Capresso EC100 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program (What's this?) I ordered the Capresso EC100 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine because I'm tired of spending megabucks at the local coffee shops for espresso beverages. Also, I don't always want to leave the house to get one, especially for breakfast. And finally, by making espresso beverages at home I can control the ingredients and know exactly how many calories I am consuming.



This machine enables you to prepare espresso with a medium, strong, or very strong taste, using either ground coffee or pods. You can prepare either one or two espressos at a time. It also enables you to prepare cappuccinos (by frothing the milk) or lattes (by steaming it). Oddly, the recipes in the manual do not mention how to prepare a café mocha. My own method is to squirt some Hershey's sugar-free chocolate syrup into a latte, add two packets of artificial sweetener, and stir vigorously. The manual does include helpful tips on ingredients. For example, the lower fat milk is the more froth it will produce. I'm sure you'll think of your own favorite flavorings to add to beverages--cinnamon, brandy, whipped cream on top, or whatever.



I found the machine fairly easy to use, although it's a bit fiddly. You need to go through several steps just to pre-warm the components and the cups. And there's filling the water container, inserting the filter, steaming the milk, cleaning the machine after use . . . on the other hand, at the local coffee shop I just wait around while someone else does all this stuff.



This machine comes with a limited one-year warranty and an order form for parts when they need replacing, which parts are actually quite reasonably priced. Oh, and a separate copy of the manual entirely in French, should you need it.

Nespresso U D50 Espresso Maker, Pure Black

Product Description

Size: Machine Only U, the ultimate machine in modularity, simplicity and purity. Combining personalization with an ultra-chic aesthetic, U is the perfect machine to create an Espresso in the comfort of your own home. U has been designed to fit modern life and its demands, offering ultra-convenient, yet sophisticated technology. U's first of its kind design allows you to rotate the water tank 180-degree around the machine to suit you and your unique lifestyle and living space, while its cutting edge technology delivers a perfect coffee, time after time. Not only does U memorize the preferred cup size, but the machine's brewing unit will automatically release the capsule when it's done. A pleasure to use and display, U is the machine for those who seek ultimate simplicity, the highest quality coffee and pure design. Nespresso began more than 25 years ago with a simple but revolutionary idea, to create the perfect cup of Espresso coffee with exquisite cream, tantalizing aroma and full bodied taste-just like skilled Baristas. As the worldwide pioneer, Nespresso redefined the way coffee lovers around the world enjoy their espresso coffee through a unique combination of premium quality Grand Cru coffees, stylish coffee machines and exceptional customer service. To obtain the perfect espresso, Nespresso Experts seek out only the finest Grand's Crus green coffees, which promise to offer the most tantalizing aromas. You can, depending on the variety of different recipes, enjoy Nespresso with milk. When combined with creamy milk foam, you will experience a whole new variety of flavors. The Nespresso Club Services. The Nespresso Club is always there for you, online, by telephone or in one of our Boutiques. Order your Nespresso capsules, receive personalized advice and obtain technical support for your machine: whatever you are seeking, the Nespresso Club and its Specialists are with you every step of the way. Benefit from quick and easy ordering whenever, wherever.






CUSTOMER REVIEW



Sometimes, I wake up, and I want coffee, but I don't want to have to do any work, or go anywhere, or interact with other human beings. Nespresso heard my cries and made the Nespresso U.



In Italy, every tabac has a fully stocked bar and a $12,000 espresso machine operated by an old man or young woman who coaxes the black blood of the devil out on demand while fiddling with knobs and pipes. If Italy ever wants to clear its national debt, it can just sell its espresso machines and be in the black within 24 hours. However, in America, knowledgeable baristas are few and far between. They definitely aren't working at Starbucks, and the ones working at Intelligentsia are filled with the kind of disdain for their customers usually reserved for war criminals at The Hague. Therefore, the best option in America is to buy a Nespresso machine.



