The Gevi Espresso Machine 20 Bar is a budget espresso machine with a milk frother/steamer that is a simplified version of an espresso machine you’d find in your local cafe. Whether you like an espresso shot (or double), latte or cappuccino, the ‘white’ Gevi offers adaptable and easy coffee beverage brewing while looking good doing it. Plus, this is achieved at a price many coffee lovers will welcome. These are our first impressions but read until the end to see if the white 20 Bar performs or if Gevi designers need to smell the coffee.
Before diving into the review of the Gevi espresso 20 Bar machine, lets look into what a 20 bar coffee machine is and the difference between 20 bar and 15 bar.
What is a 20 Bar Espresso Machine and is it Better than 15 Bar?
A bar stands for barometric pressure, which is the pressure exerted on grounds of coffee. One bar is the pressure of air at sea level so 20 bars is the weight of pressure exerted at sea level times twenty.
When coffee aficionado, Angelo Moriondo invented the espresso machine in 1884, his goal was to find a better way to release oils, flavors and all the tasty components that we enjoy in espresso coffee today.
Nowadays, coffee experts fail to find a consensus of opinion on which bar machine is best. Some experts claim a lower bar machine takes a longer time to brew so more of the oils and flavors are released.
A twenty bar machine will pump more pressure through coffee so the result is a faster produced espresso. Experts often point out that budget machines don’t in fact reach 15 bar or 20 bar pressure and that often they produce about 10 bars of pressure which is enough to produce a delicious espresso with crema.
In short, in my opinion if you opt for a budget espresso machine you’ll be steaming in the right direction with a 15 bar model and up.
Gevi Espresso Machine 20 Bar Review (With Milk Frother)
Firstly, a nice touch on the Gevi is a replaceable and transparent water tank that allows you to easily remove and refill, plus keep an eye on water levels. Keep a cloth handy for any water spillage on the base after you remove the tank more than once.
When you turn the machine the machine hums into life (it’s not loud enough to wake the family). Heating reaches optimum heat when the three blue lights stop flashing.
Twist the knob to the far right for milk frothing. Add about 100 ml of milk into a steel pitcher (the pitcher doesn’t come with the machine). The frother wand is made from stainless steel so it won’t rust any time soon. Able to rotate 360 degrees it’s a great way to churn up froth for cappuccinos or lattes. Lattes require more hot milk than froth. Practice makes perfect in getting the right density of froth to milk.
I like the way Gevi provides two different filter holders to fit in the portafilter – one shot or two (fool proof usability is the axiom here). However, a manual setting will allow you to over ride the amount of espresso produced which is a nice touch on a budget machine.
Dimensions of The Gevi Espresso Machine 20 Bar (with Milk Frother)
- ; W x H x D): 22.6 x 35.2x 36.6 cms/8.89 x 13.85 x 14.4 in, weight: 3.3 kg.
At slightly taller than one foot, the Gevi 20 bar is larger than its cheaper sibling: the Gevi 15 Bar but for people who like more portability the Gevi 20 bar is lighter by a noticeable half KG/2.2 pounds.
The Gevi 20 bar is of the type, where the milk froth is created first. Wait several seconds after filling your pitcher with froth (you can tell when the steamed milk is ready as the pitcher base will be almost too hot to hold) for the machine to cool a notch and then start brewing the espresso.
45 seconds later, transfer espresso into a taller cup, tip your steel pitcher of frothed milk in to the cup of delicious espresso and crema to make your first cappuccino or latte.
Extra Nice Features:
- Safety feature: Auto shut off after 15 mins
- Warming plate for cups.
- Rated Power: 1350W
Rated Voltage: 120V~60 Hz
Tips of The Day
- Twist the portafilter securely into place or it could cause leakage.
- To clean remove the portafilter and twist turn on 1 shot to purge the machine of residual coffee and to keep it clean.
- The Gevi doesn’t come with a pitcher so don’t to forget to also order a steel pitcher or it will be like doing your weekly shopping without a bag.
Final Words
The Gevi 20 Bar espresso machine 2 in 1 is a good looking machine clad in gleaming white, which won’t look out of place in most kitchens, though it is larger than more expensive options.
Adaptable functions such as espresso serving size is a nice touch as are fool proof lights, and portafilter measure cups for 1 or 2 shots.
The lightness of the machine allows you to transport it with little fuss. The final espresso with crema is good imitation of bistro coffee and created in little over 45 seconds thanks to 20 bars.
In short you’re likely to gain jealous glances from neighbors and friends as the Gevi sits handsomely on your counter top and you’re sure to glean smiles as they taste their delicious coffee beverage.
- You may like: Best Milk Frothers [Buyers Guide]
- Read: Breville BMF600XL Milk Cafe Milk Frother Review
- Read the latest: 7 Best Rechargeable Milk Frothers
- Try this budget option review: Mixpresso 15 Bar Espresso Machine Review
