MEGAWISE 20 Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother - Compact Stainless Steel Coffee Maker with Steam Wand, Removable Water Tank for Cappuccino & Latte at Home (Silver)

Product Overview

Home baristas seeking café-quality espresso without the counter space commitment will find the MEGAWISE KF-818 a compelling option. The machine’s stainless steel body and silver finish suit modern countertops, while its compact footprint—12.6 by 12.4 by 6.38 inches—fits easily under cabinets. A 1.18-liter removable water tank supports multiple drinks before refilling, and the detachable drip tray simplifies cleanup. The semi-automatic interface uses one-touch controls for single or double shots, and a top cup warmer keeps espresso cups preheated. The included milk frother is a chrome-plated steam wand that produces adjustable texture for milk-based drinks. At 7.5 pounds, the machine stays stable during operation thanks to non-slip silicone feet. While the KF-818 does not include a tamper or portafilter, these accessories are typically sold separately. Its straightforward design emphasizes ease of use, making it suitable for beginners and those upgrading from pod systems.

Build & Materials

The MEGAWISE KF-818 combines a stainless steel housing with plastic components to keep costs down while maintaining a premium look. Its compact shape occupies minimal counter space, while the top-mounted cup warmer gently preheats cups. The water tank detaches for filling at the sink, and the drip tray slides out for effortless cleaning. The steam wand is likely chrome-plated brass, common at this price, and offers enough articulation for jug positioning. The one-touch control panel consists of simple buttons for power, single shot, double shot, and steam. Non-slip feet keep the machine planted during extraction and frothing.

Maintenance is straightforward: descale the boiler every few months, rinse the drip tray weekly, and purge the steam wand after each use. The removable parts are best hand-washed to preserve their finish. The water tank lacks a built-in water filter, but using filtered water can reduce scale buildup. Notably, there is no hot water dispenser for Americanos, but you can produce hot water via the steam wand by not engaging the frothing function. Overall, the construction prioritizes practicality over luxury, fitting its price point.

Shot Quality

With a 20 bar pump, the KF-818 extracts coffee at higher pressure than many entry-level machines, theoretically pulling richer shots. The NTC temperature control keeps the brew water consistently in the 90-95°C range, which is critical for balanced extraction. The 30-second fast preheating is notably quick, minimizing downtime between shots. In practice, users can expect decent crema and a good body, but the semi-automatic nature requires dialing in grind size and tamp pressure. The steam wand produces adequate foam for one or two milk drinks before the single boiler needs to recover.

The cup warmer on top is more of a gentle heat source than a powerful warmer, but it helps maintain cup temperature. Because the machine uses a single boiler, you cannot steam and brew simultaneously; you must switch between modes. This is typical for machines in this price class. For those who primarily make milk drinks, the wand’s performance is sufficient for everyday lattes and cappuccinos. Overall, performance aligns with the price: capable but with built-in compromises. Home baristas willing to learn the workflow will find it rewarding.