The U is compact, with an adjustable water tank you can shift to the side to nestle it into a corner more easily. The machine auto-ejects your capsules and holds up to ten spent ones, so don't forget to empty it every few days. The results are consistent, and have a great crema on top. The Nespresso service makes it easy to reorder capsules. All in all, I really couldn't be happier.

Bonavita 1-Liter Variable Temperature Digital Electric Gooseneck Kettle

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I love this kettle. I just got it and have only used it a few times. I'll try to post an update on durability after further use, but it feels sturdy and I expect I will only be happier 6 months from now. I made the best cup of pour over coffee I've had. With the accuracy of temperature and the quality of the goose neck spout, the coffee grinds rose as they are supposed to on the initial pour and the follow on pour was consistent, which is just what pour over needs.



I've been waiting for an electric kettle where I could select any temperature desired (as different coffee beans require different brewing temperatures as do teas), hold that temperature for a reasonable length of time, and have a goose neck spout. The Bonavita is the first solution I've found and it is perfect. The controls are simple, the digital readout is large and clear, and the functionality is better than I expected.



I previously had a Hario goose neck stove top kettle and I am way happier with the Bonavita. Here's why.

1. Holds a Temperature: With the stove top Hario, after boiling, I would have to remove the lid to put a thermometer in as I let it cool to my desired temparature. Often, I'd get distracted and have to reboil and cool the water. What a waste of time and energy. The Bonavita lets me select a temperature and let's me choose to hold that temperature for up to an hour once it is reached. I can set it and when I return, it is at the right temperature no matter how long I'm gone. Also, my probe thermometer fits in the vent holes in the top because they are larger than the ones on the Hario. If I want to verify temperature accuracy of the unit, I can do so easily. Since the BonaVita maintains the temperature, if I need 10 seconds or a couple minutes to get my coffee ready, the temperature is still exactly what it should be when I start my pour, instead of a few degrees too cool with a stove top kettle.

2. Won't boil over at max fill: With the Hario, if I filled to the max level and didn't remove it soon after boiling started, it would boil over. The BonaVita can be filled to the full 1 liter mark and will not boil over.

3. Pours well: I found the Hario challenging to pour slowly when full and challenging to maintain a consistent stream when trying to pour slowly. The BonaVita seems to pour better throughout the range of volumes of liquid inside.

4. Lid secures well: With the Hario, the lid just slips in. This means that you need to use a hand to hold the lid on as you tip the kettle to pour. The BonaVita secures the lid with adjustable tabs so that you can set the tension as you desire it. This is safer and keeps my second hand free.

5. Count up timer: I didn't even know the BonaVita had this feature when I purchased it. After you pick it up, a simple touch of the "+" button starts a timer (mintues & seconds) which will count up to 7 minutes. For the best pour over coffee, you are supposed to time your pours and pauses. Now I don't need a separate kitchen timer out on my counter. The Kettle doubles as my timer. AWESOME!

6. Handle comfort & Safety: The Hario wasn't uncomfortable. There are a number of exposed metal components near the handle which could lead to burns. The BonaVita has one of the most comfortable handles I have ever used. I has a good thickness and curve and is designed so that you can primarily use your thumb and pointer finger which are your strongest fingers. It also has plastic between the grip of the handle and the side of the kettle which should prevent accidental burns.



Overall Features:

+ Boils Quickly

+ Set temperature to any degree is simple: The last setting is retained when turned off (but not unplugged) and displayed when briefly when turned on. Pressing +/- will modify that temperature. Pressing the Set Temperature button will cycle through the 6 factory presets. I do not believe you can customize these presets, though even if they are not the exact temperature needed, they can get you close so that you only need to hit + or - a few times.

+ Recall stored temperature settings for various beverages is simple, though you might want to keep a notepad around with what beverage is brewed at what temperature as it just displays the temperatures

+ Switching between Fahrenheit and Celsius is simple. Press one button.

