Nespresso Inissia Espresso Maker, Red

CUSTOMER REVIEW



If you've been looking for an automatic espresso machine with the minimum acceptable 15 bar (this is 19), for under $100 US, though pump driven, the new Inissia is the model you and I have been waiting for. You will soon find, that for the budget, this little gem was worth the wait!



For comparison, the U is about $150 (depending on model, and without frother), the Essenza can be found for under $100 from time to time, and the rest of the line jumps up (eg. Pixie, others with milk frother options) to over $200 and well upwards from there.



The coffee, if bought on Nespresso's website, ranges from .50 to .70, depending on whether you insist on pure Arabica (and you should!). Amazon and it's vendors do both better and worse than this, so you HAVE to shop if you want to maintain your budget. Because of the skyrocketing popularity of this line, there are many more fulfillment by Amazon and Prime options now if you hunt for them.



Also, Sams and Costco have started carrying this line, but both of them locally (assuming Amazon charges tax in your area-- some fullfillment by do not), are a $40 savings on this Inissia at this writing if you buy on Amazon. Because Inissia does not have the downside of ruining cups with experimentation you find with the Essenza, it is already becoming hard to find.



How can ANYONE deliver 19 bar, in a dependable machine, for under $100? Well, they can't. This machine costs about $290 to manufacture bare bones. So, yes, this IS razor and blade and you ARE married to buying the little cups from Nespresso. There is NO BETTER WAY to get low cost, high quality espresso, with the convenience of automated brewing as simple as drip, for far less than Starbucks, even with the razor/blade strategy.



That said, I'm a Barista instructor, and if you do take the time to buy green, roast your own, and use a Moka pot, though technically not espresso at 6 bar, you can get better coffee, more controlled by you, for a LOT less per cup. But here comes some honesty my students would kill me for: YES, sometimes I prefer fast coffee, far better than Starbucks, fully automated, easy clean up, and zero work! I still roast my own and use a variety of techniques from Moka to Turkish to get a devlish range of wonderful tastes, but for the effort, this new little Inissia truly fills the bill!



The Barista association has been kind enough to let me try a full range of machines and techniques on their dime for over 7 years, and I've worked with espresso makers and systems that range from Mr. Coffee to $35,000 commercial machines. I can't say much more than the fact that THIS is the model I've waited for, even though I was painfully tempted by the Essenza. And also be warned, if you move beyond Nespresso for a modular system, you are NOT getting true espresso, but razor and blade drip.



If you read criticisms on the web that Nespresso has a poor range of offerings between first crack, City ++ and deeply dark, oily espresso, check the date on the review/complaint. I've now found that their range is just as broad and deep as any direct green or roasted bean you can get. Nothing is as good as roasting and grinding your own, but even with sophisticated taste buds, this system comes very close, and is certainly WAY better than Starbucks. Besides, even roasters/ Moka folk need a break once in a while, and will unlikely settle for drip when they can even get Americano if you like it less strong, with this system!



The other models in this series are known for durability and ethical customer service from Nespresso, but at this writing no one can tell you that about their newer technologies. I can tell you that poor mechanical performance would kill this at Sams before they even got out of the gate, so I'm betting on durability, but can't honestly opine on that parameter.



All in all, highly recommended. Please use the comment and question features for any details you need, or email me, or check out the Nespresso dot com website for details between models, or questions you might have on this little gem. As a bonus, if you check their site, you get to see Jimmy Kimmel trying the brand with Penelope Cruz, not a reason to buy, but still FUN! ;=)



eMailer answer: YES, this does accommodate large cups, unlike the Essenza, and yes, you can just push a button without having to time the brew.

Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso Maker with Automatic milk frother, BVMC-ECMP1000

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Edited (07/19/14)

I have gone through 2 of these machines in the past year and a half. Both of them died the same way - they seem to lose their pressurization capability and so can't brew coffee anymore.



When the first one died after about a year of service, I gave it the benefit of the doubt. But now that the second one has conked out in just under half a year, I'll look for a different brand.



And I've taken good care of both of them, especially when it came to descaling - not only do I have a home water softener, but I also used Durgol every 4-6 weeks.



Original review - 5 stars (Dec 2012)

I purchased this from the local Bed, Bath & Beyond since the price in store was the same as that on Amazon($199), but I could use a 20% coupon in the store. This was a 'blind' purchase - I couldn't find reviews for this product anywhere on the net, in fact I seem to the first person reviewing this on Amazon as well.



I didn't know what to make of the Mr. Coffee brand (cheap/commodity brand in my opinion, maybe I'm mistaken) and the $199 price tag, but the feature set seemed to be good for the price - a 15 bar pump, a milk frother that automatically dispenses the milk into the serving, espresso/cappuccino/latte at the press of a button and a cleaning cycle for the frother. I've used the machine for a little more than a week now and can confidently say that this is one hell of an espresso machine.



I've tried Illy and Lavazza in the machine so far, and the espresso comes out great - you won't believe the crema you get. Highly recommend it!



