Chef's Choice 681 Cordless Electric Kettle

Product Description

Color: Stainless Steel

Handsomely constructed of high-quality brushed stainless steel, this cordless electric kettle offers a 1 3/4-quart water capacity and 1500-watt of power which boils water faster than the stove or microwave oven. This cordless kettle lifts from the corded base for easy filling, pouring and serving with an automatic shut off when water boils. The advanced design of the concealed heating element is never in contact with the water, so there is no buildup of objectionable mineral deposits. For safety, the kettle provides automatic shut-off, boil-dry safety protection, a secure locking lid, power on indicator light and cool touch bottom. Other highlights include a convenient water-level gauge built into the handle and a cord that wraps neatly into the base for easy storage. The teakettle measures 9.2 by 6 by 8-inch and includes a one-year limited warranty.






CUSTOMER REVIEW



I have been using the Chef's Choice 677 Cordless Electric 1-3/4-Quart Teakettle for 4 years. Worked like a charm but had to replace it when it won't start anymore and has rusted so much from years of use.



The Chef's Choice 681 was a great choice for an upgrade. I have been using it for a week and a half and it works great. Heats water in just two minutes! The design is simply beautiful. It is slightly smaller than the older one I have by just 0.5 liters. I like that this kettle lights up when it's on. The blue light is highly visible unlike the Chef's Choice 677 Cordless Electric 1-3/4-Quart Teakettle where you barely notice the light. Because of the blue light, I haven't burned myself by accidentally touching the kettle. The sound of boiling water isn't as loud as the old one I have too.



It has no plastic interiors, all stainless steel coated. It does have a slight industrial smell inside, out from the box. The interior must be rinsed well before using.



The body of this kettle is prone to fingerprints easily. Easy cleaning with microfiber sponge or towel does the job.



This kettle is also lighter than the former one I had. I used this several times a day and it's wonderful! Great for the price compared to other more expensive electric kettles sold at Amazon.

KRUPS XP160050 Coffee Maker and Espresso Machine Combination, Black

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Vine Customer Review of Free Product (What's this?) Having read comments about this machine smelling like plastic I was worried that the machine would be inferior.But the machine is actually good.



Alas, I found that running a couple cycles of just water with a teaspoon of plain vinegar got rid of the smell.



They even note on page 7 of the instruction booklet 'To remove any residue from production which may rest in the appliance run the machine through one or two cycles with water only. Wash ALL loose parts in warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly and dry'. This is repeated on page 9 under the 'Preparing Coffee' section. How many people who are giving this machine poor marks did what the instructions said??????



Love how the drip grate under removes easily for cleaning. The clock is easy to set. Like that the coffee area holds a reusable cone filter since I dislike using paper filters. Appreciate the clean lines which also make for cleaning the machine easy.



The added bonus for me is it fits on the counter under the cupboards in my small older cottage here in the Sierras. You have no idea how many modern appliances are geared toward newer homes with cupboards higher up from the counters.

Eparé Electric Milk Frother | Cappuccino Latte Coffee Foam Maker

CUSTOMER REVIEW



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In the last few years, I have spent a lot of days and weeks and weekends in Germany, where I came to know the beauty of late morning wake ups and the frothy milk topped coffee from the home milk frother. No one I know US had one, but in Germany they are a common household item that you see everywhere.



I've had my eye on these for a while, and finally got this one. It is easy to use, has clear novice instructions on the back of the box and has an instruction manual inside if you need more re-assurance. I was easily able to froth 1/4-1/3 cup of iced vanilla latte into 3/4 cup in very little time. The recommendation of about 20 seconds is accurate. This frother has more than enough power to froth any drink you like in any volume you like.



The tip of the frother does spin, not vibrate, like a mini version of the hand held blenders that are popular. It worked perfectly and as hoped, and I expect to make lots of interesting hot chocolate and other hot/cold/mixed drinks in the days to come. It has a rubberized texture and was of the expected quality. I have attached a video to show the frothing power. Impressive!



