IMUSA GAU-18202 Espresso coffee machine: Full Review

The IMUSA espresso machine is an entry-level semi-automatic espresso maker designed for home use. This affordable and compact machine allows you to brew espresso-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes with ease.

With a 15 bar pump pressure and heated ThermoBlock boiling system, the IMUSA can produce decent espresso shots and froth milk adequately for your morning caffeinated beverages. While it may lack some of the features and consistency of higher-end machines, the IMUSA presents an accessible option for someone looking to enjoy espresso drinks at home without a huge investment.

This review will dive into the IMUSA's design, features, ease of use, brew quality, versatility, durability, and value to give you a comprehensive overview of what this budget espresso machine can and cannot do. We'll provide pros and cons to help you determine if the IMUSA is a good fit for your home coffee needs.

Design

The IMUSA espresso machine has a sleek and modern design perfect for any kitchen. It is made of stainless steel and plastic materials that are durable and easy to keep clean.

Despite its small footprint, measuring just 11 x 7.5 x 10.6 inches, it does not compromise on features or power. The stainless steel finish gives it an elegant look that will match well with any decor.

The machine comes in three color options - black, red, and silver. The black and red variants have accents in their respective colors, while the silver version is all stainless steel. This gives buyers some choice to pick the look that best fits their style.

The compact and lightweight body makes the machine highly portable. You can easily move it between countertops or bring it along for travel. Overall, the machine combines functional design with visual appeal.

If you're interested in another excellent espresso machine, consider the Mr. Coffee BVMCECMP1000RB. This model features a sleek design and advanced brewing technology to deliver rich, flavorful espresso. Made with high-quality materials, it promises durability and ease of use. The Mr. Coffee machine is also compact, making it a great fit for any kitchen space.

Features

The IMUSA Espresso Maker comes equipped with several useful features for brewing quality espresso drinks at home.

Pressure

This espresso machine can generate 15 bars of pressure, which is the ideal amount of pressure needed to properly extract espresso and create a creamy layer of crema on top. 15 bars allows the hot water to fully saturate the finely ground coffee for full flavor extraction.

Steam Wand

A powerful steam wand allows you to steam and froth milk for making cappuccinos and lattes. The steam wand lets you texture the milk to your preferred consistency, from silky smooth to thick and foamy.

Frothing Arm

The frothing arm on the steam wand creates a rich, creamy froth for topping espresso drinks. You can froth milk to the ideal texture for making cappuccinos and lattes.

Drip Tray

The drip tray on the IMUSA espresso maker is removable for easy cleanup. It collects excess coffee drips so your countertop stays neat and clean. The drip tray also has a "drip stop" feature to prevent overflow.

Another excellent option for at-home espresso brewing is the Chefman RJ54. This model offers a user-friendly design and a compact footprint, making it perfect for small kitchens. It features a powerful heating system for fast brewing and a built-in frother for creamy milk beverages. The Chefman RJ54 is known for its reliability and ease of use, making it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts.

Ease of Use

The IMUSA espresso machine is fairly straightforward and intuitive to use, even for beginners. The instructions are simple and easy to follow. There are only a few steps:

1. Fill the water reservoir and ensure the drip tray is in place. The water reservoir is easy to access from the front of the machine.

2. Fill the portafilter with ground espresso and tamp it down firmly. The portafilter locks securely into place.

3. Place your cup under the portafilter spouts.

4. Turn the steam knob to the espresso position.

5. Press down the pump lever for espresso extraction. The pressure gauge indicates when ideal pressure is reached.

6. Once the desired amount of espresso is extracted, release the pump lever to stop the flow.

The learning curve is quite minimal with the GAU-18202. Within a few tries, most users will get the hang of making consistently good espresso shots. The steps are intuitive without too many variables to adjust.

Maintenance is also straightforward. Rinsing and wiping down after each use prevents buildup. Descaling every few months ensures any mineral deposits from water are removed. Overall, this is one of the easiest affordable espresso machines to use and maintain.

Brew Quality

The IMUSA espresso machine produces espresso with a rich, full-bodied taste and a nice layer of crema on top. The 15-bar pump provides sufficient pressure to properly extract the coffee flavors and oils, resulting in a balanced espresso shot.

The machine heats water to the ideal temperature range of 190-205°F to brew espresso. This hot but not boiling temperature helps extract the best flavor from the ground coffee. The stainless steel boiler and heating element also heat water consistently with each use.

The espresso comes out of the portafilter hot, usually around 180-185°F. The thermal block heating system ensures the water stays hot as it's pumped through the group head and interacts with the ground coffee. This hot brewing temperature is essential for making espresso correctly.