Pros:

+ can use whatever brand of coffee you prefer, you're not stuck with expensive pods/capsules

+ strong pump that produces rich crema

+ milk frother

+ espresso/cappuccino/latte at the press of a button (the machine automatically adjusts the amount of milk and coffee in the serving)

+ options for making single, double shot and custom servings

+ milk frothing can also be controlled manually (you can adjust the amount of milk in the serving if you're unsatisfied with what the automatic programs provide)

+ the milk container and the lid of the container (which contains the frother) are both dishwasher safe, although I haven't tried washing them in the dishwasher.



Cons:

- none that I've found so far



However, if I could make one change to the machine, it would be the amount of force you have to apply to insert the milk container into the machine (and to take it out). I suspect this has to do with the O-ring in the interface between the machine and the container. Since the container and the interface are all molded from plastic, my fear is that one of them will give sooner or later. Let's hope that Mr. Coffee has tested this extensively.

Hario VDD-02B V60 Drip Decanter

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I chose this over a Chemex because it was less expensive. So far, I love it. It brews coffee beautifully and tastes great. It's pretty easy cleanup, and it serves as a very nice carafe after the brewing is complete. In terms of brewing, this comes with a plastic Hario V60 filter funnel which docks into the carafe itself. I kind of wish it wasn't plastic so heat retention would be a little better, but hey, it's nice and compact. Based on the markings on the decanter itself, it seems like it's good for 500 mL of liquid, but since iti s a pretty big carafe, you could probably fit more. Just to let you know, this holds a size 02 filter and comes with a few bleached white 02s for starters. The silicone handguard is nice. It's easy to remove and replace after cleaning, so it helps you get into it if you need to clean it.



I docked off a star because it has a tendency to lose heat really quickly. I've been able to overcome this issue by preheating all of the components with boiling water. I think this is where the Chemex shines. The glass is a bit thin for the Hario decanter, so I figure the heat transfer happens quite quickly. Another complaint is that the spout isn't very accurate. It has the potential to dribble down on its corners.



Other than that, I really like this system and find it effective for pourovers. If you need to save money and are familiar with the V60 or other pour over filters, this is a nice set for you. If you are looking for a thicker carafe and need to keep your coffee hotter for longer, either go with a Chemex, or transfer your coffee to a insulated pitcher after brewing.

Bodum Assam Tea Press, 34-Ounce, Black

Product Description

Tea and the British seem to be inseparable in our perception of English culture. When BODUM was asked by the British Tea Council to develop a new way of brewing tea we were rather proud. We set out with the goal to make an innovation in tea drinking and the simple BODUM tea-brewing system was born: boil water, place your preferred tea leaves in the BPA free filter, pour in the hot water, let steep 3-4 min. or to your preferred taste and press down the plunger. The brewing process has stopped - no need to remove the filter - no mess - no burned fingers, only the true unforgettable and delicious taste of your preferred tea. The clear glass makes the infusion visible at all times, making it a very attractive table piece. Everything can go in the dishwasher, the jug (without the rod and lid) can go in the microwave.






CUSTOMER REVIEW



I like this teapot, but there are some exceptions. The good: It's very nice looking, and doesn't drip when you pour. The bad: You have to have the brewing chamber inside the pot to have the lid on (they fit together). The brewing chamber is plastic and eventually stains. The handle is not supported by anything; it's glued on. I'm kind of terrified that one day it'll pop off as I'm carrying an enormous pot of tea, but so far it hasn't happened. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt on this one, but I still cringe every time I put weight on the handle.

Hamilton Beach 40870 Stainless Steel 10-Cup Electric Kettle

CUSTOMER REVIEW



So after spending a little over a week searching for a suitable kettle I have definitely found the perfect match. I recently received a 6 cup teapot and wanted to keep it in my room along with an electric kettle to replace going into the kitchen and brewing cup after cup of tea.



My criteria

- Stainless steel with as little plastic contact as possible.

- Hidden heating element.

- Simple functions, the less bells and whistles the less to break

- Good spout

- Inexpensively priced.



What I like about this kettle:

- It met all my criteria.

- After brewing and discarding 4 kettle fulls there is no discernible aftertaste.

- No plastic contact inside, there is a plastic water level but it isn't in direct contact with the largest body of water in the kettle. Also, the tube for the boiling shut off is made from stainless as well, not plastic which is really nice.

- Is real metal not just plasticy coated metal imitator I saw on a few of the models.

- The inside bottom is a stainless plate with the heating element underneath making clean up easy.

- The outside bottom is plastic and gets warm not burning hot so it can be placed onto a surface.

- Slides onto the base easily.

- Auto shutoff works well.



What worries me: I say worries because it isn't a problem right now but may be a few months down the line.

- The lid opens with a button which if it breaks could potentially be a problem, not to fill the kettle as the spout provides adequate room to fill it with, but to clean it.

- After two brews i took the little filter out. I am using it only to heat water and only with filtered water so to me it seems unnecessary.

- The switch at the bottom, it doesn't seem flimsy per say but it does seem to be a little loose, its not a push button so I worry it may give out.



Duh, or common sense things that people seem to have an issue with:

- It gets hot. Yes. It's supposed to. Since the body is stainless steel, which is a good conductor of heat, it will be hot. The handle provides ample room to grab though.

