Neretva Espresso Coffee Machine Review
The Neretva Espresso Coffee Machine promises a barista-quality experience at home, featuring a 15-bar pressure system and a professional milk frother. But does it live up to the expectations?
With a 3.7 out of 5-star rating from 285 reviews, this machine has garnered mixed feedback. Let’s dive into the details to see if it’s worth your investment.
Having owned several espresso machines, including models from Breville and Adelante, I found the Neretva Espresso Coffee Machine to be a decent option for its price point. The stainless steel handle and double outlets are a nice touch, giving it a slightly premium feel despite its predominantly plastic construction.
The milk frother works well, but it does take some practice to perfect your technique. The machine’s 15-bar pump sometimes struggles to deliver consistent pressure, but once you get the grind size right, it produces a satisfactory espresso.
Design and Build Quality
The Neretva Espresso Coffee Machine boasts a unique retro European industrial style that will catch anyone’s eye. It features a stainless steel handle with double outlets, which is not only durable but also strongly heat-resistant. However, some users have noted that the machine is made mostly of plastic, which detracts from the overall feel of quality, especially at this price point.
Brewing Capability
This espresso machine allows you to brew various types of coffee, like espresso, cappuccino, and latte, with its 15-bar professional pressure system. The high-pressure pump ensures that you can extract quality cups of coffee. Some users, however, reported that the machine did not consistently reach the 15-bar pressure, affecting the quality of the espresso.
Milk Frother
The machine comes with a professional milk frother, which is easily adjustable by rotating a side button. This steam wand provides silky and smooth froth, similar to what you would get in a coffee shop. However, mastering the frother may require some practice, as user experiences with foam quality have been mixed.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning the Neretva Espresso Coffee Machine is straightforward due to its detachable water tank and drip tray. Users appreciate this feature, which makes regular maintenance hassle-free. Keeping the machine clean is essential for optimal performance and longevity.
User Experience
The machine features an intuitive design with an easy-to-read gauge showing the steam levels. The indicator lights add a touch of convenience, turning red when the machine is ready to use and blue when it’s preparing. Many users find this feature helpful, especially those who are new to using espresso machines.
Performance Over Time
While some users are thrilled with the machine’s initial performance, others have reported a decline in functionality over time. Issues such as reduced pressure and malfunctioning frothers have been noted. It appears that the machine may not be as durable as expected, which is a significant drawback for some users.
Customer Service
Neretva prides itself on high environmental and social standards and offers prompt customer service responses. Users can reach out to the highly trained customer service team with any questions or concerns, and they typically receive a response within 24 hours. This level of support can be reassuring for new users.
Value for Money
Given its features and capabilities, the machine is generally considered a good value for money, especially for beginners. However, the use of plastic in its construction has left some users feeling that the product could offer more in terms of material quality for its price.
User Reviews
User reviews are mixed, with some praising the machine for its ease of use, attractive design, and good performance at the price point. Others have criticized it for its plastic build, inconsistent pressure, and issues with durability. These varying experiences highlight the importance of proper maintenance and realistic expectations.
Overall Impressions
Overall, the Neretva Espresso Coffee Machine is suitable for those on a budget looking to explore making espresso at home. Its attractive design, ease of use, and decent performance make it a good entry-level choice. However, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations and the mixed feedback regarding its long-term reliability.
Pros:
- Attractive retro European industrial style design
- Professional milk frother for silky and smooth froth
- Easy to clean with a detachable water tank and drip tray
Cons:
- Partially constructed from plastic, which may feel cheap
- Some users reported issues with pressure and functionality over time
- Can be noisy and vibrates during operation
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Conclusion
In summary, the Neretva Espresso Coffee Machine is a solid choice for beginners looking to explore the world of home espresso making. Its attractive design and easy-to-clean features add to its appeal.
However, if you’re looking for a more durable and high-performing machine, you might want to consider other options. For its price, it offers good value but comes with some compromises.
Questions & Answers:
Question: Is the Neretva Espresso Machine made of metal?
Answer: The machine is a mix of metal and plastic. The handle, drip tray, and some buttons are metal, but other parts are plastic.
Question: Does the machine come with multiple portafilters?
Answer: No, it only comes with one portafilter, which is a double shot size.
Question: How do I clean the Neretva Espresso Machine?
Answer: The machine has a detachable water tank and drip tray for easy cleaning. Regular maintenance includes cleaning the frothing wand and running water through the machine to remove coffee grounds.
