Our Review 4.1/5

The Swan Retro Pump Espresso SK22110BLN Coffee Machine combines a sleek, stylish design with a practical minimalist espresso machine. Although similar to Smeg in its pastel colour scheme and vintage aesthetic, it varies widely from Smegs espresso machine. It also comes in many different colour schemes allowing you to match your existing appliances perfectly.

What we love about the Retro pump is it’s minimalism while also offering everything you need to create the perfect drink. There’s no integrated grinder, but many people would argue standalone grinders are better. There’s no computerised system either, but many would say you don’t need a computer to make an espresso. A vital tool in getting that perfect crema is the pressure gauge telling you how to adjust your grind, which this machine offers. There is also a milk frother at the side, allowing you to tackle all kinds of milk-based drinks.

A possible downside would be the lack of bells and whistles, but you need to take into account the machine is an absolute bargain as well, at around £99. Still, if you are used to a more expensive machine, you may be annoyed by subtle differences. For example, it is quite light, so you need to hold it while you put lock the espresso handle in place. One criticism that comes up in some reviews is that it doesn’t feel like 15 bars of pressure as well. This could be due to incorrect grind size, and there are hundreds of positive reviews about the machine.

But we love the look, the price and the ability it gives us to make precisely the drinks we want. We recommend the Retro Pump Espresso SK22110BLN as an excellent starter for anyone aspiring baristas who wish to take their first steps into brewing technical coffee.