+ Holding temperature for an hour is simple (push one button) and can be re-selected after a pour for the remaining water in the kettle.

+ Temperature Display: Clear and continues to display even after the unit stops heating water (while cooling down or holding temp).

+ Lights: One light lets you know whether the unit is on (heating) since the temperature display remains on for a time (don't know how long yet. Instructions claim 1 hour if not removed from base after temperature is reached, and 7 minutes if unit is picked up and returned to base). One Light lets you know that the "hold" setting is on or off

+ Count up timer is simple - press one button when the kettle is off the base and the timer starts. It stops when you replace the kettle and resets to zero to be started again when picked up again.

+ Looks Great

+ Pours well



Resources:

Manual - [...]

Thermos Nissan 16-Ounce Stainless-Steel Backpack Bottle, Silver

CUSTOMER REVIEW



This is a first, so I'm glad to be reviewing this product which makes it easy. I have tested (and yes, bought-just ask my wife) well over a dozen various insulated containers for use in the car. No I'm not one of those people who walk around constantly drinking (or hydrating). I use it almost exclusively in my car. It's simple, I want the liquid to stay hot, I want to be able to operate it with one hand, and I don't want it to spill or leak. This is the only product that does that and it does it well. I have given it as a gift to at least a half dozen people and since they are relatives there's no more critical an audience. They agree. Enough said.

Hamilton Beach 40916 Iced Tea Brewer, Black

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I bought this with skepticism. Throughout the years I've had my share of iced tea makers and have not been happy with any of them. My "theory" is that making tea electronically in larger batches has a negative impact on its taste. But this little gem makes a great, fresh glass of tea in under 60 seconds. I'm thinking of buying a second for the office.

Mr. Coffee TM75TS Fresh Tea Iced Tea Maker, Teal

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I agree with the other reviews on this product. It leaks and makes a huge mess. I even called the company and they sent a new pitcher. It did the same thing....so frustrating, Do not buy this product!

Mr. Coffee FTM70W Fresh Iced Tea Maker, 3-Quart, Watermelon

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I've read the other reviews and I had to write my own since I have had nothing but a positive experience with this tea maker. First of all, I don't know why some others have experienced leaking from the front since it hasn't leaked a drip for me. All you have to do is push the pitcher in all the way and it's a perfect fit. Also, all of my water is being emptied from the reservoir and I've never had a problem with it. I actually own both, the TM3-2 and this TM70. I bought the TM3-2 first for one location and I later bought this one conveniently at Wal-Mart for $18 for home. I like the plastic used for the TM70 better since it doesn't seem as cheap, it doesn't stain as much and it's dishwasher safe. I also like how the TM70 only has one opening for the tea to leave and go into the pot. There's a possibility that one of the other reviewers had the opening plugged up to cause an overflow, a finely ground tea might cause that. That may also cause the brewer to automatically stop and not brew all of the water from the reservoir, but I don't know. The TM3-2 has an opening at the top just in case water is overflowing, but this causes the water to go straight into the pitcher without brewing the tea. There are other points I like better about the TM70 design, but I can go on about why I like the TM70 better. I guess it's different strokes for different folks. Maybe I just got lucky to buy one without any flows or it's user error.

