Plum Chef Retro-Style Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, ESE Pod Compatible, Pressure Gauge, Single & Double Shot, 54 oz Water Tank
$109.99
In stock
- Plum chef quality and reliability
- Perfect for espresso-machines use
- Premium quality construction
- Durable and long-lasting design
- Easy to use and maintain
Our Score
Plum chef 20 Bar Vintage Style Espresso Machine Review — Retro espresso Review
The Plum chef 20 Bar Vintage Style Espresso Machine brings retro charm to modern coffee making. Designed for home baristas, it combines a 20-bar high-pressure pump with a pressure gauge and milk frother to craft café-quality drinks. Its 54 oz water tank supports multiple servings, while ESE pod compatibility offers convenience. Priced affordably, this machine appeals to beginners and enthusiasts alike, offering consistent results with minimal effort.
Product Overview
For coffee enthusiasts seeking both style and substance, the Plum chef 20 Bar Vintage Style Espresso Machine offers a compelling package. Its retro design, with a glossy finish and analog pressure gauge, stands out on any countertop. The semi-automatic operation lets users control shot volume while the built-in pump ensures proper extraction. The machine supports both ground coffee and ESE pods, thanks to included filters and an adapter. The 54 oz (1.6L) removable water tank is food-grade PP, allowing easy refills and cleaning. The steam wand rotates 360°, enabling comfortable milk frothing for lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites. Included accessories—single and double shot filters, a measuring scoop, and a portafilter—make it a complete starter kit. Weighing 10.3 pounds and measuring 11 x 11 x 12.3 inches, it fits most kitchens without dominating counter space. Cleaning is straightforward: the drip tray and water tank are removable, and the plastic exterior wipes clean easily. Overall, it balances aesthetics and practicality for daily use.
Key Features
High-Pressure Extraction
- ✓20-bar pump delivers rich espresso with thick crema
- ✓Consistent pressure maintained throughout brewing
- ✓Pressure gauge allows monitoring for optimal extraction
Versatile Brewing Options
- ✓Supports single or double shots via two filter sizes
- ✓Compatible with ground coffee and ESE pods via included adapter
- ✓Semi-automatic controls let you customize shot volume
Large Removable Water Tank
- ✓54 oz (1.6L) capacity brews multiple cups without refill
- ✓Food-grade PP material ensures safe water storage
- ✓Removable design simplifies filling and cleaning
Barista-Level Milk Frothing
- ✓360° rotatable steam wand for easy positioning
- ✓Creates velvety microfoam for lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites
- ✓Produces creamy foam consistently, as noted by reviewers
Easy Maintenance
- ✓Removable drip tray and water tank speed up cleanup
- ✓Durable plastic housing resists stains and wipes clean
- ✓Included accessories help maintain machine performance
Shot Quality
The 20-bar high-pressure system extracts espresso with a rich crema and balanced flavor. Reviewers report consistent pressure and stable temperatures, making it easy for beginners to pull quality shots. The pressure gauge provides real-time feedback, helping users dial in their grind and tamp. Warm-up time is quick—ready to brew within minutes. In testing, the machine delivered full-bodied shots without bitterness, though the semi-automatic nature requires some user attention.
The 360° steam wand produces fine microfoam for milk-based drinks. It froths milk evenly and reaches temperature without scorching. Reviewers praise the frother for creating creamy lattes and cappuccinos. The wand is easy to position and clean. Overall, the machine performs reliably for its price, offering café-like results at home.
Pros and Cons
What Works
- ✓Produces espresso with good crema and consistent pressure
- ✓Milk frother creates velvety microfoam for specialty drinks
- ✓Large 54 oz water tank reduces refill frequency
- ✓Compatible with both ground coffee and ESE pods
- ✓Retro design with pressure gauge adds visual appeal
- ✓Easy to clean with removable drip tray and tank
- ✓Includes complete starter kit (filters, adapter, scoop)
- ✓Heats up quickly for fast morning brewing
What Doesn't
- ✗Plastic housing may feel less premium than metal machines
- ✗Semi-automatic operation requires learning curve for perfect shots
- ✗No PID temperature control for precise brewing
- ✗Weight (10.3 lbs) may be heavy for some users to move
- ✗Only 2 reviews at the time of writing limit long-term assessment
The Verdict
The Plum chef 20 Bar Vintage Style Espresso Machine is an excellent entry-level espresso machine for home baristas who value both aesthetics and functionality. Its 20-bar pump, milk frother, and large water tank make it easy to prepare café-quality drinks. While the plastic construction may not appeal to everyone, the consistent performance and ease of use justify its price point.
Value Assessment
What You Get
- 20-bar pump for rich crema
- Removable 54 oz water tank
- 360° steam wand for milk frothing
- ESE pod compatibility for convenience
- Complete starter bundle with portafilter, filters, scoop
What You Pay
$109.99
Maintenance Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground coffee without pods?
How do I clean the steam wand?
Does the machine have a cup warmer?
Can I use ESE pods?
What type of milk froth does it produce?
Is the machine easy to set up?
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Product Specifications
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