Bluebow Espresso Machine Review: Is It Worth It?
Welcome to Odradeks, I'm Sam. For years, I have compared Bluebow models with other espresso machines with built-in grinders. The Bluebow espresso machine is a semi-automatic home espresso maker. It has a built-in grinder, a 20 bar pump and a steam wand. The grinder model costs $169.99. Bluebow also sells a 6-in-1 model, a steam wand model and a touchscreen all-in-one.
Most owners are happy, with 79 percent of grinder model ratings at 4 or 5 stars. They like the easy operation, the full flavor and the low price. The 20 bar rating names pump capacity, and espresso extracts near 9 bar. The grinder and steam wand draw both praise and complaints.
Leaks, pump failures and a heating element that failed at six months show the risk. The 6-in-1 model reaches a 20 percent 1 star share. This review covers the models, the cost, the rivals and the verdict. A buyer can then judge whether the grinder model fits. My reviews never take brand money, and this review is no different.
What Is the Bluebow Espresso Machine?
The Bluebow espresso machine is a semi-automatic home espresso maker with a built-in grinder, a 20 bar pump and a steam wand. The grinder model costs $169.99 and holds a 1.5 liter (50.7 oz) water tank.
Semi-automatic means the user tamps the grounds and starts each shot by hand. Tamping is pressing the ground coffee flat in the filter. The machine then supplies the pressure, the heat and, on the grinder model, the grind.
The grinder model has a stainless steel body and a stainless steel steam pipe. Bluebow lists 20 grind settings, so the user can change how fine the coffee is. It also lists hot espresso and cold brew extraction, and a control panel with custom settings.
The grinder model scores 3.9 out of 5 stars from 1,298 ratings. The 6-in-1 Bluebow model also scores 3.9 stars, from 356 ratings.
Bluebow sells its machines through its own Walmart store. The brand lists the grinder model for home and office use.
Which Bluebow Espresso Machine Models Exist?
Bluebow sells four espresso machine models, from an $89.99 6-in-1 unit to a $323.99 touchscreen all-in-one. The other two models are a steam wand unit at $98.99 and the grinder model at $169.99.
The cheapest model is the 6-in-1. It has a 1350 W heater, a built-in milk frother and one-touch single or double shots. It sells at $89.99, marked down from $179.89.
The steam wand model costs $9 more and brews single or double espresso and Americano. It has a detachable water tank and drip tray. Buyers rate it 4.3 stars from 108 ratings.
The touchscreen all-in-one sits at the top of the range. It adds an automatic milk frother with a self-cleaning milk box. It sells at $323.99, marked down from $599.89. Buyers give it 3.9 stars from only 18 ratings, so the score rests on little feedback.
Bluebow Models:
| Model | Price | Rating | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-in-1 | $89.99 | 3.9 stars (356 ratings) | 1350 W heater, milk frother |
| Steam wand | $98.99 | 4.3 stars (108 ratings) | Detachable tank and drip tray |
| Grinder | $169.99 | 3.9 stars (1,298 ratings) | 20 grind settings, 1.5 L tank |
| Touchscreen all-in-one | $323.99 | 3.9 stars (18 ratings) | Automatic frother, self-cleaning milk box |
How Does the Bluebow Espresso Machine Work?
The Bluebow espresso machine works by pushing hot water through ground coffee with a 20 bar pressure pump. Bluebow says the pump gives a full-bodied espresso with a velvety cream.
The grinder model grinds beans on demand, then runs water through the grounds. Fresh grinding and water flow happen in one machine. Bluebow lists hot espresso and cold brew extraction with temperature control.
The 20 bar rating needs a closer look. It names the pump's maximum capacity, not the pressure used to make coffee. Espresso extracts near 9 bar at the coffee bed. An over pressure valve usually holds the actual pressure near that level.
The 1.5 liter (50.7 oz) water tank cuts how often the machine needs a refill. The control panel offers custom settings for each drink.
The steam bar heats milk into foam for drinks that need milk. Bluebow says the steam makes microfoam for latte art.
