COWSAR 20 Bar Espresso Machine Stainless Steel Expresso Coffee Maker with LED Display, Steam Milk Frother for Cappuccino Latte Espresso, Compact Home Machine with Capsule Portafilter
$135.70
In stock
- Experience 20 bars of professional pressure for rich, aromatic espresso shots at home.
- Effortlessly steam and froth milk for creamy cappuccinos and lattes with the built-in frother.
- The intuitive LED display ensures precise brewing control and a seamless user experience.
- Its compact stainless steel design fits any countertop without sacrificing performance.
- Enjoy convenience with the capsule portafilter, perfect for quick and consistent espresso.
Our Score
Best For
COWSAR 20 Bar Espresso Machine Review — Compact Dual Brewer with Capsule Review
The COWSAR 20 Bar Espresso Machine is a compact, affordable entry point for home espresso enthusiasts. It combines the convenience of capsule brewing with the control of traditional ground coffee, all wrapped in a stainless-steel finish that fits neatly on small counters. The LED touchscreen simplifies operation, while the steam wand lets you froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes. With a quick 25-second heat-up time and automatic shot measurement, this machine aims to deliver cafe-quality results without the high price tag or steep learning curve of prosumer models. It is best suited for beginners or anyone upgrading from a pod system who wants real espresso on a budget.
Product Overview
At just 5.12 inches wide and 11.81 inches tall, the COWSAR espresso maker is one of the more space-efficient models on the market. Its stainless-steel body gives it a modern, durable look, though many components—including the portafilter and tamper—are plastic. The 1.2-liter removable water tank is easy to fill and clean, and the machine weighs 7.7 pounds, making it light enough to relocate if needed. It accepts both Nespresso-style capsules and ground coffee via the included dual-wall portafilter, which comes with single and double shot baskets. A plastic scoop/tamper is included but many users prefer upgrading to a metal tamper for better pressure. The machine is semi-automatic: you select single or double shot, and it measures the water volume automatically. It also has an energy-saving auto shut-off after 25 minutes of inactivity. Cleaning is straightforward: wipe the steam wand after each use, and the drip tray and water tank are easy to rinse. The machine is not dishwasher safe. With its compact footprint, it fits under standard cabinets and leaves room for other appliances.
Key Features
Dual Brewing Modes
- ✓Use either Nespresso-compatible capsules or your own freshly ground coffee with the included professional portafilter.
- ✓Single and double shot baskets allow for customized servings, from a quick espresso to a lungo.
- ✓Capsule mode offers quick, mess-free brewing for busy mornings; ground coffee mode gives you full control over flavor and strength.
20 Bar Pressure System
- ✓High-pressure extraction produces a thick, golden crema that rivals much pricier machines.
- ✓The advanced pump buffer keeps operation quieter and reduces vibration for smoother pulls.
- ✓Despite the 20 bar rating, the machine effectively delivers around 9 bar for proper espresso extraction, as confirmed by multiple users.
LED Touchscreen Interface
- ✓Intuitive touch buttons let you select single or double shots with a simple tap.
- ✓A micro-precision flow meter automatically measures the correct water volume for each shot.
- ✓The machine powers down after 25 idle minutes, saving energy and providing peace of mind.
Steam Wand for Milk Frothing
- ✓The stainless-steel steam wand produces good microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.
- ✓Its removable design makes cleaning easier—simply wipe with a damp cloth after each use.
- ✓Note that the wand becomes very hot during operation; always handle with care.
Compact and Space-Saving Design
- ✓Measures only 5.12 inches wide, 11.81 inches tall, and 16.14 inches deep, fitting easily on tight countertops.
- ✓Lightweight construction (7.7 pounds) makes it easy to move or store when not in use.
- ✓The low profile allows it to slide under most upper cabinets, maximizing workspace.
Quick Heat-Up Time
- ✓From cold start, the machine reaches optimal brewing temperature in about 25 seconds.
- ✓Rapid thermal power means less waiting and faster mornings.
- ✓Consistent temperature stability shot-to-shot, as noted by several reviewers.
Shot Quality
The COWSAR delivers surprisingly good espresso for its price point. With properly ground coffee and correct tamping, it produces a thick, caramel-colored crema and a balanced extraction. The 20 bar pump, while marketing-driven, effectively maintains around 9 bar during brewing—the ideal pressure for espresso. Users report that shots are rich and flavorful, though the water temperature is slightly lower than high-end machines, so the espresso may not be piping hot. The steam wand takes a bit of practice but can produce decent microfoam for latte art once the technique is mastered. Capsule brewing is more forgiving and yields consistent results with minimal effort.
The machine struggles slightly with very fine grinds or over-tamped doses, causing the pressure to spike and the flow to slow. The included plastic tamper is lightweight, so many owners upgrade to a metal tamper for better control. Overall, the performance is reliable for daily use, and the ability to switch between capsules and grounds adds versatility. While it won't satisfy a purist seeking temperature precision or pressure profiling, it offers genuine espresso quality at an entry-level cost.
Pros and Cons
What Works
- ✓Dual brewing—capsule and ground coffee—offers flexibility
- ✓Compact footprint fits tight countertops
- ✓Heats up in about 25 seconds
- ✓Intuitive LED touchscreen with auto shot measurement
- ✓Good crema and extraction for the price
- ✓Removable 1.2L water tank for easy refilling
- ✓Auto shut-off saves energy and adds safety
What Doesn't
- ✗Plastic components feel less durable than all-metal machines
- ✗Espresso shots are not as hot as some users prefer
- ✗Learning curve for grind size and tamping technique
- ✗Steam wand gets very hot and requires careful handling
- ✗Not all third-party capsules are guaranteed to work
The Verdict
The COWSAR 20 Bar Espresso Machine is a solid entry-level choice for anyone wanting real espresso without a big investment. It blends convenience (capsule support) with the satisfaction of manual brewing (ground coffee). The compact size, fast heat-up, and good crema make it a daily driver for beginners and small kitchens. It does have some plastic parts and the steam wand requires practice, but at this price, the performance is impressive. For the price, it outperforms pod machines and offers a clear upgrade path into home espresso.
Who Is This For?
Home Barista Beginners
The machine is easy to use with an LED touchscreen and automatic shot measurement, while still offering manual control over grind and tamping to learn the craft.
Small Kitchen Owners
Its narrow footprint and low height fit on cluttered countertops, and the removable water tank simplifies refilling.
Is It Worth It?
What You Get
- A machine that makes real espresso from capsules or grounds
- LED touchscreen with automatic dosing
- Steam wand for milk frothing
- Compact size that saves counter space
- Quick heat-up and energy-saving auto shut-off
What You Pay
$135.70 at the time of review
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any coffee capsules with this machine?
How do I clean the steam wand?
How long does it take to heat up?
Does the machine come with a tamper?
(3) Comments
Product Specifications
Last updated:
