Quality coffee drinks have become a part of modern everyday life. In order to have a cup of tasty cappuccino any time you want and to spare money on coffee houses, a lot of people buy personal coffee machines. Some of them choose Aicook – a popular brand that sells electric household devices at affordable prices.
This Aicook espresso machine review compares 2 coffee makers selected due to positive customers’ comments and high sales ratings. Their owners enjoy specialty drinks created by these devices. Let’s inspect if Aicook really takes the interests of the public into consideration.
Main Features of Aicook Espresso Machines
This is a rational decision to start your own brewing experiments with a low-cost coffee maker. Despite the fact that the Aicook appliances are rather cheap, they are powerful and able to create awesome coffee beverages. Have a look at their technical characteristics below.
| Model | 6858 Espresso Machine | 6816 Espresso Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Review | | |
| Type | Semi-automatic | Steam espresso machine |
| Dimensions | 12.59" x 8.26" x 11.02" | 13.1" x 7.7" x 10" |
| Pressure | 15 bar | 3.5 bar |
| Control Panel | Touch screen control | Rotary knob |
| Frother Included | Yes | Yes |
| Water Reservoir | 61,5 oz./1.8L | 8 oz./240 ml |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
| Color | Black/silver | Black |
Aicook 15 Bar Espresso Machines (6858)
Let’s start the review with a more advanced model – the Aicook barista espresso coffee maker 6858. This semi-automatic device incorporates multiple functions and comes with a reasonable price tag.
Design elements
The machine has a sleek design performed in black and silver and combines both steel and plastic. It is very compact. It features a rear-sitting reservoir that holds 61,5 oz. of water. This tank is easy to remove for cleaning procedures. It comes with a convenient hinged lid if you want to add water without detaching the container from the base. Special markers on the reservoir let you know the minimum and maximum fill lines.
The device works with ground coffee, and its portafilter can be used with a single or double filter up to your choice. The clearance between the portafilter spouts and a catch tray allows you to accommodate cups that are 5.3’’ tall.
The appliance has an integrated milk-frothing unit located on the front panel. The milk reservoir is also detachable and can be removed for cleaning. It includes a froth control knob to adjust the level of foam.
The top panel features a one-touch operation screen with a number of buttons that offer various coffee options.
How to use
This coffee maker requires no special skills to operate. To make a drink, make sure there is enough water and milk in the reservoirs. Choose a filter and dose the ground coffee into the portafilter. Use a measuring scoop and press the coffee down with a tamper. Place the portafilter under the brewhead and rotate until it locks in the rightmost position.
Place your cup on the drip tray and turn the machine on. Select a beverage on the screen touching the corresponding button. The machine will brew the drink and dispense coffee in the cup.
If you make a milk-based coffee, you may increase the foam level by rotating the knob on the milk reservoir from left to right. To deliver milk, turn the adjustable steam wand in your cup.
The machine is energy-efficient and automatically goes to a sleep mode after 25 minutes of non-use.
How to clean
All the construction elements are detachable and can be disassembled for cleaning. The milk container and the steam nozzle are washed under warm running water with a soapy solution. Clean the filter and wash it under the tap as well. Detach the drip tray and clean it with a soft sponge to remove a coffee film. Wipe the housing with a soft wet cloth if it has occasional coffee splashes.
Descale the 6858 periodically if you use hard water. Follow the instructions given in the manual.
- The smaller footprint makes it ideal for narrow countertops
- A powerful motor (1350 W)
- A double-spout portafilter
- A large reservoir holds more water
- An excellent price for the functionality offered
- The digital screen is easy to navigate
- Froths milk automatically
- Energy-saving features
- With the water tank on the back side, this is difficult to watch the water level
- The control panel may not respond to the user’s commands
- Makes a “wrong” cappuccino (adds espresso to frothed milk and not vice versa)
Aicook 3.5 Bar Coffee Maker (6816)
The second machine to review is a younger brother of the 6858 – the Aicook 6816. Despite its small size, this device is a genius in making tasty beverages.
Design elements
This coffee maker features a very compact and user-friendly design. This little thing has a black plastic cover, but its appearance is very modern.
The 3.5 bar boiler is located on top of the coffee maker. To add water to the reservoir, unscrew the plastic cap and pour liquid into the opening. The cap features a sealing ring to hold temperature and pressure inside. This lid should not be opened during a brewing process.
The machine also includes a portafilter to brew coffee and a glass pot with a convenient handle that can hold an 8-oz. drink. With an integrated steam wand, you can froth milk manually.
How to use
The 6816 is simple in use since it comes with only one switch knob located on the right side of the machine. To brew coffee, add water to the water reservoir and put ground coffee into the portafilter. Distribute it evenly and push it down with a tamper. Wipe off the excess coffee around from the rim. Position the portafilter into the brewhead and rotate it counterclockwise until its handle shifts to the “Lock” logo.
Turn the control knob with an icon that means “to brew coffee.” The pump will push hot water through the ground coffee, and you can watch your beverage dripping into your cup.
To froth milk, fill the cup/jug with cold milk. Take a larger vessel because the volume of milk will increase during frothing. Immerse the wand in the jug and turn the knob with a steam image. Move the jar up and down to warm and foam the whole amount of the milk. Turn the knob off when the milk is frothed enough.
How to clean
The cleanup of the device is also very simple. All construction components are removable and can be washed under a faucet. Detach the portafilter, empty the used coffee grounds, and wash it with warm water. Pull the steam nozzle downwards and clean it as well. The drip tray can also be disassembled and washed.
- Doesn’t take up much counter space
- Simple to operate for beginners
- Brews 4 cups simultaneously
- Inexpensive
- Includes a milk frother
- Easy to clean
- The glass decanter has a convenient spout and markings
- The level of water cannot be seen
- The water reservoir fill hole is awkward
- The machine lacks pressure and makes coffee without crema
- Mass-produced and not durable
- The control dial is flimsy and can slide to the other position on its own
Where to Buy Espresso Machines from Aicook?
The Aicook brand doesn’t sell its products through the official website. Their appliances can be purchased via third-party online stores like Amazon and eBay. These suppliers offer the same warranty period as the manufacturer.
Conclusion
Having an espresso machine at home is perfect! The Aicook brand is said to manufacture clones of popular coffee makers produced by world-known companies. This can be true.
Its electric devices are engineered and assembled on Chinese factories, and this may affect their durability. However, these machines are several times cheaper than their counterparts and brew decent espresso. If you prefer lattes and cappuccinos, it is hard to recognize a real espresso after you add milk to your drink. The Aicook coffee machine can be a better bargain, especially if you get one within your budget range.
References
- Aicook Espresso Machine with One Touch Digital Screen – https://www.youtube.com/
- Espresso Machine, Aicook 3.5 Bar Coffee Maker with Milk Frother – https://www.youtube.com/