Salter Caffé Barista Pro Espresso Machine Review: The Best Entry-Level Coffee Machine?

For those who love their daily cup of coffee from their local cafe or wouldn't be without their morning Starbucks - making espresso at home may be the tradeoff, you are looking into to save you a little extra money and time.

If you want to enjoy barista-style coffee in the comfort of your own home, the Salter Barista Pro Espresso Machine is an excellent option. As someone new to the world of espresso machines, you may be hesitant to invest in an expensive appliance. However, with the Salter Barista Pro Espresso Machine, you can create a range of authentic tasting coffees using the integrated milk frothing wand for creamy lattes and frothy cappuccinos at a fraction of the price. Plus, it is so compact and lightweight it will only take up a little precious counter space in your kitchen.

Novice barista and A Modern Kitchen writer Ellen Kinsey puts the Salter Caffé Barista Pro Espresso Machine to the test to see how it fares for beginners and expert espresso aficionados alike.

The Salter EK4369 Caffé Barista Pro Espresso Machine: Summary

As a total beginner, I have always been intimidated by espresso machines. I love going out for coffee but rarely make coffee at home because I'm not too fond of the taste of instant coffee. That's why I decided to try the Salter Caffé Barista Pro Espresso Machine. I was hopeful that this machine would help me enjoy barista-style coffee in the most straightforward way possible.

I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the Salter Caffé Barista Pro Espresso Machine was to use. It has a 15-bar pressure pump that extracts the aromatic espresso flavour, and with the integrated milk frothing wand, I was able to create a range of coffees, including creamy lattes and frothy cappuccinos. I can now confidently say that I have been converted to making coffee at home.

Even if you're new to using an espresso machine, this one is easy to use and can make up to two cups simultaneously. The durable stainless steel filter and housing are well made, and with its 1.2-litre detachable water tank, you won't have to refill it every time you make a cup of coffee. Plus, the removable and washable drip tray helps keep your worktops tidy.

Across the board, the Salter Caffé Barista Pro Espresso Machine is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy barista-style coffee at home without taking up too much space. It's a great investment that will save you money in the long run and allow you to create delicious coffee drinks that rival those of your favourite cafe.

Price

The Salter EK4369 Caffe Barista Pro is a mid-range espresso machine that offers excellent value for money. At £69.99 (RRP: £79.99), it falls on the cheaper end of the market for an espresso maker.

It's comparable to other mid-range models like the De'Longhi Stilosa EC230BK, which has an RRP of £104.99.

It's a step up from Salter's cheaper, more compact version, the Salter EK3131 Espressimo Barista Style Coffee Maker, which retails at £39.99, which doesn't have a steamer wand and can only make one coffee at a time.

Also worth noting is that this particular Salter machine has the same features as more premium models like the De’Longhi Dedica Arte Espresso Machine (you can read our review here) or the Sage The Bambino® Espresso Machine, which come with a much higher price tag. It may not look as sleek as these deluxe models, but the build and performance are excellent for what you pay.

Overall, the Salter EK4369 Caffe Barista Pro is great value for money, offering a range of features and functions at a reasonable price point.

Features

Milk Frothing Wand - This machine has a 15-bar pressure pump, and the milk-frothing wand allows you to create frothy lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos.

Powerful 850W Motor - Despite being very compact, this machine has a powerful 850W motor that ensures that your coffee is ready quickly and efficiently.

1.2L Detachable Water Tank - The 1.2-litre detachable water tank makes refilling and cleaning the machine easy.

Strong and Durable Stainless Steel Filter - The Salter EK4369 has a strong, durable stainless steel filter that produces a rich, creamy espresso.

Removable and Washable Drip Tray - The removable and washable drip tray catches any spills and makes cleaning up easy.

Great Value - The Salter EK4369 Caffé Barista Pro falls at the cheaper end of the market for an espresso maker, making it an affordable option for those who want to enjoy barista-style coffee at home.

Rating: 4/5

Testing the Salter EK4369 Caffé Barista Pro Espresso Machine

Performance

The Salter EK4369 Caffe Barista Pro is a compact yet powerful espresso machine ideal for smaller kitchens. The compact dimensions (12.2 x 10.24 x 13.78 cm) make it easy to store away when not in use or to keep on the counter but don't be fooled by its size – it has an 850W power motor that can quickly and efficiently make a delicious cup of espresso.

Using the Salter EK4369 is incredibly easy – simply fill up the removable water tank with water (you don't have to fill it all the way), switch it on from the mains and press the power button. The pressurised funnel and coffee filter are also removable for easy cleaning.

To make espresso, remove the coffee filter from the pressurised funnel by twisting it clockwise and then pulling it away. Add your ground coffee to the coffee filter and flatten it down with the coffee measuring spoon provided. I have found that one level spoonful works well for one strong cup of espresso. Twist the filter back on anticlockwise to lock it into the slot.

When the light by the coffee symbol is green, it is ready. This usually takes around five or so minutes, depending on the amount of water you have added to the tank. I put a small mug underneath and press the coffee cup button to pour the espresso. The machine will not automatically stop when the cup is full, so you must press it again once it is filled to your desired amount. Wait for the light by the coffee symbol to turn green again before making another cup.

