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Empstorm 20 Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother Steam, Compact Stainless Steel Espresso Maker with LED Display, Cold Brew & Hot Coffee Maker, Professional Cappuccino Expresso Machine for Home and Office

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$238.99

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  • Enjoy rich, barista-quality espresso at home with 20 bars of professional pressure.
  • Create silky smooth frothed milk for lattes and cappuccinos with the integrated steam wand.
  • Brew both hot espresso and cold brew coffee easily with one versatile machine.
  • Save counter space with the compact stainless steel design perfect for home or office.
  • Customize your coffee experience with the intuitive LED display and simple controls.

What Works

  • ✓Rich espresso with thick crema
  • ✓Cold brew function adds versatility
  • ✓PID temperature control for consistency

What Doesn't

  • ✗Not dishwasher safe; parts require hand washing
  • ✗Semi-automatic operation requires some practice
  • ✗Plastic components in the water tank and drip tray

Category espresso-machines

Brand Empstorm

9/10

Our Score

Best For

Home Baristas Wanting Cold Brew CapabilityBeginners Learning EspressoCompact Kitchen or Office Users

Empstorm 20 Bar Espresso Machine Review — Versatile hot and cold brewing Review

For home baristas seeking a machine that handles both classic espresso and cold brew, the Empstorm 20 Bar Espresso Machine offers a compelling mix of features and performance. This semi-automatic espresso maker combines a 20-bar Italian pump with a 1350W boiler, PID/NTC temperature control, and a dedicated cold brew channel. It includes a 58mm stainless steel portafilter, a professional steam wand, and a digital display that shows pressure, temperature, and brew time. With a compact footprint and brushed stainless steel finish, it fits well in small kitchens, dorms, or offices. The machine delivers consistent extraction with rich crema, as noted by reviewers, and the steam wand produces silky microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. The cold brew function is a standout feature, allowing quick iced coffee without heat. Whether you are a beginner or experienced, this machine offers good value for its price.

Product Overview

For home baristas seeking a machine that handles both classic espresso and cold brew, the Empstorm 20 Bar Espresso Machine offers a compelling set of features. It uses a 20-bar Italian pump and a 1350W boiler with PID/NTC dual temperature control to maintain a steady 92°C (197.6°F) for consistent extraction. The 58mm high-density brew head ensures even saturation, producing rich crema. A 1500ml (50oz) removable water tank makes refills easy, and a removable drip tray with a float indicator prevents overflows. The machine includes a top cup warmer to keep cups preheated. Its compact dimensions—8.91 inches wide, 10.79 inches deep, and 13.59 inches tall—allow it to fit on most countertops. The body is made of brushed stainless steel, while some internal components are plastic. The included accessories are a 58mm portafilter, a tamper, a 350ml latte art pitcher, single and double shot filter baskets, a cleaning needle, and a brush. The steam wand has a 360-degree range and a removable froth nozzle for easy cleaning. The digital display shows extraction flow (40/80ml), pressure (1-20 bar), brewing time (1-60s), temperature, and cup selection. The machine operates semi-automatically, requiring user control over shot volume and steam production. It is not dishwasher safe; parts should be hand washed. The power cord is 16AWG SPT-2 rated for 25A, with a polarized plug. Overall, it is designed for ease of use while offering professional-level control.

Key Features

Powerful 20-Bar Pump

  • ✓Italian high-pressure pump extracts rich coffee oils for flavorful espresso
  • ✓Produces a thick, golden crema layer on each shot
  • ✓Outperforms standard 15-bar machines in extraction quality

Precise Temperature Control

  • ✓PID/NTC dual control maintains a stable 92°C (197.6°F) brewing temperature
  • ✓Eliminates temperature fluctuations for consistent shot quality
  • ✓Independent hot and cold channels for optimal extraction

Cold Brew & Hot Espresso

  • ✓Dedicated cold brew extraction channel for iced coffee without heat
  • ✓Switch between hot and cold modes with a single button
  • ✓Indicator light shows real-time hot or cold status

Professional Steam Wand

  • ✓360-degree articulating wand creates dry, velvety microfoam
  • ✓Low-moisture steam for silky latte art texture
  • ✓Removable froth nozzle simplifies cleaning and maintenance

Digital Display & Controls

  • ✓LED display shows pressure (1-20 bar), temperature, brew time, and shot volume
  • ✓Select single (40ml) or double (80ml) shots with ease
  • ✓Brew time adjustable from 1 to 60 seconds for custom recipes

Compact & Durable Build

  • ✓Brushed stainless steel body resists fingerprints and corrosion
  • ✓Small footprint: 8.91" x 10.79" x 13.59" fits tight spaces
  • ✓Lightweight at 12.45 lbs, easy to move or store

Shot Quality

Reviewers consistently report that the Empstorm produces rich, flavorful espresso with a thick crema. The 58mm portafilter and non-pressurized basket allow for even extraction, especially when using freshly ground coffee. The PID temperature control ensures that each shot brews at an optimal temperature, avoiding bitterness or sourness. Many users note that the machine is easy to learn and delivers café-quality results within a few tries. The steam wand creates microfoam that is dry enough for latte art, though some practice is needed to master frothing. Cold brew extraction is a convenient addition, producing a smooth concentrate without the heat of traditional brewing. The machine heats up quickly, and the top cup warmer helps maintain serving temperature. Some users mention a slight learning curve for dialing in grind size and tamp pressure, but overall performance is praised as reliable and consistent for the price. The 20-bar pump provides ample pressure for a range of coffee styles, from ristretto to lungo.

