Sunbeam Cafe Series Espresso EM7000 (Stainless)
VerifiedMPN: EM7000174 reviews
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Will not buy this machine again because of cleaning shower screen screw, burring. Needs to be Allen key screw – This is my second sunbeam EM machine and I will not buy this machine again because of the shower screen screw head. This happens every time you go to clean the machine. The screw will NOT give. Sensibly Sunbeam should FIX this issue. You will see many threads regarding the burring of this screw and the effort it requires just to clean your… Read more
machine. Also very very disappointed in the 1800 881 861 supposed customers service. Step it up Sunbeam Australia DISAPPOINTED!!!!
Great coffee but parts fail, and Sunbean no longer importing parts - Breaks Austalian Consumer laws – Machine failed within waranty and was repaired however at 2 years 3 months the steam pump blew up and the replaced collar is again failing. While Sunbeam agreed to pay for the parts to be replaced, the authorised repairer had my machine for 3 months, has had the pumps on order for 9 months and now Sunbeam has advised they will not be bringing… Read more
them to Australia anymore. This breaks Australian Consumer law rights where a consumer can expect a product ie an expensive coffee machine should have parts available for repair for several years after purchase and a reasonable repair time. I've owned several over the years, the warranty periods have gone from 5 years on the pumps to 1 year, the coffee is good, I make 2 coffees a day, not worth the price tag when the machine is unable to make it past 2 years! The service agent has provided a report saying the part is unavailable. As a consumer it is reasonable for me to expect this part to be supplied so the machine can be repaired. I have now spent all week on hold talking to 3 different staff, Joseph who is rude and unhelpful and refuses to assist even though he prvided me with the authority for the repair with Sunbeam paying for the part, Yaser who was helpful and said he located a few of the parts and would consult a manager to send the part, but I've been unable subsequently to contact him. Repeat of all information to Francis who was unable to locate a record showing any parts are available and he also referred to a manager and despite being told my case was being reviewed by a team and that I would be called back, nobody does.
Hi Ditsy, Thank you for sharing your experience. We are… Read more (+4 replies)
Reviews with attachments
it's alright – I have had mine for about five months after I swapped it with the lower model by Sunbeam and it's been ok. I use the Breville BCG820 Grinder coffee grinder and they make a good pair. The filter basket is solid, heavy and professional grade. I use the one shot basket only. Design-wise I think they should have designed a greater clearance so that… Read more · 1
taller mugs can slide in without tipping (with the porta filter attached). The max height cup that you can slide in without tipping is 90mm.
The quality of the stainless steel is good and it wipes down well after each use.
I suspect the built in "thermometer" of the milk frother spout is actually not a thermometer but works on a timer and assumes you are using the mug they supply and are using cold milk to the level in the mug that is recommended.
Because I use my own mug I find that if I follow the built-in thermometer it heats the milk above 65C. So I use a $5 battery operated thermometer from K-Mart and once you have done it a number of times your own hands become a pretty accurate thermometer and I tend to heat the milk just right without the built-in thermometer. The spout is a nice length and girth and clean easily enough. No trouble at all frothing and espressing simultaneously as there are twin heaters.
I have not found the need to tweak any of the factory settings. So far so good. Oh btw I read a review left by someone here that his pressure meter did not budge while es-pressing. I think it could have been because of stale coffee beans, that happened once when we came back from a two week holiday during which time the coffee beans became stale. Always use the best beans! If you are using the correct amount of grind you will see the faint pattern of the shower head on the grind which should be steaming and dry looking. You will also note that you have to knock with force to dislodge the used grind into the knock box. And it should dislodge as one complete cake with only a few bits of coffee grind to be wiped off.
