Customer Ratings & Reviews

Review for bella PRO – Barista Elite Espresso Station. I like the occasional cappuccino or latte, or a shot of espresso for a recipe, but never felt the need to spend hundreds of dollars for my own machine. The bella PRO – Barista Elite Espresso Station is a perfect match for my occasional needs as well as my limited counter space. I got the “oatmilk” color, which goes well with almost any kitchen and doesn’t have that “stainless steel/industrial” look. The machine is easy to use, but be sure to read the instructions for the best experience. For instance, the steam wand works great, but it does squirt out a little water before it becomes all steam. So it’s important to use the drip tray to collect the water before steaming your milk. I compared the picture on the box to be sure I found all the components that come inside - some were well tucked into the packaging. The pin for clearing the filter basket of stuck coffee grounds was packaged inside the coffee scooper. Also, read about using a full tank of water to clean out the mechanism and components before you try to make your first cup, or you may be disappointed by the taste! The unit has a warming tray on top that you can use to warm up your cups before brewing. If you check my photo, you can see that I need to buy some “proper” espresso cups! Once all the prep work was done, I found using the Espresso Station easy and fast. My first cup tasted as good as any I’ve had from a barista! As an occasional coffee drinker, but a frequent tea drinker, i was pleased to find I can also use the steaming wand to make boiling water for tea.

Although ive become a bit of a “coffee snob” over the past couple of years, this is the first time I own and use an espresso machine. It is pretty intuitive to use, if you’ve owned any newer / modern type of coffee machine I think you will find this espresso machine easy to use. I love how small it is, it doesn’t take up a whole lot of space on my counter. I always wanted a “legit” espresso machine but they’re usually large and expensive. The Bella Pro is not much bigger than a typical coffee pot machine, and doesn’t break the bank. The water reservoir holds enough water to make espresso for a few days. The machine comes with everything you need to get started, except the ground espresso and cups that will fit under the pouring cup. You will have to invest in small espresso cups. I’ve mainly been using it to make iced latte’s because it is still 90 degrees outside where I live lol, but the steamer is also really easy to use for milk. My only complaint, and it could just be user error.. is that when I remove the pouring cup after making a shot of espresso, it makes a big mess lol. Be gentle when removing it. It will spill all over the machine. Fortunately it is easy to clean up after, and has a convenient removable spill tray under. The machine will make a single or double shot for you, and comes with the proper measure cups and a scoop that will pack it in. All in all, I really love this machine. I can’t wait to try other types of espresso beans. If you’ve been wanting an espresso machine that won’t take up all the space on your counter, then this is it!

Coffee has been a part of my daily life for longer than I can remember. I've been wanting to try making my own espresso at home for a long time, but the cost of most espresso makers has kept me from taking the leap. When I saw this affordable option, I decided it was time to give it a try. The machine isn't too big, so it doesn't take up too much space on my counter. It did take me a while to read through the long instruction manual and get the machine ready to use. The process is technique sensitive, so it did take me a few tries to dial it in. The steam wand, in particular, is a little hard to use. The first time I tried it, I made a mess. However, the end result of an espresso with steamed milk turned out beautifully. It was definitely an upgrade from my old drip coffee machine. Overall I think this is a solid espresso machine at a lower price point. The espresso was tasty, it just takes a little while to figure out how to use the machine.

I love coffee and I especially love a strong cup of coffee but as lazy as I am I don't like things too complicated. Being this is my first espresso machine, I think this Bella Pro is made just for people like me. First thing I noticed was how attractive this machine is. This color I feel can look good on any kitchen counter top. It is also a lot more compact in size than some of the other machines I've seen in friends home, but then again, this goes back to the simple operation this unit has. There is 4 buttons that is really self explanatory and a dial on the side to adjust the strength of the steam to froth your favorite type of milk or creamer. The steam nozzle can be swiveled to tuck into the unit and out of the way which I found very convenient . The water reservoir located in the back of the unit is ample enough for a lot of shots before having to be refilled and it comes off and on quiet easily. That part is really nice if you ever had machines with a bad one. Yanking it off and jamming it on can be a pain. The top of the unit has a heating surface to keep your cups warm which really surprised me at how much I actually used it. The only real negative for me was that Bella didn't provide a steel steaming cup so I had to go out and get one. For this being my first espresso machine, made me realize I should have gotten one a lot sooner.

