Atatix vs. The Competition
Choosing your first home espresso machine can be overwhelming. With dozens of compact, stainless steel models available, it’s hard to tell which one will actually deliver that café-quality crema and which will just take up counter space.
Today, we’re breaking down the Atatix 20-Bar Espresso Machine and seeing how it compares to three heavy hitters in the budget category: the Casabrews 3700 Essential, the De’Longhi Stilosa, and the Wirsh Home Barista.
1. Atatix 20-Bar Espresso Machine
The Modern All-Rounder The Atatix is the “new kid on the block” that has quickly gained a reputation for balancing high-end specs with a beginner-friendly interface.
- Standout Feature: The NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) control system. This ensures the water temperature stays consistent during the entire extraction, preventing that “burnt” or “sour” taste common in cheaper machines.
- The Build: It features a sleek, narrow profile (only 5.5 inches wide) and unique silicone suction cup feet that keep the machine from sliding when you’re locking in the portafilter—a small but genius design choice.
- Pros: 20-bar pressure, fast heating, and a dual-mode system (Manual and Automatic extraction).
- Cons: Accessories (like the tamper) are basic; serious users may want to upgrade to a metal tamper later.
2. Casabrews 3700 Essential
The Aesthetic Budget King Casabrews has dominated the budget space recently by offering machines that look like they cost $500 but retail for much less.
- Standout Feature: Aesthetic versatility. It comes in various colors (beige, green, etc.) to match modern kitchen decor.
- The Build: Very similar footprint to the Atatix, but with a focus on a “brushed” finish that resists fingerprints well.
- Pros: Excellent steam wand performance for its price point; very easy for absolute beginners to operate.
- Cons: Reviewers often note that the espresso consistency can vary slightly shot-to-shot compared to machines with more advanced PID/NTC controls.
3. De’Longhi Stilosa
The Reliable Heritage Brand If you prefer a name-brand you can find in any big-box store, the Stilosa is the go-to.
- Standout Feature: Brand reliability. De’Longhi has a massive service network and a long track record of durability.
- The Build: A bit wider and more “plastic-heavy” than the Atatix or Wirsh. It uses a 15-bar pump, which is the industry standard for traditional espresso.
- Pros: Wide community of users (plenty of YouTube tutorials specifically for this model), stainless steel boiler for longevity.
- Cons: Lower pressure (15-bar vs 20-bar) and a smaller water tank (33.8 oz) compared to the Atatix (45 oz).
4. Wirsh Home Barista
The “Prosumer” Lean The Wirsh machine is aimed at users who want to feel like a real barista, featuring more tactile controls.
- Standout Feature: Low-pressure pre-infusion. It gently dampens the coffee grounds before full pressure kicks in, which helps prevent “channeling” and leads to a more even extraction.
- The Build: Similar slim design to the Atatix. Often features a pressure gauge on the front of the unit (on certain models), which helps you “dial in” your grind size.
- Pros: Extremely fast 35-second heat-up time; includes a built-in water filtration system.
- Cons: The portafilter can feel a bit light/loose compared to the tighter seal on the Atatix.
This table highlights key specs like pressure (measured in bars), water tank capacity, and unique features that set each machine apart.
| Feature | Atatix | Casabrews 3700 Essential | De’Longhi Stilosa | Wirsh Home Barista |
| Pressure | 20-Bar | 20-Bar | 15-Bar | 20-Bar |
| Wattage | 1350W | 1350W | 1100W | 1450W |
| Water Tank | 45 oz (1.3L) | 49 oz (1.4L) | 33.8 oz (1.0L) | 42 oz (1.2L) |
| Frother Type | Adjustable Steam Wand | Commercial Steam Wand | Manual Frother | Adjustable Steam Wand |
| Dimensions | 12.2″D x 5.5″W x 11.2″H | 13″D x 6.5″W x 12.2″H | 13.5″D x 8.1″W x 11.2″H | 12.2″D x 5.5″W x 11.8″H |
| Best For | Manual/Auto Versatility | Modern Design | Heritage Brand Reliability | Maximum Extraction Speed |
| Special Features | NTC Temp Control & Suction Cup Feet | Brushed Stainless Steel | Dual-level cup holder | 35-second fast heating |
Key Takeaways
Pressure Advantage: Highlighting the 20-Bar pump is a major selling point. While the industry standard is 15-bar (like the De’Longhi Stilosa), the 20-bar system in the Atatix provides more power to push through finely-ground coffee for a thicker crema.
Space-Saving Footprint: At only 5.5 inches wide, the Atatix is one of the narrowest machines on the market, matching the Wirsh model. This makes it ideal for small apartments or office “coffee corners.”
Temperature Precision: The inclusion of NTC Temperature Control (found in your product specs) is a premium feature. It ensures the water is exactly the right temperature for extraction, preventing the “burnt” taste often found in cheaper machines.
Stability: The suction cup feet are a unique “quality of life” feature for the Atatix, preventing the machine from sliding on smooth countertops while locking the portafilter into place.
The Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
| If you want… | Buy the… |
| The best temperature stability & stability (suction feet) | Atatix |
| A pop of color and the lowest price point | Casabrews 3700 Essential |
| A trusted brand with easy-to-find replacement parts | De’Longhi Stilosa |
| The most advanced extraction features (Pre-infusion) | Wirsh Home Barista |
Final Thought: The Atatix holds a strong middle ground. It offers the high pressure of the Casabrews/Wirsh but adds the NTC temperature control that the Stilosa lacks in its entry-level price range. If you have limited counter space and want a machine that won’t slide around during use, the Atatix is the winner.
