Braun Espresso Master Review: Is It Worth It?
Good to have you, I'm Sam, with a look at the Braun Espresso Master. 14 years of running a coffee shop taught me weak steam espresso makers cost money.
The Braun Espresso Master is a compact electric steam brewer that makes 2 or 4 cups of coffee. Braun built the black plastic machine around 1990. Today the machine sells mostly on the resale market, and Braun lists no espresso machine on its US coffee page. The E250T and E260T models share one manual.
The machine boils water in a sealed tank and pushes it through finely ground coffee after a 3.5 minute heat-up. Steam brewers reach about 1.5 bar, far below the 9 bar of a pump machine. A turbo frother handles milk, and a permanent filter needs no pods. The tank runs under pressure, so the filter holder must lock at about 45 degrees. A 1992 recall hit the E200T and E260T.
The Braun makes a strong small cup and cleans up easily, but the machine cannot make true espresso. Parts are scarce and the heat-up is slow. Read on for the full verdict. Home espresso lovers get heat-up time, steam pressure and cleaning here, free of brand money.
What Is the Braun Espresso Master?
The Braun Espresso Master is a compact electric espresso and cappuccino maker for 2 to 4 cups. Braun AG of Kronberg, Germany, built it around 1990. A black plastic body holds the tank, the filter holder and the steam wand.
Procter & Gamble owns the Braun brand. Gillette bought a majority of Braun in 1967. De'Longhi has made Braun household appliances under license since April 2012.
The model line includes the E200T, the E250T and the E260T. The E250T and the E260T share one instruction manual. Resale listings also show the machine under Type 3062, and one listing marks a unit as made in Italy.
The machine pairs a sealed water tank with a filter holder and a glass carafe. A cappuccino switch and a steam wand with a turbo attachment handle milk. A 2 cup adapter also comes with the machine.
Which Braun Espresso Master Model Is the E250T?
The Braun Espresso Master E250T is the model that shares one manual with the E260T. The pair is sold as a black four-cup machine with a steam wand and a frother.
The E200T is the compact 2 to 4 cup version that Braun AG listed in 1991. Resale listings use the names Espresso Master 3062 and E250T/E260T for black units.
Parts sellers list spares by model number, such as the E 260 T. Any parts search starts with the number printed on the machine.
How Does the Braun Espresso Master Work?
The Braun Espresso Master works by boiling water in a sealed tank and forcing it through ground coffee. The coffee drips into a glass carafe below. Heat-up takes about 3.5 minutes before the water boils.
The design works like a moka pot, the stovetop pot that also relies on steam pressure. Steam builds in the sealed tank and pushes the hot water up through the coffee.
Because steam does the pushing, the tank sits under pressure while the machine runs. For that reason, the tank lid stays closed until brewing ends.
The controls decide where the steam goes. A slide switch selects the cup symbol for coffee. A steam knob turned fully clockwise stays off during brewing. Turning the knob on sends steam to the wand and the turbo attachment.
The 2 cup adapter changes where the coffee lands. It lets the spouts fill two cups directly.
Does the Braun Espresso Master Make Real Espresso?
No. The Braun Espresso Master does not make true espresso, because electric steam brewers reach only about 1.5 bar. The manual describes boiling water pushed through the coffee, with no pump.
True espresso needs about 9 bar of pressure. Bar is the unit that measures how hard the water is pushed through the coffee.
Heat is the second gap. True espresso uses water near 200°F (93°C) and about 25 seconds of extraction. Steam brewers run hotter than that target, and the hotter water can add bitterness and acidity.
The result is a strong, small cup of coffee without the thick crema of a pump machine. Crema is the golden foam on top of a real shot. Extra effort with the grind can improve the cup.
One resale listing gives 15 bar and a built-in grinder. The manual lists neither. The manual wins, so those two details are listing errors.
How Long Does the Braun Espresso Master Take to Heat Up?
The Braun Espresso Master takes about 3.5 minutes to heat up before the water boils. The machine then pushes the water through the coffee.
Listings disagree on this time. One resale listing claims 60 to 65 seconds. The manual gives 3.5 minutes, and the manual is the document written for the machine. Plan around the longer time.
A red light shows the machine is on.
First use, or use after a long break, needs 3 or 4 tanks of plain water run through without coffee. The flush clears the machine before the first coffee.
What Features Does the Braun Espresso Master Have?
