KEENSTAR BCM2201 Espresso coffee machine: Full Review

Keenstar is known for manufacturing affordable home espresso machines that produce cafe-quality espresso. They've been making espresso machines for over 10 years and have a range of models to suit different budgets and needs. The BCM2201 is one of their newer mid-range pump espresso machines aimed at espresso enthusiasts who want great tasting espresso without breaking the bank.

Keenstar espresso machines are designed to be easy to use while still giving you control over the brewing process. Many of their models like the BCM2201 include a manual milk frother so you can make cappuccinos and lattes. Key things that set Keenstar apart is their use of stainless steel housing, 15 bar pump pressure, and dual spouts to brew single or double shots. With proper care and maintenance, their espresso machines can last for many years.

The BCM2201 is packed with features you would expect to find in more expensive espresso machines. In this review, we'll take a close look at the design, features, espresso quality, milk frothing ability, ease of use, maintenance, and value of this espresso machine to help you determine if it's a good choice for your home.

Design

The Keenstar BCM2201 espresso machine has an elegant and compact design perfect for any kitchen. It is made of stainless steel for durability with plastic accents available in black or silver.

Measuring 11.2 x 8.3 x 12.4 inches, this espresso machine has a small footprint that can fit well on most countertops without taking up too much space. It weighs about 10 pounds, making it easy to move around or store when not in use.

The stainless steel exterior gives it a sleek, modern look that will blend in seamlessly with various kitchen decor styles. The black and silver color options allow you to choose the version that best matches your existing appliances and decor.

Overall, the Keenstar espresso machine is thoughtfully designed to be an attractive and convenient addition to your kitchen. Its durable stainless steel body has a small, lightweight frame available in neutral color options to suit a range of home aesthetics.

In addition, the CHULUX QF-EM531541 offers a user-friendly design, featuring a one-button operation that makes brewing espresso quick and effortless. Its compact size and lightweight build make it portable, and its stylish exterior complements any kitchen setting. With a fast heating element and a high-quality pump, it ensures optimal extraction of flavors, providing rich and robust espresso every time. This machine is perfect for those who want convenience and quality in their coffee-making experience.

Features

The Keenstar espresso machine comes equipped with a wide range of features to help you brew cafe-quality espresso at home.

• 15-Bar Pump Pressure: This machine can generate up to 15 bars of pressure for rich, bold espresso with thick crema. The high pressure extracts maximum flavor from the coffee grounds.

• Thermoblock Heating System: The thermoblock heating system allows the machine to heat up in just 45 seconds so you can brew espresso on demand. It maintains a consistent temperature for repeated extractions.

• 360° Swivel Steam Wand: The steam wand swivels 360° for ease of use when frothing and steaming milk. It makes microfoam for creamy cappuccinos and lattes.

• 26 oz Water Tank: The 26 oz water tank has an integrated water level window so you can easily see when you need to refill it. No more guessing if there's enough water.

• Drip Tray: To keep your countertop neat, it has a removable drip tray to catch drips and overflows. The grid helps separate the spent grounds.

• Single and Double Shot Filters: It comes with both a single shot and double shot filter basket so you can pull 1 or 2 oz shots.

Additionally, the Kwister CM1687 offers an innovative design and user-friendly interface, making espresso preparation a breeze. You can explore its features like adjustable settings for temperature and grind size, ensuring every cup is tailored to your taste. With a sleek finish, it not only performs well but adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned baristas, the Kwister CM1687 promises a delightful brewing experience every time.

Ease of Use

The Keenstar BCM2201 espresso machine is designed for convenience and ease of use. The control panel features simple button controls and an LED display, allowing you to easily select between 1 or 2 cups and adjust the steam and coffee strength.

The portafilter locks into place securely and the machine heats up in just 45 seconds, so you can start brewing immediately. Cleaning is straightforward - there is an auto-cleaning cycle and the drip tray, portafilter, and water tank are all removable and dishwasher safe. Descaling is recommended every 2-3 months to keep the machine running optimally.

The milk frothing wand makes it easy to texture milk for cappuccinos and lattes. It can be positioned vertically for storage when not in use. Overall, the Keenstar machine simplifies the process of crafting cafe-quality espresso drinks at home. Its intuitive controls and efficient maintenance reduce the learning curve for beginners.

Espresso Performance

The Keenstar espresso machine can brew espresso with excellent temperature, pressure, consistency, and crema.

The 15-bar pressure pump allows the machine to extract espresso at the ideal 9 bars of pressure. This results in rich, dense espresso with the perfect texture. The stainless steel boiler and thermoblock heating system heat water to the optimal temperature range of 195-205°F for espresso brewing. This hot water evenly saturates and extracts the coffee grounds to produce a balanced espresso shot.

Each shot from the Keenstar machine has a nice golden-brown crema layer on top. Crema is an indicator of a well-extracted espresso, with dissolved coffee oils and carbon dioxide bubbles suspended within the crema. The Keenstar produces this desirable crema consistently across multiple shots, demonstrating its ability to evenly saturate the grounds and extract the coffee oils.

