Capresso 117.05 Stainless Steel Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine EC50 - 15-Bar Pump, Commercial-Style Portafilter, Steam Wand for Latte Art, Removable Water Tank, Black/Stainless

Product Overview

The Capresso EC50 is a workhorse for those willing to put in a little effort. It requires grinding fresh beans (a decent grinder is recommended) and tamping evenly to achieve best results. The 42-ounce removable water tank is a decent size for a few drinks, though heavy users will need to refill more often. The machine's footprint is small, fitting easily on most countertops. The manual operation means you control the shot volume and timing. For those wanting to upgrade the experience, many users replace the pressurized basket with a non-pressurized one and the plastic tamper with a metal version. The steam wand has a panarello sleeve that can be removed for a more traditional frothing experience. Cleaning is straightforward: rinse the portafilter, wipe the wand. The self-locking filter holder makes insertion and removal easy. The indicator lights show when the machine is on and ready. At 800 watts, it heats up in about 30 seconds. The machine is not particularly quiet, but the noise is acceptable. Overall, it provides a genuine espresso-making experience at a fraction of the cost of high-end machines.

Build & Materials

The Capresso EC50 features a hybrid construction: a stainless-steel and plastic exterior over a metal internal frame. The water tank is translucent plastic, while the drip tray and portafilter are mostly plastic with a metal insert. The frothing wand is metal with a removable plastic sleeve. The overall build feels sturdy for the price, though some parts like the wand articulation point feel slightly flimsy. The 8-pound weight gives it a solid presence. The machine lacks a dedicated espresso tamper holder, but the included tamper is functional for basic use.

Maintenance involves regular descaling, especially in hard water areas. The drip tray collects excess water and needs occasional emptying. The self-locking filter holder simplifies cleanup: just rinse after each shot. The removable water tank allows easy refilling and cleaning. Over time, the machine's performance remains consistent as noted by long-term owners. Some users have successfully modified the portafilter for non-pressurized operation, enhancing shot quality. Overall, the build strikes a balance between affordability and durability for home espresso.

Shot Quality

The Capresso EC50 consistently produces espresso shots with impressive crema for its price point. The 15-bar pump and Thermoblock heating work together to deliver water at the right temperature and pressure. With a proper grind and tamp, shots extract in the 25-30 second range, yielding rich flavor and thick crema. Many reviewers report that the taste rivals more expensive machines once dialed in. However, results are highly dependent on the grinder used; a cheap blade grinder will not suffice. The pressurized basket included helps produce crema from less-than-ideal grounds, but upgrading to a non-pressurized basket allows for greater control and better flavor.

The steam wand takes about a minute to heat milk to optimal frothing temperature. It produces adequate foam for lattes and cappuccinos, though the plastic sleeve can make it harder to achieve microfoam. Removing the sleeve improves control. The wand is not as powerful as commercial machines, so steaming takes longer, but this is acceptable at this price. In terms of durability, several users report the machine lasting over 5 years of daily use. The main trade-off is that it requires user effort and practice to get the best results. For those willing to learn, the performance far exceeds expectations for a sub-$100 espresso machine.