How Does the Bluebow Espresso Machine Grinder Work?
The Bluebow espresso machine grinder is a built-in burr grinder with 20 adjustable grind settings. Bluebow says the grinder turns fresh beans into grounds with a set texture.
Several owners praise how the grinder performs. They say the roughness setting adjusts well and the machine is easy to clean.
The grinder also draws complaints, and they concern the grinding itself. Some owners say it sometimes does not run. Others say it does not drop enough coffee into the portafilter, the handle that holds the grounds.
The tips for the all-in-one model recommend medium roasted beans for the grinder. The latte and cappuccino programs then use a fixed ratio of liquid to foam.
How Does the Bluebow Espresso Machine Steam Wand Work?
The Bluebow espresso machine steam wand heats cold milk into dense foam for lattes and cappuccinos. Bluebow builds the steam pipe from stainless steel.
Owners who like the wand call the steam powerful and the foam dense. They use that foam to make lattes and cappuccinos at home.
The same wand draws complaints about mess. Water spits out while a user clears the wand, and the frother can spill after use.
The 6-in-1 model skips the wand and uses a milk reservoir instead. Several owners say the reservoir does not seat well or ships without a frothing straw.
Does the Bluebow Espresso Machine Make Good Espresso?
Yes. The Bluebow espresso machine makes good espresso for most owners, with 79 percent of grinder model ratings at 4 or 5 stars. Of 1,298 ratings, 911 give 5 stars and 120 give 4 stars.
Owners describe a deep, full-bodied flavor. Coffee taste is one of the top review topics, with 104 mentions. Several owners also say the coffee comes out hot and fast.
These praises are opinions, not measurements. The 20 bar figure is a pump rating, not a measured shot pressure. The listings give no measured brew temperature or shot time for any model. Hot and fast therefore rests on owner reports alone.
Is the Bluebow Espresso Machine Easy to Use?
Yes. The Bluebow espresso machine is easy to use, and ease of use is the top review topic with 112 mentions. Owners call the buttons and setup simple.
The first run can still need some patience on the 6-in-1 model. It can take several presses of the espresso button on first use. The presses push water through the inner hoses.
Setup and usage instructions are a weak point. The grinder model has a listed con of vague setup and usage guidance. A new user of that model may need to work out some steps alone.
The steam wand model has a detachable water tank and drip tray. The all-in-one model tips say to empty the water tray in time so it does not overflow.
What Do Owners Say About the Bluebow Espresso Machine?
Owners rate the Bluebow espresso machine 3.9 out of 5 stars on the grinder and 6-in-1 models. The steam wand model scores 4.3 stars from 108 ratings.
The grinder model has 1,298 ratings. Of those, 911 give 5 stars and 156 give 1 star.
The 6-in-1 model has 355 reviews. Of those, 221 give 5 stars and 71 give 1 star, a share of 20 percent.
The grinder model also has 59 three star and 52 two star ratings. Those middle scores make up 9 percent of its 1,298 ratings.
No independent lab or magazine test of a Bluebow espresso machine turned up for this review. The rating counts above are the main evidence.
What Do Owners Like About the Bluebow Espresso Machine?
Owners like the easy operation, the full flavor and the low price of the Bluebow espresso machine. Those three themes repeat across the five star reviews.
Some owners say the savings on coffee shop drinks repay the machine. They compare the machine cost to a daily shop habit.
Owners also like the look. The stainless steel body reads as high end, and the compact size fits a counter.
Milk drinks draw praise. Owners of the 6-in-1 model like the lattes and cappuccinos, and say the machine suits one or two people.
What Owners Like:
- Easy operation
- Deep, full-bodied flavor
- Low price
- Compact stainless steel look
- Lattes and cappuccinos for one or two people
What Do Owners Complain About With the Bluebow Espresso Machine?
Owners complain about the Bluebow espresso machine mainly for leaks, failed brewing and parts that do not fit. The complaints cluster in the one star reviews.
