ANYCOLD ST-699B Espresso Machine Review

Intro

If you want a small counter espresso machine that promises café-style shots without taking up half the kitchen, the ANYCOLD ST-699B positions itself for that role. The listing describes a 20-bar pump system, a 1450W motor, an included milk frother and 34 oz removable water tank, and buyers in early owner feedback repeatedly report thick crema, quick warm-up, and solid steam performance for lattes and cappuccinos. This review walks through what the product claims, what owners consistently report, how it behaves in daily use, and the safety and durability notes to check before you buy.

What it is / first look

The ANYCOLD ST-699B is a semi-automatic espresso machine listed as stainless steel (with ABS reported in the bullet copy) and sized to fit small counters. The model number is ST-699B; the listing names it for home or office use and says it supports cappuccino, espresso, latte, and mocha. The machine’s item dimensions are 12.2"D x 5.32"W x 11.5"H and it includes the espresso machine itself, a 34 oz removable water tank, a portafilter with single and double cup filter baskets, and a tamper with spoon plus a user manual.

The listing calls out a “20-bar pump system” together with a “powerful 1450W motor” and claims those work to produce a “perfect 9-bar extraction” for café-style espresso. The control scheme is described as intuitive buttons with custom settings and an energy‑saving auto shut-off. The exterior is described in the listing as stainless steel with ABS components and the product color is listed as “Creamy.”

What comes in the box

• Espresso machine (ANYCOLD ST-699B)
• 34 oz removable water tank
• Portafilter with single and double cup filters
• Tamper with spoon
• User manual

How it looks and fits

The machine is described as compact and slim in owner reports — narrow enough to live on a crowded counter or fit in a small apartment kitchen. The listing dimension set above is the official spec; owners repeatedly note it’s a smaller footprint than many full-size machines and praise the stainless-steel look paired with the “Creamy” color as attractive on a countertop.

In daily use

Owner feedback is consistent: the ST-699B makes espresso that looks and tastes like café shots for most home users, and the steam wand can generate a good microfoam after a brief learning curve. Below are the daily-use takeaways that appear repeatedly in owner notes.

Pulling shots

• The listing’s pump and motor claims (20-bar pump, 1450W motor) are repeatedly mentioned by owners as contributing to rich shots and a visible crema. The listing also says the system delivers a “perfect 9-bar extraction,” and owners describe shots as robust and well extracted.
• Owners emphasize the importance of proper dosing and tamping: the portafilter has a max line and multiple people report that overfilling the basket prevents the filter from locking in and makes a mess. The practical takeaway from owners is to measure your grounds and respect the max line on the filter.

Steam wand and milk

• The listing includes a 360° steam wand and owners report it produces good foam for lattes and cappuccinos. Several owners say the wand heats milk quickly and can create velvety microfoam after a couple of attempts.
• Owners note a short learning curve for wand positioning and technique; they recommend practicing and clearing the wand of water before steaming, a step several owners mention as part of starting the machine each morning.

Water tank and refill

The removable 34 oz water tank is repeatedly praised in owner notes for being easy to refill and clean. If you brew multiple drinks back-to-back, owners say 34 oz is convenient for a household but you’ll want to keep an eye on level and refill as needed for frequent use.

Controls and workflow

The listing describes intuitive buttons with custom settings and auto shut-off. Owners say the controls are simple and that the machine warms up quickly; a common owner tip is to run a water-only cycle first to bring the unit up to temperature before the first espresso shot of the day. Several owners also note the machine is quiet relative to its claimed motor size.

Where it fits best

Small kitchens & apartments

Owners repeatedly call out the slim footprint as a major advantage — it’s narrow enough to live permanently on a crowded counter. The compact size plus the removable tank makes it a practical choice where space is limited.

Office, dorms, or small households

Buyers describe it as office‑friendly and suitable for a shared coffee station. The inclusion of both single and double shot baskets and a tamper means you can make quick single shots for solo use or do doubles for two people, and the auto shut-off is a convenience for intermittent use around the workday.

Materials & build quality

Material facts from the listing: the product material field lists Stainless Steel, and the listing copy describes the exterior as stainless steel and ABS. Those are the manufacturer-listed construction details; owners describe the unit as feeling reasonably sturdy for the price and note the stainless look complements modern kitchens.

What the listing says

• Material: Stainless Steel (listed)
• Body described as stainless steel and ABS (bullet copy)

Owner impressions

• Owners repeatedly say the machine feels solid during extraction and doesn’t rattle — a common comment is that it feels well-built for its size and price class.
• Several owners call out the inclusion and usability of the accessories (portafilter, single/double baskets, tamper) as helpful for getting started without buying add‑ons.
• Some owners report strong suction cups on the base that help keep the machine stable on the counter during use.

Note: the listing does not provide third-party certifications or explicit food-contact statements beyond the material listing. If material specifics or certifications matter to you, verify the current listing or manufacturer documentation before purchase.

Safety considerations

Kitchen safety is first: steam wands, hot water, and pressurized systems can cause burns if handled carelessly. The listing notes an energy-saving auto shut-off; owners also mention running an initial water cycle to warm the machine and clearing the wand before steaming. Below are the safety points drawn from the listing and owner feedback.

Key safety signals from listing & owners

• The listing describes an energy-saving auto shut-off feature — that’s an explicit listing claim and can reduce risk of leaving the machine on accidentally.
• Owners recommend running a water-only cycle on first start and before steaming to reach operational temperature and clear residual water; this practice is frequently repeated in owner notes.
• Because this is a pressurized, hot-water appliance with a steam wand, owners caution about typical scald risks when steaming milk or dispensing hot water. The standard safety step mentioned by owners is to have a separate empty cup to purge the wand of water before steaming milk.
• Several owners praise the machine’s stability and note suction cups on the base, which owners say keep it from shifting during extraction — a positive safety signal for counter stability.

