Nespresso C180W Le Cube Automatic Espresso Machine, Arctic White Review

If you are committed to drinking a lot of espressos, lattes, cappucino's, etc ...* and not just a cup of 'joe,' there are only two choices for you to choose from, this and the Keurig Platinum B70. Both make excellent coffee, are easy to use and make cleanup easy. So it really comes down to design looks.

*Note that to make real froth, you need the Nespresso Aericcino frothing machine which is really just an agitating/warming/heating cup like device - Amazon does not seem to sell, it's around $90 but it makes a huge difference versus the slightly non-diary power cream taste you usually get from "fake" pods of cappucino/latte. Of course, it's a separate device that you can use with the Keurig also so you can decide.

Besides the looks, the only difference is that the Keurig sells about 100 different pods of tea, coffee and hot chocolate and available in lots of places while the Nespresso pods are only available online and your choices are limited to about 12 (or whatever they might add or subtract in the future). Though since Nespresso only sells 12, they tried to make sure there is a difference in each of their choices so while you do get "more" choices that work on the Keurig, that does not necessarily mean you're getting a slew of differences ... each Nespresso pod is $.49 each with a minimum order of 50. Keurig pods range in price from $.30 to $.70 but Nespresso's design sensibilities extends to the pods themselves - the "Welcome Pack" is especially cool looking, a minimalistic black box out of MoMa with multi-colored chrome dots - each a pod "window" showcasing the 250 pods that then slide out onto trays like truffles. If you have a lot of company/friends over and want to show off striking good looks even from your instant coffee pod, then you have to choose the Nespresso ... sure, that might be getting carried away a bit but great classy clean design can make a difference - just like you could probably wouldn't pull out some grape jelly jars to drink coffee :-)

Anyway, ultimately, that's what it comes down to - the Nespresso unit and its pods are something you'd proudly display on your kitchen counter as it's really a mini Italian roaster, grinder and coffee machine - even down to its cup warmer and its chrome-like pods.

The Keurig coffee itself can be just as good. The unit itself and the pods however are normal, functional, everyday looking design - nothing wrong with that but if you're choosing design and aesthics, unlike a lot of choices where you trade off striking looks for ease of use, you're not giving up anything with choosing the Nespresso.

BTW, the Nespresso LeCube is also available in red, chrome and a new black. I'm not sure if Amazon carries all the colors. At their website, you can go all out and go Nespresso crazy - from sugar sticks to cups to if you're a true believer ... the 'wall capsule dispenser in ebony-tinted oak.' I KID YOU NOT :-)

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Product Description:
In a pure minimalist design with a square, cubed architectural shape, this compact espresso machine features a unique extraction system specially designed for coffee-filled capsules. A simple system perforates the hermetically sealed capsule and soaks all the ground coffee to optimally filter the coffee, while the unit's high-pressure 19-bar pump extracts all the aromas and gives body to the espresso ensuring a smooth crema--the delicious creamy layer on top. In addition, the machine's ThermoBlock heating system heats water to ideal temperatures during extraction and empties the remaining water after each use so that the water is fresh for each preparation.
For added convenience, the brewing unit provides programmable extraction for small and long cups with automatic stop, as well as backlit "on/off," "espresso," and "lungo" buttons. Other highlights include cup-storage side trays for six espresso cups, a removable 34-ounce water container, and vertical positioning of the drip grid for latte macchiato preparation. Used capsules eject into a capsule container that holds 15 used capsules and has a back light to indicate when the container is full. The espresso machine only uses capsules, not any other ground espresso, but a range of 12 premium coffee blends is available, including decaffeinated. The capsules can be purchased from Nespresso, either by phone or at their Web site, and an assortment of 12 capsules comes included. Housed in high-quality ABS, the 1260-watt espresso machine measures 9 by 8-8/9 by 9 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Gaggia Classic Espresso Machine with Instructional CD Review

Well, having tried several lower end brands/models I finally took the plunge and laid out the $$$ for this Gaggia. I can tell you that I feel it is worth every dime! My fiance and I really enjoy a good cappuccino and with this unit we weren't let down. Nice large water reservoir single and double filter baskets, tamper, pretty much everything you need to get started making great coffee is in here. For me one of the biggest gripes I have was that serveral units' filter baskets don't stay in the holder when dumping the grounds. Not so with this one. You have to hit it pretty hard to get the basket to pop out along with the grounds. No more sifting through the garbage looking for the filter basket!
All in all I find this to be a great functioning, well made unit and would recommend it to anyone.

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Product Description:
Consumers Best Buy! The Gaggia Classic is one of our best sellers for several reasons. Commercial grade quality: Rugged construction of heavy duty materials for longevity. Elegance: Choose between a stainless steel housing, with brushed or polished finish for a professional appearance. High performance: Forged brass components to stabilize temperature with a three-way solenoid valve and independent expansion valve. The Gaggia Classic turns anyone into a "Barista" in their own home. Includes two stainless steel filter baskets (single and double shot), coffee tamper and 7g measuring scoop.

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Rancilio Espresso Machine - Rancilio SILVIA Review

I have owned several different expresso machines in different price ranges. Hands down, this machine is the best I've ever used.The machine works exactly as it is supposed to - I use it every day, sometimes a couple times per day and the espresso never changes - it's always delicious, and the steamed milk comes out perfectly.I've even left the machine on all day a couple of times, and it still does not affect the machine - it keeps working like it's brand new.The only downside is that it takes about 45 minutes for this machine to heat up.HOWEVER, there are websites out there that can tell you how to get around this and have your shot of espresso in about 10 minutes.

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Product Description:
Rancilio is a company with a long tradition and our production of high-quality espresso machines dates back to the twenties. After decades of growth and learning, we proudly continue to offer products that are first in their class in design and technology

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Capresso Ultima Coffee and Espresso / Cappuccino Machine Review

I enjoyed the taste of lattes having lived in San Francisco for many years and found myself in withdrawal when I had to return to St. Louis rather unexpectedly.I purchased the Capresso Ultima about the end of 2002 or early 2003 and was and have been fairly satisfied with this product from the get go.Here are a few things I've found in having brewed well in excess of a 1000+ cups and probably 75+ or more pounds of coffee in this machine:
1.Your coffee selection is key.If you like the Starbucks or Peet's or Border's latte taste, purchase a good dark roast.
2.Buy a burr grinder so you can get the right grind, not too fine and certainly not course. I use the DeLonghi. One word of caution, after using the finest turkish grind on my burr grinder for several cups, one day I discovered the coffe would not flow no matter how long I left the pump on.By the way, don't do this because your excess coffee simply flows into the overflow tray and gets wasted.To fix the problem I called the factory in New Jersey (I think) and was told to just return the central unit--nothing else.For $65, my charges, they sent back a new unit even though I had almost 2 years of use on it.It was returned within about 10 days.Excellent customer service.
3.If you like milky, thick foam then stick with 1 or 2 percent to get the best froth which you cannot get with whole milk or soy or rice milk for that matter.
4.DO NOT OVERHEAT THE MILK!!!This breaks down the fat molecules within the milk making it impossible to build a good froth.
5.Use a small colletor to gather the espresso and not the cup you used to steam the milk. I use this to collect the espresso and then pour it into the steamed milk.After a few cups you will quickly determine how much coffee to brew.Also, if you want an absolute great surprise, make a cappacino and let the machine brew the "crema" that seems to be the rage in espresso circles.The Ultima does an excellent job making crema.
For those who don't know, it's the tasty lighter coffee that is brewed at the end of the brewing cycle and has a wonderful milky-coffee taste.
6.The coffee is always HOT, HOT, HOT so please be careful when initially drinking it.
7.The hot water heater works wonders for the likes of hot chocolate mix.
8.I should add about the frother that you will experience a lot of steamiing water which probably shouldn't be there and disappears if you let the steamer run for a few minutes--do this in a separate container and dump the water, the steam will follow.Also the frothing wand is a two stage affair that generally heats the milk at first and then after a slight adjustment on the wand will produce a thick froth.Also, I move the cup with the milk around the wand to get good even heat to the milk.
9From a cold start, to finished cup takes about 3 minutes--the heating element works extremely fast.
10.Always use distilled water not tap.This will result in a calcium deposit which will destroy the unit.If you drink a lot of this coffee, I'd recommend buying your own countertop water distiller.
11.All in all, I could not be more happy with this machine.My son who lives in Brooklyn uses a much more expensive model, over $1,000, and it produces a great cup of espresso---the Capresso Ultima does the same at almost one-fourth the price.
12.It is because of the water wastege that I gave this unit a four star rating.
13.To ensure consistent coffee taste, do take offthe top, very easy procedure, and then rinse it under the faucet.The black, grounds container on the bottom tray should be emptied and rinsed daily after
each use.
14.If and when the time comes to replace, I'll go right back to the same unit--Love it, love it.
15.Finally, the plastic water container holds near perfect amounts of water to make approximately 7 cups of coffee.

