Airmsen Espresso Machine Review: Is It Worth It?
by Ella, Barista Trainer · Updated
The Airmsen espresso machine is a compact stainless steel countertop espresso maker with a 20 bar pump and a 1350 W heater. Airmsen Home Appliances sells the line as the BCM2316, the BCM2308 and the MK-787G.
Welcome to my Airmsen espresso machine review, I'm Ella, a barista and barista trainer. I was working behind the bar in 2013, the year Breville arrived in the UK as Sage.
The machines make rich shots with crema and creamy milk foam for the price. Ease of use and value top the praise. Durability, grinder stalls and fading foam lead the complaints.
Prices are about $130 to $190 at US retailers, and the BCM2316 has a 2 year warranty. I look at ease of use, durability and running costs below. This review is not sponsored. A final verdict says who should buy.
What Is the Airmsen Espresso Machine?
The Airmsen espresso machine is a compact espresso maker with a 20 bar pump and a 1350 W heater. That name covers a group of machines rather than one product. Airmsen Home Appliances sells several models under that name. The grinder models are semi-automatic.
Semi-automatic is the key word, because it sets how much work the machine does and how much the owner does. The pump runs by itself. The user controls grinding, tamping and milk. Fully automatic machines handle those steps for the user instead.
On the grinder models, that split affects every shot. A touchscreen sets the shot size.
One model automates the milk step for the owner. The BCM2308 is that model, and the model list below covers its hardware.
Airmsen Home Appliances also sells dishwashers, juicers and other kitchen gear. Shoppers can buy from the company's own online store or from retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and Wayfair.
Product copy aims the machines at novice home baristas. Owners agree. One first-time buyer calls the machine a great beginner machine.
Which Airmsen Espresso Machine Models Can Buyers Choose?
Buyers can choose among at least three Airmsen espresso machine models: the BCM2316, the BCM2308 and the MK-787G. Each model has its own code, features and price. Here are the three models and what sets each one apart:
- BCM2316: This is the semi-automatic model, so the user starts and stops the shot by hand. It grinds its own beans with a built-in conical burr grinder, which crushes beans between two ridged cones. Milk gets frothed with a manual steam wand.
- BCM2308: This model froths milk on its own instead of by hand. It heats water with a dual boiler, which means two separate heaters. A 1350 W heater handles brewing, and a 1000 W heater handles steam.
- MK-787G: This model runs at 20 bar of pressure and has a professional steam wand. However, it grinds no beans of its own. It adds three features the other two lack: pre-infusion, which wets the grounds before the full shot, plus a touchscreen and an auto-cleaning function. The brand's own store lists the MK-787G at 135.95 euros.
Finding the code takes a little care at checkout. Retail titles are long, and the model code appears at the end. Buyers should confirm the code before ordering, because specs differ by model.
Airmsen Espresso Models:
| Model | Grinder | Milk System | Tank |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCM2316 | Built-in conical burr, 10 settings | Manual steam wand | 61 oz (1.8 L) |
| BCM2308 | Not stated | Automatic frother | 60 oz (1.8 L) |
| MK-787G | None | Professional steam wand | Not stated |
How Does the Airmsen Espresso Machine Work?
The Airmsen espresso machine works by pushing hot water through coffee at 20 bar after a short pre-infusion. Pre-infusion is a brief first wetting of the coffee. The brand says it fully soaks the grounds before the main push of water.
A 1350 W heater warms the water. NTC temperature control, a sensor that tracks water heat, holds one grinder model at 195°F to 205°F (90°C to 96°C). The BCM2308 model holds 203°F to 208°F (95°C to 98°C).
Heat-up is quick. The BCM2308 listing promises a first espresso in 30 seconds. A grinder model listing promises a hot cup in under one minute.
Once the water is hot, the touchscreen sets which drink comes out. The screen offers four drink programs:
- Single shot: A preset volume of espresso for one cup.
- Double shot: A preset volume of espresso for two servings.
- Americano: Espresso topped with hot water.
- Cold brew: A cold brew program that brews at a lower temperature than the espresso settings.
An operator who wants a different amount holds a button for 3 seconds. The machine saves that custom shot volume.
The 20 bar figure needs a plain reading. It describes the pump and not the pressure at the coffee puck. Espresso machines regulate pump pressure down to about 9 bar at the puck. They often do this with an overpressure valve, a valve that vents excess pressure.
