Having thoroughly enjoyed the HiBrew H10A, I was curious to see how its “little brother” would stack up, especially with its more wallet-friendly price and sleek, compact design.
After weeks of hands-on testing and countless espressos, I’m ready to share my findings.
Spoiler alert: the H10B doesn’t just meet expectations; it surpasses them.
For those who prefer watching over reading, check out my video review on YouTube.
What makes the HiBrew H10B a standout choice for espresso aficionados and beginners alike? Let’s find out.
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Check Price NowDesign and Build Quality
The HiBrew H10B has a very compact design, perfectly sized for any kitchen counter. It takes up about half the space the H10A does, kinda like the size of a coffee grinder.
It’s small but pretty sturdy. Made mainly from stainless steel and aluminum, it looks very durable. Yes, it has some plastic parts—like the buttons, base and drip tray—but these do not compromise its sturdy feel.
It comes in this light yellow color and the usual stainless steel. Well, I’ve got enough stainless steel machines, so I picked this color, and it looks great.
The machine has a 1.2-liter water tank, conveniently removable for easy refilling and cleaning.
Like a lot of espresso machines, it’s got a pressure gauge right on the front. I’m a big fan of that—it is helpful for dialing in your grinds.
This isn’t something you see a lot on machines at this price point. It makes the H10B look way more high-end. And it’s not just there for show; it’s super handy. You can use it as a brew timer, and adjust your shot volume, brew temperature, and steam temperature. Super intuitive to use.
The professional-style steam wand is powerful enough for creating smooth microfoam for latte art, and it can dispense hot water too.
The portafilter is 51 millimeters, typical for an entry-level machine. It comes with a pressurized and a non-pressurized basket.
Well, you don’t have those fancy accessories in H10A, instead, you have a plastic scoop and a tamper. But that’s exactly what you’d expect with an entry-level machine.
Cool Features I like
HiBrew added almost all the cool features of the H10A into this more compact H10B. Pre-infusion, adjustable brew and steam temperatures, and customizable shot volumes are all available.
Pre-Infusion Time
First, we’ve got preinfusion time. By pressing the power and double shot buttons at the same time, you can adjust this from 0 to 10 seconds.
This little step is a big deal—it wets the coffee grounds evenly before the full pressure hits, helping to cut down on channeling and making your shot smoother.
Brew and Steam Temperatures
The H10B allows you to fine-tune both the brew and steam temperatures.
Hit the single and double shot buttons together, and you can tweak this from 90 degrees to a steamy 95 degrees Celsius. Just like the H10A, there’s even a setting for 25 degrees.
Press the steam button, and you can adjust the steam temp from 125 to a whopping 150 degrees. This lets you play with the steam power for frothing milk just the way you like it.
Customizable Shot Volume
You can customize your shot volume for single or double shot.
Even though you can dial in the shot volume on the machine, I like using a scale for higher accuracy. There’s plenty of clearance, so you can fit both a scale and a cup under the spout.
Auto Temp Surfing
I mentioned this feature in my HiBrew H10A review, and I’m happy to see it in this H10B!
After steaming milk, if the machine’s too hot for another espresso shot, simply turn the dial to dispense water, the display will indicate when it’s ready. No more guessing!
Press the power and single shot button you can change the display unit.
All these features packed into the H10B? It’s seriously impressive for its price.
Espresso Shot Quality
The true test of any espresso machine is the quality of the shot it produces, and the H10B shines in this arena.
You need a good espresso grinder to unlock this machine’s full potential, especially with the non-pressurized basket. The grind size has a huge impact on the quality of your espresso.
Do a few test runs, watch the brew time, and keep an eye on that pressure gauge. For 15 grams in and 36 grams out, if you’re hitting around 25 seconds for your shot and the pressure looks good, you will get a good shot. If not, tweak your grind size a bit finer or coarser until you hit that sweet spot.
Prepping your puck isn’t any different from what you’d do with other machines. I always use WDT to declump the coffee powder, get that ground bed nice and level, then tamp down consistently.
