The Tenker CM5380 Espresso Machine is a compact and affordable option for coffee enthusiasts looking to bring the café experience into their homes. As a coffee lover with a penchant for a well-brewed espresso, I was eager to put this machine to the test. In this review, I’ll cover every aspect of the Tenker CM5380—from its design and build quality to its performance, features, and overall value for money. I’ll also compare it with other espresso machines in its category to help you make an informed decision.
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Table of Contents
Design and Build Quality
The first impression of the Tenker CM5380 is that it’s a well-crafted machine designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind.
Aesthetics
The Tenker CM5380 sports a sleek, modern design that blends well with most kitchen decors. It has a stainless steel finish, which not only adds to its durability but also gives it a professional look. The machine is compact, measuring 11.6 x 8.2 x 11 inches, which makes it ideal for small kitchens or countertops with limited space. Despite its compact size, it has a substantial feel, indicating that it’s not made from flimsy materials.
Build Quality
The build quality of the Tenker CM5380 is solid, especially considering its price point. The housing is made primarily of stainless steel, which is resistant to rust and easy to clean. The plastic components, such as the drip tray and the water reservoir, are made from durable BPA-free plastic. The portafilter is sturdy and well-made, fitting snugly into the brew head with a satisfying click. The buttons and dials have a good tactile response, indicating that the machine is built to last.
Tenker CM5380 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Tenker |
| Model | CM5380 |
| Dimensions | 11.6 x 8.2 x 11 inches |
| Weight | 6.4 lbs (approx. 2.9 kg) |
| Pump Pressure | 20 bars |
| Heating System | Thermoblock |
| Water Reservoir Capacity | 1.2 liters |
| Portafilter Size | 58mm |
| Brew Head Compatibility | Pressurized and non-pressurized baskets |
| Control Panel | Manual (buttons and dials) |
| Milk Frothing | Manual steam wand |
| Material | Stainless steel and BPA-free plastic |
| Power Consumption | 1100 watts |
| Voltage | 120V (North America) |
| Warranty | 1 year limited warranty |
| Included Accessories | Portafilter, single and double shot baskets, tamper |
| Color Options | Stainless steel with black accents |
| Additional Features | Water level indicator, removable drip tray, hot water function |
Key Features
The Tenker CM5380 is packed with features that make it a versatile espresso machine, suitable for both beginners and more experienced coffee enthusiasts.
Pump Pressure
One of the standout features of the Tenker CM5380 is its 20-bar Italian pump, which is impressive for a machine in this price range. The high pressure ensures that water is forced through the coffee grounds at the optimal rate, extracting maximum flavor and producing a rich crema. The consistency of the crema is particularly noteworthy, as it rivals what you’d get from more expensive machines.
Thermoblock Heating System
The machine is equipped with a thermoblock heating system, which heats water quickly and maintains the ideal brewing temperature. The heating system ensures that the water temperature is stable throughout the brewing process, which is crucial for making a good espresso. The quick heat-up time means you don’t have to wait long to start brewing your coffee, which is a huge plus for those who are always on the go.
Water Reservoir
The Tenker CM5380 comes with a 1.2-liter removable water reservoir. The size is adequate for making several cups of coffee before needing to refill, and the removable design makes it easy to clean and refill. The reservoir has a clear design with markings, so you can easily see how much water is left. The machine also has a handy water level indicator, which helps you avoid running the machine dry.
Portafilter and Baskets
The machine comes with a 58mm portafilter, which is standard for most semi-automatic espresso machines. It also includes single and double shot baskets, giving you the flexibility to choose the amount of coffee you want to brew. The baskets are made of stainless steel and are easy to clean. The machine’s brew head is compatible with both pressurized and non-pressurized baskets, which adds to its versatility.
Steam Wand
The Tenker CM5380 is equipped with a steam wand that allows you to froth milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based drinks. The steam wand is easy to use and produces a decent amount of steam, although it may take a bit longer to froth milk compared to higher-end machines. The wand is adjustable, which makes it easier to angle your milk pitcher for optimal frothing. The steam wand also doubles as a hot water dispenser, which is great for making Americanos or tea.
Control Panel
The control panel on the Tenker CM5380 is straightforward and easy to use. It features a combination of buttons and dials that allow you to control the brewing process. The buttons have indicator lights, so you can easily see which function is active. The simplicity of the control panel makes it an excellent choice for beginners who may be intimidated by more complex machines.
Performance
Performance is where the Tenker CM5380 really shines, especially given its price point. I tested the machine extensively, making a variety of drinks, and was consistently impressed with the results.
Espresso Quality
The Tenker CM5380 produces a high-quality espresso with a rich, thick crema. The 20-bar pump ensures that the coffee is extracted at the optimal pressure, resulting in a well-balanced shot with a deep flavor profile. The temperature stability of the thermoblock system contributes to the consistency of the espresso shots. Whether I was brewing a single shot or a double, the machine delivered excellent results every time.
Milk Frothing
The steam wand, while not as powerful as those found on more expensive machines, does a decent job of frothing milk. It took me a few attempts to get the milk texture just right, but once I got the hang of it, I was able to produce microfoam suitable for latte art. The wand has enough power to froth milk for a couple of drinks in a reasonable amount of time, although it may struggle with larger quantities.
Temperature Stability
Temperature stability is critical when brewing espresso, and the Tenker CM5380 does a commendable job in this regard. The thermoblock system maintains a consistent temperature throughout the brewing process, which is essential for extracting the full flavor from the coffee grounds. I noticed very little temperature fluctuation between shots, which is impressive for a machine in this price range.
