SWAN SK22110GRYN Espresso Machine - Review 🏆

Swan is a well-known British home appliance brand that has been manufacturing kitchen products since the 1920s. Based in Liverpool, the company offers a range of small kitchen appliances like kettles, toasters, and coffee makers known for their retro-inspired style and colorful designs.

In recent years, Swan has expanded into more premium kitchen appliances including espresso machines. The Swan SK22110GRYN is one of their newer espresso maker models, featuring a sleek design and modern features for brewing espresso-based drinks at home.

This review will take an in-depth look at the specs, performance, and overall user experience of the Swan SK22110GRYN espresso machine to help you determine if it's a suitable option for your home coffee needs. Key factors examined include design, features, ease of use, espresso quality, milk frothing capabilities, and maintenance requirements.

Design

The Swan Espresso Machine has an attractive and compact design that won't take up much space on your kitchen counter. It has a modern look with its black and stainless steel exterior.

The machine is cylindrical in shape and measures 11.4 x 11.4 x 12.2 inches. It has a nice heft to it at over 7 pounds, so it feels sturdy and well-built. The water tank and drip tray are easy to access and remove from the sides.

There are two selector knobs on the front - one for choosing between a single or double shot of espresso, and another for selecting steam or hot water dispensing. The portafilter locks into place securely under the group head.

Overall, the machine looks nice and feels well-constructed. The compact footprint is ideal for small kitchens, dorm rooms, offices, or RV's. It has an attractive, contemporary design that would fit into most decor styles. The black and stainless steel exterior gives it a sleek, modern aesthetic that looks great on countertops. It's not overly large or bulky, so it doesn't take up excessive space. The cylindrical shape allows it to fit neatly into corners or small areas. It looks similar to other popular models like the Krups EA817040 in terms of dimensions and style.

Weighing just over 7 pounds, the Swan feels substantial and durable without being too heavy. The stainless steel components lend a quality feel, while the plastic outer housing keeps it lightweight. It seems well-constructed and stable on the countertop. The water tank and drip tray smoothly slide off the sides for easy filling and emptying.

The interface is cleanly designed with two clearly marked selector knobs on the front panel. One dial lets you choose between brewing a single or double shot, while the other allows switching between steam and hot water dispensing modes. The portafilter handle fits nicely under the group head and locks into place with a secure twist. The controls are intuitive and easy to operate.

In terms of aesthetics, the Swan has an elegant, understated look. The combination of black and stainless steel gives it a modern, appliance-like appearance. The cylindrical shape, modest dimensions, and simple interface help it blend neatly into kitchens. It avoids seeming overly large, flashy or ostentatious.

Overall, the well-built Swan machine has a smart, compact footprint. With its attractive black and stainless steel styling, it delivers the convenience of espresso and steaming without hogging your countertop space. For those with limited kitchen real estate, Swan's neatly sized brewer is an excellent choice. Considering its smaller dimensions, the Swan still feels impressively sturdy and durable. The classic blend of black and stainless has a timeless appeal fitting modern and more traditional kitchens alike.

Features

The Swan SK22110GRYN espresso machine comes equipped with several useful features for brewing cafe-quality espresso drinks at home.

• It has a 15 bar pressure pump which allows it to extract espresso with the ideal pressure range of 9-10 bars. This high pressure is key for bringing out the aromatic oils and flavors from finely ground espresso beans.

• The thermoblock heating system ensures the machine heats up quickly in just 45 seconds. It also maintains a consistent brewing temperature for back-to-back espresso shots.

• The removable 1L water tank makes it easy to fill up the machine with water. You don't have to fuss with complicated plumbing. The tank has a water level indicator so you know when it needs refilling.

In addition to these core features, the Swan SK22110GRYN has a few other nice touches that improve the espresso-making experience. It comes with a stainless steel milk frothing wand so you can make layered espresso drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. The frothing wand can swivel 360 degrees for convenience. There is also a removable drip tray to catch spills and keep your countertop clean. The drip tray has a "full" indicator to let you know when it needs emptying.

This espresso machine has an attractive, compact design with a gray and black color scheme that will look great on any kitchen countertop. The control panel is simple and intuitive with buttons for turning the machine on/off, starting/stopping espresso extraction, and activating steam for frothing milk. There are indicator lights to let you know when the machine is heating up and ready for use.

For convenience, the portafilter handle, drip tray, and water tank are all dishwasher safe. The exterior can be wiped down with a damp cloth to keep it looking nice. This espresso machine is ETL approved meaning it meets North American safety standards.

If you're looking for a similar espresso machine from Swan but prefer a different color, check out the SWAN SK22110BN model which comes in a sleek black finish. It has the same 15 bar pump pressure and thermoblock heating system as the gray SK22110GRYN model.

Overall, the Swan SK22110GRYN is a great option for beginners looking for an affordable, easy-to-use espresso machine with essential features to pull quality espresso shots. Its compact size and removable water tank make it a convenient choice for home kitchens. With some freshly ground beans and this capable machine, you'll be enjoying delicious espresso drinks like a pro barista in no time!

Ease of Use

The Swan SK22110GRYN espresso machine is designed to be simple and intuitive to use. Here are the basic steps to make an espresso:

1. Fill the water tank and make sure the drip tray is empty.

2. Turn on the machine and allow it to heat up for a few minutes until the light indicates it's ready.

3. Place the portafilter into the group head and press the 1 or 2 cup button to start the flow of water.

4. Allow the espresso to extract into your cup for around 25-30 seconds.

5. Remove the portafilter and enjoy your espresso!

The learning curve on this machine is quite minimal. The buttons are clearly labeled and the process is very straightforward. Within just a few tries, you'll get the hang of how to lock in the portafilter properly, how long to extract the espresso, and how to steam milk if desired. The manual provides clear instructions as well. Overall, it's a very beginner-friendly machine that doesn't require much practice to master.