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Product Description:
Capresso "Ultima" eliminates all the inconvienent and sometimes difficult steps of conventional espresso machines: no more complications with filling, cleaning and rinsing baskets, tamping and hot filter holders. Just fill in pre-ground coffee to your liking (7 to 15 grams), pull the coffee lever down and turn the pump on. Within seconds the Capresso "Ultima" brews any size cup from one espresso to two six ounce cups of coffee always with wonderful crema on top. The double coffee spout even adjusts to accommodate different size cups.

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Espressione 1329 Cafe Roma Deluxe Espresso Machine with Built-in Grinder, Anthracite Grey Review

I received the machine really fast, was very excited and had it up and running in no time.I like the look of the machine, it is impressive and fits nicely in my kitchen.The only problem I have is inconsistent results and I have tried many things.I wish the instructions were a little more detailed as to how fine to grind the beans, how far to fill up the filter, how much to tamp... these things are not second nature to people who were not raised with an espresso machine.I will be contacting the company to see if I can resolve some of the results and hopefully that will take care of my issues.

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Product Description:
Make cafe-quality coffee drinks from the comfort of home with this easy-to-use espresso machine. The unit features a built-in grinder for producing coarse to espresso-fine grinds from whole coffee beans, plus its brass filter holder works with ground coffee. To ensure a professional brew, the appliance comes equipped with a boiler-temperature thermometer, a 15-bar boiler system pump, a coffee tamper, and an anti-drip valve with a self primer. The unit's powerful Maxi Cappuccino milk-frothing device helps produce perfect cappuccinos and lattes, and its hot-water function allows for quickly making instant soup, tea, or hot cocoa. Thoughtfully designed, the machine offers helpful indicator lights, a high-pressure safety valve, adjustable automatic shut-off, and a large 5-cup removable water tank with a visible water level for convenient filling. Other highlights include simple push-button controls, an interchangeable single or double dispenser, a cup warmer, and a removable drip tray for easy cleanup. The 1150-watt espresso machine measures 13 by 14 by 14-1/2 inches.

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Saeco Nina Traditional Espresso Machine Review

Just got the Nina and after taking a few minutes and following the well detailed instructions to a T had made one of the finest home-brewed cups of java in a while. For those who enjoy the good cup and cannot afford(or as I justify) spending a few thousand bucks on a real fine machine this one takes the burden away. If you want to brew a full cup you simply hold the brew button down untill your cup is filled.
I've been trhu a few of the 200+ dollar machines and this one is well to compete with the 500+ dollar machines minus the bells and whisltes and it makes a cup just as good as the two-thousand dollar machine without the bling.
If your looking for a fine home-brewed espresso machine then look no further as this one wil make you exactly what you want.
Thanks for reading
-Jeff

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Product Description:
Practice your freedom of espresso. The Saeco Nina espresso machine brews bold, flavorful coffee drinks right on your countertop, getting it just right with simple controls and a plastic Pannarello to manually froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes. One-year warranty. Model 00415.

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Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker Review

This review is based on a latte a day for about a month now.

-Customer service was great: one part got jammed during shipment (despite how extraordinarily well the manufacturer had it packed inside the box!).I called and a person answered the phone right away who helped me figure out the problem.

-Thus far, the espresso comes out hot with a great crema, and my milk is also nice and hot (from 120-160 Fahrenheit depending on how you want it) and well-frothed (meaning microfoam(!) not seafoam).With the frother it's essential to keep the full rubber head (meaning the fat part) submerged in the milk to get it hot (including the intake air vents on the side).

Bottom line: I am very impressed that this quality comes at such a great price.

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Product Description:
Re-create the flavor of authentic Italian cafe drinks with the Cafe Roma espresso maker. Style-conscious coffee lovers will treasure its attractive, stainless-steel housing that conveniently sits on a countertop. Espresso enthusiasts will delight in the 15-bar Thermoblock pump which forces water through coffee grounds at the ideal pressure to create delicious, rich espresso shots. The machine also produces an abundance of crema--the light brown liquid that sits atop an espresso and characterizes a well-pulled shot--via its dual-wall filter system. Filters synchronize with heated and pressurized water to perfectly extract and caramelize coffee oils, resulting in a velvety, flavor-packed crema that will impress purists and novices alike.
The machine is simple-to-use, with a removable 1.3-quart water tank and an external water window that indicates when the tank is low. The tank is much larger than most consumer machines, so espresso enthusiasts can pull shot after shot without running low on water. As with any good espresso machine, the unit also includes a warming plate to prevent shots from prematurely cooling when poured into cups. Additional features include a froth enhancer for flavorful lattes and cappuccinos, and a removable drip tray and grid for easier cleanup. As a bonus, the machine also comes with a stainless-steel espresso cup set and a frothing jug.

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Imusa Espresso, Cappuccino Maker Review

I ordered this to replace a Bialetti stove-top maker. I have had it a couple of months and it is great. I saw some reviews about some machines within this price category being flimsy and unreliable. The Imusa is terrific. Easy to clean (Bialetti was awful!), and makes up to a quad in under 5 minutes. It is lightweight, but sturdy; and makes thick rich foam, even with skim milk. I am a former chef and have had some fancy machines that cost thousands of dollars in my kitchens, Imusa gets it done for me at home. I even went back and ordered a second as a gift.

Adding on to this review: If you haven't been using your old espresso/cappuccino maker because it isn't easy, or a pain to clean up, then this is the machine for you.

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Product Description:
Espresso or cappuccino in only minutes with the IMUSA Espresso & cappuccino Maker. The stylish design is ideal for storing on your countertop. The steam tube makes for an ideal froth for your favorite cappuccino or latte. The removeable filter is easy to clean and convenient glass jar with pouring feature makes handling a snap.

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Breville ESP6SXL Café Modena Espresso Machine Review

I got this for a gift and love it. I've only had it for 3 months, but so far so good! It's my first espresso machine and is a nice compromise of quality and price. Great machine to learn on!

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Product Description:
The Cafe Modena produces perfect crema every time. With a 15 bar pump and dual-wall crema system, aspiring baristas can make espressos, cappuccinos, and americanos with ease. The machine comes with a stainless steel warming tray and a porcelain espresso cup and saucer set to start your own cafe out of the box. Includes a steam wand to froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes.

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Espressione 1334/1 Cafe Minuetto Professional Espresso Machine Review

Espressione 1334/1 Cafe Minuetto Professional Espresso Machine

This is the easiest machine I have ever used. Great espresso, easy clean up, and great reults.

