MAttinata CM1683A Serein Espresso Machine - Excellent Home Espresso Maker for Beginners

The Art and Science of Espresso: A Brief History

Italian espresso is more than just a beverage; it’s a cultural phenomenon, a way of life, a passion for coffee. The history of espresso can be traced back to the late 19th century in Italy, when the first steam-driven coffee machine was invented. This machine was able to quickly pressurize hot water through coffee grounds, extracting the most intense flavors and aromas from the coffee.

In the early 20th century, espresso machines became more efficient and user-friendly as technology advanced. Espresso gradually spread from Italy to the rest of the world, becoming a favorite among coffee lovers everywhere. Today, espresso is not just a drink, but a cultural symbol, representing Italian passion, sophistication, and love of life.

The process of making espresso is both a science and an art. From the selection, grinding, and tamping of the coffee beans to the extraction, every step requires careful control and adjustment. A perfect espresso should not only have a rich aroma and taste, but also a rich and lasting crema, which is the soul of espresso.

The MAttinata Serein espresso machine is designed to allow you to easily enjoy this combination of art and science in your own home.

Brand Background

The name “MAttinata” originates from a picturesque town in Italy, renowned for its vivid coffee culture. The MAttinata brand embodies this heritage, with each of its espresso machines being a tribute to the art of Italian coffee. The Serein model exemplifies this commitment to bringing professional-quality espresso into the home, enabling coffee enthusiasts to enjoy a café-like experience in the comfort of their own kitchens. Combining tradition with modern technology, MAttinata continues to innovate, dedicated to providing coffee lovers with the perfect espresso machine.

Overview

The MAttinata Serein espresso machine features a 20 bar pressure pump, a 1.5 liter removable water tank, a cup warming tray, and a stainless steel steam wand for foaming milk. Its compact 14” x 8” footprint takes up minimal counter space. The machine comes with both single and double shot filter baskets, a tamper, and a plastic dosing spoon.

The machine comes equipped with all the essential accessories for crafting your favorite espresso-based beverages: * Single and Double Shot Filter Baskets: Cater to your desired espresso strength and volume. * Tamper: Ensures even distribution and compression of coffee grounds for optimal extraction. * Plastic Dosing Spoon with Tamper: A convenient 2-in-1 tool for measuring and tamping your coffee. * Stainless Steel Milk Frothing Pitcher: Ideal for steaming milk to create creamy lattes and cappuccinos.

What Makes Italian Espresso Special?

Italian espresso is renowned worldwide for its rich flavor, intense aroma, and thick, velvety crema. This unique coffee style is achieved through a combination of factors: * Finely Ground Coffee: Espresso uses a much finer grind than drip coffee, allowing for greater extraction of flavors and oils. * High Pressure: The high pressure (ideally 9 bars or above) used in espresso brewing forces hot water through the tightly packed coffee grounds, resulting in a concentrated and flavorful shot. * Short Brewing Time: Espresso shots are brewed quickly, typically in 25-30 seconds, which helps preserve the coffee’s delicate aromas and prevent over-extraction. * Skillful Preparation: The art of making espresso involves precise dosing, tamping, and brewing techniques, which are honed through practice and experience.

The MAttinata Serein aims to bring the essence of Italian espresso into your home, allowing you to experience the authentic taste and aroma of this beloved coffee style. The MAttinata Serein achieves this by incorporating key features that replicate the conditions of professional espresso machines. Its 20 bar pressure pump ensures optimal extraction, while the thermoblock heating system maintains consistent water temperature throughout the brewing process. The included single and double shot filter baskets cater to different preferences, and the steam wand allows for the creation of creamy milk foam for lattes and cappuccinos.

The Science Behind Italian Espresso

The unique flavor and taste of Italian espresso are inseparable from its special brewing principle. High-pressure extraction is the soul of Italian espresso. Under high pressure of about 9 atmospheres, hot water quickly passes through the ground coffee powder, extracting aromatic substances, oils, and soluble solids from the coffee beans.

High-pressure extraction allows for a higher extraction rate of coffee, resulting in a richer flavor. At the same time, high pressure also produces a layer of fine coffee oil (crema), which is one of the hallmarks of Italian espresso and an important reason for its mellow taste.

