DeLonghi Caffe Sorrento Bar4 4-Cup Espresso/Cappuccino Machine, White Review

We had a Mr. Coffee for several years, and it reliably turned out decent (not excellent) expressos and lattes. When the main switch failed recently, I looked into getting a new one and was surprised to see all the hyped up reviews on the Amazon site.
As a result, this simple little machine is selling for more than its list price -- ridiculous, in my opinion.
I bought the Delonghi Cafe Sorrento for $35 instead, and after about two months of heavy use, I couldn't be more pleased. Most importantly, it makes better expresso than the Mr. Coffee. I would rate the expresso as very good to excellent.
That fact by itself is enough to recommend the Delonghi, and when you consider the price (equivalent to a week's worth of lattes at your friendly neighborhood corporate coffee merchant), it's a no brainer. If it breaks or malfunctions -- I regret to have to say it in this brave new world of globalized and outsourced cheap labor -- throw it out and get a new one. You'll have gotten your money's worth, I'm sure.
So what else is good about it?
Style: a matter of taste. It is sleek, modern and European in appearance. I like it.
Frothing: Strong head of steam makes this quick and easy. The broad, plastic tip unscrews easily for rinsing, and cools very rapidly (unlike the metal tip on my old Mr. Coffee; the new models may have plastic tips as well).
Filter basket: The housing is plastic (not metal), which cools rapidly and avoids the potential for burns from metal housings that are handled shortly after brewing for emptying/cleaning/reuse. There is a handy tab on the housing which flips up against the filter basket to hold it in place with one finger when you invert it and whip it madly against the inside of your plastic (hopefully) trash receptacle to empty the spent grinds. Best of all, the housing has two spouts (is that the right word?), which allows you to actually rest the housing and filter basket flat on on the counter without having to hold it as you fill it with freshly ground coffee. This a simple design feature, but it makes such a difference in everyday use compared to the Mr. Coffee, which you have to hold in one hand as you fill it. And, of course, should you choose not to use the carafe, you could make two expressos directly into the cups at the same time.
Overall a great machine that makes very good to excellent expresso, is nicely styled, and has several intelligent design features that make it superior to the Mr. Coffee. So, have I convinced you?

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Product Description:
Compact enough to suit virtually any sized kitchen, this versatile appliance can easily brew espresso coffee, froth milk for cappuccino, and prepare tea, hot chocolate, and any other hot drink. The unit features a simple-to-use knob for producing steam or hot water, and its exclusive "Jet Frother" steam-pressure system, which swivels to adjust to a preferred angle, produces a thick-milk froth for authentic Italian cappuccino, latte, and other coffee beverages. The espresso machine's 2-cup filter adapter provides the option for brewing espresso either directly into cups or into the lidded glass carafe, which is included. The unit's carafe is heat-resistant and comes with easy-to-read water-level marks for 2 to 4 cups and can be used to measure with when adding water to the reservoir. For added safety, the machine provides two thermal cut-offs and a safety valve on the boiler lid, and for easy clean up, the unit's carafe is dishwasher safe and its large drip tray is removable. An espresso filter, 2-cup espresso-filter adapter, and a measuring spoon are included.

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