From TVs to coffee: Can Hisense bring barista-style coffee home?

Hisense, a well-known South African brand recognized for televisions and major appliances, is now venturing into the domestic kitchen with a new semi-automatic espresso machine called the HSACM20LPO. This product aims to provide users with more control over their coffee-making process without overwhelming them with complexity.

The machine's key selling point is integration. It features a built-in grinder with 20 different grind settings, enabling users to customize the coarseness of their coffee beans for various roasts and recipes. A removable 260g bean hopper keeps the machine compact, and the 2.8-litre water tank is sized for regular household use.

Temperature control is another crucial aspect of the machine, with PID temperature management allowing users to select brewing temperatures of 92°C, 94°C, and 96°C. This feature enables users to experiment with extraction while ensuring consistent results from one cup to the next. The pre-infusion function moistens the coffee puck before the main extraction, and the 20-bar pump provides the pressure needed for the brew cycle.

To cater to milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and flat whites, Hisense has incorporated a dual-heating system that allows brewing and milk frothing to occur simultaneously. This can be particularly beneficial when preparing drinks for multiple people. A barista-style steam wand also grants users the ability to shape milk texture on their own, rather than relying on automatic processes.

The machine's touchscreen interface is designed to be user-friendly, incorporating functions such as Single Espresso, Double Espresso, Americano, Hot Water, and Steam. It also enables adjustments to grind time, coffee volume, and brewing temperature. For beginners, the touchscreen can make a semi-automatic machine feel less daunting; for experienced users, it still offers the option to fine-tune their recipes.

Despite the advanced technology, Hisense has retained the traditional espresso workflow by using a 58mm stainless-steel portafilter and including single- and double-shot filter baskets, a calibrated tamper, and a 350ml milk jug. This ensures that users still engage in the complete process of grinding, dosing, tamping, extracting, and steaming their coffee.

Convenient everyday features include a removable 2.8-litre water tank, a HotCup warming platform to prevent heat loss in freshly brewed espresso, and a removable drip tray with dedicated cleaning accessories. These practical elements determine whether the coffee machine is convenient enough for daily use.

The HSACM20LPO is not claiming to replace an experienced barista with a single button, but rather providing home users with the tools to learn how various factors affect the final cup, from grind size and temperature to milk texture. For South Africans looking to transition from instant or capsule coffee, the HSACM20LPO appears to be a significant first step into home espresso and an unexpected new direction for a brand already established in the domestic market. The machine can be found at Hirsch’s Home Appliances stores across South Africa.