SWAN SK22110BN Espresso Machine - Review 🏆

The Swan SK22110BN is an affordable espresso machine that aims to bring café-quality espresso drinks into the home. This semi-automatic machine features a 15-bar pump pressure and a thermoblock heating system to produce rich, full-bodied espresso shots.

With its compact footprint and sleek design, the SK22110BN can fit nicely on most kitchen counters. It comes with a milk frothing wand and drip tray to make cappuccinos and lattes. The machine is easy to operate with user-friendly controls and indicator lights.

Overall, the Swan SK22110BN provides an entry-level home espresso maker with solid performance for the price. It's a great option for espresso enthusiasts looking for an inexpensive machine to craft café-style drinks from the comfort of home.

Design & Build Quality

The Swan SK22110BN espresso machine features a sleek and compact design that will look great on any kitchen countertop. It has a durable stainless steel exterior that gives it a premium look and feel. The machine is well-constructed and feels sturdy, with metal parts throughout.

The portafilter, drip tray, and water reservoir are all made of good quality materials that should hold up well over time. The portafilter has a nice heft and locks into the group head securely. The plastic parts, like the steam wand and control knobs, also feel solidly made with no flimsiness.

Overall, the machine seems reliable and able to withstand daily use. While it may not have the total metal construction of some pricier models, it does not look or feel cheap. The combination of stainless steel and black plastic is visually appealing. For the price, the build quality is impressive and comparable to more expensive espresso machines.

If you're looking for even higher build quality in an espresso machine, check out the Sage The Oracle Touch. This high-end super automatic espresso machine features an all metal construction with stainless steel housing. The portafilter, steam wand, drip tray and other components are all metal as well. The machine has a gorgeous modern design with an interactive touch screen display. Everything about it feels sturdy, solid and built to last through years of daily use.

The Oracle Touch uses commercial grade components like a stainless steel conical burr grinder. This allows you to go from whole coffee beans to espresso at the touch of a button. It has automatic tamping, dosing, and milk texturing functions for no-hassle cafe quality drinks. With customizable espresso and milk settings, you can dial in your perfect shot.

In terms of reliability, the Oracle Touch is backed by Sage and receives high ratings from owners even after years of use. Overall, it represents an ultra premium espresso machine with commercial grade performance and build quality. While it costs significantly more than the Swan, the Oracle Touch delivers on all fronts from looks to durability to features. For espresso enthusiasts wanting the absolute best home setup, the Sage Oracle Touch is tough to beat.

Ease of Use

The Swan SK22110BN espresso machine is designed to be simple and intuitive to use. The interface consists of just a few buttons - on/off, one-cup, two-cup, and steam. The buttons have clear icons that make their functions obvious at a glance.

Operating the machine is straightforward. After turning it on, you wait for the indicator light which lets you know when it's ready to brew. Select either one or two cups, place your portafilter loaded with ground coffee into the group head, and press the button. The machine takes care of the rest, delivering consistent results every time.

Cleaning and maintenance are also easy. The drip tray can be removed and washed after each use. The water reservoir and portafilter are simple to detach and rinse clean. For deeper cleaning, there are two removable parts - the group head screen and the dispersion block. These can be soaked and scrubbed periodically to keep things hygienic.

Overall, the Swan SK22110BN offers hassle-free usability. With its minimal controls, automatic operation, and easy cleaning, it's an espresso machine that doesn't require much user effort to deliver excellent results. Both beginners and experienced users will find it simple to get cafe-quality espresso from this machine.

If you're looking for an alternative espresso machine that also prioritizes ease of use, the Krups EA817040 is worth considering. This semi-automatic model has a streamlined control panel with buttons for espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato, and hot water/steam. The tactile buttons provide clear feedback when pressed, so you know the machine has registered your selection.

The Krups EA817040 also simplifies maintenance with a front-loading water tank for easy refilling. The removable drip tray, portafilter, and brew group are dishwasher safe as well. The machine alerts you when it needs descaling or cleaning too. Overall, the intuitive controls and hassle-free upkeep make this an espresso maker that's very simple to use on a daily basis.

When comparing the Swan SK22110BN and Krups EA817040, they both emphasize straightforward operation and fuss-free cleaning. For those seeking an easy-to-use espresso machine, either model would be a solid choice. The Swan has a more pared down interface, while the Krups offers more drink options. But they both aim to deliver cafe-style espresso without complexity or hassle for the user.

Espresso Performance

The Swan SK22110BN espresso machine delivers excellent espresso performance for the price. It utilizes a 15-bar pump pressure to extract rich, full-bodied espresso shots. The optimal pressure range for espresso is generally accepted to be between 9-10 bars, so the Swan's 15 bars ensures sufficient pressure.

In terms of temperature, the Swan heats up to the ideal espresso temperature range of 90-95°C. This allows the hot water to properly extract the coffee flavors and oils when pushed through the grounds. The steam wand also heats up sufficiently to produce steam for frothing milk. The steam wand could be improved with more power and a 360 degree swivel, but it's capable of frothing milk for cappuccinos and lattes. The froth may not be as thick and creamy as higher-end machines, but it gets the job done.

Overall, the Swan provides solid espresso-making capabilities considering its affordable price point. While it may lack some of the premium performance and finesse of more expensive models, it extracts good espresso and froths milk decently. For an entry-level home espresso machine, the Swan delivers satisfying everyday espresso drinks.

