You know that moment when you spot a sleek kitchen gadget that promises to turn your mornings into something straight out of a cozy rom-com? That’s exactly what drew me to the Drew Barrymore Beautiful Slim Espresso Machine with 20-Bar Pressure.
If you’re craving that café vibe without leaving your counter, this machine whispers “grab me now” with its trendy colors and celebrity charm. At around $100, it feels like an affordable splurge that could elevate your coffee game—imagine pulling shots that rival your favorite spot, all while adding a pop of style to your space. Trust me, if you’re tired of watery brews from basic makers, this one’s calling your name.
My Experience With the Drew Barrymore Espresso Machine
Let me take you back to the day I unboxed this little beauty. It arrived in a crisp white package, with Drew’s signature scrawled across the top like a personal note from an old friend. I went with the Black Sesame color because it matched my kitchen’s moody vibe—think matte black with just enough sheen to catch the morning light. Setting it up was a breeze; I filled the 1.3-liter water tank, plugged it in, and ran a couple of rinse cycles as the manual suggested. The whole process took maybe 10 minutes, and I was already buzzing with excitement, picturing lattes and cappuccinos lining up for my weekend brunch crew.
My first shot? Oh, you. I ground some medium-dark roast beans—nothing fancy, just a solid bag from my local roaster—and tamped them into the included portafilter.
The machine hummed to life with a satisfying click, and within 25 seconds, out came a stream of espresso topped with a thin layer of crema. It tasted bold, with notes of chocolate and a hint of nuttiness that made me smile.
I thought, “This is it—I’ve cracked the code to home barista bliss.” Over the next week, I experimented like a kid in a candy store. Single shots for my quick 7 a.m. wake-up, doubles when I needed that extra kick before a Zoom call.
The steam wand? It frothed milk into a velvety microfoam that swirled perfectly into a latte, and I even nailed a heart design on top one lazy Sunday.
But here’s where things got real, you know? About two weeks in, the double-shot button started acting up. I’d press it, and it’d sputter out maybe a teaspoon of liquid before grinding to a halt, leaving me with a half-empty cup and a growing frustration. I’d unplug it, let it cool, even run hot water cycles to “reset” as some online forums suggested, but nope—same issue every time.
The single shot still worked okay, but it felt like a tease, forcing me to double up and wait longer. And the noise? Lord, it roared like a tiny jet engine taking off, vibrating so hard my cup would dance off the drip tray if I wasn’t holding it steady. I caught myself wincing during quiet mornings, wondering if the neighbors could hear it through the walls.
Then came the portafilter drama. That basket where you pack the grounds? It locked in fine at first, but after a few uses, it stuck like glue. I’d twist and pull, my knuckles turning white, and once it took a rubber mallet tap to free it—yes, a mallet, on my sleek new machine.
Espresso grounds flew everywhere, turning my counter into a gritty battlefield. I wiped it down, tried again, but the crema started thinning out, and the shots tasted off—bitter edges creeping in where smoothness used to be. I switched beans, adjusted my grind finer, even watched YouTube tutorials on tamping technique, but nothing fixed the inconsistency. One day it’d pull a rich, aromatic shot; the next, it’d choke and deliver something watery that barely qualified as coffee.
By month one, the steam wand joined the party of problems. Frothing cold milk for an iced latte? It took forever—two minutes of holding the pitcher steady just to get it lukewarm, and forget about hot foam without committing to a five-minute vigil. The milk heated unevenly, leaving lumps that no amount of swirling could save. I started skipping lattes altogether, sticking to black shots, but even those lost their charm when the machine’s exterior got scorching hot to the touch. I burned my hand once reaching for a spoon nearby, and suddenly, that “compact design” felt more like a liability than a perk.
Don’t get me wrong—I wanted to love this machine so much. Drew’s whole “Beautiful” line has that approachable glamour, and at first, it delivered those Instagram-worthy moments. I’d post a shot of my setup, caption it something cheeky like “Channeling my inner E.T. with this brew,” and feel like a pro.