Ease of Use
One of the biggest strengths of the Tenker CM5380 is its ease of use. The machine is user-friendly, with a simple interface that doesn’t require a steep learning curve. The inclusion of both pressurized and non-pressurized baskets allows users to experiment with different grind sizes and tamping pressures, making it suitable for beginners and more experienced users alike.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Maintenance is an important aspect of owning an espresso machine, and the Tenker CM5380 is relatively easy to care for.
Cleaning the Machine
Cleaning the Tenker CM5380 is straightforward. The drip tray and water reservoir are both removable, making them easy to clean. The portafilter and baskets should be rinsed after each use to prevent coffee grounds from building up. The steam wand requires regular purging to prevent milk residue from clogging the nozzle, but this is a simple process.
Descaling
Like all espresso machines, the Tenker CM5380 will need to be descaled periodically to remove mineral buildup from the internal components. The frequency of descaling will depend on the hardness of your water, but the process is simple and can be done with a commercial descaling solution or a mixture of water and white vinegar. The machine doesn’t have a descaling alert, so you’ll need to keep track of when it’s due.
Durability
The Tenker CM5380 feels durable and well-constructed, with no flimsy parts that are prone to breaking. The stainless steel components should hold up well over time, and the machine’s overall build quality suggests that it’s built to last. With proper care and maintenance, I expect the Tenker CM5380 to provide many years of reliable service.
Value for Money
One of the most compelling aspects of the Tenker CM5380 is its value for money. It offers many of the features found in more expensive machines at a fraction of the price. While it may not have the advanced features of higher-end models, such as programmable settings or a built-in grinder, it delivers excellent performance for its price range. For coffee enthusiasts on a budget, the Tenker CM5380 represents a great investment.
Comparison with Competitors
To give you a better idea of how the Tenker CM5380 stacks up against its competitors, I’ve compared it with two other popular espresso machines in the same price range: the De’Longhi EC155 and the Mr. Coffee Café Barista.
Tenker CM5380 vs. De’Longhi EC155
The De’Longhi EC155 is another popular budget espresso machine, and it shares many similarities with the Tenker CM5380. Both machines have a 15-bar pump, a compact design, and a steam wand for frothing milk. However, there are a few key differences.
- Build Quality: The Tenker CM5380 has a more robust build quality, with more stainless steel components, whereas the De’Longhi EC155 has more plastic parts.
- Ease of Use: The Tenker CM5380 has a simpler, more intuitive control panel, making it slightly easier to use than the De’Longhi EC155.
- Steam Wand: The steam wand on the Tenker CM5380 is more adjustable and easier to use for frothing milk compared to the EC155.
- Price: The Tenker CM5380 is typically priced slightly higher than the De’Longhi EC155, but the difference is justified by the better build quality and ease of use.
Overall, while the De’Longhi EC155 is a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers, the Tenker CM5380 offers better build quality and a more user-friendly experience.
Tenker CM5380 vs. Mr. Coffee Café Barista
The Mr. Coffee Café Barista is another competitor in this price range, and it’s known for its ease of use and automatic milk frother.
- Automation: The Mr. Coffee Café Barista is a semi-automatic machine with a one-touch control panel that allows you to brew espresso, cappuccino, or latte with the push of a button. The Tenker CM5380, on the other hand, requires manual operation, giving you more control over the brewing process.
- Milk Frothing: The Mr. Coffee Café Barista has an automatic milk frother, which is convenient for beginners but lacks the control and precision of the manual steam wand on the Tenker CM5380.
- Build Quality: The Tenker CM5380 has a more premium build quality, with more stainless steel components, compared to the predominantly plastic construction of the Mr. Coffee Café Barista.
- Price: The Mr. Coffee Café Barista is typically more expensive than the Tenker CM5380, due to its automatic features.
For those who prioritize convenience and ease of use, the Mr. Coffee Café Barista may be a better option. However, if you prefer more control over your coffee-making process and appreciate higher build quality, the Tenker CM5380 is the better choice.
Pros and Cons
To summarize the key points of this review, here are the pros and cons of the Tenker CM5380 Espresso Machine.
Pros
- Affordable: Offers excellent value for money, with many features typically found in more expensive machines.
- Compact Design: Space-saving design makes it ideal for small kitchens or limited countertop space.
- 15-Bar Pump: High-pressure pump ensures optimal extraction and rich crema.
- Good Build Quality: Stainless steel construction and durable components ensure longevity.
- User-Friendly: Simple controls make it easy to use, even for beginners.
- Versatile: Compatible with both pressurized and non-pressurized baskets, allowing for experimentation with different brewing techniques.
Cons
- Milk Frothing: Steam wand is adequate but may take longer to froth milk compared to higher-end machines.
- No Programmable Settings: Lacks advanced features such as programmable shot volumes or temperature control.
- No Built-In Grinder: Requires a separate grinder, which can be an additional cost if you don’t already own one.
- Manual Operation: Requires more hands-on involvement compared to semi-automatic or automatic machines.
Final Verdict
The Tenker CM5380 Espresso Machine is an excellent choice for coffee enthusiasts who want to enjoy high-quality espresso at home without breaking the bank. It offers a good balance of performance, build quality, and ease of use, making it suitable for both beginners and more experienced users. While it may not have the advanced features of higher-end machines, it delivers where it counts—producing a consistently good espresso with a rich crema.
If you’re in the market for an affordable, reliable espresso machine that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Tenker CM5380 is definitely worth considering. It’s a machine that punches above its weight and is sure to satisfy your coffee cravings for years to come.