Kwister CM1687 Espresso Machine: Brew Barista-Quality Coffee at Home
Update on Jan. 5, 2025, 6:02 p.m.
The world’s love affair with coffee is undeniable. From the bustling cafes of Milan to the quiet corners of our homes, the rich aroma and invigorating taste of coffee have become an integral part of our daily lives. But achieving that perfect cup, the one that rivals your favorite coffee shop, often feels like an elusive dream. What if you could unlock the secrets to barista-quality espresso within your own kitchen? The Kwister CM1687 20 Bar Espresso Coffee Maker promises to do just that, transforming your daily coffee ritual into an experience of pure indulgence. Let’s explore the science behind exceptional espresso and understand how this machine empowers you to become your own home barista.
The Foundation: Understanding Espresso Extraction
Before we dive into the specifics of the Kwister CM1687, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamentals of espresso extraction. Unlike regular drip coffee, espresso is created by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans under high pressure. This process extracts a concentrated brew, rich in flavor, aroma, and that signature crema – the golden-brown foam that signifies a well-made espresso. This is a delicate dance of variables: grind size, water temperature, pressure, and time.
Mastering the Elements: Key Features of the Kwister CM1687
The Kwister CM1687 is meticulously designed to master these variables, offering you consistent, high-quality espresso every time. Let’s examine its key features:
The Power of Pressure: 20-Bar Pump System
At the heart of the Kwister CM1687 lies a robust 20-bar pressure pump. While the industry standard for espresso extraction is around 9 bars, the CM1687’s higher pressure capacity ensures optimal extraction even with variations in grind size or tamping pressure. Think of it like this: the higher pressure provides a buffer, guaranteeing sufficient force to push water through the coffee grounds, extracting the full spectrum of flavors and creating that coveted, velvety crema. It also ensures powerful and stable steam pressure when frothing milk. It’s like having a powerful engine that can handle any terrain, ensuring a smooth and consistent ride, or in this case, a consistently delicious espresso.
Precision Temperature Control: The NTC Thermistor Technology
Temperature is the silent conductor of the coffee orchestra. Water that’s too hot scorches the delicate coffee compounds, resulting in a bitter, unpleasant brew. Too cold, and the extraction is weak, leaving you with a sour and underdeveloped espresso. The Kwister CM1687 employs an advanced NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor to maintain precise water temperature. Unlike traditional thermostats that simply switch on and off, an NTC thermistor provides continuous, real-time temperature feedback to the machine’s control system. This allows for pinpoint accuracy, ensuring the water is always within the ideal range for both brewing (197°F/92°C) and steaming (248°F/120°C). This precise control is crucial for unlocking the nuanced flavors of your coffee beans and achieving consistent results, cup after cup.
Milk Magic: The Professional-Grade Steam Wand
For aficionados of milk-based coffee drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, the steam wand is where the artistry begins. The Kwister CM1687 boasts a powerful, 360° rotating stainless steel steam wand that allows you to create cafe-quality microfoam at home. This isn’t just about heating milk; it’s about transforming its texture. The wand injects steam into the milk, creating tiny, uniform bubbles that result in a silky, smooth microfoam – perfect for latte art or simply enjoying a luxuriously creamy texture. The wand is also detachable, making cleaning a breeze. Many users have praised its ability to create “silky smooth” and “perfectly frothed” milk, rivaling that of professional machines.
Intuitive Interface: The TFT Touch Screen Advantage
The Kwister CM1687 features a TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) touch screen, which might seem like a purely aesthetic choice, but it’s about enhancing usability. This modern, full-color display provides a clear, intuitive interface for navigating the machine’s settings. Unlike buttons that can wear down or become sticky over time, the touch screen offers a responsive and durable control panel. It’s waterproof, dustproof, and resistant to fingerprints, making it easy to maintain. This feature, combined with clear icons and simple menus, makes the CM1687 accessible to both novice and experienced users. One user review highlighted the touch screen as a “game-changer,” simplifying the brewing process and adding a “touch of modern elegance” to their kitchen.
Tailored to You: Customizable Espresso Volume
Whether you prefer a single shot to kickstart your morning or a double shot for an afternoon pick-me-up, the Kwister CM1687 offers the flexibility to customize your espresso volume. You can choose from the pre-programmed single or double shot options, or take complete control with the manual mode. This allows you to fine-tune the extraction time and water volume to match your specific taste preferences and coffee bean characteristics. Just press and hold the brewing button, and release when you have reached your desired amount.
Convenience and Capacity: The 50oz Removable Water Tank
The CM1687’s large 50oz (1.5L) removable water tank is a significant advantage for both busy mornings and entertaining guests. It minimizes the need for frequent refills, allowing you to brew multiple cups without interruption. The tank is also easily removable for convenient filling and cleaning.
The Finishing Touch: Cup Warming Function
A subtle yet important detail is the cup warming function. By preheating your cups on the top of the machine, you ensure that your espresso doesn’t lose its heat upon contact with a cold surface. This helps to maintain the optimal temperature and preserve the delicate crema, enhancing your overall coffee experience.
Safety First: Child Lock Function
The Kwister CM1687 prioritizes safety with its child lock function. This feature prevents accidental operation by children, providing peace of mind for families. It’s a small but valuable addition that underscores the machine’s thoughtful design.
Built to Last: Easy to Clean and Maintain
The Kwister CM1687 is designed for longevity, and its easy-to-clean features contribute to its durability. The removable drip tray and detachable steam wand simplify the cleaning process, preventing the build-up of coffee residue and milk scale. Regular cleaning not only ensures optimal performance but also extends the lifespan of your machine.
Step-by-Step Guide to Brewing with the Kwister CM1687
- Fill the Water Tank: Ensure the 50oz water tank is filled with fresh, filtered water.
- Power On: Press the On/Off button. The machine will begin its preheating cycle, indicated by flashing lights on the TFT screen.
- Grind Your Beans: While the machine is heating, grind your chosen coffee beans to a fine consistency, suitable for espresso.
- Fill the Portafilter: Use the included scoop/tamper to fill the portafilter with the appropriate amount of ground coffee (one scoop for a single shot, two for a double).
- Tamp the Coffee: Using the tamper, apply firm, even pressure to compact the coffee grounds within the portafilter. This ensures even water flow during extraction.
- Attach the Portafilter: Lock the portafilter into the brew head, turning it from the “INSERT” to the “LOCK” position.
- Select Your Brew: Choose between a single shot, double shot, or manual control on the TFT touch screen.
- Brew: Press the selected brew button. The machine will begin extracting your espresso.
- Froth Milk (Optional): If making a latte or cappuccino, fill a pitcher with cold milk. Press the steam button, wait for it to heat up, then insert the steam wand into the milk and turn the steam knob to begin frothing.
- Enjoy: Pour your espresso into a preheated cup. Add frothed milk if desired, and savor your barista-quality coffee!
- Clean: After use, remove the portafilter, discard the used coffee grounds, and rinse the portafilter and drip tray.
Conclusion
The Kwister CM1687 20 Bar Espresso Coffee Maker is a testament to how technology can elevate our everyday rituals. It’s not just about making coffee; it’s about understanding and appreciating the intricate process behind a truly exceptional cup. By combining powerful performance, precise control, and user-friendly features, the CM1687 empowers you to unlock the full potential of your coffee beans and become your own home barista. It’s an invitation to explore the world of espresso, experiment with different flavors, and savor the art of coffee making, all within the comfort of your own home.
