Xiaomi's crowdfunding coffee machine brews espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes in just about three minutes.
It's not an espresso machine, and it may not really be new either.
Xiaomi has launched a new crowdfunding project for a two-in-one coffee machine that promises to prepare espressos, macchiatos, cappuccinos, and lattes in just three minutes. This device, called Seven & Me, combines a hot plate, a milk frother, and the coffee maker itself.
According to the company's information, this machine is capable of producing "authentic Italian espresso." However, some experts have pointed out that the method of heating water from the bottom and passing it through the coffee grounds resembles the operation of a moka pot rather than an espresso machine. Moka pots, as explained by coffee grinder company JavaPresse, generate a brew that's stronger than the best drip coffee makers, although its flavor profile is different due to operating at a significantly lower pressure (around two bars, compared to the nine used by leading espresso machines).
The milk frother of the Seven & Me appears to work similarly to the recently reviewed Dreo Baristamaker. Instead of using pressurized steam to incorporate air into the milk while heating it, this new model seems to heat the milk from below while whisking it to create foam. Previous tests with the Baristamaker noted that it produced large bubbles instead of silky microfoam, which is not optimal for latte art, although it is expected that Xiaomi's machine might deliver better results.
Like the Baristamaker, the Seven & Me features preset settings for different types of plant-based milks, which are often challenging to froth properly. Additionally, the preparation time, pressure, and water temperature can be adjusted based on the chosen drink. However, despite Xiaomi's claims that this is the "smartest coffee machine in the world," it lacks features like wireless connectivity that are typically associated with such products.
Despite this, the interest in the project is evident, as at the time of writing this article, only one machine is available at a promotional price of $199 (approximately £150 / AU$300), representing a 33% discount compared to the regular price.
Interestingly, the new machine appears virtually identical to the Xiaomi Household Mini Latte Coffee Machine, which is currently on sale in the UK for just £38 through a Xiaomi wholesaler and has reviews on Amazon.com since 2021. Additionally, the company has reused some of the same promotional images.