Cookies & Lattes for Santa with AMZChef Espresso Maker

Thanks AMZChef for providing this machine in exchange for my review. All thoughts are my own.

This holiday season, Santa might have his fair share of cookies and is tired of washing them down with milk. Perk him up and help him make it through a night of gift delivery by leaving him a fresh latte made from AMZChef's Espresso machine with milk frother and LCD panel.

This at- home espresso machine makes it easy to make espressos, lattes, and cappuccinos. This model, the CM1636 doesn't need a separate milk frother as it has one that attaches to the machine. The attached milk frother combined with the espresso machine makes it super easy to create yummy satisfying drinks!

This particular model has 20 High Pressure and safety protection as well. Espresso machines have different levels of pressure, most ranging from 15-20, to ensure optimal flavor extraction. This particular machine has internal protective features to prevent burning and stable pressure while brewing an espresso.

So, in full disclosure, while I love a good latte, I've never made one on my own. After doing some reading about coffee beans, methods, machines, etc; I've discovered that it's going to be a lot of trial and error.

This machine comes with:

A Top Cup Warmer on the base
Easy to read LCD control panel
A portafilter with separate single and double shot filters
Water reservoir
Milk Reservoir
measure spoon with tamper

Following instructions to set the machine up. It's not complicated, but it's helpful to know which pieces attach to each other or go in certain spots.

Before making your first drink, follow the instructions to preheat the portafilter, as it helps create the right temps for your espressos and other drinks.

The portafilter actually has two brew filters in it for single and double shots. These are detachable, and be sure to select the correct one before beginning your process.

This machine also allows customization of volume of your drinks and milk. After preheating, select your brewing method, your single/ double shot, and even how much milk you would like. Once the appropriate amount of coffee and frothed milk comes out, set the levels. These will become your new standard amounts until you revert to default mode.

To make a drink, the machine comes with easy instructions. I opted to try out a latte. Most latte's have syrups and/ or spices that should be added to the cup, not to the water or the milk reservoirs. After all, we don't want sugars ruining the machine. Stir and top with other syrups as desired if you want that "cafe-designed" effect.

First up, after preheating the machine, put your coffee into the filter and tamper it. I had mega trouble getting the portafilter into place, and some of that might be because I didn't separate the brew filters. Eventually, it locked, but it was a bear for a few minutes.

After that, I selected the latte button and the larger cup size. The milk actually frothed first, then the liquid espresso came out. I decided to go a second round because it wasn't enough (and I missed capturing it on video for you to see). The second round filled the glass. I had already added some vanilla extract and sugars to it prior, so it is certainly good. It would be better if it was a mocha or some other syrupy type of goodness, so I'll need to invest in those.

During the process, the machine counts how many seconds and tells the temp for you as well, so if that is of concern to you, be sure to kept track!

Some recommendations:

Fine coffee is better than coarse coffee. While it's possible to use the regular ground coffee meant for your drip machine, extraction might not be the best. It can come out tasting bitter and/ or weak. Buying beans and grinding them to espresso level is recommended. Some also say purchasing from a local shop and asking them to grind is best too.

I struggled with the portafilter. Maybe spend some time with it before trying to attempt your first glass, that way you aren't littering your space with coffee grinds!

The Milk reservoir is detachable once the lock button is released, so be sure to put your milks back in the fridge. We definitely don't want spoiled lattes or cappuccinos! I also like how the milk tube fits into a groove against the container.

Follow cleaning instructions, specifically for the milk frother tube, the portafilter, and even the milk reservoir. We don't need any gunk messing up our lattes!

I am excited to continue to use this machine and up my at- home coffee game! I can see this being a good investment for those days when I want to indulge but don't want to run out in the cold, rain, or spend extra funds when all of us have tight budgets.

I am hoping this machine lasts for a while and continues to be fruitful. I am also liking it has a top cup warmer plate, because I know at home, I will need to keep warm while doing other things.

Why should you have an espresso machine at home?

Of course the upfront cost eats into your monthly coffee budget, but if you find yourself splurging on $5.00- $8.00 drinks in your local joint on a regular basis, then this machine might be worth it. I'm all about supporting our small businesses, but an everyday latte eats into the wallet rather quickly.

This also makes it easy to make drinks the way that you like them. No more wondering if your barista remembered to make your latte dairy free, or leaving out that one spice you dislike.

Finally, this is a great way to host family and friends over the holidays! Brunches, movie nights, dessert parties, and more. The machine is fairly easy to use and rather quick, so your guests can create their own drinks with a "make your own coffee" night. Have out different syrups, spices, and google a few recipes!

This holiday season, be sure to add AMZChef's espresso machine to your list and leave out a latte for Santa. He might leave an extra present under the tree because he's grateful for a hot drink on a cold night, or that extra boost of caffeine to get him around the world in less than 24 hours!

Thanks AMZChef, for participating in our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide. Head over to MBP to see other great gift ideas!

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Purchase the AMZChef Espresso Maker With Milk Frother on AMZChef or Amazon.

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