De'Longhi BAR32 Retro 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

Product Description

Amazon.com Prepare creamy froth with ease Simple to clean thanks to a removable 35-ounce water tank Achieve authentic Italian espresso flavor with the DeLonghi BAR32 Pump Espresso Maker. Use convenient pods or ground coffee with the patented dual function filter holder, making espresso preparation simple and fast. Always brew espresso or cappuccino at the perfect temperature with two separate thermostats, which allow for water and steam pressure to be controlled separately. Easily prepare latte and cappuccino with the built-in swivel jet frother. A stainless steel boiler and 15-bar pump create perfect espresso time after time. Authentic Italian espresso, fast Swivel Jet Frother Easily prepare latte and cappuccino with the swivel jet frother. Create a rich, creamy froth for perfect drinks every time. Patented Dual Function Filter Holder With the BAR32's dual function filter holder, you can use ground coffee as normal, or convenient coffee pods for faster preparation. It makes espresso and cappuccino preparation quick and easy. Self-Priming Operation Eliminate annoying start-up preparation with the BAR32's self-priming operation. Get to your coffee faster, with less waiting around for the element and boiler to reach the correct temperature. Easy to Clean The BAR32 is simple to clean with a removable 35-ounce water tank with indicator light, and a removable drip tray. It's easy to disassemble, clean, and reassemble to get back to making drinks quickly. Technical Specifications Input Power: 1100 watts Boiler: Stainless Steel Pump Pressure: 15-bar Cup Warmer: Yes Dimensions: 8.74" x 10.63" x 12.6"






CUSTOMER REVIEW



Edit 2/24/2012: I wrote this review several years ago. The machine broke down after a year or so, and I put off replacing it. However, I've wanted to start making espresso again and so, remembering how much I liked this one, I picked up another one.



It's pretty much just how I remember it, and the instructions I wrote below still work. There are a couple of things I've noticed, though. First, the maker no longer comes with sample E.S.E pods. That was disappointing. Also, the bottom of the filter handle (where the coffee comes out of) is plastic - if you use a hand-held tamper, make sure you don't press too hard and damage the pour spouts.



Also, I've moved from the Midwest to the East Coast, and it's still nice to have good espresso and capuccino in your own house.



Otherwise, it's still a sold four-star machine.



Original review:Despairing of ever finding decent espresso in the Midwest, I finally broke down and decided to get a home espresso machine. I had worked as a barrista, and had sipped espresso in Italy, so I had some idea of how it should taste.



Being relatively poor, I wanted a machine that would deliver a decent espresso, at a decent price. Though I was willing to consider a system with proprietary coffee pods (K-cups, Tassimo, etc), it would have to be cheap enough that I wouldn't mind shelling out the extra bucks for the coffee itself. And I also wanted to make sure that it was pump-driven, not steam-driven.



After checking reviews and looking around, I finally settled on the DeLonghi BAR32. It's a pump-driven maker, not steam driven, so it's not scorching the grounds as it brews. And it comes with a single and a double espresso filter.



The DeLonghi uses either ground espresso, or E.S.E. espresso pods. The E.S.E. pods are not proprietary - any company can make them. The DeLonghi comes with a package of 18 Illy pods (retail - $12). The pods are convenient, but still expensive.



I've had the espresso maker for several days, and I'm happy with it so far. With the pods, it pulls a good single espresso with a satisfactory crema. Sugar floats on top of the crema for about 2-3 seconds, and it has a nice golden color. The espresso tastes very smooth.



Pulling a good single espresso, either with the pods or loose coffee, is pretty easy. Use the pods as a good judge of how tightly to pack the grounds in the filter. Use a level, loosely packed scoop of coffee for a single shot.



Pulling a good double, on the other hand, still eludes me. The best I've come up with is to use 2 scoops, 3/4 full and loosely packed, and pressed looser than for a single. Even then, it still dribbles out slowly, with a less-than-satisfactory (though present) crema.



The steam wand works very well. I've made several excellent cappuccinos and lattes with it. It's a little cramped to use, so I pull mine to the edge of the counter so that I can get a good mug under it. I steam straight into the mug of milk, and then add the espresso. Make sure to blow some steam through it to clear out condensation before putting it in your milk. Start with the steam wand nearly submerged in the milk, and then slowly pull it out (lower the mug) until you hear a gentle "sipping" sound. That means that it's frothing. If you see noticeable bubbles on top of the milk, that means you've pulled it out too far - dip it back in slowly and you should be able to whip the bubbles into froth. Once the froth is just below the level you want it, submerge the wand back into the milk to finish heating it. Listen again - once the milk starts to sound "hollow," it's nearly hot enough. Let it go for a few more seconds, then shut off the steam, and remove the mug. The wand will drip a bit, so put it over the drip tray or an empty mug.