In-depth reviews
The Perfect coffee machine – So after 15 years with my old Sunbeam EM6910 I decided to get a new one and decided on the EM7000. With the old EM6910 I have only had to replace the water filter and the drip tray. It was regularly cleaned and maintained. That's why it lasted lol. It still works :) So I had a look at what's out there new and was blown away with the variety and… Read more · 1
the broad range of build quality. The Sunbeam EM7000 stainless is great build quality. I did some research and was happy to purchase. All works as expected and after the first couple of coffees, I was able to get awesome coffee into my belly. The only issue I had was my large coffee mug did not fit under the group handle so I purchased some double-walled glass cups to dispense the coffee into and then pour into my mug - a bit more fussing around but it works for me. So be aware if you have large mugs/cups. Also noted was the outlet from the group handle faces forward from the machine so the cups sit on the very front edge of the drip tray. The old group handle version sat centre of the drip tray. The water container at the back of the machine is 3L and easy to fill from the top. Either side of the water inlet is space for the group head baskets which is great. Another handy feature is a temp gauge for the milk frother wand so you always get the right temp milk hence the right temp coffee. The second gauge is the normal pressure display. All buttons, knobs, materials, utensils are all of excellent build quality. I purchased a replacement water filter, group head seal, and descaling solution so I am set! I am hoping this machine, with proper care and maintenance, will also last the distance like my old machine. One note, my original EM6910 came with a 3 year warranty. The EM7000 is the normal 12 months :( I will do an update after a few hundred coffees and let folks know how it's going :) Cheers
Excellent machine - makes great cappucino's – Had my EM7000 for a few years now, and, after a rough start initially, entirely my fault, I now know how to make great coffee with it. Let me explain. Firstly I didn't know how to froth the milk. Two things fixed that - firstly I had my daughter show me how to do (she was a barista for a couple of years) and she explained the science and… Read more
technique behind it, and secondly I bought a smaller jug than the one that came with the unit. Secondly, I had a lot of trouble getting coffee with the right grind. With the average supermarket coffee the water would just shoot straight through and produce weak coffee. Then I tried Illy...wow what a difference....tamp it firmly and it generates the best crema and flavour you could ever want. You can get it at the supermarket but its expensive...but thoroughly worth it. Having said all that I want to know if I can make my coffee even better....I read on other reviews that using a VST 22gm basket generates more pressure in the handle so will extract more flavours from the coffee. One of the reasons, it was explained, was because the VST is a 'double walled' basket. However when I look at the baskets that came with my EM7000 they look like they are double walled too. Can someone please verify that? Maybe Sunbeam changed them during production to improve the result. Also I note that sometimes the water seems to come out of the thermoblock in either one or two jets even after I have cleaned it. I unscrewed the screw and noticed that inside the screen thing there is another screen just sitting there with a washer on top. It looks like a bit odd. Wondering if anyone can explain the logic with that design. In any case I feel that when the water comes out from the screens in a single or a couple of jets it will not hit all the coffee in the handle and therefore I'm not getting all the flavour that is available. Has anyone had these same thoughts and a way of tackling it?
Problem from the start – I have Sunbeam Expresso Machine 7000K series I purchase it on 10/06/16, set it up at home for first time same day water spurted out everywhere I returned machine 12/06/16 they had no stock had to drive to another store second machine would not sit level the whole machine twisted ,looked like carton had been dropped prior to me taking delivery they… Read more
were very sorry but did not have another one in stock had to drive 50 minutes to get a replacement on 23/06/16 machine went well for about a month ,and from then on has had continual problems with steamer and water flow would not recommend this machine to anyone, The store that I purchased it from had a solution spend another $800 and they would give me the TORINO TOTAL COST OUTLAID FOR BOTH MACHINES would have been $1400 no thanks I had my previous sunbeam machine 6910 for over 10 years without a problem. A very good product, I wish I could say the same about the 7000 series but this machine not in same class. Pwhen possible will have to replace with another brand.
Hello GjM, Thank you for sharing your current experience… Read more (+5 replies)
Recent reviews
Honest review – Upgraded from a Sunbeam EM6910, which I had for 6 years. It was still pulling great shots and making delicious cappuccinos. However, my beautiful partner somehow managed to get the new model EM7000, for my birthday. I was over the moon. Had all new gauges making it look sophisticated and sharp. The unit was quick starting and pulled consistent… Read more
shots. I was rapt! Maintained it well and always cleaned every week. Was my pride and joy.
