I’ve never owned an espresso machine, but I’ve always been curious about making espresso at home. My usual method is easy and low effort: a simple pour-over with a coffee cone and paper filter. Espresso machines intimidate me, because they remind me of loud and bulky machines with too many features I didn’t know how to use. Enter the 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Maker by IMUSA (Model GAU-18202), which might be the best starter espresso machine for any curious but cautious coffee fan.
Table of Contents
- First Impressions and What's in the Box
- How is Espresso Different from Regular Coffee?
- How to Use the IMUSA 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
- Using the Steam Wand for Frothing Milk
- Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
- Pros and Cons of the IMUSA Espresso & Cappuccino Maker
- Final Thoughts — Is the IMUSA Espresso Maker Worth It?
- IMUSA Espresso & Cappuccino Maker DEMO VIDEO (by beekneebob)
First Impressions and What’s in the Box
The base of the machine is lightweight and measures about 11 inches tall. The shape is rather boxy but compact enough to suit small kitchens. Removable parts include:
- a rectangular drip tray
- a glass coffee carafe
- an optional coffee scoop
- an aluminum filter basket
- a screw cap to lock in pressure and conceal the water tank
How is Espresso Different from Regular Coffee?
Coffee preparation is pretty broad, but it usually involves ground coffee beans and hot water filtered through methods like drip, pour-over, or French press. The flavor can range from weak to bold depending on the grind size, roast, and brewing method.
Espresso, on the other hand, is a concentrated form of coffee where finely ground beans meet hot water under high pressure. This intense process creates a richer and robust flavor with a creamy top layer called crema. You might have seen espresso referred to as a “shot,” because it’s typically served in small increments, about 2 ounces or fewer, due to its strength. A shot of espresso contains about the same amount of caffeine as a standard 8-ounce cup of coffee.
The good news? With the IMUSA Electric Espresso & Cappuccino Maker, you don’t have to stop at just a shot. Espresso is a fantastic base for drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. By adding steamed milk, you can increase the volume and enjoy a satisfying cup!
How to Use the IMUSA 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
Before making your first espresso, it’s recommended to run a water test. This means adding water to the main reservoir and letting it cycle through to the glass carafe, just to ensure everything works.
For beginners using an espresso machine at home for the first time, the IMUSA Espresso and Cappuccino Maker has almost no learning curve. The process is simple, and you’ll be brewing in minutes.
Basic Steps
- Fill the water reservoir: Use the included glass carafe to measure up to 4 cups of cold water. Pour the water into the tank and screw the lid on tightly.
- Add espresso grounds: Measure your espresso or fine coffee grounds into the aluminum filter basket. Secure the filter by pressing it into the machine and turning the handle from left to center to lock it in place.
- Power on and brew: Plug in the machine, and turn the left dial to the coffee cup symbol to begin the brewing process.
- Watch it work: In 2 to 5 minutes, espresso will begin dispensing into the carafe.
- When the cycle stops, turn the dial to Off.
The machine brews up to 4 servings of espresso per cycle. For best results, use finely ground coffee (medium or dark roast works well). A shot of espresso uses about 10 grams of coffee, or about 2 teaspoons.
Using the Steam Wand for Frothing Milk
The feature I looked forward to most on the IMUSA Espresso machine is the steam wand on the right side, designed for frothing milk. It plays a big role in making lattes and cappuccinos!
How it works: while the water in the reservoir heats up, pressure builds inside the machine to brew espresso. Once the coffee begins to pour in the carafe, you can switch the left dial to the Steam setting to redirect the pressure into the steam wand. Place a small cup of milk under the wand. The frother creates a bubbling, gurgling sound, but it’s not a very powerful wand when it comes to transforming milk. The result is more subtle compared to higher-end espresso makers.
Milk Frothing Tips
- Make sure to immerse the frothing wand in enough milk for the best results.
- Once you’re done using the frother, switch the dial back to the brew setting to let the espresso continue dispensing into the carafe.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
The cleanup process for the IMUSA 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Maker is just as simple as the prep. Safety is key: it’s crucial to let the machine cool for at least 15 minutes before removing the filter basket or the tank cap. When removing the tank cap, turn it slowly once the machine has completely cooled, since leftover pressure may still be present. To release residual pressure safely, you can hold a cup of water under the steam wand and turn the dial to the Steam setting. This will help release any residual steam escape from within the machine too.
The only parts you can detach and clean are: the drip tray, reservoir cap, glass carafe, and filter basket. Obviously, you can’t submerge the base in water, but you can lightly clean the exterior with a damp cloth.
Cleaning with Vinegar (Descaling)
You can treat the reservoir with a decalcifying rinse:
- Use the included glass carafe and fill with half water and half white vinegar.
- Pour the mixture in the reservoir and treat it as if you were brewing espresso, allowing the vinegar solution to heat and pour into the carafe.
- When running, switch the dial to the Steam position and hold a cup of cold water underneath the wand to clean the frother nozzle too.
The vinegar method is suggested every 40 brewing cycles for hard water, or every 80 cycles for soft water.
Power Safety Tip
Some users have asked if it’s safe to leave the IMUSA machine plugged in. Since the espresso maker has no on/off switch and relies on pressure and heat, I recommend unplugging the product completely when not in use.
Pros and Cons of the IMUSA Espresso & Cappuccino Maker
As a simplified version of a larger espresso machine, the IMUSA 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Maker gets the job done for beginners and casual coffee lovers. It’s not without its quirks, but for the price, it’s a great entry-level choice.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly design: the features are minimal and intuitive for first-time users.
- Compact and lightweight: it’s easy to pick up, move, and store.
- Quick brewing time: Espresso starts dispensing in less than 3 minutes!
- Affordable: As of July 2025, the IMUSA 4-Cup Espresso & Cappuccino Maker has a price range of $30-$45 at major online retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon.
Cons
- No frothing cup included: You’ll need to use your own container for steaming milk.
- Short power cord: This may be limiting depending on your kitchen layout.
- Milk frother is underpowered: It may take some trial and error to achieve the consistency you desire.
- Lower power output: At 800 watts and 120 volts, this compact machine delivers less energy than high-end espresso makers. Like the frother wand feature, the beverage quality may fall short.
Final Thoughts — Is the IMUSA Espresso Maker Worth It?
After using the IMUSA Espresso and Cappuccino Maker, I’m no longer intimidated by espresso machines. Thanks to this budget-friendly version, I found its simple design easy to figure out, allowing me to make special beverages quickly. While the espresso shots are not my personal favorite, I enjoyed mixing them with steamed milk to create a milky, customized drink. It’s not something I see myself using on the daily, but if I have guests coming over or if I want strong coffee to use in a special drink or recipe, IMUSA helps me out.
If you’re interested in trying new coffee drinks but don’t want to break the bank, IMUSA offers a solid starting point with this product. For those with extensive coffee knowledge, the machine might seem primitive and not meet their expectations.
A low-risk option and an upgrade from your average coffee maker, the IMUSA 4-Cup Espresso & Cappuccino Maker allows you to explore home espresso machines without splurging on high-end equipment.
IMUSA Espresso & Cappuccino Maker DEMO VIDEO (by beekneebob)
Disclosure: I received this IMUSA 4-Cup Electric Espresso & Cappuccino Maker in exchange for my review as part of the BzzAgent sampling program.
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