amzchef EM-2205A 20-Bar Espresso Machine: features, specs and who it suits

The amzchef EM-2205A is a compact, semi-automatic espresso machine in stainless steel. It uses ground coffee in a portafilter and includes a steam wand for frothing milk, so it can make espresso, lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos at home or in a small office. Here is what its features mean in practice.

What "20 bar" means

Espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee at pressure. The 20-bar figure is the maximum pressure the pump is built for, and amzchef describes it as a professional Italian pump. In general, the extraction itself is usually done at around 9 bar, so a higher pump figure mainly gives headroom rather than meaning stronger coffee.

The machine has a built-in pressure gauge, which amzchef says lets you adjust to your taste. It also has a pre-soak step, which gently wets the coffee first so the water flows through more evenly.

Milk frothing with the steam wand

The steam wand is there to make microfoam, the smooth, glossy milk used in lattes and flat whites. amzchef says it produces creamy foam suitable for latte art. Steam wands take some practice: the position of the tip in the jug and the temperature of the milk make a big difference to the texture.

Four-button operation

There are four touch buttons for espresso and milk-based styles, plus an automatic foaming system. amzchef says this keeps things simple for beginners. The brand's tips for better results include warming the cup with hot water several times beforehand, grinding the coffee to a 0.2 to 0.3 mm particle size, and using enough coffee for a full shot.

That grind advice matters. Espresso needs a fine, even grind, and pre-ground coffee sold for filter machines is often too coarse. A burr grinder with fine adjustment is the usual way to get it right.

Size, tank and cleaning

The machine measures about 5.0 x 11.0 x 11.0 in (roughly 13 x 28 x 28 cm) and weighs 7.0 lb (about 3.2 kg), so it fits under most kitchen cupboards. The detachable water tank holds 34 oz (about 1 litre), enough for several cups before refilling, and the drip tray also comes out for cleaning.

The listing names these items as included: the machine, the 34 oz tank, one-cup and two-cup filter baskets, a portafilter, a tamper with spoon and an instruction manual.

Who it suits

It suits people who want to learn to make espresso and milk drinks at home, in a compact machine that doesn't take over the counter. It also fits a small office kitchen. People who want fully automatic, one-touch coffee with a built-in grinder will find that a semi-automatic machine asks for more involvement: grinding, dosing, tamping and cleaning the portafilter each time.

What to check before you buy

• Counter space: measure the width, depth and the height needed to open the tank and fit your cups.
• Grinder: decide how you will grind beans to a fine, consistent size.
• Cup size: check that your cups or jugs fit under the portafilter and the wand.
• Upkeep: read the manual on descaling and cleaning the wand after every use of milk.
• Power: confirm the voltage and plug suit your outlet.
• Warm-up and technique: be ready for a short learning curve with tamping and milk texture.

The short version

• A compact semi-automatic espresso machine in stainless steel.
• A 20-bar pump, pre-soak step and built-in pressure gauge.
• A steam wand for milk foam, with four touch buttons.
• A detachable 34 oz water tank and removable drip tray.
• Comes with one-cup and two-cup filters, a portafilter and a tamper, according to the listing.

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