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Product Description:
Espressione Cafe Minuetto Professional is a solid performing espresso maker sporting a classy yet modern design. Features 15 bars of pump pressure along with a thermoblock heating system for creation of instant steam. Equipped with a Maxi Cappuccino device to produce rich creamy cappuccinos. Safety features include a high pressure safety valve, self priming temperature controlled boiler, and rubber grip handles. Convenient features such as a cup warmer on top, large capacity water reservoir with a visible level indicator, and a removable drip tray - make it easy to use and maintain. Comes with a versatile filter holder and three filters that accommodate both ground coffee as well as ESE coffee pods. Durable INOX housing with front in silver varnished ABS.

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Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine - New 2009 Model V3 Review

This is a beautiful machine! I started learning about brewing espresso at home with a Gaggia Coffee.I've since stepped up to the Silvia and I wish I had bought it right away. The espresso I produce with it is far superior, never sour or bitter if I use the right amount and tamp it properly, and I can make microfoam. I also appreciate its heaviness, good looks, quiet operation and metal steam wand.

Many say - and it bears repeating - that you will only get the results you are looking for at home if you invest in a burr grinder of at least Rancilio Rocky or Gaggia MDF quality, grind right before brewing and use beans roasted within weeks, not months! I have had disappointing results with other grinders and all preground espresso including expensive Illy, etc.

Shop around and be sure to get free shipping, because this thing weighs a ton. I have seen good package deals where you can get the Silvia and Rocky together; with no tax and free shipping plus some free goodies such as a stainless steel tamper, you will be in business and might have some cash left over for the beans. Of course the instruction booklet is nearly worthless, but you can find some great videos on YouTube to show you what to do with all that stuff once you get it home.

If you have better things to spend your money on, like mortgage and groceries, or if you aren't too picky, look elsewhere; maybe try a stovetop moka pot. If you think you will be making espresso for years to come get this machine, a good grinder and a water filter, and some freshly roasted beans from Intelligentsia; then you will want a collection of little cups for serving your creations, and your friends might begin to think you are an insufferable coffee snob... and at that point, you will be. Trust me, your buddies most likely do not want to hear about your machine's brass portafilter and temperature stability.

This is NOT a cheap hobby. Maybe you should consider supporting your local coffee shop instead! As for me, I'm in too deep. Let me know if someone starts a twelve step program for espresso addicts. Enjoy!

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Product Description:
This is the very latest edition of the widely popular Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine. It still has the powerful brass boiler and durable pump that have made the Silvia stand head and shoulders above the competition. New enhancement and upgrades for the Rancilio Silvia V3 include: a commercial grade, fully articulating steam wand with 1-hole tip for improved milk frothing, a new ergonomic grip for the steam wand to make it easier to open and close, a new ergonomic handle for the already heavy-duty porta-filter. 1 Year Warranty.

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Krups XP4030 Pump Espresso Machine, Black Review

After making cappuccino on steam type espresso makers daily for the past 12 years, I thought it was time to upgrade to a pump model. I researched pump types and decided on this model. Wow! What a difference! The espresso first comes out as a creamy light brown froth which then clarifies into a rich darker brown color within a minute. What a difference in taste! We use pure Kona and the taste is softer and smoother than we're used to. In the week I've used it, I haven't yet mastered the froth on this unit, but it's getting better and is probably a learning curve on my behalf.

Some pointers and caveats need to be mentioned up front for optimum performance and eyes wide open purchase:

1) This model is heavier & noisier than steam models
2) No decanter is included. I use a Pyrex measuring cup if making two servings. About 1/3 cup per espresso serving.
3) You must manually turn off the espresso control after the desired quantity is made, hence the measurement of 1/3 cup per serving
4) The water tank is removable--a nice touch. If it is not reseated properly, you will hear a very loud continuous noise as the unit tries to suck out water it cannot obtain. This is just a learner's tip.
5) While the water reservoir is massive, you can only make one or two servings at a time, unless the espresso is diluted. Making more is only a matter of placing the unit in standby, removing the grounds, refilling with fresh grounds and continuing the process again.
6) Always wait for the thump thump noises of the pump to stop before proceeding to the next step. This is usually a matter of several seconds, just don't be impatient!
7) Whenever crafting the froth, you must wait for the orange light to go out before proceeding. This is like waiting for the oven to reach appropriate temperature.
8) Alternatively, you cannot go straight from froth to espresso without first placing the unit in standby for a cooldown cycle. The pump will cycle for about 10 seconds. When it stops, you can proceed. This is only a cool down period.
9) For making espresso only, this unit is FAST!!
10) I am well over the age of 13!

With the above in mind, I hope you take the plunge. The price is right and the difference in taste is remarkable. If you're thinking of upgrading your steam espresso maker, go for it! The Holidaze are just around the corner!

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Product Description:
Passion. Precision. Perfection. The Krups heritage of German engineered coffee machines and food preparation appliances provides clear functional, rigorous design at the highest level of technical perfection, performance and quality. Working with leading European designers, the product series also represents the newest European designs yet maintains the rigorous and clearly functional characteristics synonymous with Krups products. Designed and built for those who continuously seek out new gourmet experiences and take pleasure in discovering and understanding how things are done well, the Krups range provides the tools that deliver genuine results, performance and taste. Inspired by experts and demanding consumers with uncompromising standards of performance, the new Krups series has been built with three key attributes in mind: Passion, Precision and Perfection. Specifically designed for easy operation, the Krups XP4030 is a 15 bar pump espresso machine. It is virtually "fool proof" and is equipped with a patented "Perfect Froth System" which makes the process of steamingand frothing milk for cappuccino or latte simple.It has a high convenience filter holder that accepts ground coffee for 1 or 2 servings of espresso as well as ESE Pods.The auto cappuccino system precisely combines the right amount of steam and air to easily froth milk.

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Breville BES820XL Die-Cast 15-Bar Programmable Espresso Machine Review

LOVE this machine! I do not claim to be an espresso junkie or aficionado, but I am addicted to lattes and my morning habit was getting to be expensive so we bought this machine for Christmas. It's AWESOME! One of my main criteria, besides great espresso, was a frothing wand that would really do the job, and this one does. It texturizes the milk beautifully and creates delicious, creamy froth for my lattes and cappuccinos. We're still working to get the right grind and tamp combination, but I love that you can also use pods in the machine, which is fantastic for decaf! We drink regular espresso in the morning or afternoon, but every once in a while I want a cappuccino at night but it's not worth keeping the decaf beans or emptying my grinder to replace with decaf so we keep decaf pods on hand for those rare evening cravings. Perfectly convenient! You have to be willing to experiment to get the right tamp/grind combination or your espresso won't taste too yummy, but if you have some patience and try various combinations it really pays off. And I love the hot water wand - heats very quickly and great for hot tea! Super easy to use, pretty easy to clean and maintain, and entirely worth the cost!

