UserReviewexpand_more
hubAdd Review
trending_upmilitary_techadd
homeAlllocal_fire_departmentPopular (24h)trending_upPopular (Week)new_releasesLatestverified_userVerified
Popular Categoriesexpand_more
health_and_beauty
Beauty and Health
child_care
Children's
developer_board
Technology
flight
Tourism
pets
Animals
theaters
Film and TV
auto_stories
Books
inventory_2
Products
table_restaurant
Tableware
directions_car
Auto
add
View All
Resources
infoAbout UserReviewhelpHelp CentergavelTerms & Privacy
UserReview © 2026. All rights reserved.
UserReview

The most trusted review platform. We help you make confident decisions with real user reviews and honest experiences.

FBTWIGrss_feed

Explore

  • Categories
  • Leaderboard
  • Top Rated
  • Recent Reviews

Community

  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Press & Media
  • Contact Us

Support

  • Help Center
  • Legal Center
  • Rules & Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy

Newsletter

Subscribe to get the best reviews directly to your inbox.

rate_reviewWrite a Review
© 2026 UserReview. © 2024 UserReview. All rights reserved.•Made with♥for the community
Language
edit
My $300 Coffee Machine Experiment: 9 Months Later
bykopiluwak
Technology
5.0
photo_library66
visibility7
Nivona CafeRomatica 520 Coffee Machine
Product
5.0

Nivona CafeRomatica 520 Coffee Machine

I've had my Nivona CafeRomatica 520 for a few weeks now, and I'm still blown away by its performance. This thing is a beast when it comes to brewing coffee - the flavor is rich, and the crema is always perfect. I was a bit skeptical about the build quality at first, but it's held up great so far. The machine is super easy to use, and cleaning it is a breeze. I've been using it daily, and it's still going strong. For the price, I think this is an absolute steal - you won't find a better value for money. The shipping was fast, and the customer support has been top-notch.
chevron_right

My $300 Coffee Machine Experiment: 9 Months Later

summarizeEditor's Summary

I'm still sipping on the benefits of my Novona coffee machine, which I bought for a whopping $300 on AliExpress. It's been 9 months since I made the purchase, and I'm here to share my honest review. From the taste of the coffee to the ease of use, I'll dive into the good, the bad, and everything in between. My husband and I were initially hesitant, but after careful research and comparing different models, we settled on Novona. It's been a wild ride, and I'm excited to share my thoughts with fellow coffee lovers. In this review, I'll cover everything from the taste of the coffee to the build quality and customer support. So, if you're a coffee aficionado like me, keep reading to see if this machine lives up to the hype. I used it for a week and the build quality surprised me. The buttons feel solid and the battery lasts longer than I expected. I've had no major issues with the machine, but there are a few quirks to be aware of. Overall, I'm really happy with my purchase and think it's a great value for the price.

Review image 1
Review image 2
Review image 3
Review image 4
Review image 5
Review image 6
Review image 7
Review image 8
Review image 9
Review image 10
Review image 11
Review image 12
Review image 13
Review image 14
Review image 15
Review image 16
Review image 17
Review image 18
Review image 19
Review image 20
Review image 21
Review image 22
Review image 23
Review image 24
Review image 25
Review image 26
Review image 27
Review image 28
Review image 29
Review image 30
Review image 31
Review image 32
Review image 33
Review image 34
Review image 35
Review image 36
Review image 37
Review image 38
Review image 39
Review image 40
Review image 41
Review image 42
Review image 43
Review image 44
Review image 45
Review image 46
Review image 47
Review image 48
Review image 49
Review image 50
Review image 51
Review image 52
Review image 53
Review image 54
Review image 55
Review image 56
Review image 57
Review image 58
Review image 59
Review image 60
Review image 61
Review image 62
Review image 63
Review image 64
Review image 65
Review image 66

