Willow & Everett Coffee Espresso Machine - Compact and Convenient Home Espresso Maker

Published on July 17, 2023, 7:46 p.m.

Introduction

Italian espresso is more than just a beverage; it’s a culture, a way of life. Born in Italy, it has captivated coffee lovers worldwide with its rich aroma, bold flavor, and signature crema. The process of making espresso is an art form, requiring precise water temperature, pressure, and coffee grind size. All of this comes together under the skilled hands of a barista to create a small, powerful shot of espresso.

Today, with the popularity of home espresso machines, more and more people can enjoy this Italian espresso experience at home. The Willow & Everett Espresso Machine is one such product that brings the essence of Italian espresso into your kitchen, allowing you to easily create cafe-quality espresso at home.

Overview

The Willow & Everett Espresso Machine is an elegantly designed, powerful home espresso machine. It features an Italian-inspired design in an elegant silver-gray tone. Although dainty in size at 5.5”D x 12.4”W x 10.3”H, it can generate up to 20 BAR of pressure for excellent espresso extraction. The 1150W heater delivers speedy heat-up times and stable water temperatures. A handy 360° swivel steam wand makes frothing milk a breeze. Despite its petite footprint, this machine tackles a wide range of coffee drinks with ease.

Willow & Everett Espresso Machine

Key Features

15 bar pump pressure for professional-grade espresso extraction
Heats up in 20 seconds for quick enjoyment
Compatible with ground coffee or ESE pods for versatility
Built-in steam wand for effortless milk frothing
Large 44 oz water tank minimizes refills
Automatic shut-off for energy efficiency
Removable drip tray for easy cleaning

Willow & Everett Espresso Machine

Design and Build

This Willow & Everett Espresso Machine features a sleek Italian design with stainless steel accents that looks great on any countertop. It has a compact 12.4 x 5.5 inch footprint, so it won’t take up too much space. The water tank is easily removable for refilling and has an integrated handle for convenient carrying. The espresso maker is constructed from quality alloy steel for durability. Buttons and dials provide an intuitive user interface. The steam wand neatly tucks away when not in use. Additionally, it has a removable drip tray for easy cleaning.

Ease of Use

This Willow & Everett Espresso Machine is designed for straightforward everyday use. The intuitive buttons and dials make it easy to operate.

To brew a shot, just add ground coffee or a pod, lock the portafilter into place, wait for the machine to heat up, and turn the side knob to start the extraction. The automatic timer yields the perfect 1 or 2 ounce shot.

Brewing Flexibility

The Willow & Everett Espresso Machine accommodates both ground coffee and ESE pods, providing you with versatile brewing options. Whether you prefer the rich flavor of freshly ground beans or the convenience of ESE pods, this machine has you covered. The pressurized portafilter optimizes extraction for consistent espresso every time. Additionally, it comes with single and double shot filters, allowing you to choose the size of your espresso based on your preferences and needs.

Café-Style Drinks

With the Willow & Everett Espresso Machine, you can easily create various cafe-style drinks. The 20 BAR pressure and precise temperature control extract the full flavor of your beans, resulting in a rich and bold espresso. The built-in steam wand allows you to froth milk effortlessly, making it simple to prepare cappuccinos and lattes. In just a few simple steps, you can enjoy delicious coffee comparable to cafe quality right at home. Whether it’s a classic Italian espresso or a creative specialty coffee, the Willow & Everett Espresso Machine can meet your needs.

How It Works

The Willow & Everett Espresso Machine utilizes a pump-driven extraction system, forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee at high pressure (20 BAR) to produce espresso. This high pressure ensures that the water fully penetrates the coffee grounds, extracting the aromatic compounds and oils from the beans. During this process, the oils in the coffee emulsify to create a rich crema – a hallmark of authentic Italian espresso. The crema not only enhances the flavor but also helps to lock in the aroma.

In addition to pressure, water temperature is also a critical factor in extraction. The Willow & Everett machine is equipped with a precise temperature control system to ensure that the water is always at the optimal brewing temperature (around 90-96°C). Water that is too hot or too cold can negatively impact the extraction process, resulting in subpar coffee.

