Coffee lovers like you and I can’t start our mornings without a fresh cup of joe. Buying morning coffee regularly can be pricy. So why not bring home a good espresso machine and save some bucks?
The Sowtech Espresso Machine is one of the top-rated coffee espresso machines that claim to make cafe-like espresso at home.
But are these claims true? Is it the right espresso maker for you?
Here is a Sowtech Espresso Machine review, where I mention all its features, pros & cons. Keep reading if you want to make an informed purchase.
Overview Of The Sowtech Espresso Machine 3.5 Bar
If you are tight on budget but still want your own coffee bar, then this Sowtech Espresso Machine might be the right pick for you. Besides, the less complicated mechanism makes it absolutely beginner friendly.
This coffee maker’s affordable price tag and easy-to-use nature make it a perfect replacement for your nearest coffee shop. It even comes with a milk frother that helps make thick and creamy foam and velvety smooth espresso.
Don’t get tricked by how little counter space it takes because it can easily make up to four espressos (240ml) in one go. Plus, the marked stainless steel cups will help you make the perfect coffee every time.
Specifications Of The Sowtech Espresso Machine
Specs
Sowtech Espresso Machine 3.5 bar
Power
800w
Pressure
3.5 bar
Voltage
120V / 60Hz
Color
Black
Material
Stainless steel and plastic
Size
7.17 in X 12.9 in X 13 in
Weight
4.31 pounds
Capacity
240 ml
What’s In The Box?
Here’s what you get in the box
- 1 Sowtech Coffee Maker
- 1 Filter and funnel
- 1 Spoon
- 1 Carafe
- User Manual
Sowtech Espresso Machine: The Key Features
Easy To Use One Switch Operations
Even if you have never owned a home coffee espresso machine before and this is your first espresso maker, you can still easily operate this one and make truly rich espresso coffee that takes just a few minutes.
Unlike most espresso coffee machines, it’s fully automated and comes with a single switch knob that controls all the functions like on/off, coffee/steam selection, etc., and has an indicator light.
Even though the automatic feature makes the job easier, it has a drawback. The water starts filling the coffee as soon as it gets warm, which isn’t ideal for brewing a good espresso.
Sowtech has removed the pause button for easy operation, which was there in the older versions of the coffee maker. But don’t worry, the Off button is equipped to do the job.
Attached Temperature Gauge That Helps Make The Perfect Coffee Every Time
Brewing coffee requires perfect temperature. Any fluctuations in the temperature can ruin the flavor and texture of the coffee. However, the built-in temperature gauge eases things and brews the coffee grounds at an accurate temperature.
The optimal steam temperature for preparing the true espresso with bold flavors is between 180℉ to 200℉. Therefore, accurate temperature control is a must.
Even though it’s an automatic home espresso machine and does not allow you to manually set the temperature, the water inside reaches a constant and accurate temperature of 180. Hence, no burnt taste and only rich and bold flavors.
Thankfully, it’s not a gimmick and actually works great at giving the espresso a rich taste.
3.5 Bar Pressure To Extract The Rich Aroma
The machine has a bar pressure of 3.5, which is not bad considering its compact size.
Any coffee shop uses a proper steam pressure of 9 to 15 bars to make rich espresso. It is the golden standard for making a true espresso. So, there will always be a difference in taste.
However, it still makes quite a smooth coffee that you can enjoy daily. Also, expecting such high pressure from a compact and low-cost machine is not fair.
Attached Milk Frother For That Creamy Cappuccino
The attached milk-frothing arm was the cherry on the cake for me. There are hardly any espresso machines in the market that are under $50 and have this feature that makes rich, smooth cream. Plus, it doubles up as a cappuccino machine.
The days of manual milk frothers are gone. The attached milk frother lets you enjoy a creamy and silky cup of coffee that has the best taste.
However, the frothing arm could have been more durable. If you don’t want coffee to spill all over, handle it with care. But considering the price, it’s still a great addition to the coffee machine.
Compact Size That Fits In Any Corner
The space-saving design of the coffee maker is one of its biggest selling points. Its stainless steel compact design is so space-efficient that I could keep it in my office if I wanted.
However, it is big enough to make four cups of espresso in one go.
It’s also great for people living in small apartments and wanting to have a coffee corner.
Comes At The Price Of An Entry-level Pump Espresso Machine
If you’ve already done your research on budget-friendly espresso makers, then you’d know that the options are quite limited. In fact, at this price point, you can only get an entry-level pump espresso machine.
But you get this compact size, high-end look, and easy-to-use coffee maker at almost one-third the price of any premium espresso maker.
It is a huge plus point if have a tight budget and don’t want to spend dollars on your daily caffeine dose. And if you are a coffee-lover like me, this is a great investment!
Detachable Drip Tray That Makes Cleaning Easier
Don’t assume that its compact size would make cleaning the machine difficult. The detachable drip tray makes cleaning it a piece of cake.
If you lead a busy life and don’t want to waste your precious weekends on keeping your brew space tidy, then this is totally for you.
Better Carafe With Water Levels Marked
The older model used to have an easy-pour glass cup that could get shattered if the heat was too high. In the newer model, it has been replaced with a stainless steel one that is safer and does the job perfectly.
Besides, if this is your first espresso machine and you want to know how much water you need for espresso or milk frothing, this carafe will come in handy. It has markings inside, telling you how much water you need to make the right cup of espresso.
However, for seasoned users like me, markings may not be that practical. I found my coffee too watery when I followed the guide marks. That wasn’t a big issue for me since we all have different preferences.
Sowtech Espresso Machine: Pros and Cons
Now that you know the good, bad, and ugly of this coffee maker, here’s the gist.
The Pros
- Beginner-friendly espresso maker
- Compact in size compared to most espresso machines
- It has stainless steel accents that look great
- Can be used as a cappuccino machine due to the attached milk frother
- The milk frother can make a cold, creamy froth that isn’t possible with a steam wand
The Cons
- The carafe can break while in use
- You can only use coarse-ground coffee
- The frothing arm is a little flimsy
Sowtech Espresso Machine: Should You Buy It?
After using this coffee maker for a couple of months, I can say that it’ll be a great purchase for beginners who want to have an espresso at home.
Perks like budget-friendliness, compact size, and ease of use make it a perfect device for students and working professionals.
If you can’t function without coffee like me, then it’s great as a secondary coffee maker that you can put in your workspace. The attached frother lets you experiment with other drinks too.
The coffee machine does what it claims and is worth every penny. However, you can’t expect it to make a barista-like espresso. So, if you are a coffee aficionado, you can skip this.
Wrapping Up
I hope this Sowtech Espresso Machine review has helped you make an informed choice. For me, the best thing about this espresso machine was its value-for-money aspect. Its uncomplicated functioning is great for beginners.
This is a great gifting option for someone who loves their morning coffee but doesn’t know how to make it.
Tell me what you liked the most about it in the comment section and whether you’ll be buying this espresso maker.
FAQs
- What descaler should I use to clean the espresso machine? And how often does it require cleaning?
Ans: You can use any commercial descaler to clean the drip tray. However, if you want to do DIY, mix 3 parts of citric acid with 100 parts of water to make a cleaning solution.
You can clean the coffee maker every three months.
- Why can’t I use fine ground coffee?
Ans: Using fine-ground espresso beans instead of coarse-ground coffee can lead to blockage in the coffee funnel. This will prevent the coffee from flowing out too easily.
- How to vent the steam?
Ans: Turn the switch towards the back (away from you) to activate the steam venting feature. Hold the steam wand carefully to avoid accidents.