The espresso's consistency shot-to-shot is also impressive with this machine. The amount of ground coffee packed into the portafilter, the tamp pressure, and the consistent water temperature and pressure all lead to very consistent extractions. No matter when you pull a shot, you can expect the same delicious, balanced espresso with rich crema.

Overall, the Keenstar machine nails the key parameters of temperature, pressure, consistency, and crema production for making exceptional espresso. It's clear that this machine was designed specifically to brew high-quality espresso at home.

Milk Frothing

The KEENSTAR espresso machine comes with a powerful steam wand that makes it easy to froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes. The steam wand delivers barista-quality foam that is rich, creamy, and smooth.

One of the standout features of this steam wand is the powerful steam pressure. Many lower-end espresso machines have steam wands that sputter and struggle to create microfoam. But the KEENSTAR steam wand produces hot, dry steam with strong pressure that aerates milk easily.

You can froth milk to the perfect texture and temperature for your favorite milk-based drinks. The milk transforms from liquid to silky foam within seconds. The foam is long-lasting and retains its texture even as the espresso shots are extracted.

The only downside is that you have to froth the milk manually using the steam wand. There is no automated milk frothing function. But the steam wand is easy to use once you get the hang of it. With a little practice, you can make cafe-quality foam to top your espresso drinks.

Overall, the steam wand on the KEENSTAR delivers excellent milk frothing ability for an affordable home espresso machine. It's powerful, efficient, and creates smooth, creamy foam just like a professional machine.

Maintenance

The Breville Bambino Plus requires some regular maintenance to keep it running properly. Here are a few key areas to focus on:

Descaling

Descaling helps remove mineral deposits that can build up inside the machine over time. Breville recommends descaling every 3-6 months depending on your water hardness. The descaling process takes about 30 minutes and involves filling the water reservoir with a descaling solution, running cycles, and rinsing thoroughly. Breville includes descaling tablets to make the process easy.

Cleaning

Regular cleaning keeps your machine hygienic and removes old coffee oils. Breville recommends backflushing the group head every week or so by inserting a cleaning tablet and running a brew cycle. Also wipe down exterior surfaces and empty the drip tray as needed. Deep cleaning the steam wand and portafilter every few months helps remove residual milk and coffee.

Part Replacement

Some parts may need replacement over time like the water filter, brew group gasket, or steaming wand. These parts are easy to access and replace on the Breville machine. Check manufacturer guidance on recommended replacement intervals.

Overall the Breville Bambino Plus is designed for easy maintenance. Just be sure to descale and clean it regularly follow the manufacturer recommendations. Then it will continue brewing great espresso for years to come.

Value

The KEENSTAR BCM2201 offers very good value for an espresso machine under $200.

• Price - At under $200, this is an affordable option for an espresso machine with a milk frother. While not the cheapest model available, the features and performance make it a good value purchase.

• Included Accessories - The machine comes with 2 filter baskets for 1 shot and 2 shot espressos, a measuring spoon, and a tamper. The inclusion of these useful accessories adds to the overall value.

• Warranty - KEENSTAR provides a 1 year warranty on the espresso machine, which gives peace of mind on the purchase. Many competitors in this price range only offer 90 days warranty. The longer 1 year coverage is reassuring if any issues arise.

Overall, considering the solid espresso and frothing performance, useful accessories, and 1 year warranty coverage, the BCM2201 provides very good value for an affordable, entry-level home espresso machine with milk frothing capabilities. The combination of features and quality make it a worthwhile investment for the price.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Makes high-quality espresso with good crema.
• Easy to use and operate, even for beginners.
• Compact, lightweight and small footprint to fit on counters.
• Quick heat up time to start making espresso fast.
• Powerful 15-bar pressure pump provides strength for extraction.
• Built-in steam wand froths milk easily.
• Easy to clean and maintain. Removable parts are dishwasher-safe.
• Durable and well made, built to last.
• Affordable price for a home espresso machine.

Cons

• Small water reservoir capacity at 26 oz. Needs frequent refilling.
• Frothing results are not as rich and creamy as higher-end machines.
• Lack of accessories like tamper, cups, etc. Must purchase separately.
• No automation or programmable features.
• May require some trial and error to master espresso techniques.
• Short power cord. May require extension cord.
• Small drip tray fills up fast when making multiple drinks.

Conclusion

The Keenstar BCM2201 espresso machine offers an affordable entry into quality home espresso for the casual espresso drinker. With its simple interface and automatic features like one-touch brewing and milk frothing, it's easy to use for beginners who just want good espresso without much fuss.

The machine is best suited for those who drink 1-2 espresso-based drinks per day and don't need to customize pressure, temperature, or shot volumes. It can deliver good, consistent espresso with its 15 bar pump pressure and stainless steel boiler, though more demanding espresso aficionados may desire greater customization and control.

The milk frothing wand makes it easy to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos. However, the manual wand requires some technique and practice to master. Those desiring automatic milk frothing may prefer a higher end model.

Overall, the Keenstar BCM2201 is a great budget-friendly option for casual espresso drinkers who want good, fuss-free espresso drinks at home without a big investment. It's simple to use for beginners while still producing quality espresso and milk froth. Just keep in mind it lacks more advanced customization for espresso enthusiasts.