Did notice from the get go that upon powering up and priming, it always leaked water from the head and steam wand. If I was to be critical, it was rather annoying wiping down the bench before making my espresso. But it wasn't a deal breaker. The real concern was the reliability.
Maybe I was spoilt and fortunate with the previous model which lasted me 6 years. But this model didn't make 2 years. Which is a concern as a consumer, do we really need more land fill?
Love the brand but concerning that machines will last less than 2 years before failing. Do we need more disposable goods? No. If that's the case, I would have just got a cheap machine for $200 from K Mart et al. I would rather have quality and reliability if it decreased the waste.
Sunbeam, keep improving your products. Lead the way forward in reducing your global footprint but innovation and design.
The Good: Fast start up Consistent shots Solid build
The Bad: Leaking group head and wand Reliability
Great coffee machines..... BUT – These coffee machines are great. I have bought 3 of them, and had 4 (EM6910, EM7000, EM7100). And there is the issue. They really only last 2-3 years. After that, either the main pump stops working, or the steam stops for frothing. And Sunbeam are pretty fixed on sticking to their 12 month warranty. So although I love the machines, I am probably going to replace my EM7000 (which is not quite 3 years old) with another brand. Show details
A good machine but got silly part problem – Had EM7000 for two years and always love it. During covid we also added the grinder as my partner and I would each have at least 3 coffee per day. However the machine run into some issue one month ago when the shower head plate came off, together with the top plate which I later realise came from the Thermoblock assy. I tried to put the two plates… Read more
back but it would always come off again. Just recently I realised this was due to the screw from the Thermoblock assy went missing, leaving a bitter taste to the coffee. I checked the spare parts list it appears this this screw isn’t on the list and I may need need to replace the whole Thermoblock assy unit. Is there any chance you can provide this screw as a stand along part? Or its specification would be great so I don’t have to replace the whole ASSY, in the later case may need to go through the service agent.
This machine got me through lockdown! – This machine has been great - especially when I had to put it to heavy work over lockdown(s). Picked up a refurbished model and it has performed beautifully for 2 years. Like another reviewer I'd also suggest getting a better basket, but once that's sorted it's a great machine for the price! My only complaint is with the cost of the sunbeam… Read more · 1
cleaning products and replacement seals for this machine - if they were more reasonable this would be an absolute winner.
3 cups a day, 5 years on and still killing it! – My partner and I have been enjoying the services of this machine for about 5 years now and visitors are still complementing on how comparable it brews to commercial machines used at cafe's. I have heard complaints about the pressure not being there as not having a dual floor basket and not being able to use pre ground supermarket coffee. But as it… Read more
states it's a Cafe series not stock so you simply must grind your own beans with a quality Burr grinder. Which personally is all part of the enjoyment. Look after it, clean and descale evey 4 weeks and you should get the best out of it.
Useless as supplied new – Previous models came with Duel floor filter baskets. This model has single floor only which means ground coffee from the supermarket won’t work ( no pressure) Sunbeam are aware of this and tell you to purchase the duel floor for $50.00 If you want to fix the problem. Fantastic machine if only they supplied the correct baskets . Show details
Hello Jim Boyd, Thank you for sharing your current… Read more (+1 reply)
Coffee OK - Sunbeam service TERRIBLE – Bought the EM7000 after nearly 6 years of faithful service from my EM6910. This brings us to the first point the EM6910 came with a 5 year warranty but for the EM7000 Sunbeam only offers 1 year. At 17 months a puddle of water formed under the machine after use - so we rang customer service which brings us to the second point Despite living in… Read more
central Sydney the closest service centre able to inspect the machine is a two hour drive! Rang several local coffee machine service centres and they did not repair Sunbeam machines While it worked the coffee was fine - but (i) machine failed far too soon and (ii) Sunbeam offers no sensible repair options The replacement is from Breville ... UPDATE Pulled bottom off the the machine and found the water leak was caused by incorrect assembly at the factory. Four bolts hold an O ring in place and one of the bolts had not been correctly tightened (could tell by the loctite on the threaded section of 3 of the bolts but only on the nut of the 4th). Highlights a lack of quality control
Hello Michael_Jones, Thank you for sharing your… Read more
Find out how Sunbeam Cafe Series Espresso EM7000 (Stainless) compares to other Semi-Automatic and Manual Coffee Machines
Know better, choose better.
