Hibrew H10A Review

Hibrew H10A Review

 

My First Espresso Machine Experience: HiBREW H10A

About the Review: This review shares my honest experience with the HiBREW H10 espresso machine, purchased in 2024. It's perfect for coffee enthusiasts intrigued by espresso machines but haven’t owned one yet. If you’re looking to buy your first semi-automatic espresso machine and want to develop your barista skills, this review will walk you through what to expect and why this machine could be the ideal start to your coffee journey.


The HiBREW H10 sits perfectly on my compact kitchen counter, which is just 50 cm wide.


My Thoughts

The HiBREW has transformed my coffee routine. Despite its compact size, it boasts a durable stainless steel body, making it an excellent choice for a first at-home espresso machine. At first, I was apprehensive about using it, but it turned out to be simpler and smoother than my office's coffee machine.

About the Gear:

  • Model: 2024 HiBREW H10A
  • Boiler Type: Thermoblock
  • Pump Type: Vibratory

Test Conditions:

  • Purchase Date: Mid-2024
  • Usage Duration: 90+ days
  • Cups per Day: 1-2
  • Grinder Used: HiBREW G5
  • Coffee Beans: Medium to light roast from Brazil
  • Milk: Full cream
  • Beverages Made: Americano, Affogato, Cortado, Cappuccino, Latte (hot and iced)

Performance Ratings

  • Espresso Extraction: 5/5
  • Heat Time: 5/5
  • Versatility: 5/5
  • Ease of Use: 4/5
  • Steam Wand: 4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning: 5/5

What I Was Looking For

I've always enjoyed experimenting with different brewing methods, mainly manual ones like the moka pot, French press, and pour-over. Though I might look like a typical frappuccino and mocha lover, I’m all about espresso. I appreciate a variety of coffee styles, from Americanos to cappuccinos, but my favorite is the affogato. I wanted a machine that could produce a high-quality affogato right in my kitchen.

Why I Chose This Gear

I thoroughly researched various machines before settling on the HiBREW H10A. I needed a machine that balanced quality and affordability, as the Breville Barista Pro was beyond my budget. After considering options like the Gaggia and DeLonghi, I chose the H10A for its quality and cost-effectiveness. This allowed me to allocate funds toward upgrading my grinder, enhancing my brewing experience. Additionally, the machine’s durability, compact design, and precise temperature control—crucial for different coffee roasts—were major selling points. With experience using commercial-grade machines like the Lelit Bianca, I sought something user-friendly, straightforward to maintain, and fitting within my budget. The PID control feature ensured consistent brewing temperatures for high-quality espresso shots.


What I Love About the HiBREW H10A

  • Durability: The H10A is known for its sturdiness. It's low-maintenance, with parts that are easy to replace. It comes with a high-quality 58mm stainless steel portafilter with a wooden handle. The machine is lightweight, which may require some stabilization when attaching the portafilter, and its unique three-notch design may not be compatible with other machines.
  • Fast Heat-Up: Thanks to the thermoblock boiler, the machine heats up in just 45 seconds. By the time I tamp the coffee grounds, it’s ready to brew, delivering a perfect cup of coffee within minutes.
  • Efficiency: The steam system allows quick transitions from pulling a shot to steaming milk, without the need to wait for the machine to cool down or heat up further.
  • Heat Control: Built-in PID temperature control ensures each shot is brewed at a consistent temperature. While it's not adjustable, I’ve found the consistency to be spot on for daily use.
  • Compact Size: Perfect for small kitchens, the machine fits comfortably under cabinets alongside my grinder and kettle. The rear water reservoir is easy to access without having to remove the entire tank.
  • Temperature Settings: The H10A has settings from 90°C to 95°C for precise heat control, along with a 25°C setting for cold brews.
  • Ease of Use: Straightforward controls make it beginner-friendly while still delivering high-quality espresso. The machine doesn't compromise on espresso quality despite being budget-friendly.
  • Thoughtful Design: HiBREW includes multiple portafilter baskets for different coffee preferences. A double-wall basket aids in producing great shots, even with subpar coffee beans.
  • Consistent Shots: While achieving a clean basket with the Lelit Bianca is still a challenge for me, the H10A consistently delivers flawless espresso shots with the correct settings.

Issues I’ve Encountered

  • Small Drip Tray: The drip tray is relatively small, requiring frequent emptying, which can interrupt your coffee routine, especially during busy mornings or while entertaining guests.
  • Pre-Infusion Pressure Monitoring: It's difficult to gauge pressure during pre-infusion, as there’s no real-time feedback. You have to wait until extraction to confirm the pressure, adding a level of uncertainty.

A small feature comparisons with other available options

Features HiBREW H10A Budan Gaggia Eva Pro
Bar Extraction 19 Bar 15 Bar 9 Bar
Pressure Gauge Yes Yes No
Portafilter Size & Quality 58mm, Stainless steel + wooden handle 58mm, Stainless steel with plastic handle 58mm, Stainless steel with plastic handle
Temperature Control Yes (Hot: 90-95°C, Cold: 25°C) No No
PID Yes No No
Price in India Around ₹26K Around ₹22K Around ₹53K

Final Verdict

The HiBREW H10A is a superb at-home espresso machine for coffee enthusiasts who love experimenting. Its durable design, precise temperature settings, and user-friendly features offer a balanced blend of simplicity and brewing flexibility. Whether you’re new to espresso-making or an experienced coffee lover, the H10A delivers consistent, rich flavours. Its compact design and customisable options make it a smart choice for upgrading your coffee experience. I have no regrets about this purchase!KAr

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