End Game Under $300?: HiBrew H10A Review

[@fignons_missing_8sec4]

Controversial, but I think this is better value for money than what James reviewed today.

[@bigplaneenergy8674]

really isn't controversial

[@yayicecream2600]

@@bigplaneenergy8674 controversial, but i think it might be sarcasm

[@Alessandro---]

Thing is, when James reviewed the Lidl/Aldi machine that looked like this, he didn't even drink the espresso! Come on James, go to Lance's house in Portugal and tell us what you think 🫠

[@royh2618]

@@yayicecream2600 it wasnt.

[@FatNorthernBigot]

He got to keep the gold plated cup. Does this machine come with one of those?😂

[@locifair]

I own this machine some months now. By opening the steam wand at the later half of the brewing time to sort of pressure profiling is a revelation! I bought the machine from mainland China from Taobao which costed less than US$180. Very enjoyable little machine indeed.

[@TBust]

Do you have the Taobao link by any chance?

[@Hzq_ali]

You can also open the steam wand valve after you reach your yield to release the pressure like a 3 way solenoid valve would. You can also do this if you want to depressurize the portafilter after you've finished a shot.

[@LightZone9]

That included tamper puts a lot of "premium" manufacturers, with their embarrassing plastic tampers to shame.

[@bruderdasisteinschwerermangel]

insane to think I spent more on a gaggia that included a pathetic plastic tamper.. that didn't even fit the included basket properly

[@oliverato]

yeah, you can cheap out in a lot of other things, but the tamper and portafilter are things that you're literally using/touching every time you're going to make a coffee, I can't comprehend that some machines still came with that spoon-tamper thing.

[@NopdonEakbuse]

Mine is a 58 mm . (not 58.25) So it leaves some small gap in typical basket

[@Technicellie]

I mean I'd be kinda okay with a plastic tamper in a cheap machine... If they'd properly shape it, so it is not just flat!

[@originalkhawk]

the cheap, plastic tampers included with cheaper machines from "premium" brands is such a weird concept to me, when you spend $150 or more on a machine. when a decent tamper (full metal or metal with a wooden handle) costs as little as $5-10 (retail), and yeah it wont be the best tamper to ever tamp, but it will be miles ahead of the plastic bullshit they ship with now, even if they increase the price of the machine by that $5 to cover the cost of the tamper so it doesn't "eat into their profit margin", as someone shopping for a entry level machine i would pick the machine that costs $5-10 more that comes with what looks to be fancy accessories.

[@urzus1]

I have got one as of August 2023. Still very happy with. My first experience with an espresso machine. With this review I am even more happy with this machine. Thanks.

[@andreabragagnolo8565]

These are the best videos, IMO. I understand the appeal and insterest in innovation and cream of the crop tools, but I can't help feeling a bit "bad" when watching something I could never afford in a million years. Thanks for the review, Lance.

[@Blazingstar75]

Man, it is nice to have a low budget espresso machine option. I will probably buy it.

[@laukan]

"It's that. Whatever that means, that's what it is." I laughed out loud.

[@daniel.lopresti]

Finicky was the word ;)

[@esquire1880]

Lance I found your channel about a month ago when I decided it was time to up my espresso game, and I LOVE it. While this machine may not be in my future plans, watching how you analyze the intricacies of these machines, and how you alter variables inspires me and I really appreciate the content!

[@brycepeltz]

About 10 years ago I sold my Rancillio Silvia and a lever machine (can’t remember the brand, the logo had a bridge). At the time I needed money and counter space. I saved my Mazzer SJ though! This little machine might be the perfect thing to allow me to get back into pulling shots. I’ve missed it. I was researching the lever machines with no boiler(ie Flair), but this little fella may fit my needs even better. I’ve never left coffee….have always roasted my beans and make a pour over daily. The home barista space has changed so much in 10+ years! I added a PID to my Silvia and used non fancy tools like cut yogurt cups and dissecting needles instead of WDT. lol Glad I found your channel recently. Very good stuff! Makes me excited about coffee again.