- It will be heavy if completely full. Yes, water in larger amounts does get heavy. The kettle itself isn't much heaver than a standard coffee carafe so it should not add much to the overall weight.

- It can be a bit loud. Its boiling water, the kettle doesn't have any sound or heat insulation so yes you will be able to hear it. Honestly for me its not really a bother. The kettle sits on its own table next to my desk and I find it kind of soothing. Plus if I am heating water for green tea or white tea I can listen in and shut it off before it comes full boil.

- Along those lines, if you leave water in it for some time yes the water will cool. It is not a warmer nor is it a thermos that will keep it to the same temperature all day.



Overall:

I am very satisfied with this product. I have already recommended it to several people and it has been serving me well. Its not a fancy appliance so it does its job and doesn't require a tremendous effort on my part which was exactly what I was looking for.

Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp 1.7-Liter Stainless Steel Cordless Electric Kettle

CUSTOMER REVIEW



This kettle is everything you could want! I use it mostly for french press coffee, but my guests have used it for various kinds of tea, instant oatmeal, or hot chocolate with great success.



I did a lot of research on these kettles, and I found that the one thing to avoid was kettles with plastic insides. Every single one with plastic innards had comments about plastic taste in the water. Stainless and glass interiors didn't have this problem, but glass was more susceptable to scale buildup. So I went with stainless. There aren't many of these kettles with stainless insides, and the ones there are are generally more expensive. I looked at the Breville and some others, but they were simply too much money. This one, while not cheap, offered a great feature set, accurate temperatures, stainless interior, good controls, unobstrusive base, and pretty nice aesthetics.



The kettle is easy to fill, solidly built, and heats water very fast. It finishes its heat cycle with an authoritative BEEP that I can hear from the next room as I watch Sports Center. Another bonus is that even once it has reached temperature, it will keep the water at that temperature for up to 30 minutes, so if I'm busy doing something else, my kettle can wait until I get there, and my water isn't too cold or too hot! The most important thing about a good cup of french press coffee, besides the beans, is the temperature of the water.



The base is very minimal and you don't even notice it when the kettle is sitting on it, it looks like one piece of the kettle. The controls are easy to reach while holding the kettle by the handle, and the little LED light on the water level indicator is bright and helps you see the water level in a dimly lit early morning kitchen. It also automatically shuts off after a bit if the kettle heat has been turned off. The kettle will turn off automatically after a certain amount of time, but it also is easy to turn off once you've poured out your needed water by pressing the "keep warm" button again.



Cleaning is as easy as making a water/white vinegar mixture and letting the kettle boil for 10-15 minutes, then rinsing it out a few times. This removes lime scale deposits and calcification.



For the build quality, looks, features, and performance, I can't rate this kettle high enough! Look no further!

Keurig K350 2.0 Brewer, Black

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I love the Keurig brewers but this machine is a big disappointment to me due to the fact that it completely controls and dictates what kcups you can and can't use with it. It absolutely won't accept the inserts so you can use your favorite brand of coffee; it won't accept many of the kcups currently on the market that actually may be one of your favorites (like Tim Horton, Gevalia, SanFrancisco Bay, Cameron's, etc) because they have not been approved by Keurig even though they will work in all the brewers by Keurig up until this 2.0 model and won't even accept Keurig approved Kcups purchased before about July since it will only accept those who say Keurig Brewed on the top of the cup. This brewer reads the lids - I was told if I put an "older" approved kcup in the machine it would say "oops" and I could call their 800# presumably to be able to be talked through an option that might let me use one of their approved coffees. This feels like a giant control effort to prevent people from enjoying their brewers unless you also use their coffees. Sooooo - if you happen to like a brand of coffee they don't approve of you will have to choose between their new brewer and all it has to offer or your coffee. I chose my coffee; there are a good many brewers that will still let me use my favorite brand of kcup that I don't need their new brewer. And given time, I expect the other coffee makers will also offer what this one does (like the option of making either a single cup of coffee or a 4 cup carafe of coffee with their new kcup size) without dictating what coffee you enjoy in it. It seems that Keurig would prefer to sell these brewers to anyone who wants one, while enjoying the approved coffee to those who choose to drink it, or will actually let people enjoy their brewer and their favorite coffee even if Keurig doesn't approve of their coffee. I expect there will be others who did what I did - bought the machine only to realize this after I got it home and quickly realized I'd have to give up my favorite coffee to keep it, or throw out 95% of the kcups I had that were purchased before about July of this year. I returned it - don't tell me what coffee I can like, Keurig - the other makers of single serve brewers that accept your kcups don't tell me what I have to like to use their brewers. They will be the ones who sell their brewers while yours get returned and they will be glad to let me enjoy my favorite coffee in them.

Nespresso Pixie Espresso Maker With Aeroccino Plus Milk Frother, Electric Titan

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Vine Customer Review of Free Product (What's this?) The Pixie has got to be the smallest and most portable single-serve coffee machine on the market. It has so much going for it! Like other Nespresso machines, this Pixie produces a top-notch coffee product. This particular model offers a milk frother alongside the coffee maker--and that is a real plus. The two together cost less than if purchased separately.