I set my pre-infusion to 5 seconds. During this phase, the pressure is low, and then it kicks up to fully extract all that coffee goodness.
When everything comes together perfectly, you get an espresso shot with a rich crema, full body, and a complex flavor that can compete with those from much more expensive machines. And you can never get this espresso shot with an entry-level machine using a pressurized basket.
HiBrew H10B Brewing Tips
About the dosage, I’ve found that 15 to 16 grams of coffee strikes the perfect balance for the 51mm basket. Going beyond this, say to 17 grams, can overcrowd the basket and negatively affect your shot.
Puck prep might be a bit trickier with the 51mm basket compared to the 58mm basket in the H10A. Here, a dosing ring is handy, ensuring you can accurately and cleanly transfer your ground coffee into the portafilter.
Milk Steaming and Latte Art
I know a lot of espresso beginners get into this rabbit hole because of the latte art. I can assure you that the HiBrew H10B’s steam pressure is more than enough for creating that silky smooth microfoam for latte art.
Creating Microfoam for Latte Art:
Purge the Wand: You wanna purge the wand. Just turn it on for a few seconds to get any leftover water out. This makes sure you’re starting with pure steam for your milk.
Fill and Position: Fill your milk jug up to about a third or half—this gives the milk enough room to expand. Submerge the wand just below the milk’s surface at 3 o’clock. This angle helps you create a whirlpool effect when you turn on the steam.
Introduce Air: Gently lift the tip to the milk’s surface to introduce air—this is where the microfoam begins to develop. You’ll hear a distinct, loud hissing sound.
Incorporate and Heat: Once you’ve got a good amount of foam, submerge the wand deeper into the milk to stop air introduction and focus on heating the milk evenly. Continue until the jug becomes too hot to hold comfortably, indicating the milk has reached the ideal temperature (around 140-150°F or 60-65°C).
Steaming Tips for Perfect Texture:
- Always start with cold milk for the best foam structure.
- Use a thermometer initially to get a feel for when the milk reaches the target temperature. With practice, you’ll be able to gauge this by touch.
- Clean and purge the steam wand after each use to ensure it remains hygienic and clog-free.
- Practice your whirlpool technique to ensure the milk is heated evenly, which also helps incorporate the foam smoothly throughout the milk for that velvety texture.
Comparing the H10B with Other Entry-Level Machines
When placed side by side with other entry-level espresso machines, the HiBrew H10B stands out not just for its shot quality but also for the advanced customization set it offers at a competitive price point.
First off, for under $200, it outperforms espresso machines that only use pressurized baskets. They can’t match the authentic espresso shot quality. They make bubbles, not crema.
Also Read: Pressurized Vs. Non-Pressurized Baskets
I’ve tested the SMEG semi-automatic machine, the DeLonghi Dedica, the Breville Bambino Plus, and the Solis Barista Perfetta. To be honest, this little machine’s build quality might not match these pricier options. But, its shot quality surpasses them.
Compared to other machines at the same price, its display and customization options are just unbeatable.
Considering an Upgrade?
If you’re looking for an upgrade from a basic model, the HiBrew H10B offers a significant step up in terms of shot quality and customization. It’s a solid bridge into the world of serious espresso-making, offering tools and features that will grow with your skills.
HiBREW H10A Semi-automatic Espresso Machine
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Pros:
- High-quality accessories – Solid 58mm portafilter, non-pressurized baskets, solid metal tamper with wooden handle, milk jug
- Auto Pre-infusion
- Adjustable pre-infusion time, brew and steam temperature, shot volume
- Auto temperature surfing (Auto cool down)
- Great value for money
Cons:
- The drip tray is small
- The group head requires frequent cleaning
Wrapping Up
The HiBrew H10B is a standout machine that exceeds expectations, offering a premium espresso experience at an entry-level price.
If you’re just beginning your espresso journey or want to polish your barista skills without spending a lot, the H10B is a great pick. Its easy-to-use interface and adjustable settings make it an excellent platform for learning.
I hope this review helps you know exactly what to expect before buying, or teaches you how to make the most of it if you already have one at home. Happy Brewing!