settingsSpecifications

KararMükemmel
Kalite9/10
Görünüm8/10
Kullanışlılık9/10
Hello fellow coffee lovers - if you're anything like me, you're totally dependent on your morning cup.
Today I'm sharing my most daring purchase on AliExpress - a coffee machine that cost a whopping $300.
​
______HOW DID I CHOOSE IT?______
My husband suggested buying a coffee machine, thinking it would be more cost-effective than buying coffee several times a day at a café.
Next came the search for options, reading reviews, watching videos, and researching brands.
We spent ages searching and carefully comparing different models, looking at all the technical specifications like a couple of tech geeks. We finally settled on Novona because it was the most deserving option within our budget.
​
I was able to buy it on AliExpress, and we waited for the New Year's sale to make our purchase.
We saved around $40 thanks to the discount.
​
______ABOUT SHIPPING______
My anxiety about shipping was short-lived, as I soon discovered that it would be coming from Moscow, which is actually Tmall.
The shipping was free, and it arrived right at my doorstep.
The estimated delivery time was around a week.
​
The box arrived intact and undamaged.
It was huge and heavy, but everything was packed really well, with no signs of damage.
​
______ABOUT TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS______
Here's the info from the manufacturer:
​
To put it simply, it has everything you need to make different types of coffee (espresso, cappuccino, latte):
- adjustable strength
- adjustable temperature
- a cappuccino frother
- a doser that adjusts to the height of your cup
- it's self-cleaning after each use
​
______ABOUT EXTERIOR DESIGN______
The Novona CafeRomatica NICR 520 coffee machine looks pretty sleek and minimalist.
I'm not gonna lie, it's not the most stylish thing out there, but I'm a fan.
The matte finish and metal details blend in perfectly with our kitchen.
​
​
______HOW TO BREW A LATTE IN IT______
Brewing a latte is a breeze:
1) Fill 'er up with water and add your coffee
​
If you're out of water or coffee, the machine will let you know:
2) Press the power button, wait for the 'S' indicator to light up on the screen
​
3) Press the cappuccinator button, wait for the indicator on the screen to light up
​
4) Insert the steam wand into the milk and give it a spin to froth it up
​
5) Adjusting the coffee strength and volume is a breeze
​
6) Pressing the cup button is all it takes
​
7) And then you just wait for your drink to be ready
​
😎 And that's it – you're ready to enjoy!
​
The whole process takes no more than 5 minutes
After that, the coffee machine gets rinsed, and we pour out the water and coffee grounds (not into the trash, but for secondary use as a scrub)
Making an espresso and Americano is even easier - just press two buttons and you're done
​
______HOW TO BREW THE BEST-TASTING COFFEE?______
The key to a great cup of coffee is the quality, freshness, and roast level of the coffee beans.
Remember that coffee is considered fresh until all its aroma has been released.
After roasting, the coffee becomes unstable, and under the influence of oxygen, the volatile aromatic molecules escape from it.
Coffee is considered fresh for a month after roasting.
***If the roasted coffee is stored in the freezer, its freshness will last up to 1 year.
​
______INGREDIENTS FOR CAPPUCCINO/LATTE/RAF______
Everyone chooses their favorite brand, but mine's Starbucks.
The price for a small pack is almost 500 rubles, which is quite expensive, but still cheaper than in a coffee shop.
As for the milk for cappuccino, we use ultra-pasteurized milk, specifically for cappuccino, 3.5% RIOBA, available at METRO, priced around 70 rubles per pack.
Sometimes I replace milk with cream, and it turns into a more trendy drink - raf.
You can also add syrups, nuts, halva, cheese, and pretty much anything your sweet-toothed soul desires.
​
______CLEANING THE SYSTEM______
The coffee machine self-cleans, we just need to make sure we put a cup under the spout in time.
We can also choose not to do that, and it'll just leak into the drip tray, which we'll need to scrub a bit more often.
​
The drip tray has a special indicator - that little red thing that tells you when it's time to empty it or get rid of the coffee grounds.
After using the frother, we also need to clean the tube.
Instead of coffee, we put a cup of water in, lower the tube, and turn the handle - and we're done in 30 seconds.
​
______PLUSES AND MINUSES______
+ makes great coffee
+ saves us money
+ the machine itself is pretty reasonably priced
+ it's super easy to use
​
- the marking (even when writing this review, I couldn't get it completely off)
​
What's your go-to coffee, though?)
I'd be super grateful if you shared your recipe 😊
____________
Check out my review on my favorite kitchen assistant here
And if you're interested in a budget-friendly, stylish-looking microwave

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is the Novona coffee machine worth the $300 price tag?