All things considered: The Pixie works every bit as well as the older and larger (but not much larger) CitiZ and the newest "kid on the block", the Nespresso U. The Pixie has a smaller water well. It also has a smaller compartment for spent capsules. In my experience that does not matter. In fact, it's probably better. You should start with fresh water as often as possible and it's easy and quick to dump spent capsules.



I think the whole line of Nespresso machines are far better than Tassimo and Kuerig machines. The Nespresso machines are better designed: They work quicker and quieter; have a smaller footprint and are less bulky; are much better looking, and, most importantly, the quality and variety of the espresso blends cannot be beat. I haven't tried the new Starbuck's machine, but I do know this Pixie is smaller and has a lot more style.



Our first Nespresso machine was a CitiZ and it still sits proudly on our kitchen counter. The Pixie was just being introduced when we bought our CitiZ several years ago. We ended up with the CitiZ because it came in a color that better matched the style of our century-old house. But I've always thought the Pixie was awfully cute and stylish. And who doesn't consider a smaller footprint a plus?



YOU CAN STOP READING HERE: While the above paragraphs sum up my opinion briefly, you can keep reading for more information. Sorry, but I found it hard to streamline this review--after all, I've purchased (and dumped) three Tassimo machines; I purchased and use the Nespresso CitiZ and the Latissima on a daily basis; I own a single-serve Gaggia by illy that sees very little use lately; I acquired a Jura ENA Uno about four months ago, and it daily provides us with freshly ground and brewed beans (we buy Peet's beans), and last, but not least, I've also acquired a Nespresso U with an Aeroccino frother. I'm thinking I've got some experience upon which I base my opinions.



MORE ON THE PIXIE:

--I don't know why this impresses me, but there is a white backlighting (around the spent capsule compartment) that I think is way, way cool. Plus, the backlighting allows you to safely grab your hot coffee in the dark. If you're low on water, the light shines red.

--The Pixie doesn't drip when it's done pouring like the CitiZ and Latissima models tend to do.

--The Pixie is basically portable: Being small and light-weight, having a cord that tucks away and a handle that doubles as the inserter lever, this little guy is easy to transport. You are going to be able to take your favorite coffee with you on a road trip--now that is a very exciting thought!

--Water heats up hotter in the Pixie (than in the CitiZ). Some people think this is important. I'm not one of them--no matter how hot the coffee is, I think it is very important to heat the cup first. (A very simple thing to do: Add hot tap water to the cup and let it sit in the sink a minute; but, yes, it is still another step to accomplish during your morning rush-hour routine before you leave for work.)

--The platform that your cup sits on is a bit cumbersome. It folds up for tall cups, but it's your cup that actually holds the platform up and out of the way. You could consider it a design flaw or maybe it adds to its compactness and portability. This only matters if you like to make fancy concoctions once in a while, forcing the use of a taller cup. (Sometimes I like to pour through some whipped cream or add a shot of something boozy.)



REGARDING THE AEROCCINO: For the difference in price between a Pixie with or without this stand-alone milk frother, you really should buy the combo. Several years ago when I first investigated this frother, it was valued at nearly a hundred dollars--so there is great value in purchasing it along with the espresso machine. It's a great little gadget: It has a beautiful shiny metal outside surface that is very substantial; it is quiet; it is quick; it produces beautiful soft foam; the handle is strong and easy on the hand, and because it has a high quality non-stick inner surface, it is easy to clean by simply rinsing it out. Its downfalls: The base is lightweight and will not grip a counter top; the heavy electric cord is adequately long, but excess cord can't be hid in the base, and the worst offense: The spout will leave you with a drip every time. In comparison to the Starbuck's model, this frother is made of a high quality, beautiful metal; the Starbuck's is black plastic.



COMPARED WITH THE LATISSIMA MILK FROTH: I like the froth created by the Latissima better than the froth from the Aeroccino. The Latissima foam is finer and thicker, and it is ADJUSTABLE. I also like the fact that the milk container on the Latissima can be easily disengaged from the machine and stored in the frig. There is no waste and clean-up is accomplished with a few seconds push of a button; only enough milk is sucked through the machine per serving. In a morning rush, it is easier to set the container of unused milk back in the frig. If you want easy cleaning with The Aeroccino, the residue milk has to be rinsed before you leave the house.



LET'S DISCUSS COFFEE: After all, the machine is just a vessel for the end result. And if the coffee that is made for the machine isn't great, then why even look at the machine. The coffee in the Nespresso pods is superb. It's way better than anything available from Tassimo or Kuerig.



It's been several years since we switched from a Tassimo machine to a Nespresso machine. (If you want to hear about why I totally dislike Tassimo, ask me and I'll be happy to elaborate.) At the time of the switch, we were used to drinking large-size cups of coffee. So we felt we were taking a chance on the Nespresso blends--not knowing if we'd be able to tolerate the change from a big cup of brew to just a few sips. But the change has been effortless and so rewarding: Because the coffee is so smooth and rich, it is easier and more satisfying to relish a few sips rather than big gulps of average-tasting coffee. We really didn't know what we were missing.



