The ACM Milano Homey is one of the cheapest dual boiler espresso machines we know. 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 make good espresso. What we think of the machine, how we use it, and which coffees are suitable, you can read in this test report.
Learn more about the comparison with 11 other dual boiler espresso machines hier.
Faema E61 Group Head on the ACM Homey
The principle of the Faema E61 group head has proven itself over the years. Through the circulating water in the thermosiphon, the entire group is heated and consistent temperatures are generally to be expected. It is important to preheat the espresso machine well and especially on the first use of the machine to run water through it so that the thermosiphon fills. Warm-up times of 20 to 25 minutes should always be planned for a Faema E61 group head to achieve the gewünschten target temperatures. When the lever is operated, the valves open and water is dispensed over the coffee.
Side view of the ACM Milano Homey
Dual boiler espresso machines with Faema E61 group heads tend to overheat if left unused for longer periods. The ACM Homey is also a candidate for this. By performing a "cooling flush," running water for a few seconds without a 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 closer to a good brewing range, which is around 93 degrees. Without prolonged flushing, we sometimes measured brewing temperatures of well over 96 degrees. During the brewing itself, the temperature is relatively constant and fluctuates by about 0.8 degrees.
Which Coffee at High Temperatures?
The high temperatures in the brewing phase especially emphasize an unpleasant bitterness of the espresso and often result in a dry aftertaste. The acidity is not balanced and the espresso is unbalanced. This is especially the case when the coffee used itself has bitter notes.
Bitterness is caused by the choice of green coffee and by the roast. Darker roasts have significantly ausgeprägtere 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 tend to be more bitter and less suitable, unless they are explicitly very hochwertigen Robusta.
Our tip therefore: use lighter roasts at higher temperatures like with the ACM Homey. Such roasts are rarely found in supermarkets and certainly not among espresso roasts (if at all, then with filter roasts).
Specialty coffees that are roasted lighter are much better suited for higher brewing temperatures. A selection of roasteries that deal with specialty coffee has registered for the Projekt Coffee Panel. Just try some!
Processing and Technical Information of 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 very large – just a mid-sized dual boiler. The weight of the machine at 18 kg is also 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 there are no rubber feet or similar to dampen the rattling of 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 some difficulty. In fact, there are no handles or space for fingers to grip it easily. Our test machine had some dirt residue in the water tank and there were also scratches and dust deposits on the machine. Thorough cleaning before first use is recommended.
The water tank itself looks more high-quality than, for example, a Bezzera BZ10. It also comes without hoses and is easy to connect to the machine via a valve.
Striking are the many sharp edges of the machine. Hardly any espresso machine between 1000 and 2000 euros really has 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 cover to access the water tank.
Speaking of the drip tray. It is rather small, as the space of the cover is not fully utilized.
The railing, on the other hand, is made of metal and scores points against, for example, the Rocket Appartamento, which costs significantly more, but with which you only get a plastic railing. The metal version must be purchased separately.
Included in the package is a plastic tamper, which should first be replaced with a solid tamper. Plastic tampers are the best way to prevent good extractions, as they prevent consistent 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 video you can see the machine with a timer display, which costs 120 euros more than the basic model.
High Temperature? Great for Milk Frothing!
The high base temperature in the boiler, which leads to excessive brewing temperature, is conversely a plus for the preparation of milk froth and cappuccino.
When frothing, we have so much steam pressure that you can easily froth a large pitcher and the milk froths beautifully. This is especially enjoyable when you have several guests and want to practice latte art.
The steam wand, however, becomes very hot, including the rubber coating, which is actually meant to be gripped. The temperature, which is an advantage on one hand, has a disadvantage here too.
The cappuccini we 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 processing, you accept compromises, but you get a solid espresso machine. The technology used is proven and will do good work long-term – provided it is gepflegt and cleaned.
Important: use rather light espresso roasts, as the brewing temperature is somewhat too hot. Prolonged pre-flushing helps bring the temperature into a good range. If you like drinking cappuccino, the ACM Homey will satisfy you. The machine really delivers power! The milk wand is almost too hot to touch, but all the better suited for frothing.
Since milk froth is sweet and also likely balances the somewhat more bitter espresso, we see the ACM especially for milk drink lovers.
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