OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
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Scored using Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0
Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 901 independent expert reviews and 1,046 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0

SEVERIN KA 5978 Review | 73 Data compared

Avg. price:~£35Type:Espresso MachineWater Container Capacity:0.220 LPump Pressure:3.5 barBuilt-in Coffee Grinder:noAutomatic Milk Frother:no

SEVERIN KA 5978 Review: Compare 73 technical specifications and 4 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Coffee Machines category and whether it is worth buying.

4.6

Overall score

Score
4.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the coffee machine's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best coffee machines on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

95%

4.4

Technical score

5%

8.4

Review score ( 2 · 2)

Review score 5% · 8.4 · based on 4 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades.
â–¼Worse than 99% of coffee-machines
4.4

Technical score

Technical score
4.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance across brewing and drink preparation, coffee formats, maintenance and convenience, and design and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare coffee machines based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

35%

3.4

Performance

25%

4.5

Coffee Preparation

25%

4.8

Features

15%

5.7

Design

â–¼Worse than 99% of coffee-machines
8.4

Review score

Review score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Grades by review (4)
2 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 1
≈ estimated
1

36.4%

9.0

hogaryfogon.org

Video reviews 2

18.2%

8.0

Productos del Día a Día

9.1%

8.0

Mundo Cafetero

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 75% of coffee-machines
  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £35

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of coffee machine SEVERIN KA 5978

Technical score
Technical score
4.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance across brewing and drink preparation, coffee formats, maintenance and convenience, and design and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare coffee machines based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components:

35%

3.4

Performance

25%

4.5

Coffee Preparation

25%

4.8

Features

15%

5.7

Design

4.4
Review score
Review score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Grades by review (4)
2 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 1
≈ estimated
1

36.4%

9.0

hogaryfogon.org

Video reviews 2

18.2%

8.0

Productos del Día a Día

9.1%

8.0

Mundo Cafetero

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.4
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the coffee machine.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
SEVERIN KA 5978 has a popularity of 1 point, which is lower than 88.3% of coffee machines.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the coffee machine's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a coffee machine with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components:

60%

4.6

Overall score

40%

10

Price

6.2
Power
800 W
Power
800 W
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
This coffee machine provides 800 W of heating power, which is lower than the power of 97% of coffee machines and equal to that of 0.5% of coffee machines.
Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
Water Container Capacity
0.22 L
Water Container Capacity
0.22 L
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
This coffee machine holds up to 0.22 L in its water tank, which is smaller than 99.3% of coffee machines.
A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
Pump Pressure
3.5 bar
Pump Pressure
3.5 bar
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Market range: <15 bar – >19 bar
This coffee machine delivers 3.5 bar of pump pressure, which is lower than the pump pressure of 94.2% of coffee machines and equal to that of 0.5% of coffee machines.
The listed pump pressure is not necessarily the same as extraction pressure.
Heating Time
40 s
Heating Time
40 s
â–¼ Worse than 48% of models
Market range: <20 s – >60 s
This coffee machine is ready to brew in 40 s, which is faster than 36.3% of coffee machines and equal to that of 15.8% of coffee machines.
A shorter heating time means the machine is ready to use sooner.
Heating System
Boiler
Show more
What reviewers say
Type
Espresso Machine
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This coffee machine accepts ground coffee. 40.3% of coffee machines accept ground coffee.
Compatibility with powdered coffee allows use of pre-ground coffee.
Works with Beans
no
Works with Beans
no
â–¼ Worse than 38% of models
This coffee machine does not accept whole coffee beans. 38.1% of coffee machines accept whole coffee beans.
Bean compatibility indicates whether the machine can brew from whole coffee beans.
Works with ESE Pods
no
Works with ESE Pods
no
â–¼ Worse than 24% of models
This coffee machine does not accept ESE pods. 24.3% of coffee machines accept ESE pods.
ESE pod compatibility allows use of standard Easy Serving Espresso pods.
Works with Capsules
no
Works with Capsules
no
â–¼ Worse than 29% of models
This coffee machine does not accept coffee capsules. 28.6% of coffee machines accept coffee capsules.
Capsule compatibility indicates whether the machine accepts coffee capsules.
Show more
What reviewers say
Water Level Indicator
no
Water Level Indicator
no
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This coffee machine does not have a water level indicator. 60.4% of coffee machines have a water level indicator.
A water level indicator makes it easier to monitor the remaining reservoir water.
Water Filter
no
Water Filter
no
â–¼ Worse than 36% of models
This coffee machine does not have a water filter. 35.9% of coffee machines have a water filter.
A water filter can improve water quality and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
Descaling Program
no
Descaling Program
no
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
This coffee machine does not have a descaling programme. 66.8% of coffee machines have a descaling programme.
A descaling program simplifies maintenance by guiding the machine through limescale removal.
Cleaning Alert
no
Cleaning Alert
no
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This coffee machine does not alert you when cleaning is needed. 60% of coffee machines offer cleaning alerts.
A cleaning alert reminds you when routine machine cleaning is due.
Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
no
Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
no
â–¼ Worse than 22% of models
This coffee machine does not clean its milk circuit automatically. 21.7% of coffee machines offer automatic milk circuit cleaning.
Automatic milk-circuit cleaning simplifies hygiene after preparing milk drinks.
Show more
Built-in Installation
no
Color
black
Vintage Look
no
Vintage Look
no
â–¼ Worse than 13% of models
This coffee machine does not have vintage styling. 12.6% of coffee machines have this look.
A vintage look describes a deliberately retro or classic machine design rather than a modern aesthetic.
Housing Material
Plastic
Drip Tray Material
Plastic
Show more
What reviewers say

