AMZCHEF EM1501 20-Bar Espresso Machine: features, specs and who it suits

The AMZCHEF EM1501 is a compact, semi-automatic espresso machine in a stainless steel finish. It has a touch-screen control panel, a steam wand for milk and a removable water tank. It is made for home or office use and for people who want to make espresso, cappuccino, latte or flat white.

What 20 bar means

The machine has a 20-bar pump, which AMZCHEF says originates in Italy. Pressure figures are often misunderstood. Espresso is usually brewed at about 9 bar at the coffee, and a pump's maximum pressure is a peak figure that is normally regulated down. So 20 bar mainly says the pump has headroom. Results still depend on the grind, the dose and the tamping.

Heating and touch controls

A 1350W heating system warms up in 30 to 40 seconds, AMZCHEF says, and keeps a steady temperature for repeated shots. The LED touch screen offers single and double cup selection, and you can set your own extraction time by holding the single or double cup icon for five seconds. "Semi-automatic" means you grind, dose and tamp the coffee yourself and the machine controls the pump and heat.

Milk frothing

The steam wand is adjustable. AMZCHEF describes an 8 mm one-piece wand designed to make a creamy micro-foam and to be easy to clean. Frothing is a skill that comes with practice: wipe the wand and purge it after each use, as the manual describes.

Water tank and size

The removable water tank holds 41 oz (1.2 litres), and lifts out for filling and cleaning. The machine measures about 12.0 x 5.9 x 11.9 inches (30 x 15 x 30 cm), which leaves it narrow enough for a small counter.

What's in the box

AMZCHEF lists the machine, the 1.2 L tank, one-cup and two-cup filter baskets, the portafilter, a tamper with a spoon, an instruction manual and a user guide.

Who it suits

It suits beginners and home users who want to learn espresso on a small machine and make milk drinks. People who want a built-in grinder or automatic milk system would look at a different type.

What to check before you buy

• A grinder: none is included, and freshly ground coffee makes a large difference.
• Counter space and height: check the clearance under your shelves for the 11.9-inch height and for filling the tank.
• Cleaning and descaling: read the manual's routine for descaling and rinsing the wand.
• Cup sizes: make sure your cups fit under the portafilter.
• Electrical needs: at 1350W, plug it directly into a wall socket rather than an extension lead, and follow the manual.
• Hot parts: the group head, the wand and the steam get hot.

The short version

• A compact semi-automatic espresso machine with a 20-bar pump and 1350W heater.
• Warms up in 30 to 40 seconds, AMZCHEF says; LED touch controls with single and double cup options.
• Adjustable steam wand and a removable 1.2 L tank.
• Comes with a portafilter, baskets, tamper and manual; a grinder is separate.

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