Several 6-in-1 owners report leaks from the base and the water tank. Water can also leak near the power cord.
Several owners say the pump stopped pushing water through the grounds after three or four brews. The cup then fills with pale, weak liquid.
A heating element can fail within six months. The 1 star share is 12 percent on the grinder model and 20 percent on the 6-in-1 model.
Main Complaints:
- Leaks from the base and the water tank
- Pump stops after three or four brews
- Heating element failure within six months
- Milk reservoir that does not seat
- Grinder that does not run or drops too little coffee
How Does the Bluebow Espresso Machine Compare to Rivals?
The Bluebow espresso machine compares as a cheaper, lower rated option than the Chefman Coffee Station. The Bluebow grinder model costs $169.99 and adds a built-in grinder with 20 settings. Its 3.9 stars sit below both rivals, so the grinder comes with weaker buyer approval.
The Chefman Coffee Station is a coffee maker and espresso machine combo with an automatic milk frother. Walmart lists it at $299 with 4.3 stars from 459 reviews.
The LINKChef espresso machine is a semi-automatic espresso maker with a milk frother. Walmart lists it at $165.99, marked down from $369.99, with 4.6 stars from 1,525 ratings. It sells at nearly the same price as the Bluebow grinder model. Yet it has a higher rating and more ratings behind it.
Price and Rating Comparison:
| Machine | Price | Rating | Ratings Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluebow grinder model | $169.99 | 3.9 stars | 1,298 |
| Chefman Coffee Station | $299 | 4.3 stars | 459 |
| LINKChef espresso machine | $165.99 | 4.6 stars | 1,525 |
The Breville Barista Express lists at $699.95. It has a 54 mm portafilter, a conical burr grinder with 16 settings and a 15 bar pump. Breville says the pump runs at 9 bar during extraction, so the Bluebow 20 bar figure is not a quality edge.
How Does the Bluebow Espresso Machine Compare to the Chefman Coffee Station?
The Bluebow espresso machine costs $129.01 less than the Chefman Coffee Station and scores 0.4 stars lower. The Chefman costs $299 and the Bluebow grinder model costs $169.99.
The ratings help show how much that price gap matters. The Chefman scores 4.3 stars from 459 reviews. The Bluebow grinder model scores 3.9 stars from 1,298 ratings.
The way each machine handles milk is a clear difference. The Chefman uses an automatic milk frother, so the machine does the work. The Bluebow grinder model uses a steam wand, so the user steams the milk by hand.
The Chefman also brews a 12-cup pot of drip coffee. Chefman lists a 20 bar pump. Bar is a unit of pressure, and the pump uses it to push hot water through the coffee.
How Does the Bluebow Espresso Machine Compare to the LINKChef Espresso Machine?
The Bluebow espresso machine costs $4.01 more than the LINKChef machine and scores 0.7 stars lower. The LINKChef costs $165.99 and the Bluebow grinder model costs $169.99.
The LINKChef scores 4.6 stars from 1,525 ratings. The Bluebow grinder model scores 3.9 stars from 1,298 ratings.
The extra $4.01 buys a built-in grinder with 20 settings. A buyer who values the higher score picks the LINKChef, and a buyer who wants the grinder picks the Bluebow.
How Much Does the Bluebow Espresso Machine Cost?
The Bluebow espresso machine costs between $89.99 and $323.99, depending on the model. The 6-in-1 unit sits at the bottom and the touchscreen all-in-one at the top.
The price list covers four new models and one open box listing:
- 6-in-1: This model costs $89.99, the lowest price of the group.
- Steam wand: This model costs $98.99. It holds 4.3 stars from 108 ratings, which is a small sample.
- Grinder: This model costs $169.99. That is $71.00 more than the steam wand model, and it adds a built-in grinder with 20 settings.
- Touchscreen: This model costs $323.99, the highest price of the group.
- Open box touchscreen: This model sells for $242.08. That saves $81.91 against the new price, a cut of 25 percent.
