HiBrew H10B Espresso Machine Review

After enthusiastically enjoying the HiBrew H10A, I was anxious to see how its “little brother” (HiBrew H10B) would compare, especially given its lower price and sleek, compact design.

After weeks of hands-on testing and numerous espressos, I am ready to present my findings.

What makes the HiBrew H10B an excellent choice for both espresso enthusiasts and beginners? Let us find out.

Design and Build Quality

The HiBrew H10B features a very compact design that fits well on any kitchen surface. It takes up about half the space as the H10A, and is roughly the size of a coffee grinder.

It’s little yet quite robust. It appears to be quite sturdy, as it is primarily made of stainless steel and aluminum. Yes, there are some plastic pieces, such as the buttons, base, and drip tray, but they do not detract from the overall sensation of durability.

It comes in a light yellow tint and the standard stainless steel. Well, I have enough stainless steel devices, so I chose this color, and it looks fantastic.

The machine features a 1.2-liter water tank that is easily removable for refilling and cleaning.

It features a pressure gauge on the front, as do many espresso machines. I’m a big supporter of that—it’s great for fine-tuning your grind.

This is not something you see often on machines at this price bracket. It gives the H10B a much more luxurious appearance. And it isn’t just for show; it’s quite useful. You can use it as a brew timer and set the shot volume, brew temperature, and steam temperature. The interface is extremely user-friendly.

The professional-style steam wand is powerful enough to create flawless microfoam for latte art and can also pour hot water.

The portafilter measures 51 millimeters, which is common for an entry-level machine. It comes with both a pressurized and non-pressurized basket.

H10A lacks such expensive accessories, instead providing a plastic scoop and a tamper. But that’s what you’d expect from an entry-level machine.

Great Features I like

HiBrew packed nearly all of the great features of the H10A into the more smaller H10B. Pre-infusion, adjustable brew and steam temperatures, and custom shot quantities are all options.

Pre-Infusion Time

First, we have pre-infusion time. You can change the duration from 0 to 10 seconds by simultaneously pushing the power and double shot buttons.

This small step is significant because it evenly wets the coffee grinds before the full pressure is applied, reducing channeling and smoothing out your shot.

Brew and Steam Temperatures

The H10B allows you to adjust both the brew and steam temperatures.

By pressing the single and double shot buttons together, you may adjust the temperature from 90 degrees to a sweltering 95 degrees Celsius. There is even a 25-degree setting, much like on the H10A.

When you press the steam button, you can choose the steam temperature anywhere between 125 and 150 degrees. This allows you to adjust the steam power to froth milk just how you like it.

Customize the Shot Volume

You can adjust the shot loudness for single or double shots.

Even though you can adjust the shot volume on the machine, I prefer to use a scale for greater accuracy. There is plenty of space under the spout to accommodate both a scale and a cup.

Auto Temp Surfing

If the machine becomes too hot for another espresso shot after steaming milk, simply turn the dial to dispense water; the display will show when it is ready. No more guesses!

You can change the display unit by pressing the power and single-shot buttons.

All of these features are crammed into the H10B. It’s quite impressive for the price.

The Quality of Espresso Shot

The true test of an espresso machine is the quality of the shot it delivers, and the H10B excels in this regard.

To fully utilize this machine’s capabilities, a good espresso grinder is required, particularly with the non-pressurized basket. The grind size has a significant impact on the quality of your espresso.

Perform a few test runs, monitor the brew duration, and keep an eye on the pressure gauge. You will get a decent shot if you hit approximately 25 seconds for 15 grams in and 36 grams out and the pressure appears to be adequate. If not, adjust your grind size slightly finer or coarser until you find that sweet spot.

Preparing your puck is same to what you would do with any other machine. I always use WDT to declump the coffee powder, get the ground bed nice and flat, then tamp it down consistently.

Preparing your puck is same to what you would do with any other machine. I always use WDT to declump the coffee powder, get the ground bed nice and flat, then tamp it down consistently.

I set my pre-infusion time to 5 seconds. During this phase, the pressure is modest, but it quickly increases to fully extract all of the coffee goodness.

When everything comes together perfectly, you get an espresso shot with a rich crema, substantial body, and nuanced flavor that rivals those from far more expensive equipment. And an entry-level machine with a pressurized basket can never produce this espresso shot.

HiBrew H10B Brewing Tips

Regarding the dosage, I’ve discovered that 15 to 16 grams of coffee provides the ideal balance for the 51mm basket. Going above this limit, say 17 grams, can overcrowd the basket and severely impact your shot.

Puck preparation may be slightly more difficult with the 51mm basket than with the 58mm basket in the H10A. A dosing ring is useful for accurately and cleanly transferring ground coffee into the portafilter.

Milk Steaming and Latte Art

I know a lot of espresso beginners go into this rabbit hole because of the latte art. I can tell you that the HiBrew H10B’s steam pressure is more than sufficient to produce silky smooth microfoam for latte art.

Creating Microfoam for Latte Art:

Purge the Wand: You want to expel the wand. Simply turn it on for a few seconds to remove any residual water. This ensures that you start with pure steam for your milk.

Fill and position: Fill your milk jug to about a third or half capacity, allowing the milk to expand. At 3 o’clock, submerge the wand just below the surface of the milk. When you turn on the steam, this angle creates a whirlpool effect.

Introduce Air: Gently elevate the tip to the milk’s surface to introduce air, which is where the microfoam starts to form. You will hear a clear, loud hissing noise.

Incorporate and Heat: Once you’ve created a good amount of foam, submerge the wand deeper into the milk to prevent air from entering and focus on heating the milk evenly. Continue until the jug becomes too hot to hold comfortably, indicating that the milk has reached the optimal temperature (140-150°F or 60-65°C).

Steaming Tips for Perfect Texture:

• Always begin with cold milk to achieve the greatest foam formation.
• Use a thermometer to determine when the milk reaches the desired temperature. With practice, you’ll be able to gauge this by touch.
• Clean and purge the steam wand after each use to keep it clean and clog-free.
• Practice your whirlpool technique to ensure that the milk is heated uniformly, which aids in the seamless incorporation of the foam for that velvety feel.

Comparing the H10B with Other Entry-Level Machines

When compared to other entry-level espresso machines, the HiBrew H10B stands out not only for its shot quality, but also for the advanced customization features it provides at a reasonable price.

First and foremost, for less than $200, it outperforms espresso machines that simply employ pressured baskets. They cannot equal the quality of an actual espresso shot. They produce bubbles, not crema.

Considering an Upgrade?

If you’re wanting to upgrade from a basic model, the HiBrew H10B provides a major improvement in shot quality and customization. It’s an excellent introduction to the realm of serious espresso-making, with tools and features that will evolve with your talents.

if you want to buy the HiBrew H10B you can easily buy it from its official website, also check their website for more amazing products.