Introduction
The coffee gadget landscape has expanded considerably, creating a saturation of options that vary widely in both performance and price. At the more budget-friendly end, we find the Gevi Espresso Machine, which charms with its simplicity but raises some eyebrows with its string of quirks. In this review, I dive into its features, usability, and the potential pitfalls that might align this machine more towards novelty than necessity.
Design and Build Quality
The Gevi Espresso Machine presents a straightforward design that doesn't overwhelm with unnecessary features. While it's rated for 15-bar pressure and aims to fulfill essential functions like grinding coffee, pulling shots, and steaming milk, the general appearance feels somewhat lacking.
“The mostly plastic chassis won't impress most normal folks, but the lack of gauges and digital menus might appeal to the purist.”
When unboxing the Gevi, you find a few chintzy accessories; among them is a lightweight plastic tamper that seems far from sufficient for the pressure this machine claims to deliver. The stainless-steel portafilter feels more robust, but it's clear that the developers opted for cost-effectiveness over premium materials.
Functionality: Grinding and Brewing
One highlight of the Gevi is its grinder, which is easy to operate and clearly labeled for adjustments. The grind size dial is intuitive and satisfying, allowing you to get it just right for espresso shots. However, it doesn't come without frustrations. Adjusting the grind quantity requires a series of buttons that can feel contrived—especially when the manual implies there's a learning curve involved.
Using the Grinder
The grinder's mechanism does yield decent results with a 19-gram dose, albeit after several tosses to dial in the exact figure. But the complexity of adjusting the grind amount is disheartening and can lead to wasted beans in trying to reach a satisfactory shot. You'll need to rely on your own knowledge and perhaps go back to more tactile methods.
Steaming: A Mixed Bag
Now, on to the steam wand, touted by some as a powerful tool. Here's where I tread carefully. Using it can feel akin to handling a potential hazard. Particularly concerning is how the wand activates—the delay can catch you off-guard, resulting in a quick burst of steam once you least expect it, complicating the frothing process and introducing a risk of burns.
“The danger lies in the seemingly random nature of how and when it starts dispensing scalding hot steam.”
While the wand itself has decent movement, contributing to effective milk texturing, its unpredictable operation leads to more hassle than enjoyment. After a few tries, I learned that timing was crucial—but it still didn't eliminate my unease.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning the Gevi is straightforward, with a removable drip tray that makes post-brewing upkeep a breeze. However, descaling is less intuitive—it requires a series of button presses, which hardly simplifies the process. A minor oversight, but it can become tedious if you're especially vigilant about maintenance.
Final Thoughts: Worth It?
The Gevi Espresso Machine ultimately stands solidly in the entry-level category. My conclusion? If you're just getting into coffee brewing at home and can overlook some of its quirkier elements, it can be a functional, though flawed, choice.
The Bottom Line
What strikes me is the value this machine provides—at a rate significantly lower than many competitors, it manages to offer an adequate espresso experience with a clean, minimalist approach. The question remains, then: Is a machine this basic sufficient for true coffee enthusiasts? For a casual drinker or as a gift for someone looking to dabble, the Gevi espresso machine could serve its purpose without breaking the bank—at least as long as you're willing to overlook its quirks.
Source reference: https://www.wired.com/review/gevi-espresso-machine/