Notable stuff:

- heats up quickly
- advertises that the top of the machine serves as a warming station for your espresso cups, but it doesn't get nearly warm enough to actually warm the cups (warm by filling with hot water from the hot water dispenser instead)
- does not require the use of distilled or filtered water (in fact, the instructions say NOT to use distilled water) - just use tap water and decalcify with vinegar occasionally
- the drip tray is nice and large-was able to make 6 lattes, including rinsing in between each one, and drip tray still wasn't full
- water reserve is very large and holds plenty of water
- "programmable" just means that you can program how large your single shot is and how large your double shot is so that once it's programmed, you just have to push a button to make a shot of espresso - eliminates the guess work that results in inconsistent shots
- the pod attachment only works for single shots, as far as I can tell there are no double pods on the market and even if there were, I don't think they would fit in the pod attachment

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Product Description:
Make any rainy day better by brewing crema-rich espresso drinks from the comfort of home with this programmable espresso machine. Designed to satisfy both novice brewers and experienced baristas, the unit offers manual operation as well as an intelligent programmable function that can be personalized with a favorite espresso setting. Its custom-set programming function extracts the perfect volume of coffee at the touch of a button--choose from Auto Shot, Custom Shot, or Manual Shot. Prior to extraction, the machine's 15-bar Italian-made Triple-Prime pump with a thermoblock heating system delivers three bursts of hot water into the filter head. This increased pressure expands the ground coffee or espresso pod and helps eliminate air pockets, which allows the unit to extract more crema for a rich, smooth-tasting coffee. In addition, the unit's electronic temperature-control system accurately maintains the optimal brewing temperature of the water to ensure the best possible extraction. A pressure gauge on the front of the unit measures the pressure that water gets forced through the coffee in the filter holder. The gauge needle pointing above or below the Optimum Zone indicates over- or under-extracted espresso. The gauge needle positioned in the recommended Optimum Zone during pouring indicates espresso will be produced at the ideal pressure and will have a generous layer of golden crema.
When it's time to produce steam for frothing milk, the espresso machine increases the water temperature and provides a swivel-action steam wand with a stainless-steel frothing attachment, plus a froth enhancer and a stainless-steel frothing pitcher for barista-style results. After frothing, its Auto-Purge function returns the water temperature to the optimal level for brewing. To save on energy the machine will enter Power Save mode if not used for one hour, and will automatically turn off if not used for three hours. Power Save mode uses 45-percent less power than Stand By mode. Other thoughtful details include a 75-ounce water tank, 4-1/2-inch head elevation to accommodate full-size mugs, a 1-liter slide-out drip tray, a dedicated hot-water wand with a 360-degree ball joint, and an extra-large cup-warming plate. Accessories include one- and two-cup dual-wall stainless-steel filters, an espresso-pod filter, a tamping tool/measuring spoon, a cleaning tool, and a user manual with recipes. Housed in die-cast stainless steel, the espresso machine measures 10 by 10-1/2 by 12-1/4 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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DeLonghi EC270 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Machine, Black and Stainless Review

This machine is nicely heavy and strong, normally with every pump espresso machine you have to wait like 5 minutes or more to let it warm up, well this one is ready in seconds, the pump is not noisy at all, the steamer works very nice mixing perfectly the milk with the steam without making boiling the milk before you get a firm foam and that is a good advantage because you can froth directly into your cup instead of using frothing pitcher (less clean to do), the water reservoir can be remove to fill it or it has a lid too, and it comes with two kinds of filters one to use with ground coffee for 2 cups, and another one that can be use with ground coffee for 1 cup or with E.S.E pods( which although they are bit expensive, once you use them you love them cause they are super practical) and at last but not least the fact that this has stainless-steel boiler is a plus since all the small espressos use aluminum which is not that healthy. In general it is very easy to use and to clean machine.

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Product Description:
Brew cafe-quality espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, and more from the comfort of home with this easy-to-use espresso machine. Thanks to its durable stainless-steel boiler and maximum pump pressure of 15 bars, each shot brews at the proper temperature and comes out with a thick layer of golden crema. The unit's dual-function filter holder can accommodate two separate attachments. Use the patented Sempre Crema Filter with two measures of ground coffee, or use the E.S.E. (Easy Serving Espresso) Filter with pods or one measure of ground coffee. In addition, the machine comes equipped with a self-priming system for quick start-up times, two separate thermostats for brewing and steam at the perfect temperature, and an adjustable frother with a special chamber that mixes steam and milk to create a rich creamy froth for cappuccinos, lattes, or any other frothy milk-coffee beverage. Other highlights include a removable 35-ounce water tank, a water-level indicator, and a removable drip tray for quick cleanup. The 1050-watt espresso machine measures 12 by 8-1/5 by 12-4/5 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Mr. Coffee ECM20 Steam Espresso Maker Review

I have read so many negative reviews of this wonderful little moka machine, I must put in my 2 cents. First, this is a stream machine, meaning it makes moka not espresso. If you like Bialetti but want cappuccino instead of cafe latte, then this is perfect. The grind must be close to espresso, finer than for Bialetti, and you must tamp it down, but no tamper included. There is only 1 knob, yes it is stiff, but i don't have arthritis. The round design makes it easy to handle even though it is very light. It descales with...vinegar! How about that, actually a traditional machine. The panarello works, just put in extra "cup" of water for steaming. Make 2 "cups", not 1 or 4, and always start with cold machine, or use very, very cold water. Stop the brewing as soon as moka hits 2 "cups" or it starts to steam instead of brew, then switch the knob to steam for the milk. If you don't, coffee will taste slightly burned. I have owned espresso and moka machines from USD5 to USD1,000 over a period of 40 years. If you like moka, don't waste money on anything more expensive. But, like any machine, read the manual, and experiment if things don't work the way you want. Finally, garbage in garbage out. If you want great cappuccino, use good organic coffee and organic milk.

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Product Description:
Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino maker.Steam pressure brewing.Powerful milk frother.

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Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel Review

For the price, I'd give the espresso making part of this machine 5 stars.The portafilter and brew group are substantial and well-made.I've worked at two espresso shops with commercial machines, and the parts on this moderately priced Gaggia are nearly as heavy and substantial as the big multiple-thousands of dollars machines.I've had the machine for 4 days and have been brewing shots with Starbuck$ pods.The toggle switches are easy to use, the reservoir is easy to fill, and the shots are aromatic and full of crema every time.However, the steaming wand takes a star away from this machine.It does not rotate in every direction like the comparably priced Starbucks machine. This makes it hard to remove a cup full of frothed milk from under the wand without spilling. Also, the plastic frother contraption is silly. Actual frothing capability is pretty good, though the plain metal tips on the commercial machines produced finer microfroth, and were more fine-tuned to the trained barista's hand.Overall, it's a good-looking machine, and I'm satisfied with it for my main purposes - iced lattes and americanos, and straight double shots, all of which do not require use of the steaming attachment.This is a good entry-level machine that will brew you good shots, and look good on your countertop.However, I'm expecting to outgrow it and move up to an Isomac with more refined steaming capability within a few years.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

Product Description:
Consumers Best Buy! The Gaggia Classic is one of our best sellers for several reasons. Commercial grade quality: Rugged construction of heavy duty materials for longevity. High performance: Forged brass components to stabilize temperature with a three-way solenoid valve and independent expansion valve. Gaggia is in the process of rolling out a new Turbo-Frother wand replacing the metal frothing wand and sleeve. The Gaggia Classic turns anyone into a "Barista" in their own home. Includes two stainless steel filter baskets (single and double shot), coffee tamper and 7g measuring scoop

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Saeco 4038 Vienna Plus 15-Bar-Pump Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Graphite Review

I recently purchased a Vienna Superautomatica as an inexpensive second espresso maker. The first thing I noticed is that it is Italian made like many of the great espresso machines. The body of the Vienna is "graphite" plastic, and while it does not feel first class, it somehow has a pretty sturdy feel to it. I also like that the footprint is pretty small thus taking up little counter space.

I opened the manual, which is not particularly clear, but need not be on account of very simple operation. The Vienna has three buttons--on/off, coffee, and steam. It also has a steamer control knob and a water volume knob.

I turned on the machine after filling the coffee and water tanks. The buttons feel Italian--you'll know what I mean if you've owned an Alfa Romeo. They are a bit clunky next to my old Capresso C1000, but they work well (for now).

The Vienna takes a couple of minutes to warm up--I don't mind this for reasons I'll reveal in a minute. The coffee spout is adjustable up and down to accommodate a large variety of cups and mugs. Once it's ready, the coffee light stops blinking. I push the button and it begins to grind the coffee. The noise level of the machine is louder than my Capresso, but not too bad. You might wake up the house with it in the morning, but my child stayed asleep. Once the coffee finishes the grind, the Vienna immediately begins making espresso.