But as weeks turned into a full month of daily use, the glitches piled up. Customer service? I texted the Beautiful line and emailed, but responses were generic—”try descaling”—with no real fix. I ended up returning it after six weeks, my heart a little heavier but my wallet relieved. Looking back, it was a fun fling, but not the reliable partner I needed for my coffee obsession. If you’re like me, chasing that perfect puck without the headaches, this experience taught me to aim higher.
Read More: Copmarison Of Nespresso CitiZ And Essenza Mini
Pros Of the Drew Barrymore Espresso Machine
- Stylish Design That Pops on Your Counter: You can’t deny how this machine turns heads—its slim profile (just 5 inches wide) and colors like White Icing or Sage Green make it feel like a piece of art, not just an appliance. I loved how it blended into my space without dominating it, adding that subtle celeb flair without screaming for attention.
- Affordable Entry Point for Espresso Newbies: At under $100, it’s a low-risk way to dip your toes into real espresso without dropping serious cash. If you’re upgrading from a pod machine, the price tag makes the initial thrill worthwhile, even if it’s short-lived.
- Quick Heat-Up Time for Fast Mornings: It reaches brewing temp in about 30 seconds, which saved me on rushed days. No waiting around forever—just fill, tamp, and go, getting that first shot out before your toast is even buttered.
- Included Accessories That Get You Started: The kit comes with a portafilter, tampers, and milk frothing pitcher, so you’re not hunting for extras right away. For someone like me who hates incomplete setups, this was a thoughtful touch that made unboxing feel complete.
- Compact Size for Small Kitchens: If counter real estate is tight, this slim wonder slides in easily, leaving room for your other gadgets. I squeezed it next to my toaster without a hitch, making my morning routine flow smoother.
Cons Of the Drew Barrymore Espresso Machine
- Inconsistent Double-Shot Performance: Press the button for a double, and half the time you get a dribble instead of a pour—frustrating when you’re counting on that full hit. I wasted beans tweaking grinds, but it never fully cooperated, turning simple brews into guesswork.
- Portafilter Locking Issues That Jam Up Your Flow: That twist-lock mechanism? It sticks after a few uses, requiring brute force to release. My second attempt at ownership ended the same way, leaving grounds scattered and my patience shredded.
- Excessive Noise and Vibration During Brewing: The pump sounds like a blender on steroids, shaking the whole unit so your cup wobbles off the tray. Quiet mornings? Forget it—I’d brace myself like it was an earthquake every pull.
- Slow and Ineffective Steam Wand for Frothing: Getting milk to froth takes ages, with uneven heat that leaves it lumpy or barely warm. I timed five minutes for one decent cappuccino foam, which killed the joy of experimenting with drinks.
- Build Quality That Feels Fragile Over Time: Plastic components heat up dangerously and wear quickly, leading to leaks and burns. What starts as cute ends up feeling cheap, with no durability to back the hype.
Maintenance Tips For the Drew Barrymore Espresso Machine
- Daily Backflushing to Keep the Group Head Clean: After every few shots, run a blind basket through with water—no grounds needed. You do this by locking in the empty filter and hitting brew for 10 seconds; it flushes out residue that builds up fast. I made it a habit post-morning shot, and it prevented early clogs, but skip it and you’ll notice bitter tastes creeping in sooner.
- Weekly Descaling with a Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, fill the tank, and run it through a full brew cycle—do singles and doubles to hit all lines. Let it sit 30 minutes if buildup’s bad, then rinse twice with fresh water. This combats mineral deposits from hard water; I did mine Sundays, and it kept the pressure steady longer than expected.
- Portafilter Deep Clean to Avoid Sticking: Soak the basket in hot soapy water overnight weekly, scrubbing with a brush to clear oils. Dry thoroughly before reinserting—moisture makes it bind. Pro tip: Wipe the edges with a microfiber cloth after each use; it saved me from mallet moments early on.
- Steam Wand Purging and Wiping After Every Use: Blast steam for 5 seconds to clear milk residue, then wipe with a damp cloth dipped in hot water. For deeper cleans, unscrew the tip and soak in descaler monthly. This stops bacterial buildup and keeps froth from turning sour—I learned the hard way after one funky latte.