[@FreeRange9]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! Great review and I just ordered mine here in Thailand on Lazada for $232 USD including shipping. Ive been in the market for a new machine since the steam wand on my 2.5 year old GemiLai Model CRM3605 snapped off. A cheap plastic connection inside the top section of the wand started splitting and leaking then finally snapped off. Also, in the brew cycle, for some reason the pressure now won’t build past 3 bars. Meanwhile, this HiBrew H10A has all the features I’ve been looking for in a moderately priced machine. After much research I was unable to find anything even close to the features of this machine. So lucky I stumbled onto this review. Can’t wait to receive the HiBrew. I’ll be using this excellent expert review as my guide in setting it up and using it!!!! Lance, thank you again for this excellent review! I’m now a subscribed fan.

[@gradyedbert]

how was the machine after several months? considering to buy one!

[@dmp1541]

Thanks for putting this video out... actually buying this after this message! Great energy and not to over the top. Found this on sale for $199 at Amazon for black friday. You definitely caused us not to have to look at 100s of reviews. Thanks man, looking forward to watching others.

[@lewismalcolm3536]

I appreciate you bringing your knowledge of how machines work and applying it to getting a tastier shot. While it totally makes sense you can manipulate the pressure at the group head by opening up the steam valve on a thermoblock machine, I wouldn't have made that connection without you mentioning it. It didn't feel pretentious either, really just a "Hey here's a neat thing you can do, no big deal", makes it feel really approachable. This style of video too was pretty fun for me, I hope you do more like this!

[@calebmay551]

Thank you for doing a review of this budget option 🙌

[@roytromb_strength]

I definitely enjoyed this video more than the last few ones, especially the second part with the "experiments." I know we talked about how we all can learn from the expensive machines but for some reason I feel more willing to try these "experiments" when I see them in a cheaper machine or done more manually, since those expensive machines have a lot of programing and software that my machine does not. In all, fun video, thanks for balancing the expensive stuff with down to earth things too. Also, the "live" review was a fun touch.

[@SkylarsRnD]

I dig reviews like this. Love seeing the full capacity of options that a budget machine creates.

[@J.Beetle]

No regrets having this over a Gemilai 3605/3609. My H10A also survived when our house burned down last year. Surprisingly, it's still working well with just a few burn marks. I make 2-4 cups daily. Also, it's quite challenging getting a bottomless portafilter for this but I was able to get one online.

[@WalrussyGaga]

Can you kindly link the bottomless you bought? I'd love to get one that fits!

[@J.Beetle]

@@WalrussyGaga YT keep deleting the link. It's called Neouza 58mm Bottomless Three Ears Portafilter. I'm in APAC if it's available where you're at.

[@AceHardwareOfficial]

Do you happen to know if the normcore precision basket fits that portafilter?

[@signalpath9597]

Great video. I was curious about these when I bought a HiBrew grinder recently (which is quite nice btw). Also, as a Canadian, I’m always happy to see an American who can think and speak comfortably in metric.

[@dentitten]

Every single video of Lance makes me laugh at least one time. The song will be in my head today. You sir, are gold.

[@chickencubes]

im a noob coffee enthusiast so i thought to have this machine. its been more than a month now that i have this and i don't even thought about this things done by by mr lance. thank you for this review and experimentations. it really maximizes the machine's full potential. ☺️🙏🙏🙏

[@gregorcutt9078]

I always enjoy the stream of consciousness commentary. It’s why I subscribed. I do the pressure bleed off with my Starbucks Barista and naked basket.

[@imsteevin]

I've had mine for 3 months now and I really love it. Use it 1-3 times a day with a Kingrinder K6. I've learned a ton so far and am very happy with the results for like 400 bucks total. I'm going to do my first big clean and descale soon and will use it until it breaks, then I'll know enough to buy something more serious.

[@mullergyula4174]

Just bought the K6 and this ;) I have similar plans.

