Introduction
Step into our Bellissimo espresso machine review. The ‘Cafe’ Company presents a marvel: an espresso machine boasting an integrated burr grinder, a milk frothing system, and the versatility of single/double shot functions, all topped with a 58mm portafilter complete with baskets. While its aesthetic charm is undeniable, the burning question remains: can it truly deliver reliability and exceptional taste? Join me as we delve into the concrete details. By the conclusion of this review, you’ll have a clear verdict on whether the Bellissimo is your perfect brew companion or not!
Specifications
| Brand | Cafe |
| Color | Matt white |
| Product Dimensions | 12.7″D x 13.7″W x 16.1″H |
| Special Feature | Programmable, Milk Frother, Removable Tank |
| Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
| Capacity | 95 fluid ounces |
| Item weight | 24 Pounds |
| Wattage | 1300 watts |
| Pump | Italian, 15 bar |
| Steam wand | 180 degree rotation |
| Burr grinder | 15 levels of grind |
| Wi-Fi | yes |
| Best Place to Buy | Buy on Amazon (US) |
Build Quality – Bellissimo espresso machine
The Milk frother wand and commercial-sized Portafilter and Baskets paint a picture reminiscent of the semi-automatic machines found in cafes. On paper, everything appears quite promising. The machine exudes a sleek and elegant aura, indeed, it’s quite striking in its beauty. The matte white finish exudes a calming effect, complemented by the delightful copper accents that enhance its overall aesthetics. The real standout feature of this machine is its pump; crafted with Italian precision, it exudes a quality that surpasses the Bellissiono’s price point.
Regrettably, the grinder and milk frother don’t quite meet the same standard. The water tank, although removable, is located at the rear of the machine, which could pose a challenge if space is limited beneath your kitchen unit. As a result, you may need to slide the machine out to refill or clean the tank. On a positive note, the drip tray is easily removable and washable under a tap, while the portafilter and tamper are solidly constructed and visually appealing.
Performance and Features – Bellissimo espresso machine
Shot quality
Based on user feedback, it’s commonly reported that you can consistently achieve excellent shots with the Bellissimo. The 15-bar pump plays a significant role in this, allowing you to pull professional-grade shots with ease. Users particularly praise the boiler, noting its top-tier performance that exceeds expectations given the machine’s price point. Overall, the quality of espressos produced is consistently excellent according to user experiences.
The Bellissimo pouring 2 espressos with its dual pour portafilter
Integrated Grinder/Hopper
This grinder utilizes a conical burr design, offering users a choice of 15 grind levels. However, some users have reported issues with finer grind settings causing clogs in the grinder. To avoid this, it’s recommended to select a coarser grind setting or anything above that. Additionally, beans may occasionally become stuck in the hopper, but tapping the side of the hopper typically helps to dislodge them.
Milk frother system
While the milk wand appears suitable at first glance, there have been user complaints regarding its frothing capabilities. Some users have noted inconsistency in the steamer’s ability to produce proper foam, resulting in a hit-or-miss experience. Additionally, there are reports of the steamer occasionally leaking. Although some users find the milk foam satisfactory, those seeking cafe-quality froth may find the frother lacking.
Pros and Cons – Bellissimo espresso machine
Pros
- Pulls great shots
- Excellent coffee taste
- Good Crema on espressos
- Easy machine to operate
- Great looking machine
Cons
- Grinder sometimes clogs
- Bean hopper sometimes clogs
- Milk froth is not high quality
- Questionable customer service
Who is the bellissimo espresso machine best for?
If you prefer a hands-on approach, you can adjust your grind manually, although its consistency may vary. Similarly, frothing milk with the milk wand may not always yield consistent results due to the unreliable steamer. However, if you enjoy pulling your own shots, the machine performs admirably in this aspect. Regrettably, I cannot endorse the Bellisimo for other functionalities. After thorough examination of feedback from various sources, predominantly across Western markets, positive remarks for this model are scarce.
Final Verdict – Is the bellissimo espresso machine worth it?
The grinder’s inconsistency in producing a uniform grind detracts from the overall experience, despite the potential for excellent coffee when it does perform well. This flaw significantly undermines the value of the Bellissimo.
Comparatively, the Cafe Affetto emerges as a superior option due to its superior consistency and reliability, particularly in the realm of grinding performance. Given the Bellissimo’s unreliable grinder, it’s difficult to justify its price tag, especially considering the prevalence of dissatisfied customers experiencing issues shortly after purchase.
The lack of reliability and consistency in grinder performance fails to instill confidence among users, making it challenging for me to endorse this machine. Furthermore, issues with customer service, including refusals of refunds and faulty replacement machines, further compound the problem. In contrast, the Cafe Affetto garners more positive feedback, boasting a consistent grinder, decent milk frother, and excellent coffee taste, albeit with similar concerns about customer service.
Overall, the Bellissimo disappoints users due to frequent grinder clogs, machine leaks, messy steaming, and inconsistent grinding performance. Despite its attractive appearance, the grinder remains its Achilles’ heel. If you’re still considering purchasing this machine, be wary of the uncertain customer service support.
Thank you sincerely for investing your time in reading my review of the Bellissimo espresso machine. I trust it offers meaningful insights to aid you in your decision-making journey. Stay tuned for more unbiased and comprehensive Reviews and articles!
(all images courtesy of Café)
Specifications
| Brand | Cafe |
| Color | Matt white |
| Product Dimensions | 12.7″D x 13.7″W x 16.1″H |
| Special Feature | Programmable, Milk Frother, Removable Tank |
| Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
| Capacity | 95 fluid ounces |
| Item weight | 24 Pounds |
| Wattage | 1300 watts |
| Pump | Italian, 15 bar |
| Steam wand | 180 degree rotation |
| Burr grinder | 15 levels of grind |
| Wi-Fi | yes |
| Best Place to Buy | Buy on Amazon (US) |