Review · Espresso machines
Russell Hobbs Distinctions espresso machine review: a budget pump espresso
The Russell Hobbs Distinctions espresso machine (26450) was out of stock at Russell Hobbs UK on 3 Oct 2026. Here's what it does, how to use it and what to buy instead.
This Russell Hobbs Distinctions espresso machine review covers the 26450 in black, along with the Ocean Blue (26451) and Titanium (26452) versions. Russell Hobbs UK listed all three, but every colour was out of stock, checked 3 Oct 2026. We haven’t tested this in person. Our verdict is based on Russell Hobbs UK’s product page, the 26450 instruction manual and UK prices checked 3 Oct 2026. Read how we compare.
Russell Hobbs Distinctions espresso machine review: the short answer
Consider the Russell Hobbs Distinctions if you find one in stock at a fair price and want a simple pump espresso machine with one- and two-cup buttons and a steam wand.
Buy something else for now if you need a machine this week. Russell Hobbs’ own Everyday Espresso was in stock at £149.99 (checked 3 Oct 2026), and the De’Longhi Stilosa was £89 at Currys. The Swan Retro is another budget option; check price at Swan. Swan Retro Pump Espresso SK22113: Check price at Amazon for Swan Retro Pump Espresso SK22113 (opens in a new tab)
Who it isn’t for: anyone who wants a built-in grinder. You’ll need ground coffee.
What it costs right now
- Distinctions Espresso Machine, black (26450): Check price at Russell Hobbs UK; out of stock, checked 3 Oct 2026.
- Ocean Blue (26451): Check price at Russell Hobbs UK; out of stock, checked 3 Oct 2026.
- Titanium (26452): Check price at Russell Hobbs UK; out of stock, checked 3 Oct 2026.
- Black 26450 at Amazon: check price at Amazon. On 3 Oct 2026 it said usually dispatched within 6 to 7 months.
Currys’ search showed no Russell Hobbs espresso machines on 3 Oct 2026, and Argos and AO blocked our requests, so we couldn’t confirm a price elsewhere. Russell Hobbs offers an email alert for when stock returns.
Who it isn’t for: anyone who wants a specific colour soon.
Specs from Russell Hobbs
- Pump and heating: a 15-bar pump and a thermoblock heater, which Russell Hobbs says heats up quickly and holds a steady temperature.
- Drinks: single or double shots, with automatic and manual dispensing.
- Milk: a steam wand on a swivel arm, which also gives hot water.
- Cup warmer: space for four cups on top.
- Size and power: 38.5cm high and 1350W.
- In the box (per the manual): portafilter, one-shot and two-shot sieves, a measure and tamper, and a cleaning tool.
- Guarantee: two years from first retail purchase, per the manual.
Russell Hobbs doesn’t give the water tank capacity on its product page or in the manual.
Who it isn’t for: anyone who needs to know the tank size before buying.
How you use it, per the manual
After you switch on, the display runs a pre-heat cycle and shows a ready icon when it’s hot. Press the one-cup or two-cup button for an automatic shot. Or hold the manual button to pour as much as you want, for up to 60 seconds.
For milk, press the steam button, wait for the machine to heat, then open the steam control. The further you turn it, the more steam you get. Steam runs for up to 180 seconds and hot water for up to 90. The manual says the machine needs a short cooling period after steaming before it will brew again, and you can run hot water to cool it faster.
Who it isn’t for: anyone making several milk drinks back to back. The cooling pause slows you down.
Not working? What the manual says
- No espresso: check the tank isn’t empty, clean a blocked portafilter or sieve, descale the machine, or adjust the grind.
- Leaks around the portafilter: refit it and turn it fully to the right.
- Portafilter won’t fit: use less coffee, and clean the area where it fits.
- Weak coffee: use more coffee and tamp it more firmly.
- Caution icon: close the steam control before brewing, and stay within the 60, 180 and 90-second limits.
