AMZCHEF EM1507 20 Bar Compact Espresso Machine: features and who it suits

The AMZCHEF EM1507 is a compact, semi-automatic espresso machine with a brushed stainless steel body in matte silver. It pairs a 20-bar pump with a one-touch LED panel and a steam wand, so it can make espresso and milk drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites on a small kitchen counter. Here is what its specifications mean for making espresso at home.

What 20 bar means

Espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely ground, tightly packed coffee under pressure. Traditionally, that's done at around 9 bar at the coffee itself. A pump figure such as 20 bar describes the pump's maximum pressure, so it has plenty in reserve; the pressure that actually reaches the coffee depends on the grind, the dose and how firmly it's tamped.

AMZCHEF says the pump is made in Italy and builds a layer of golden crema, the fine foam on top of a fresh shot. In general, fresh beans and the right grind size make the biggest difference to crema and flavour on any espresso machine.

One-touch shots and custom extraction

The LED touch panel makes a single or double espresso with one tap. To save your own shot, hold the icon for five seconds, and the machine remembers that extraction for next time. This is useful once you've found the shot length you like with your usual coffee, because you can repeat it without timing it by hand.

Warm-up and temperature

A 1350W heating system preheats in about 30 to 40 seconds, according to AMZCHEF, and keeps the brewing temperature stable. Water temperature affects how coffee extracts: too cool tends to taste sour, too hot tends to taste bitter. A steady temperature makes shots more consistent from one cup to the next.

Steaming milk with the 8 mm wand

The adjustable 8 mm steam wand froths milk into dense microfoam, the fine, glossy foam used for lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites and latte art. Steaming by hand takes some practice: the wand's tip position and angle control how much air goes in and how the milk swirls.

The wand is a one-piece design that wipes clean quickly. As a general habit, wiping the wand and releasing a short burst of steam straight after frothing stops milk from drying inside the tip.

Water tank, cup warmer and what's in the box

The removable water tank holds 41 oz (1.2 L), so refilling and cleaning are quick, and the top of the machine is a cup warmer. A warm cup keeps espresso hot for longer, since a cold cup quickly draws heat from a small shot.

In the box are a stainless steel portafilter, single and double filter baskets, a tamper with a measuring spoon and a user manual. A grinder isn't included, so you'll need pre-ground espresso coffee or a grinder that can grind fine enough for espresso. A milk pitcher isn't listed among the accessories either.

Who it suits

It suits people new to espresso who want simple one-touch shots, and those who want to steam their own milk for lattes and cappuccinos. The compact body fits small kitchens, and AMZCHEF also suggests it for small offices.

What to check before you buy

• Counter space: measure the space, including the height under wall cabinets, and compare it with the machine's listed dimensions.
• Coffee: plan for espresso-grind coffee or a grinder capable of a fine, consistent grind.
• Milk pitcher: you'll need one for steaming milk.
• Cup height: check that your cups fit under the portafilter spouts.
• Upkeep: check the manual's cleaning and descaling instructions, especially if you have hard water.

The short version

• A compact espresso machine with an Italian-made 20-bar pump and a brushed stainless steel body.
• One-tap single or double shots; hold the icon for five seconds to save a custom extraction.
• 1350W heating preheats in about 30-40 seconds and keeps the brewing temperature stable.
• An adjustable 8 mm one-piece steam wand for lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites.
• A removable 41 oz (1.2 L) tank, a cup warmer, a portafilter, two baskets and a tamper with a measuring spoon.

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