GustoWave Fully Automatic Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, Built-In Adjustable Grinder, 15 Grind Levels, 1.5L Tank, Auto-Cleaning for Home Cappuccino & Latte

Product Overview

The GustoWave espresso machine is a compact addition to any countertop, measuring 20.94 inches deep, 10.07 inches wide, and 15.67 inches tall. Its stainless steel exterior gives it a modern, durable look that fits well in most kitchens. The heart of the machine is its 20-bar high-pressure pump, which extracts flavors and oils from fresh beans, producing a balanced shot with decent crema. The dual boiler system allows simultaneous brewing and steaming, so you can pull an espresso and froth milk for a latte without waiting. However, reviewers note that the Americano setting yields a weak, cool drink due to the lack of adjustable brew temperature—a single temperature applies to all selections. The built-in grinder offers 15 grind levels, but coarse grinds can lead to inadequate pressure, and the hopper is not removable, making bean switching tedious. The 1.5-liter water tank is removable and easy to refill, supporting multiple cups before needing a top-up. Cleaning involves emptying the grinds tray and rinsing the brewing center, a process that takes about five minutes. The steam wand rotates 42 degrees (not 360 as advertised) and froths milk effectively, though it can whistle if submerged too deeply. Overall, the machine prioritizes convenience over precision, with simple one-touch recipes for espresso, Americano, and milk-based drinks.

Build & Materials

The GustoWave espresso machine is constructed primarily from stainless steel, giving it a sturdy, commercial-inspired appearance. Its dimensions (20.94"D x 10.07"W x 15.67"H) make it a substantial but manageable appliance for standard countertops. The water tank is made of plastic and is removable for easy filling, while the bean hopper is integrated into the top and not detachable—a design choice that complicates bean switching. The steam wand is metal and rotates approximately 42 degrees counter-clockwise only, which is less flexible than the 360 degrees advertised. The brew group and grinds tray slide out for cleaning, and the machine prompts automatic rinsing cycles. Overall, the build feels solid for the price, though the plastic components and limited wand rotation suggest some compromises.

Maintenance is straightforward: empty the grinds tray after six single espressos, rinse the brew group, and leave the drip tray open to dry. The machine’s auto-cleaning function can be activated or canceled, but reviewers report occasional false cleaning faults that require reseating the brew group. The stainless steel exterior is easy to wipe down, but the plastic water tank and hopper may show wear over time. The included milk frother (wand) is basic but effective, though the high-pitched whistle after prolonged use is a noted annoyance.

Shot Quality

The GustoWave produces espresso with noticeable crema and a balanced flavor profile, according to most user reviews. The 20-bar pump delivers adequate pressure for fresh beans, though coarse grinds can cause under-extraction and weak shots. The dual boiler ensures the brewing temperature remains consistent, but the inability to adjust temperature limits customization—the Americano setting, in particular, yields a cooler brew. Reviewers report that the first morning cup often triggers a cleaning fault, which clears after reseating the grinds tray and brew center. This quirk aside, the espresso taste is described as better than pod machines like Keurig, but not on par with higher-end super-automatics.

Milk frothing performance is a mixed bag. The steam wand produces sufficient foam for lattes and cappuccinos, and it handles plant-based milks reasonably well. However, the wand’s limited rotation and counter-clockwise motion require some adjustment in technique. After a month of use, one reviewer noted a high-pitched whistle when the wand is immersed too deeply. The double espresso function grinds and brews two single shots sequentially, which doubles bean consumption and extends brew time. Overall, the shot quality is satisfactory for the price, but lacks the precision and consistency of more expensive machines.