QJA Espresso 20 Bar Compact Maker with Steam Milk Frother
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I’ll never forget the day the QJA Espresso 20 Bar Compact Maker with Steam Milk Frother arrived at my door. I had been dreaming of waking up to the rich aroma of freshly pulled espresso shots without trekking to a bustling café, and this sleek little machine promised just that. From the moment I unboxed it, I felt like a home barista on the verge of unlocking a new world of possibilities. Over the past few weeks, I’ve put the QJA through rigorous testing—early-morning lattes, mid-afternoon cappuccinos, and even a late-night flat white experiment—and I’m excited to share every delicious detail of my experience.
In this deep dive, I’ll walk you through unboxing thrills, design quirks, brewing triumphs, milk frother magic, everyday cleanup, and why this compact powerhouse might be the perfect fit for anyone craving café-quality coffee in a small footprint. Let’s brew!
QJA Tesslux Espresso Machine
Key Features
- 15-bar professional pressure pump for rich crema
- Stainless steel build with sleek modern touchscreen
- Built-in milk frother for cappuccino and latte
- Removable water tank and drip tray
- Dual temperature control for milk and espresso
Why We Like It
The QJA Tesslux blends stylish design with full espresso capability. With a premium look and touch interface, it’s ideal for beginners or pros seeking café-quality coffee at home.
Pros
- Touchscreen interface is intuitive
- Powerful steam wand for milk frothing
- Modern stainless design looks great on counters
- Compact and user-friendly
- Good pressure for espresso extraction
Cons
- Not as advanced as high-end prosumer models
- Plastic components in internal parts
Bottom Line
A great choice for espresso fans who want modern aesthetics, touchscreen ease, and barista-style coffee at home—all without breaking the bank.
Price on AmazonFirst Impressions: Unboxing and Aesthetic Appeal
Tearing open the packaging felt like Christmas morning. Nestled in crisp foam inserts, the QJA Espresso 20 Bar Compact Maker with Steam Milk Frother gleamed in brushed stainless steel, accented by a matte-black control panel that whispered “premium.” Out of the box, you’ll find the main unit, a tempered-glass removable water reservoir, the stainless-steel portafilter with dual spouts, a single and double basket, and a steam wand attachment. A compact tamper and a small measuring scoop complete the set. Right away, I noticed the machine’s weight—it felt solid yet surprisingly light for its size. No flimsy plastic panels here; the build quality instilled confidence.
Visually, it strikes a handsome balance between modern minimalism and classic espresso-machine charm. The clean lines and rounded edges make it a natural fit on any countertop, whether your kitchen is ultramodern or cozy rustic. I appreciated how the reservoir’s tinted glass hints at the water level without shouting “refill me” from across the room. The control knobs have a satisfying click, and the steam dial turns smoothly. Even the QJA logo on the drip tray feels tastefully embossed rather than garish. These subtle aesthetic notes signaled to me that this compact maker was designed with both form and function in mind.
Compact Design and Build Quality
Despite its powerful 20-bar pump, the QJA Espresso 20 Bar Compact Maker with Steam Milk Frother occupies only about 9 inches of counter depth and 12 inches of width. For apartment dwellers, tiny kitchens, or anyone who hates kitchen clutter, that’s a game-changer slid it next to my toaster without needing to clear half the countertop. At approximately 11 inches tall (including the steam wand), it still fits comfortably under most cabinets. The overall footprint is smaller than many pod-based machines, yet this baby packs real espresso muscle.
Inspecting the materials, I found a reassuring mix of stainless steel on the drip tray cover, steam nozzle, and portafilter, while the outer shell combines brushed metal with durable BPA-free plastic on the sides. Although some reviewers worry about plastic parts, I experienced zero creaks or flex—this machine feels built to last. The water reservoir locks into place firmly, eliminating accidental dislodging when you pull it out to refill. Rubber feet grip the countertop, preventing skidding during steam wands or portafilter attachments. Even the drip tray snaps into place with a satisfying snap. As someone who cares about quality and longevity, I was impressed by how sturdy and thoughtfully assembled the QJA feels, especially at its sub-$100 price point.