Making espresso is fairly easy. Turn the machine to "Heat" to start heating the water and priming the pump. Make sure the filter holder is screwed into the machine. Once the "Hot" light comes on, run an espresso cycle without coffee into the cup you'll use - pulling espresso into a cold cup will ruin the flavor. Fill the cup half-way with hot water, and turn the machine back to "Heat." Empty and quickly dry the espresso cup. Put the E.S.E. pod or ground espresso into the filter (tamp down the loose espresso) and twist it into the machine. Turn the machine on, and wait until you've got your cup of espresso. A single espresso should be 30-40ml, or 1-1.5oz. I used a measuring cup to see what that looked like in my demitasse cups.



Looking back over what I've written, I suppose I do make it look a little complicated. And it is a little bit more complicated that popping the K-cup into the machine, and hitting "Go." But it really is pretty easy, and less than 5 minutes pass between "You know, I could go for a cappuccino," and "Man, that's a tasty cappuccino."



Pros:



- Inexpensive



- Good pressure



- Easy to make a good single shot of espresso



- Uses pods or loose grounds



- 2 dials + 0 buttons = easy to use



- Outstanding steam wand



- 32oz water reservoir lets you make 3 or 4 cappuccinos, or 6 to 8 espressos, without refilling



- Built-in tamper means one less part to lose



- Pre-heat cycle helps make good espresso



Cons:



- Hard to make a good double espresso (might just be me)



- Steam wand leaks slightly (usually at the start of a brewing cycle - I just keep mine over the drip tray)



In the end, the machine makes a good espresso, especially for the price, but remember that you're not going to be running a coffee shop with it. I definitely recommend it for anybody who wants to make their own espresso, but wants to do it for under $200.

Hamilton Beach 1.7L Stainless Steel Electric Kettle 40893

Product Description

Color: Stainless Steel Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Stainless Steel Electric Kettle






CUSTOMER REVIEW



I bought this kettle a few months ago and use it daily. It heats water very quickly and is easy to pour without dripping water everywhere. The beautiful metallic red finish is what caught my eye in the first place, as well as the cute round shape. The only drawback of this product however, is that the finish chips rather easily. I accidentally hit the side of it with something I was putting away and the finish flaked off in that area, leaving a tiny silver spot in the middle. The lid edge also has a few very small spots where the finish came off too. I was able to mask them quite well with a touch of red permanent marker fortunately. Overall this is a great little kettle for the money and if you are a bit clumsy in the kitchen, make sure to keep a red permanent marker on hand!

Melitta 46894 10-Cup Thermal Coffeemaker with Standard Packaging

CUSTOMER REVIEW



As a person who considers himself a bit of a coffee connoisseur, I would like to shed some light on criticisms I found to be consistent amongst the less glowing reviews. I think some people who purchased this machine are a bit unfamiliar with the advantages versus traditional (glass carafe) brewers. They are mistaking some of the positives for negatives. I hope this helps current and potential buyers, as for the price (or even for more money) you'd be hard-pressed to find anything better. Allow me to explain...



STAINLESS STEEL CARAFE: A double insulated carafe (as found on the Melitta) serves to keep the coffee warm without a warming plate following the brewing cycle. Though the coffee does lose heat over time, you will not lose any taste. Glass carafes require a warming plate that keeps coffee at a consistent temperature by essentially cooking it. In other words, your coffee will taste horrible not long after the brewing cycle has finished. Imagine keeping your coffee on a low-flame stove burner all morning!



COFFEE TEMPERATURE: There is an accepted optimal brewing temperature for coffee of between 195-205°F. The Melitta is designed with this in mind. Other coffee makers are not. If you brew coffee at too high a temperature, you cook and over-extract the grinds. This results in a bitter taste.



