AGARO Imperial Espresso Coffee Maker: Quick Review
The AGARO Imperial Espresso Coffee Maker offers professional-grade espresso at just ₹8,416. With its 15-bar pressure system, temperature control features, and versatile frothing capabilities, it brings the coffee shop experience into your kitchen. While it has a few minor drawbacks, the overall value proposition is excellent for serious coffee enthusiasts.
Let’s get into the full review.
A few months ago, I was done with spending ₹300 a pop at Starbucks for a latte that didn’t even hit right half the time. I wanted café-style coffee at home, without needing a barista certification or spending ₹50,000 on a Breville or DeLonghi. That’s when I stumbled upon the AGARO Imperial Espresso Coffee Maker — a machine that promised a lot for under ₹10,000.And after using it daily for over 6 weeks now, I can confidently say this: It’s the best budget semi-automatic espresso machine in India right now, with only a few things that could be improved. This machine punches above its weight class.
⭐ First Impressions & Build Quality
Right out of the box, the AGARO Imperial feels premium. The body is sturdy, the steel portafilter(51mm in size) is well-machined, and there’s a surprising heft to it. The analog temperature gauge immediately gives it a pro-machine vibe.
The control panel is thoughtfully designed with three switches that are logically arranged and easy to use:
- A power switch with LED indicator
- Pump control switch for espresso extraction
- Steam selector button for milk frothing
The machine’s footprint is reasonable for most kitchen countertops, though you’ll want to ensure you have sufficient space near a power outlet due to the relatively short power cord (approximately 2-2.5 feet).
If you’ve ever used those flimsy plastic ₹3,000 machines, this one is a whole different league.
🔍 Feature List (At a Glance)
| Feature | Details |
| Power | 1100W |
| Pressure | 15 Bar Pump Pressure – Ideal for espresso extraction |
| Milk Frother | Adjustable Steam Wand with Rotating Nozzle |
| Temperature Controls | Dual thermostat + Analog dial for real-time temperature monitoring |
| Shot Preset | Double-shot preset – Pulls 2 cups simultaneously |
| Water Tank Capacity | 1.2 Litres, removable with max/min indicators |
| Drip Tray | Removable, with red floater indicator for overflow |
| Included Accessories | Portafilter, measuring spoon, tamper, single & double shot filters |
| Body Material | Metal + high-durability ABS plastic |
| Warranty | 1 Year Warranty (via Agaro) |
✅ What’s Inside the Box
Inside the box of the AGARO Imperial Espresso Coffee Maker, you’ll find:
- Espresso Coffee Maker Unit – Sturdy stainless steel body with a sleek design
- Portafilter – For holding and brewing ground coffee
- Coffee Tamper – Helps evenly press ground coffee for better extraction
- 1.5L Removable Water Tank – Easy to refill and clean
- User Manual – Step-by-step guide to using and maintaining the machine
- Warranty Card – For service and support coverage
☕ Real World Use – What It’s Like to Brew Every Morning with AGARO Imperial Espresso Coffee Maker
In this review, we’ll show you how to use your AGARO Imperial Espresso Coffee Maker:
✔️ Brewing Espresso
Pulling a shot is simple:
- Fill the portafilter with finely ground coffee.
- Tamp it using the included tool.
- Lock it in, power the machine on, wait for preheat (dial hits the green zone).
- Hit the pump switch.
In under 30 seconds, you’ll get a nice crema-topped espresso. Honestly, I didn’t expect this quality from a sub-₹10K machine.
Pro Tip: Use fresh ground beans. I paired this with the AGARO coffee grinder and the taste difference is night and day.
✔️ Frothing Milk
The steam wand is powerful. You can make:
- Silky microfoam for latte art
- Thick foam for cappuccino
- Even warm milk for hot chocolate
The adjustable knob lets you control steam pressure, and the movable wand makes it easy to fit different size jugs.
✔️ Cleaning & Maintenance
Super easy:
- The frothing wand detaches for cleaning.
- Drip tray slides out with a handy red float indicator.
- Portafilter and filters rinse clean easily.
You should clean the steam wand right after use though — milk residues dry up quickly.
👍 Pros
- 15-bar pressure: Essential for proper espresso extraction — this delivers it.
- Analog thermometer: Gives you control over water and steam temperature.
- Dual shot capability: Can make 2 espressos at once, spacing is perfect.
- Great frothing: Doesn’t feel like a toy – can rival mid-range machines.
- Solid construction: Looks like it’ll last years with proper care.
