Brim 19 Bar Espresso Machine - Fast Heating Cappuccino, Americano, Latte Maker with Milk Steamer and Frother, Removable Parts for Easy Cleaning, Stainless Steel with Wood Accents

Product Overview

The Brim 19 Bar Espresso Machine is built with a brushed stainless steel body and real wood accents, giving it a premium look that fits well on most countertops. It measures 11.22 inches deep, 10.74 inches wide, and 13.14 inches tall, with a weight of 17.4 pounds—sturdy but manageable. The water tank capacity is 71 fluid ounces, enough for multiple drinks before refilling. The machine operates manually with a dial interface, giving users control over shot volume and steam. It accepts ground coffee only, using reusable filters. Included are both pressurized and non-pressurized single and double shot baskets, allowing for experimentation with grind fineness and tamping. The universal portafilter holder accommodates different baskets, and the portafilter slides smoothly into the brew head, as noted by several reviewers. The steam wand includes a hot water dispenser, convenient for Americanos or tea. For maintenance, all removable parts are dishwasher safe, and the machine has a self-cleaning function for the steam wand. Some users found the learning curve steep, especially with pressurized baskets, but with practice achieved satisfying results. The machine's 1250-watt thermal coil ensures fast heating and consistent temperature, though a few reviewers noted the pressure gauge sometimes fails to move. Overall, it's a well-equipped machine for those ready to invest time in perfecting their espresso technique.

Build & Materials

The Brim espresso machine features a brushed stainless steel exterior with real walnut wood accents on the drip tray handle and knob. This combination gives it a retro-modern aesthetic that stands out among typical all-metal machines. The build feels solid; at 17.4 pounds, it has a substantial presence on the counter. The portafilter is made of heavy-duty metal with a plastic handle, and reviewers note that it slides into the group head smoothly. The water tank is removable and transparent, making it easy to monitor water level. The included tamper is also metal and has a comfortable weight, comparable to higher-end accessories. Overall, the construction appears durable for home use, though some users reported minor cosmetic issues like scratches out of the box.

For maintenance, the machine is designed with user convenience in mind. The drip tray and water tank are removable for cleaning, and all accessories can go in the dishwasher. The steam wand has a silicone tip that can be cleaned with a pin if clogged. The machine also includes a filter cleaning tool for the baskets. Some reviewers appreciated the self-cleaning function for the steam wand, which purges steam after each use to prevent milk residue. However, the manual recommends regular descaling to maintain performance. The overall build quality is praised, but a few customers noted that the paint on the wood accents could chip over time with rigorous cleaning.

Shot Quality

Espresso performance is the core of any espresso machine, and the Brim 19 Bar delivers mixed results according to user reviews. Many reviewers praise the taste of the espresso, describing it as excellent with good crema and balanced extraction when using non-pressurized baskets with a proper grind. The automatic shot button simplifies the process, and the pre-infusion helps achieve even saturation. However, several users reported issues with the pressure gauge: it either failed to move or barely reached the pre-infusion zone regardless of grind or basket type. This led to weak shots from pressurized baskets and soggy pucks. Those who persisted with non-pressurized baskets eventually got satisfying results after trial and error. The machine performs well with medium to fine grinds, but very fine grinds may cause flow issues.

The steam wand performance is generally well-regarded. It produces dry steam and can create thick microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. The 360-degree swivel allows for comfortable positioning. However, some users experienced water leaking from the steam wand while steaming, resulting in watery milk. This issue seemed to affect certain units; one reviewer had to replace their machine due to a leaky wand. Temperature consistency is another point: the thermal coil maintains heat for multiple shots, but some found that the machine loses heat if pulling consecutive shots too quickly. Overall, for the price, the espresso and steam quality are considered good by most owners, with the caveat that individual units may have quirks. The learning curve is steep, but those who invest time can achieve café-quality drinks.