SEVERIN KA 5978 vs the average coffee machine

246810TotalPerformanceCoffee PreparationFeaturesDesign
  • Has a portafilter
    Portafilter
    yes
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    This coffee machine has a portafilter, while the average coffee machine does not. 36.8% of coffee machines have a portafilter.
    A portafilter supports brewing through a filter basket with ground coffee or compatible pods.
  • Has a steam wand
    Steam Wand
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This coffee machine has a steam wand, while the average coffee machine does not. 48.4% of coffee machines have a steam wand.
    A steam wand allows manual milk steaming and foam-texture control.
  • Listed as quiet
    Silent
    yes
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    This coffee machine is listed as having quiet operation, while the average coffee machine is not. 15.5% of coffee machines are listed as having quiet operation.
    A silent feature can reduce noise during grinding or brewing.
  • 62.7% lighter body
    Weight
    1.680 kg
    ★ Better than 99% of models
    Market range: <2.29 kg – >10.5 kg
    This coffee machine is lighter and easier to move than the average coffee machine (1.7 kg vs 4.5 kg).
    Lower weight can make the machine easier to move, while higher weight may indicate a more substantial build.
    1.680 kg vs 4.500 kg
  • 106 mm shallower depth
    Depth
    224.00 mm
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <245 mm – >452 mm
    This coffee machine requires less counter depth than the average coffee machine (224 mm vs 330 mm).
    Depth affects front-to-back counter space and placement clearance.
    224.00 mm vs 330.00 mm
  • 4.57x cheaper
    SEVERIN KA 5978 is cheaper than the average coffee machine (£35 vs £160).
    £35 vs £160
  • 25 mm shorter body
    Height
    300.00 mm
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    Market range: <251 mm – >385 mm
    This coffee machine has a lower profile under overhead cabinets than the average coffee machine (300 mm vs 325 mm).
    Height affects overhead clearance and cabinet placement.
    300.00 mm vs 325.00 mm
  • 32% more compact volume
    Volume
    15,052.8 cm³
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <0.7 cm³ – >2 cm³
    This coffee machine takes up less overall space than the average coffee machine (15052.8 cm³ vs 22143 cm³).
    15,052.8 cm³ vs 22,143 cm³
  • 4.57x cheaper
    SEVERIN KA 5978 is cheaper than the average coffee machine (£35 vs £160).
    £35 vs £160
  • Listed as quiet
    Silent
    yes
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    This coffee machine is listed as having quiet operation, while the average coffee machine is not. 15.5% of coffee machines are listed as having quiet operation.
    A silent feature can reduce noise during grinding or brewing.
  • Has a portafilter
    Portafilter
    yes
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    This coffee machine has a portafilter, while the average coffee machine does not. 36.8% of coffee machines have a portafilter.
    A portafilter supports brewing through a filter basket with ground coffee or compatible pods.
  • Has a steam wand
    Steam Wand
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This coffee machine has a steam wand, while the average coffee machine does not. 48.4% of coffee machines have a steam wand.
    A steam wand allows manual milk steaming and foam-texture control.
  • 106 mm shallower depth
    Depth
    224.00 mm
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <245 mm – >452 mm
    This coffee machine requires less counter depth than the average coffee machine (224 mm vs 330 mm).
    Depth affects front-to-back counter space and placement clearance.
    224.00 mm vs 330.00 mm
  • 62.7% lighter body
    Weight
    1.680 kg
    ★ Better than 99% of models
    Market range: <2.29 kg – >10.5 kg
    This coffee machine is lighter and easier to move than the average coffee machine (1.7 kg vs 4.5 kg).
    Lower weight can make the machine easier to move, while higher weight may indicate a more substantial build.
    1.680 kg vs 4.500 kg
  • 25 mm shorter body
    Height
    300.00 mm
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    Market range: <251 mm – >385 mm
    This coffee machine has a lower profile under overhead cabinets than the average coffee machine (300 mm vs 325 mm).
    Height affects overhead clearance and cabinet placement.
    300.00 mm vs 325.00 mm
  • 32% more compact volume
    Volume
    15,052.8 cm³
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <0.7 cm³ – >2 cm³
    This coffee machine takes up less overall space than the average coffee machine (15052.8 cm³ vs 22143 cm³).
    15,052.8 cm³ vs 22,143 cm³
  • 600 W lower power
    Power
    800 W
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
    This coffee machine offers lower heating power than the average coffee machine (800 W vs 1400 W).
    Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
    800 W vs 1,400 W
  • 1.18 L smaller water tank
    Water Container Capacity
    0.220 L
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
    Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
    This coffee machine has a smaller water reservoir than the average coffee machine (0.2 L vs 1.4 L).
    A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
    0.220 L vs 1.400 L
  • No descaling programme
    Descaling Program
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This coffee machine does not have a descaling programme, while the average coffee machine does. 66.6% of coffee machines have a descaling programme.
    A descaling program simplifies maintenance by guiding the machine through limescale removal.
  • Cannot brew two cups at once
    Two-Cup Function
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    This coffee machine cannot brew two cups at once, while the average coffee machine can. 68.9% of coffee machines offer two-cup brewing.
    A two-cup function can prepare two servings at the same time when the machine supports simultaneous output.
  • No cleaning alerts
    Cleaning Alert
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This coffee machine does not alert you when cleaning is needed, while the average coffee machine does. 59.8% of coffee machines offer cleaning alerts.
