The ACM Milano Homey is one of the most affordable dual-boiler espresso machines we know of. For just 979 €, you can get the basic model, despite the proven Faema E61 group head. Of course, compromises are to be expected at this price, but the ACM Homey can be tuned to produce good espresso. What we think of the machine, how we use it, and which coffees are suitable — read all about it in this test report.
Learn more about the comparison with 11 other dual-boiler espresso machines here.
Faema E61 Group Head on the ACM Homey
The principle of the Faema E61 group head has proven itself over the years. The water circulating in the thermosyphon heats the entire group, and consistent temperatures are generally to be expected. It is important to preheat the espresso machine well and, especially when using the machine for the first time, to draw water so that the thermosyphon fills up. Warm-up times of 20 to 25 minutes should always be planned for a Faema E61 group head to reach the desired target temperatures. By operating the lever, the valves are opened and water is dispensed onto the coffee.
Side view of the ACM Milano Homey
Dual-boiler espresso machines with Faema E61 group heads tend to overheat when not used for extended periods. The ACM Homey is a candidate for this as well. By performing a "cooling flush," dispensing water for a few seconds without the portafilter inserted, the temperature can be cooled to a desirable range.
With the ACM Homey, we had to flush for a very long time to bring the brewing water temperature close to a good brewing range of around 93 degrees. Without extended flushing, we sometimes measured brewing temperatures well over 96 degrees. During the brewing process itself, the temperature remains relatively constant and fluctuates by about 0.8 degrees.
Which Coffee at High Temperatures?
The high temperatures in the brewing phase emphasize an unpleasant bitterness in the espresso and often lead to a dry aftertaste. The acidity is not balanced and the espresso is uneven. This is especially the case when the coffee used itself brings bitter notes.
Bitterness is determined by the choice of green coffee and by the roast. Darker roasts have a significantly more pronounced bitterness, which often has unpleasant metallic and harsh aspects. This bitterness is triggered by the formation of phenylindanes, which we discussed in a separate article.
Espresso blends with a high Robusta content are also generally more bitter and less suitable, unless they are explicitly high-quality Robusta.
Our tip therefore: at higher temperatures like with the ACM Homey, rather use lighter roasts. You rarely find these in the supermarket and certainly not among espresso roasts (if at all, then among filter roasts).
Specialty coffees that are roasted lighter are much better suited to higher brewing temperatures. A selection of roasters specializing in specialty coffee have registered for the Coffee Panel Project. Just try them out!
Build Quality and Technical Information for the ACM Milano Homey
With a width of 27 cm, a depth of 40 cm, and a height of 40 cm, the ACM Milano is average. It is neither particularly compact nor huge — just a mid-sized dual-boiler. The machine's weight of 18 kg is typical for many other dual-boilers. The machine has a built-in vibration pump that produces considerable noise. This is also because it is simply screwed on and has no rubber feet or similar to dampen rattling from the lid and drip tray.
The machine's boiler has a volume of 1.5 liters and draws its water from a 2.8 liter tank. The tank can be removed for refilling — with much effort and struggle. In fact, it lacks handles or space for fingers to grip it well. Our test machine had some dirt residue in the water tank and the machine also had scratches and dust residue. Thorough cleaning before first use is advisable.
The water tank itself looks higher quality than, for example, a Bezzera BZ10. It also works without hoses and connects well to the machine via a valve.
Striking are the many sharp edges of the machine. Hardly any espresso machine between 1000 and 2000 euros has truly well-rounded edges, so you can hardly expect that from the cheapest on the market. Nevertheless, this point should be mentioned and caution is especially warranted when removing the drip tray or opening the lid to access the water tank.
Speaking of the drip tray. It is rather small since the space of the cover is not fully utilized.
The rail, on the other hand, is made of metal and scores points against, for example, the Rocket Appartamento, which costs considerably more but only comes with a plastic rail. The metal version must be purchased separately.
Included in the box is a plastic tamper, which should be replaced with a solid tamper as the first thing. Plastic tampers are the best preventers of good extractions because they prevent even work.
Also included: 1-cup portafilter, 2-cup portafilter, and metal brush. The purpose of the metal brush is unclear to us. Please don't use it to clean your machine!
By the way: in the images and in the video you can see the machine with a timer display, which costs 120 euros more than the basic model.
High Temperature? Great for Steaming Milk!
The high base temperature in the boiler, which leads to elevated brewing temperatures, is a plus for steaming milk and preparing cappuccino.
When steaming, we have so much steam pressure that a large pitcher can be easily steamed and the milk froths beautifully. This is especially enjoyable when you have several guests and want to practice latte art.
However, the steam wand becomes very hot, including the rubber coating that is meant to be touched. The temperature, which is an advantage on one hand, has a disadvantage here too.
The cappuccinos prepared were delicious and looked great too.
ACM Milano Homey with timer display.
Conclusion on the ACM Milano Homey
The ACM Homey is an entry opportunity into the world of dual-boiler espresso machines. In terms of build quality, you make compromises, but you get a solid espresso machine. The technology used is proven and will do good work for the long term — provided it is maintained and cleaned.
Important: use rather light espresso roasts since the brewing temperature is somewhat too hot. Extended pre-flushing helps bring the temperature into a good range. If you like drinking cappuccino, the ACM Homey is for you. The machine really delivers! The milk wand is almost too hot to handle, but all the better suited for steaming.
Since milk foam is sweet and also balances the presumably somewhat more bitter espressos, we see the ACM especially appealing to milk drink lovers.
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Visit the overview of all tested espresso machines.