Poor quality build – These machines are built poorly. 2 years on and it leaks from the bottom. Last Sunbeam product I buy. Utter crap, no consistency in quality, except that it is pot luck if you get a descent one for your money. Show details
EM7000 to be serviced – I need to EM7000 to be serviced in Hobart Tasmania and there no service agents except the other end of state which is 3 hours away. I rang customer service but the could not help. Left message for manager to call Me - no response. Lodged online query and email advising someone would contact me in 3 days - no response. How is it possible for sunbeam you have no agents in southern Tasmania Show details
Hello Mirjana, So sorry to hear about that, 7 years with… Read more (+1 reply)
Broken again – Bought my em 7000 3 years ago, loved it (wrote a review praising it then)made great coffee12 months ago steamer stopped working. Put it in for repair at a very reputable coffee repair company when I got it back nothing worked returned it to them and they repaired it again. Again great coffee for almost 12 months, steamer has broken again, very… Read more
disappointed not going to spend a couple hundred bucks for another possible year. I drink a long black and thankfully i can still make them but my wife cant get her latte but its put me off buying another sunbeam. I have rated the frother below great when it worked. Bryan
No presssure – Machine has no pressure, you could put your whole weight on the tamper and fine ground coffee. the gauge stays at 0 Weak . I usually love sunbeam but not that machine Show details
Makes good coffee but the pressure gauge seems flakey – We replaced our older series Sunbeam with this machine today after 10 years of service. We took the first machine back because the pressure gauge did nothing. The second machine seems now to be doing the same - dead pressure gauge. These are not analogue dials but digital so presumably something is askew with the pressure sensor or the MCU… Read more
controlling it.
Irritating not to have a feature you've paid for but equally not stopping it from producing good coffee. I comfort myself with the point that I rarely looked at the gauge on the older machine which was not very well located so don't really need this one either.
Customer support service – Purchased this machine Jan 2019. Feb I had a problem with the steamer. Calling the service number transferred to service who suggested running the cleaning cycle. No steam, called back but transferred to service with no answer. Sent email no response. I understand the current pandemic is disrupting work places, but no response is unacceptable. Show details · 1
The best – Bought it second hand from a coffee buff. Read some reviews about leaking problems after about 1 year . This one was about 2 years old and in beautiful condition. After getting the run down on how to work it, I must say it makes the BEST coffee I have ever had. It makes my old Sunbeam entry level machine ,which I thought pretty good, second rate! Show details · 1
Excellent – Fantastic machine. Things we love - compact compared to Breville; twin thermoblock means can steam and draw coffee simultaneously; quick to warm up; our first one gave 5 + years of great service. Show details · 1
7 years in still going strong, 3 friends have bought same machine after me telling them to do it – After 7 years of using it, i would go out again and buy another one if it broke down today. Its a work horse and give great coffee. Once you know what your doing with coffee you can change the preset setting to fit how you like to make coffee, higher steam pressure or wetter steam, hotter brew water colder, different infusion process. 1 thing… Read more · 1
i do straight away with my machine and friends was go out and Buy a VST 22g basket for the coffee Dramatic changes made a good coffee machine Excellent.
Find out how Sunbeam Cafe Series Espresso EM7000 (Stainless) compares to other Semi-Automatic and Manual Coffee Machines
Know better, choose better.