The MAttinata Serein espresso machine, with its 20 bar high-pressure extraction system, restores the essence of Italian espresso, allowing you to easily make cafe-quality Italian espresso at home.

Design and Materials

The MAttinata Serein boasts a sleek and modern design that would complement any kitchen countertop. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces, while its sturdy construction ensures durability. The machine is primarily made of high-quality ABS plastic, known for its strength and heat resistance. Stainless steel accents add a touch of elegance and reinforce key components like the steam wand and drip tray. The intuitive control panel features clearly labeled buttons and a user-friendly interface, making it easy for both beginners and experienced baristas to operate.

Ease of Use

From initial setup to daily operation, the Serein keeps things simple. Once filled with water, it’s ready to brew out of the box. The portafilter locks in securely, an improvement over cheaper machines with flimsy attachments.

The touch panel provides intuitive control over single, double, and manual shots. A cup warming tray maintains ideal serving temperature. The 360 degree steam wand offers flexibility for frothing position.

The touch panel is well-designed and responsive, with clearly labeled buttons for each function. The LED display provides real-time feedback on brewing progress and machine status, making it easy to monitor your espresso extraction. The cup warming tray is a thoughtful addition, ensuring your espresso stays hot while you froth milk or prepare other ingredients. The 360-degree steam wand offers flexibility and convenience, allowing you to froth milk from any angle without having to move the pitcher.

Brew Quality

Considering its price point, the Serein punches above its weight in shot quality. The 20 bar pressure and thermoblock heating produce balanced, flavorful espresso with a nice crema.

The pressurized portafilter allows it to pull decent shots even with preground coffee. However, freshly grinding whole beans right before extraction noticeably improves flavor.

The Serein also features a pre-soaking function, which wets the coffee grounds before extraction. This process helps to evenly distribute water and improve the consistency of the extraction, resulting in a more balanced and flavorful shot.

Shots stay hot thanks to the cup warming tray. The Serein excels at single 1 oz shots, delivering the concentrated flavor espresso is prized for. Larger 2 oz shots can run slightly watery. Overall, it brews better espresso than other comparably priced machines.

Intuitive Control Panel

The Serein features a user-friendly touch panel with clearly labeled buttons for single and double shots, manual brewing, and steam. This intuitive interface makes it easy to operate the machine, even for beginners. The touch panel is responsive and provides real-time feedback on the brewing process.

Fully Automatic Operation Mode Explained

The MAttinata Serein offers a Fully Automatic Operation Mode, which simplifies the brewing process for users. In this mode, the machine controls the timing and volume of water passing through the coffee grounds, ensuring a consistent shot every time. Users can select their preferred drink size, and the machine will automatically adjust the brewing parameters to match. This feature is especially beneficial for espresso beginners or those who prefer a hassle-free brewing experience.

Understanding the 20 Bar Pressure System

In espresso making, the pressure system of the coffee machine plays a crucial role. A 20 bar high-pressure system ensures that water passes through the coffee grounds with sufficient force, a key process for extracting the rich oils and flavors from the coffee. High pressure not only facilitates more thorough contact between the coffee grounds and water but also maximizes flavor extraction, resulting in a more intense coffee with a fine crema layer. For coffee enthusiasts, understanding this is key to better evaluating a coffee machine’s performance and its impact on the quality of the coffee produced.

Temperature Control and Its Impact on Espresso

Temperature control is pivotal in brewing the perfect espresso shot. The MAttinata Serein’s thermostat allows users to adjust the brewing temperature, catering to different coffee roasts and personal preferences. A higher temperature intensifies the extraction, ideal for darker roasts, while a lower setting suits lighter roasts, preventing the coffee from becoming over-extracted and bitter.

Pre-Soak Function

A unique feature of the Serein is its pre-soak function. Before the main extraction, a small amount of water is released onto the coffee grounds, allowing them to bloom and release trapped gases. This pre-soaking process ensures a more even extraction and results in a smoother, more balanced flavor profile in your espresso.