If you think you like more mild coffee and think that espresso will be too strong for you--then you think like I did. And I was wrong, and there is no reason to be afraid of Nespresso expresso and lungo (long cups--still pretty small): This great coffee is not bitter; it has a variety of fragrances, and feel, and flavors in each sip--and I've found that I am now leaning towards the more "intense" blends. With the Pixie there are two buttons to choose how much water you want to pass through each disc, and they are easily programmable, which offers you an infinite variety of strengths. Now I find that I prefer to go along with the pre-programmed amount of water for each blend. After all, the recommendations come from experts and they know what they're doing!



Nespresso has a lineup of 16 blends (plus there are special blends offered throughout the year). The blends by Tassimo and Kuerig cannot compare. It might have something to do with the fact that the Nespresso pods are made of aluminum and keep the ground coffee fresher than the others which are all made of plastic or maybe the Tassimo and Kuerig product is made to suit less savvy, less experienced coffee drinkers. I can't offer a comparison between the Nespresso and Starbuck pods, because I've not tried the Starbucks' Verismo system yet. I can say that Starbuck pods are more expensive than Nespresso pods, and there are way fewer choices. Regarding the "green-ness" of the pods: Nespresso's are recyclable and the others are not.



If anyone is interested in more details of the 16 Nespresso Grand Crus: Nespresso uses about 95% Arabica and 5% Robusta in its blends. Their beans come from Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Kenya, Ethiopia and India. Blending, roasting and grinding are all variables that enter into creation of a particular flavor blend. Investigating the blends, it is obvious that most of the beans come from Central and South America, Nespresso does not have a blend that features Kenyan Arabica beans--and that is my only dissatisfaction with the Nespresso lineup. We love Kenyan coffee and own a Jura ENA Uno machine so that we can brew our favorite Kenyan coffee from Peet's on the West Coast. It is interesting to note that the Starbucks' Verismo system does not offer a Kenyan pod at this time. I've got more info on the different Grand Crus--just ask me; I'll keep an eye on this review.



You don't give up any flavor by using the convenience of a Grand Cru capsule. And don't think that the capsules "cost too much": You want great coffee? You're going to have to pay for it. Amen. It doesn't matter if you grind your own or buy it in capsule form. In fact, I pay more cup-for-cup when I grind my own.



Two other things: Nespresso augments their 16 regular blends with a special, limited-time-only blend about three times a year. And it is very, very easy to buy the capsules. They are available online at nespresso.com. The ordering process is simple, the product is always fresh, customer service efficient and pleasant, and shipment is quick, quick.



If someone tells me the Nespresso capsules do not produce the "best espresso you'll ever have", I ask them where to get a better one: If they're being completely honest, the answer will not be "I get a better espresso at home", not unless that person is an expert with a very expensive machine.



One last thought on the capsules: The jewel-toned, aluminum capsules are a visual treat. The capsules are like little gems, little bon-bons. They are truly beautiful to look at. While it is surely not the most important point to be made about the 16 Grand Cru, I always like to remember to use all my senses when drinking coffee.



UPDATE September 2013: Looking at the Nespresso website, I see there are now 21 Grand Cru, and what's really neat: There is a carrying case for the Pixie.

Melitta 46894A 10-Cup Thermal Programmable Coffeemaker with Frustration Free 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.

Hamilton Beach 48465 Brewstation Summit Ultra 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I was in the market for a new coffeemaker, and I really wanted to try a Brewstation. The Summit Ultra seemed to be the best available with it's sleek design and 12 cup capacity. I see a lot of people negatively commenting on the supposed design flaw of this machine - the spout being too close to the back of the machine, thus coffee spills down the outside of you mug or cup. Well, after much online and in-store investigation of this product I bought it! And am very pleased with it. Yes, the first time I used it there was some spillage down the back of the mug. It's just a matter of having the coffeemaker placed against the backsplash on your counter and getting the feel of how to press your mug against the bar. My coffeemaker's bar is firm but not hard to push. I've used several types of mugs, cups and travel mugs. Approach the machine straight on (not on an angle). I press the lip of my mug against the bottom-most portion of the bar so I can actually see the coffee dispensing into the mug. Yes, it dispenses onto the inner side of your mug, but if you can keep your hand steady for 5 seconds you should have no back spillage. I agree that the dispenser should have been placed out a few millimeters, but again, I stress I have no problem with it. Being able to keep hot, fresh coffee for up to 4 hours is an awesome feature, as we have several people in our household who get up at different times in the morning. I just set the timer at night and in the morning the aroma of coffee brewing can't be beat! It's easy to clean; just take the filter basket out and then the holder, rinse them in your sink and either let them drip dry on the counter or just place them back in the machine and leave the lid open for a few hours. They fit together easily. Wipe down the front of the machine and the drip tray daily and you have a beautiful, sleek, well-made product on your countertop. The only negative I could give this product is that I wish it came with a goldtone reusable filter. That would have given it 5 stars for me! Amazon has the most competitive price of this product, but if you have a 20% off coupon there are a few other stores where you could find it a bit cheaper.

