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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

Swan Retro Pump SK22110CN Review | 73 Data compared

Avg. price:~£70Type:Fully Automatic Espresso MachineWater Container Capacity:1.200 LPump Pressure:15 barBuilt-in Coffee Grinder:noAutomatic Milk Frother:no

Swan Retro Pump SK22110CN Review: Compare 73 technical specifications and 3 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Coffee Machines category and whether it is worth buying.

6.0

Overall score

Score
6.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 75% of models
Score components

95%

5.9

Technical score

5%

8.0

Review score ( 2 · 1)

Review score 5% · 8.0 · based on 3 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.
▼Worse than 75% of coffee-machines
5.9

Technical score

Technical score
5.9/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 77% of models
Score components

35%

6.2

Performance

25%

5.3

Coffee Preparation

25%

5.4

Features

15%

6.7

Design

▼Worse than 77% of coffee-machines
8.0

Review score

Review score
8.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 52% of models
Grades by review (3)
2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 2
✓ explicit
1

45.5%

8.0

techadvisor.com

≈ estimated
1

36.4%

9.0

idealgrind.co.uk

Video reviews 1

18.2%

6.0

Bad Food Blog

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
▼Worse than 52% of coffee-machines
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Best prices

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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 Swan Retro Pump SK22110CN

Technical score
Technical score
5.9/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 77% of models
Score components:

35%

6.2

Performance

25%

5.3

Coffee Preparation

25%

5.4

Features

15%

6.7

Design

5.9
Review score
Review score
8.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 52% of models
Grades by review (3)
2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 2
✓ explicit
1

45.5%

8.0

techadvisor.com

≈ estimated
1

36.4%

9.0

idealgrind.co.uk

Video reviews 1

18.2%

6.0

Bad Food Blog

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.0
Popularity
Popularity
9.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 83% of models
Popularity:
Swan Retro Pump SK22110CN has a popularity of 9.5 points, which is higher than 83% of coffee machines.
9.5
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components:

60%

6.0

Overall score

40%

9.8

Price

7.1
Power
1,100 W
Power
1,100 W
▼ Worse than 78% of models
Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
This coffee machine provides 1,100 W of heating power, which is lower than the power of 78.1% of coffee machines and equal to that of 8.5% of coffee machines.
Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
Water Container Capacity
1.2 L
Water Container Capacity
1.2 L
▼ Worse than 57% of models
Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
This coffee machine holds up to 1.2 L in its water tank, which is smaller than 56.8% of coffee machines and equal to that of 7.5% of coffee machines.
A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
Pump Pressure
15 bar
Pump Pressure
15 bar
▼ Worse than 30% of models
Market range: <15 bar – >19 bar
This coffee machine delivers 15 bar of pump pressure, which is higher than the pump pressure of 9% of coffee machines and equal to that of 61% of coffee machines.
The listed pump pressure is not necessarily the same as extraction pressure.
Heating Time
?
Heating System
Boiler
Show more
Type
Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
▲ 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
▼ 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
yes
Works with ESE Pods
yes
▲ Better than 76% of models
This coffee machine accepts ESE pods. 76% 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
▼ 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
yes
Water Level Indicator
yes
▲ Better than 40% of models
This coffee machine has a water level indicator. 39.8% 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
▼ 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
▼ 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
▼ 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
▼ 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
Cream
Vintage Look
yes
Vintage Look
yes
▲ Better than 88% of models
This coffee machine has vintage styling. 87.6% of coffee machines have this look.
A vintage look describes a deliberately retro or classic machine design rather than a modern aesthetic.
Housing Material
Stainless Steel
Drip Tray Material
Stainless Steel
Show more