How Does the Airmsen Built-In Grinder Work?
The Airmsen built-in grinder works by crushing beans between stainless steel conical burrs just before each shot. Those burrs are made from 3Cr13 stainless steel. The brand rates them for more than 10,000 cups.
Beans still need to be broken into the right size for the drink being made. A dial handles that, with 10 grind levels that run from espresso to French press. A lower number grinds finer. The dial ships set between 5 and 7, and the brand suggests starting at 5. Most beans are usually between 3 and 6.
Two anti-static parts reduce the mess: an ionizer, which cancels the charge, and a ring. The burr is removable, so it lifts out and rinses clean in 10 seconds without tools.
Setting the grind size still leaves the question of how much coffee to grind. The machine covers that three ways:
- Single dose: An auto-dosing program grinds a single dose.
- Double dose: The second auto-dosing program grinds the amount for a double shot.
- Custom mode: This mode runs on time instead of a preset dose. It grinds for up to 35 seconds.
Ground coffee has to reach the basket, and beans can stall on the way down. A straight-through chute is meant to stop those jams. One owner still had a stall. A vacuum hose pulled out the stuck beans, and the grinder worked again.
How Does the Airmsen Milk Frother Work?
The Airmsen milk frother works as a manual wand on the BCM2316 and an automatic frother on the BCM2308. Each type heats and textures milk for lattes and cappuccinos. The two models reach that result in different ways.
The BCM2316 wand requires the user to do the texturing. The wand detaches and rinses clean in seconds.
The BCM2308 automates that work. It draws milk from a milk box. Steam for the frother comes from the model's second boiler.
Milk flow is programmable. Holding the cappuccino or latte button for 3 seconds starts setup. Milk flows for 15 to 20 seconds, and a second press saves the amount.
Noise is a mixed point. One owner found the frother loud and went back to a separate electric frother.
What Are the Airmsen Espresso Machine Specs?
Airmsen espresso machine specs cover 1350 W power, a 61 oz (1.8 L) tank and a 51 mm portafilter. A portafilter is the handle that holds the coffee. The pump is rated at 20 bar.
A grinder model has a 150 ml (5.1 fl oz) bean hopper. The cleaning section lists which parts come off for washing.
The BCM2316 weighs 12.6 lb (5.7 kg). The BCM2308 weighs 9.3 lb (4.2 kg). Both run on 120 V at 60 Hz in the US and 220 to 240 V at 50 Hz in the EU.
The BCM2308 adds a second heater. The model list above gives the wattage for each of its two boilers.
The box holds a 51 mm portafilter, single and double baskets, a 51 mm tamper with a wooden handle and a 10 g (0.35 oz) measuring spoon. A cleaning pin and a drip tray complete the kit.
- 51 mm portafilter
- Single and double baskets
- 51 mm tamper with a wooden handle
- 10 g (0.35 oz) measuring spoon
- Cleaning pin
- Drip tray
Power rules are strict. The label voltage must match the outlet. The machine needs a dedicated grounded outlet, with no extension cords or adapter plugs.
How Big Is the Airmsen Espresso Machine?
The Airmsen espresso machine is not big at 7.9 in (20 cm) wide and 10.2 in (26 cm) deep. The narrow body suits a small counter.
Width and depth are settled, but height is not. Spec sheets give 12 in (30 cm). The product description gives 14.6 in (37 cm). A second listing gives 14.96 in (38 cm), which backs the taller figure. Buyers with low cabinets should measure first.
Cups up to 4.1 in (10.4 cm) tall fit under the spout. One owner could not fit a normal mug until the drip tray came out.
The 61 oz (1.8 L) tank holds about 12 shots per fill.
Does the Airmsen Espresso Machine Make Good Espresso?
Yes. The Airmsen espresso machine makes rich espresso with crema for its price. Espresso quality is the most mentioned praise in owner summaries. One former coffee shop worker calls the shots great for the money.
That praise has a limit. One owner finds the brew rich but short of true espresso character. The user moves the portafilter from the grinder to the group head and tamps by hand. This workflow has a steep learning curve.
Learning the workflow starts with the clock. Dialing in depends on flow time, which is how long the shot takes to pour. A shot faster than 20 seconds tastes sour and watery. A shot slower than 35 seconds tastes bitter. Bean age matters too: the best window is 5 to 20 days after roasting.