Pros and Cons

What Works

  • ✓Rich espresso with thick crema
  • ✓Cold brew function adds versatility
  • ✓PID temperature control for consistency
  • ✓Compact size fits small kitchens
  • ✓Powerful steam wand for silky microfoam
  • ✓Included accessories like portafilter and pitcher
  • ✓Clear digital display with real-time data
  • ✓Good value for the feature set

What Doesn't

  • ✗Not dishwasher safe; parts require hand washing
  • ✗Semi-automatic operation requires some practice
  • ✗Plastic components in the water tank and drip tray
  • ✗Steam wand angle may limit pitcher size
  • ✗Learning curve for achieving perfect extraction

The Verdict

9

The Empstorm 20 Bar Espresso Machine delivers on its promise of professional-quality espresso and cold brew at a reasonable price. With its robust pump, precise temperature control, and user-friendly digital display, it competes well with machines costing much more. The steam wand performs admirably for milk-based drinks, and the compact design suits various spaces. While there is a learning curve, the included accessories and clear controls ease the process. For home baristas who want both hot and cold coffee options without sacrificing quality, this is a strong contender. Overall, it earns a high recommendation for its versatility and performance.

Who Is This For?

Home Baristas Wanting Cold Brew Capability

The dedicated cold brew channel allows for quick iced coffee without heat extraction, appealing to those who enjoy cold coffee year-round.

Beginners Learning Espresso

Semi-automatic operation with clear display and included accessories makes it easy to start making espresso without overwhelming complexity.

Compact Kitchen or Office Users

Its small footprint and lightweight design fit easily on tight countertops, and the 50oz tank reduces refill frequency.

Value Assessment

What You Get

  • 20-bar Italian pump and 1350W boiler for powerful extraction
  • PID/NTC temperature control for consistent 92°C brewing
  • Dedicated cold brew function for quick iced coffee
  • Professional steam wand with 360° rotation for milk frothing
  • LED display with pressure, temperature, and brew time readouts
  • 58mm portafilter and stainless steel accessories included
  • Compact footprint and brushed stainless steel build

What You Pay

$238.99 at full retail price

At this price point, the Empstorm offers a versatile set of features including cold brew and precise temperature control, making it a solid value for home baristas. Comparable machines with similar capabilities often cost $100-200 more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Empstorm espresso machine easy to clean?
Most parts, including the portafilter, filters, and drip tray, require hand washing. The steam wand has a removable nozzle for easier cleaning. The machine is not dishwasher safe. Regular backflushing with a cleaning tablet is recommended for internal maintenance.
Can I use pre-ground coffee with this machine?
Yes. The 58mm portafilter accepts both pre-ground coffee and fresh grounds. For best results, use a fine espresso grind. The machine includes single and double shot baskets.
How does the cold brew function work?
The cold brew mode uses a separate extraction channel that bypasses the heating element. You pack the portafilter with coffee and press the cold brew button. The machine extracts a concentrated cold brew directly into your cup without heat.
What is the warranty on this espresso machine?
The product listing does not specify a warranty period. We recommend contacting the seller or manufacturer directly for warranty details. Many similar machines offer a 1-year limited warranty.
Does it have a pressure gauge?
The digital display shows the brewing pressure in real-time, ranging from 1 to 20 bar. This helps you monitor extraction quality.

(3) Comments

Excellent Home Espresso Machine
Produces rich, flavorful espresso with a nice crema. The milk frother works great for lattes and cappuccinos. The LED display is user-friendly, and the compact design fits well in any kitchen. Excellent value for the price.
This machine is amazing! I use it daily.
I absolutely love this espresso machine. It's the second one I've purchased, and the portafilter is heavy-duty, unlike my previous lightweight and flimsy one. The coffee it brews is far superior, thanks to the non-pressurized filter that produces real crema, unlike the double-walled pressure filter of my old machine. I highly recommend this for anyone starting their espresso journey.
Great espresso machine
This espresso machine is straightforward to use and quickly mastered. It produces a good cup of coffee, and the milk frother is adequate for daily use. Overall, a reliable choice for those seeking simplicity.

Product Specifications

Coffee Maker Type Espresso Machine
Operation Mode Semi-Automatic
Wattage 1350 watts
Voltage 120 Volts
Output Pressure 20 Bars
Pump Type Italian high-pressure pump
Display Type LED
Material Metal, Plastic, Stainless Steel
Exterior Finish Stainless Steel Silver
Dimensions (W x D x H) 8.91" x 10.79" x 13.59"
Weight 12.45 lbs
Water Tank Capacity 1500ml / 50oz
Brew Head Size 58mm
Temperature Control PID/NTC dual control at 92°C (197.6°F)
Included Components 58mm portafilter, tamper, latte art pitcher (350ml), single/double shot filters, cleaning needle, cleaning brush
Color Silver (EM-CB2-Silver)
Style Classic-silver

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