Who it isn’t for: anyone hoping to fix internal faults. Contact Russell Hobbs or your retailer under the guarantee.
Cleaning and descaling
Clean the steam nozzle after every use by steaming into a cup of clean water, then wipe it. The nozzle tip pulls off, and the nozzle, sieves, drip tray and drip tray cover can go in the dishwasher. A clean icon appears after about 500 cycles to tell you to descale. The manual says never to use vinegar or descalers based on mineral acids, and that faults caused by scale are charged for under the guarantee.
Who it isn’t for: anyone in a hard water area who won’t descale.
Downsides
- Out of stock in every colour at Russell Hobbs UK on 3 Oct 2026.
- No tank size listed.
- Cooling pause after steaming.
- No grinder.
Who it isn’t for: anyone who wants a machine they can order today.
Alternatives to consider
- Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso 28700: £149.99 at Russell Hobbs UK, in stock, checked 3 Oct 2026. It takes ground coffee or Nespresso Original-compatible capsules, with a pannarello steam wand, a cup warmer, a 1.5-litre tank and 1100W.
- Swan Retro Pump Espresso Digital SK22113: Check price at Swan. See our Swan Retro espresso machine review.
- De’Longhi Stilosa EC260BK: £89 at Currys, in stock, checked 3 Oct 2026. See our De’Longhi Stilosa review.
For a step up, see our De’Longhi Dedica EC685 review. For cheaper picks, see our guide to the best coffee machine under £100, or browse all espresso machines. De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685: See it at Currys for De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685 (opens in a new tab)
Who it isn’t for: anyone set on the Distinctions look to match a Distinctions kettle and toaster.
Independent review: Which? has a lab-tested review of the Distinctions Espresso Machine 26450; the full results are for Which? members. We haven’t summarised them here.
FAQ
How much is the Russell Hobbs Distinctions espresso machine? Check price at Russell Hobbs UK, where it was out of stock in all colours, checked 3 Oct 2026. Check price at Amazon too, which showed dispatch in 6 to 7 months.
Does it have a steam wand? Yes. It has a steam wand on a swivel arm that also dispenses hot water.
Why is a Distinctions espresso machine not making coffee? The manual lists an empty tank, a blocked portafilter or sieve, scale, or the wrong grind. Check each in turn.
Can you use vinegar to descale it? No. The manual says vinegar and other mineral-acid descalers may damage the machine.
What guarantee does it have? Two years from first retail purchase, per the manual.
Verdict
Russell Hobbs Distinctions Espresso Machine 26450 (black)
The Distinctions is a straightforward 15-bar pump espresso machine with one- and two-cup buttons, a steam wand and a cup warmer. Every colour was out of stock at Russell Hobbs UK on 3 Oct 2026, so most buyers should look at an in-stock rival.
Pros
- Pro: Automatic one- and two-cup buttons, plus a manual mode
- Pro: Thermoblock heater and a 15-bar pump, per Russell Hobbs
- Pro: Steam wand that also gives hot water
- Pro: Steam nozzle, sieves and drip tray are dishwasher-safe, per the manual
Cons
- Con: Out of stock in all three colours at Russell Hobbs UK on 3 Oct 2026
- Con: Russell Hobbs doesn't list the water tank size
- Con: Needs a short cooling period after steaming
- Con: Tall at 38.5cm
- Best for
- Anyone who finds one in stock and wants simple espresso and milk drinks.
- Who it isn't for
- Anyone who wants to buy today from Russell Hobbs.
See it on the maker's site: Russell Hobbs's UK page for the Distinctions Espresso Machine 26450Link: Russell Hobbs's UK page for the Distinctions Espresso Machine 26450. Not an affiliate link.
Sources
- Russell Hobbs UK (uk.russellhobbs.com)
- Russell Hobbs UK (uk.russellhobbs.com)
- Currys (currys.co.uk)
- lab-tested review of the Distinctions Espresso Machine 26450 (which.co.uk)