When you run a tight budget but still have the heart of a true coffee connoisseur, the Swan Retro Pump Espresso coffee machine is the coffee machine for you.
The machine brings great value through its simplicity and style, and will serve you a good cup of coffee.
Swan Retro Pump Espresso Coffee Machine Review in a Nutshell
This Swan Espresso Machine review will help you know what to expect from the device and if its price suits the value it gives.
The price is below midrange so the device acts as a good entry-level platform to learn the art of making great coffee.
This compact unit certainly has a unique style with a temperature gauge in the middle which takes you back to the style of retro coffee machines.
It also comes in various colours. The variety allows you to choose a design that works with the colour scheme of your kitchen.
Its stainless steel frame makes for a sturdy and solid Swan coffee maker.
The Swan Espresso Machine is capable of delivering high performance in minutes, so you can get the best cup of coffee on the go.
Although sold separately, the machine has numerous optional paraphernalia. You can buy them at your pace to accompany the machine’s grand features.
Simplicity is certainly back in style, and the Swan Retro Pump espresso coffee machine delivers it—but not at the cost of poor quality.
In this Swan Retro Coffee Machine review, you’ll find all you need to know to get the best cup of coffee with great ease.
Swan Retro Pump Espresso Coffee Machine Specifications
When viewing the Swan SK22110, you’ll need to know the specifications to make an informed decision.
Our Swan Coffee Machine review found that this machine’s specifications don’t hold many complex parts yet still offer excellent value.
| Capacity | 1.2 L |
| System | Self-priming system, die-cast boiler |
| Construction Materials | Stainless steel |
| Maximum Mug Height | 100 mm |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 39.6 cm x 35.2 cm x 26.4 cm |
| Weight | 4.97 kgs |
| Power | 1100 watts |
| Accessories | It comes with a professional spoon and coffee presser (tamper) |
| Colour options | Blue, green, yellow, cream, pink, white, and even orange |
| Settings | Single or double shots Steam pressure control |
| Warranty | 2-year warranty and can be extended online |
Features
For a machine that costs less than £100, its features are unmatched. Below is a list of some of our favourite features.
15 Pressure Bar
The 15 pressure bar ensures that the correct pressure is pushed through the portafilter.
This is enough pressure to wet the full puck of ground coffee and gather all their oils, this is essential for making delicious coffees.
Personal Espresso Control
When pouring an espresso shot, the barista is in full control. The barista chooses the amount of time by pressing the shot’s button to start the shot, and to end it.
1.2 L Detachable Water Tank
The water tank is at the back and is easy to remove, fill, and fit back into the Swan Retro espresso machine.
The 1.2-litre tank allows you to make six to eight cups of coffee before you need to refill again.
Removable Drip Tray
A removable drip tray at the bottom of the unit is convenient for cleaning and keeping your kitchen mess free.
It also allows for a slight spillage when taking the portafilter out (which is bound to happen).
The Portafilter
By using a portafilter, you’ll get the true barista feel. All the control is in your hands from adding the correct amount of coffee beans, to tamping down at the correct strength.
Each espresso shot is under the barista’s control. If you master this, you’ll only encounter good coffee.
Steam Wand
The steam wand has a well-shaped nozzle to help the barista froth their milk right. A trained barista may find it easy to create a microfoam, though it’s not the ideal wand to learn with.
Along with the control panel there’s a steam pressure control knob. You can use it to ensure that the machine adds the correct amount of air to the milk.
Auto-Off Function and LED Light
Thanks to the auto-off function, this device saves a lot of electricity. The appliance will turn itself off automatically 29 minutes after you press the ON/OFF button.
The machine also has a light that tells the barista when the Swan Retro Pump Espresso Coffee Machine is ready for the next step.
- Red light: indicates that it’s heating up which will show when you switch on the power to the machine.
- Green light: indicates that it’s ready to do the shot.
- Yellow light: indicates that you can now engage in some steam action.
Easy to Clean
The machine comes with a manual that guides the barista on descaling and cleaning the machine.