Taste is not the only point owners split on. Temperature gets mixed feedback. The machine heats fast, yet some owners find the cup lukewarm.
Shot size draws its own complaint. Default double shots look small to some owners. The how it works section explains how to save a larger shot size.
Does the Airmsen Espresso Machine Make Good Milk Drinks?
Yes. The Airmsen espresso machine makes creamy milk foam for lattes and cappuccinos when the milk system stays clean. Owners report good lattes and iced lattes.
Not every report agrees, though. Retail summaries rate the foam texture as rich and creamy, yet the same summaries sometimes call it inconsistent or weak. Results vary by owner.
Foam can fade. One owner lost foam after a month of use. Support told that owner to check three things:
- Milk level: Refill the milk above the minimum line.
- Intake valve: Wash the intake valve to clear milk residue.
- Straw: Check that the straw fits tightly on the milk box.
Support names milk residue in the intake valve as the first thing to wash. A new milk box is the next step if washing fails.
What Do Airmsen Espresso Machine Reviews Say?
Airmsen espresso machine reviews skew positive but split between five star fans and one star critics. Ratings run from 4.0 to 4.8 stars across stores.
Ratings differ by source. The brand's own store shows 4.8 stars from 416 reviews, with 91% at five stars (379 reviews). One furniture retailer lists 4.6 stars from 57 reviews. Large retail pages are between 4.0 and 4.3 stars.
Ratings differ by model too. On large retail pages, the BCM2308 has a rating of 4.3 stars from 606 ratings. The grinder model has a rating of 4.0 stars from 321 ratings.
The split is wide on one big page. There, 62% of ratings give five stars and 17% give one star. Only 21% are in the middle three ratings.
Airmsen Ratings by Source:
| Source | Rating | Count |
|---|---|---|
| Brand's own store | 4.8 stars | 416 reviews |
| Furniture retailer | 4.6 stars | 57 reviews |
| BCM2308 on a large retail page | 4.3 stars | 606 ratings |
| Grinder model on a large retail page | 4.0 stars | 321 ratings |
Summaries of owner text praise easy use, compact size and good coffee. Durability gets mixed feedback.
What Do Airmsen Owners Like?
Airmsen owners like ease of use above every other point. Ease of use draws the most mentions on two large review pages. It appears more often than anything else.
Owner praise falls into five areas:
- Ease of use: Owners find the machine simple to run, and this point leads every other kind of praise.
- Value for money: Owners say the machine packs a grinder, a pump and a frother into a low price.
- Build quality: Build earns credit from some buyers. One owner finds the parts sturdy, with no flimsy plastic or weak O-rings. Another likes the sleek stainless finish.
- Compact size: The compact body fits a small coffee nook and leaves counter room.
- Support and shipping: Support replies are quick and friendly in owner accounts. One order arrived the next day.
What Do Airmsen Owners Complain About?
Airmsen owners complain most about durability and parts. Retail summaries say the machine is not built to last. Durability draws 7 to 9 mentions on listing pages.
Build quality draws notes beyond durability. Plastic internal parts are behind the stainless exterior. The brand also has limited name recognition next to established makers.
Beyond that broad worry, owner feedback sorts into five specific complaints:
- Durability and early failures: Some machines quit early. One owner's machine stopped working within the first month or two. The brand replaced that machine the same day.
- Damaged or missing parts: One owner received a damaged tank and waited over a month for the replacement. A missing part was still outstanding.
- Grinder stalls and a stiff portafilter: The grinder can stall on stuck beans. One owner found the portafilter hard to lock in.
- A manual that skips steps: Owners say the instructions leave out assembly and milk frothing.
- Small default double shots: The default double shot looks small to some buyers. One owner needed a very small cup.
How Is the Airmsen Espresso Machine Cleaned and Maintained?
The Airmsen espresso machine needs a short cleaning after every use and a deeper clean on a schedule. Retail summaries note that cleaning after each use is required. One owner cleans the machine every morning.
Models with a self-cleaning function flush the internal pipes on their own. A tap on the touchscreen starts the cycle.
Three areas need regular cleaning:
- Detachable parts: Most parts come off the machine for washing. The tank, bean hopper, drip tray and frother all detach.
- The milk system: The patented intake valve comes off so milk residue can be washed out. The brand designed the valve to prevent clogs.
