker with Powerful Steam Wand for Latte & Cappuccino, Stainless Steel, 34oz Water Tank

Product Overview

The EM6130E offers a surprisingly feature-rich experience for its price point. Its stainless steel exterior is both sleek and durable, fitting well in modern kitchens or even small office spaces. The 34-ounce water tank is detachable, making refilling and cleaning straightforward. Users can brew single or double shots, and the touchscreen interface provides quick selection of espresso or Americano modes. The steam wand is fully adjustable and produces velvety microfoam, though reviewers note it requires a brief cooldown period after frothing before brewing again. The machine comes with a portafilter, two filter baskets (single and double cup), a tamper with a spoon, and a cleaning needle. Ground coffee is the only input type; pods are not supported. The 20-bar pressure ensures adequate extraction, and the 1350W heater brings water to temperature rapidly. Cleaning is simple—the drip tray and water tank are removable, and the steam wand's nozzle can be detached for thorough rinsing. While compact, the machine does have a small footprint; however, it may not fit under very low cabinets due to its height. Overall, it is designed for daily use by those who want specialty coffee drinks without the complexity of high-end machines.

Build & Materials

The CUSIMAX EM6130E uses a stainless steel exterior that is both attractive and easy to wipe clean. The machine's compact dimensions allow it to fit in tight spaces, but the build feels solid given the price point. The water tank is made of clear plastic with a removable lid, and the drip tray snaps out for easy emptying. The portafilter is chrome-plated brass, which provides good heat retention. The steam wand is made of stainless steel with a silicone tip that can be detached for cleaning. Overall, the materials are appropriate for a machine in this category, though the plastic components (like the water tank) are standard.

One notable design feature is the top cup warming area, which uses residual heat from the boiler to keep cups warm. The touchscreen is responsive and adds a modern feel. The control board is sealed against moisture, but users should avoid water ingress near the display. The machine's base has non-slip feet to prevent movement during use. While not as rugged as commercial machines, the EM6130E is built for consistent home use.

Shot Quality

The EM6130E produces espresso with a decent crema and balanced flavor, especially for a machine under $100. The 20-bar pressure and 1350W heater ensure that water reaches the correct temperature quickly. Reviewers consistently note that the espresso is rich and smooth, with a crema that rivals café drinks. The touchscreen allows precise control over shot volume, though some users mention that the preset volumes could be adjusted. The steam wand performs well for its class, creating thick foam for cappuccinos, though it may take a few tries to master the technique. A minor drawback is the need to cool down the machine after frothing before pulling another shot, as described in the manual. This can interrupt workflow if making multiple milk-based drinks in sequence. Also, the machine is somewhat noisy during operation, but this is typical for entry-level pumps.

Overall, shot quality is impressive for the price. The ability to brew Americano by adding hot water from the steam wand is a convenient feature. However, long-term reliability concerns have been raised by a few reviewers who experienced heating system failures after several months. While the company honors the warranty, this suggests that the heating element may be a weak point. For daily use, the machine performs well within its intended lifespan.