List prices run far above sale prices. The touchscreen model carries a was price of $599.89, and the 6-in-1 model a was price of $179.89. The steam wand model is marked down from $179.89 to $98.99.
The markdowns are large. The 6-in-1 model sells at 50 percent below its was price, the steam wand model at 45 percent below and the touchscreen model at 46 percent below.
Bluebow Discounts:
| Model | Price | Was Price | Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-in-1 | $89.99 | $179.89 | 50% |
| Steam wand | $98.99 | $179.89 | 45% |
| Touchscreen | $323.99 | $599.89 | 46% |
Is the Bluebow Espresso Machine Worth the Price?
Yes. The Bluebow espresso machine is worth the price near $170, with a risk of a faulty unit. The price covers three parts in one unit:
- Grinder: The machine has a grinder built into the unit.
- Steam wand: The unit includes a steam wand.
- Tank: The water tank holds 1.5 liters (50.7 oz).
A 12 percent share of 1 star ratings is the risk that comes with the low price. Most owners rate the grinder model 4 or 5 stars.
The touchscreen model at its $599.89 was price does not earn the money. The same model sells for $323.99.
Is the Bluebow Espresso Machine Reliable?
No. The Bluebow espresso machine is not a proven reliable machine, since 12 percent of grinder model ratings give 1 star. The 6-in-1 model reaches 20 percent.
Low ratings point to real breakdowns, and they happen at different times. Some units stop brewing after three or four uses. A heating element failed at six months.
The reported faults fall into four groups:
- Leaks: Water escapes from the machine during use.
- Brewing failures: The machine stops making coffee.
- Grinder faults: The built-in grinder does not work as it should.
- Milk reservoir fit problems: The milk reservoir does not fit the machine properly.
Water near a power cord is a shock risk. A user unplugs the machine and stops using it.
The listings read for this review state no warranty length.
How Long Does the Bluebow Espresso Machine Last?
The Bluebow espresso machine will last an unstated time, with reports from three brews to six months. No owner report covers years of use.
Heating and pump failures are the two named causes. Either one stops the machine from making coffee.
The steam wand model has only 108 ratings. Its 4.3 star score rests on a smaller sample than the grinder model. A small sample means a few unhappy or happy owners can move the score a lot.
Is the Bluebow Espresso Machine Worth It?
Yes. The Bluebow espresso machine is worth it as a budget all-in-one at sale prices, but it carries a real risk of early failure. The grinder model at $169.99 fits that case.
The grinder model puts a grinder, a steam wand and a water tank in one unit. Most owners are happy. 79 percent of grinder model ratings give 4 or 5 stars. Operation is easy.
Price is the reason to pick the grinder model over the other two. The touchscreen model costs $323.99 and scores the same 3.9 stars, so the extra money buys no better rating. The 6-in-1 model has the highest 1 star share at 20 percent. The grinder model at $169.99 is the model worth buying.
The risk shows in the ratings. The 3.9 star average and the 12 percent 1 star share show the risk. Leaks and pump failures are reported. The listings also state no warranty length, so a buyer has no stated cover if the machine fails early.
Buyers who want a proven machine can look at the LINKChef instead. It holds 4.6 stars from 1,525 ratings, which is a stronger record than the Bluebow models.
Pros:
- Grinder, steam wand and tank in one unit
- 79 percent of grinder model ratings give 4 or 5 stars
- Low price near $170
- Easy operation
Cons:
- 12 percent 1 star share on the grinder model
- 20 percent 1 star share on the 6-in-1 model
- Leaks and pump failures reported
- No warranty length stated in the listings
Who Should Buy the Bluebow Espresso Machine?
Buyers who want a cheap all-in-one machine for one or two people should buy the Bluebow espresso machine. The grinder, steam wand and tank sit in one compact unit.
Beginners fit the machine. Push button controls and a simple setup suit a first espresso machine.
Buyers who serve guests often fit the machine less, because each round needs a refill and a clean.
Buyers who want measured shot pressure or temperature control fit the machine less. The listings give neither value.
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