REVIEW – I love coffee so much that I drink it pretty much all day. I’ve had many coffee machines in the past, and a couple of espresso machines. However, my espresso machine experience was many years ago. When the ILAVIE 20 Bar espresso machine review offer came along, I decided I would try one of the modern machines.
What is it?
The ILAVIE 20 Bar is an espresso machine equipped with a 20-bar pump and thermoelectric coil heating system.
What’s in the box?
- ILAVIE 20 Bar espresso machine
- Instruction book
- Measure spoon and Tamper
- Single-cup filter
- Double cup filter
- Water Tank
- Drip Tray
Hardware specs
- Espresso Pressure: 20Bar
- Voltage/Frequency: 120V/60HZ
- Power:1350W
- Capacity of Water Tank:61oz (1.8L)
- Dimensions: 13.39″D x 7.48″W x 14.17″H
Design and features
The ILAVIE 20 Bar espresso machine is an attractive addition to my kitchen. The stainless steel construction not only looks great but is also easy to operate and clean. The digital display takes the guesswork out of knowing what the status of the machine is.
Upon unpacking the ILAVIE 20 Bar, it appeared to be well-built. I liked the top of the machine and how it doubles as a storage area for the accessories. The removable drip tray is a nice feature and even includes an indicator for the level.
I filled the 1.8L water tank and initially thought it was small, but I was thinking “coffee” and not espresso. Turns out that the tank is plenty for the small amount of water that is used when making espresso.
Turning on the machine automatically starts the pre-heat mode, and when completed, the machine displays the water temperature. The buttons are pretty self-explanatory. They are power, single-cup brew, double-cup brew, and steam mode. I like how there’s a digital display instead of just blinking buttons like some machines have.
I quickly filled the filter using the provided measuring spoon and tamper, tamped the grounds, and inserted the filter and handle. I then went to place a coffee cup under the output, only to find out that every coffee cup I had was too tall to fit under the spout. I haven’t had an espresso machine in decades, so I didn’t have espresso cups. It would have been nice if the machine had included cups.
The drip tray is removable to accommodate a small coffee cup, however, I found that most of my coffee cups were too large to fit.
I pressed the double cup button and the ILAVIE 20 Bar espresso machine began to work. The digital display counts out in seconds and brews the espresso in about 40 seconds. The 1350 watt heating coil heats the water quickly. I liked the espresso!
The steamer spout rotates conveniently out of the way when not in use. However, during use, I found that it was fairly low and close to the countertop. You’ll need a short container for steaming unless you happen to position the machine over the edge of your sink or counter. Pressing the steamer button enables the steamer spout and the knob on the side controls the steam valve.
There is also a sticker on the side of the machine for the steamer instructions. I found this to be a nice touch since I hate having to pull out the manual when I don’t remember how something works.
The ILAVIE 20 Bar espresso machine’s steamer has a 360-degree rotating steam wand that creates thousands of tiny bubbles in the air. It worked quickly and well.
The included manual includes everything you need to know, including error codes. The machine will display an E-2 error code when the machine temperature is too hot to brew the espresso, which usually is right after steaming milk. Simply release some of the steam via the steam knob and the machine will quickly cool and be ready to brew more espresso.
What I like
- Attractive finish
- Digital display
- Brews great espresso
What I’d change
- Should have included cups
- The steamer spout is rather low
Final thoughts
Overall, I really like the ILAVIE 20 Bar espresso machine. It’s an attractive machine and works just like it should. It’s simple but effective. As much as I like gadgets with many options and features, sometimes I like when they are just basic and easy.
Price: $199.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by ILAVIE. ILAVIE did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
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I haven’t seen a review that showed quality crema. Some pulls didn’t show any at all. What was your experience? My previous machine was a Breville, but for financial considerations I had to go for a less expensive machine.
Mine is supposed to be delivered tomorrow.