My first impression was that I saw a lot more steam coming from the coffee than my Capresso. I am hopeful. The coffee also looked a bit thicker than the Capresso. After the Vienna finished I observed the cup: nice crema, plenty hot, and smells like the genuine article. I gave it a taste--wow, step aside Capresso, this espresso is richer, hotter, and a lot closer to coffee bar espresso. Next I took a sip. Ah yes, the cup holds rich chocolatey espresso. If you are sort of a coffee snob, you'll like what you taste. The coffee is much richer than the Capresso, which I attribute to hotter water and fuller extraction.

I'm sure that the Vienna will not make good enough espresso for some folks, but to me, it still tastes better than Starbucks. It was more than $100 cheaper than my Capresso and frankly makes better espresso. I cannot yet speak to the durability of the machine, but the Vienna is now my favorite inexpensive espresso maker.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Saeco 4038 Vienna Plus 15-Bar-Pump Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Graphite

Product Description:
Equipped with 15 bars of pump pressure, this 1250-watt super-automatic espresso machine makes it easy to enjoy cafe-quality beverages from the comfort of home. The machine's user-friendly control panel offers a coffee button, a knob for adjusting the amount of coffee in the cup, and a steam-function button, as well as a temperature-ready/coffee-function light, a steam-temperature light, an alarm light, and a power "on" light. The unit holds up to 12 ounces of whole coffee beans at a time, and its built-in conical burr grinder allows for adjusting the fineness level of ground coffee--plus, using freshly ground coffee helps to ensure the most flavorful results. Use the OptiDose adjustable doser to control the amount of ground coffee used to make each cup (from 6 to 9 grams) and the removable Pannarello wand to froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes--or to dispense hot water for Americanos, tea, and instant hot chocolate. Best of all, the machine's patented removable brew group allows for tamping, brewing, and dispensing all in one cycle; for quick rinsing and chemical-free cleaning, remove the brew group with a simple push of a button. Additional highlights include a removable 57-ounce water tank for easy filling, a stainless-steel boiler, a 15-puck-capacity dreg drawer, a height-adjustable dispensing spout to accommodate various cup sizes, and a plastic drip tray for quick cleanup. Durably housed in ABS plastic with a sleek, stylish design, the espresso machine measures 14 by 15 by 15-1/2 inches.

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Nespresso Le Cube C185 Espresso Machine Review

I do not ordinarily write internet reviews on products, but was really on the fence about purchasing this machine, so I have decided to write a review for anyone else that may be on the fence.

Let me say that my wife and I just returned from a 10 day trip to Italy.We have been to Italy and France four times in the last four years and when we go, we usually enjoy at least 3 cups of cappuccino or espresso a day.Upon returning home, we are always disappointed by coming back to American coffee.In the past we purchased a $50 espresso machine that not only made horribly bitter espresso, but was an absolute mess to use.It leaked, the espresso grounds got everywhere, the milk frothing wand gunked up and seemed unsanitary, it took 10 minutes to heat up the tank that only had enough water to make 2 espressos, and quite frankly, the pressurized cap was absolutely frightening to screw off and fill with water.We used it maybe 4 times.

In the five days after returning from Italy and buying this machine, we spent $40 on 1 cappuccino a day each from Starbucks.This machine will pay for itself in 1 month and we won't have to deal with all of the foam sticking to the paper cup.

Having just had 30 coffees in Italy, I can absolutely say that this machine makes better, less bitter espresso than we had on our whole trip.The cappuccinos are identical to the best ones we had there and better than the worst.Some may find the temperature of the drinks made in this machine to be not hot enough, but it is exactly the temperature of the real deal... something we ourselves had to adjust to upon our first visit overseas years ago.I would say that it is the perfect drinking temperature, and brewing it at that temperature keeps things from not getting bitter.

Now to address all of the things that concerned me.

1. Price - As I've said, this machine will definitely save us money within the first few months.
2. Proprietary Cups (Pods) - Being locked into their brand of coffee was the scariest part of all.I really wanted to be able to use Illy espresso in this machine, but we've tried several varieties of Nespresso now and all have been fantastic.10x better than the Illy grounds that were improperly brewed in our old $50 machine.I'm extremely confident that you won't get better tasting espresso at home in any other machine under $500 and you certainly won't get as consistent results no matter how much you spend.At 52 cents a cup, some may balk at the price of coffee, but I was paying a minimum of $3 for a drink at Starbucks.This machine is so easy to clean up that I would consider the cost well worth the time saved dealing with messy espresso grounds.Shipping on their website is a flat $6.95 for 2nd day shipping no matter how many cups you order, which I find extremely fair.Order 100 and the price with shipping is 59 cents each, but that is still way cheaper than you'll get an espresso of anywhere near this quality in any shop or restaurant.
3. Warm up time - It's nearly non-existent.I thought this machine would take 10 minutes to heat up, but it's ready to go within a single minute and can then pump coffees out one after the other after the other with no waiting.It's amazing.My only suggestion is this - hit the espresso button without the pod in there before brewing to get the water flowing.It only takes an extra 10 seconds to brew a cup of water like this, but it ensures that the water is in the pipes before brewing a real cup of coffee and will give you about 1/4 extra inch of espresso.
4. Milk frothing time - The Aeroccino device is incredible.I thought that thing would take 5 minutes.It only makes enough good froth for 1 really nice cappuccino at a time, but makes it in about 1 minute, so I've got no complaints.If you really wanted to, you could stretch it for 2 glasses, but I prefer taking the extra minute for another round.
5. Cleanup - There's almost none.I've never dealt with an easier coffeemaker in this respect, including regular coffeemakers.
6. Whether or not THIS model was the best to get - I can't imagine that there is a better model than this made by Nespresso.I see that that have far more expensive machines, but this machine is absolutely perfect, I don't think spending any extra money is necessary in the least.Some of their more expensive machines require running water through a tube to clean out their built in milk frothers, but this separate frother is so easy to clean... just give it a rinse.

Do not hesitate on buying this machine... it's incredible.I can't vouch for it's durability over time, but it is built SOLID.Much nicer than I thought it would be.I've heard nothing but good things about their customer service, and that they'll even send out a loaner machine while they fix yours under warranty.They want to keep selling you the coffee, so it is in their best interest to make a quality machine, and service it fast.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nespresso Le Cube C185 Espresso Machine

Product Description:
With its cubed architectural shape and minimalist design, this compact espresso machine features a unique extraction system specially designed for coffee-filled capsules. A simple system perforates the hermetically sealed capsules, then soaks all the grounds to optimally filter the coffee. The unit's high-pressure 19-bar pump extracts all the aromas and gives body to the espresso ensuring a smooth crema--the delicious creamy layer on top. Open the lever on the top of the unit to insert a capsule, then lift the lever to eject it into the backlit container, which can hold up to 15 used capsules. The machine's ThermoBlock heating system heats water to ideal temperatures during extraction and empties the remaining water after each use to ensure fresh water for each preparation. Other highlights include a removable 34-ounce water reservoir, a backlit on/off button, two buttons for selecting espresso or lungo (small or large cup), covered cup-warming side plates, and a drip tray. A milk frother, measuring 3-1/2 by 3-1/2 by 5-5/7 inches, comes included--perfect for frothing 2-1/2 ounces of milk in just a few seconds or for heating up to 6 ounces of milk. The 1200-watt espresso machine measures 9 by 8-8/9 by 9 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I was scared to death about my filters clogging as others have said, but I have found that the best thing you can do is to clean after everyshot. it is nota big job to wipe down the nozzle, rinse out the pots and filters, and take the little tool they give you to keep the filters open and pokethe hole once to keep it open for the next time. Takes all of a minute- maybe less. The result, great expresso, perfect crema, great frothed milk (once you acquire the knack of rothing), and a beautiful, sturdy machine that should last a long time with the kind of care I ask you to give it.