Hot Water Dispenser

For those who enjoy Americano or tea, the Serein’s dedicated hot water dispenser is a convenient feature. With a simple press of a button, you can dispense hot water directly into your cup, eliminating the need for a separate kettle. This feature also comes in handy for preheating your cups or diluting espresso shots.

Cup Warmer

The integrated cup warmer on top of the machine is a thoughtful addition that enhances your espresso experience. By keeping your cups warm, it ensures that your espresso stays at the optimal temperature for longer, preserving its flavor and aroma. This is especially important for those who enjoy sipping their espresso slowly.

360° Swivel Steam Wand

The Serein’s 360° swivel steam wand gives you the freedom to froth milk from any angle, making it easier to create latte art and other milk-based espresso drinks. The wand is made of durable stainless steel and delivers a powerful steam output for creating creamy, velvety microfoam.

Large Water Tank

With its generous 51oz removable water tank, the Serein allows you to brew multiple espressos without having to refill frequently. The removable design makes it easy to fill and clean, and the water level indicator ensures you always know how much water is left.

Removable Drip Tray

The removable drip tray is a practical feature that simplifies cleaning and maintenance. It can be easily removed and washed, and it also accommodates taller cups, allowing you to brew directly into your favorite mug or travel cup.

Automatic Shut-Off

The Serein’s automatic shut-off function is a practical energy-saving feature. After 15 minutes of inactivity, the machine will automatically power down, reducing energy consumption and ensuring safety. This feature gives you peace of mind, especially if you tend to forget to turn off appliances.

Adjustable Cup Height

The Serein’s adjustable cup height feature allows you to use different cup sizes, from small espresso cups to larger mugs. By adjusting the drip tray, you can ensure that your cup is positioned at the optimal height for brewing, preventing splashes and ensuring a perfect pour every time.

Over-Pressure Valve

The built-in over-pressure valve is a safety feature that protects the machine from excessive pressure buildup. This valve automatically releases pressure if it exceeds a certain threshold, preventing damage to the machine and ensuring safe operation.

Descaling Alert

Regular descaling is essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of your espresso machine. The Serein’s descaling alert reminds you when it’s time to descale, ensuring that mineral buildup doesn’t affect the taste of your espresso or damage the machine’s internal components. The machine comes with a detailed descaling guide in the manual for easy maintenance.

Maintenance and Cleaning

A removable, dishwasher safe drip tray makes cleanup easy. The external housing can be wiped down with a damp cloth to remove spills or splatter. It is important to regularly clean the steam wand after each use to prevent milk residue from building up and affecting performance. To clean the wand, simply purge it with steam for a few seconds and wipe it down with a damp cloth. The brew group should also be cleaned regularly by removing the portafilter and wiping down the group head with a damp cloth.

Descaling every 2-3 months removes mineral buildup in internal components to maintain performance and prevent corrosion. MAttinata provides a detailed descaling guide in the manual.

Overall, the Serein is about average in terms of maintenance needs for its class. It doesn’t require intensive upkeep, just basic cleaning and periodic descaling.

Environmental Impact

MAttinata is committed to sustainability, reflected in the Serein’s design. The use of ABS plastic, a recyclable material, in its construction demonstrates a step towards environmental responsibility. Additionally, the energy-efficient features of the Serein, such as its quick heat-up time and auto-off function, minimize energy consumption, aligning with the modern consumer’s eco-conscious values.

Use Cases:

• Home brewing espresso shots
• Making cappuccinos and lattes
• Crafting mochas and macchiatos
• Morning coffee ritual
• Entertaining guests

Value:

At around $130, the Serein provides outstanding value by packing impressive espresso brewing capabilities and milk texturing into an intuitive, beginner-friendly package. For those looking to explore making high-quality espresso drinks at home without a huge investment, it’s easy to recommend based on the performance and ease of use it delivers at this price point.

Conclusion

For its affordable price, the MAttinata Serein delivers impressive espresso shot quality and milk frothing capability. While not as customizable as prosumer machines, its simple operation and consistency make it ideal for beginners.

If you’re seeking an entry level machine focused on nailing espresso fundamentals like the Serein, it’s easy to recommend. With some technique practice, cafe-style drinks are achievable right at home. For those willing to learn, it provides a perfect launching pad into the craft.