- Water Tank and Drip Tray Emptying Routine: Dump and rinse the tank daily with filtered water to minimize scale; the tray catches grounds, so empty it after 2-3 uses and wash with mild soap. Use soft cloths—no abrasives—to avoid scratches on that pretty finish. I set phone reminders, and it extended usability before the inevitable glitches hit.
Comparison With Other Brands
De’Longhi’s Dedica Style Versus the Barrymore’s Slim Profile
When I stacked the Drew Barrymore against De’Longhi’s Dedica, the Italian’s compact frame felt more purposeful, squeezing into tight spots without the Barrymore’s wobbly vibe. Pressure Delivery in De’Longhi Hits Consistent 9 Bars: Unlike the Barrymore’s erratic 20-bar claims that often sputtered, De’Longhi maintains steady extraction for richer crema every time, pulling shots that taste layered with caramel notes instead of the Barrymore’s hit-or-miss bitterness. You get that pro-level control without fighting the machine, making mornings less chaotic.
Breville Bambino Plus Outshines in Milk Frothing Game
Breville’s Bambino Plus took my latte dreams to another level compared to the Barrymore’s sluggish wand. Automatic Frothing on Breville Saves Time and Effort: While the Barrymore demanded manual holding for lukewarm results, Breville’s one-touch system whips up silky microfoam in seconds, perfect for pouring art into your cup—think velvety hearts that hold their shape, not the lumpy disasters I battled. It’s a game-changer if you crave variety beyond black shots.
Nespresso’s Vertuo Creatista Edges Out on Simplicity for Busy Days
Nespresso’s pod-based approach felt worlds away from the Barrymore’s grind-and-tamp hassle. Pod Convenience in Nespresso Cuts Cleanup Drama: No sticky portafilters or scattered grounds like with the Barrymore; just pop in a capsule, and you’re sipping balanced espresso in under a minute, with flavors from vanilla to double shot that stay true without tweaking. Ideal if you’re short on time, though you trade hands-on fun for zero mess.
Gaggia Classic Pro Dominates in Long-Term Durability
The Gaggia Classic Pro laughed at the Barrymore’s fragile build from across the counter. Stainless Steel Construction on Gaggia Lasts Years: Where Barrymore’s plastic warped and heated unevenly, Gaggia’s metal body shrugs off daily use, delivering decade-reliable pulls with a steam wand that froths hot and fast—no five-minute waits or vibrations rattling your setup. It’s the workhorse you invest in once.
Rancilio Silvia Wins for Temperature Stability
Rancilio’s Silvia brought precision the Barrymore could only dream of. Dual Boiler in Rancilio Ensures Even Brews: Barrymore’s single boiler swung temps wildly, scorching shots one day and under-extracting the next, but Rancilio holds steady at 93°C for nuanced flavors like berry brightness in light roasts. You dial in once and forget, pulling consistent pros without the guesswork.
Also Read: Comparison Of De’Longhi Stilosa And EC155
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
From what I’ve seen in hands-on tests and expert roundups, the Profitec Go stands out as the most reliable for home setups. It’s built like a tank with consistent shot quality that doesn’t falter over years, blending beginner ease with pro power—perfect if you want something that just works without constant tweaks.
The Beautiful Slim packs a 20-bar pump for claimed crema-rich shots, a steam wand for frothing, single and double shot options, and a 1.3L tank in fun colors like Black Sesame. It heats fast and includes basics like a tamper, but real-world pulls often fall short on consistency.
Brad Pitt reps De’Longhi’s Eletta Explore in his campaigns, praising its one-touch brews for hot and cold drinks with over 50 recipes. He calls it “perfetto” for effortless mornings, complete with auto-frothing that nails lattes without the fuss.
Neither max pressure tells the full story—aim for machines hitting 9 bars during extraction, as that’s the sweet spot for balanced shots. A 15-bar pump often delivers more reliable consistency than 20-bar hype, avoiding over-extraction that bitters your brew.
Conclusion
After all the shots pulled and tweaks tried, I can’t fully back the Drew Barrymore Espresso Machine—its charm fades fast under real use. If style’s your only chase, snag it cheap, but for lasting joy, skip to sturdier picks that won’t leave you steaming. Your perfect pour awaits elsewhere; chase that instead.