If you have any questions please leave them below and I will answer them ASAP.



By a lot of hard hours and days and years of time spent reviewing, I found myself in the top 10 reviewers on Amazon. This wasn't a goal or self promotion, but by nose-down focused reviewing. I occasionally get contacted by manufacturers or sellers who appreciate my way of reviewing and ask if I'll consider reviewing a product for them, with no obligation or cost. This is one of those products. I assure you that I review what I want, when I want, how I want, in order to share what I feel is the most accurate useful information.

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 - [...]

Keurig Rivo R500 Brewer

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.

Nespresso A+C60-US-SS-NE Pixie Espresso Maker with Aeroccino Plus Milk Frother, Chrome

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.

DeLonghi EC5 Steam-Driven 4-Cup Espresso and Coffee Maker, Black

Product Description

Treat you and your guests to an espresso in minutes with the De'Longhi EC5 Steam Espresso Maker. Simply add freshly ground coffee to the filter for an authentic espresso made just the way you like it. This steam-based espresso machine can make two cups of espresso at a time and features a swivel jet frother for creating lattes and cappuccinos. Featuring a patented safety cap and small footprint, this espresso maker is ideal for use in any home. The unit weighs 4.2 pounds and measures 8 by 14.36 by 11.75 inches (W x L x H).

Makes espresso for you and a guest.

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Safety cap ensures safe operation.

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Make Two Espressos Simultaneously

Make espresso for you and a friend with the convenient two-cup adaptor, which allows you to brew two cups simultaneously.

Swivel Jet Frother for Lattes and Cappuccinos

An easy-to-use swivel jet frother makes it easy to create lattes and cappuccinos. Add milk to the included glass carafe and hold under the frothing nozzle. The machine does all the work to produce a creamy and thick milk froth for your favorite beverage.

Patented Cap for Safe Operation

This machine's patented safety cap is steam pressurized to ensure safe operation. Additionally, the durable glass carafe is heat resistant for safe use. An on/off indicator light shows when the machine is in use or powered off.

Easy Cleaning and Maintenance

A large drip tray collects excess water and grounds and is removable for easy cleanup. Descaling and cleaning the filter holder is recommended after every 300 coffees. Instructions are outlined in the user guide.

Swivel jet frother for creating lattes and cappuccinos.

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What's in the Box

De'Longhi EC5 Steam Espresso Maker, glass carafe, and user guide.

De'Longhi EC5 Steam Espresso Maker features:

• Enjoy espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos at home


• Swivel jet frother creates thick milk froth


• Steam-pressurized cap ensures safe operation


• Includes 8.5-ounce heat-resistant glass carafe


• Easy-to-clean removable drip tray

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I'm surprised at some of the negative reviews of this product. Perhaps the reviewers ended up with the occasional lemons. I've purchased two of these...one I bought for myself, and the other as a gift, and they've worked beautifully. The milk steamer is very effective (but as noted, the wand is a bit short, which would be my only complaint). It would be nice to have a separate bypass switch between brewing and steaming modes, but the lack of one is common in machines in this price range. Overall I'm very happy with mine and have had no problems at all. At the current price, I'd highly recommend purchasing one. If you want more features and better construction, then spend another $100 or more for a steam pump model, but for fast and easy coffee drinks from a functional, affordable machine, this is hard to beat.



January 2010 update: It's been over four years since purchasing two of these coffee makers, and both are still going strong. The one I purchased for myself is used almost daily, and still works perfectly.