[@RS-sc2zr]

it might take 5+years to break 😅

[@wongjiajing3019]

Im glad he got to review the Hibrew H10A, i got this machine around 3 months ago ever since i got really mesmerised watching people make espressos or latte. I got anxious if i need an upgrade since im still fresh to the coffee community with no knowledge on whats good and bad but i think ill stick with it ^w^

[@myshortreviews]

I really like the texture of the machine, it is very simple to use, I make a cup of coffee every morning, I really like this machine.

[@troublesome07]

This might be my first espresso machine thanks to this review haha

[@davelasker]

Great review Lance! Please keep reviewing equipment at all price points.

[@Markymark1408]

Are we actually looking at a bargain here….I think we are, Lance being excited about it is huge

[@RS-sc2zr]

this is sponsored by hibrew though

[@LanceHedrick]

Don't be a liar. Gross

[@DougArcidino]

I am so blown away by using the steam wand to lower pressure on the puck. I’m going to use the hell out of this.

[@DariusAllison]

This type of video was great, both informative, structured and "controlled chaos" at the same time :)

[@Kiaulen]

This machine is like the single "boiler" version of my apex. Great value. Thanks for the review, Lance!

[@gabrielblue]

You are a mad coffee scientist! Thanks for the review and your expertise. Goals! 😊

[@NopdonEakbuse]

❤ Thanks so much. I have this machine in the kitchen. Doing blooming style tomorrow then.

[@davidclarkenumber1]

just ordered, will be my first expresso machine, thanks for the video, very informative.

[@johnnyb4631]

thank you. I just bought this machine after having a quickmill Orione 3000 which I liked but got fed up with temperature surfing. this one is quite fun and the steam power is great for such a cheap and small machine. I did own a bambino plus before all that but got rid of it within a few days because temerature seemed inconsistent and I did not like the steam function.

[@AndyGait]

Cheaper machines are always of interest. So much of what we watch as coffee nerds, is high end, stuff-to-dream-about equipment. It's great to see that we can get good results with reasonably priced kit.

[@zammie01]

My wife just ordered this for about $140 on sale. Pairing it with a Kingrinder K2 or K6 for her office. Keep an eye open for Aliexpress/Lazada/etc sales!

[@roberthenrypoet]

Lance Hendricks' improvisational skills in this one was on point! :)

[@tummy_fritters]

I really like seeing a cheap machine with some capability. I bought a Bambino because it had PID (and was cheap) only to find out it wasn't adjustable (sad face). This seems more gooder.

[@blutcherama]

What isn't adjustable?

[@BensCoffeeRants]

​@@blutcheramathe PID or temperature control isn't adjustable on the bambino. It has one but it's set to 200f internally I believe.

[@buug76]

Absolutely true, fixed pod at 92C, the Bambino hasn't a display

[@christiandelia7867]

Dude, your on a different level. Well done!

[@DaniilOskolkov]

Nice! It is truly fascinating how the quality coffee sphere becomes more affordable to people of different wealth😍

[@valerienickerson]

So much to learn so little time...thank you Lance for helping out the brew challenged !

[@zbyswitta]

It's glorious to see how you pull a very appetising cappuccino from such a budget product. I'm glad to hear that I no longer need to sell both kidneys to buy a hand grinder. Great content, Lance!

[@Kilian308]

The tip to use the steam wand to lower the flow rate towards the end is so simple and brilliant, thank you Lance!

[@bensonfabonan]

Hey Lance! Awesome review and I made up my mind that I will get this during the holidays, but.. HiBrew just released their H10 Plus... Would you be able to review it? H10A vs H10 Plus comparison please!

[@leroythecoffeegeek4611]

Hell yes! I’ve long been a proponent for utilising cheaper machines. While I’ve been pretty settled with my BDB for a few years now I’ve used lots of cheaper machines in the past from the likes of Sunbeam, Breville, Delonghi etc. and have always been able to get decent quality coffee from them.

[@cdysthe]

Got one of these for budgetary reasons. Great video. Got their grinder as well. Good shots below $450!I I like it a little bit too much! 😎

[@112233habib]

I hope you try their grinders as well, my grinder is dead and i am thinking of getting a grinder from hibrew, i have this machine H10A and i love it, it pulls amazing espressos !!

