Wirsh 20 Bar Espresso Machine with Plastic Free Portafitler and Steamer, Pressure Gauge, Touch Screen, Full Stainless Steel (Home Barista Plus)

Having used & absolutely loved the older model of Wirsh’s compact espresso machine which I ended up gifting to my cousin, I decided to buy the new model when I moved apartments.

Practicing barista skills at home since a few years now and Wirsh has been a solid driver to up my coffee game.

Below is my take on this machine from a snob’s pov. If you aren’t one, GO BUY THIS MACHINE, you’ll love it.

If you are a snob, I will try to list the differences with the older model with pros & cons that I think could help my fellow home baristas make a wise choice.

Pros:
1. A upgraded 20 bar pump with a pressure gauge to assist for that perfect espresso extraction

2. The stainless steel design with a touch screen panel gives an ultra premium look to this machine. It was instantly noticed by friends who came over.

3. Times between espresso extraction and steam preheat is almost under 10 seconds which is a HUGE improvement since I don’t have to wait for 30 seconds to get the steam pumping out of the wand.

4. Steam wand although looks sleek but is powerful enough to create a whirlpool for about 200-250ml milk in the pitcher.

5. Although minor but the steam/water knob has a rubber grip and feels great to control.

6. Anti slippery suction knobs to keep the machine in position while locking & unlocking the portafilter

7. Portafilter is redesigned to give a more professional look.

8. Water dispersion from shower screen is even which gives a good body to the espresso extraction process.

9. Tamper is now a solid metal spoon with a heavy base instead of a plastic one which can easily de shape after some months of use.

10. The portafilter basket now comes with a max indicator which the older model missed making the judgement relatively easier.

Cons:
1. The portafilter feels lighter than previous model and I wish it was more sturdier like before.

2. The maximum angle of steam wand could have been more obtuse. A restricted steam wand angle could need more hands on experience for swirling the milk for latte art. Does that mean it is bad? NOT AT ALL; I was able to get a decent latte art using the existing maximum angle of the steam wand.

3. The spoon size of the tamper is smaller. This is subjective and is not a deal breaker. I used the spoon to carve melon balls for my cocktail … lol.

4. The max indicator on the portafilter could be deceiving as I was having some trouble locking it in when filled up to the max indicator.

So far this has been a great espresso machine wrt quality, looks & price. Better coffee beverages is more savings by avoiding trips to cafes!

Wirsh Home Barista Plus.
I bought this machine after looking at a De'longhi machine and realizing that the Wirsh machine had better specs, was ALL metal, and cost less! I couldn't have been more right. I've owned this machine since Christmas and use it 3x per day! It's a fantastic machine!

Upgrades:
Don't forget to upgrade to a bottomless portafilter and get their 30lb spring tamper. I also got their stainless steel frothing pitcher too.

and now, I'm making cafe-grade espresso at home now!

Buy it! Buy it! Buy it!

A simple 20 bar expresso machine with steamer. I am at awe how well this works.

I absolutely love this! I love my coffee and good machine is what I needed for quality coffee. It is so perfect for my apartment too! It doesnt take up much counterspace. Its easy to use as well. You will need to buy a frothing cup. Thats a minor thing and can be easily bought. Overall my coffee taste amazing.

Why we waited so long to buy our Wirsh I’ll never know. It is awesome to fix a great cup of coffee and not have the expense of the coffee shop. It is fun experimenting with new drinks.