I have experimented with making two coffees at a time, and although it is possible, I found the tray too small to fit two mugs in comfortably and the coffee to be shorter and weaker. Even though possible, I recommend making the espresso one at a time.

Additionally, I experienced some difficulties when the water tube detached from the tank. It is extremely fiddly to put it back on and requires a bit of patience and dexterity. It's important to make sure the tube is securely attached to prevent any leaks during the brewing process or damaging the machine. You will need to squeeze the tube back on to ensure it doesn't fall off again.

Overall, I have found the Salter EK4369 Caffe Barista Pro to be incredibly easy to use and that it produces a great cup of espresso every time. Its compact size makes it perfect for smaller kitchens, and its removable and washable parts make it easy to clean and maintain.

Milk steaming performance

One of the winning features of this affordable espresso machine is the milk frothing wand. This particular feature really adds value to the appliance and allows you to make real barista-style coffee at home. My experience with the milk frothing wand was a little tricky at first. I am totally new to the latte art world, so I cannot say for sure how easy this would be compared to other models. However, there were no fiddly parts to learn, and I picked up the frothing technique after four or five goes.

So yes, mastering the art of steaming milk can be a bit of a learning curve with the Salter Caffé Barista Pro, but with a bit of practice, it's easy to achieve that silky smooth texture that makes for perfect cappuccinos and lattes.

To get started, make sure that the steam dial is set to the '0' position and that there is at least 100ml of water in the detachable tank. To steam the milk, simply pour the desired amount into a heat-proof stainless steel container with a handle and position it at the end of the steam spout, ensuring that the spout is submerged at least 2cm into the milk. Press the steam control button and wait up to one minute for the green light to appear before beginning the steaming process.

Next, turn the steam dial control to froth the milk for up to 30 seconds, moving the spout up and down to create that perfect microfoam texture. Don't overdo this step to prevent milk from overheating and spoiling the taste of your coffee. It may take a few attempts to get the hang of it, but the results are worth it.

Once the milk is steamed, it is hot and ready to be used. Make sure to turn the dial back to '0' and wipe the spout clean - this ensures that the machine is always ready for the next use and helps maintain the quality of the coffee machine over time.

Build

The Caffé Barista Pro Espresso Maker is a compact, space-saving coffee machine that looks sturdy and practical without some other models' sleek and shiny appearance. The black body of the machine gives it a clean and neat look without showing any smudges.

Made of stainless steel, it feels high-quality and robust. The drip tray is a standout feature and effectively captures drips and spills, making cleaning up a breeze. It's worth noting that the machine is designed to fit only one mug, although smaller mugs would fit comfortably. Overall, this coffee machine is a great choice for those looking for a solid, reliable option that doesn't take up too much counter space.

OUR VERDICT: Is The Salter EK4221 4.5L Digital Air Fryer Worth It?

Score: 4/5

All-in-all, this is a very straightforward appliance that is pretty much foolproof. There was no step of the process that felt too arduous and nothing that a bit of practice couldn't fix. What I loved the most about this device were its ease and functionality. I didn't need to read a manual, and my common sense allowed me to figure out how to use the machine. I really would recommend this espresso maker to anyone that enjoys a good cup of joe but doesn't need all the bells and whistles or a particularly sleek-looking appliance.

Salter is a huge household name in the UK and a market leader for all things kitchen related. It has an excellent range of kitchen appliances that help speed up the cooking process. You can read our in-depth review of some of our favourite Salter products, such as the Salter Professional EK4919 Beer Dispenser, the Salter Dual Cook Pro Air Fryer, the Salter XL Digital Air Fryer or the versatile Salter AeroGrill.

FAQs

Can I Froth Milk With The Salter Espresso Machine?

Yes, this espresso machine comes with a milk frother wand or steam wand that you can use to froth milk. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid burning yourself or damaging the machine.

How Do I Clean My Espresso Machine?

Cleaning your espresso machine is essential to maintaining its performance and longevity. You can start by wiping down the exterior with a damp cloth. For the interior, use a cleaning solution designed specifically for espresso machines. Run the solution through the machine, and then run water through it a few times to flush it out.

Can I Use Regular Coffee Grounds In My Espresso Machine?

Espresso machines require finely ground coffee beans specifically made for espresso. Regular coffee grounds will not produce the same rich and bold flavour that we all know and love from an espresso shot.

How Do I Know When My Espresso Shot Is Done?

The ideal espresso shot should have a rich, creamy crema on top and should take approximately 20-30 seconds to extract. If your espresso shot takes over 30 seconds, it may be over-extracted and taste bitter. It may be under-extracted and taste weak if it takes less than 20 seconds.

Ellen Kinsey was a Senior Health and Wellness Product Writer and has been a part of Bauer Media since 2020. She has left Bauer Media to study Ayurveda in India to expand her knowledge and skills in the health and wellness field, where she plans to continue making journalistic contributions.