Swan Retro Pump SK22110CN vs the average coffee machine

246810TotalPerformanceCoffee PreparationFeaturesDesign
  • Has a portafilter
    Portafilter
    yes
    ▲ 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
    ▲ 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.
  • Has vintage styling
    Vintage Look
    yes
    ▲ Better than 88% of models
    This coffee machine has vintage styling, while the average coffee machine does not. 12.6% of coffee machines have this look.
    A vintage look describes a deliberately retro or classic machine design rather than a modern aesthetic.
  • Accepts ESE pods
    Works with ESE Pods
    yes
    ▲ Better than 76% of models
    This coffee machine accepts ESE pods, while the average coffee machine does not. 24.2% of coffee machines accept ESE pods.
    ESE pod compatibility allows use of standard Easy Serving Espresso pods.
  • Has a thermometer
    Thermometer
    yes
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    This coffee machine has a thermometer, while the average coffee machine does not. 5.6% of coffee machines have a thermometer.
    A thermometer helps monitor the brewing or milk temperature.
  • 50 mm shallower depth
    Depth
    280.00 mm
    ▲ Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <245 mm – >452 mm
    This coffee machine requires less counter depth than the average coffee machine (280 mm vs 330 mm).
    Depth affects front-to-back counter space and placement clearance.
    280.00 mm vs 330.00 mm
  • 20% lighter body
    Weight
    3.600 kg
    ▲ Better than 71% of models
    Market range: <2.29 kg – >10.5 kg
    This coffee machine is lighter and easier to move than the average coffee machine (3.6 kg vs 4.5 kg).
    Lower weight can make the machine easier to move, while higher weight may indicate a more substantial build.
    3.600 kg vs 4.500 kg
  • 2.29x cheaper
    Swan Retro Pump SK22110CN is cheaper than the average coffee machine (£70 vs £160).
    £70 vs £160
  • 2.29x cheaper
    Swan Retro Pump SK22110CN is cheaper than the average coffee machine (£70 vs £160).
    £70 vs £160
  • 24.2% more popular
    Swan Retro Pump SK22110CN is more popular than the average coffee machine (9.46 vs 7.6).
    9.46 vs 7.62
  • Has a portafilter
    Portafilter
    yes
    ▲ 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
    ▲ 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.
  • Accepts ESE pods
    Works with ESE Pods
    yes
    ▲ Better than 76% of models
    This coffee machine accepts ESE pods, while the average coffee machine does not. 24.2% of coffee machines accept ESE pods.
    ESE pod compatibility allows use of standard Easy Serving Espresso pods.
  • Has a thermometer
    Thermometer
    yes
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    This coffee machine has a thermometer, while the average coffee machine does not. 5.6% of coffee machines have a thermometer.
    A thermometer helps monitor the brewing or milk temperature.
  • Has vintage styling
    Vintage Look
    yes
    ▲ Better than 88% of models
    This coffee machine has vintage styling, while the average coffee machine does not. 12.6% of coffee machines have this look.
    A vintage look describes a deliberately retro or classic machine design rather than a modern aesthetic.
  • 50 mm shallower depth
    Depth
    280.00 mm
    ▲ Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <245 mm – >452 mm
    This coffee machine requires less counter depth than the average coffee machine (280 mm vs 330 mm).
    Depth affects front-to-back counter space and placement clearance.
    280.00 mm vs 330.00 mm
  • 20% lighter body
    Weight
    3.600 kg
    ▲ Better than 71% of models
    Market range: <2.29 kg – >10.5 kg
    This coffee machine is lighter and easier to move than the average coffee machine (3.6 kg vs 4.5 kg).
    Lower weight can make the machine easier to move, while higher weight may indicate a more substantial build.
    3.600 kg vs 4.500 kg
  • 15 mm shorter body
    Height
    310.00 mm
    ▲ Better than 58% of models
    Market range: <251 mm – >385 mm
    This coffee machine has a lower profile under overhead cabinets than the average coffee machine (310 mm vs 325 mm).
    Height affects overhead clearance and cabinet placement.
    310.00 mm vs 325.00 mm
  • 24 mm narrower body
    Width
    200.00 mm
    ▲ Better than 58% of models
    Market range: <129 mm – >299 mm
    This coffee machine takes up less counter width than the average coffee machine (200 mm vs 224 mm).
    Width affects how much counter space the machine needs.
    200.00 mm vs 224.00 mm
  • 21.6% more compact volume
    Volume
    17,360 cm³
    ▲ Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <0.7 cm³ – >2 cm³
    This coffee machine takes up less overall space than the average coffee machine (17360 cm³ vs 22143 cm³).
    17,360 cm³ vs 22,143 cm³
  • 300 W lower power
    Power
    1,100 W
    ▼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
    This coffee machine offers lower heating power than the average coffee machine (1100 W vs 1400 W).
    Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
    1,100 W vs 1,400 W
  • No descaling programme
    Descaling Program
    no
    ▼ 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.
  • No cleaning alerts
    Cleaning Alert
    no
    ▼ 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.
  • Fixed cup clearance
    Adjustable Cup Clearance
    no
    ▼ 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
    ▼ 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.
  • No overheat protection
    Overheat Protection
    no
    ▼ Worse than 88% of models
    This coffee machine does not have overheat protection, while the average coffee machine does. 87.9% of coffee machines have overheat protection.
    Overheat protection helps prevent unsafe temperatures during operation.
  • No sleep mode
    Sleep Mode
    no
    ▼ 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.
  • 14 min longer before shut-off
    Time Before Auto Switch-Off
    29 min
    ▼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <1 min – >30 min
    This coffee machine stays powered on longer before turning off than the average coffee machine (29 min vs 15 min).
    The switch-off timer controls how long the machine remains active before shutting down.
    29 min vs 15 min
  • 1.4% worse value for money
    Swan Retro Pump SK22110CN has worse value for money than the average coffee machine (7.12 vs 7.2).
    7.12 vs 7.22
  • 300 W lower power
    Power
    1,100 W
    ▼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
    This coffee machine offers lower heating power than the average coffee machine (1100 W vs 1400 W).
    Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
    1,100 W vs 1,400 W
  • 0.2 L smaller water tank
    Water Container Capacity
    1.200 L
    ▼ Worse than 57% of models
    Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
    This coffee machine has a smaller water reservoir than the average coffee machine (1.2 L vs 1.4 L).
    A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
    1.200 L vs 1.400 L
  • No hot water dispenser
    Hot Water Dispenser
    no
    ▼ 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.
  • No descaling programme
    Descaling Program
    no
    ▼ 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.
  • No cleaning alerts
    Cleaning Alert
    no
    ▼ 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 overheat protection
    Overheat Protection
    no
    ▼ Worse than 88% of models
    This coffee machine does not have overheat protection, while the average coffee machine does. 87.9% of coffee machines have overheat protection.
    Overheat protection helps prevent unsafe temperatures during operation.
  • No sleep mode
    Sleep Mode
    no
    ▼ 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.
  • 14 min longer before shut-off
    Time Before Auto Switch-Off
    29 min
    ▼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <1 min – >30 min
    This coffee machine stays powered on longer before turning off than the average coffee machine (29 min vs 15 min).
    The switch-off timer controls how long the machine remains active before shutting down.
    29 min vs 15 min
  • Fixed cup clearance
    Adjustable Cup Clearance
    no
    ▼ 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.