KRUPS EA8250001 Espresseria Fully Automatic Espresso Machine with Built-in Conical Burr Grinder, Black

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Vine Customer Review of Free Product (What's this?) I just received this Krups Espresseria automatic machine. I have a Jura ENA 4 at my work so I will try to make some comparisons to them. The Jura is about the same price and they both have very similar features. I was so excited when I found out I would be receiving this Krups machine so that I can make my cappuccino at home too! I am a coffee fool so I make alot. With winter coming up this will be well used. Ok I have been using the Jura for some time at my work and it has been a very nice machine and is easy to setup, clean, and use. The Krups is no exception here as it is very easy to setup. Just fill the water container, bean hopper, set language, ML or OZ for liquid measurement, water hardness and ready to go. I use beans I buy here on Amazon. They are eight Oclock brand 50 % decaf. I chose the fine grind setting and brewed my first Cappuccio in less than a minute and the froth was superb. The coffee taste and strength is every bit as good as the Jura maybe alittle stronger with the Krups. I like that the machine is fully programable for different fill levels of coffee. You can fill one or two cups at a time. The nozzle height can be adjusted for taller cups but will not accommodate tall cups without sliding the drip tray out. The Jura can accommodate tall glasses no problem. The steam wand worked very well with no mess and produced a very nice froth and is fully adjustable for many positions. I really liked the spill tray as it has a float in it that rises to let you know when it is full. The Jura does not have this. Both machines come with a water filter to help reduce the bad flavors and reduce machine descaling frequency. The both come with a starter pack of cleaning tablets. As with any coffee espresso machine it will need cleaning to keep the flavor and machine working properly. It looks like the Krups requires less frequent cleaning. Both the frothing nozzles need cleaning frequently. All in all this is a very nice machine that will see alot of use. Oh yeah I was kind of surprised when I opened the box and noticed a small amount of coffee grinds in the machine. I called Krups customer service and was promptly advised that the machines grinders are tested during the assembly. I found no mention of this in the owners info so I was surprised but it is very nice to know that the machines are quality tested before shipping them out. Oh I should note that Jura does mention in there instructions that small traces of coffee grinds may be found in there machines for the same reason. Well I will try to make some comparisons now.



The Krups you can only use whole beans and no preground coffee.

The Jura has a bypass doser that allows you to use preground coffee.

The Jura does not come with a milk container and must be bought separately for about 80-100 dollars.

The Krups does come with its own stainless steel milk container even though it is not mentioned or shown in any of the pictures. I was really hoping it did come with it. Yeah!!

The Krups is made in France and not Mexico or China.

The Jura has a removable bean container.

The Krups does not have a removable bean container so no quick swapout of beans. Must run them all trough machine.

They both hold about the same amount of old grind cakes at 14.

The Jura needs to be cleaned every 180 cycles.

The Krups needs to be cleaned every 360 cycles. Big plus here!

The Jura takes about 44 minutes on the cleaning cycle.

The Krups take about 22 minutes on the cleaning cycle.

Both have an energy saving mode that is programable.

Both can be changed from ML to Oz for fluid measurement.

Both Krups and Jura come with a 2 year or 6000 cup warranty.



My likes about the Krups are slightly stronger coffee than the Jura.

Less frequent cleaning demands with the Krups.

Krups comes with its own Stainless milk container so you can fill it and put back in fridge when not using. The Jura you must purchase the milk container for 8-100 dollars.

Krups has a drip tray float to remind you when it needs cleaning out.

The Krups costumer service department was very quick and responsive when I called them. Oh yeah and they were all American so I could understand them.

The Krups has a better look for a home than does the Jura in my opinion.

I like being able to see how full the bean container is on the Krups without looking down in it unlike the Jura.



My dislikes abouth the Krups are no removable bean container. So when you want to change coffee beans to another brand you must cycle them through where as the Jura you can remove the bean container and empty it out.

Cannot use preground coffee as an option where as you can on the Jura.

The Krups nozzle does not raise as high as I would like to accommodate taller cups but can if you slide the drip tray out first.



So bottom line would I recommend the Krups Espresseria machine??? Yes I defiantly would!!!



UPDATE:



Ok so I have been using it for some time now and love it more than ever!! My wife too!! When just making a good old fashioned coffee the creama is so rich and yummy. I love it. I am still experimenting with all the minor adjustments you can make to custom tailor it but so far I like the grind set on very fine for a very robust flavor but not bitter at all. I am also loving the included milk container for the milk froth. It is very nice to be able to just fill it, use it, then put back in the fridge when done. Jura makes you pay extra for there milk container so nice job Krups!! Well just wanted to give an update as to how things are going here. Thanks

BUNN NCD 10-Cup Black Coffee Decanter

Product Description

Size: See Item

The Prize Patrol stopped in front of your house and you were so flabbergasted you dropped the pot of coffee you were holding! Or perhaps a more mundane occurrence, like the phone ringing, caused you to bang your carafe just a tad too hard against the side of the sink. Not to worry, replacement carafes are available for most coffeemakers.






CUSTOMER REVIEW



I saw the one star rating and just had to say something. This decanter is no more fragile than any other GLASS decanter. Yes, it will break if you strike it against the sink while washing it out. Of course most people are not clumsy, they are simply too fast. Speed breaks glass most of the time. Slow down, and your decanter will last much longer. I just broke mine, first time in 6 years. Yep, I struck a glass because I didn't have my contacts in yet. Should have waited but I was in a hurry. Murphy's Law is always waiting for anyone in a hurry.

