The Unique Imports Barista Express Machine Review
If you’re looking for a very basic machine that makes espresso and coffee with a no-frills, basic design, the Unique Imports Barista Express Machine is one such option. If you’ve ever wanted to make either short or long pour espresso with ease, this machine may be in your future.
The Most Bang for Your Buck
- Powerful steamer to make rich cappuccinos and lattes european style with 800 watts of power
One of the more economical choices on the market, this machine won’t break the bank, but it will provide you with strong, delicious drinks in minutes. This unit is a no-nonsense matte black color and stainless steel and measures in at 13.2 x 8.5 x 10.2 inches and 4.8 pounds, so it won’t take up valuable counter space.
The Unique Imports Barista Express Machine includes a portafilter, pourable glass measuring container and measuring spoon. This unit is capable of holding up to 20oz of coffee—enough to get you though a long shift or make coffee for a group.
Features
Though the Unique Imports Barista Express Machine is very basic, you’ll be able to make enough coffee for a family or group easily. The glass measuring cup with a handle allows you to know exactly how long your pull should be, and the included measuring spoon allows you to measure out exactly how much coffee you need.
With a small and compact shape and no-frills, no-nonsense design, you’ll be able to make as much or as little coffee as you desire. If you’re not into making complex drinks that you’d find at the local café, but just want a strong, delicious cup of coffee in the morning, the Unique Imports Barista Express Machine might be right up your alley.
This machine is just as efficient to clean as it is to make coffee with—just remove the tray and clean in the sink or in a dishwasher—it’s a snap to make coffee and also to clean up afterwards.
Pros
- Small and compact shape
- No-frills design
- Able to make 20 oz of coffee
- Able to make both coffee and espresso
- Measuring lines on the glass measuring cup
- Handle on measuring cup for easy pouring
- Great for making a lot of espresso at a time: for desserts or pitchers of drinks
- Easy to clean
- Detachable tray
- Economically priced
- Not heavy
- Warranty of one year
- Powerful
- Measuring spoon included with purchase
- Milk steamer included in unit
Cons
- Very basic—not ideal for those who want to make more complex drinks
- Tamper not included
- No recipe book included
- Not a lot of control
- Not a lot of extra features
- 13oz water container—must refill often
- No pressure gauge
Summary
The Unique Imports Barista Express Machine is small and compact: it measures at 13.2 x 8.5 x 10.2 inches and under 5lbs. It can be easily stored under cabinetry or on a countertop. This espresso machine is great for those who find themselves just making espresso-grade coffee or a single or double shot in the morning with a little steamed milk now and then.
Its very basic design and size is ideal for the coffee minimalist—no messing with a million knobs and gauges. This machine is extra powerful, operating at 800 watts and can make 20 ounces or less of coffee, depending on how much you measure out.
The water tank located at the back can hold 13 ounces and the tray snaps off quickly and easily for cleaning. The glass measuring cup allows you to know exactly how much coffee you’re making and the included measuring spoon helps with accuracy as well.
The bargain price is attractive to those who don’t want to spend too much on a basic device.
Comparisons
The steam-powered Excelvan Coffeemaker is also a very basic coffee maker and espresso maker that makes up to 4 cups. For slightly more money, you can make a cup of espresso and steam milk with the integrated wand if you want to make more elaborate drinks.
The Excelvan Coffeemaker has the same capacity as the Unique Imports Barista Express Machine and the same power as well.
The nearly identical Omi CM6816 is another comparably performing, minimal machine, capable of making the same amount of coffee with the same amount of power. For slightly more money, but still economically priced, you can make steamed milk or warm up your drink in an instant.
The design is just as minimal and no-nonsense.
Verdict
The Unique Imports Barista Express Machine is one for the coffee minimalist—if you don’t want to make elaborate drinks and just want rich coffee or espresso in the morning without having to mess with too many features or buttons, this unit may be just right for you.
Don’t waste hundreds or thousands of dollars on something bulky or too elaborate—the economical price of the Unique Imports Barista Express Machine reflects what it is: a no-nonsense home espresso maker for those who want the occasional something extra in their morning coffee.
Even though the Unique Imports is a very cheap way to get into making home espresso’s, sometimes it is worth paying that little extra for features and benefits you many not even know you want yet. You can find our super informative guide on how to chose the best espresso machine for your home here.
- Powerful steamer to make rich cappuccinos and lattes european style with 800 watts of power