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

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

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

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

Hopefully, this review has helped.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Breville 800ESXL Commercial 15-Bar Triple-Priming Die-Cast Espresso Machine

Product Description:
Housed in heavy-duty die-cast stainless steel, this attractive espresso machine features a 15-bar Italian-made pump and a ThermoBlock heating system that maintains water at an ideal 204 degrees F during extraction. Prior to extraction, the unique 15-bar Triple Prime pump automatically releases three bursts of hot water in the filter head, causing the ground coffee or espresso pod to expand. This increases pressure, allowing the machine to extract more crema, giving the coffee a rich, smooth texture and taste. The machine's fully die-cast selector dial enables simple switching between espresso, steam, and hot water. When turned to the left, users can alternate between hot water and steam using the illuminating solid-steel buttons. The right position gives manual control of the espresso-making process.
Mounted on a swivel ball for easy maneuverability, the unit's stainless-steel steam wand produces continuous dry steam for barista-style milk and froth. The wand also dispenses hot water on demand for tea and other hot beverages. Included are single (7 gram), double (14 gram), and pod filters. Each solid stainless-steel filter incorporates Breville's unique dual-wall crema technology, which produces a back pressure inside the head that, together with the Triple-Prime pump, extracts more flavor and texture from the coffee. With a full 4-1/2-inch clearance, the machine accommodates large cups and travel mugs, making it ideal not just for espresso, but also americano, cappuccino, and cafe latte. The 75-ounce removable illuminated water tank produces 50 single shots of espresso before refilling, and is conveniently accessible from both the front and the rear of the unit. Other useful details include a unique auto-purge function, a 72-square-inch solid-steel cup-warming tray, a large 1-liter drip tray with "full" indicator, cord storage, a patented power-assist cord, and a concealed accessory storage compartment. Accessories include a tamping tool/measuring spoon, a cleaning tool, and a stainless-steel frothing pitcher. The espresso machine measures 12 by 10 by 12-1/2 inches and carries a one-year warranty.

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DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine Review

I have the EAM3200, which is the previous model version. The differences are slight but noticeable to the newer. These machines are the best in class for price and performance, produce a great espresso, and are maintainable in ways that other manufacturers models are not. The coffee from the Delonghi is just as good as from Jura and even some manual models such as Expobar and Rancillo. It is very close to what you find in Italy - not quite, but for the price it is worth it. Great crema, hot temperature, rich flavor. And the best part is you can pull out the brew mechanism and clean it - VERY key. This will ensure sound operation and function for many years.

In order to keep this machine is fine working order, you need to do a bit of upkeep each week and use the right beans.

1. Only use non-oily, 100% Arabica beans. If you use oily beans it will clog frequently and attract rancid flavors. It will also shorten the life of the machine. I use Illy, but any espresso will do (I actually get the Illy dark roast - it has more flavor when brewing a larger "americano" cup).
2. Clean the brew mechanism once a week. Just snap it out and run it under hot water.
3. Use spring water instead of tap water. This will keep any weird flavors from your tap entering the coffee. It may build up minerals, but...
4. De-calcify the machine when it asks for it - don't wait.

I, for one, would rather have manual controls over coffee amount, strength, etc. You are not losing out on anything by not having digital controls - other than not being able to have the machine automatically on and ready to go when you first wake up. As for the other models ability to do milk-based drinks at the touch of a button - how often do you really want a cappuccino? If it is every day, then get the 3500. If you are like me and need real coffee in the morning, then get this model. The milk canister can only sit in the fridge for so long. If you are planning to serve cappuccino at dinner parties, then you are committing Italian heresy - cappuccino is only served in the morning.

CONS
1. The cup warmer does not work very well, but get double walled cups and the temperature of the product will not be an issue.
2. You can't have it turn on automatically at a certain time. But it only takes a few minutes to get up to temperature.
3. It is NOISY.

My espresso settings - coffee amount at 10 o'clock, strength at 3 o'clock, single cup dispense. Super double espresso in an espresso cup. I may have 2 of these on a saturday.

My wife's "americano" settings - coffee amount at 3 o'clock, strength at 3 o'clock, double cup dispense. Full cup of rich coffee in a normal cup.

Bean grind at 5.

Click Here to see more reviews about: DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine

Product Description:
Capable of preparing espresso, coffee, cappuccino, latte drinks, and more, this super-automatic machine features a unique beans-to-brew system that grinds coffee beans right before brewing for exceptionally aromatic espresso. The appliance comes equipped with two stainless-steel boilers that provide excellent heat distribution, as well as an instant reheat function, which keeps the machine at an ideal temperature, no matter how long the interval between cups. In addition, its quiet burr grinder automatically grinds beans and can be set to a specific grinding level, but the unit can also be used with ground coffee if preferred.
The unit's front panel offers easily accessible controls for the on/off switch and cappuccino system, as well as for adjusting the quantity of water and coffee to suit individual tastes, from long or short to weak or strong. Its patented cappuccino system rotates 180 degrees to allow for any size milk container, plus the coffee spigot height can be adjusted to accommodate all different cup sizes--from a classic espresso cup to a tall mug. Even more, the unit's exclusive cup tray keeps cups warm before use, and its three-hour automatic shutoff provides added safety. Other highlights include a 60-ounce removable water tank, a handy water-level indicator, a 7-ounce bean container, an electronic steam and coffee thermostat, rinse and decalcification auto programs, and a removable drip tray for easy cleanup. Made in Italy, the 1,150-watt espresso/coffee machine measures 17 by 13 by 18 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.
From the Manufacturer
Capable of preparing espresso, coffee, cappuccino, latte drinks, and more, this super-automatic machine features a unique beans-to-brew system that grinds coffee beans right before brewing for exceptionally aromatic espresso. The machine makes espresso at a consistently ideal temperature because of its new stainless-steel double boiler, which provides excellent heat distribution, as well as its instant reheat function, which keeps the machine at an ideal temperature, no matter how long the interval between cups.
The machine's patented cappuccino system rotates 180 degrees to allow for any size milk container, while its coffee spigot height can be adjusted to allow for all different cup sizes--from a classic espresso cup to a tall mug. The unit features an exclusive cup tray to keeps cups warm before use, as well as a three-hour automatic shutoff for safety. For added convenience the unit comes with a water-level indicator, an electronic steam and coffee thermostat, rinse and decalcification auto programs, and a removable drip tray for easy cleanup. Made in Italy, this 1,150-watt espresso/coffee machine measures 17 by 13 by 18 inches. Brewing Unit:The "Heart" of Magnifica
Beans-to-Brew System
One of the secrets to making a high-quality espresso is using freshly ground coffee beans. Because of the beans-to-brew system, the Magnifica offers you coffee that has a delicious aroma.The coffee is freshly ground and no traces are left in the machine.Magnifica is the only super-automatic machine that delivers the freshest results.


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La Pavoni PA-1200 Napolitana Stainless Steel Automatic Espresso Machine Review

La Pavoni PA-1200 Napolitana Stainless Steel Automatic Espresso Machine

This is my third machine in 12 years.My first machine was a Krups Novo with a thermal heat block and a back pressure or modified filter holder.My second machine was a Starbucks Barista with a stainless steel boiler but also with a back pressure filter holders which produce a simulated espresso.The La Pavoni Napoletana is the real thing.You can't make or buy a better espresso.

