Wirsh describe the 15-bar espresso machine as the perfect addition to a kitchen. At first glance, from several paces away the slim steel design could be mistaken for a beautiful De’Longhi EC680M. Both models aim to save counter top space while providing a supreme coffee beverage.
As you focus on the Wirsh, turn it on, a pleasant light blue stripe illuminates, allowing it to stand apart from other designs. At almost half the price of the De’Longhi EC680M, but with just about the same specs, the Wirsh peaked my interest.
Wirsh claim the reasoning behind the design of the 15-bar was that when it was devised – in the beginning of a pandemic, coffee lovers wanted a cafe’ style quality, coffee at home.
Is The Wirsh 15 Bar Espresso Machine Simple to Operate?
The Wirsh is simple to operate and well built. Stainless steel construction will make sure the machine will last. The milk steamer is a perfect way to hone your barista skills. I like the handy rubber grip which provides safety while the steam wand heats up with steam. Even the most skilled barista will cause drips sometimes and the removable stainless steel drip tray is easily wiped clean.
The portafilter is easy to get to grips with. It comes with two inner cups: one for two shots and another for one shot. Both fit snugly into the portafilter, which secured easily and firmly (make sure you feel and hear the click).
Two additional features that are of benefit to home baristas are the topmost heating tray which can keep two cups warm and secondly: the detachable 42oz/354 ml transparent water tank allowing you to see the water level. It clicks in and out of place simply yet feels robust. A water level guide, is there to stop you overfilling or under filling.
While some people complain it’s positioned at the back, for me that’s a small bugbear. After all the Wirsh is in good company in that respect as many more expensive machines do the same.
Is the Wirsh Espresso Automatic?
The Wirsh 15 bar is easy to use thanks to clear automatic features. Buttons with simple LED lights can be pressed for one shot or two shots of espresso. And for the milk steamer. The Wirsh automatically fills just the right amount of espresso in to the cup.
A press of a simple on switch starts a pleasant whirring sound which won’t wake the family. The perfect temperature is set for you. Make lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites or rich espressos. A cup of espresso will take under forty seconds.
Points to Remember With The Wirsh 15 Bar.
- Use middle ground coffee. Not too fine
- When frothing the milk push the wand in about half way for 20 seconds into the steel pitcher. When you hear a lower, slower pitch, the creamy froth will be perfect and ready for a latte. Overall the milk frother is quieter than many other machines.
Pros of the Wirsh Espresso 15 Bar Machine
- Clear LED lights for each functions.
- Easy to clean
- Doesn’t take up much counter space
- A 2 year warranty and 12 hour help line offers real assurance of quality.
Cons
- The Wirsh only makes one large cup at a time.
Final Words
The Wirsh offers super value for money. Of stainless steel parts and coming with a 2 year warranty, perhaps the lesser known brand name won’t matter so much when you think of quality assurance. From a practical point, the Wirsh is a great starter espresso machine where you can learn the barista job in the comfort of your own home.
Simplified, engineering, an espresso machine can hardly be simpler to operate. 4 main buttons and an auto temperature setting makes beverage creation fool proof. A downside may be that you can only make onecup at a time so your partner will have to wait less than a few minutes for you to go through the process again (or share your milk froth if you want to take two coffees away in under two minutes).
Taking up little space the Wirsh takes the best features of more expensive brand models, allowing you to store it more easily or simply save on counter space. This good looking device will produce wonderful espresso all day long and look good doing it.
Check out the best price I found on Amazon (I may get a small commission for purchases)
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