Broke Down at 6 months; Sunbeam Customer Service Appalling – Let me start this review by saying I know Sunbeam Espresso machines very well (this is my 4th), coming after 2 previous EM6910's including one I purchased for my son. This machine was purchased from The GoodGuys in Sydney with an extended warranty. However I didn't expect it to fail within 6 months due to failure of the steam wand. I contacted… Read more
the supposed Sunbeam Customer Care imprinted on the machine which instead of identifying itself as Sunbeam, tells you you are connected with 'Newell Brands' and then proceeds to connect to Call Centre in the Philippines. OK you think no problem. Eventually I am given an authorization number to take to a repairer who I happen to know very well from his efforts in keeping my EM6910's alive for many years. However machine then takes almost 3 weeks to be repaired. This isn't because of a delay by the repairer who tells me (and I know from personal experience could have repaired the machine in a couple of days), but because the Sunbeam Call Centre in the Philippines gives him the run around by not answering his emails and taking almost 2 weeks to authorize the repair!
According to the service agent this has only happened since Sunbeam moved its Call Centre from Australia to the Philippines.
This is unacceptable Sunbeam: Unacceptable that a new machine breaks down at 6 months requiring a workshop repair instead of replacement AND unacceptable that you take almost 2 weeks to approve repair.
This will be my last Sunbeam machine.
Big company changes should be comprehensively planned and diligently executed so that customer… Read more (+2 replies)
Love my coffee machine – This machine has never missed a beat. Brings my joy every morning. Perfect extraction and perfectly textured milk. It is very easy to clean and extremely easy to use. My son is also making great coffee. Show details · 1
Second major problem in just over 2 years – Was hoping this Cafe series expresso machine purchased in 2017, was built to a higher standard than the previous model which failed after several years of light use. However it started having problems and then stopped altogether( lights on nobody home) resulting in a costly repair replacing electronic board . 6 months later and the pressure of… Read more
the steam wand is reduced to zero despite diligently following care instructions. It also now wont even go through a clean cycle. Pfft, certainly cant afford another costly repair. Goodbye Sunbeam, no longer a quality reliable company.
makes a great flat white/capp. great steam wand... when working – had it for 7 months, makes a mean coffee great latte art possible if that's your thing. only problem is the steam wand died and is in under warranty as we speak. I guess they don't make things to last these days but youd expect more than 7 months of service. Show details
Hi Breto, Thank you for reviewing
Avoid, buy something else – As others have said, it starts well then deteriorates and becomes difficult to make a good espresso. After 18 months the coffee is just terrible. Seems others have had this experience. By the way, this is after it has already been in for a service once (a few months out of warranty and they refused to waive the service fee). When I called customer… Read more
support they advised me on how to grind, tamper and grams required. As they knew, we have had an espresso machine for over a decade - we know how to adjust all those factors to make a good coffee. Zero acknowledgement that may be their product is the problem - it's all the customers lack of skills. Even when water does not leak and it comes through at the correct pressure, the coffee is still tasteless. We gave up after the last six months of difficulties and inconsistencies and instead purchased an Italian coffee machine as a replacement.
Hi aldo08, Sorry to hear you had these problems, we will take your feedback on board...
Ordinary for the money - paid $750 – Works well for about 12 months. Took great care of it, usually only 1 coffee made per. Lasted about 18 months. Absolute junk after that. This is my 2nd one. The other got replaced by retailer. Problems: Coffee often cold, machine would overheat after a few mins, etc Show details
Hi Ryan, Sorry to hear of your experience with your… Read more (+1 reply)
From BES870 to Em7000 – My bes 870 broke just replaced it ..spent best part of 500 grams of beans and couldn't get the shot right ..was using my best 870 grinder so I went to merlo coffee and they sell fresh ground coffee but they grind it to suit the machine .. so I get home use the new coffee ore ground and the machine pulls a perfect shot ...just made my 2nd coffee… Read more · 1
and the same perfect results tomorrow I'll go look at a grinder . The difference from the fine grind on the best 870 to what I got from merlo ...the merlo coffee was almost like powder and my bes870 grinder is no where near fine enough ...don't be put off if you can not get the shots right .. spend $11.50 at merlo for 250 g and ground o tour machines specs ....at least I found out it me and the grinder .. ..