DeLonghi Stainless Steel Burr Coffee Grinder with Grind Selector and Quantity Control

Product Description

Sleek, convenient coffee grinder

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Start your day with a fresh, aromatic cup of coffee made from whole beans of your choice, ground by you, with the De'Longhi KG89 Burr Coffee Grinder. This sleek burr grinder produces rich and uniformly textured coarse, medium, and fine grounds, so it’s ideal for filter coffee or espresso preparation. Easy-to-use features and integrated cord storage makes operation simple, while the sleek stainless steel design complements any countertop. This grinder produces enough coffee for 2 to 12 cups at a time. It weighs less than 4 pounds and measures 10.2 by 5.1 by 6.3 inches (H x W x D).

For Fresh, Great-Tasting Coffee

Enjoy freshly ground beans in the morning or whenever you want them. Grinding just the right amount of beans with every use is recommended for the best-tasting fresh coffee.

Creates grounds with flavor and aroma

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Burr-Grinding Wheels for the Best Results

The burr grinding wheel grinds coffee with a desired, uniform texture. The oil content of beans, which contributes to excellent flavor and aroma, is also protected with the burr grinding method.

Choose coarse, medium, or fine grind

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Choose the Ideal Grind

The electronic grind selector allows you to pick your ideal grind setting. Choose from coarse, medium, or fine.

Grind for 2 to 12 cups

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Easily Control the Quantity

You can select the amount of coffee you want to grind, from 2 to 12 cups.

View the grinding process

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Safe, Easy Operation

This grinder’s simple on/off push-button control is easy to use. The dual safety system ensures that the grinder automatically shuts off whenever the lid or ground coffee container is not in place.

Ground container can be easily removed

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Sleek Design and Clutter-Free Storage

The stainless steel exterior is durable and offers a clean, modern design. Self-contained cord storage makes this grinder easy to store and keeps countertops clutter free.

Grind fresh coffee beans to the coarseness or fineness you prefer

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What's in the Box

De'Longhi KG89 Burr Coffee Grinder and instructions.

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I had a Cuisinart conical burr grinder. MISTAKE. Like others' experiences, mine just quit after a short while. I was hesitant to buy an electric burr grinder after my Cuisinart experience. For a while I ground using a mini food chopper, then got a Mr. Coffee blade grinder. Mr. Coffee had a number of cups and fineness control both of which were essentially useless. Manually grinding and monitoring were more effective. I thought I'd try my luck and look for an electric burr grinder again. I saw the DeLonghi KG89 and decided to take a chance. It is much quieter than the Cuisinart. In fact, quieter than the Mr. Coffee blade grinder. I filled the upper container, set the number of cups and fineness, and started it. It ground the beans perfectly. I measured the output. It was exactly what I would have measured out from ground coffee. Hoping that it lasts longer than the Cuisinart. But, so far, two thumbs up.

Delonghi EMK6 Alicia Electric Moka Espresso Coffee Maker

CUSTOMER REVIEW



1/20/06 First reviewed: I received this as a gift and had about twenty wonderful cups of moka from this cute little electric machine, but then one day in the third week of ownership, steam went a'flyin outside of the moka maker instead of into the top chamber. I called customer service and was given a run-around, ugh. I was told that without a receipt I could buy the replacement unit for around $40 plus shipping. She said that most of their products have a 30 or 60 day warranty, which surprised me greatly. Since I'd owned the product for less than 30 days, I figured I was still in the warranty time any way one looked at it, but I was wrong. With no receipt, no exchange from DeLonghi. Well, I tried to use the unit after really tightening the top and bottom together and the escaping steam abated. The next week, the shut off valve on the heating unit started making a terrible noise and the unit wouldn't even start. It would be triggered within a few seconds to shut off, so I had nothing at all brewing. Aha, I regained my smartness finally, and took the item to Bed Bath and Beyond, and they were extremely gracious in having another sent to me because the store didn't have it in stock. I hope that when this replacement arrives in a week or two I'll love it again, but I hope this time it's a more long lasting relationship. I'll recommend that you buy this from Amazon because the price is substantially less but be sure to keep your receipt even if you register the warranty!

UPDATE 2/21/07 The replacement unit has been working flawlessly for a year now and it's used on a daily basis. I'd give it another star!

