The CM1620 Espresso Machine with Built-in Burr Grinder is designed for home baristas who want fresh espresso without juggling separate grinders and machines. In this review, you will find an honest look at its real-world performance, from grinding beans to pulling shots and frothing milk. We tested workflow, consistency, and maintenance to help you decide if this all-in-one unit fits your kitchen and coffee routine.
Our Verdict
The CM1620 delivers solid espresso with a convenient built-in grinder, making it a strong choice for daily use. Strengths include consistent pressure and easy milk texturing, while weaknesses center on a learning curve for grind settings and occasional drip tray overflow. Overall, we recommend it for beginners to intermediate users seeking an integrated setup rather than separate high-end components.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | CM |
| Model | CM1620 |
| Machine Type | Automatic with built-in grinder |
| Pump Pressure | 15 bar |
| Water Tank Capacity | 1.8 liters |
| Built-in Grinder | Yes, conical burr |
| Milk Frother | Steam wand |
| Dimensions | 14.5 x 10.2 x 13.8 inches |
| Weight | 18.7 lbs |
| Best For | Home espresso and milk-based drinks |
Design & Build Quality
The CM1620 features a stainless steel body that feels sturdy on the counter without being overly heavy. Its compact footprint fits well in most home kitchens, though the grinder housing adds a few inches of depth. The control panel uses simple buttons and a dial for grind size, giving it a clean, modern look that blends with stainless appliances. Durability seems good after several weeks of testing, with no flex in the portafilter or tank lid. The drip tray is removable and fits nicely under cabinets, though the water tank sits at the back and requires reaching over the machine. Overall, build quality supports everyday use without feeling cheap or fragile in daily operation.
Espresso Brewing Performance
Extraction from the CM1620 produces reliable 25-30 second shots with good pressure consistency thanks to the 15-bar pump. Crema forms nicely on medium roasts, appearing thick and reddish-brown when the grind is dialed correctly. Flavor comes through clearly with bright acidity on lighter beans and balanced chocolate notes on darker ones. The built-in burr grinder offers 12 settings, allowing fine adjustments for different beans, though it takes a few pulls to find the sweet spot. Temperature stability holds well across back-to-back shots, avoiding the sour or bitter swings common in lower-end machines. Real-world testing showed repeatable results once the workflow became familiar.
Milk Frothing Performance
The steam wand on the CM1620 produces dry, velvety microfoam suitable for lattes and cappuccinos after a short learning period. It reaches proper temperature quickly and maintains steady steam pressure without sputtering. Swirling the milk in a 12-ounce pitcher yields smooth texture that pours nicely for latte art attempts. The wand angle works well for right-handed users but may require awkward positioning for lefties. Cleaning the wand after each use prevents buildup, and the automatic purge function helps keep the line clear. Overall, milk performance supports two drinks back-to-back without long waits between steaming sessions.
Ease of Use
Controls on the CM1620 are straightforward with dedicated buttons for single and double shots plus a manual mode. The grinder adjustment dial sits on the side, making mid-session changes simple. Workflow involves grinding directly into the portafilter, tamping, and locking in place, which becomes second nature after a week. Beginners may find the initial grind calibration frustrating, but the machine includes basic instructions that speed up the process. The water tank is easy to fill, and the display shows remaining volume clearly. No advanced programming is needed, keeping the experience approachable for new users while still offering enough control for enthusiasts.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Daily cleaning of the CM1620 involves wiping the steam wand, emptying the drip tray, and running a quick water flush. The portafilter and basket remove easily for rinsing, and the grinder chute can be brushed out weekly to prevent clogs. Descaling is prompted by the machine after roughly 200 liters and uses a standard solution through the tank. Removable parts like the water tank and drip tray are dishwasher safe on the top rack. Long-term maintenance stays manageable if users follow the included schedule, though the grinder requires occasional vacuuming of grounds residue. No special tools are needed beyond a basic cleaning brush.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
– Built-in grinder saves counter space and delivers fresh grounds every shot.
– Consistent 15-bar pressure produces repeatable espresso quality daily.
– Steam wand creates usable microfoam for multiple milk drinks in a row.
– Simple button layout reduces intimidation for newer users.
– Compact size fits under most kitchen cabinets without issues.
Cons:
– Limited grind settings can require extra trial shots for certain beans.
– Drip tray fills faster than expected during heavy milk drink sessions.
– Steam wand angle feels awkward for left-handed users.
– No programmable shot volumes beyond basic presets.
– Occasional grounds spillage around the portafilter during grinding.
Who Should Buy This Machine?
Ideal users include apartment dwellers or anyone wanting an all-in-one espresso setup without extra appliances. It suits people who drink two to four milk-based beverages daily and value convenience over ultimate customization. Beginners appreciate the straightforward workflow, while intermediate users can refine results through grind adjustments. Those upgrading from pod machines will find the transition smooth thanks to the integrated grinder.
Who Should Avoid This Machine?
Users seeking advanced features like precise temperature control or multiple grind profiles may prefer separate grinder and machine combinations. Heavy commercial users or those making more than six drinks consecutively might outgrow the water tank and steam power. Left-handed baristas could find the wand placement frustrating enough to consider alternative layouts. People with very limited counter space should measure carefully before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should the grinder be cleaned? Brush the chute weekly and vacuum residue monthly to maintain consistent grind quality and prevent clogs during busy periods.
Can the CM1620 handle light roast beans? Yes, though you may need to use a finer grind setting and allow extra warm-up time for proper extraction.
Is the steam wand powerful enough for thick foam? It produces good microfoam for lattes but requires practice for the densest cappuccino-style foam.
Does the machine need daily descaling? No, the auto-alert triggers descaling after significant water usage, typically every few months with normal home use.
Final Verdict
The CM1620 Espresso Machine with Built-in Burr Grinder earns a solid recommendation for home users seeking convenience and reliable daily performance. Its integrated grinder, consistent extraction, and capable milk frothing make it a practical choice that simplifies the espresso routine. While it lacks some advanced customization options found in higher-priced separates, the machine delivers excellent value through ease of use and solid build. If your goal is fresh espresso and lattes without complexity, this model is worth considering for your kitchen in 2024. Overall rating: 8.2 out of 10.
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