What the listing doesn’t specify: the listing does not list independent safety certifications or a warranty duration in the provided specs. The manufacturer claims materials and features, but the listing is silent about third‑party safety approvals; verify current manufacturer documentation if certifications affect your purchase decision.

Who this is for / who should skip

Below I break down the user profiles that match the ANYCOLD ST-699B based on the listing and owner feedback.

Good fit

• Beginners who want to learn pull timing and basic steaming: owners repeatedly call this an entry-level machine that makes café-style drinks after a short learning curve.
• Small kitchens, apartments, or offices: the slim footprint and removable 34 oz tank are features owners repeatedly praise for these scenarios.
• Budget-conscious coffee lovers who want milk-based drinks at home: owners say the combination of the pump, steam wand, and included accessories means you can replace routine coffee‑shop visits.

Who should skip or look elsewhere

• Experienced baristas or people demanding advanced temperature/pressure programming: the listing describes a semi-automatic machine with intuitive buttons and custom settings, but this model is positioned as an entry-level home machine rather than a commercial/expert unit.
• Buyers who need explicit third-party certifications or very detailed material provenance: the listing lists materials (stainless steel, ABS) but doesn’t include third-party certifications in the provided specs; verify current documentation if that matters for you.

Verdict

On balance the ANYCOLD ST-699B looks like a strong entry-level semi-automatic espresso machine based on the listing’s claimed specs and the consistent pattern in owner feedback. The listing claims a 20-bar pump paired with a 1450W motor and a removable 34 oz tank; owners repeatedly report rich shots with good crema, effective steaming for milk drinks after a brief learning curve, ease of cleaning, and a compact footprint that fits small kitchens and offices.

Owners do emphasize a few practical points: don’t overfill the portafilter past the max line, run an initial water cycle to warm the machine, and practice wand technique to get your preferred milk texture. Several owners also note stability advantages from suction feet and say they experienced no leaks or rattling during extraction.

Check before you buy (quick checklist)

• Confirm current listing details for materials and any updated safety or certification info — the listing currently describes stainless steel and ABS.
• Verify that a 34 oz removable tank meets your household’s daily capacity needs.
• Plan for a short learning curve on tamping and wand technique—owners recommend measuring grounds and using the portafilter max line.
• Check whether the included accessories (portafilter, single/double baskets, tamper) cover the extras you need; owners note no milk pitcher is included.
• If third-party safety certifications or warranty length are important, consult the manufacturer/documentation — the provided listing materials do not list certifications or warranty length.

Bottom line: the ST-699B is a compact, user-friendly option for home or office users who want café-style shots and steamed milk without a large machine. Owners repeatedly praise the taste, crema, and steam performance for the price and size, but plan to spend a little time learning tamp pressure and wand positioning for best results.

Colors

The listing lists the product color as “Creamy.” Owners and the listing show the stainless-steel exterior and the Creamy colorway. Available colors may include:

• Creamy

FAQ

See below for short answers to common shopper questions based on the listing and owner feedback.

1) Can I use coffee pods with this machine?

The listing specifies the coffee input type as Ground, so it’s designed for ground espresso rather than pods. The included portafilter and filter baskets are set up for ground coffee.

2) How big is the water reservoir?

The listing states the machine includes a removable 34 oz water tank, and owners consistently praise that size for easy refilling and cleaning.

3) What pressure does it run at? Is the 20 bar claim real?

The listing claims a 20-bar pump system and says it delivers a “perfect 9-bar extraction.” Owner feedback repeatedly mentions the 20-bar marketing and reports that the unit pulls rich shots with a good crema. One owner noted that the machine’s gauge read around 12 bar in their use, which suggests real-world pressure can differ from the marketing figure — this is both a common pattern with consumer espresso machines and something owners mentioned directly.

4) Does it steam milk well for lattes and cappuccinos?

The listing includes a 360° steam wand and owners repeatedly report that it produces good foam and heats milk quickly. Several owners mention a short learning curve for wand placement and recommend purging the wand of water before steaming.

5) What are the machine dimensions and will it fit on my counter?

The listing lists item dimensions as 12.2"D x 5.32"W x 11.5"H. Owner feedback describes the unit as compact and narrow enough to fit on small counters and in apartments.

6) How durable is it? Will it last a long time?

Owner reports in early feedback are positive about build feel and day-to-day performance—they describe the unit as sturdy during extraction and note no leakage in the reported timeframe. There are no repeated reports of parts failing or motors burning out in the provided owner notes, but long-term warranty or longevity specifics are not listed in the product specs; if longevity is critical, check the manufacturer’s current documentation and warranty information before you buy.

7) Is a milk pitcher or espresso shot glasses included?

The listing’s included components are the espresso machine, 34 oz removable water tank, portafilter, single/double cup filter, tamper with spoon, and user manual. Owners point out that a milk pitcher and espresso shot glasses are not included and may be purchased separately if you want easier steaming or shot measurement.

8) Does the machine have an auto shut-off or energy-saving feature?

The listing describes an energy-saving auto shut-off; owners also mention the convenience of the machine shutting off automatically if left unattended.

Final note

The ANYCOLD ST-699B brings a lot of café-style capability to a small footprint: a listed 20-bar pump, 1450W motor, 34 oz removable tank, and a 360° steam wand for milk drinks. Early owner feedback underscores that this model delivers rich shots and good steaming for home and office users, but it’s still an entry-level semi-automatic unit that benefits from proper dosing and a bit of practice. Verify current listing and manufacturer documentation for updated material, safety, or warranty details before purchasing.