FILTER BASKET: This is a cone-shaped basket instead of the more common flat-bottomed basket. The cone shape allows the water to contact the grounds for longer and create a fuller brew. Also, it is highly advisable to use unbleached paper filters versus reusable mesh ones. The paper filters absorb much of the acidity resulting in a smoother tasting coffee. Having used the permanent gold-tone filters in the past, I can say from experience they simply don't work as well.

simplehuman Compact Sensor Pump with Sample Soap, Black, 8oz

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I've owned two of these sensor activated soap dispensers. Both stopped dispensing soap after about one year of use. When the dispenser worked, it worked great. Family members and guests enjoyed the sensor activated pump. But my recommendation is to be weary when buying this product.



My tear-down of both units revealed a common flaw. The root cause of the failures is a small o-ring belt that becomes stretched over time and fails to transmit power from the electric motor to the impeller. So, the design is flawed because it relies on a belt and pulley system. A better design would have used cogs and gears to transmit power from the little motor to the impeller.



Until Simplehuman changes the design, the pump will fail after a relatively short period of time. Honestly, these things should last 3-4 years before failing. You won't be getting your money's worth with this design.

Kuissential Deluxe Automatic Milk Frother and Heater, Cappuccino Maker

CUSTOMER REVIEW



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The Cuissential Milk Frother is just like having a Starbucks in your kitchen without the expense. I've had more fun with this machine whipping up everything from a simple cappuchino to a latte macchiato. Operation is almost intuitive, but not quite. After reading the directions I was good to go in about two minutes. This little gem is good for making a macrofoam, hot or cold that is perfect for all those recipes I always wanted to try, but not pay for in a pricey coffee shop or café. FYI, the macrofoam lasts for quite a while left in the milk container, an especially nice feature if you're not interested in the temperature.



It's perfect for frothed milk either hot or cold. There are indication marks on the inside of the milk container that take the guesswork out of measurement. The two levels are a maximum level for frothed milk and one for heated with a small amount of froth. This is what you see in the cup in the video. There are two disks, a whisk for frothing milk and one for heating and mixing. The spare is stored beneath the transparent lid. There are a lot of safety features built in to the machine. For example, if you pick up the milk container when the frothing is in progress it will stop.



When you press the button on the front you simply scroll up to get the setting you want. The beauty of this machine is that it can be used for either cold or hot beverages. I definitely like the versatility because if I want I can make everything from an iced latte in the summer to hot chocolate on a cold, wintry night. It's really as easy as one, two, three. Put your milk in, place your selection, and wait until it's done. The sleek, stainless look is gorgeous and will fit most kitchen decors and has a relatively small footprint.



Sample provided for review.

Breville 800ESXL 15-Bar Triple-Priming Die-Cast Espresso Machine

CUSTOMER REVIEW



The Breville 800 ESXL is turning out to be one of the best buys I have ever madeBreville 800ESXL Commercial 15-Bar Triple-Priming Die-Cast Espresso Machine.



I had a Gaggia that produced great espresso when I first got it, but recently, it stopped creating any crema whatsoever. Water leaked from the steamer wand and the expresso head. It was time for a replacement.



I studied and studied and studied all the expresso makers and I knew I did not want to spend over $500 for a good pot. My goal was to find a great pot for under that amount. I read every review there is on the internet concerning the Breville 800 ESXL. People love it or hate it but if you read carefully, you may find as I did, that many of those who hate it, did not follow the directions as prescribed by Breville. They treated it like their old pot, however, the Breville 800 is a wonderful pot if used according to the instructions put out by Breville. And dare I say, that some of the others who did not like the pot sounded like coffee snobs who want perfection and had no right buying this machine and judging by standards that only a much more expensive machine could match.



