Chefman Coffee Station Pro review finds flexible brewing but weak Nespresso results

TechRadar's verdict says the Chefman Coffee Station Pro makes coffee in many different ways, but some methods come out better than others. The review lists its strengths as extreme flexibility, support for ground coffee, K-Cups and Nespresso capsules, a size that is not overly large for what it does, an included milk frother, adjustable brew strength and volume, a delay brew feature, a keep-warm feature, fairly easy use and a separate hot water spout. The review's main criticisms are that the machine does not include a bean grinder and that some of its coffee brewing methods are not good.

In the two-minute review, TechRadar describes the product as a good idea for households with different coffee preferences. The reviewer noted that one person may drink drip coffee but occasionally want espresso, while another may rotate between drip, espresso and iced coffee, use Nespresso capsules for occasional flavors and drink tea. Guests may want lattes or cappuccinos. A setup like that could easily require several machines plus a frother and tea kettle, but the Chefman Coffee Station Pro is designed to cover all those needs and more. The review adds, however, that it does not do everything well, or even acceptably, and points again to the Nespresso capsule problem. TechRadar says the machine may be a perfect fit for someone who does not need every single feature, because it does many things well.

TechRadar says the Chefman Coffee Station Pro is available on Chefman's website and at brick-and-mortar and online retailers such as Best Buy and Target. The retail price is $399.99, about £300 or AU$570, and it comes in one colorway: black and silver. The review also states that it is not currently sold in the US and Australia, a point that sits awkwardly with the named US retailers; TechRadar does not reconcile the discrepancy.

The machine is a semi-automatic model measuring 13 by 11.7 by 13.9 inches, or 33.02 by 29.72 by 35.31 centimeters. It uses 20 bars of pressure for espresso brewing. TechRadar lists its brew styles as espresso, single serve, drip, cold press and cold brew. It has a milk frother and no connected-device features.

TechRadar says the design fits many features into a reasonably sized footprint. The machine provides ten brewing methods: espresso with grounds or Nespresso capsules, cold press espresso, latte, cappuccino, milk frother, K-Cup pods, a carafe of drip coffee, drip over ice, cold brew and instant hot water. A touch-screen interface controls everything. A 100-ounce water tank fits on the back. On the coffee side, the package includes a coffee filter holder and a reusable coffee filter basket, with paper filters as an option, plus a K-Cup adapter. The glass carafe holds four to twelve cups and rests on a warming plate with a hot indicator light. For single-serve K-Cup brewing, there is a fold-down cup platform with a removable rubber trivet for a mug. On the espresso side, the portafilter comes with three filters: a small one for single espresso, a larger one for double espresso and an adapter for Nespresso capsules. A two-sided espresso tool serves as a measuring scoop and tamper. The included 16-ounce milk reservoir can be removed when not in use. The machine stores its portafilter on a side hook and other accessories in a top compartment. Setup includes setting the clock. A Delay Brew feature can be programmed at bedtime so a hot carafe of drip coffee is ready in the morning, and the Keep Warm feature holds the carafe hot for up to two hours. A hot water spout runs separately.

TechRadar's review concludes that the Chefman Coffee Station Pro is ambitious and flexible, with many features that work well, but it is held back by poor Nespresso capsule brewing and the absence of a grinder. For users who can overlook those limits, the review says the machine can replace multiple coffee makers, though it does not master every method it offers.