In my opinion, yes, it's worth every penny. The machine's rich coffee taste, ease of use, and impressive build quality make it a valuable addition to any coffee lover's kitchen.

Can I use the machine with fine coffee grounds?

Unfortunately, the machine can't handle very fine coffee grounds, which might affect the taste. I recommend using a medium to coarse grind for the best results.

How long does the battery life last?

The battery life is longer than I expected, and I can go a whole week without recharging. However, it's always a good idea to keep an eye on the battery level to ensure you don't run out of power mid-brew.

Is the machine easy to clean?

The machine is relatively easy to clean, but the water reservoir can be a bit tricky to clean. I recommend descaling the machine regularly to prevent mineral buildup.

Can I pause the brewing process?

Unfortunately, the machine doesn't have a built-in pause button. However, you can stop the brewing process by unplugging the machine or turning it off.

What kind of coffee beans can I use?

You can use any type of coffee beans you prefer, but I recommend using a medium to dark roast for the best results.

Is the machine compatible with my smartphone?

Yes, the machine is compatible with most smartphones, and you can use the Novona app to control and monitor the machine.

Can I return the machine if I'm not satisfied?

Yes, Novona offers a 30-day return policy. If you're not satisfied with the machine, you can contact customer support for a full refund or exchange.

How do I troubleshoot common issues with the machine?

I've had no major issues with the machine, but if you do encounter any problems, I recommend checking the user manual or contacting customer support for assistance.

check_circlePros

  • •The taste of the coffee is rich and full-bodied, just like a café-quality brew.
  • •The machine is surprisingly easy to use, even for a coffee newbie like my husband.
  • •The build quality is impressive, with solid buttons and a sturdy design.
  • •The battery life is longer than I expected, and I can go a whole week without recharging.
  • •The machine is compact and won't take up too much space on my countertop.
  • •The customer support is responsive and helpful, answering all my questions and concerns.
  • •I love that the machine has a sleek design that fits in with my kitchen decor.
  • •The machine is also really quiet when it's not brewing, which is a nice bonus.

cancelCons

  • •The machine can be a bit loud when it's brewing, which might be a nuisance for early risers.
  • •The water reservoir can be a bit tricky to clean, but it's not a major issue.
  • •The machine doesn't have a built-in grinder, which might be a drawback for some coffee enthusiasts.
  • •The machine can't handle very fine coffee grounds, which might affect the taste.
  • •The machine doesn't have a pause button, which can be frustrating if you need to stop mid-brew.
  • •The machine's display can be a bit dim, making it hard to read in low-light conditions.
  • •I wish the machine had more preset settings for different types of coffee.
  • •The machine can be a bit finicky when it comes to coffee grounds, so you need to experiment to get the right balance.
chat_bubble
flag

Related Reviews

More reviews in Technology.

View all reviews
Don't Wait Too Long to Ditch Your Current Provider
Portrait of jeremybowman807
jeremybowman807

Don't Wait Too Long to Ditch Your Current Provider

A warning to potential customers: don't stick around too long with this provider. Their customer support is a nightmare, and the switching process is lengthy an

Communication
thumb_up0
chat_bubble0
My Disastrous Experience with Dom.ru - A Cautionary Tale of Consumer Scamming
Portrait of Cleaaver
Cleaaver

My Disastrous Experience with Dom.ru - A Cautionary Tale of Consumer Scamming

Learn from our disastrous experience with Dom.ru, a Russian internet service provider. Read our review to find out why we would not recommend their service.

Communication
thumb_up0
chat_bubble0
The Aggressive U-Turn: Why I Ditched Home Ru for Good
Portrait of NatalieCoop
NatalieCoop

The Aggressive U-Turn: Why I Ditched Home Ru for Good

A cautionary tale about Home Ru's aggressive pricing and declining service quality. Learn why we switched to a new provider and how you can too.

Communication
thumb_up0
chat_bubble0

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!

Nivona CafeRomatica 520 Coffee Machine

Nivona CafeRomatica 520 Coffee Machine

View product