An affordable avenue for the home barista looking for a compact home espresso machine.
The GEVI 2-in-1 Fast Heating Espresso Machine with Milk Frother (5003) is an affordable option for anyone looking to try out espresso at home. We’ve dug in and done the research to uncover if this machine is the right fit for you – or anyone?
Contents
The Short and Sweet
The Gevi 2-in-1 Espresso Machine is a two-in-one machine meaning that it offers the ability to brew espresso and steam milk. This machine does not include a grinder. Other downfalls of this machine are its build quality and design, though it does boasts a low price and basic functionality that is adequate for the right candidate.
The Full Review
Likely the most attractive feature of the Gevi Espresso Machine is the price tag. Ringing in at less than $150, the Gevi Espresso Machine is an extremely affordable home espresso machine. With such a low price tag, the Gevi Espresso Machine still manages to offer a decent machine.
However, the Gevi Espresso Machine has its downfalls, too. This semi-automatic home espresso machine does not include a grinder and so the user must purchase a grinder separately or use a pressurized portafilter basket if using pre-ground coffee.
Product Highlights
- Two-in-one machine with brewing and steaming capabilities.
- An affordable option for the home barista.
- Double Boiler and temperature control.
Price Point – 3/5
The best feature of this home espresso machine is the price point. This is one of the most affordable semi-automatic home espresso machines, making the Gevi 2-in-1 Espresso Machine desirable to many. However, the low price is not a guarantee of high quality. Check out the rest of my review points to discover what knocked this affordable home espresso machine down from a five to a three.
Build Quality and Materials – 3/5
As with many home espresso machines, the Gevi Espresso Machine is a majority plastic build. This makes the machine lightweight but also less durable. Some users complain of this espresso machine failing with daily use.
If you’re in the market for a “now and then” espresso machine this may not bother you but for those looking for a machine that is fit for daily use, the Gevi Espresso Machine may not be for you.
Coffee Quality – 4/5
Despite being a smaller and less advanced machine, the Gevi Espresso Machine still puts out an okay espresso for the home experience. It certainly is not cafe-quality but the espresso produced by this machine is surprisingly middle of the road, neither good nor bad.
Much of your coffee quality will be dependent on the grinder that you decide upon. If using pre-ground coffee be sure to only use with a pressurized basket which also must be purchased separately (though at a much more affordable price point than a grinder).
User Experience – 2.5/5
Advertised as a fast heating home espresso machine, the Gavi Espresso Machine does stay true to this notion with a rapid heating time of about one to two minutes.
The interface for the Gevi Espresso Machine is straightforward and simple. With only two buttons and, a switch for on/off and brew/steam, this machine makes the user’s life easy with simple navigation.
That is if the machine holds up. Some users have complained that frequent use wears on the machine, making the Gevi Espresso Machine a less durable option for daily users.
The Steam Wand – 2/5
The steam wand is somewhat lacking on the Gevi Espresso Machine. Its design is bulky and less effective than other steam wands on home espresso machines. Don’t expect too much from this steam wand.
Additionally, the steam wand is operated by a switch and a button. This design is less ergonomic and offers much less control than a knob or a lever.
The Accessories – 1/5
The Gevi Espresso Machine has a shortage of accessories which is not entirely surprising when the price point is considered. Users will need to purchase a tamper and additional baskets separately in order to make the most of this home espresso machine.
As previously mentioned, the Gevi 2-in-1 Espresso Machine does not include a grinder. This is a disappointing aspect of the Gevi Espresso Machine as it requires more and more additional purchases that will end up driving the price of this machine quite a bit higher than the advertised price.
Should I Buy Gevi Expresso Machine?
While there are very few home espresso machines even close to this price point, it’s important to keep in mind that you will have to purchase additional accessories as well as a separate grinder. The initial $150 price tag is likely to at least double by the time you have everything you need to brew espresso at home.
Unless you are using pre-ground coffee, you will end up spending around $300 to get this gear up and going. With that in mind, it is hard to justify the downfalls of this machine when other espresso machines of higher quality are available for similar pricing.
Additionally, this home espresso machine is somewhat outdated in 2021 as options for home espresso machines increase and appliance giants continue to produce well-received machines at increasingly affordable price points.
In the end, this espresso machine is more of a fun gadget for the occasional user rather than a reliable home espresso machine for the avid home barista.
Great for the occasional home barista that craves a latte every once in a while but isn’t too concerned with longevity or quality and is okay with using pre-ground coffee rather than freshly ground.
Not so great for an enthusiastic home barista looking for a workhorse to withstand daily use and produce cafe-quality brews.
With all of that in mind, I rate the GEVI 2-in-1 Espresso Machine a 2 out of 5.
