Review of CHULUX Kompatto Espresso Machine with Milk Frother for Home Use

Description

A Modern Addition to Any Coffee Lover’s Kitchen

Testing the CHULUX Kompatto Espresso Machine JH-C5010 has been quite an experience. As someone who appreciates a good espresso, I was curious to see if this espresso machine could deliver the rich, aromatic coffee I crave every morning. It’s marketed as a compact, stainless steel powerhouse with features like a 20-bar pressure pump and a milk frother, which makes it sound like a dream for coffee enthusiasts. But, of course, no product is perfect, and I found a mix of upsides and areas for improvement during my use.

Compact and Sleek Design

This coffee maker is undeniably stylish and space-saving. Measuring just 5.6 inches wide, it fits snugly on the counter without hogging valuable kitchen real estate. I have a small kitchen, and honestly, the size was a big selling point for me. The stainless steel finish gives it a modern vibe, making it blend seamlessly with other appliances. Plus, the removable water tank and drip tray made cleaning simple, which is a huge plus since I hate fiddling with complicated designs.

However, I did find the machine slightly heavier than I expected—it weighs about 8 pounds. While it’s not a dealbreaker, moving it around isn’t as effortless as I’d hoped. Still, the compact form makes up for that.

20-Bar Precision Pressure Pump: Does It Deliver?

The promise of a 20-bar high-pressure pump had me intrigued. This feature is supposed to extract richer flavors and aromas, and I must admit—it delivered. The espresso shot I pulled was aromatic and well-balanced, thanks to the pre-soak function. I could tell the low-pressure moistening process really did its job, as the coffee grounds were evenly saturated before the high-pressure extraction kicked in.

That said, the acidity in the coffee was pleasantly low, which is a win for someone with a sensitive stomach. However, I noticed that it takes a bit of trial and error to get the grind size and tamping just right for optimal extraction. If you’re a beginner, there’s a slight learning curve, but once you nail it, the results are worth the effort.

Powerful Steam Milk Frother for Coffeehouse-Quality Drinks

The steam milk frother is a standout feature. I fancy myself a bit of a latte artist (though my designs usually look more like blobs than hearts), and the frother helped me create smooth, creamy microfoam. It also doubles as a hot water dispenser, which I used to make an Americano. Whether you’re into cappuccinos, lattes, or plain espresso, this machine gives you the flexibility to craft a variety of drinks.

However, I did notice the frother can get quite hot after extended use. The machine prompts you to cool it down with a flashing button light, which is helpful, but it interrupts the flow if you’re making multiple drinks in quick succession. It’s something to keep in mind if you’re hosting guests and need to whip up several coffees back-to-back.

Key Benefits

• Compact design perfect for small kitchens or apartments.
• 20-bar pressure pump extracts rich, aromatic espresso with low acidity.
• Milk frother produces creamy microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.
• Removable components make cleaning straightforward.
• PID temperature control ensures consistent brewing temperatures.

Areas of Concern

• Heavier build compared to some competitors, making it less portable.
• Frother requires cooling time after extended use, which slows the process.
• Slight learning curve for beginners to perfect the grind and tamp.

Challengers in the Market

In the world of espresso machines, the CHULUX Kompatto faces stiff competition. I’ve used a few other entry-level machines, like the Breville Bambino Plus and De’Longhi Dedica EC685, so I can draw some comparisons.

The Breville Bambino Plus is known for its automatic milk frothing, which makes it more beginner-friendly, but it also comes at a significantly higher price point. The CHULUX, on the other hand, offers a manual frother, which gives you more control but requires a bit of skill. For those who love tinkering with their coffee-making process, the CHULUX has more to offer.

Compared to the De’Longhi Dedica EC685, the CHULUX is slightly more compact and easier to clean, thanks to its removable drip tray and water tank. However, the De’Longhi feels a tad more durable, and its frother doesn’t require as much cooling time. Still, the 20-bar pressure on the CHULUX is an advantage, as it extracts more nuanced flavors.

Quality for Price

Given its features and performance, the CHULUX espresso machine hits a nice balance between affordability and functionality. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but considering the 20-bar pump, PID temperature control, and milk frother, it offers great value for what you’re getting. If you’re someone who enjoys experimenting with different coffee styles without breaking the bank, this machine is worth considering. It’s not perfect, but it packs in enough features to justify the price tag.

Additional information