The Cecotec Power Espresso 20 is one of the best-selling budget espresso machines in Spain, and it's also sold on Amazon UK. This review covers what it actually is, its real specs, who it suits, the compromises of a machine at this price (the 20-bar claim, the baskets, the steam wand) and, importantly for US readers, why it isn't a sensible buy in the United States and what to get instead.
A simple, inexpensive manual espresso machine for people who want to start making espresso and milk drinks with pre-ground coffee. It's a reasonable buy in the UK if you keep expectations in check. In the US, it isn't sold for 120 V outlets: choose a De'Longhi Stilosa or Dedica instead.
Where you can buy it (US vs UK)
UK: the Power Espresso 20 (the basic manual model) is listed on Amazon.co.uk. Before you order, check the listing mentions a UK plug or that it is sold for the UK market; Cecotec is a Spanish brand and some marketplace sellers ship EU-plug units.
US: Cecotec doesn't sell this machine for the US market. The only Amazon.com listing we found was an imported European unit, designed for 220 to 240 V. US outlets supply 120 V, so it would need a step-up transformer, and you'd have no local warranty or support. We don't recommend it for US buyers; see the alternatives below.
Cecotec also sells several other "Power Espresso 20" variants in Spain (Barista Compact, Barista Cream, Barista Maestro, Grind+). These have different specs, so make sure the listing matches the model you've read about.
Specs
| Spec | Cecotec Power Espresso 20 (manual) |
|---|---|
| Type | Manual pump espresso machine with portafilter |
| Rated pump pressure | 20 bar |
| Power | 850 W |
| Water tank | 1.5 L (about 50 oz), removable |
| Portafilter | Double-spout arm, filters for one or two cups |
| Milk | Steam wand |
| Extras | Cup-warming tray, stainless steel finish |
| Coffee | Pre-ground (no built-in grinder) |
Specs taken from the Amazon UK listing and Cecotec's product information.
Who it is for (and who should skip it)
It makes sense if you…
- Want to try espresso and cappuccino at home for little money, with supermarket pre-ground coffee.
- Make one or two drinks at a time and don't mind a bit of hands-on work.
- Live in the UK and can buy a unit with the right plug and warranty.
Skip it if you…
- Live in the US (wrong voltage, no support).
- Want specialty-coffee espresso and plan to buy a good grinder: a machine with a non-pressurized basket and better temperature stability will reward that grinder far more.
- Want push-button convenience: look at a super-automatic espresso machine or a pod machine.
The 20-bar claim, explained
Almost every budget espresso machine advertises 15 or 20 bar. That figure is the maximum pressure the vibration pump can produce, not the pressure at the coffee. Good espresso is extracted at around 9 bar at the group head, which every one of these machines can reach. So "20 bar" isn't a reason to choose this machine over a 15-bar rival; temperature stability, basket design and the steam wand matter more.
Baskets: what to expect from the crema
At this price, machines are designed to work with pre-ground coffee, and that is how most buyers use this one. The distinction to understand:
- Pressurized (double-wall) baskets create back-pressure artificially, so you get crema even with supermarket coffee and an imperfect tamp. Forgiving, but they hide the effect of grind changes.
- Non-pressurized (single-wall) baskets depend on you grinding fresh, dosing and tamping well, but they're the only route to specialty-level espresso.
Check which type comes in the box of the unit you buy. If you go on to buy a proper burr grinder, a machine that includes single-wall baskets will let you take advantage of it. Our espresso at home guide explains dose, grind and timing.
The steam wand
The wand heats and foams milk well enough for cappuccinos and lattes at home. Like most budget wands, it's not as powerful as those on more expensive machines, so texturing silky microfoam for latte art takes patience. Start with cold milk in a cold pitcher, keep the tip just under the surface to add air for a few seconds, then lower it to spin the milk until it's hot. Purge and wipe the wand after every use, or dried milk will block it.
Alternatives worth considering
These are available from Amazon in the US and/or the UK. Picks based on specs and verified buyer reviews, not hands-on testing.
De'Longhi Stilosa
Who it's for: US (and UK) buyers who want the same idea, a simple budget pump espresso machine with a steam wand, from a brand with local support.
Skip it if: you want to grow into specialty espresso; it's an entry-level machine.
- 15-bar pump
- Manual steam wand
- Stainless steel boiler
- Single and double filters
- Widely available, good parts support
- Correct voltage version in each market
- Basic temperature control
- Plastic-heavy build
De'Longhi Dedica EC685
Who it's for: anyone with a narrow kitchen who wants a quicker-heating, better-finished budget machine.
Skip it if: you want a powerful steam wand for latte art.
- Thermoblock heating
- Only 6 in (15 cm) wide
- Pressurized filters for one or two shots
- Adjustable steam wand
- Heats quickly
- Slim, metal-fronted design
- Forgiving with pre-ground coffee
- Small 51 mm portafilter
- Tall mugs need the drip tray removed
Breville Bambino Plus (Sage in the UK)
Who it's for: people who make lattes and flat whites daily and want much better milk texture with almost no learning curve.
Skip it if: you don't have a burr grinder and don't plan to buy one; it shines with fresh-ground coffee.
- Thermojet heating, ready in seconds (per Breville)
- Automatic milk texturing with adjustable temperature and foam
- 54 mm portafilter
- Excellent automatic steam wand
- Very fast heat-up
- Compact
- Costs several times more than the Cecotec
- Needs a good grinder to shine
Swan Retro Pump Espresso Coffee Machine
Who it's for: UK buyers who want a budget pump machine from a British brand, with retro looks.
Skip it if: you're in the US (UK only).
- Pump espresso machine with steam wand
- 20 bar rated pressure (per the listing)
- Retro styling
- UK brand, UK plug and warranty
- Budget price band
- Same entry-level compromises as the Cecotec
- Basic temperature stability
Final verdict
The Cecotec Power Espresso 20 is an honest entry-level espresso machine: cheap, simple, with a steam wand that does the job. It won't make specialty espresso, and its 20-bar figure means little. In the UK it's a reasonable first machine if you buy a correctly plugged unit with a proper warranty. In the US it isn't a realistic option: the De'Longhi Stilosa does the same job at 120 V, and the Dedica or Bambino Plus are worth the step up if you can stretch.
Check the Power Espresso 20 on Amazon UK →
Keep reading
How to make espresso at home →Best coffee grinders →Best super-automatic espresso machines →How to descale a coffee maker →Frequently asked questions
Is the Cecotec Power Espresso 20 worth it?
As a cheap first espresso machine for pre-ground coffee and milk drinks, yes, in the UK and Europe. It will not make specialty-level espresso, and it is not designed for US 120 V outlets.
Can I buy the Cecotec Power Espresso 20 in the US?
Not as a US-market product. The only Amazon.com listing we found was an imported European 220-240 V unit, which needs a transformer and has no local warranty. The De'Longhi Stilosa is the closest US equivalent.
Does the Cecotec Power Espresso 20 have a grinder?
The basic manual model does not; it uses pre-ground coffee. Cecotec sells other Power Espresso 20 variants with built-in grinders in Spain, such as the Barista Cream.
Is 20 bar better than 15 bar for espresso?
No. The figure is the maximum pump pressure. Espresso is extracted at around 9 bar at the coffee, which 15- and 20-bar pumps both reach. Temperature stability and basket design matter more.
Can you make cappuccino with the Cecotec Power Espresso 20?
Yes. It has a steam wand that heats and foams milk for cappuccinos and lattes, though it takes practice to get fine microfoam.