Neretva Espresso Machine 58mm Professional 15 Bar Retro Espresso Maker with Powerful Milk Frother & Visible Pressure Gauge for Home Barista Latte and Cappuccino - Green

Product Overview

The Neretva CP6100U is a semi-automatic espresso machine that requires you to grind and tamp your own coffee. It uses a 15-bar high-pressure pump and claims to maintain an optimal brewing temperature of 198°F. The machine includes a pre-infusion function that wets the grounds before full pressure extraction, which can improve flavor. A visible pressure gauge and digital temperature display let you monitor and adjust parameters in real time. The steam wand is powerful and capable of producing microfoam for latte art, according to many users. The water tank holds 1.8 liters, sufficient for several drinks before refilling. The machine's dimensions are 11.5 inches deep, 9 inches wide, and 11.2 inches tall, making it compact but also too short to fit standard coffee mugs under the brew head—a common complaint. You'll need to use espresso cups or small cups, then transfer to a larger mug. The package includes pressurized and non-pressurized filter baskets, a dosing funnel, a tamper, and a stainless steel milk pitcher. Some users reported missing components, so it's worth checking upon arrival. The portafilter size is listed as 51mm in the included components, though the product title mentions 58mm—this discrepancy suggests the actual portafilter is the smaller 51mm size, which limits compatibility with third-party accessories. Cleaning is straightforward: the drip tray and water tank are removable, and the steam wand should be purged after each use. The machine draws 1450 watts and heats up quickly. It is not smart home compatible.

Build & Materials

The Neretva CP6100U has a retro-inspired design with a green enamel-like finish, chrome accents, and a metal-like front panel. The body is primarily plastic, which keeps the weight manageable around 12–15 pounds. The water tank is transparent plastic with volume markings. The drip tray is removable and has a floating indicator for when it's full. The portafilter is 51mm and made of chrome-plated brass, though the smaller size means it can't accept standard 58mm accessories. The steam wand is a single-hole, which produces a good amount of foam but takes a bit longer than commercial wands. The top of the machine has a cup warming tray, though it's not actively heated. Overall, the build feels adequate for the price, but not premium.

Maintenance involves regular backflushing (if using a blind basket) and descaling every few months depending on water hardness. The drip tray and water tank are easy to wash. The steam wand should be wiped after each use to prevent milk residue buildup.

Shot Quality

When properly dialed in, the Neretva CP6100U can produce shots with good crema and flavor. The pre-infusion helps reduce channeling. However, consistency is a recurring theme in user reviews. Several reviewers praise the machine when it works, but others report pressure dropping or failing to build, leading to weak, sour shots. This often occurs when the grind is too coarse or tamping is insufficient. The included pressurized baskets help stabilize extraction for pre-ground coffee but may not achieve the same quality as non-pressurized with a good grinder. Temperature stability is decent for a single-boiler machine, but rapid back-to-back shots may require a recovery time.

The steam wand performs well for a machine in this price range. It produces adequate steam pressure and can create silky microfoam, though some users note it is slower than professional machines. The wand's articulation allows easy maneuvering of the milk pitcher. The visible pressure gauge is a useful tool for learning, as you can see when extraction begins and if pressure is within the ideal range (9–10 bar). Overall, shot quality depends heavily on your grinder, technique, and the specific unit's consistency.