[@GixrGuy]

Peace be with you! Fantastic review as always. It's great to see inexpensive expresso machines being reviewed. I own KitchenAid's Model# KES6403 Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine. The KitchenAid doesn't have some of the features HiBrew H10A has, nonetheless it does produce a shot of tasty expresso and came equipped with an auto Milk Frothier. Its Porta Filter was replace with a Bottomless Porta Filter. The coffee grinder I use is a Turin SK40. Thanks again!

[@BruceChanen]

This is a video about shocking value. Superficially it's about the $280 HiBrew H10A which can make amazing espresso drinks under the guiding hand of a master. More importantly, it's about the shocking value delivered by Lance Hedrick day after day, video after video. His knowledge, delivery, and generosity of humor raises my spirits in an ever darkening world. I recommend his video to my non-coffee-drinking friends and family because he is a fount of joy. Someone recommended Masterclass. We have one right here which is why I give back to Lance at Patreon. Thank you sir. You are appreciated.

[@foilguys]

Thanks for thir great review Lance ! I just bought it on Aliexpress for 180€ shipped from and to France !

[@bhatiagagan]

Share link svp?

[@panedrop]

After seeing this I looked into it a bit more, and there's a good chance that this would suit me for a start.

[@Kievlar]

First time viewer of your channel. You are fun to watch!!! Very entertaining while educational. 😊

[@jo.comics]

This was very fun! For these types of machines this feels like a great format but maybe an extra video, maybe an unfiltered, would be good with more interesting cheaper end machines to really go more in-depth on them. But this was very fun! You've definitely got my favourite unboxing skills

[@unknownentity222]

Glad that you and Morgan are show case cheap espresso machines and technoques to get the best shot out of them.

[@FreeRange9]

This is follow up to my last comment regarding my ordering this machine based on your review Lance. I’ve been playing around with it and the various settings, and those you recommend in this video, for the last 5 days. Conclusion: this is a very good machine at an excellent price point making it a fantastic value!!! It’s fast warmup to temperature, the ability to micro-adjust settings, and the powerful stream generation put my broken down 2 1/2 year old GemiLai model CRM3605 to shame. I love it. Thank you again for this great review.

[@theOne5555555555]

Got the mini version recentlyas my first machine, which has a 51mm basket, but the internals are the same. I'm glad this was a good buy. Now, at least, I know it will have been my fault if the espresso sucks ^^

[@riteshramtohul6746]

I have been using this machine for some time now, never realized I could do pre-infusion like this, and that flow control hack! Thanks for this awesome review and tips!

[@davidmaresca6695]

Lance, thank you , I appreciate everything you do!, now! This showed me that you are one of the best!

[@rampapandiontinling]

Looks like they have a new version of this machine coming out later this year. They are adding 3 flow rates for enhanced dialing of your shot.

[@heresey]

It's not the brush, it's the artist. ☕

[@BA-ct4yx]

Surprisingly, it pulls shots better than my previous Oscar with opv kit.

[@PresidentTio]

I just bought this machine and I love it because for the price you get many functions on machine. I switch this machine from delonghi ECP 3531. I only have one minus that the water from the grouphead doesn’t have a road to the drip tray, so you can’t backflush

[@LanceHedrick]

Correct. No solenoid.

[@PresidentTio]

@@LanceHedrick Hi Do you have a video demonstrating pre-infusion? I'm interested in seeing how it affects the process and results with pre-infusion times of 0, 3, and 6 seconds, along with different grind sizes. - Have you noticed the taste difference between espressos with and without pre-infusion? How do they compare? - Are there specific coffee beans or roasts where you think pre-infusion isn't needed? - Have you tried adjusting pre-infusion settings to customize your espresso's flavor? What were the outcomes?

[@ivanjoblomongo1984]

thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!! i'm gonna buy this because of this review.

[@jumbleblue]

Very interesting especially some comparison against the infamous delonghi, breville you reviewed earlier is what I, and probably all who consider buying something in that price range, are interested.