UPDATE 1/16/09 Another year has almost passed and this is still working great. With proper care, I think it will outlive us all!

KRUPS XP601 Pump Espresso Machine with Thermo Block System and Stainless Steel Housing, Silver

CUSTOMER REVIEW



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Remember the small steam espresso machines from Krups some 25 years ago? They really paved the way for home espresso machines. It's come a long way from the only option being stovetop (moka)pots made popular in the 1930s. This unit is perfect for those that want some of the perks of a machine costing much more, and don't care if the machine lacks some of the customization obtained by the pricey machines. I'm really happy about the universal filter holder, no more switching inserts for pods. If you are super fussy (and this is a good tip for any coffee device with plastic/rubber/silicone parts), wash the filter using only UN-scented dish soap.



It has a 'Thermo-block' system, which is an insulated block chamber (as opposed to a boiler)so your temps will be more constant and it's a more 'heat on demand' process. Probably more energy efficient but that's just my guess. It has a 15 bar pump, a 'bar' is a measure of pressure...and 15 bars of pressure will force quite nicely. I think those early steam ones had only 3 or 4 bars of pressure!

This is a VERY easy machine once you have a few draws under your belt.

If you have any questions about this unit, please feel free to leave a comment. I love drinking and learning/talking about coffee, so ask anything or educate me!

UPDATE: Every espresso machine has it's own personality, and after pulling quite a few shots and frothing gallons of milk, the XP6010, and my PARTICULAR XP6010 is no different. I've found that if down to the minimum level of water in the tank, 99% of the time it will need more water and a quick priming. If left on for a long time, it needs a quick prime before my next shot. To prime, one simply releases a bit of water from the steam nozzle, so it's not a big deal, but it is indeed one of the quirks.

One other thing about this machine that has me in absolute awe...what the heck is the nozzle make of? I've has a home espresso machine of one brand or another for nearly 30 years, and never has a nozzle been so easy to clean. Looks like stainless, feels like stainless, cleans like teflon.

Oh, and a very nice gent asked about the handle, please click the 'comments' and read on. It seems hard to lock in place, but the reality is that this machine is light so one needs a bit of leverage.

Nespresso VertuoLine Coffee and Espresso Maker with Aeroccino Plus Milk Frother, Black

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I have used this machine for about a week, and it is awesome! I had used an espresso machine frequently years ago, but got sick of the grinding, prepping, priming, etc., especially before work in the morning. So, I eventually gave up and bought a plain-ole coffee maker. Unfortunately, "regular" coffee, to me, tastes like hot water. I even tried a Kuerig, but returned it within a month - it was more convenient, but the coffees are no higher quality than any grocery-store brand coffee. So I debated for a long time about whether I should wait for one of these brand-new Nespresso Vertuoline machines, or just buy one of the older, espresso-only Nespresso machines.



I have to say that I'm very happy that I waited for this one! The espresso is excellent, the drinks have all been hot (even when adding milk from the Aeroccino), the whole spinning process takes about 15 seconds (or less) to pour into the cup, and - most surprisingly - the new coffee-sized cartridges are AWESOME! They taste NOTHING like regular, ground grocery-store coffee-in-a-can. They are much more flavorful, much stronger, and seem fresher even than using whole coffee with a grinder (maybe it's from being sealed in the aluminum cartridges?).



The Nespresso club has been great - they ship coffee and espresso cartridges within two days, and seem to have excellent customer service. I emailed a question to them and had a personal answer (not a canned answer) within about 3 hours.



My final comment - I have tried Keurig coffee in the past, and now have this Vertuoline; the Keurig wins on availability, but if you want a single-serve coffee maker, and actually appreciate and LIKE THE TASTE of good coffee, then this machine wins HANDS DOWN.