This process takes a few moments and ensures that all the components are clean. It’s essential for keeping the device in optimal working condition to deliver great tasting coffee.
Issues To Consider
No product is flawless and every device has a downside. The Swan Retro Pump Espresso Coffee Machine is no exception to the rule and you should consider the drawbacks.
It Stains Easily
The lighter shades of the Swan Retro Pump Espresso coffee machine tend to stain and are harder to clean.
For this reason, we highly recommend the Swan coffee machine in grey—this colour doesn’t show stains.
The Swan Retro coffee machine in grey also tends to look good in any kitchen colour scheme.
Limited Use and Accessories
This machine has limited abilities. For the rest of your coffee-making adventures, beyond basic coffees, you’ll need to spend more on accessories to expand your barista growth.
The machine’s accessories are limited to a tamper and coffee ground measuring spoon. The unit doesn’t come with a jug, so you’ll need to buy a suitable one.
Since this device doesn’t have a grinder, you either need to buy ground coffee or have a stand-alone grinder for your coffee beans.
Swan Retro Espresso Maker vs Swan Retro One Touch Espresso Machine
There are some significant differences when doing a side-by-side comparison of the Swan Retro Pump machine and the Swan One Touch machine.
Similarities
Both these Swan coffee machines have a built-in frothing tank. This means minimal effort for those who don’t want to spend time learning how to froth milk.
The machines have the same accessories, the same gauge showing on the front and a stainless steel frame. Both also come in a variety of colours.
Either machine’s steam wand works effectively with the steam pressure control nozzle. The wand is shaped well and powerful enough to deliver microfoam for some latte art.
Differences
The two machines pose some great features, however the Swan One Touch has a few more features that makes the price difference worth it.
- The Swan One Touch Espresso Machine is larger and heavier than the Swan Retro espresso maker.
- The Swan One Touch has a bigger 1.7-litre tank vs. the 1.2-litre tank of the Swan Retro Pump Espresso coffee machine
- The Swan One Touch Espresso Machine has a pull-out stand for smaller espresso shot glasses which is great for preventing splash spills.
- The Swan One Touch Machine has a higher pressure power of 20 bars vs. the 15 bars of pressure for the Swan Retro Pump Coffee Machine.
The buttons on the machines are quite different, but both allow six preset choices. The position of the buttons is on the exact opposite sides of each machine.
You can choose a selection by pressing the left-hand buttons once or the right-hand buttons twice.
While the Swan One Touch has some excellent additional features, you’ll pay more for it.
The Swan Retro Pump machine is a great choice for its price range. If you’re looking for a step up, we suggest getting the Swan One Touch.
Why Should I Choose The Swan Retro Coffee Machine?
The Swan Retro Pump Espresso machine brings some good qualities to the table too. We bring you a reminder of why it’s worth buying this nifty machine.
- The bars at the top hold your shot glasses for an added edge.
- Its steam wand can deliver great microfoam to cater for great lattes.
- Removable drip tray is easy to clean and safeguards from spill factors.
- It’s easy to learn how to use this machine and it will cater to those who just want a good cup of coffee.
- Its retro look is a grand setting in your kitchen. The unit looks good and is easy to store under a counter.
- Excellent price for the value you’ll be getting and the machine’s lifespan should last for several years if you look after it well.
- The Swan Pump Coffee Espresso Machine comes with a two-year warranty. But, if you register it online, you can extend the warranty to three years.
- The Swan Retro Pump Espresso coffee machine isn’t a heavy machine. Even when the water tank is full, the machine is conveniently light to manoeuvre.
- A steam dialer gives you more creative control over your milk, adding to the outcome of your cup of coffee as a whole.
- Unique portafilter allows the barista to make two cups of coffee at once. This adds to the time-saving and convenience factors of the device.
The Swan Coffee machine is a great gift for beginners. Your coffee-making experience doesn’t need to be complicated for you to learn the basics of being a barista.
What do you think about the Swan Coffee machine? Let us know in the comments.
Not impressed? Take a glance at other bean to cup machines worth buying in 2022.