November 2nd 2019 Update: Breville Barista Express BES 870 TO A Sunbeam Cafe Series Espresso EM7000
Had a breville that died whilst the barista express is great i feel the sunbeam is better can pull the shot and heat milk at the same time ...so went for the sunbeam as it has a few more features. Had it a year very happy I make lattes short blacks I can use beans from woolies and Coles and still get a great coffee ..it's made a real change since 2016 when i went to real coffee after spending heaps on top shelf instant coffee ......once you get a machine you won't go back ...the initial outlay soon balances out against instant coffee it sure makes a better way to start the day.
4 years on – I just made a coffee and thought holy smokes I can't believe this thing is still making great coffee after 4+ years. Pair this up with a good grinder (its crucial to grind your own beans for good coffee) and you are in business! We have even taken this with us when we have stayed at a holiday house, so its a sturdy unit. Show details · 1
12 Months on – Some one & a half years have passed since I purchased this unit following the failure of my old machine & I thought it was about time that I took pen to paper to view my thoughts on the above unit. Firstly a quick run-down of its features, twin boilers - enables you to extract & froth your milk at the same time, this does this may not seem… Read more · 1
important but when you are making coffee for a number of guests the time saved at the machine is a welcome relief, the tank holds 3 litres of water (with inbuilt filter) a generous amount, various programming adjustments enabling you to adjust the machine to your brewing liking & cleaning programs, having said this I find the standard settings suit me down to the ground.
My old machine was an EM6900 which had served me for over four year before failing and I had no hesitation on replacing it with another Sunbeam unit. I could have had it repaired but living in a country town and no local service agent was a hassle & the opportunity to buy a new machine with an inbuilt temperature probe & gauge was too much to resist. Was it worth having the inbuilt temp probe & display gauge worthwhile? My answer is a definite yes.
The machine has worked perfectly over the time owned & makes a great cup of coffee, my unit is paired with a Breville BCG820 Grinder (this replaced my old Sunbeam EM480 grinder) & I will list the steps taken to produce what I consider a great cup of coffee using the two units. Firstly, I use a VST coffee grinder basket (both single & double quantity) matched to a Pullman coffee tamper in place of the units supplied, these baskets hold a few grams more ground coffee & as we use 250ml coffee mugs & I find the little bit extra produces a coffee to my liking. If you are using a smaller cup then you can use the standard basket, but if you are like me & love the feel of the heavier tamper then update. Adjusting the dose & grind of ground the coffee can be a challenge to the new comer but using these two units correctly will enable you to produce the result required, the dose in the filler should reach the water dispersing plate when the handle is inserted, if your dose is correct you will find a neat pattern of the water dispersing plate when the handle is removed, if the coffee in the basket is soggy or not smooth (pattern) then adjust the quantity of the dose up till it is. Once this point is reached you can adjust the grind to give you a perfect extraction. I have found over the years the daily temperature does make a difference to the grind, as an example in the Winter I might grind 4 clicks on the grinder courser than in the Summer so minor changes to your settings are required as the seasons change. You will also find that a different grind is required between 1 & 2 cup baskets to get the best out of your machine. Also different settings will be required when using different types of coffee beans.
I hope these notes help you come to a decision that is best for you.
Best at home coffee machine!! – This machine delivers exceptional coffee every time! I have had it for approximately 3 years now with no faults at all! Only downfall, more work required due to it being manual. The idea was though, that you can make it how you want it with the steam nozzle. However for the sake of saving time when your in a rush, I would go with one of those 'one… Read more · 2
button' coffee machines that still use beans. Still a great machine for those who have that extra time.
Love this coffee machine – I previously had an old Delonghi machine which was failing and I needed to buy a replacement to be able to continue feeding my coffee addiction in the morning. After shopping around, my sister suggested i look into the Sunbeam models as she had an EM6910 which had lasted her 7 years of off and on usage. After doing research and pricing I… Read more · 1
settled on the EM7000 and EM0480 Grinder combo (Recommended) as the EM6910 was no longer sold.
I was very impressed with the quality of the machine when I got it home and it felt solid and looked awesome out of the box. My first few pours were one of trial and error with the Grinder. Once I got that right, the machine told me I was pouring with the correct grind level as the little dial tells you this by indicating 'Grey' for grounds are too coarse or red for grounds are too fine or too tightly packed.
