Our Verdict
COWSAR Wins
In-Depth Analysis
How they compare in practice
The Amaste Amaste AC-517EA and COWSAR espresso machines both offer the convenience of an integrated grinder, but their core brewing technologies set them apart significantly. The most impactful difference lies in their boiler systems: the Amaste utilizes a Thermoblock, while the COWSAR boasts a dual boiler. In practical terms, the COWSAR’s dual boiler allows a user to pull an espresso shot and steam milk simultaneously, a massive advantage for anyone regularly preparing lattes or cappuccinos. With the Amaste's Thermoblock, one must wait for the machine to heat up or cool down between brewing and steaming, introducing delays and temperature inconsistencies that can impact drink quality. This means the COWSAR offers a smoother, faster workflow for multi-drink preparation.
Further enhancing consistency, the COWSAR includes PID temperature control, a feature absent in the Amaste. PID ensures that the brew water temperature remains precisely stable throughout extraction, which is critical for pulling consistently good espresso shots. The Amaste, without PID, may experience temperature fluctuations that can lead to varying flavors in your espresso. While the Amaste features a 15-bar pump and the COWSAR a 9-bar pump, the latter is often considered the ideal pressure for optimal espresso extraction, suggesting the COWSAR prioritizes quality over marketing numbers. The COWSAR also offers a larger 95oz water reservoir compared to the Amaste’s 68oz tank, reducing refill frequency, particularly beneficial in busy households or for entertaining. Lastly, the Amaste’s 51mm portafilter is a less common size, potentially limiting accessory availability compared to more standard sizes, a detail not specified for the COWSAR but often a consideration for
Key Differences
The most significant spec differences at a glance
Pump Pressure
67% moreWater Reservoir
28% lessAdvantages
Where each product wins
Amaste
- Pump Pressure: 67% higher (15 vs 9.0)
COWSAR
- Water Reservoir: 28% higher (68 vs 95.0)
Which to Pick for Your Situation
Concrete scenarios with a clear recommendation
For the daily latte/cappuccino maker
COWSARThe COWSAR's dual boiler allows simultaneous brewing and steaming, making it far more efficient for milk-based coffee drinks.
Prioritizing brew temperature consistency
COWSARThe COWSAR features PID temperature control, ensuring precise and stable water temperature for consistent espresso extraction.
For minimal water tank refills
COWSARWith a 95oz water tank, the COWSAR requires significantly fewer refills than the Amaste's 68oz tank, especially for frequent use.
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy Amaste if...
Espresso Machine
The Amaste Amaste Espresso Machine is ideally suited for the budding home barista or the casual coffee drinker looking to elevate their morning routine without a significant financial outlay. This buyer prioritizes convenience and an all-in-one solution, appreciating the integrated conical burr grinder that eliminates the need for a separate appliance. They might make one or two espresso-based drinks a day, primarily for themselves. The Amaste’s 15-bar pump provides sufficient pressure for good extraction, and the 68oz water tank is ample for personal use. They understand that while it offers good value, they are giving up the professional-grade consistency and efficiency of a dual boiler and PID control. The 51mm portafilter, while limiting accessory choices, is an acceptable trade-off for the overall affordability and integrated design.
Buy COWSAR if...
Espresso Machine
The COWSAR Espresso Machine is the perfect match for the serious home barista who frequently enjoys milk-based espresso drinks and values consistency, efficiency, and precise control above all else. They prioritize the ability to make multiple lattes or cappuccinos quickly and flawlessly, which the dual boiler system and PID temperature control of the COWSAR excel at by enabling simultaneous brewing and steaming with superior thermal stability. The large 95oz water tank appeals to those who don't want to constantly refill. While they appreciate the integrated grinder, their primary focus is on the quality and repeatability of their espresso shots and the convenience of a streamlined workflow. They are comfortable with a machine that might have a slightly larger footprint due to its more advanced internal components, understanding that this investment delivers a near-commercial quality experience at home.
Spec Comparison
8 specs compared
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.1(158) | 4.5(28) |
| Boiler Type | Thermoblock | dual |
| Pump Pressure Bars | 15 | 9 |
| Portafilter Size mm | 51 | — |
| Steam Wand | Yes | Yes |
| Model Number | AC-517EA | — |
| Grinder Included | Yes | Yes |
| Water Reservoir oz | 68 | 95 |
| PID Temperature Control | — | Yes |
Swipe horizontally to see all columns
Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
Amaste Espresso Machine
- Integrated conical burr grinder
- 15 grind settings for customization
- 15-bar pump with visual pressure gauge
- Low-pressure pre-infusion feature
- 51mm portafilter limits accessory choice
- Lacks PID for precise temperature control
COWSAR Espresso Machine
- Simultaneous brewing and steaming possible.
- Integrated grinder offers precise grind control.
- PID maintains stable brew temperature.
- 95oz water tank reduces frequent refilling.
- Integrated grinder means less modularity.
- Dual boiler system adds mechanical complexity.
- Commercial unit implies larger size for home use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
Can I brew espresso and steam milk at the same time with these machines?
Only the COWSAR machine, with its dual boiler system, allows for simultaneous espresso brewing and milk steaming, greatly speeding up drink preparation for lattes and cappuccinos. The Amaste's thermoblock requires sequential operation.
Which machine offers more precise temperature control for espresso?
The COWSAR machine features PID temperature control, which actively monitors and adjusts the water temperature to ensure stable and consistent brewing, leading to more predictable espresso shots. The Amaste lacks this feature.
What is the water tank capacity of each espresso machine?
The Amaste espresso machine comes with a 68oz water tank, while the COWSAR boasts a larger 95oz water tank, reducing the frequency of refills, especially for higher volume usage.
Is the 15-bar pump on the Amaste better than the 9-bar pump on the COWSAR?
While 15-bar pumps are often advertised, 9 bars of pressure is generally considered the optimal standard for extracting high-quality espresso. The COWSAR's consistent 9-bar extraction is often preferred for superior results.
What portafilter size does the Amaste machine use?
The Amaste espresso machine utilizes a 51mm portafilter. This size is less common than 58mm or 53mm, which might limit your choices for aftermarket accessories like tampers or baskets.
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