This is an excellent espresso machine for the starter or the advanced barista.Heats up quickly and the heavy brass boiler, brass head and filter holder keep the machine ready for use.Consistently pulls espresso with a nice crema.The steam function provides plenty of steam to whip up thick frothed milk for cappuccinos.The grinder is easy to adjust maybe a little loud and holds enough beans for about 14 shots.The grinder isn't centered over the filter so you need to hold the filter tipped towards the back to keep the coffee in the holder. The machine is solid stainless steel, the drip trays are plastic but good enough.The reservoir holds 3 liters and is a little tight to remove and replace.The pump supplies plenty of pressure.I use the grinder setting between 5 - 4 depending on the bean.

Note:If you want a real espresso machine stay away from the machines with thermal heat blocks or steel boilers and any machine that uses a back pressure or modified filter holders isn't going to make a real espresso.

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Product Description:
Napolitana!The latest addition from la Pavoni is not only beautiful but built to last.The entire body is made of 18/8 stainless steel then polished to a gloss finish.This unit is semiautomatic, (you manually start and stop the flow of coffee via a b

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Nespresso CitiZ Automatic Espresso Maker and Milk Frother Review

With all the new style espresso machines on the market (Tassimo, Keurig, Flavia, etc.)I was convinced that Nespresso was more of the same: a set of stylish gimmicks designed to convince you that this "espresso" (though not real at all) was "the real thing." It never is.

Which is why the Nespresso is so great.It IS the REAL THING. The capsules contain nothing more than espresso coffee grounds. The machine is simply an automated and miniaturized "real" espresso rig.And the results speak for themselves:

-- full bodied crema like you get from the best barista
-- speedy and HOT cups of espresso
-- the espresso produced is crisp and clear, full bodied, and smooth
-- my Sicilian wife and all her relatives (numerous, and mostly named "Maria" "Antonina" and "Dominic") all fully approve of the espresso that comes out.Comparing is to "Nonna's" would be sacrilege, but although those words have not been spoken yet, I am conviced the thought has crossed a couple minds.:-)
-- all this in under 30 seconds and within a square foot of counter space.

The frothing unit that comes with the machine is nothing short of black magic.I have NO IDEA what it does or how it does it, but the results will amaze you.And the best part is it's easy to clean: no sticky milk mess left behind to make you wonder who's gonna get sick first.

Coffee for this machine is 55 cents per cup, and Nespresso delivers online orders with astonishing speed (which is good, because you can't get the coffee from anyone else!). A bit pricey, but in this case you DO get what you pay for... and then some.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nespresso CitiZ Automatic Espresso Maker and Milk Frother

Product Description:
Combining an ultra-urban, retro-modern design with exceptionally practical, user-friendly functionality, this automatic espresso maker not only functions as a beautiful accent piece to any kitchen counter, but it also brews up soothing, cafe-style coffee drinks quickly and easily. The single-serve machine features a unique extraction system designed specifically for coffee-filled capsules, which means perfect espresso every time. The appliance perforates the hermetically sealed capsule and soaks all the ground coffee to optimally filter the coffee, while its high-pressure 19-bar pump extracts all the aromas and gives body to the espresso, ensuring a thick golden crema--the delicious creamy layer on top. Best of all, it comes with an integrated Aeroccino for creating an endless variety of milk-based coffee drinks at the touch of a button. To begin, fill the Aeroccino with the desired amount of milk and press the "start" button, open the lever, insert a capsule and close the lever, fill a glass with the hot milk froth and place the glass under the coffee outlet, then press the Espresso or Lungo button--voila: creamy, delicious coffee drinks. The flow of coffee depends on the coffee variety selected, and up to 11 used capsules collect in the capsule container for later disposal. Other thoughtful design details include automatic and programmable volume control, an energy-saving mode, a 1-liter removable water tank, a removable drip tray, and folding cup support (one position for a cup and one position for a macchiato glass). The 1710-watt espresso maker and milk frother measures 14-3/5 by 9-2/7 by 11 inches.

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Hamilton Beach 40729 Espresso/Cappuccino Maker with Pod Holder Review

I've used this machine for two years now, and would buy it again in an instant. I'll add these comments to those previously written:
* Crema varies with coffee bean; shiney fresh beans give more crema and have more (but subtle) flavors.I don't get the best crema with Starbucks beans.Peets is great though, so is Nicholas.Even the generic beans ($5/lb when on sale at the local grocer) work OK.Remember, these espresso machines extract more flavor from coffee beans (than perk or drip machines); it's the nature of the pressure (vs temperature) process.
* For a great double shot (actually, 4 oz), I fill the fresh-grounds filter to level (not heaping) with whole beans, grind them for 8 seconds in a cheapo spice grinder, and tamp them (not too hard, not too soft).The tamped grounds come up almost to the #2 line in the filter.I run the pump for 30 seconds after liquid starts coming out of the nozzel.The machine has been turned on and heating for only about 5-10 minutes prior to this.
* I've used Starbucks pods.It does takes two (at 15 seconds of pumping per) to make a double shot.It tastes good (but not as strong as when I use fresh-ground.)Pods are quicker, but more expensive, than using grounds.You do need to be careful to press the pod in the filter so all water goes through, not around, the pod.Be aware that this machine comes with two different stainless steel filters; one for grounds, and a smaller one for pre-packaged pods.
* These machines use ***PRESSURE*** not temperature to extract flavors. This results in smoother taste, but not scalding temperatures. If you want your espresso law-suit hot, nuke it afterward.
* The included plastic tamper is too flimsy for the tamping pressure I've found works best; get a sturdier one (I got an aluminum one from a local kitchen store.)If you don't tamp hard enough, grounds float up and coat the nozzel that high-pressure water comes out of.If you grind and tamp just right, the used grounds will maintain their hockey-puck shape when you shake them out of the filter.
* Coffee mugs don't fit under the spouts.Its not like this machine will make enough espresso in one batch to come close to filling a standard 10 oz mug.I just want to drink a strong brew from a manly mug ;-)I've had to resort to using the shorter, dainty, coffee cups from the fine china set.(Don't tell my buddies.)
* If you're the analytical type, check out "The Complexity of Coffee" in Scientific American June 2002, Vol 286 Issue 6 p86.It contains good info you can use to perfect your brew.
* Use some of that cafeine buzz to clean the machine after each use, and it will last for a long time. There was a recall (on the older 40714 version) because some people weren't cleaning milk off the frother, which resulted in scalding when the plug of old dried curdled milk suddenly erupted. Use common sense, keep this puppy clean, and it will make cup after cup of great brew.
* The frothing wand is not the easiest to use, due to the funny angle, short length, and low height above counter.I had to search for a stainless pitcher of just the right size; 10 oz to the brim.Disclaimer: I don't use the frother much so this doesn't detract from my rating of this machine.
* After years of use, hard water deposits build up on the nozzle just above where the coffee grounds sit. I noticed that water was spraying, rather than dripping, from here (during cleanup). There's no need to run special cleaners through the machine; I successfully remove deposits by rubbing the nozzel with a hand towel after every use. It's become part of the espresso-making ritual.
* I've been burned on other items when chosing the cheapest, but not on this one.It has some drawbacks, but for the price I can easily overlook them. It has kept my picky self satisfied!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hamilton Beach 40729 Espresso/Cappuccino Maker with Pod Holder

Product Description:
Making cafe-quality coffee drinks is quick and easy with this Italian-style espresso machine, which features 1100 watts of power and a 15-bar pump. The unit works with ground espresso or pre-measured pods and offers simple push-button operation. Its 2-cup removable water reservoir is easy to fill, and the adjustable steam/frothing dial allows for quickly steaming milk for cappuccinos and lattes. For added convenience, the appliance provides a cup-warming plate, an "on/off" switch, a power indicator light, a thermostat indicator light, a pressure safety valve, and a removable drip tray for easy cleanup. Accessories include a measuring scoop/tamper, two stainless-steel filters, an instructional video, and laminated recipe cards. The espresso machine measures 9 by 7-1/2 by 11-3/4 inches and carries a one-year warranty.

