The ICUIRE espresso machine, follows in the revered footsteps of the slimline De’Longhi Dedica EC685R with its narrow footprint, taller glass capacity and double filter basket options. This chrome espresso machine also is designed, like the Dedica, with the home barista at heart who wants ease of use but with bistro style beverage quality. Does the ICUIRE match, conquer or fall short of the trail blazing Dedica and others in its class? Read until the end to find out if the ICUIRE is as stimulating in its job as black coffee or simply chicory (chicory was a 2nd World War substitute for coffee) substitute.
The harder you look into the specs of the ICUIRE, the easier it is to be impressed by this gleaming espresso machine. At 4.7 inches wide the ICUIRE is an inch thinner than the Dedica, which doesn’t sound much but may very well suit people with limited counter or cabinet space. 0.26 pounds lighter at 9 pounds, this stainless steel machine is pretty portable and may be useful for RV travels as well as easily brought in and out of storage.
Table of Contents
The ICUIRE Uses User Friendly Digital Temperature Control
What is PID?
A PID controller is an instrument used in machine control applications to regulate temperature, pressure, speed, flow and other process variables. PID stands for proportional integral derivative. Controllers maintain a control loop feedback mechanism to control process variables and are considered the most accurate and stable controller. In layperson’s English the ICUIRE sets the optimal temperature to extract oils and coffee for your espresso.
With an impressive 20 BARS of pressure while extracting espresso, the ICUIRE out does the Dedica which uses 15 BARS. However, as I have written before this is a bone of contention among coffee aficionados, as some claim 15 BARS is more than adequate to release oils and flavors from grounds. The ICUIRE’s watts advantage (1350 compared with 1300) coupled with higher BARS does produce a fractionally faster espresso, though we’re talking a second or so.
The four buttons which are the same as many others in this class are: one cup, two cup, on/off and steam, though these buttons are nicely arranged as touch control options at the top of the front face.
Frothing Wand and How to Use
The steam wand has a handy rubber grip to prevent scalding. Simply turn the button on the flank to frothing. Secondly fill a pitcher about half full (there should be marked measuring guides on the best pitchers), purge the steam before dunking the tip of the wand into the milk.
The wand will eject steam creating millions of micro bubbles which form a silky foam for cappuccino style beverages. The end result is a thick froth. Remember that latte requires more steamed milk then thick froth so push the wand in deeper for less time. The 360 degree turning option allows you to fondly experiment at achieving the right consistency of froth for you and any penchant for latte art you may have.
The 1.2 liter reservoir on the ICUIRE is about normal in this class of espresso machine and ample for serving a family each day. Nowadays, most machines have transparent reservoirs (so you can see the water level) that simply click in and out and this machine follows suite.
Extras in The Box
The extras you get in the box are pretty standard for espresso machines in this class, though the double porterfilter baskets for single and double cups are always a nice touch.
- Single and Double Cup Filters
- Plastic Powder Compactor/Spoon
Things to Like
- Stainless Steel Construction
- Top warming plate for a pitcher or cups
- Thermoblock system works speedily
- 20 Bars
- Very narrow design
- Good quality crema
- Value for money
Cons
- A small issue is the machine does not warn you if the water tank is empty
In Conclusion
Use of the stainless steel espresso machine is simple: fill the grounds in the portafilter, tamp down lightly and twist in place. Make sure not to overfill your baskets with espresso grounds so it’s easier to lock the handle in place.
A real plus about this gleaming machine is it combines good looks with user friendly espresso making features that would be at home on a machine twice the price. 20 BARS provides a good quality crema in about thirty seconds and its diminutive size means its as easy to leave on your counter top as a large kettle.
- You may like: Best Budget Espresso Machines With 20 BARS
