Electactic CM5431D-UL
44ptsSemi-automatic espresso machine with built-in grinder, steam wand, milk frother and 2.3-liter removable water tank for home use.
#53 of 115 overall · #40 among semi-automatic machines Semi-automatic GrinderSteam wand$$
Why the Electactic CM5431D-UL is better than average
- Built-in grinderonly 42% of the machines we compare have this
- Bigger water tank77.8 oz vs. 57.2 oz on average
Specifications
From the Amazon listing. “Not stated” means neither source says, not that the feature is missing. Tap the question mark to see why a spec matters.
Built-in grinderFresh grinding right before brewing matters more for taste than almost anything else. A built-in grinder saves buying a separate one. |
YesAmazon listing |
|---|---|
Grind settingsMore steps let you fine-tune extraction for different beans. Below about 15 steps, dialing in espresso gets hard. |
Not stated |
Heating systemDual boilers and heat exchangers can brew and steam at the same time with stable temperature. Thermoblocks heat fast but drift more. |
Not stated |
PID temperature controlA PID controller holds brew water within about one degree. Unstable temperature is the most common cause of sour or bitter shots. |
Not stated |
Adjustable brew temperatureLight roasts like hotter water, dark roasts cooler. Without adjustment you are stuck with one setting. |
Not stated |
Pre-infusionWetting the coffee puck at low pressure before full pressure evens out extraction and forgives small tamping mistakes. |
Not stated |
Portafilter size58 mm is the café standard with the widest choice of baskets and tampers. Smaller sizes work, but accessories are scarcer. |
Not stated |
Pump pressureEspresso is brewed at about 9 bar. Higher numbers on the box are maximum pump ratings and do not make better coffee, so we do not score them. |
20 barAmazon listing |
Pressure gaugeA gauge shows whether your grind and dose are right while the shot runs. |
Not stated |
Brews two cups at onceHandy when you make coffee for two. |
Not stated |
Milk frothingA manual steam wand gives the best microfoam for latte art but takes practice. Automatic systems are easier but less flexible. |
Manual steam wandAmazon listing |
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Heat-up timeHow long you wait from switching on until the first shot. Under a minute feels instant, over 15 minutes means planning ahead. |
Not stated |
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Water tankA bigger tank means refilling less often. For two milk drinks a day, about 60 oz lasts several days. |
77.8 ozAmazon listing |
Bean hopperHow many beans the built-in grinder holds. |
Not stated |
One-touch drinksPreset recipes such as latte or cappuccino at the push of a button. |
Not stated |
Hot water outletFor Americanos and tea without a kettle. |
Not stated |
Cup warmerWarm cups keep espresso hot longer. |
Not stated |
App controlRemote start and recipe settings from your phone. |
Not stated |
HeightMeasure the space under your kitchen cabinets. Many machines need a few extra inches on top to refill the water tank or bean hopper. |
16.1 inAmazon listing |
|---|---|
Counter spaceWidth times depth, the area the machine takes up on your counter. |
150 sq inAmazon listing |
WeightHeavier machines stay put when you lock in the portafilter. Lighter ones are easier to move and store. |
18 lbsAmazon listing |
PowerHigher wattage usually means faster heating, but it says nothing about coffee quality. |
Not stated |
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Does it pay off for you?
Compared with buying the same drinks at a coffee shop.