If you want a truly outstanding expresso or cappuccino, the Breville 800 will do it for you, as long as you live up to your part of the bargain. The first thing you need are really good beans and fresh filtered water. Next is to really learn how to make expresso. You need to find the right grind and then stick with it. I have a Capresso Burr Grinder that works great for only $85. You need to learn the right amount of pressure to tamp the coffee (also, it does not hurt purchase a good metal tamp- the one they give you is only okay). You should get a thermometer to make sure your frothed milk is between 140 - 160 degrees and then learn how to froth milk. The cups should be warm and you will have some great coffee.



you may not get great coffee the first time out--- and maybe not the second, but the more you do it, critique what you did, and make adjustments, you will find that the difference between and excellent cup and a good cup has more to do with you than the machine. This is a hands-on machine (which I love about it). Like a cook using fresh ingredients, the results often lie in the art of the cook. It is the same with this machine. If you just want to turn it on and get a great cup of espresso, it may happen sometimes, but not always. It is up to you to make your shot the best. There is a learning curve to be sure, but the end result is fantastic - and for a great price. I was making great shot after great shot in about three days.



I was scared to death about my filters clogging as others have said, but I have found that the best thing you can do is to clean after every shot. it is not a big job to wipe down the nozzle, rinse out the pots and filters, and take the little tool they give you to keep the filters open and poke the hole once to keep it open for the next time. Takes all of a minute- maybe less. The result, great expresso, perfect crema, great frothed milk (once you acquire the knack of rothing), and a beautiful, sturdy machine that should last a long time with the kind of care I ask you to give it.



Some have complained about the temperature of the coffee. I too thought it was not hot enough the first few times I made the espresso, and then I read the manual. When you do what the manual says, the coffee is plenty hot --too hot actually. As for the time it takes to steam the milk, no longer than my Gaggia with a lot less mess. And about the "sloppy mess in the portafilter" and no dry puck ---- well, I would like a dry puck too, but the paper from Breville in the box tells you that the technology they use to get the coffee hot and with perfect crema will not give you the traditional dry puck. Expect it to be watery in the portafilter. just rinse it out when done and you are in business. I accept that and as a result I get great coffee. My machine is not a Rencilio, nor a Gaggia. It is a Breville and it does not have the dry puck--- but it does have great espresso that can be made within a minute or two of turning on the machine. And clean up takes less time than it did to heat up (under a minute).



It has a large well for water which is easy to fill, from the front and the back. it is very very easy to clean. It is sturdy and it looks great. There are so many cool things built in --- obviously thought went into the design. Some complain about it being loud. I have never met an espresso maker that is not loud. Oh yes, I saw one once but that machine cost $2,000 and was fully automatic. There was no joy in making an expresso with that---- no art to it. The machine does it all.



Now, for the weaknesses. I already told you to get another tamp. The one they give is not the greatest. Also, it has the very cool feature where it purges itself after each shot or steaming allowing the built up steam to flow to the overflow reservoir. (Actually this is a positive feature) but on the negative side it uses more water, but no big deal unless you are paying for bottled water. With my Gaggia, I was always afraid it was going to blow up on me. This steam pressure release is very cool and well thought out.



Needless to say, I am very happy with this machine. As you may be able to see, I am the kind of person who looks at what I have done and tries to make the next one better. For me, this machine does not disappoint.



Hopefully, this review has helped.

Aerolatte To Go, Milk Frother, Black

CUSTOMER REVIEW



It really makes good froth for your coffee.



I find it more consistent if I froth cold milk first, then nuke it for about 10 seconds. This way the froth stays "solid" instead of melting away (at least that's the way I like it).



I take it to work and whenever I travel, too. I've been using my extra sets of reachargeable batteries, cos the batteries that came with it only lasted me probably less than a month (I've been using this frother 3x a day since January).

