Bialetti Tazzona Espresso Machine Review

If you’ve ever walked into a kitchen store or scrolled through an online coffee gadget catalog and wondered which electric espresso machine can actually pull a rich shot without breaking the bank, you’re not alone. Many home baristas want something that looks good, feels authentic, and—most importantly—makes espresso that resembles what you’d get at a proper café. The challenge is finding one that doesn’t sacrifice performance for design.

The Bialetti Tazzona is an electric espresso machine that delivers thick, bold espresso comparable to café quality. It features 20-bar pump pressure, a steam wand for milk frothing, and supports ground coffee, coffee pods, and Bialetti capsules. Available in red, black, white, and a two-tone colorway, it’s as much a style statement as it is a functional brewer—with a typical retail price around €170.

What Is the Bialetti Tazzona?

The Bialetti Tazzona is an electric espresso machine inspired by classic Italian coffee culture. Its eye-catching design mimics the shape of a coffee cup, making it stand out visually while staying true to its function. The Tazzona follows the success of Bialetti’s earlier Mokona model, which resembled a moka pot. Both machines have become popular gift choices among coffee enthusiasts.

Key Features and Specifications

The Tazzona is equipped with a powerful 20-bar pressure pump, essential for extracting a rich crema and bold flavors in espresso. It includes a built-in steam wand, allowing users to froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes. The machine offers brewing flexibility by accepting ground coffee, standard paper pods, and proprietary Bialetti coffee capsules. It comes in four vibrant color options: red, black, white, and a striking black-and-white combination.

Built with an emphasis on aesthetics, the Tazzona combines bold color choices with a form factor that resembles a drinking cup rather than a traditional espresso machine. This design choice contributes to its popularity as both a functional appliance and a decorative piece in modern kitchens.

How It Compares to Other Bialetti Models

Prior to the Tazzona, Bialetti released the Mokona, an electric espresso machine styled like a moka pot. The Mokona gained significant popularity and was often priced around $349.99 on platforms like Amazon. While the Mokona took design cues from stovetop brewers, the Tazzona takes its visual inspiration from the classic Italian coffee cup—offering a different aesthetic while maintaining a focus on performance.

Both machines reflect Bialetti’s commitment to merging Italian coffee tradition with modern electric functionality. However, the Tazzona’s cup-like silhouette and color range offer a fresh take aimed at a slightly different segment of style-conscious users.

Why Choose the Bialetti Tazzona?

The Tazzona stands out for several reasons. First, its 20-bar pump pressure ensures strong extraction suitable for authentic espresso. Second, the inclusion of a steam wand makes it versatile for milk-based drinks—a feature often missing in lower-end electric models. Third, its compatibility with multiple coffee formats (grounds, pods, and capsules) adds convenience and flexibility. Finally, its vibrant color options and cup-inspired design appeal to those who want their espresso machine to double as a conversation piece.

All of this comes at a competitive price point, typically around €170 internationally, positioning it as an accessible yet capable option for home baristas who value both form and function.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Bialetti Tazzona make real espresso?

Yes, the Bialetti Tazzona makes espresso with a 20-bar pump pressure system, which is capable of producing a rich, bold shot with crema similar to what you'd expect from a traditional café machine. It’s designed to deliver authentic espresso, especially when using freshly ground coffee.

Can you use pods or capsules in the Tazzona?

Absolutely. The Tazzona is compatible with ground coffee, standard paper coffee pods, and Bialetti’s own coffee capsules. This multi-format compatibility gives users flexibility based on preference or availability.

Does the Tazzona have a steam wand?

Yes, the Tazzona includes a steam wand, allowing you to froth milk for making cappuccinos, lattes, and other milk-based espresso drinks. This feature is often missing in similarly priced electric machines.

What colors does the Bialetti Tazzona come in?

The Tazzona is available in four color variants: red, black, white, and a two-tone black-and-white design. These bold color choices contribute to its stylish, eye-catching appearance.

How much does the Bialetti Tazzona cost?

The Tazzona generally retails for around €170 in international markets. That pricing sits between budget models and more premium home espresso machines, offering good value for its feature set.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Espresso

For the Bialetti Tazzona, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend and Commercial Blend are excellent starting points. Both are crafted with a touch of Robusta to enhance body and crema, delivering bold flavors like dark chocolate, toast, and spices—ideal for traditional-style espresso. The Specialty Blend adds refined nut and caramel notes from Colombian beans, perfect for those who prefer a cleaner, more nuanced cup. These blends perform well under 20-bar pressure and froth beautifully for milk drinks. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.