Special Subscribe To Get Notified For Discounts! Register Now

Hands-On Reviews
Tested Shot by Shot
Honest Rankings

Tru Slim Profile 19 Bar Espresso Machine - Compact Design, Powerful Pump, Milk Frother, Easy Clean, Perfect for Home Barista

31

$129.97

In stock

Check Amazon Price
  • Slim design fits tight countertops while delivering 19 bar pressure for rich espresso.
  • Quick heat-up time lets you brew a perfect shot in under a minute.
  • Built-in steam wand froths milk to silky microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.
  • Single and double shot options give you full control over your brew strength.
  • Easy-to-clean removable drip tray and water tank simplify daily maintenance.

What Works

  • ✓Compact footprint ideal for small kitchens
  • ✓19-bar pump produces good crema with proper technique
  • ✓Easy-to-use controls with clear icons

What Doesn't

  • ✗Portafilter can be stiff to lock into place
  • ✗Water reservoir may have a strong plastic smell initially
  • ✗Build feels lightweight and not very robust

Category espresso-machines

Brand Tru

8/10

Our Score

Best For

Beginners to espressoSmall kitchen dwellersBudget-conscious buyers

Tru Slim Profile 19 Bar Espresso Machine Review — Compact Espresso Maker: Review

The Tru Slim Profile 19 Bar Espresso Machine is designed for home baristas who want a quality espresso without sacrificing counter space. With a 19-bar pressure pump, steam wand, and simple controls, it aims to deliver cafe-style shots and frothed milk for lattes and cappuccinos. Ideal for beginners or those upgrading from a pod system, this machine offers manual control over brewing without a steep learning curve. Reviewers note that once you dial in your grind, the espresso comes out with a nice crema. Its slim footprint makes it a practical choice for small kitchens or apartments where every inch matters.

Product Overview

The Tru Slim Profile measures 11.3 inches deep, 5.39 inches wide, and 11.18 inches tall, weighing 7.1 pounds. It includes a 40-ounce removable water tank, a portafilter with single and double shot baskets, and a steam wand with adjustable controls. A cup warming plate on top preheats your cups, and the two-piece drip tray is removable for easy cleaning. The machine operates manually—you control the shot volume by pressing the single or double shot button, and the steam wand is operated via a knob. All removable parts are dishwasher safe, simplifying maintenance. Some users reported a strong plastic smell from the water reservoir initially, which dissipated after thorough washing and airing. The pressure gauge on the front provides visual feedback during extraction. For best results, a separate burr grinder is recommended, as using pre-ground coffee may not produce optimal crema.

Key Features

19-Bar High-Pressure Pump

  • ✓Delivers consistent pressure for proper espresso extraction
  • ✓Produces a thick crema when paired with a fine grind
  • ✓Helps mimic the performance of commercial machines

Dual Shot Brewing

  • ✓Single and double shot options with dedicated buttons
  • ✓Brews two cups simultaneously with the included double basket
  • ✓Easy to toggle between shot sizes

Adjustable Steam Wand

  • ✓Rotatable wand for frothing milk directly in your cup
  • ✓Produces microfoam suitable for latte art with practice
  • ✓Steam control knob lets you adjust intensity

Space-Saving Design

  • ✓Ultra-slim footprint (5.39 inches wide) fits tight counters
  • ✓Lightweight at just over 7 pounds
  • ✓Modern aesthetic that blends with most kitchens

Cup Warming Plate

  • ✓Top surface heats cups to maintain espresso temperature
  • ✓Helps preserve flavor and aroma
  • ✓Adds a touch of cafe convenience at home

Easy-Cleaning Removable Parts

  • ✓Drip tray, water tank, and portafilter are all dishwasher safe
  • ✓Two-piece drip tray simplifies emptying and rinsing
  • ✓Transparent water tank lets you monitor level at a glance

Build & Materials

The Tru Slim Profile is built with a plastic body and a stainless steel portafilter. Its small footprint and lightweight construction make it easy to store or move, but some reviewers note that it does not feel as robust as heavier machines. The portafilter requires a firm twist to lock into place, which can feel stiff initially. The water tank is clear plastic, and the drip tray snaps into place securely. The machine's control panel uses simple icons, making it accessible even for first-time users. Overall, the design prioritizes functionality and space savings over premium heft.

The included accessories—portafilter, single and double shot baskets, and steam wand—cover the basics for espresso making. The cup warming plate is a simple, unheated metal top that absorbs heat from the machine's internals. The steam wand is metal with a rubber tip, and it rotates 360 degrees for easy positioning. While the construction is mostly plastic, the machine feels sturdy enough for daily use in a home setting.

Shot Quality

Reviewers report that the Tru Slim Profile produces a decent shot of espresso once you dial in the grind size and tamp pressure. The 19-bar pump generates enough pressure to extract a rich flavor with a nice crema, though the quality depends heavily on the freshness of your beans and the consistency of your grind. The machine heats up quickly, ready to brew in about 30 seconds. Noise levels are comparable to a standard drip coffee maker.