Mr. Coffee TM70TS Fresh Iced Tea Maker, 3-Quart, Teal Splash

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.

Keurig Black R500 Rivo Cappuccino and Latte Brewing System

CUSTOMER REVIEW



First off, I must say I did not purchase this from Amazon. My wife alerted me to the TV deal at $229.00 and I went onto YouTube and watched it and decided that deal was too good to pass on. That's my confession. I have made a great many purchases of many, many things here but, not this. That said, my path to the Rivo was a long one.

Let me explain a bit. I was prepared to plunk down a couple grand more than this machine costs for a "gourmet home espresso machine" I love espresso. I travel quite a bit. Been to Italy many, many times. Naples, Venice, Palermo, I lived on Sicily for a time, etc... In addition, I have lived in the Seattle area for 4 years. So, with that bit of background, I have grown tired of having to leave the house every time I want a good espresso or cappuccino. So, I began to research home systems. I was at a mall that featured Nespresso systems and was impressed by the quality of their mid level systems. Specifically, the Lattissima systems. I also tried the Citiz and Milk. And, truthfully, if I was on a budget I would choose that over Lattissima.

Then, as I said, my wife saw the Rivo infomercial. Told me about the partnership with Lavazza, whose coffee we both Love. And, I went to their YouTube video to watch their infomercial. We both decided to give the 30 days no questions asked money back guarantee a shot. At $229.00 with all the Lavazza coffee samples they include we thought what do we have to lose. So, we took Keurig / Lavazza up on their offer.

The thing about capsule systems is the consistency of coffee or espresso from batch to batch. The Rivo is not the best espresso you can possibly get from a talented barista. But, even from the best espresso cafe's you get variance in each serving. You go there one day and "wow", another day and it's very good, not "wow". From the Rivo you get consistently very good espresso. The espresso I tasted from the Nespresso cafe at the malls we visited were good. But, not the same as the Lavazza. As I said, the wife and I grew to love Lavazza while in Italy. So, we are prejudiced in this area.

The Rivo produces a consistently very good espresso. The milk frother works exceptionally well when you take the time to experiment with milk levels. If you like a lot of foam, we have found that you need to fill to just a hair under the min fill line. If you like a bit less froth just a hair over is best. The milk and espresso temps are good. Preheating the cup is best for those that want a real hot cup. I like my coffee hot. The wife likes the temp as is from the machine without pre-heating the cup.

Lastly, aesthetics. The Rivo is not going to impress anyone aesthetically. If this is an important aspect for your machine you will not even consider the Rivo. If you are an espresso control freak, ditto. But, if you want an authentic tasting, consistently good cup of espresso or cappuccino in your home at a very ,very affordable price, give the Rivo a chance. 30 day money back trial gives you that chance. Oh, do absolutely bypass the Keurig, flavored syrups. They suck. Buy Monin from Amazon in the 750ml sizes with add-on pumps. Fantastic flavor. Bargain price. I hopes this helps a bit in your search for an espresso machine for your home. Sorry Starbucks. I don't need you anymore. Unless I'm on a business trip in the USA and can't make my own that is.



Update: I have read some other posts stating that the espresso is not hot enough or it's too weak in flavor. If you're used to drinking very strong American coffee roasts which are really very over roasted beans, and you like that, then the Italian roasts from Lavazza won't satisfy you. This over roasted beans thing is an American thing and IS NOT Italian in any way. Lavazza is an Italian roaster in business since 1895 and, The Most Popular roaster in the country. As for the temperature, it is hot enough right out of the brewer. As I state above if you pre-heat your cup this is not an issue. Pre-heating is common practice in Italy. One thing I have discovered is, Bodum dual walled insulated glass cups. These things do a fantastic job of maintaining the espresso / cappuccino temps for those who like it Hot and who also like to sip the drink instead of drinking it down in short order. They are not inexpensive. If you don't want to spend the money for the Bodum glass simply put some water in your cup, heat it in your microwave, pour it out and use it for your espresso / cappuccino. I have also started drinking brewed coffee with hot frothed milk from the Rivo frother. This is a major improvement over drinking brewed coffee with cold milk from the refrigerator. I brew a smaller and stronger cup and then pour the heated and frothed milk into a regular brewed coffee. So much better. As you can guess we did not return the Rivo after the 30 days expired. For the money nothing else comes close to giving you a consistently good quality espresso / cappuccino in your home. If you're a very, very, picky person with very specific tastes and needs you'll have to spend far more than 229.00 American dollars to get what you want. I almost did just that. I'm glad my wife saw that infomercial and told me about this machine developed in partnership with our favorite roaster, Lavazza. Hope this helps people in their research for a home espresso / cappuccino machine. One last tip. The frothing pitcher must be clean for the best frothing experience. So, rinse very well and dry it with a paper towel between each froth. We purchased a second frothing pitcher to make this more convenient for us. Wish you all well in your research and decision making.



