Sorgente 20 Bar Espresso Machine - Stainless Steel Coffee Maker with Milk Frother, 1350W Fast-Heating, Visible Pressure Gauge for Home Cappuccino & Latte

Product Overview

For those transitioning from pod coffee or cheap drip machines, the Sorgente provides a genuine espresso experience with real pressure and manual control. The machine's stainless steel housing resists fingerprints and wipes clean easily, though some early units arrived with minor cosmetic imperfections like scratches or dents. The 40.5-ounce water tank is removable, simplifying refills with filtered water, and the large drip tray pulls out for cleaning or to accommodate tall mugs. A built-in cup warmer on top keeps cups preheated, though one reviewer found it unnecessary. The included accessories—portafilter, single and double shot baskets, scoop-tamper, and anti-backflow filter—let you start brewing immediately, though plastic components (portafilter handle, tamper) feel less durable than all-metal alternatives. The steam wand rotates 360 degrees and has a silicone grip near the tip, but that grip can interfere with frothing depth. Overall, the machine occupies modest counter space (12.1" deep, 6.7" wide, 12.6" tall) and suits small kitchens. Regular maintenance involves rinsing the portafilter, purging the steam wand, and emptying the drip tray.

Build & Materials

The Sorgente's body is wrapped in brushed stainless steel that feels solid for its price class. The front panel houses three backlit buttons (power, single shot, double shot) and the pressure gauge, with a clean layout that is easy to read. The portafilter uses a plastic handle and internal basket holder, which several reviewers noted feels cheaper than the rest of the machine. However, the portafilter locks into the group head securely, and the included baskets hold grounds firmly. The steam wand is stainless steel with a silicone tip cover that swivels; the silicone can slide during use but protects from heat.

The water tank sits at the back and lifts off easily without sliding the machine forward. The drip tray is a two-piece design (stainless steel grate over plastic base) that separates for thorough cleaning. Some owners repurpose the drip tray base as a storage compartment for filters. The entire machine weighs enough to stay put during portafilter locking, though the suction cups on the base are smaller than ideal, causing the machine to slide on smooth surfaces if not held. Out-of-the-box quality control appears mixed: one unit arrived dented and scratched, while others reported flawless cosmetics.

Shot Quality

Once heated (under 30 seconds), the Sorgente pulls shots with visible crema and good flavor when using freshly ground beans and proper tamping. The pressure gauge helps beginners learn the ideal range (typically around 9–11 bar) for extraction. Shots come out at a reasonable temperature, though the cup warmer can add a few degrees. The single and double shot buttons deliver consistent volumes, but pre-infusion is minimal, so channeling can occur if the puck is uneven. Reviewers report that after a few attempts, the machine produces espresso noticeably better than basic pod or pressurized basket machines.

The steam wand requires practice: it takes about 15–20 seconds to generate enough steam pressure, and the tip needs to be submerged correctly to avoid large bubbles. Once mastered, it produces microfoam suitable for latte art, according to multiple users. Milk heating is fast enough for one or two lattes before needing to refill the boiler. Cleanup is straightforward—wipe the wand, purge, and rinse the portafilter. The machine does not have an auto shut-off; the power light blinks continuously when idle, which some users find annoying.