Espresso Quality

The Swan SK22110GRYN produces very good espresso with consistently rich, bold flavor. The 15-bar pressure pump extracts the coffee oils and soluble compounds well, resulting in a nice, thick crema on top of every shot. The espresso comes out with a beautiful hazelnut color and silky texture.

The flavor profile is well-balanced, with nice hints of chocolate and caramel in the background. It's a smooth espresso that is not overly acidic or bitter. Each shot tastes just as good as the last, which is important for consistency. The high pressure extraction and proper water temperature help develop the complexity and sweetness of the espresso.

Overall, the espresso quality is excellent for a home semi-automatic espresso machine in this price range. While it may not match the quality of commercial machine espresso, it punches well above its class. The Swan makes cafe-style espresso that will satisfy espresso aficionados.

Milk Frothing

The Swan SK22110GRYN espresso machine comes with a steam wand for frothing and steaming milk. The steam wand performance is quite good for a home espresso machine in this price range. It heats up quickly, in around 10-15 seconds, and produces steam that is hot enough to create thick, creamy microfoam.

The steam wand has a 360 degree swivel which makes it easy to position. It has a single hole steam tip which provides concentrated steam power. When using the steam wand, it's important to position the tip just below the surface of the milk to incorporate air and create microfoam. With some practice, you can make latte art quality milk froth. The steam wand has enough power to froth milk for multiple drinks back-to-back.

Overall, the steam wand on the Swan SK22110GRYN performs very well for an affordable home espresso machine. It steams milk quickly and has enough steam power for velvety, foamy milk that makes great cappuccinos and lattes. Just be prepared to practice your milk frothing technique to master the art of latte art.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The Swan SK22110GRYN espresso machine requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it working properly and producing great tasting espresso.

Descaling

• Descaling helps remove mineral deposits that can build up in the machine over time. Swan recommends descaling every 2-3 months depending on your water hardness.

• The descaling process involves filling the water reservoir with a descaling solution instead of water, turning on the machine to allow the solution to cycle through, then rinsing thoroughly with fresh water.

• Be sure to use Swan's recommended descaling solution and carefully follow the instructions. Descaling helps prevent blockages and maintain optimal brewing temperature.

Daily Cleaning

• Wipe down the exterior of the machine with a soft damp cloth to keep the surfaces clean.

• Rinse the portafilter and filter basket immediately after use to prevent buildup of dried coffee grinds.

• Clean the steam wand right after frothing milk by purging steam for a few seconds then wiping down the wand.

• Empty the drip tray daily to prevent overflow. The drip tray and grate can be removed and washed with soapy water.

Proper cleaning and maintenance helps keep your Swan espresso machine working like new for longer. Be sure to descale regularly and wipe down surfaces daily for the best results. Following the manufacturer's recommendations will help maximize the life of your machine.

Pros

The Swan Espresso Machine has several notable pros that make it stand out:

• Compact and lightweight design: This espresso machine has a small footprint, measuring just 11 x 20 x 31cm. It only weighs 3.2kg, making it easy to move around and store. The compact design is great for small kitchens or for taking it with you when traveling.

• 15 bar pump pressure: The 15 bar pressure pump ensures excellent extraction and flavor from the coffee grounds. It's the ideal pressure for brewing rich, aromatic espresso shots.

• Easy to use controls: There are just two buttons to operate the espresso machine - one for espresso and one for steam. The simplicity makes it very straightforward for beginners to use.

Cons

While the Swan SK22110GRYN espresso machine offers solid performance for the price, it does have some drawbacks to consider:

• Small water reservoir: The water reservoir only holds 0.8 liters. This is quite small, so you'll need to refill it frequently, which can be inconvenient.

• No automatic milk frother: There is a steam wand for frothing milk manually, but no automatic milk frother. This requires some practice to master the technique of steaming and frothing milk.

• Limited temperature control: The machine has preset temperatures for espresso and steam. However, there is no way to fine tune the temperature for your personal taste preferences.

• Build quality not superb: While the exterior has a nice stainless steel finish, some interior components like the portafilter feel a bit flimsy and cheap. Durability over many years is questionable.

Overall the cons are minor and to be expected at this price point. The Swan machine still performs well for making cafe-quality espresso at home without breaking the bank. But the lack of precise temperature control and automatic milk frothing makes it less suitable for espresso aficionados.

Verdict

The Swan SK22110GRYN is an affordable, entry-level espresso machine that produces decent espresso and milk froth. It's simple to use with preset buttons, compact size, and easy maintenance. The 15 bar pressure extracts rich crema and flavor from grounds. However, temperature consistency could be better for optimal extraction. The steam wand makes nice microfoam, though takes some practice to master.

Overall, this is a great budget option for beginners looking for an easy-to-use machine with basic espresso and frothing abilities. While espresso enthusiasts may want more control and customization, the Swan delivers solid results for the price. It's a recommended starter model before investing in a more expensive, pro-level machine. Just keep realistic expectations on performance and be prepared to dial in the right grind size. For an inexpensive, no-fuss introduction to home espresso, the Swan SK22110GRYN hits the spot.