This post sharing an honest review of the AMZCHEF Espresso Machine contains affiliate links which means that if you click a link, I may receive a small portion of the sale at no additional cost to you.
There is something about having a really good coffee in your hand that makes a busy morning feel a little more put together.
When I’m heading to work, running errands, meeting up with friends, or getting ready for a full day of projects, coffee is one of those little rituals I genuinely look forward to. I love trying new drinks, experimenting with flavors, and finding ways to make an ordinary day feel a little more special with a sweet treat like my favorite cappuccino.
So when I had the opportunity to try the CM1626 Espresso Machine, I was immediately excited.
I’ve always loved the idea of being able to make coffee-shop-style drinks at home, but I had never really considered making espresso to be a hobby until I started using this machine.
Now I’m learning how to grind my own beans, pull espresso shots, steam milk, experiment with different drinks, and figure out exactly what makes a latte taste the way I like it.
And the best part? I can do all of that at home and on my own schedule.
Bringing the Coffee Shop Home
One of the things I love most about having an espresso machine at home is how easily it fits into a busy lifestyle.
My days can look completely different from one another, so I love having something that can adapt when I’m on a strict time budget.
If I have a few extra minutes in the morning, I can slow down and actually enjoy making a latte.
If I’m rushing out the door, I can make a quick espresso drink before I go.
If I’m working from home, I can make an iced coffee in the afternoon without having to leave the house…and have the time of my life mixing homemade syrups, frothy milk, and perfectly creamy espresso together.
If I’m in the mood to experiment, I can turn my kitchen into a tiny coffee lab! The CM1626 Espresso Machine makes that especially fun because it combines several parts of the coffee-making process into one machine, which is incredibly convenient. It has a built-in grinder, espresso brewing, adjustable time and temperature controls, a steam wand for milk, and even a cold brew function.
That means I don’t need a separate grinder, espresso maker, and milk frother taking over my kitchen when I already don’t have enough space.
My New Favorite Morning Ritual
I’ve quickly discovered that making espresso is just as enjoyable as drinking it.
There is something genuinely satisfying about starting with whole coffee beans, grinding them fresh (it’s like ASMR), filling the portafilter, tamping the grounds, and watching the espresso pour into your cup.
I’m still learning, but I actually enjoy that part too. There is always something new to try!
Maybe I’ll change the grind, or I’ll try a different coffee bean. Maybe I’ll make my latte with a different kind of milk or add a new syrup. Maybe I’ll attempt a completely different drink that I’ve never tried in my life, but found on Pinterest at 3am.
It’s a small creative project that happens to end with something delicious. And when I’m heading into a busy day, having that little ritual makes my morning feel more intentional and zen.
Making My Favorite Espresso Beverage
I’ll be honest: the latte is currently my specialty.
I’m still very much learning my way around espresso, but I’ve gotten pretty comfortable making my own lattes.
The CM1626’s steam wand lets me froth and texture milk, which opens up a whole world of espresso drinks beyond a simple shot of coffee. I’m working on getting that silky, smooth milk texture that you get at local coffee shops, and I’m having way too much fun practicing.
There is definitely a little bit of a learning curve, but I think that’s what makes an espresso machine so much more interesting than a standard coffee maker. You’re not just pressing a button and watching coffee pour out, you’re building a genuine skill.
And every time you make a drink, you get a little better! The learning process is absolutely delicious.
A Wide Variety Of Espresso Drinks
Once you get comfortable making espresso, the possibilities are kind of endless.
I’m starting with lattes, but I’m already looking forward to experimenting with flat whites, macchiatos, cappuccinos, Americanos, iced lattes and flavored espresso drinks.
A flat white is high on my list because I love a strong coffee flavor paired with smooth, velvety milk.
I’m also excited to try making macchiatos and eventually work my way toward latte art.
And that’s what makes this such a fun hobby, you don’t ever really “finish” learning how to make coffee! There are always new beans, recipes, techniques and combinations to try.
You’re basically getting infinite beverage choices and the most cool hobby ever, all in one modern, elegant little machine.
Espresso, Iced Coffee and Cold Brew
The CM1626 isn’t just for hot espresso drinks, either.
It also includes a cold brew function, which gives me another way to enjoy coffee when I want something chilled.
I love having the flexibility to change my drink depending on the day.
A warm latte on a slow morning.
An iced latte when I’m heading out for the afternoon.
Cold brew when I want something refreshing on a hot day.
The machine’s controls include dedicated options for espresso and cold brew, along with its grinding and steaming functions. Having that variety available from one machine is one of my favorite parts of it.
A Fun Way to Save Money on Coffee
Of course, one of the practical benefits of making coffee at home is saving money.
But I don’t think saving money has to mean giving up the fun part of getting coffee.
That’s what I like about having an espresso machine of my own. I can still make the kind of drink I’d normally order at a coffee shop. I can choose my favorite beans, add flavored syrups, experiment with milk and customize everything to my taste.
The difference is that I’m making it myself! And once you start thinking about how many drinks you can make from a bag of coffee beans and a carton of milk, the appeal becomes pretty obvious.
Instead of making a coffee run every time I’m craving a latte (and losing $9.50 in the process) I can make one in my own kitchen. It’s convenient, it’s customizable, and honestly, it’s more fun than I expected.
Why Espresso Is a Great Hobby
I never expected to describe making coffee as a hobby.
But here we are.
I love hobbies that give you something to work toward without requiring you to become an expert overnight. Espresso is perfect for that!
Right now, I’m focused on making a really good latte. Next, I want to perfect my milk texture.
Then I’ll try a flat white. Then a macchiato.
Then maybe I’ll get brave enough to attempt latte art.
There is always another little skill to learn. And because the end result is something I get to drink, there is a pretty great reward waiting for me after every experiment.
Final Thoughts on My CM1626 Espresso Machine
After spending time with the CM1626, what I appreciate most is that it gives me the opportunity to play with my coffee. I can make something quick when I’m heading out for the day, or take a few extra minutes to enjoy the process. I can keep my morning routine simple or turn it into a little creative experiment. I can make a latte, try an iced drink, work on a new espresso recipe, or switch things up with cold brew.
I’m still learning, and I’m definitely not claiming to be a professional barista.
But that’s actually what I love about it.
The CM1626 has made coffee something I can experiment with, learn about, and enjoy on my own schedule.
For anyone who loves coffee and wants to bring a little more creativity into their daily routine, making espresso at home is an easy and fun place to start with the CM1626. You just have to give it a try!
Want an AMZCHEF Espresso Machine of Your Own?
If you’re reading this review and thinking, Now I want an espresso machine,I have some good news. AMZCHEF is also giving one lucky reader the chance to win an AMZCHEF Compact Espresso Machine of their own!
The giveaway machine is a different model than the one reviewed above, but it still has plenty to love, including 20-bar pressure, PID temperature control, a 30-second heat-up time, a 360° steam wand, one-touch brewing, and a 50-ounce removable water tank. It’s also a nice compact option if you want to make espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos at home without giving up half your kitchen counter.
You’ll love these recipes using epsresso:
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Sugar Free Recipe
- Keto Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe {Starbucks Copycat}
- 1 Point Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso (Better Than Starbucks!)
Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win this espresso machine from AMZCHEF.