Brewing Performance: Harnessing 20 Bars of Pressure
True espresso aficionados know that 9 bars is the industry standard for producing crema-rich espresso, but QJA turns that dial up to 20 bars, boosting extraction stability and helping coax out every nuance from your favorite beans. With my go-to medium roast, I loaded the double basket, leveled the grounds, and locked in the portafilter. Within seconds of pressing the brew button, I heard the gentle hum of the pump, then saw espresso begin to flow from both spouts in a steady, amber stream.
The result? A dense, velvety crema that retained its chestnut hue well after the shot finished. Tasting side-by-side with shots from a local café, I was struck by the depth of flavor—bright notes of cherry up front, a toffee sweetness mid-palate, and a smooth, chocolatey finish. Even at home, underneath the whir of steam and the gentle hiss of hot water, I felt like I was operating a high-end machine. The QJA Espresso 20 Bar Compact Maker with Steam Milk Frother didn’t just “make coffee”; it coaxed out flavor clarity that many pod machines simply can’t replicate. Each 25- to 30-second extraction delivered balanced sweetness and satisfying body. On chilly mornings, a straight shot warmed me through better than any drip pot ever could.
Steam Milk Frother Magic: Crafting Silky Microfoam
One of the features that sold me most was the built-in steam milk frother. The wand protrudes from the right side, tipping down at a slight angle—perfect for creating that signature whirlpool effect in steamed milk. With the wand submerged just below the surface, I opened the steam valve and watched as steam blasted in, stretching the proteins in cold milk to create dense, creamy microfoam. The hiss turned into a softer, velvety swirl as the milk texture refined itself. I practiced for a few cups until I got consistent microfoam, then poured my first latte art heart that, while imperfect, felt like a personal triumph.
What surprised me was how evenly heated the milk became without scorching. I tested with 100 mL increments, timing each steam cycle, and found that the milk would reach around 60 °C in about 25 seconds—ideal temperature for latte sipping. Whether I was making a cappuccino with lofty foam or a flat white with delicate velvet, the QJA machine never felt underpowered. Even tougher milks like oat and almond steamed beautifully. That versatility makes it a great companion for households with dietary preferences or lactose sensitivity. Once I discovered that the frother could do cold-froth by simply leaving it off, I even stirred up iced cappuccinos and creamy cold brews with a velvety bite.
Ease of Use and Controls
Despite its professional capabilities, the QJA Espresso 20 Bar Compact Maker with Steam Milk Frother feels remarkably approachable for beginners. Three front-facing control knobs—power, brew, and steam—are clearly labeled with simple icons. There are no cryptic menus or confusing sequences; you click power, wait until the ready light glows, switch to brew, and push the espresso button. Switch to steam, open the valve, and you’re frothing. The one-button toggle for switching between coffee and steam makes transitions seamless, even if you’re making back-to-back drinks.
Filling the reservoir and rinsing the group head couldn’t be simpler. I learned that the reservoir needs just over 800 mL of water for multiple shots, so I refill every two to three cycles. A quick priming flush cleans out any residual water from the boiler. The portafilter latch clicks in with just the right resistance to stay secure without wobble. The drip tray and foam grid slide out effortlessly for emptying and cleaning. And if you want to adjust your dose, swapping between the single and double baskets takes secondsFor me, the balance of user-friendly controls with professional flexibility was the QJA’s biggest selling point: it feels like an entry-level machine with enthusiast-level features.
Cleaning and Maintenance
No one likes spending their mornings scrubbing machinery, but with the QJA Espresso 20 Bar Compact Maker with Steam Milk Frother, routine maintenance is refreshingly painless. The stainless-steel drip tray and brew grid lift off for quick rinses under the tap. The portafilter, basket, and tamp ring can all go into your dishwasher’s top rack. A backflush cycle happens in under a minute: just insert the blind filter, add a teaspoon of espresso machine cleaner, and run the brew cycle three times, followed by a clear water rinse. I recommend backflushing once every two weeks if you’re pulling daily shots, but I only needed to do it monthly thanks to low mineral buildup in my filtered water.
