Tecnora New Classico TCM 107 M Thermoblock Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Coffee Maker - 1050 W

I was looking for a high quality enthusiast focused espresso machine, and i didn't have to import one. I found Tecnora, and am more than happy with my purchase, and the price point. However, there are a few small points that if they work on - their machine will be by far best in the market even at double the price. DO NOTE that this is still the best out there at its price point. Performs as well as machines twice the price inspite of some areas of improvement.First off - what's good :1.) Construction quality is decent. ABS plastic is used. Drip Tray is made of high quality metal. Sturdy and compact build.2.) Quality of portafilter, portafilter basket, handle, the fit of the portafilter are all very good. No complaints at all.3.) Scoop and Tamper are of plastic, but very high quality - and more than enough for most people. If you are a pro, then you should get a non pressurised portafilter and tamper that they sell separately.4.) Assembly isn't a problem. You just set it up and plug it in and it works.5.) Since it is thermoblock based, you get very precise water temperature, so that way - the quality of the espresso shot is AMAZING! Trust me it is AMAZING. For a moderate coffee addict like me, i was surprised that i could pull such a shot at my very first attempt! I used Blue Tokai, and it was fabulous.6.) One of the ONLY COMPANIES at this price point that promise ATLEAST 15 BAR OF PRESSURE from their pump, that they say are sourced from the world's experts in espresso pumps. I have no reason to doubt them, as this company has a very detailed set of videos on YouTube explaining their product - Check them out. They even have a video of their facility in Lower Parel, Mumbai, and show case their employees as well.7.) Thermoblock ensures FAST heat up of water, but doesn't make it boiling hot. It precisely makes it about 90 degrees C - to ensure ideal shot extraction. A boiler as is found on most other machines at this price point won't have that precision, and may use overheated water to brew.Now for the areas of improvement or things to note while buying :1.) Since this is a thermoblock based machine, it is always advised to run the machine with no coffee in the portafilter both BEFORE and AFTER pulling a shot. This means that you won't be able to churn out more than 2 espresso shots without noticing a slight dip in the quality of the crema, the taste of the shot also slightly may be different. Nothing MAJOR but hey - only enthusiasts and afficionados will look to buy an espresso machine, so be warned. YOU WILL HAVE TO DO A RINSE CYCLE (run machine without coffee) everytime for BEST RESULTS. This is even written in the manual.2.) You will have to purge the steamer of some hot water before you get the steam you desire. This means you'll have to run it in a spare vessel for about 10-12 seconds to get the level of steam performance needed. Even this is standard procedure as listed in manual for best results. This means those seeking to have this in very small startup coffee shops will have too much work in their hands to deal with the volumes they churn out.3.) There is no TIMER for the shot : I believe this is the most glaring set back. If there was a shot timer - i wouldn't need to do a guesswork on when to stop the extraction. This will be bad for first-timers, since you will only have to extract 30 ml for single shot espresso, and 60 ml for double shot. Better have a cup of the measurements mentioned - so as not to overextract and ruin your espresso. If they incorporate a timer, then this will be the BEST machine out there below 20k.4.) The pour area will not fit big coffee mugs. You will have to remove the drip tray cover and even then, it'll be a snug fit. The machine is compact and not much space for mugs.5.) No mug warmer - can't complain at such a fantastic price, of course. Your rinse cycle can take care of this, as the hot water rinsed, will warm up your cup before you pull a shot.Of course - inspite of all the above - I really LOVE the espressos that this machine puts out. It is really fantastic, the crema on espresso is something i've rarely seen in our local shops, and the smells permeate the room for hours!! Like a pro coffee shop. The company is a passionate little company out of Mumbai, the owner seems like a very dedicated passionate guy, so stop thinking too much about the value - JUST GET IT.This is FANTASTIC VALUE FOR MONEY for the Indian market. No need to look at italian machines for the masses who crave authentic quality coffee.

Ok I have been doing my research and practicing barista skills for almost 3 months so I think I am capable of writing a review on this since I used it personally.It hasn't been long since I bought this I would stick to my short term experience on the machine.The machine is great for low volume consumption coffee (10 cups a day). Also this espresso machine is the best in the indian market under budget machines.1.Espresso quality: Machine uses pressurised 51mm portafilter to extract the shots. Crema can be easily seen but also this crema is not very stable and diminishes quickly while you are frothing milk for latte or cappuccino. However the coffee extract taste is very good with no extra bitterness which is present in Morphy richard machines. This is because this machine has a temperature control for extracting shots.2.Frothing milk: The machine comes with a frothing pitcher which is commercially expensive when bought separately, so a plus point. The steam nozzle of machine has good length which gives this machine advantage over other competitive machines. Also a paneralo is provided for helping massive froth to be formed(with larger air bubbles). The steam wand when opened causes first hot water to come out which eventually gets into discrete water spray and finally steam comes out. The whole process takes 15-20 seconds for the actual steam to come out and I prefer frothing milk only after the water spray stops and steaming begins. The frothing could be still better but I find it satisfactory for daily usage. By the time I am done frothing the milk very less crema remains in the espresso shot.3. Customer service: I received a broken portafilter when package arrived, I made a complaint and within 1 day I received the new portafilter from company. Although sometimes they do no answer the call at once but overall the customer service is good.4. Machine ergonomics: the machine is easy to use and the manual takes away most doubts. If still issues arrive customer care is helpful.Atlast, the machine does its job well but it takes practice to brew perfect coffee because of parameter that needs to be controlled manually. I have uploaded images of latte created using this machine only with latte art on top. With practice and videos on YouTube one can experience a great cup through here.

Better product with better support available