KRUPS XP5240 Pump Manual Espresso Machine Compatible with Ground Coffee and Pods with Milk Frothing Nozzle for Cappuccino and Stainless Steel Housing, Silver

Product Description

Krups Precise Tamp patented system ensures optimum tamping each time for perfect crema and results. The precise tamp system extracts a perfect cup every time for a delicious espresso, latte or cappuccino. The 1400 watts thermo block system pre-heats twice






CUSTOMER REVIEW



I've had this machine for about two months, now. It makes great espresso, with a nice thick crema. People complaining about crema are often not using the proper beans, or aren't grinding them immediately before making the espresso. It makes a huge difference.



The auto-tamp filter basket is neat, although I've found that it really only works for double shots. To make a single shot of espresso properly, you need to reduce the filter area, so that less water is able to flow with the same amount of pressure. Since the same filter basket is used for single and double shots, single shots do not come out nicely. Since I always make double shots, I'm OK with this, but people that frequently make single shots should be aware of this defect.



Overall, I like the construction and appearance of the machine. It feels solid enough, the drip tray is easy to clean, water container is easy to remove and fill.



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NOW, about the steamer.



The steamer is quite disappointing. It uses the same diameter tip as some of the older machines, like the 4030, but rather then just using a rubber friction grip, it uses a complex plastic doohickey with three tabs that grab onto the flared part of the plastic above the nozzle base. Unfortunately, it's very unclear how this works when you receive the machine, and the pictorial directions are also not clear, so I managed to snap off one of the tabs within minutes of unpacking the machine. I thought this was my bad, but reading the other reviews, I now see that they're very prone to breaking.



The wand still attaches part-way with two tabs, but then it sometimes blows off. Again, I thought this was my bad, but now I see that even with three tabs on the wand, it's still prone to blowing off. This is not bad, especially with piping hot steam and milk to contend with.



For those of you who have stuck with this machine, I'd recommend trying a steaming tip from a 4030. I ended up trying this because none of the parts shops I contacted even knew about the 5240! I was in one store, which had a 4030 on the floor, and I investigate the steaming tip, and found that the base of the nozzle is exactly the same size and shape, but instead of the complex mechanical attachment, it uses a simple rubber-on-rubber grip attachment. So, I purchased one for 8 dollars. It has never blown off the machine in the 3 weeks I've had it so far.



However, Krups really needs to address the faulty nature of this product. Perhaps those of us who have purchased the machine and have had issues should get together and contact Krups en masse, and demand that they address the problem. This is supposed to be the latest and greatest model in its class; and it could be, if not for this critical flaw.

Aerolatte Milk Frother, Chrome

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Who needs the high tech stuff? This little frother couldn't be better! It works killer within seconds! It even works on my soymilk! I'm so impressed!

Mr. Coffee TM70KF Fresh Iced Tea Maker, 3-Quart, Kiwi Fruit

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I've read the other reviews and I had to write my own since I have had nothing but a positive experience with this tea maker. First of all, I don't know why some others have experienced leaking from the front since it hasn't leaked a drip for me. All you have to do is push the pitcher in all the way and it's a perfect fit. Also, all of my water is being emptied from the reservoir and I've never had a problem with it. I actually own both, the TM3-2 and this TM70. I bought the TM3-2 first for one location and I later bought this one conveniently at Wal-Mart for $18 for home. I like the plastic used for the TM70 better since it doesn't seem as cheap, it doesn't stain as much and it's dishwasher safe. I also like how the TM70 only has one opening for the tea to leave and go into the pot. There's a possibility that one of the other reviewers had the opening plugged up to cause an overflow, a finely ground tea might cause that. That may also cause the brewer to automatically stop and not brew all of the water from the reservoir, but I don't know. The TM3-2 has an opening at the top just in case water is overflowing, but this causes the water to go straight into the pitcher without brewing the tea. There are other points I like better about the TM70 design, but I can go on about why I like the TM70 better. I guess it's different strokes for different folks. Maybe I just got lucky to buy one without any flows or it's user error.