The water wasn't too hot and the coffee was fantastic in Espresso format. The next step was to try the milk frother which worked a treat and the hot water spout did its thing. With a bit of practice I was able to make Lattes like they do at the local Cafe and for a fraction of the cost.
Overall I am extremely happy with this machine 4 years on from purchasing it and it shows no sign of slowing down and is looking like lasting forever.
If you look after your machine including cleaning and maintenance then it will last a very long time.
Really wakes you up in the morning! – I absolutely am obsessed with my morning coffee and its important I have a machine that works effortless !! I have had this machine for over 2 years now and it is the best purchase I have made and worth every single cent. Never had an issue with this machine and works the best every single time I use it! Very happy customer! Show details · 1
Superb coffee machine for the demanding home user – The EM7000 is at the upper end of consumer machines before you tip over into compact versions of commercial units. As such, it offers features aimed at the aspiring pro, with the ease of use of a more introductory consumer machine, all in a budget-friendly package. In order to meet those competing demands, it does make a few compromises but… Read more · 1
they're not ones that most users are likely to notice, let alone care about. I've summarised its performance through a few different stages of use below, each of which shows the tension of trying to meet its target market.
The time-out on the machine going into standby is just slightly too short, and it will tend to switch off just before I go back for my second coffee. But to balance that the heat-up is fast, phenomenally fast. Coming from using a range of small boiler, thermoblock and semi-commercial HX or dual boiler machines, I have been struck by how quickly the EM7000 goes from stone cold to ready to brew and steam. It's so fast, in fact, that the outside of the machine is still cold and that includes the portafilter. So you need to make sure to run a shot of water through the filter to bring it up to brew temp before loading your grinds.
The portafilter has single-wall filter baskets, which means you can escape from the myriad horrors of double-wall baskets that dominate cheaper machines. The supplied portafilter and baskets are excellent, but have limited upgrade potential in the future. While the baskets are standard 58mm width, they're not standard depth. So most off-the-shelf filters from other brands will take a slightly lower coffee dose. And the portafilter itself is of non-standard dimensions, so you can't upgrade to a naked portafilter down the track if you're inclined.
The brew controls are incredibly intuitive and easy to use, with volumetric single and double shot options. If you want to tweak it, it does have a programmable brew option as well. But after experimenting with the standard settings, I suspect they would meet the demands of 99% of users without adjustment. The pressure gauge that fires up while brewing is a nod toward the gauges on commercial machines, but the needle jumps slightly erratically, lacks a scale and is more decorative than useful. But it might slightly while dialing in your grinder.
Steaming performance is superb. Really, really superb. The steam wand is easy to use and has plenty of pressure. Not quite the pressure of a commercial, but far beyond most domestics at a pleasant mid-point that still steams fast, without needing super precise timing. It's fast enough to churn out coffees for a group of guests, without the speed you'd want in a cafe. Which is good, because that lets you stretch milk like a pro before having to spend years actually becoming a pro. There's a temperature gauge on the steamer, but like with the brew pressure gauge it's not quite precise enough to be fully useful but is a good learning tool. And of course one of the main advantages for someone coming to this from a cheaper machine, the dual thermoblocks and dual pumps of course mean you can be brewing coffees and steaming milk at the same time.
Cleaning and daily maintenance is easy, but more complex maintenance is also the weakness of balancing between domestic and commercial. Cheaper domestic machines tend to be fairly simple in construction, and easy for an owner to strip back and repair. Compact commercial machines are designed very specifically to be easy to strip back and repair, though the requisite level of owner skill to DIY the fixes is much higher. The complexities of the EM7000 that deliver its performance at that price make it nearly impossible to do any major service beyond cleaning it yourself. If you always take your machine in to the shop for repairs, this won't bother you in the slightest. But if you have always stripped back and repaired your own coffee machines, know that you might have to let someone else have that fun with your new toy.
The EM7000 is aiming for a tough target, but I think it does an admirable job of meeting its requirements. For the money, I haven't seen any other machines come close in their performance.
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Hi Tammie, Thank you for sharing your experience while… Read more