Video reviews

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

Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

What reviewers agree on

Based on 2 · 1

Reviewers agree it froths milk really well, turning out creamy foam without fuss.
Praised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

bbcgoodfood.com
15/10/2019
Not graded yet
8.0
techadvisor.com
✓ explicit
15/08/2022
Expert test · Retro espresso
Verdict
The Swan Retro Pump SK22110CN makes good coffee and steams milk well, but its three-stage start-up and plastic build suit buyers who put looks first.
which.co.uk
N/A
Not graded yet
9.0
idealgrind.co.uk
≈ estimated
12/06/2026
Full review · Vintage espresso maker
Verdict
The Swan Retro Pump SK22110CN is a straightforward, stylish espresso maker for beginners, though it needs packed grounds for a strong cup.

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Swan Retro Pump SK22110CN

  • Attractive vintage style and aesthetic design available in multiple colours
  • Excellent value for money and highly affordable for an espresso machine
  • Produces good quality espresso shot extraction with consistent crema
  • Effective milk steam wand that is fast and easy to control with the dial
  • Generous 1.2-litre detachable water tank that is simple to remove and refill
  • Easy to clean with a fully removable drip tray
  • Useful front thermometer needle to track temperature rising
  • Fast heat-up times and simple setup process

What we don't like about Swan Retro Pump SK22110CN

  • Build quality feels somewhat cheap and plasticky in places
  • Mixed reliability reviews with some users reporting the steam wand stopping over time
  • Water pump can occasionally suffer from airlocks or flow blockages
  • Can produce weaker espresso unless the filter basket is very firmly packed
  • Occupies a relatively large worktop footprint
  • Some users report a faint plasticky aftertaste during the initial uses
  • Lacks advanced settings and personalization for experienced baristas

Verdict

The Swan Retro Pump Espresso Coffee Machine (SK22110CN) is an 1100W manual espresso maker featuring a 15-bar pressure pump system, a 1.2-litre detachable water tank, and a durable die-cast boiler. Main characteristics include its vintage-inspired aesthetic, compatibility with both ground coffee and ESE pods, a prominent front-facing temperature gauge, and a dual-cup option to brew one or two cups simultaneously. Pro highlights include its rapid 90-second preheating time, a traditional steam wand with manual dial control for customized milk frothing, and a highly budget-friendly price point for barista-style beverages. However, some cons include a relatively large countertop footprint, an entirely manual dispensing process that requires constant user monitoring, and the use of a pressurized portafilter that some enthusiasts feel creates a synthetic or artificial crema layer.

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