Is A Morphy Richards 172020 Espresso Coffee Machine User-Friendly?
The Morphy Richards 172020 Espresso Coffee Machine has a professional look compared to other compact machines, and this has a lot to do with the clean brushed stainless steel, the tamper for the grounds, and the milk wand on the side.
Yet, it doesn’t appear to be as complicated as some of the more expensive models.
So, is this budget model a nice mid-way point between the basic capsule machine and something more multifunctional?
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The Pros and Cons of this Morphy Richards 172020 Espresso Coffee Machine.
Pros:
- There is a streamlined design with only the most important features
- There are options for both coffee grounds and pods to mix things up
- You can use the barista-style milk wand for milky drinks
- The dispenser can adapt to a dual-dispenser for guests
- The brushed stainless steel will look great in most kitchens
Cons:
- There are some comments about inconsistencies in the taste and strength
- The machine can get a little messier than it should
- There are a few too many safety checks for everyone’s liking
The Morphy Richards 172020 Espresso Coffee Machine offers a range of options between a simple pod espresso and more hands-on milky coffee.
This espresso machine is an interesting way to create a range of different coffees via one small machine. You get a choice between using coffee grounds and pods, which is ideal for those days where you are in a rush or just feel like testing out a new flavour.
The additional milk function then allows you to create longer coffees and play around with lattes. There is also the option of dispensing two cups instead of one when you have guests over.
There are so many nice details in this coffee maker that make it ideal for first-time users. The streamlined look removes any superfluous elements that might confuse or intimidate those with no previous experience.
Once everything is in place, you have indicator lights to advise you on when to start up the brewing process. There aren’t too many steps or settings to contend with if all you want is a simple espresso straight from the grounds.
Still, there is just enough here to give the machine a professional edge over some other beginner-friendly models. The combination of the tamper and the steam wand does allow for the barista-style experience promised.
There is also the option to alter the steam pressure for a little more control over the finished product. It is enough to feel like you have some hands-on experience in the process, but not too much.
There are some fiddly aspects to the Morphy Richards Ground And Pod Coffee Machine that limit its appeal a bit.
Unfortunately, this desire to create something multifunctional and simple to use leads to some omissions and flaws. For example, some users have experienced inconsistencies with the brewing due to the design around the tamper.
There is also no filter included, which can make things a little messier than they need to be. A few too many reviewers have commented on how they spent as much time cleaning up as they did making the coffee.
This doesn’t help those that find the set-up procedure to be a little long-winded too. There are safety checks on the removable parts to make sure everything is in the right place before the brewing process starts.
It is easy to see why the company would add this, especially for first-time users that are scared of going wrong, but it can become a bit of a chore.
What does this mean for the final recommendation on this Morphy Richards 172020 model?
Overall, there is a lot to like about this coffee maker if you are looking to move-on from a one-touch system.
The design and settings take novice users a little further in their coffee-making experience with room for personal preferences and a more hands-on process.
It is just a shame that this hands-on process requires a lot of fiddly procedures to set everything up and a bit too much cleaning. This budget coffee maker does sit nicely between a more high-end barista-friendly machine and a basic capsule coffee maker.
The Morphy Richards espresso machine still has potential as a hybrid and a learning tool until it is time to upgrade once more.
Find more reviews about the Morphy Richards 172020 Espresso Coffee Machine on Amazon here.