Gevi 20 Bar Espresso Machine for Nespresso Capsules and Ground Coffee: specs

The Gevi 20-bar espresso machine is a compact, semi-automatic machine that handles two kinds of coffee. It comes with portafilters for Nespresso Original capsules and for ground coffee, and it has a steam wand for frothing milk. That makes it suited to households where some people want a quick capsule and others like to grind and tamp their own.

Two ways to brew

Gevi supplies one portafilter for NS capsules and one for coffee powder. A portafilter is the handled basket that holds the coffee while hot water is pushed through it. With capsules, the process is quick and tidy. With ground coffee, you choose the beans, the grind and the dose, which gives more control but needs more practice. Gevi says the setup lets you brew by whichever method fits the moment.

What 20 bar means

Bar is a unit of pressure. Espresso is typically extracted at around 9 bar at the coffee, and the 20-bar figure on small machines is usually the pump's maximum figure rather than the pressure used on the coffee. Gevi's machine adds a pressure gauge, so you can watch the pressure while brewing, plus NTC temperature control, a sensor-based system that helps keep the water temperature steady. A pre-infusion feature gently wets the coffee before full pressure, which typically helps even extraction.

The steam wand

A steam wand heats and aerates milk for cappuccinos, lattes and macchiatos. Gevi says its wand turns milk into smooth microfoam quickly, and that the froth nozzle can be removed to make cleaning easier. Milk frothing is a skill that comes with practice, and cleaning the wand straight after use stops milk drying on it.

Drinks you can make

Gevi lists mocha, macchiato, espresso and Americano among the drinks the machine can make. For an Americano you add hot water to a shot of espresso, and for milk drinks you froth milk with the wand.

Size and build

The housing is stainless steel. The machine measures about 12.3 x 5.5 x 12.0 inches, a narrow footprint that Gevi says suits countertops in kitchens of any size. Controls are straightforward, and the brewing is semi-automatic, meaning you start and stop the shot yourself.

Support

Gevi lists a 12-month warranty and lifetime tech support for products bought through official or authorized channels.

Who it suits

It suits home or office users who want espresso and milk drinks from a small machine, and who like having both capsule and ground options. People who want fully automatic, one-touch drinks may prefer a different kind of machine.

What to check before you buy

• Capsule type: the listing refers to Nespresso Original capsules, not Vertuo.
• Grind and tamping: ground coffee works best with a fine, even grind and a consistent tamp.
• Counter space: check the height under your cabinets, and room for the water tank.
• Cleaning and upkeep: check the manual for descaling, wand cleaning and which parts are removable.
• Safety: the steam wand and portafilter get hot, so follow the manual.
• Power: check the electrical requirements against your outlet.

The short version

• A compact semi-automatic espresso machine with a 20-bar pump.
• Portafilters for Nespresso Original capsules and for ground coffee.
• Pressure gauge, NTC temperature control and pre-infusion.
• Steam wand with a removable froth nozzle.
• Stainless steel housing, about 12.3 x 5.5 x 12.0 inches.

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