The crema produced is a reddish-brown hue with small bubbly foam. While not as thick as crema from commercial machine, it's ample for a home espresso maker. The crema lasts for a decent amount of time in the cup before fading.

Overall, the IMUSA brews legitimate espresso with pleasing taste, proper temperature, and decent crema. It extracts the coffee nicely without any bitterness or sourness when using freshly ground beans. The results are much better than cheaper steam-pressure brewers.

Versatility

The IMUSA espresso machine allows you to make a variety of coffee drinks to suit your mood and taste. With the steam wand, you can easily make cappuccinos and lattes. The espresso shots produced are thick and rich, providing the base for all your favorite milk-based drinks.

The machine can pull 1 or 2 shots of espresso at a time. This allows you to make anything from a single shot espresso to a double shot cappuccino. The 3.5 bar pump provides sufficient pressure to extract the coffee properly and produce good crema on the espresso.

The portafilter has a single spout, which works well for making a single espresso or pulling shots directly into your cup or mug for milk-based drinks. Some users do wish it had a double spout for pulling 2 shots simultaneously, but the single spout does the job.

With the included steam wand, you can steam and froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes. It takes about a minute to steam cold milk and get it nice and frothy. The steam wand is easy to use and clean as well.

Overall, the IMUSA machine provides the core functionality to make espresso, cappuccino and latte drinks for an affordable semi-automatic espresso maker. The simplicity of the machine does limit some more advanced drink options, but it can certainly cover the basics very well.

Durability

The IMUSA espresso machine features an attractive stainless steel body that looks great and is built to last. The metal construction makes the machine feel solid and substantial, without being overly heavy.

Reviewers mention that the espresso maker seems well-made and sturdy. All of the parts fit together snugly with no wiggle or looseness. The portafilter locks tightly into place. The steam wand is made of metal and rotates smoothly.

IMUSA provides a 1 year limited warranty on the espresso machine, which helps provide peace of mind. While it's not an exceptionally long warranty, 1 year is fairly standard for this price range.

Many users comment that the machine works well after years of frequent use. As long as it is cared for properly, the IMUSA espresso maker should hold up with daily use for a long time. It does not have the same build quality as a high-end machine, but offers impressive durability given the affordable price point.

Overall, the stainless steel construction and proven longevity make this a solid and reliable espresso machine that can withstand regular use for years to come. It's a good value for a basic yet durable home espresso maker.

Value

The IMUSA GAU-18202 espresso machine provides good value for the price. At around $60, it is very affordable compared to higher-end espresso machines that can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

The IMUSA comes with the key accessories you need to get started making espresso drinks. This includes a steam wand for frothing milk, a single shot filter basket, a double shot filter basket, and a tamper for compressing the coffee grounds. It doesn't come with a milk frothing pitcher, but most people have something suitable on hand already.

For an entry-level, budget-friendly espresso machine, the IMUSA delivers a lot for the price. While you make some sacrifices on build quality and more advanced features compared to pricier models, it provides an accessible starting point for making cafe-style coffee drinks at home without a huge investment upfront.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact, stylish design fits well on countertops
• 15 bars of pressure extracts rich, bold espresso
• Easy to use controls and intuitive operation
• Steamer wand makes cappuccinos and lattes
• Quick heat up time
• Durable stainless steel construction

Cons

• Small water reservoir requires frequent refilling
• Steam wand can be tricky to master at first
• Lacks advanced features like a PID controller
• Short power cord may require an extension cord
• Only makes one or two shots at a time

Overall, the IMUSA GAU-18202 is an affordable, entry-level espresso machine. It produces good espresso and steamed milk for the price point. The simple controls make it easy to use, though lack of adjustable settings limits customization. The small size is ideal for small kitchens, but requires refilling water frequently. For casual espresso drinkers on a budget, it's a solid choice. More advanced users may want a higher-end model.

Conclusion

The IMUSA GAU-18202 espresso machine is a reasonably priced option that can deliver quality espresso drinks in a compact, straightforward package. It's a good choice for anyone looking to make espresso, cappuccinos or lattes at home without a big investment.

The steam wand and frothing arm allow you to make milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. The simple interface and push-button controls make it fairly easy to use, even for beginners. The 3.5 bar pump provides enough pressure for rich, full-flavored espresso.

While more expensive machines may have more options and finer build quality, the IMUSA delivers solid performance for the price. It's compact enough for small kitchens or dorm rooms. The removable water tank also makes it easy to fill and clean.

If you're an espresso enthusiast who wants to meticulously dial in your shot parameters, this machine may leave you wanting more control. But for anyone looking for an affordable at-home espresso maker that can deliver quality results without complexity, the IMUSA GAU-18202 is a great option worth considering.