Drinking coffee is an everyday routine for me. Finding a machine that can quickly make coffee in its various forms is helpful. While I am no barista making fancy drinks, the Bella Pro Elite does help play a part in the persona. Seeking efficiency and ease of use in a machine is important to me. This espresso machine is very easy to use and live with for the most part. There are only 4 buttons on top, and everything is pre-programmed for the consistency and optimum pour of coffee day after day. In making espresso, there are generally many variables: your coffee type, grind, age of coffee, brewing temperature, and brewing pressure, all factors that affect how your coffee is expressed out of the machine. The Bella Pro Elite removes a few of those factors, keeping temperature and pressure consistent to make the best shot of espresso. Upon unboxing, the unit has a few essential accessories to brew your first cuppa. The Bella Pro Elite has the following accessories: a portafilter with 2 filter cups (single-shot and double-shot cups), a tamping and combination spoon, and a cleaning pin. I would like to see additional accessories in the box, namely espresso cups and a milk frother. At some level, this should have been included with the unit. While it's useable without, the benefit of having the right equipment goes a long way in enjoying your coffee experience. For instance, you could use a regular coffee mug that would fit under the portafilter to brew and another coffee mug to steam and froth your milk, but really, you shouldn't have to adjust for it. Call me a purist about my coffee habit, but I feel that to truly enjoy the experience, you have to do it right. I broke out my little espresso cups and milk frother to make it the coffee house way. The amount of espresso put out in a double shot was close to 4 oz, with a 1oz beautiful creamy head, which is more than what the specs say it puts out for a double shot and it nearly overflowed. The steam wand makes scalding steam in seconds. You have to be careful to ensure you don't scald yourself, and using the appropriate container to froth milk helps prevent that. The hot water side of the steam wand (without pressing the steam button) also makes boiling water to help you make americanos or tea if you prefer. There are so many different styles of coffee that can be made, and the manual has a few examples for you to try. While all basic coffee drinks start with espresso and milk, there are variations in milk frothing that take a while to master. Still, its a lot of fun; even though I am not a barista, I am a coffee lover who can't do pattern designs. So, after the espresso has been pulled, there are downsides. The biggest one is the cleaning up process for everyday use, be it once or multiple times a day, which has to be done. The items get hot, so it's not easy to clean the portafilter quickly after you brew a shot, nor is it easy to clean the hot steam wand without a kitchen rag. I appreciate that the steam wand is easy to clean between shots. To make a second shot in succession, one must be careful with the hot steam wand and portafilter. However, there are ways around the problem; overall, cleaning up takes only a few seconds before you brew a second shot. To live with it daily, one must regularly clean the portafilter and steam wand to keep it from generating bacteria. It is a minor annoyance but a must-do to keep the machine healthy. One must also do a descale ever so often depending on the hardness of the water in your area. There is no descale indicator, so every seasonal change is an excellent marker for the descalement of your unit. The instructions are laborious, but maintenance is much needed if you want good-tasting coffee. Pros: * Ease of use - only four buttons, no options to manipulate - just single, double or steam * Easy to clean to keep it looking beautiful on your counter * Consistent brew pulls - with creamy head every time. Cons: * It should have come with a milk frother and two espresso cups * The initial setup requires this laborious purging of the hot water system to prime the unit. It takes forever if you follow the instructions. * Switching from steam to hot water is not easy, and it is not clear how to return to hot water mode without powering off. Overall impressions - if you are looking for a espresso maker that is easy to use and live with, makes consistent pulls of espresso and ease of cleanup - this Bella Pro Elite Espresso Station is calilng your name.

PROS: Don't let the price deceive you: this little machine is a champ! It has everything you need to get to work making espresso - pump, portafilter (single+double), tamper, milk steaming wand, cup warmer on top. The amount of water dispensed is precise and the volume is configurable so you can dial in your perfect shot. Its size allows it to take minimal counter space and easily pack it into most cabinets when not in use. It's also quieter than some other espresso machines. CONS: The build is plastic so it might feel a bit "cheap". But the quality of the espresso says otherwise. Also, some reviews mention "bad taste" - I experienced a plastic-like taste at first too, but I soon discovered that this was due to the plastic water tank... don't just rinse it but scrub it down with soap and then rinse thoroughly and run some water shots through the machine to purge the plastic taste. Then you should find that the taste is fantastic! Finally, the clearance between the portafilter and the drip tray is small so it's hard to fit a regular-sized mug, but if you remove the metal plate that covers the drip tray you can get an extra ~1 inch of clearance. Overall, this little espresso machine is a big win. Especially when it's on sale - it's a killer deal!

I've been using this coffee machine for about a year now. Within the first month, the milk frother stopped working, but since I only drink black coffee and espresso, it wasn’t a dealbreaker for me. It’s been stationed near my office desk, and I use it almost every day—multiple times a day, in fact. It’s a very straightforward and easy-to-use machine, which I really appreciate during busy workdays. The only downside is how loud it is when brewing. Compared to other brands I’ve tried, this one is noticeably noisier. Still, for the convenience and reliability, it’s been a solid choice.

Once I learned how to operate the machine, it produces a good cappuccino. The trick is to make sure the pump is primed enough when you first use the machine with only water, no coffee. I thought mine was not working. The directions are not specific enough. So I had to learn through trial and error. Make sure the steam wand tip is covered by the milk when steaming, otherwise the force of the steam sprays the milk everywhere. Operate it by the sink. Be sure and remove the round metal tube at the end of the steam wand after steaming milk to clean. The milk volume more than doubles, it at least quadruples so in a 16 oz cup, I only filled it 1/2 inch from the bottom of the cup and had more than enough foam and milk. Textured is a strange word to use. You really have to read the directions and follow them. It was complicated at first but after a few tries, I'm happy with its performance.