The steam wand performs adequately for frothing milk, producing enough foam for cappuccinos and lattes. It takes some practice to get the texture right, but several reviewers were pleased with the results. One downside mentioned is that the portafilter can be difficult to lock into place, and the machine vibrates slightly during extraction. Overall, the performance is solid for an entry-level machine, with the caveat that you'll need a good grinder to get the best results.

Pros and Cons

What Works

  • ✓Compact footprint ideal for small kitchens
  • ✓19-bar pump produces good crema with proper technique
  • ✓Easy-to-use controls with clear icons
  • ✓Removable water tank and drip tray simplify cleaning
  • ✓Cup warming plate is a thoughtful addition
  • ✓Includes both single and double shot baskets
  • ✓Dishwasher-safe parts reduce maintenance hassle

What Doesn't

  • ✗Portafilter can be stiff to lock into place
  • ✗Water reservoir may have a strong plastic smell initially
  • ✗Build feels lightweight and not very robust
  • ✗Steam wand requires practice to produce microfoam
  • ✗No built-in grinder; separate grinder necessary for best results

The Verdict

8

The Tru Slim Profile 19 Bar Espresso Machine is a solid entry-level choice for home baristas with limited counter space. It delivers good espresso after some practice, with a capable steam wand for milk drinks. The build feels a bit lightweight, and the portafilter lock can be finicky, but its performance and ease of cleaning make it a strong value at its price point. If you have a decent grinder and are willing to learn the basics of espresso, this machine will serve you well.

Who Is This For?

Beginners to espresso

Simple controls and manual operation help you learn the craft without overwhelming automation.

Small kitchen dwellers

Its slim footprint (5.39 inches wide) fits easily on tight countertops.

Budget-conscious buyers

At $129.97, it offers essential features—19-bar pump, steam wand, cup warmer—at an affordable price.

Is It Worth It?

What You Get

  • Compact espresso machine with 19-bar pump
  • Single and double shot baskets
  • Steam wand for milk frothing
  • Cup warming plate
  • Removable 40-ounce water tank
  • Dishwasher-safe drip tray and portafilter

What You Pay

$129.97

The Tru Slim Profile offers excellent value for its price, especially for those new to espresso or with limited counter space. It provides the essential tools to make quality espresso at home without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this machine come with a grinder?
No, it does not include a grinder. For best results, use a separate burr grinder to achieve a fine, consistent grind.
Is the water tank removable?
Yes, the 40-ounce water tank is removable for easy filling and cleaning.
Can I use pre-ground coffee?
Yes, but the results may vary. Pre-ground coffee is often too coarse for espresso, leading to thin crema and sour shots. Freshly ground beans are recommended.
How do I clean the steam wand?
After each use, wipe the wand with a damp cloth and purge steam for a few seconds to clear milk residue. Deep clean with a wand cleaning solution periodically.
Why is the portafilter hard to lock in?
Some users report stiffness during lock-in. Ensure the basket is properly seated and apply even pressure. It may loosen up with use.
Does the machine have a hot water function?
Yes, you can dispense hot water through the steam wand by not activating the steam button, or use the hot water option if available (some models have a separate button).

(3) Comments

Great starter espresso machine!
We bought this espresso machine as a gift for our daughter. Like many young adults, she enjoys fancy coffee drinks and could save by making them at home. She's becoming quite the barista! Based on my research, this compact machine provides enough pressure to produce a good-tasting espresso. Some machines lack sufficient pressure. The pressure feature sold me, and it works well. It's user-friendly: load the portafilter with espresso, tamp, insert, place a cup, and brew. The brew time is fast, and noise level is comparable to a regular coffee maker. All removable parts are dishwasher safe.
Decent Espresso Maker
This espresso machine brews a great cup of espresso once you adjust the grind, and it steams milk well. The cup warming plate on top helps keep coffee hot, and the compact design looks nice. It's simple to use and offers good value if you already have a grinder.
Excellent for Small Kitchens
This is our second Tru espresso machine, and I appreciate the brand's quality and style. The slim footprint is ideal for limited counter space, yet it has full features like a 19-bar pump, steam wand, hot water, and a 40-ounce tank. It brews consistently and the steam wand works well. Cleaning is easy with a removable drip tray and water reservoir. My only issue was a strong plastic smell from the reservoir, which required thorough washing and airing out.

Product Specifications

Brand Tru
Model Name Tru Slim Profile 19 Bar Espresso Machine
Model Number CM-005B
Coffee Maker Type Espresso Machine
Operation Mode Manual
Wattage 1400 watts
Voltage 120 Volts
Output Pressure 19 Bars
Coffee Input Type Water Tank
Water Tank Capacity 40 ounces
Item Dimensions (D x W x H) 11.3" x 5.39" x 11.18"
Item Weight 7.1 Pounds
Included Components Milk Frother (steam wand)
Filter Type Reusable
Smart Home Compatibility Not Smart Home Compatible
Unit Count 1

Last updated: