AMZCHEF CM1626 Espresso Machine with Grinder: features and specs

The AMZCHEF Espresso Machine with Grinder (model CM1626) is a semi-automatic espresso machine with the grinder built in, so whole beans go in at the top and espresso comes out without a separate grinder on the counter. It has 44 grind settings, adjustable brewing temperature, a steam wand for milk drinks and a one-touch cold brew mode.

What semi-automatic means

On a semi-automatic machine, you do the barista steps yourself: grind into the portafilter, tamp the coffee level, lock the portafilter in and start the shot. The machine takes care of heating the water and pushing it through the coffee. That means more steps than a pod machine, and more control over the result.

The box includes a portafilter, single and double baskets, a tamper, a dosing ring and a cleaning brush. A single basket holds enough coffee for one shot and a double for two; many home baristas start with the double. The dosing ring sits on top of the portafilter to keep grounds from spilling while you fill and tamp.

44 grind settings

The grinder's 44 settings run from ultra-fine for espresso to coarse for French press, so you can adjust the grind for different beans and roast levels. Espresso is sensitive to grind size: a shot that runs too fast and tastes sour usually needs a finer grind, and one that runs slowly and tastes bitter usually needs a coarser one. Fresh beans of a different roast often need a small change, so having many steps helps when dialling in.

Brewing temperature from 190°F to 201°F

You can set the brewing temperature from 190°F to 201°F, about 88°C to 94°C. Temperature affects how much flavour the water pulls from the coffee. As a general guide, lighter roasts often taste more balanced at the hotter end, and darker roasts at the cooler end, where they're less likely to turn bitter.

The touch screen shows the grind time, brew time and temperature, and brewing starts with one touch. Seeing the brew time helps with dialling in: many baristas use roughly 25 to 30 seconds for a double shot as a starting point.

Steam wand and milk drinks

An 8 mm stainless steel steam wand, backed by a 1350W heating system, froths milk into microfoam for lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos and flat whites. Microfoam is milk with very small, even bubbles, which gives a glossy, velvety texture and is what latte art is poured with. Purging the wand and wiping it straight after each use keeps milk from drying on the tip.

Cold brew, water tank and descaling

A dedicated cold brew mode makes cold coffee in minutes: add cold water, select cold brew, then pour it over ice. Traditional cold brew steeps grounds in cold water for many hours, so this mode is a much quicker route to a cold coffee at home.

The water tank holds 60 oz (about 1.8 litres), enough for several drinks between refills. Minerals in tap water slowly build up as scale inside any espresso machine, and the built-in descaling function helps with that upkeep. Homes with hard water typically need to descale more often; the manual gives the schedule.

Who it suits

It suits beginners and coffee fans who want to make espresso and milk drinks at home with a grinder and a machine in one unit.

What to check before you buy

• Counter space: room for the machine, plus height under your cabinets to fill the bean hopper.
• Milk pitcher: one isn't among the listed accessories, so you may need one for steaming.
• Water: your water's hardness, which affects how often you'll descale.
• Beans: a supply of fresh whole beans, since the grinder is built in.
• Learning curve: semi-automatic brewing takes some practice to dial in.

The short version

• A semi-automatic espresso machine with a built-in grinder and 44 grind settings.
• Brewing temperature adjustable from 190°F to 201°F; the touch screen shows grind time, brew time and temperature.
• An 8 mm steam wand with a 1350W heating system for microfoam.
• A one-touch cold brew mode and a 60 oz water tank with a descaling function.
• Portafilter, single and double baskets, tamper, dosing ring and cleaning brush included.

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