While I was on the lookout for a new machine to try, I came across this interesting one. I have heard of the brand before (even though they are not well-known), but I have not gotten around to actually testing any of their products – until now! So, if you want to know what I found during my HiBREW Espresso Machine review, keep reading! Just keep in mind that this is my opinion based on personal tastes.
Star Rating
Ease of Use
Using it was a breeze, which is similar to other espresso machines around this price range. Put your favorite beans in your grinder, fill up your portafilter basket with the powdered goodness, and slot it into the HiBREW. After that, all you need is to click a button for it to get to work!
Obviously, there is a little more to it when you first take the machine out of the box; however, once it is set up, the process of getting your espresso shot is so quick and effortless.
Taste Test
A big part of whether your coffee tastes good or not will depend on what beans you are using. With that being said, the espresso machine you use definitely can influence the taste too. The HiBREW managed to make a great-tasting espresso every time I used it.
The temperature was always consistent, even using it multiple times in a row, and the same can be said about the milk frother too. Without fail, the frother was powerful enough to heat the milk quickly and could make the amount of foam needed, depending on the drink I was making. Personally, I’m a cappuccino guy, so this is what I used the frother mainly for.
Size
In my opinion, the size of this machine is really what sets it apart from others. The HiBREW espresso machine is extremely compact, making it perfect if you have a small kitchen.
In many cases, I have seen manufacturers compromise the quality of the machine to make it smaller. Thankfully, this machine is successful in its goal to stay compact while still producing delicious coffee!
Materials Used
Around this price range, you often see brands use plastic to keep their manufacturing costs down. This espresso machine is one of the few that is trying to break the mold. It’s mostly made from stainless steel, which is brilliant.
Not only does this mean it is more durable, but it also is extremely easy to clean. What more could you ask for?
Cleaning
Now, let’s talk more about cleaning this machine. If you’re like me, cleaning is the worst part of owning an espresso machine. With that being said, the HiBrew makes the process extremely easy.
The drip tray and water tank could be removed effortlessly, allowing me to clean both without getting frustrated. I also fed a cleaning solution through the machine once a month to ensure the inside was as pretty as the outside.
As I touched on briefly in the previous section, the machine is made out of stainless steel, which is a blessing and a curse. Any marks, such as milk or foam splashing up on the maker, stood out. This was good in one way because I didn’t miss anything when wiping it down; however, the HiBrew did look noticeably messy up until the point of cleaning it.
Great Extras
One aspect of this espresso machine that really makes it unique from the competition is its overflow alert. There is a red buoy that indicates when the drip tray is at maximum capacity. I thought this was fantastic, as I didn’t need to constantly check it.
Another great feature was the heated top plate. Now, quite a few machines do have this, but not all of them, especially at this price range. The top plate allowed me to heat my mugs before making my coffee, which enhanced the overall flavor.
Lastly, I want to discuss the steam knob. Typically, you have a button that turns on the steam wand. With the HiBrew, it provides a knob that gives the user the ability to control the intensity of the steam coming out. This extra control was brilliant for getting the right foam consistently and milk temperature. Two thumbs up from me!
Specifications
Finishing My HiBREW Machine Review
I hope you enjoyed reading my HiBrew espresso machine review. Overall, I think this machine is a solid choice. It is small, compact, and creates very good coffee. Plus, it has great consistency, even when used multiple times in a row. The only downside is that it does not come with a grinder.
If that is something you want, check out this one instead. Although, if you have already got a grinder, I think this espresso machine should make a create addition to your home, office, or other place you want it!