EDIT 3/4/2014: Just wanted to add, based on another reviewer's inaccurate comments, that you CAN adjust the volume of the pour to between 0.3oz. and 17oz. by a simple process that is clearly explained in the owner's manual. The machine remembers your programmed espresso levels and coffee levels separately, and keeps that programming until you reset it.

Norpro 5569 Decorative Cup Warmer

CUSTOMER REVIEW



This warmer works very well in the "warming" department, but before purchasing, be aware of the following:

- the cord is very short, so you will probably need an extension cord.

- the on/off switch is located half way down the cord, so you have to reach for it a bit... It would be much better if the on/off switch was on the warmer unit itself.

- the bottom "feet" are made of hard plastic, so it "slides" on hard surfaces and can scratch your furniture. It would be much better if it had rubber feet.

Other than that, it's a nice product.

Bru Joy Milk Frother Stainless Steel - Best Automatic Foaming Wand With User Manual - 2 AAA Batteries Not Included

CUSTOMER REVIEW



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This milk frother from Bru Joy is now essential in my making my AM beverages. It works fast & looks great in my kitchen! My kiddos enjoy using it for hot chocolate too. I got a free sample in exchange for an honest review because I am a royal Bru Joy customer & the company chose me to be the tester. AMAZING QUALITY & VALUE.

Hamilton Beach K6080 Large Cordless Kettle, 1.8-Liter, Black

CUSTOMER REVIEW



UPDATE 10/31/12

Another month passed, and the kettle does not work that well anymore as I experienced in the beginning. Obviously, the rust buildup on the heating element is now somehow hindering its auto shut-off function. This means I have to manually flip the switch to turn off the kettle when water is boiling, otherwise it just keep heating up! This can really be a major safety issue, not to mention that the whole point of a electric kettle is that I don't have to stand around it watching the water. Although it is still usable, I wouldn't use it anymore. Sent an email to the company, and I was told that it's most likely due to mishandling, and I'll have to pay to ship it over to get it fixed. Since shipping this guy in its original box costs half its selling price and there's no guarantee it'll be fixed for free, I'll just opt for a new kettle. It could be problem with my tap water, but aren't these supposed to be a way to purify water anyways?



UPDATE 9/29/12

Now that I've used this kettle for over a few months, I'll take away two stars for it. The reason is that you have to keep using it very, very often, almost daily, to keep the kettle in good working order. Scale buildup, although a problem, is easily taken care of by some vinegar; however, once I leave the kettle alone for a week or two without using it, the heating element rusts. This not only makes boiling time much longer than before and consume a lot of energy, but also releases potentially harmful chemicals into your water. The only way to prevent this is to wipe the inside of the kettle dry after boiling water. Once the heating element rusts there's pretty much nothing I can do about it than replacing the kettle as it's not really possible to scrape and polish the insides.



This large kettle is very convenient for those who occasionally need hot water. I bought it looking for some tea as well as instant food and it does the job perfectly.



Pros:

-Large volume. Can boil a lot of water, which means the water stays warm a little longer when I let it sit. No need to reboil for refills.

-Power design. The "special" power connection used on the base is pretty high so I feel more comfortable leaving it near the sink.

-Cordless. I can take it away without trying to unplug it. I used to use a corded one and unplugging it can be a pain when the water is boiling inside and the kettle gets hot.

-Handle with anti-slip. Great when the kettle gets heavy.

-Switch that can turn off. The old kettle I have can only turn off itself, and this one is really convenient when I think I don't want the water anymore.



Cons:

-Scale builds up really fast. I've used it a week now and can already see some on the heating element.

-Minimum line at 0.5L. This means I have to boil at least 2+ mugs of water, even I just want a cup.

-Plastic smell needs 5+ boils to clear up.



The bad parts can be dealt with pretty easily so it's no big deal for an occasional user. If you want something to use every hour to serve a whole family (or more), consider one of the stainless steel kettles with hidden elements. This kettle will probably take some descaling, but I guess that is the cost of having one that boils a full kettle in under 4 minutes.