The Braun Espresso Master has four main features: a turbo frother, a cappuccino switch, a removable drip tray and a 2 cup adapter. A permanent filter and a 4 cup carafe round out the set.
Listings disagree on power. One resale page gives 800 W and one retail page gives 1,000 W. The rating label on the machine settles the figure.
The turbo attachment froths milk with steam from the same boiler. The cappuccino switch moves the machine between coffee and milk. The drip tray lifts out for rinsing.
The body is black plastic, about 11 in (28 cm) tall and 7 in (18 cm) deep. The machine weighs about 3 lb (1.4 kg). The cord is 32 in (81 cm) long and has built-in storage.
Key Features:
- Turbo frother on the steam wand
- Cappuccino switch
- Removable drip tray
- 2 cup adapter
- Permanent filter
- 4 cup glass carafe
How Much Coffee Does the Braun Espresso Master Make?
The Braun Espresso Master makes 2 or 4 cups of coffee at a time. The carafe carries marks for both sizes. The filter basket has matching 2 cup and 4 cup levels.
The basket never fills above the 4 cup level, so 4 cups is the most it can brew. Coffee is never pressed down in the basket. Tamping the grounds is not part of the process.
The water level matches the amount of coffee. Fill the pot to the line for the chosen size, then pour that water into the tank. Add grounds to the basket mark for the same size.
How Do You Use the Braun Espresso Master?
Use of the Braun Espresso Master starts with cold water, finely ground coffee and a locked filter holder. Finely ground espresso coffee suits the machine best.
The water comes first. The carafe is filled to the line with cold water, and the water is poured into the tank. The tank lid is then screwed back on.
The coffee goes in next. The basket is loaded with coffee that matches the water, and the coffee is not tamped.
The filled basket must then be locked in place. The filter lock is lined up with the Braun logo. The basket goes into the filter head, and the handle turns to the right. The handle ends at about a 45 degree angle.
The carafe then sits on the drip tray under the spouts, so the brewed coffee drops straight into it. The switch slides to the cup symbol, and the steam knob turns fully clockwise to off. The machine is then plugged in and the power switched on.
Brew Steps:
- Fill the carafe to the line with cold water and pour it into the tank.
- Screw the tank lid back on.
- Fill the basket with finely ground coffee and do not tamp.
- Line up the filter lock with the Braun logo and turn the handle right to about 45 degrees.
- Set the carafe on the drip tray under the spouts.
- Slide the switch to the cup symbol, turn the steam knob to off and plug in the machine.
How Do You Clean the Braun Espresso Master?
Cleaning the Braun Espresso Master takes warm soapy water for the loose parts and a steam rinse for the turbo attachment. Unplug and switch off the machine first.
The loose parts are the carafe, the basket and the drip tray. Wash each one in warm soapy water, rinse it well and dry it.
The turbo attachment needs a steam rinse. Immerse it in clear water and turn the steam knob on. The steam clears the nozzle. The steam also releases any pressure left in the tank.
Is the Braun Espresso Master Safe?
Yes. The Braun Espresso Master is safe when the filter holder is locked at the 45 degree position and the tank lid stays closed during brewing. Both rules matter because the tank runs under pressure.
Pressurized water can cause severe injury. For that reason, the tank lid is never unscrewed while the machine runs. The filter basket is never removed during brewing either.
Some pressure stays in the tank after brewing ends. Turning the steam knob on releases this leftover pressure. The tank lid stays closed until the steam stops.
Hot surfaces need care. The machine is unplugged and switched off before filling. A damaged cord or plug means the unit goes to an authorized service facility.
Was the Braun Espresso Master Recalled?
Yes. The Braun Espresso Master E200T and E260T were recalled in August 1992 after filter holders came loose under pressure. The notice covered units sold from November 1990 through July 1992.
A loose holder could release steam and coffee grounds. In some cases the holder could break the glass carafe below. Braun reported 52 consumer reports, including 13 injuries from cuts, scratches and burns.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission logged the notice as release 92-129.
Braun offered a free written notice and a label that shows the correct handle position. The E250T is not named in the notice, but the E250T shares a manual with the E260T. Owners of any used unit should follow the locking steps.
What Do Owners Say About the Braun Espresso Master?
Owners of the Braun Espresso Master praise the easy use, the easy cleaning and the quick brewing. Three resale buyers rate the machine 5.0 out of 5.