    A cleaning alert reminds you when routine machine cleaning is due.
  • No water level indicator
    Water Level Indicator
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This coffee machine does not have a water level indicator, while the average coffee machine does. 60.3% of coffee machines have a water level indicator.
    A water level indicator makes it easier to monitor the remaining reservoir water.
  • Fixed cup clearance
    Adjustable Cup Clearance
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This coffee machine does not have adjustable cup clearance, while the average coffee machine does. 67.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    Adjustable cup clearance allows the dispensing area or support to accommodate different cup heights.
  • No hot water dispenser
    Hot Water Dispenser
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    This coffee machine does not have a hot water dispenser, while the average coffee machine does. 57.6% of coffee machines have a hot water dispenser.
    A hot water dispenser supplies hot water for tea, coffee, or other drinks.
  • 7.62x less popular
    SEVERIN KA 5978 is less popular than the average coffee machine (1 vs 7.6).
    1 vs 7.62
  • 16.7% worse value for money
    SEVERIN KA 5978 has worse value for money than the average coffee machine (6.19 vs 7.2).
    6.19 vs 7.22
  • 600 W lower power
    Power
    800 W
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
    This coffee machine offers lower heating power than the average coffee machine (800 W vs 1400 W).
    Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
    800 W vs 1,400 W
  • 1.18 L smaller water tank
    Water Container Capacity
    0.220 L
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
    Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
    This coffee machine has a smaller water reservoir than the average coffee machine (0.2 L vs 1.4 L).
    A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
    0.220 L vs 1.400 L
  • 11.5 bar lower pump pressure
    Pump Pressure
    3.5 bar
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
    Market range: <15 bar – >19 bar
    This coffee machine delivers lower pump pressure than the average coffee machine (3.5 bar vs 15 bar).
    The listed pump pressure is not necessarily the same as extraction pressure.
    3.5 bar vs 15 bar
  • No hot water dispenser
    Hot Water Dispenser
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    This coffee machine does not have a hot water dispenser, while the average coffee machine does. 57.6% of coffee machines have a hot water dispenser.
    A hot water dispenser supplies hot water for tea, coffee, or other drinks.
  • 1 fewer drink recipes
    Number of Specialty Drinks
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >21
    This coffee machine offers fewer preset drink options than the average coffee machine (2 vs 3).
    More specialty-drink options provide a wider choice of preset beverages.
    2 vs 3
  • No descaling programme
    Descaling Program
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This coffee machine does not have a descaling programme, while the average coffee machine does. 66.6% of coffee machines have a descaling programme.
    A descaling program simplifies maintenance by guiding the machine through limescale removal.
  • Cannot brew two cups at once
    Two-Cup Function
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    This coffee machine cannot brew two cups at once, while the average coffee machine can. 68.9% of coffee machines offer two-cup brewing.
    A two-cup function can prepare two servings at the same time when the machine supports simultaneous output.
  • No water level indicator
    Water Level Indicator
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This coffee machine does not have a water level indicator, while the average coffee machine does. 60.3% of coffee machines have a water level indicator.
    A water level indicator makes it easier to monitor the remaining reservoir water.
  • No cleaning alerts
    Cleaning Alert
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This coffee machine does not alert you when cleaning is needed, while the average coffee machine does. 59.8% of coffee machines offer cleaning alerts.
    A cleaning alert reminds you when routine machine cleaning is due.
  • No sleep mode
    Sleep Mode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    This coffee machine does not have a sleep mode, while the average coffee machine does. 85.4% of coffee machines have a sleep mode.
    Sleep mode reduces energy use while the machine is not being used.
  • 15 min longer before shut-off
    Time Before Auto Switch-Off
    30 min
    â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
    Market range: <1 min – >30 min
    This coffee machine stays powered on longer before turning off than the average coffee machine (30 min vs 15 min).
    The switch-off timer controls how long the machine remains active before shutting down.
    30 min vs 15 min
  • Fixed cup clearance
    Adjustable Cup Clearance
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This coffee machine does not have adjustable cup clearance, while the average coffee machine does. 67.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    Adjustable cup clearance allows the dispensing area or support to accommodate different cup heights.
  • Fixed water tank
    Removable Water Tank
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    This coffee machine does not have a removable water tank, while the average coffee machine does. 96.9% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A removable water tank can be detached from the machine for filling or cleaning.
  • 20 cm shorter power cord
    Cable Length
    80 cm
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <78 cm – >120 cm
    This coffee machine has a shorter electrical reach than the average coffee machine (80 cm vs 100 cm).
    A longer cable can make outlet placement more flexible.
    80 cm vs 100 cm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Productos del Día a Día
≈ estimated
30/04/2025
Unboxing and hands-on review · espresso and cappuccino tests
Verdict
Severin KA 5978 is simple, compact and practical with good coffee for the price, though it brews at most four cups at a time.
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

