TECNORA Espresso Coffee Machine (Caffe Gusto)

I do like a good cup of coffee. This machine is easy to setup and use. It also makes a good shot of espresso, details follow. I have used an aeropress clone before getting this machine and continue to use it at work. I have not owned other espresso machines (expensive or cheap), so consider this and read on.The machine has decent/good build quality, but not the sturdiest when it comes to locking in the portafilter. You will have to hold the machine to lock it in completely. It comes with a 52mm portafilter with two baskets (single and double shot).The water jug/container is plastic, and has min and max indication. It can be removed for cleaning. You will need to fill up to the min line to pull a single shot. A double shot will run the machine dry towards the end or will be just enough when filled up to the min line. So make sure enough water is there before the machine is turned on.This machine can either do single or double shots and its based on time. Since its based on time you can end up with under or over extraction from time to time. This is the challenge that you will face. You should figure out this by trying out various dosing weights for a type of coffee. Other factors to consider are the roast (light, medium and dark), grind size, tamping and bean type. Once you tune this in, the shots are a delight.I am not a milk in coffee fan, so have not made many cappuccino or latte or any other coffee drink involving milk. My milk frothing experience on this machine is limited, so are my skills. But it can make a decent cup of latte, if you don't care for the latte art. To master the latte art you might have to look elsewhere.

Before you buy any espresso machine you should have the basic understanding on coffee machines and how to extract coffees. A good upgrade from steam espresso machines to pump espresso machines. I have a Morphy Richards fresco (steam pressure) to prepare my morning cappuccino/cafe latte, it does not pull out espresso but it's similar to a drip coffee machine just to extract decoction using temperature and steam pressure.TCM 109 is a proper well-built espresso machine, controls are simple to use easy and straightforward. Pressure is not 15 bars, pump produces 15 bar pressure but actual pressure at the puck during brewing is close to 9 bars more than enough to produce great espresso shots. 109M has improved a lot from its predecessor 107M and 106 A, major upgrades like temperature control, installing rubber bushes, metal finishing, cup warmer and rigid ABS structure are definitely good improvements.There are other expensive entry level espresso machines from Delongi, Hamilton Beach and Saeco, but this a good alternative option for all other European and US machines, also the maintenance and spares are expensive compared to tecnora.Initially was quite skeptical about tecnora after going through different reviews but TCM 109 M does not disappoints you instead pulls out great shot of espressos. Customer support is very helpful and will guide you with any queries related to the machine.If you are looking out for semi-automatic espresso machines TCM 109 would be a good choice.Cons:Steam knob is flimsyAdditional spare tray to store portafilter basket and coffee scoop would be helpfulPortafilter quality can be improved

The media could not be loaded. Hello , After using a steam espresso machineI wanted to explore the coffee moreSo I have upgraded to the pump espresso machineWe don't have so many options in IndiaI have gone through a few brands and found this product at a decent priceThree things I wanted to review about1) espresso shot - user friendly machine though, it's all about the amount of coffee you use either fine or coarse grind . I got a pretty good shot with decent crema. I thought it would have been better if they have given a bigger basket for double shot espresso . Basckets are too small .but again at this price segment this will do2) Texturing milk / steam wand - I have seen a few videos of tecnora . I find they are doing it the wrong wayThere shouldn't be so many bubbles in the jug and they keep moving the jug .I don't think that's the right way of Texturing the milkThe steam wand is not what I expected it to be . It's not Texturing the milk properly . There are so many bubbles even though I do it the right way .Not a user friendly one for the latte lovers and those who love those latte art3) Bottemless porta filter - i have put a short video of it you are supposed to buy it separatelyI tried it twiceBut I not happy with the flow or the amount of crema its giving.Its flowing too fast and dribbling thought the handle as well even though I use the fine grind powder ,tamping it properlyOverall the product is good for that price rangeAnd usually Machine does half the workRest is all about the coffee powder , tamping and the right of doing thoseThis is my 3 rd dayMay be I will get better at using the machine the right way furtherEspresso shot : 4/5Texturing/ steaming milk - 2.5/5User friendly: 3.5/5Build quality 3.5/5👍👍👍👍

I am writing this review after 2 years of use. The machine was ok for the price ( I would say it should have been 8k though). But the major issue with this product and company is the service. They only have branch in Mumbai. I had to ship the machine from Bangalore to Mumbai for a repairing at my cost. They changed the boiler and they charged 2000 for this minor part. We had the bear the shipping cost for both ways. It sucks. Buy a product which has service center in your city, otherwise its hell.