The machine also features a steam wand for frothing milk into a velvety texture, perfect for crafting cappuccinos, lattes, and other specialty coffee drinks. The steam wand injects high-temperature steam into the milk, causing the proteins to denature and create microbubbles, resulting in a smooth and creamy foam.

20 BAR Pump Pressure

The Willow & Everett espresso machine boasts a powerful 20 BAR pump, a feature often found in professional-grade espresso machines. This high pressure is essential for extracting the full flavor and aroma from your coffee grounds, resulting in a rich and flavorful espresso with a thick layer of crema. The 20 BAR pressure ensures optimal extraction, even with finely ground coffee, delivering a cafe-quality espresso experience in the comfort of your own home.

20 Second Heat-Up Time

Time is of the essence, especially during busy mornings. The Willow & Everett espresso machine understands this need for speed, featuring a rapid 20-second heat-up time. Thanks to its efficient thermoblock heating system, you can go from turning on the machine to pulling your first shot in no time. This quick heat-up not only saves you precious minutes but also ensures that your espresso is brewed at the ideal temperature for optimal flavor extraction.

Ground Coffee and ESE Pod Compatibility

Flexibility is key when it comes to brewing your perfect cup of coffee. The Willow & Everett espresso machine offers the convenience of using both ground coffee and ESE (Easy Serve Espresso) pods. Whether you prefer the ritual of grinding your own beans or the convenience of pre-portioned pods, this machine caters to your preferences. The included portafilter and filter baskets are designed to accommodate both options seamlessly, allowing you to experiment with different coffee varieties and brewing methods.

Precise Temperature Control

The Willow & Everett espresso machine prioritizes precision in every aspect of the brewing process, including temperature control. The machine is equipped with an advanced thermablock heating system that ensures the water reaches and maintains the optimal temperature for espresso extraction. This precise temperature control is crucial for extracting the full range of flavors from your coffee grounds, resulting in a balanced and nuanced espresso shot. Whether you prefer a bolder or milder flavor profile, the consistent temperature ensures that your espresso is brewed to perfection.

Efficient Thermablock Heating System

At the heart of the Willow & Everett espresso machine lies an efficient thermablock heating system. This innovative technology rapidly heats the water to the ideal brewing temperature, minimizing wait times and maximizing convenience. Unlike traditional boiler systems, the thermablock heats only the water needed for each shot, reducing energy consumption and ensuring a fresh cup every time. The efficient heating system also contributes to the machine’s compact size, making it a perfect fit for smaller kitchens or countertops.

Integrated Steam Wand

Elevate your coffee experience by adding a touch of barista flair with the integrated steam wand. This versatile tool allows you to froth milk to perfection, creating velvety microfoam for cappuccinos, lattes, and other milk-based espresso drinks. The steam wand is easy to use and control, enabling you to achieve cafe-quality results at home. Whether you prefer a simple cappuccino or a latte with intricate latte art, the steam wand empowers you to unleash your inner barista.

44 oz Water Tank

The Willow & Everett espresso machine is equipped with a generous 44 oz (1.3L) water tank, ensuring you can brew multiple espresso shots without the need for constant refills. This large capacity is particularly convenient for households with multiple coffee drinkers or those who enjoy back-to-back espressos. The removable water tank features a sleek steel handle, making it easy to refill and clean.

Auto Shut-Off

Energy efficiency is a priority for many consumers, and the Willow & Everett espresso machine addresses this concern with its automatic shut-off feature. After 40 minutes of inactivity, the machine will automatically power down, conserving energy and providing peace of mind. This feature not only helps reduce your electricity bill but also enhances safety by preventing the machine from overheating due to prolonged use.

Easy-to-Wash Drip Tray

Maintaining the cleanliness of your espresso machine is essential for both hygiene and optimal performance. The Willow & Everett espresso machine simplifies this task with its easy-to-wash drip tray. This removable tray collects any spills or drips, keeping your countertop clean and tidy. The drip tray is designed to be dishwasher safe, allowing for effortless cleaning and maintenance. By regularly emptying and washing the drip tray, you can ensure that your espresso machine remains in top condition, delivering consistently delicious coffee.

