Disclosure: AMZCHEF provided this espresso machine to me for free in exchange for this AMZCHEF Espresso Machine with Grinder Review. This post also contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are my own, and receiving the product for free does not influence my review.
I’ve tried quite a few coffee makers over the years, and I always get excited about one that promises to make my favorite coffee shop drinks at home. Especially when it comes with features that make the whole process easier.
For this AMZCHEF espresso machine with grinder review, I’ve been testing the FC3102, which has a built-in grinder, touchscreen controls, milk steamer, and even a much appreciated cold brew setting.
I’ve been using the CASABREWS Espresso Machine in my home, so I was curious to see how this one compared. There are a few things about this machine that make it easier to use than my previous espresso maker, and I’ve been happy with the coffee it produces.
There is one thing I don’t particularly love about it, though, and it’s something I think anyone considering buying this machine should know.
Here’s how it’s been working out in my kitchen so far.
What Is the AMZCHEF FC3102 Espresso Machine?
The FC3102 is a semi-automatic espresso machine with an integrated grinder, touchscreen controls, steam wand, and hot and cold brewing options.
Key Features and Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | AMZCHEF FC3102 |
| Grinder | Built-in conical burr grinder |
| Grind settings | 40 adjustable settings |
| Grinder timing | Digital adjustments in 0.5-second increments |
| Controls | Touchscreen with digital displays |
| Portafilter | 58mm |
| Brewing options | Espresso, hot coffee drinks, cold brew |
| Milk frother | Steam wand with lever control |
| Temperature control | PID |
| Power | 1500 watts |
| Water tank | 1.8 liters |
| Color | Premium Grey |
My Experience Using the AMZCHEF Espresso Machine with Grinder
Right Out of the Box
Within minutes of taking the AMZCHEF espresso machine out of the box, I was sipping on a delicious cold brew. That’s a pretty good first impression!
The machine has a label on the side with initial-use instructions, and the included quick-start guide made getting started simple. I also took a few minutes to read through the instruction booklet before experimenting with the different features.
I was especially interested in learning how to use the built-in grinder and touchscreen controls. Thankfully, neither required much effort.
One of my favorite things about this espresso machine is how straightforward everything feels. The touchscreen has pictures representing different functions, so instead of guessing which buttons to push, I can see what I want, tap the screen, and let the machine do its thing.
Using the Built-In Grinder
The built-in coffee grinder is one of my favorite features of the AMZCHEF FC3102. It delivers freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter, and I can easily customize the grind size and grinding time using the digital controls.
With 40 adjustable grind settings, there’s plenty of room to experiment with different coffee beans and brewing preferences.
I found that the default grind size worked well for me, but I wanted to adjust how much coffee the machine dispensed. Thankfully, that’s easy to do.
I can either press the button again to stop grinding or adjust the grinding time so the machine delivers my preferred amount each time.
Everything is displayed digitally, which makes adjusting the settings simple.
My previous espresso machine had a grinder that was more difficult to adjust, so this is a welcome improvement. I love being able to make small changes without fiddling with complicated controls.
Making Espresso at Home
I’ve always been a strong believer in the philosophy that if someone else has figured out how to do something, there’s probably a way for me to figure it out, too.
That’s certainly been true when it comes to making my favorite espresso drinks and lattes at home.
I’ve experimented with different coffee makers over the years, and there’s something satisfying about making a delicious cup of coffee without leaving the house.
The AMZCHEF FC3102 makes that process even more enjoyable because I can grind fresh beans, brew espresso, and steam milk using one machine.
I’ve made straight espresso, iced coffee by pouring espresso over ice, and cold brew using the dedicated setting. I’ve been consistently impressed with the quality and flavor of the finished drinks.
I’m especially happy to add homemade cold brew to my growing list of coffee shop favorites that I can make in my own kitchen.
Frothing Milk for Lattes and Cappuccinos
One feature I particularly enjoy is the steam wand’s lever control.
My previous espresso machine used a dial to control the steam, so having a lever that I can easily move to start and stop the process is a nice change.
When making homemade lattes and cappuccinos, having control over the steaming process makes it easier to work toward the milk texture and temperature I prefer.
The included milk frothing pitcher is also convenient because everything I need to get started is right there.
Whether I’m making a traditional latte or experimenting with a different coffee drink, I appreciate how easy it is to control the steam wand.
Trying the Cold Brew Feature
As an iced coffee drinker, the cold brew feature was probably the one I was most excited to try, and it didn’t disappoint.
My previous espresso machine didn’t have a dedicated cold brew setting, so this was something new for me.
One of the things that makes the AMZCHEF FC3102 stand out is the ability to choose between hot espresso and a cold brew option using the digital touchscreen.
I love that I can simply select the cold brew function and let the machine handle the brewing process.
I’ve always enjoyed making iced coffee by pouring freshly brewed espresso over ice, but my daughter recently got me thinking about how brewing methods can affect the flavor of coffee.
Hot espresso poured over ice can make a delicious iced coffee, but it’s not the same as coffee prepared using a cold brewing process.
Being able to choose the cold brew setting directly on the machine gives me another option, and I’ve really enjoyed the results.
Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to make a cold coffee drink without having to prepare traditional cold brew hours in advance.
What I Like About the AMZCHEF FC3102
There are quite a few things I love about this espresso machine, but the touchscreen is definitely near the top of my list.
Not only does the digital display make the machine easy to operate, but it also gives it a sleek, modern appearance. This is one of those kitchen appliances I’m happy to leave sitting on the counter rather than trying to find somewhere to hide it.
The touchscreen is easy to wipe down, and the removable components make routine cleaning straightforward.
I especially appreciate how the different functions are represented by pictures on the display. Being able to see the option I want, press it, and have the machine take care of the rest makes the entire coffee-making process feel less complicated.
The cold brew button is another huge selling point for me. I love having the option to make hot espresso drinks or cold brew without switching between different coffee makers.
I’m also a big fan of the built-in grinder. It’s easy to adjust, highly customizable, and much simpler to use than the grinder on my previous espresso machine.
Being able to change the grind size and grinding time digitally makes it easier to find the settings that work best for my coffee.
And, of course, the most important part is the finished product. The coffee tastes great!
What Could Be Better?
While I really enjoy the sleek design of the AMZCHEF FC3102, there is one thing I’ve noticed that could be improved.
The machine tends to move around on my countertop when I’m locking the portafilter into place.
Turning the portafilter requires a fair amount of force, and I usually have to hold the top of the machine with my other hand to keep everything steady.
I’ve considered putting a nonslip mat underneath it to see if that helps.
This is something worth keeping in mind if you have limited hand, wrist, or upper-body strength. Locking a portafilter into place can require some effort on many espresso machines, but I’ve found this one particularly challenging compared to others I’ve used.
It’s also worth mentioning that my machine is still relatively new. I’m curious whether securing the portafilter will become easier with continued use.
Aside from that, I’ve been really happy with how the machine performs.
AMZCHEF FC3102 vs. CM1626: What’s Different?
This isn’t my first experience with an AMZCHEF espresso machine. My daughter previously reviewed the AMZCHEF CM1626, so I was interested in seeing how the FC3102 compared.
Both machines offer built-in grinders, digital displays, and the ability to make a variety of espresso drinks, but there are a few differences worth mentioning.
One of my favorite changes is the steam wand control.
The CM1626 uses a dial with a helpful guide for adjusting the steam, while the FC3102 uses a lever. Personally, I prefer the lever because I find it easier to start and stop steaming my milk.
That really comes down to personal preference, though. Both machines offer ways to control the milk-frothing process.
The displays are another noticeable difference.
The CM1626 shows information such as grind time, brew time, and temperature, while the FC3102 has a more streamlined digital touchscreen with picture-based controls.
When the FC3102 isn’t in use, the display turns off, leaving a blinking power button visible.
There is also a slight difference in the number of grind settings.
The CM1626 offers 44 grind settings, while the FC3102 has 40. Although that’s four fewer options, I haven’t felt limited by the grinder on the FC3102. There are still plenty of settings to experiment with.
The overall appearance is different, too. I really like the modern design and streamlined controls of the FC3102. Of the espresso machines I’ve personally used, this is one of my favorites when it comes to ease of operation.
If you’re considering both models, you can also check out our previous AMZCHEF CM1626 espresso machine review to learn more about that machine.
Is the AMZCHEF Espresso Machine with Grinder Worth It?
I’m impressed with the value of the AMZCHEF FC3102 considering everything it has to offer.
Finding an espresso machine with a built-in grinder that lets you control both the grind size and grinding time using a touchscreen makes preparing coffee at home so much easier.
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly ground coffee first thing in the morning, especially when all I have to do is press a button to get started.
I also love having the flexibility to make different coffee drinks without needing several appliances.
Between the cold brew setting, single and double espresso options, built-in grinder, and milk frother, I can make a variety of my favorite coffee shop drinks right at home.
The touchscreen controls make the process simple, and the finished coffee has been consistently delicious in my experience.
While I would love to see a little more stability when locking the portafilter into place, that hasn’t changed how much I enjoy using this machine.
For anyone looking for an espresso machine with a built-in grinder, easy-to-use digital controls, and the flexibility to make both hot and cold coffee drinks, I think the AMZCHEF FC3102 is worth considering.
It’s a great value for the features it offers, and I’m happy to have it on my kitchen counter.
Coffee Recipes You Need to Try
- Keto Coffee Syrup Recipe – Easy Caramel Flavor
- Sugar Free Banana Coffee Syrup (Low Carb & Weight Watchers)
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Sugar Free Recipe
- Keto Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe {Starbucks Copycat}
About Thirty Something Super Mom
My journey started after a Crohn's disease diagnosis, inspiring a commitment to well-being. This site shares my distinctive approach to healthy living with my collection of nutritious recipes that boast authentic flavors, mimicking the indulgence of traditional dishes. I love sharing guilt free recipes for low carb, keto, gluten-free, paleo, and the specific carbohydrate diet. I also share tips on natural living, including homemade cleaners and cleaning hacks. I also share my experience as a veterinary technician and pet groomer, to integrate pet health tips, homemade dog food recipes, and grooming insights to ensure your pets thrive.