Swan Retro Espresso Machine

Description

After extensive testing in our coffee lab, we found this machine to be a fascinating study in global manufacturing – it’s marketed worldwide under various brand names, including Swan, and represents a solid entry point into home espresso making.

At its heart, this is a pressurised portafilter machine designed specifically for pre-ground coffee. What caught our attention during testing was its built-in thermometer and surprisingly capable steam wand.

Features and Benefits

• 1.2 L Water tank
• Thermoblock heater
• Panarello steam wand / doubles as a pro wand
• Various colour options
• Thermometer helps with temperature surfing
• Compatible bottomless portafilter available

Speaking of that thermoblock heater – let’s clear up some misconceptions. In our experience testing hundreds of machines, thermoblock technology isn’t inherently inferior to traditional boilers. While it’s true that you’ll find thermoblocks in most budget-friendly espresso machines, we’re actually seeing this technology evolve. Some premium manufacturers are already incorporating advanced thermocoil systems into their higher-end models.

The pressurised basket system is specifically engineered for pre-ground coffee. While we’ve seen some home baristas attempt modifications, our testing showed these often led to portafilter damage. If you’re keen to experiment, there is a compatible bottomless portafilter available. Just remember – while bottomless portafilters can produce stunning shots when your technique is spot-on, they can be quite messy during the learning process.

One feature we particularly appreciate is the built-in thermometer. While this isn’t a temperature-stable machine (you’d need to look at PID-equipped models like the Gaggia Espresso & Sage Bambino for that), having a visual temperature gauge is brilliant for consistency. We’ve found it invaluable for timing shots at specific temperatures, helping achieve better consistency from a machine that, like all in this price range, experiences temperature fluctuations.

It’s worth noting that even pricier machines like the Gaggia Classic face similar temperature stability challenges. While temperature surfing techniques can help, the visible thermometer on this model gives you a distinct advantage over machines where you’re working purely by intuition.