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

The Kismile 20-Bar Espresso Machine is a compact, semi-automatic espresso maker in black with a steam wand for milk. It brews from ground coffee or from compatible capsules, so one machine covers espresso, lattes and cappuccinos. Here is how its main features work in practice.

What "20 bar" means

Bar is a unit of pressure. Espresso is traditionally brewed at around 9 bar at the coffee, and many home machines advertise a higher pump figure. Kismile quotes 20 bar. That figure usually describes the pump's maximum, not the pressure at the coffee, so it tells you less about the cup than the grind, dose and tamping do. Kismile says a brew takes about 20 seconds.

Ground coffee and capsules

The listing says the machine works with coffee grounds and with capsules. For grounds, it includes a single-cup filter, a double-cup filter, a coffee spoon and a tamper. Grounds give control over the grind size and dose. Capsules are simpler and tidier. Check which capsule systems it accepts in the manual, as the listing says only "capsule compatible".

Steam wand for milk

The steam wand uses high-pressure steam to make foam for lattes and cappuccinos. Kismile calls the result creamy and velvety. A steam wand has a learning curve, because the position of the tip, the milk temperature and the jug all affect the texture. The machine is semi-automatic, which means you start and stop the process yourself rather than relying on a fully automated cycle.

Cup warming and temperature control

Kismile says the machine can warm the cup, and notes that a pre-warmed cup helps keep coffee from cooling too fast. For brewing it uses NTC temperature control. An NTC sensor is a thermistor that measures heat so the machine can keep the water within a target range. An LCD control display and dual-cup operation are also listed.

Tank, drip tray and auto-shutdown

The removable water tank holds 1.2 L, which is enough for a number of cups before a refill. The drip tray is detachable for emptying, and the machine shuts off automatically after 15 minutes. The listing gives the dimensions as 12.3 x 12.0 x 6.1 inches (about 31 x 30 x 15 cm), which is small enough for most counters. Check the height clearance of your cupboards when the lid is open.

Warranty and what's in the box

Kismile lists a 12-month warranty. The box contains the machine, a coffee spoon, a tamper, a single-cup filter and a double-cup filter, according to the listing.

Who it suits

It suits someone who wants to try espresso and milk drinks at home in a small kitchen, and who is happy to learn the steps involved. People who want a fully automatic bean-to-cup experience may find a semi-automatic machine more hands-on.

What to check before you buy

• Capsule type: confirm which capsule system is supported if you plan to use capsules.
• Counter space: check width, depth and the height with the lid up.
• Grind: ground coffee needs a fine grind, and a separate grinder helps.
• Milk: practise frothing, and wipe and purge the wand after each use.
• Upkeep: follow the manual on descaling, tank cleaning and the drip tray.
• Warranty: read the terms for the 12-month cover.

The short version

• A compact semi-automatic espresso machine with a rated 20-bar pump.
• Works with ground coffee and compatible capsules.
• Steam wand, cup warming and NTC temperature control.
• 1.2 L removable tank, detachable drip tray and 15-minute auto-shutdown.
• Includes a tamper, spoon and single and double filters.

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