(checked 2026-10-10)
The budget enthusiast's pick, and it pulls more nuanced shots than pricier Brevilles. You'll need a separate grinder and a better tamper, plus practice: it has no PID, and testers disagree on how good the steam wand is.
Top complaints
- No PID: inconsistent temperature and shots
Wirecutter says shot consistency is harder to sustain back to back without PID control, and Tom's Guide says temperatures still aren't properly stable. Consistency is a negative aspect on Amazon.
- Leaks and spitting from the steam wand
Leakage is a negative aspect on Amazon, with owners reporting water spitting and dripping from the steam wand. Amazon's summary also says some report it breaking down after 1.5 years.
- Flimsy tamper, few accessories, awkward tank
Wirecutter and Tom's Guide both say the plastic tamper needs replacing, and there's no milk pitcher. Wirecutter found reinserting the under-boiler water tank and its tubes tricky.
Source: Wirecutter, Tom's Guide review
What owners love
- Complex, nuanced shots
Wirecutter says it was the only machine in its price range to give balanced shots with the depth of much pricier machines. Tom's Guide says it makes great espresso.
Source: Wirecutter, Tom's Guide review - Simple controls, quick heat-up
Three buttons; Wirecutter had it ready in about a minute with a ~30-second wait before steaming.
Source: Wirecutter - Built to last
Tom's Guide calls it very reliable and says it should last over a decade with routine maintenance; the brass boiler and group improve thermal stability.
Source: Tom's Guide review
- You want push-button milk drinks
- You want accessories in the box
- You want consistent temperature without technique
- Learning to pull café-quality shots
- People who already own a good grinder
- Long-term ownership with routine maintenance
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Budget pick: more nuanced shots than its Breville picks, but no PID, a weak and fixed-angle steam wand, and a flimsy tamper you should replace.
- Tom's Guide: Best for enthusiasts: great espresso, quick heat-up, powerful wand and very reliable; no PID and only a poor plastic tamp at about $500.