👎 Cons
- Short power cable: At just ~2.5 feet, it limits where you can place it. You’ll probably need an extension cord.
- No built-in grinder: Not a con at this price, but worth noting. You’ll need a separate grinder for best results.
- Takes time to master: If you’re new to espresso machines, expect a learning curve — but that’s true of all semi-automatics.
Value for Money 💰
Priced around ₹9,000 (though prices fluctuate), the AGARO Imperial offers excellent value when compared to other semi-automatic espresso machines with similar features. Many competing models with 15-bar pressure systems and temperature controls typically cost significantly more, making this an attractive option for those seeking professional features on a reasonable budget.
Who Should Buy AGARO Imperial Espresso Coffee Maker?
The AGARO Imperial is ideal for:
- Coffee enthusiasts who want to move beyond instant coffee or basic drip machines
- Home baristas seeking professional features without breaking the bank
- Those who enjoy various coffee styles (espresso, cappuccino, latte, etc.)
- People with enough counter space for a semi-automatic machine
It might not be the best fit for:
- Those seeking a fully automated, one-touch experience
- People with extremely limited counter space
- Absolute beginners who prioritize simplicity over features
AGARO Imperial Espresso Coffee Maker 🆚 Competitor Comparison
Here’s how it stacks up against some other popular machines in the same segment:
| Product | Pressure | Milk Frother | Grinder Included | Price (₹) | Verdict | Link |
| AGARO Imperial | 15 Bar | Yes | No | ~₹9,000 | Best value, best control | Buy Now |
| Morphy Richards New Europa | 5 Bar | Basic | No | ~₹4,500 | Budget pick, weak espresso | Buy Now |
| Delonghi EC685 (Dedica) | 15 Bar | Yes | No | ~₹26,000 | Premium, slim, but pricey | Buy Now |
If you’re on a budget and want maximum manual control, the AGARO Imperial wins hands down.
🧠 Expert Tips for New Users
- Use filtered water for better taste and longer life.
- Don’t tamp too hard—aim for even, moderate pressure.
- Purge the steam wand before and after use.
- Warm your cup beforehand for café-level results.
- Learn basic latte art for fun (YouTube is your friend!).
📢 What Baristas & Reviewers Say
“For a machine under ₹10K, the AGARO Imperial comes dangerously close to prosumer quality. The 15-bar pump and steam wand offer enough range for serious espresso lovers.”
– Karan Shah, Coffee Consultant & Barista Trainer, BrewSociety India
“This is the kind of machine that turns casual coffee drinkers into hobbyist home baristas.”
– Sakshi G., Lifestyle Tech Writer at BeCaffeinated.in
🧾 Final Verdict: Should You Buy AGARO Imperial Espresso Coffee Maker?
If you’re ready to ditch overpriced coffee chains and want to dive into home brewing — without breaking the bank — the AGARO Imperial Espresso Coffee Maker is a near-perfect choice under ₹10,000.
It gives you:
- Great espresso shots with rich crema
- Silky milk froth for café-style drinks
- Control, flexibility, and a solid build
Sure, it’s not fully automatic. But that’s the beauty — you learn the craft, you get better every day, and you save thousands a year.
Rating: 4.5/5 🌟
Ideal for: Coffee lovers, students, couples, small families, aspiring home baristas
☕ Final Takeaway
This little machine won’t just make your mornings better — it might change how you think about coffee altogether. Invest in a good grinder, learn the basics, and you’ll be surprised at what you can brew in your kitchen.
🙋♀️ FAQ – People Also Ask
Q1: Can this machine make cappuccinos and lattes?
Absolutely! The steam wand creates great milk foam, and with a bit of practice, you can nail both.
Q2: Does it work with Nespresso or pods?
Nope, this is a ground-coffee-only machine. For pods, look into the Nespresso Essenza Mini.
Q3: Can I use it with instant coffee powder?
Please don’t. Use fresh ground beans or even pre-ground espresso blends for best results.
Q4: How long does it take to heat up?
About 45–60 seconds to reach brewing temperature.
Q5: What is the agaro imperial espresso coffee maker portafilter size?
The Agaro Imperial Espresso Coffee Maker comes with a 51mm portafilter size. This is a standard size for many home espresso machines, though slightly smaller than the commercial standard of 58mm portafilters.
The 51mm size affects factors like:
1. The amount of coffee grounds you can use per shot
2. Compatible accessories (like tampers and distribution tools)
3. Basket options if you want to replace or upgrade them
If you need accessories for your Agaro Imperial, be sure to look specifically for 51mm compatible items rather than the more common 58mm size.
