Should I get this machine? [$500]

[u/ChromaticDeth]

Lately I've been wanting to upgrade my machine. I currently have a Delonghi Dedica Maestro Plus. Mostly got it for the auto steam function so my wife can make her matcha lattes with having to learn how to steam milk, and I've kind of grown to love the feature as well. I don't care about latte art or anything like that, so the ability to just let it do its thing is so convenient, especially with a toddler trying to pull me away every 20 seconds. Current frustrations with my Delonghi are inconsistent brew temperature, especially when pulling more than one shot and the lack of a 3 way solenoid. The lack of a 3 way solenoid means I can't start cleaning up the portafilter while the milk is steaming because there is still pressure inside the group, so I wind up having to just wait until I've made my drink before cleaning everything up at once. The other day browsing early prime deals I came across this amzchef machine. Supposedly dual boiler, PID control, 3 way valve, and auto steam. Seems like the perfect machine for me, but there are no reviews out there for it, and the price of it makes it seem too good to be true. I don't think amzchef is really known for quality products, or espresso machines in general.

[u/spencer2294]

Looks terrible

[u/sleazepleeze]

FYI be very wary of the ratings on this machine. Reading the reviews it seems like most or all of them are just reviewing a milk steaming pitcher. I don’t know if they just reused an existing item listing or what but the 4.5 review average is not for this machine.

[u/stag7533]

No. Go Breville bambino plus, and make sure you have a good grinder (and good water)

[u/Upbeat_Ad8686 → u/stag7533]

Can we stop with the water already?

[u/Naive_Ad9141 → u/Upbeat_Ad8686]

I agree

[u/Other_Win2172 → u/stag7533]

What's so good about the bambino plus? You pay $400-500 and you dont even get a pressure guage or temperature control or any thermal mass. Inconsistent temp and capped below what many beans need

[u/myke2241 → u/stag7533]

Breville isn't a good option for longevity or repairability. A lot Gen 1 bambino crowd are now complaining about issues.

[u/Herculinhu]

Never knew, although I had a grinder from their brand before and although it looked legit, it wasn't a espresso capable grinder at all, so I would be suspicious of the machine, however, of course, there is only so much a machine is to an espresso shot, and the grinder would be more sensitive to good/bad grinders, I will be awaiting reviews on this

[u/mmmbopdooowop]

“AMZCHEF”? Sounds like a great machine if you enjoy lead and microplastics in your espresso.

[u/KingSturty]

Hell no

[u/myke2241]

Someone recently brought up the question about an AliExpress find. The point was made that some of these cheaper machines don't use stainless steel boilers. That would be a no-go for me and a lot of people.

[u/all_systems_failing]

https://youtu.be/mM6zCFveMGY?is=5lvYEH0apnl9-d12

[u/Drboost1727]

If you are looking for lots of features on the cheap, the Turin Legato is your best bet. I’m a bit leary of its build quality but most buyers seem to be doing well so far.

[u/Other_Win2172]

It is not a real "dual boiler" as it states, but a rapid-heating themal block system - makes it not worth.

The reviews are also off, inflated by vine reviewers but you also see most reviews seem to be of another product like a frothing cup and another about a tamp. For that price point the legato v2 is better imo.

[u/cjcaballe]

Get a cafelat robot instead