Xiaomi is moving beyond the convenience of capsule coffee, shifting its focus toward the nuanced world of whole-bean brewing. The company has introduced the Mijia Smart Italian Semi-Automatic Coffee Maker Pro, a premium machine that prioritizes manual control and high-end engineering over the simplicity of pre-packaged pods. Priced at approximately $745 (4,999 yuan), the machine aims to bridge the gap between entry-level appliances and professional-grade gear for enthusiasts who want to dial in their perfect morning shot.
Developed in collaboration with Ningbo Kunling Technology, this unit is designed to handle the entire workflow of espresso preparation. It integrates a built-in grinder that measures coffee grounds to a precise 0.1-gram accuracy, eliminating the need for external kitchen scales. To ensure a clean experience, the grinder incorporates a plasma-based anti-static system, which mitigates the common issue of coffee grounds clumping or scattering around the hopper.
Under the hood, the machine is built for performance and consistency. It utilizes two independent water pumps and heating blocks, allowing users to extract espresso and steam milk simultaneously without the typical lag associated with single-boiler systems. By separating the hot and cold water paths, the machine maintains thermal stability, ensuring that cold extraction or hot espresso shots are delivered at the precise temperature required. Five NTC sensors constantly monitor the system, feeding data to a PID temperature controller to keep the brew head stable during the entire extraction process.
The unit features an imported ULKA pump capable of reaching 19 bars of pressure, a specification often sought after by home baristas for stable, high-pressure extraction. Xiaomi claims the system is durable enough to produce more than 10 consecutive cups without any degradation in performance. For those who enjoy milk-based drinks, the machine includes an automated frothing system compatible with both dairy and various plant-based milks. Users can adjust the texture of the foam to suit their preference, with nine granular settings for grind size and milk temperature available through the interface.
Integration with the Xiaomi Home app adds a layer of guidance for those still learning the ropes. The app hosts hundreds of preset recipes and a tutorial for a user's first cup, walking them through the entire process from grinding and tamping to extraction and cleaning. While the machine is currently available in China for roughly $745, there is no word yet on a global release. For enthusiasts looking for a smart, connected approach to cafe-quality coffee at home, this machine represents a significant step up from the standard capsule-based appliances found in the current Mijia lineup.