Update 2: After 6 months of continuous use the Rivo stopped making espresso quality froth. That said, Keurig replaced it immediately with a new Rivo machine. They sent it Fedex Express. The replacement machine froths better than the first unit ever did and I am very satisfied with this companies customer service. There was no attempt to tell me that I don't understand my machine or that I am mistaken in my assessment. Just a we're so sorry that your machine no longer meets your expectations and, a new machine will be sent out immediately. The replacement was processed and sent the same day I contacted Keurig with my problem. Most companies could learn from this customer oriented attitude. I for one appreciate it very much and will continue to be a customer of Keurig for quite sometime. Stuff happens. It's how a company deals with that stuff that let's you know what kind of a company they are.



Update 3: Well folks this update is about manufacturing / Assembly quality control or design robustness. In 8 months I've had 5 RIVO's. Our first Rivo which was the subject of the first two updates lasted 6 months. Then it stopped making cappuccino quality froth. Keurig quickly replaced it. Within 3 days the replacement was on the doorstep. The second lasted 1.5 months. It also stopped making a quality froth. Machines 3 & 4 never made a quality froth. Malfunctioned right out of the box. I received number 5 last Friday and so far it is making a good quality froth. But, now every time I get up to make a cappuccino I am always wondering will it make froth or won't it. It is not a great feeling. Keurig has a problem with the RIVO of that there is little doubt. That said, their customer service is top notch. They are working the issue and ask that each malfunctioning machine be returned for investigation. I write this so readers of my review will be aware of this.

T-fal BF6138US Balanced Living 1-Liter 1750-Watt Electric Mini Kettle with Variable Temperature, Black

CUSTOMER REVIEW



This is a wonderful small kettle. It heats water up faster than I thought possible. Don't bother walking away to do anything else, as your water will be ready in a flash. I haven't timed it yet, but it is so much faster than a microwave. The three temperature settings are a useful feature. Inside is a metal bottom and the surrounding wall is plastic. I do not know if it is the safe plastic. I looked all over the packaging and inside the booklet to see if it was. There was no information regarding this. It is easy to take off of the base. I like that the electric cord can wind up inside the base, so you only use what cord you need. It shuts off automatically when the desired temperature is reached.



There is only ONE negative feature that I can think of. The level indicator is hard to see. I have to wipe the inside after using if I want to use it again immediately because the condensation makes the "hard" to see water level indicator "impossible" to see. A minor inconvenience, I think.



I would buy this again. It would make a great gift. I have used it for making tea, ramen, and oatmeal thus far. It is so handy to have!

Mr. Coffee ECM160 4-Cup Steam Espresso Machine, Black

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I've had this machine for over a year. I have tried other machines, even a pump. It makes good cappuccinos/lattes when the milk is steamed properly at the right temperature. If your only into espresso shots, I would go with a different pump driven machine.



PROS

-Inexpensive, Small

-Frother is strong, plastic tip is removable

-Quiet (then a pump machine)

-Latte art hearts (SEE picture)



CONS

-Supplied tamper is just a slightly flattened end of the coffee scooper.

-No frothing pitcher.

-Multiple shots requires de-pressuring the machine.



NOTES

There seems to be a lot of reviews stating it works fine in the beginning then after a while is poor or just stops. Ive noticed that during regular use, water starts to build up in the tank. This is because you never really use all the water in the tank per brew. This excess water I believe causes a problem. Either dump it out after, or what I do is, brew it out "before" I make a cappuccino as to warm up the machine on a cold start.



There also seems to be a lot of reviews saying it's not real espresso or there is no crema. This is true. It's a steam driven machine they've been making this type of machine for years. It can not match the pressure or the amount of crema produced by a pump driven machine. BUT it can produce a decent 'steam' espresso w/ crema ready to be made to a latte/cappuccino. The problem with the reviewers is that there are so many factors involved in why are not producing crema or a good cup. It could be the bean, the grind, the tamp, perhaps it's a cold start, not enough water, or too much water, etc etc the list goes on. It's something you'll have to figure out yourself.



Another thing to note is that the bean grind/freshness is directly proportional to the effectiveness of the steamer wand. If the beans are old and/or too course the water will brew through the coffee so fast that no pressure built up for the steamer wand to be effective. Likewise if the beans are too fine or the tamp too hard, the water will have a hard time passing thru the coffee and too much pressure will build up which isnt good either for this machine.



Do the descaling with vinegar per instructions.



Also want to note I added a picture of a latte heart I made, just to prove minimal latte art is somewhat possible with this machine.

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

Product Description

Product Description

Enjoy delicious espresso made your way with De'Longhi's Retro pump espresso and cappuccino maker. Stylish and functional, you can choose to brew ground espresso or E.S.E pods with the unique patented dual filter holder. The choice is yours, making your espresso truly made to order. You can enjoy espresso or cappuccino at the perfect temperature with two separate thermostats. If you prefer cappuccino you'll enjoy using the easy-to-use swivel jet frother, which makes perfect drinks every time. Other highlights include self-priming operation to eliminate pesky start-up preparation, removable water tank and drip tray and a durable, high-quality stainless steel boiler to ensure many years of delicious espresso. Clean the steam wand after each use to avoid the item getting stopped. If it is not cleaned, the steam hole can clog up.






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.