- The grinder: Stuck beans can stall the grinder, so clear them when the grinder stops.
Of these three, the milk system needs the most attention.
How Often Does the Airmsen Espresso Machine Need Descaling?
The Airmsen espresso machine needs descaling every 2 to 3 months or when the machine prompts. That window shifts with the water going into the tank. Hard water needs more frequent descaling.
Weak or stopped flow usually means limescale. That makes buildup the top cause of weak or stopped flow on this machine.
Limescale also lowers brew temperature. Filtered water slows the buildup.
Skipped descaling lowers cup quality. Even fresh beans cannot make up for a machine that is overdue for descaling.
How Much Does the Airmsen Espresso Machine Cost?
The Airmsen espresso machine costs roughly $130 to $190 at US retailers. The BCM2308 model lists at $169.99 on one large retail page.
The brand's own store lists the BCM2316 at 225.95 euros, down from 360.95 euros. The store also shows a first-order discount code and free shipping on every order.
The machine is not the only cost, since the same store also sells replacement parts at set prices. The store prices these spare parts:
- Water reservoir: 20.95 euros. This is the tank that holds the water for brewing.
- Single-shot portafilter handle: 17.95 euros. The portafilter is the handle that holds the ground coffee during a shot.
- Bean hopper: 12.95 euros.
Rival 20 bar grinder machines cost more and less than Airmsen. Hausmojo lists at $164.99 and GeniCup at $199.99. Chefman Crema Deluxe lists at $270.10, and Gevi at $359.99.
Listed Prices Compared:
| Machine | Listed Price |
|---|---|
| Hausmojo | $164.99 |
| Airmsen BCM2308 | $169.99 |
| GeniCup | $199.99 |
| Chefman Crema Deluxe | $270.10 |
| Gevi | $359.99 |
What Warranty Does the Airmsen Espresso Machine Have?
The Airmsen espresso machine has a 2 year warranty against manufacturing defects on the BCM2316, plus 30 day returns.
That clear term does not carry over to the brand's other model. The BCM2308 listing contradicts itself. Its spec sheet says 2 years, while the product description says 1 year. Both numbers cannot be right, so buyers should confirm the term before ordering.
Once the length of coverage is settled, the next question is how a buyer shows the machine still qualifies. The order number serves as proof of purchase. No paper invoice is needed for a warranty claim.
Shipping damage has a short window. The brand asks for contact within 48 hours and an unboxing video. A replacement ships first.
Warranty claims are handled by support. The brand's store lists service@airmsen.com and promises a reply within 24 hours on working days.
Extra coverage can also be bought from outside the brand. One furniture retailer sells a separate 3 year protection plan for $20.99, which equals $7.00 per year. That plan comes from the retailer, not from Airmsen.
Is the Airmsen Espresso Machine Worth It?
Yes. The Airmsen espresso machine is worth it for budget beginners who want a grinder and a frother in one. The paragraphs below weigh those strengths against the weaknesses.
The strengths are clear. The price is low, a grinder is built in, the body is compact and the touchscreen is simple. Support replies are quick.
The weaknesses are real. Durability gets doubts, grinders can stall, milk foam can fade and the manual is thin.
Pros:
- Low price
- Built-in grinder on the BCM2316
- Compact body
- Simple touchscreen
- Quick support replies
Cons:
- Durability doubts
- Grinder stalls
- Milk foam that can fade
- A thin manual
- Coffee that lacks true espresso character for one owner
The best safeguard is a seller with easy returns. The warranty section explains what proof a claim needs.
Who Should Buy the Airmsen Espresso Machine?
Beginners and small-kitchen owners should buy the Airmsen espresso machine. A first machine with a grinder and a frother saves the cost of separate gear. Small kitchens suit the body, which is 7.9 in (20 cm) wide.
- Buyers who want one-touch drinks: The grinder model needs manual tamping and manual milk steaming. Tamping means pressing the ground coffee flat before the shot. These buyers should consider the BCM2308 instead.
- Buyers who pull many shots every day: These buyers should weigh the durability complaints first.
- Enthusiasts: These buyers have pricier options. EUHOMY lists a 58 mm portafilter, the basket that holds the grounds, with PID temperature control at $309.99. PID is a controller that holds water heat steady.
Buyers should match the model to the work they accept. The grinder model requires hand steps, and the BCM2308 offers one-touch drinks.
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