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Gaggia 102534 Espresso-Color Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine, Red Review

I had a Breville Cafe Roma, a good machine, but one that I would regard as entry level.Although the Breville had no trouble making espressos with a nice layer of crema, the (recently upgraded) steaming wand was still a weak spot.Also, there's no hot water dispenser on that model.

After extensive research, I decided to purchase the Gaggia Espresso Color.Although no reviews of this model were available, I really liked the price, the color, the overall design, and the favorable reviews I had seen for other machines in the Gaggia line.This machine is compact, stylish, and includes elements found on higher end machines like a commercial portafilter, a stainless steel boiler, and a Pannarello attachment for the steaming wand.Also, I kept coming across the same brand names over and over again with a sterling reputation in the espresso world, and Gaggia is one of those names.

I am very happy with my Gaggia.I really feel that it is a cut above my old Breville.The insides of the machine (the boiler, the heating elements, the valves) are top notch. It is a very efficient machine which does a great job and is worth every penny.

There is a learning curve with this machine because the commercial portafilter does not contain a pressure mechanism like the filters in thermablock systems.The requisite pressure for properly extracted espresso is very dependent on the fineness and consistency of the grind and the pressure used to tamp the coffee.This machine is all about the ritual of making espresso, meaning you need to pay attention to details like prepping and preheating the machine, and minding the coffee grind and the tamp.The reward, however, is an excellent espresso that trumps what is sold at the typical coffee shop.The Pannarello attachment to the steaming wand removes a lot of the guesswork for making steamed milk and foam.The foam I have had from this machine is dense and luscious and makes my latte feel like a mini-vacation;-).The espressos and lattes I have had from this machine far exceed what I had from the Breville.They're also a lot better than what I (used to) get from Starbucks.Thanks to my Gaggia, I can now get my espresso fix at home (and save beaucoup bucks at the same time)!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Gaggia 102534 Espresso-Color Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine, Red

Product Description:
Make a statement with the Gaggia Espresso Color!This semi-automatic espresso machine is housed in bright red ABS plastic for a stunning, exceptional design.Using a stainless steel boiler, it brews pods or ground coffee and includes filter baskets for brewing single shot, double shot, or pods.The group head and filter holder are made of heat-retaining chrome plated brass for long-lasting heat stability, and you can pre-heat your cups on the passively heated cup warmer.Don't forget about those cappuccinos and lattes - a Pannarello frothing wand attachment makes it easy to foam and steam milk without a fuss.Great for espresso lovers and home baristas at any stage of experience, the Gaggia Espresso Color comes ready to please.

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Saeco Aroma - Espresso Machine Review

This machine works great, it is heavy duty metal case and does delicious creamy espresso. This machine does not leak like the gaggia I tryed before and for the price it is far the best I used. If you get it from Amazon you will get the best service ever! The water tank on the back is removable to fill and clean, the water retention tank for the coffee drops below is also removable, easy to clean, big enough and of very good quality. The metal grill does not rust and the portafila is solid. Saeco is the perfect Italian espresso lover's machine and it is so solid that it's like it was German made and not Italian :) I checked a lot of brands, models and review and that's from far the best I found for the bucks. I owned fully automatic machines for 10x the price paid here and that one is doing better espresso than any of them... This machine is a hit!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Saeco Aroma - Espresso Machine

Product Description:
Designed for those who seriously enjoy coffee, this easy-to-use traditional espresso machine features a stainless-steel boiler and a powerful 15-bar pump for producing excellent cafe-quality espresso, cappuccino, and lattes from the comfort of home. The unit allows for making espresso without having to measure out the ground coffee dose, and its pressure filter can accept a wide range of espresso grinds while still giving good crema. Thanks to its pod adaptor, industry-standard E.S.E. pods (prepackaged doses of coffee) fit perfectly into the pressurized portafilter, with no mess to clean up afterwards. Even more, the included steam and hot-water wand with exclusive Pannarello frothing device dispenses steam in three different directions, making it easy to froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes, plus it dispenses hot water for tea, hot chocolate, or instant soups. Other highlights include a simple control panel with back-lit buttons, an 85-ounce removable water tank, a cup-warming surface, and a removable drip tray. Made in Italy, the 950-watt traditional espresso machine measures 8 by 10 by 11-3/4 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Lello 1375 Ariete Cafe Prestige Coffee Maker Review

I will give this five stars. Not the same five stars I would give something along the lines of a Gaggia Carezza mind you. This five stars should be taken as a rating relative to its price. If this were the same cost of the Gaggia I would probably have to give it a 3.5

I should note I prefer americanos, cappuccinos, lattes, etc over straight espresso. I bought this for a second house. If I were to be drinking a lot of straight espresso I would have bought the Gaggia.

One important detail which is not in the description is this unit will use ESE pods. The portafilter has inserts for single and double shot amounts, as do most machines. The single shot has a small ledge around it which is designed so it may be used for both single shots and ESE pods, with a pod fitting perfectly into the area created by the little ledge. This is a big advantage for those days when you are in a rush.

Construction. This thing is solid. When I ordered it I thought it would not really be steel, just chromed plastic. Well it is stainless steel. And the finish is beautiful. This has to be the most impressive looking espresso machine this side of $300. One plus of being so heavy is you don't have to hold it down when tightening the portafilter. Something I never liked about the lighter units.

Despite the description noting a rather weak looking 950-watt heater, I was pleasantly surprised by the speed at which it warms up. This had worried me at first, but now that I have it I have discovered no reason to be disappointed. While using the steam feature to froth it has enough power to be ready to pull a shot immediately with no need to wait. And after pulling a double shot it seems like it is ready in seconds for the next shot, well before I have time to remove the portafilter and get it cleaned and reloaded.

Another impressive feature here is the warming plate on the top of the unit. Once again, as with the 950-watt rating, I was expecting a rather weak showing on the warming front. Wow, another shocker. It works! I turn the unit on in the morning and prepare my first drink. Then I leave it on. Make sure at this point you clean the portafilter and place it on the unit empty. By the time you roll around to getting your second cup, the cups on top are nicely heated and the portafilter is warmed up as well.

The drip cup and water reservoirs are quite generous. The drip cup underneath the bottom plate even has an ingenious little pop up float near the back which raises with the water level. Instead of constantly pulling up the plate, you can tell if it is getting full by simply looking to see if the float is starting to pop up. What a nifty little feature!

There is one drawback. The portafilter is what Ariete calls their "Thermocream" design. The problem with this design is it is created to produce a "crema like" crema on the top of every cup. This somewhat hides whether or not you are doing your job right and the crema is a product of a good grind, good tamp, and good pull. I prefer the crema production to be a function of how well I doing my job, not a function of some little device that makes stuff that looks like crema even if it is not.

I would like to add that the Group Head (the thing the portafilter attaches to when you put it on) is not solid metal. Parts of it are plastic. But given the price I am not willing to deduct a star for this (or the Thermocream feature) as I would if I were comparing to the $200 machines.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Lello 1375 Ariete Cafe Prestige Coffee Maker

Product Description:
Constructed of heavy-duty stainless steel and simple-to-use controls, this 950-watt espresso/cappuccino machine makes it easy to brew cafe-quality coffee drinks. The unit's high-performance ThermoBlock 15-bar pump-driven system provides uniform and constant pump pressure to make a superior espresso with good crema and a frothy thick milk cappuccino. Its removable 2-1/4-quart water reservoir can be refilled from the top at any time during operation, and a cup-warming area allows up to nine cups to be warmed before use. Designed in sleek, attractive housing, the espresso/cappuccino maker measures 9-1/2 by 9-1/4 by 12-1/2 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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