Xiaomi Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine Review | Mi Coffee Machine
Espresso machines have been transformed from cafe-exclusive tools to essential appliances for kitchens at home as a result of worldwide appreciation for coffee. With its Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine, Xiaomi, the technology company renowned for its smartphones and smart household products, enters the picture.
It is intended to be compact, stylish, and affordable. It focuses on casual coffee enthusiasts and novices who desire upscale beverages at home without incurring significant expenses. Is it possible for the Mi coffee machine by Xiaomi to combine performance, functionality, and design at an affordable price?
Design and Build Quality
It is well known that Xiaomi products have a minimalist aesthetic, and this espresso machine is no exception.
- Compact Size: At 27.5 × 13.7 × 28.4 cm and weighing just 3.5 kg, it’s ideal for kitchens with limited counter space.
- Premium Finish: A stainless steel body gives it a professional, durable appearance that feels more expensive than its actual cost.
- Cup Warmer & Drip Tray: The integrated cup warming plate keeps mugs ready for serving, while the detachable drip tray makes cleanup convenient.
- Touchscreen Interface: Instead of traditional dials, it uses a modern touch-sensitive panel, making it intuitive for beginners.
- Water Tank: A 0.9 L removable water tank allows for quick refills and easy cleaning.
- Portafilter System: Supplied with both single and double shot baskets, though many users report that the spring mechanism is too stiff, making it hard to remove after brewing.
Stylish and space-saving with premium aesthetics, but usability flaws in the portafilter reduce convenience.
Key Features
Despite being budget-friendly, Xiaomi has packed in features usually reserved for pricier machines:
1. 20-Bar Pump Pressure
The machine is marketed with 20-bar Italian pump pressure, ensuring strong water flow through the coffee puck. While this sounds impressive, professional espresso typically requires only 9 bars. The excessive pressure can lead to overly fast extractions, which many users experience.
2. NTC Temperature Control
For consistent espresso, it is imperative that the brewing temperature remains stable. Xiaomi uses NTC electronic temperature sensors to maintain the correct heat range, minimizing the risks of sour under-extraction or burnt over-extraction.
3. Low-Pressure Pre-Infusion
Before applying full pressure, the machine uses a pre-infusion step that wets the coffee puck. This reduces channelling and gives a smoother, balanced flavor.
4. Steam Wand for Milk Frothing
Its rotatable stainless-steel steam wand is one of its highlights. Unlike many entry-level machines that produce only frothy bubbles, Xiaomi’s 8 mm nozzle creates fine-textured micro-foam good enough for cappuccinos and even latte art.
5. Included Accessories
The feature list looks strong, with pre-infusion and steam wand standing out. However, accessories feel cheap, and serious users will want upgrades like a metal tamper and bottomless portafilter.
- Portafilter with single & double baskets
- Plastic tamper & scoop (basic quality)
- Cleaning filter
- Instruction manual
Brewing Performance
Milk Frothing
The steam wand is remarkably capable. It facilitates the preparation of cappuccinos, lattes, or flat whites by generating robust steam that generates velvety micro foam. This coffee machine provides satisfactory outcomes for individuals who prefer milk-based coffee.
Temperature Stability
Thanks to the NTC control system, brewing temperature remains relatively consistent. This is a strong point compared to other cheap espresso machines that fluctuate too much. Good for milk drinks, inconsistent for pure espresso shots.
Espresso Extraction
This is where most users notice limitations:
- Fast Shots: Many report espresso running in 10–15 seconds, far shorter than the ideal 25–30 seconds. The result is sour, weak coffee.
- Crema Inconsistency: Sometimes thick and golden, other times thin and watery.
- Portafilter Issues: The basket often gets stuck, making cleaning tedious.
With careful grind adjustment, tamping, and a 51 mm bottomless portafilter upgrade, performance improves. However, beginners may find the learning curve steep.
Real User Feedback
From coffee forums and Reddit discussions, the consensus is clear:
Positive Notes:
- Attractive design and compact size.
- Steam wand outperforms expectations.
- Affordable entry point for home espresso.
Negative Experiences:
- Portafilter is frustrating to lock/unlock.
- Basket design feels like a flaw rather than a feature.
- Shots pull too quickly, lacking body and richness.
Some users improved results by upgrading accessories and pairing the machine with a good grinder, showing that much of its potential depends on external adjustments.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Minimalist stainless-steel design
- Compact and lightweight great for small kitchens
- Affordable compared to premium brands
- Powerful steam wand produces quality micro-foam
- Temperature control ensures stable brewing
- Touchscreen interface is beginner-friendly
Cons
- Inconsistent espresso extraction (fast, sour shots)
- Portafilter and basket mechanism poorly designed
- Cheap plastic accessories (tamper, scoop)
- Limited brand support and servicing availability
- Requires extra investment in accessories for best results
Maintenance & Durability
- Easy Cleaning: Detachable drip tray and water tank simplify maintenance.
- Basket Removal Issue: The biggest complaint is the sticking portafilter basket, which complicates cleaning.
- Durability Question Marks: Since Xiaomi is new in the espresso machine space, long-term reliability is uncertain compared to established coffee brands.
Who Should Buy This Machine?
The Xiaomi Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine is best for:
- Beginners entering the world of espresso at home.
- Casual drinkers who prefer milk-based beverages over pure espresso.
- Style-conscious buyers wanting a modern-looking coffee maker.
- Budget-limited users who want features without paying premium prices.
Final Thoughts
The Xiaomi Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine is a bold attempt by Xiaomi to bring design and functionality into the entry-level coffee machine market.
Strengths:
- Compact design that saves space and looks premium.
- Powerful steam wand, making it great for lattes and cappuccinos.
- Affordable pricing, opening espresso-making to more households.
Limitations:
- Espresso consistency, with shots often under-extracted.
- Usability frustrations, especially with the portafilter system.
- Durability and support, given Xiaomi’s limited experience in coffee appliances.
This machine is a good choice for casual coffee lovers and beginners, particularly those who enjoy milk-based drinks.
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FAQs
1. Is the Xiaomi Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine good for beginners?
Yes. The touchscreen controls, compact size, and affordable price make it beginner-friendly. However, new users may need some practice with grind size and tamping to achieve consistent results.
2. Does the Xiaomi espresso machine really have 20 bars of pressure?
Technically, the pump is rated for 20 bars, but espresso only needs around 9 bars for proper extraction. While Xiaomi advertises high pressure, many users report shots pulling too fast, which suggests the machine doesn’t always maintain ideal pressure.
3. Can it make cappuccinos and lattes?
Absolutely. The steam wand is one of the highlights—it produces strong steam and microfoam, making it possible to prepare cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites at home.
4. What size portafilter does it use?
The Xiaomi Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine uses a 51 mm portafilter. Many users upgrade to a 51 mm bottomless portafilter for better performance and easier cleaning.
5. Is the portafilter easy to remove?
Not really. A common complaint is that the basket gets stuck in the portafilter due to a stiff spring mechanism. This can make cleaning and swapping baskets frustrating.
6. How big is the water tank?
It comes with a 0.9 L removable water tank, which is enough for a few cups of coffee before needing a refill. It’s suitable for individuals or small households.