What reviewers agree on

Based on 5 · 2

Reviewers like its compact size and good milk frothing, but agree the build feels flimsy and the coffee falls short.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Third-party reviews

What we like about SEVERIN KA 5978

  • Compact and lightweight size makes it highly portable for travelers, singles, and small kitchens
  • Equipped with an integrated steam nozzle capable of frothing milk for cappuccinos and lattes
  • Energy-efficient design featuring an automatic shut-off function roughly 30 minutes after brewing
  • Easy to clean due to a completely removable drip tray, draining plate, and steam nozzle
  • Includes a practical, graduated glass carafe with a cup scale that handles up to 4 cups of espresso

What we don't like about SEVERIN KA 5978

  • Operates strictly on steam/hydro-pressure (3.5 bar) rather than a professional high-pressure pump system
  • Limited capacity makes it unsuitable for large families or preparing major batches of coffee at once
  • Requires the heating element or steamer to remain explicitly engaged to maintain high brewing heat

Verdict

The SEVERIN KA 5978 is a compact, freestanding single-circuit espresso machine featuring an 800 W power rating and a 220 ml pressure tank that operates at a brewing pressure of approximately 3.5 bar. Designed for ground espresso coffee, it can brew up to 4 cups (0.35 L) directly into an included graduated glass carafe, and it incorporates an integrated steam nozzle for milk frothing alongside a combination control switch, an automatic steam/pressure release safety device, a removable drip tray, and an energy-saving auto-shutoff mechanism. Its primary advantages include a lightweight, travel-friendly design (weighing 1.35 kg to 1.8 kg) perfect for small spaces, straightforward analog operation, and easy-to-clean components. However, its main drawbacks are its relatively low 3.5-bar steam-driven pressure, which does not deliver authentic 9-to-15-bar barista-style espresso extraction, a small water tank capacity that requires frequent refills, and the lack of a built-in water level warning indicator.

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