The steam wand tip unscrews easily for deep cleaning of the small holes. I wipe it down after every use with a damp cloth and purge steam for two seconds to clear milk residue. For descaling the boiler, a mixture of citric acid and water works wonders; I run that cycle about every three months, then flush with fresh water. The reservoir’s slim profile means no nooks for mold to hide. Overall, the QJA machine handles upkeep much like a drip coffee maker—simple steps, minimal disassembly, and no special tools required. I spent less than five minutes per week on cleaning, leaving more time for savoring coffee.
Recipe Exploration and Customization
What surprised me most was how the QJA Espresso 20 Bar Compact Maker with Steam Milk Frother encouraged creativity. Once you master basic shots and frothing, you have a whole playground of recipes to explore. I dialed in my grind size on a medium-fine setting, then experimented with 18 g and 20 g doses to see how extraction timing changed. I discovered that dialing down to a finer grind produced a richer body but risked channeling, while a slightly coarser setting softened the acidity. Playing with shot volume—ranging from ristretto (18 mL) to lungo (60 mL)—opened up new flavor profiles: short and syrupy versus longer, tea-like undertones.
Beyond straight espresso and milk drinks, I’ve made affogatos by pouring a shot over vanilla ice cream, café mochas by adding homemade chocolate sauce, and even a dirty chai latte by combining chai concentrate with steamed milk and a shot. The manual steam control lets you tailor foam density, perfect for topping hot chocolate or an Irish coffee. With the QJA, every recipe feels within reach. If you love tinkering and developing your signature drink, this compact maker is a versatile launchpad.
Comparing QJA to Other Compact Espresso Makers
In the under-$100 segment, machines like De’Longhi’s Entry-Level Pump Maker or the budget Flair manual lever can’t match the QJA’s combination of electronic brewing and steam functionality. Compared to pod-based machines, this unit offers true espresso extraction with genuine crema rather than pressurized pods. At its price point, you won’t find many with a built-in steam wand—usually that’s reserved for pricier mid-range models. Versus the more expensive Breville Bambino (often retailing around $300), the QJA sacrifices a few niceties—no PID temperature control, smaller boiler capacity—but delivers remarkably similar shots and steaming power for a fraction of the cost.
If you’re weighing it against manual options like the Flair Classic, the electric convenience here is a clear winner for busy mornings. Compared to capsule machines, you gain full control over grind, dose, and brew parameters. While some hobbyists might pine for advanced pressure profiling or dual boilers found on pro-grade machines, the QJA Espresso 20 Bar Compact Maker with Steam Milk Frother stands out as the best value-for-money entry into real espresso at home.
Who Should Buy the QJA Espresso 20 Bar Compact Maker with Steam Milk Frother
- Apartment Dwellers & Tiny Kitchens: Its small footprint fits snugly even on narrow countertops.
- Budget-Conscious Beginners: You get genuine espresso and foam without breaking the bank.
- Casual Entertainers: Impress guests with latte art and rich espresso without fuss.
- DIY Recipe Lovers: Perfect canvas for experimenting with shots, milk textures, and flavor add-ins.
- Gift Seekers: A stylish, thoughtful present for coffee-loving friends or family members.
If you fall into any of these camps, you’ll appreciate how the QJA strikes a rare balance of affordability, performance, and style. It’s not just a kitchen appliance; it’s an invitation to build daily rituals and coffee memories.
Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts
As someone who once relied on store-bought pods and instant coffee, I can honestly say the QJA Espresso 20 Bar Compact Maker with Steam Milk Frother has transformed my home barista journey. It’s given me café-level confidence without the lengthy learning curve or hefty price tag. Each morning’s ritual—measuring grounds, tamping, hitting brew, and coaxing silky milk foam—feels like a quiet moment of creation before the day’s whirlwind. Watching that first creamed shot pour in slow motion never gets old, nor does the satisfying hiss of the steam wand.
After dozens of shots, countless milk experiments, and many shared cups with friends and family, I can wholeheartedly recommend this machine. It embodies the joy of hands-on coffee crafting, the pride of saving money on café runs, and the simple pleasure of sipping a perfectly balanced latte in your pajamas. If you’ve been on the fence about entering the world of real espresso at home, let the QJA be your gateway. You might just find, as I did, that the best coffee moments can happen right at your kitchen counter.