Additional Features

The Swan SK22110BN espresso machine comes with some nice additional features that improve the overall user experience.

Cup Warming Tray

One handy feature is the cup warming tray on top of the machine. This helps preheat your cups so that when you brew your espresso, the heat is maintained and the coffee doesn't cool down as quickly. The warming tray is a nice size and can accommodate a couple of small espresso cups or mugs at a time.

Rapid Heating

This Swan model heats up quickly in just 45 seconds, meaning you can go from off to brewing espresso in under a minute. The rapid heating is ideal for those mornings when you need coffee in a hurry before dashing out the door.

Auto-Off

The auto-off function helps save energy by powering down the machine after 9 minutes of inactivity. This gives you plenty of time to pull your shot while ensuring the espresso maker won't be left on indefinitely.

Capacity & Output

The Swan Espresso Machine has a decent capacity and output for a home espresso maker in this price range.

• The water tank holds 0.8 liters of water, which is good for making several espresso drinks before needing a refill. This is comparable to other entry-level espresso machines.

• The 15-bar pump pressure produces good espresso shots. Each shot yields around 1-2 ounces of espresso, which is the standard output. This machine can produce 2 shots simultaneously.

• The steam wand delivers enough steam power and pressure for frothing milk to make cappuccinos and lattes. The frothing performance is decent for a budget model.

• Overall, the capacity and shot output is sufficient for making espresso drinks for 2-4 people before needing to refill the tank or let the heating element recover temperature. It's a capable machine for personal home use or a small household.

Value for Money

The Swan SK22110BN espresso machine offers excellent value considering its price point and features.

Price

This model typically retails for around £100, making it very affordable compared to higher-end espresso machines which can cost £400 or more. The price is reasonable given the solid performance and convenient features.

Warranty

Swan provides a 1 year warranty which gives peace of mind in case any defects occur. While some competitors offer longer 2-3 year warranties, 1 year is still good for this price range.

Accessories

Helpfully, Swan includes the key accessories like a tamper and measuring scoop. Some espresso machines make you purchase these separately. The tamper is especially important for preparing the coffee puck. The only extra you may want is a milk frothing jug if making cappuccinos or lattes.

Overall, considering the competitive price, included accessories, and 1 year warranty, the Swan SK22110BN delivers excellent value compared to other entry-level espresso machines. It packs in impressive features and performance without breaking the bank.

Pros & Cons

The Swan SK22110BN espresso machine has several standout pros along with a few potential downsides to consider:

Pros

• Compact, stylish design takes up minimal counter space
• 15 bars of pressure produce rich, aromatic espresso
• Easy to use controls and straightforward operation
• Includes pressurized and non-pressurized filter baskets
• Quick heat up time of under a minute
• Can make 2 cups at once with double spouts
• Frothing wand makes creamy cappuccinos and lattes
• Removable drip tray for taller cup sizes
• Affordable price point around £100

Cons

• Small 35ml tank requires frequent refilling
• Steam wand can be awkward to position
• Loud operation while brewing and steaming
• Cheap plastic tamper prone to breaking
• Short power cord limits placement
• No programmable options or temperature control
• May not last as long as higher-end models

Alternatives

When looking for an espresso machine, the Swan SK22110BN is one option worth considering. However, there are other models on the market that may better suit different needs and budgets. Here are some alternatives to consider:

Breville Bambino Plus

The Breville Bambino Plus is a popular entry-level espresso machine known for its fast heat-up time and ease of use. It can brew single and double shots and has a compact footprint, making it a good option for those with limited counter space. The steam wand makes it easy to froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes. Downsides are the small water reservoir capacity and lack of programmable settings.

De'Longhi Dedica Style

For those wanting an inexpensive but capable espresso machine, the De'Longhi Dedica Style is a top choice. It can brew espresso and steam milk, has a manual frother, and takes up minimal counter space. The temperature can be inconsistent at times, and the steam wand is not as powerful as higher-end models. Overall, it's a great budget pick for beginners.

Gaggia Classic Pro

Serious espresso aficionados may want to consider the Gaggia Classic Pro. This semi-automatic machine has commercial-grade components, including a 58mm portafilter and a powerful steam wand. It allows you to experiment with grind size, tamp pressure, and shot timing to dial in the perfect espresso. The downside is the learning curve and increased maintenance compared to simpler models.

Conclusion

The Swan Espresso Machine is a solid entry-level option for those looking to brew cafe-quality espresso at home without breaking the bank.

It offers excellent value for money with its 15 bar pressure pump, stainless steel exterior, and useful accessories like the milk frother and measuring scoop. While it lacks some of the sophistication and customization of more expensive models, it excels at the basics like extracting rich, full-bodied espresso shots consistently.

The machine is easy to use even for beginners. The intuitive controls, self-priming operation, and automated flow stop allow you to pull consistent shots once you dial in the right grind size. The steam wand also makes it simple to froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes.

Overall, this machine is ideal for espresso enthusiasts on a budget, college students, and those new to home espresso looking for an affordable, entry-level machine that can deliver quality shots. More advanced users may want to consider a pricier model with programmable features and a PID temperature control. But for most home brewers seeking delicious espresso without complexity, the Swan delivers.