Willow & Everett Espresso Machine

Cleaning

Keeping the Willow & Everett espresso machine clean is simple thanks to the removable, dishwasher-safe parts. Users recommend rinsing the portafilter and filter baskets immediately after use to prevent coffee residue buildup. The drip tray can be washed regularly to avoid overflow.

Descale the machine every 2-3 months to remove mineral deposits by running a descaling solution through the water reservoir. Wipe down the exterior as needed with a damp cloth to maintain the sleek appearance.

The steam wand stays clean with regular purging and wipedowns. After steaming milk, activate the hot water mode to flush out milk residues inside the wand. Allow it to cool then wipe the exterior with a damp cloth. Soak the tip in hot water if needed to loosen dried milk. Proper cleaning preserves the wand’s steaming performance.

Quiet Operation

The Willow & Everett espresso machine operates quietly, letting you brew your morning coffee without making too much noise. You can have fresh espresso without disturbing others.

Durable Construction

The housing is made from rugged stainless steel for durability and easy cleaning. The electrical system meets safety standards for peace of mind.

Energy Efficient

This Willow & Everett espresso machine has an eco-friendly 1150 watt power rating. The automatic shutoff helps conserve electricity when not in use.

Cost-Effective

No paper filters are required, saving you money over time. The durable construction and quality materials ensure years of reliable use.

Reputable Brand

Willow & Everett is a respected brand that makes high-quality small kitchen appliances. They stand behind their products with responsive customer service.

Use Cases

Making espresso shots
Frothing milk for lattes and cappuccinos
Brewing single serve coffees
Quick weekday morning coffee

User Feedback Analysis

This Willow & Everett espresso machine has garnered largely positive reviews from customers praising its ability to produce high-quality espresso with thick, velvety crema and froth milk into a silky microfoam texture. Many users mention they are impressed with the results from such a compact and affordably priced machine.

Several customers describe the espresso as having a robust, full-bodied flavor with notes of chocolate and honey. They appreciate the flexibility to use either fresh ground coffee or pods. Some reviewers did encounter issues dialing in the grind size and dose to pull consistent shots, but this is typical of semi-automatic machines and can be remedied with practice.

A handful of critical reviews report problems with steam wand performance, stating it sputters or only dispenses hot water. This suggests potential manufacturing defects in some units. One user complained the machine stopped working after a few uses, likely another faulty device. However, the majority praise the dependable steaming ability to froth milk into a creamy, micro-bubble texture ideal for topping drinks.

In terms of ease of use, most reviewers find the machine intuitive to operate with clearly marked buttons and straightforward controls. They remark on the fast 20 second heat up time and automatic shut off feature. Several note the importance of watching the video for proper setup. Cleaning is said to be simple with removable, dishwasher safe parts.

Pros and Cons

Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Fast heat up time
- Produces high quality espresso shots
- Easy to use and clean
- Affordable price

Cons
- Small water tank capacity
- Steam wand complaints from some users
- Portafilters are pressurized only

Willow & Everett Espresso Machine

Value for Money

This Willow & Everett espresso machine provides exceptional value considering its sub $150 retail price point. Consumers note it punches far above its weight class in performance compared to more expensive counterparts like Breville and DeLonghi.

For a fraction of the cost of a premium unit, buyers can extract legitimate cafe-style espresso and steam milk with an appliance sized for small spaces. First time home baristas appreciate the affordable entry point into legitimate espresso making, without compromising on quality.

While lacking sophisticated features of prosumer machines, this budget-friendly option distills down the essentials of brewing and frothing into a wallet-friendly package. For espresso lovers seeking quality results without a huge investment, the Willow & Everett machine represents outstanding overall value.

Conclusion

With its fast heat-up time, excellent espresso extraction, frothing capabilities, and compact size, the Willow & Everett Coffee Espresso Machine is an ideal choice for espresso lovers looking for cafe-style results right at home. It’s an affordable luxury that makes it easy for anyone to become their own barista.

Willow & Everett Espresso Machine