[@richardvargas3983]

I enjoyed the video. I'm a newbie and my current machine is CHEAP. I'm learning alot and may be able to justify purchasing a HiBrew in the not too distant future. I do a lot of Cuban coffee in a Moca pot. Three ounces of espresso with seven ounces of hot milk. I use Pilon or Bustello. I will probably have to look for a better coffee as well. Thank you for all your effort.

[@ISeeFurther]

I had this as my first espresso machine. It is indeed incredible value for money. I originally contacted the company about the pressure gauge, and they said the green zone is 7-16 bar, and having my shots all come out at the upper end of that range had me really concerned and I was ready to open it up and mod it. The Russian guy’s teardown, which I originally watched to find out where the opv is, eventually just gave me comfort that I wasn’t getting any higher than 10 bar which is fine by me tbh. Glad to see a more “mainstream” channel review this machine, it’s a good one. I don’t think daddy Hoffman will like it though. He’s very particular about the UX and build quality 😁

[@cdysthe]

Just great! I'm poor so this will have to do. For now. And I'll probably be able to pull good shots. Yay!

[@genchani8537]

I own this machine and have had it for a while. I initially had somehow mixed feelings with it in the beginning, especially with lighter roasts. No matter what I did, I always got super sour espresso with it. After trying out the blooming techniques on the machine, I feel like it is really capable machine. I also own a flair58, and use both of machines. Although the flair58 gives you full control over the shot and you can make better espresso, but it is still a double edged knife (you can end up messing it up) I do feel like you need to grind a bit coarser for this machine, because of the high preassure the machine creates. I’m not sure how it compares to the gaggia classic pro, but I can say it is great value for the money - with the right workflow-techniques. Hibrew also makes grinders, and I own their g5. I’m eager to watch a review for it, because I was thinkinng of getting eureka mignion specialista or niche zero, just to see if it is worth upgrading.

[@SebastianCristanchoYT]

Omg I can’t wait for that next review. I am so excited

[@mk-yb8tt]

This was fun. Thanks mucho for reviewing a budget machine.

[@benwolf8568]

Thank you. I am gonna buy this machine. It will be my first. Nice review!

[@marcosf7554]

always a good job Lance! enjoy this review....

[@practiseChen1]

They have a new model, H10A Plus. Has a three-way-solenoid and other bells and whistles.

[@propertwb]

Love this review! Great job!

[@pierrex3226]

I have a gaggia that I modded with a pid. It was an adventure. If I breaks, I see myself buying that machine instead. The black exterior looks nice too.

[@threehanded8853]

I made a video of how I improved my Gaggia Classic Pro - Gauge, PID, Dimmer - How This Gaggia Classic Was Modified! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXnVc42inKpkr6c

[@charlesyateschalfant]

I think for the money is a viable option for those getting into espresso. However, I'd still recommend the Breville Bambino over this - A few bucks more and much better all round quality, especially in the build.

[@defxed]

As a father of 5 who needs his espressos, this is very enticing!!

[@Iridescence93]

This looks great for $300 I'm really impressed with all the cool stuff the Chinese are coming out with in the coffee realm.

[@samsi1497]

It’s on sale now for like $200 in China. However there aren’t many Chinese budget espresso grinders to choose from.

[@ShayanGivehchian]

​@samsi1497 there's plenty.

[@progmanmike]

Dude a VS3 is under 300. With that combo at $600, that's unbelievable

[@jozefhorniak8191]

@@samsi1497 DF54 kills everything

[@TomsIRL]

This is incredible. The only thing that would worry me is the longevity of such a product. It’s probably fine but you’re always a little more worried when you have cheaper materials.

[@SebastianCristanchoYT]

What a cool little machine! So cool, and great review!

[@mjrusso45]

Loved this review. I want to start on espresso, but the choices are intimidating, and all the cheaper machines seem to have tradeoffs that I can see in my future annoying me until i inevitably upgrade. This seems like a great / cheap starter that will bridge me to the big leagues.

[@gentleandkind]

Long time drinker, first time viewer. Good review. Thanks.