This was my first espresso machine. I wanted quality lattes without breaking the bank and this definitely did it for me but be warned you still have to invest in better accessories. I purchase local whole beans and use a rechargeable burr grinder at grind setting 2 for a fine but not too fine grind. I also purchased the CAPFEI 51mm 2 spout portafilter from amazon and please use this instead of the pressurize 14g portafilter it came with. The Capfei can fit 18g of coffee and give you a more bodied shot. I did buy a bottomless portafilter as well but I dont recommend for beginners. I do dial in my beans by holding the double shot button down while brewing and timing my shot for the perfect cup. Unfortunately this is no breville so you cannot run the machine for longer than 30 seconds. Thats not an issue because your shot should be hitting 36g (1:2 ratio, 18g of coffee in and 36g espresso out) in the 25-30 second range anyways. Other accessories I find crucial are puck screens so you dont clog your machine, a wdt tool to declump grinds, a pressurized tamper & distributer, and lastly a dosing funnel for less mess. Granted buying all of these items on amazon along with a burr grinder is still cheaper than a breville so I dont mind. If you want that coffee shop experience, you will have to put in the time and effort to master your shot. The pressurized portafilter it comes with just fits too little grinds and you have zero control of the pressure, its more for people who get store bough pre-ground beans. If you are okay with mediocre at best then go for it. But if you want that gorgeous sweet shot the tiktokers show you then do yourself a favor and buy a new portafilter. All in all I love it and have tinkered to get it exactly how I want. I even saved timed settings for the single and double shot after dialing in my 2 favorite beans. I always brew a double so i saved over the single shot to adjust the volume since the autosettings are just for time. Read the manual and play with it to get what works for you. All in all, highly recommend with some tweaks! And lets be real, shes gorgeous. Aesthetics do matter.

The bella PRO Barista Elite Espresso Station offers solid value for beginners or casual coffee drinkers. With a 20-bar pump, built-in steam wand, and compact, stylish design, it’s easy to use and can produce decent espresso with good crema. It’s especially appealing for its price and aesthetic, particularly the neutral “Oatmilk” color.

Love it. Makes great espresso! It’s so easy to use to make lattes.

The espresso maker is really nice with single and double shot options and frother. It is easy to use and setup with initial cleaning of system and makes solid espresso shots. So far so good! I can recommend this. It also comes with 2 year bella warranty but additional can be taken through bestbuy too.

This small Espresso station punches above its weight and makes great espresso. Very simple to use, even for a person without any experience.

I have never made expresso before and learned using this machine and now make my own ice coffe. Took some getting used to put i can say that i can make some pretty decent drinks. Im sure more expensive machines have their advantages, but this seems to get the job done.

I did not have great expectations for this machine because the price is so low. I was wrong. It did take more time than I expected to get the pump and the steam system primed but the pump did eventually quiet down and out came hot water and steam. You then run a full tank of water through to prep the machine. If you have the same problem on the first startup, I recommend running the pump for 30 seconds or so and then letting it rest for a few minutes. Repeat. After a few tries it will prime. You only need to do this the first time you start it unless you let it run out of water. Once set up it is simple to use and in my opinion it makes a respectable shot of espresso with a nice 3/8 inch crema on top. I do change out the water in the water tank every other day. The tank is plastic and might be the origin of some complaints of a plastic flavor if water sits in it too long. I don't notice any off flavor at all. If I have any complaint, it is minor. The left over coffee grounds "puck" is wet and it is difficult to get out of the portafilter without making a mess. I have developed a routine of whacking it against my plastic grounds collector just right and most of the grounds pop out.

It’s nice… very good for the price. I got it on sale. It has makes lots of crema. Not much issues, except the one I originally got was a returned item, you can tell because box was double taped and didn’t even need priming.. and the cleaning pin was missing. But exchanged for a new one and it was all good. Sometime it has minor issues that it doesn’t run, have to just turn it off and on again or it could be that it’s not properly primed. Just make sure it’s primed. Overall pretty happy with purchase.

I love how compact this machine is, but still provides great espresso in quick time. About 15 to 30 seconds after you plug it in, it's ready to make espresso. You probably spend that much time getting the grounds and your cups ready. It has a warming plat on top to keep filled cups hot if you are making more than one cup at a time. Cleanup is super easy. Can't beat this for the price.

Works really well. Easy to use and makes great coffee.

Nice machine at a great price. It took a while to get the hang of it, but now I make great espressos. My only complaint is that it came with just 1 double shot filter instead of both sizes.

Never had an espresso machine before and this is personally as good as a Cafe machine! It creates beautiful espresso shots, and is so easy to use and make.