Another retailer page shows 3.1 out of 5 stars. That score sits far below the perfect marks from the resale buyers. Both numbers come from small samples, so each is only a rough guide to how owners feel.
The machine is compact enough for a small office counter. Better espresso makers exist, but the low price keeps the Braun a fair pick for light office use.
What Problems Does the Braun Espresso Master Have?
The Braun Espresso Master has three main problems: steam-level pressure, a 3.5 minute heat-up and hard-to-find parts. The pressure limit sets the biggest cap on cup quality.
A steam brewer lacks the 9 bar needed for substantial crema. Without enough pressure, the cup comes out strong but thin on crema. The hotter water can also taste bitter.
Parts are the next problem, because some are unavailable from parts sellers. Resale units can arrive without the frother or the carafe. Check the full parts list before buying.
eReplacementParts and Fix.com sell Braun coffee maker parts, but neither shows an E260T gasket or filter holder.
How Does the Braun Espresso Master Compare With Pump Machines?
The Braun Espresso Master compares weakly with pump machines because steam brewers reach about 1.5 bar against 9 bar. Pump machines also give the crema that steam brewers lack.
The gap comes from how each machine pushes water through the coffee. Pump machines force water through a packed puck of ground coffee at about 9 bar. Steam brewers use steam from the boiler instead.
Steam brewers cost less. They have also faded from the US market. The Braun Espresso Master is a steam brewer.
Pump machines are the other type. A De'Longhi EC260BK lists at $105.99 new on a resale marketplace. A Breville Bambino lists near $250. Both are pump machines.
Machine Comparison:
| Machine | Type | Pressure | Listed Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Braun Espresso Master | Steam brewer | About 1.5 bar | $29.99 (resale) |
| De'Longhi EC260BK | Pump machine | About 9 bar | $105.99 (new) |
| Breville Bambino | Pump machine | About 9 bar | Near $250 |
Does Braun Still Make the Braun Espresso Master?
No. Braun does not make the Braun Espresso Master now, and its US coffee machine page lists no espresso machine. The page shows MultiServe machines, drip coffee makers and accessories.
A Braun 100 years limited edition also appears on the page. No espresso machine appears anywhere on the page.
Braun's current drip lines include BrewSense and MultiServe. Buyers who want espresso need another brand.
How Much Does the Braun Espresso Master Cost?
The Braun Espresso Master costs little on the resale market, with one tested unit listed at $29.99. Condition and seller set the price.
Braun no longer sells a new espresso machine in the US. Used units are the main way to buy this model. A new De'Longhi EC260BK lists at $105.99 on the same marketplace.
The machine's running costs are also low. It has a permanent filter, so there are no paper filters or pods to buy. Ground coffee is the only ongoing cost.
Where Can You Buy the Braun Espresso Master?
Most buyers buy the Braun Espresso Master used, on eBay or through Amazon sellers. Both sites carry the E250T and E260T.
Listings use the names E250T, E250T/E260T and Espresso Master 3062. Searching all three names finds more units.
Check that the glass carafe, the frother and the 2 cup adapter come with the unit. Used units can arrive without parts.
Is the Braun Espresso Master Worth It?
No. The Braun Espresso Master is not worth it for real espresso but works as a low-cost small coffee maker. Real espresso needs a pump machine.
Pros:
- Compact body fits a small counter
- Easy to clean
- Brews up to 4 cups
- Turbo frother handles milk
- Low resale price
Cons:
- Steam pressure of only about 1.5 bar
- 3.5 minute heat-up
- 1992 recall on the E200T and E260T
- Scarce parts
Four facts count against the machine. Steam brewers reach only about 1.5 bar. Heat-up takes 3.5 minutes. A 1992 recall hit the E200T and E260T. Some parts are scarce.
Four facts count in favor. The machine is compact and easy to clean. The carafe holds up to 4 cups. A turbo frother handles milk. The resale price is low.
Who Should Buy the Braun Espresso Master?
Collectors and light users should buy the Braun Espresso Master only at a low price. The machine suits small counters and occasional strong coffee.
The machine lacks two things, and each one rules out a type of buyer. Buyers who want crema should skip it. Buyers who want a fast heat-up should skip it too. Pump machines serve both groups better.
The De'Longhi EC260BK is one pump option.
Some buyers want drip coffee more than espresso. A Braun MultiServe or BrewSense suits them better.
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