[@jackthepickledhound]

I'm a newbie here simply because I got a machine for the same price as an average Nespresso order. Now I've got almost as much in upgrades and accessories. But the way you riff on the creative manipulations is freaking amazing. The cost ????? $100-300 for something thats won't last forever anyway, and now that I now its ok to stop the pump anytime is a revelation

[@davidtester863]

Machines like this make me want to frankenstein some of their components to create an even better machine

[@blackaces26]

Interesting and I’m loving all these low budget machines kicking out decent shots. I have my DeLonghi 3630 pretty dialed in so good for now waiting on that big lottery hit to upgrade.

[@blamuk]

How is this one better than a dialed in ecp3630? He's doing manual preinfusion here anyway, he's keeping the temp at 92. The 3630 has a boiler and heated brew group so the temps should be stable as long as you let it preheat, so what's the point of a pid? I'm genuinely curious, what do you think is a meaningful upgrade in this compared to the 3630?

[@BensCoffeeRants]

Seems like a decent machine and good way to experiment with it. The breville bambino non plus also doesnt have a solenoid and can do the super long bloom or pre infusion similarily. But no temp control on it and its a 54* ish mm portafilter not 58mm. Nice to see more advanced features coming out even on these lower end machines ! Adjustable steam temperatures!? I can't even do that on my old breville dual boiler (latest version you can)!

[@dejedejsson]

The breville bambino has a 54mm portafilter, doesn't!?

[@BensCoffeeRants]

​@@dejedejssonoops yeah you're right its somewhere between 53-54mm

[@Teoth-xg6qc]

Thanks for the reiview Lance. Will this be the machine to buy instead of the bambino? Asking as someone thinking of getting the first machine

[@gari168]

I bought this same machine some time ago, but unfortunately their customer service is not very helpful. I had problems maintaining a 9 bar pressure and they couldn't help me even if I was asking about an OPV valve. Didn't have the confidence to open the machine, but big thanks to Lance and the other source for pointing out that there is one.

[@JordyValentine]

I mean I won't rush out and replace my Gaggia, but damn that's an impressive little machine!

[@RS-sc2zr]

sold my gaggia for this 😅

[@FatNorthernBigot]

Like the smartphone market, the budget end of espresso machines is becoming more and more competitive and the flagship end becoming more niche. As this is a Lance video, at least we'll know if this thing is capable of creating a decent shot.

[@avisha06]

Nice video!! Thanks Would love to see you do something similar with the De'Longhi ECP 35.31 Cheers

[@groundcontrol3]

Thoughts on this vs a bambino plus?

[@WilliamPropert]

Love this type of review. Thanks!

[@joker927]

This seems like a game changer. Zero modding. $300. Good espresso. I'm very curious how hard it is to clean long term. I bought a Flair because no machine like this existed.

[@dejedejsson]

It costs under $200 if you look around a bit.

[@Rithrade]

Thanks for this review! I've been considering this Semi Auto for its budget and good availbility in my country. I've even had a chance to communicate with Hibrew and they are planning a new machine with a solenoid valve. I've been told to go for something that has a solenoid but thanks to this video I've learnt something about blooming and pre-infusion! The temp surfing and milk wand purging to control temps are good tips for those who are newer to the caffeine addiction. Does the basket really change the taste so much its worth investing? Appreciate any short and long term opinions.

[@cesartrujillo4190]

I wish you would do deep dives on popular machines we may have already bought. How to upgrade or buy the right accessories etc.

[@benmarchal]

The thermoblock is a nice touch!

[@_coffeeencounters]

Looks exactly the same as my Gemilai C3605. Has pre-infusion and a thermoblock as well but no PID temp control. Got it for around $200

[@matthewwilson9749]

Interesting content. Thank you for showing the whole gambit of machines

[@eric735]

i love this video man

[@Ducky39101]

Super interesting. Love your reviews!

[@markw-2025]

Great review and reveal of blooming capability on a budget machine with no solenoid valve! So how hard would it be, to have an enable/disable switch on a solenoid valve? I see expensive machines with no pre-infusion/flow control functions able to overcome with such a possibility?