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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Krups 92011-42 Artese Espresso, Cappuccino, and Latte Maker Review

I finally got fed up with running out for lattes every morning and the steam-driven machine that I had just didn't make a good shot of espresso, so when I saw the Krups Artese, a pump driven machine, I decided to risk [money] and see how it worked.In my opinion, it works like a charm.It makes a great single or double shot of espresso with a healthy head of crema.The water tank is handy for producing shot after shot and the steamer actually gets the milk really hot and produces a nice froth.
Advice to users -- 1) Skip the auto cappuccino accessory (which is supposed to draw milk from a container and steam/froth it automatically).It's clumsy.The steam nozzle works fine.
2) Turn the steam on before you put the nozzle in the milk to let excess water drip out of the nozzle.Turn it off before you take it out of the milk to avoid knocking down the froth
3) If the water isn't going through the grounds, try another brand of coffee or a different grind.I returned one machine thinking that the pump was broken, I couldn't get the water to push through the grounds.But it was the coffee, not the machine.
I use a store brand of coffee (President's Choice Decaf Espresso from Jewel) and it makes a smooth tasting shot without any bitterness at all.For [the money], this machine is an excellent value.

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Mr. Coffee ECMP50 Espresso/ Cappuccino Maker Review

Like most who purchased this product, it was my first espresso maker. And I found out quickly that hunting for these things can be overwhelming! I purchased it at my local Target for $79.99 for convenience in case I had to return it -- with all of the mixed reviews out there, I was incredibly weary of choosing one! However, I will most likely not need to do so. It is perfect for all of my needs!

PROS:
1. Incredibly easy to use! Directions and trouble-shooting pages in manual are simple and helpful.
2. Compact size, looks nice sitting on the counter.
3. Easy clean-up. All parts that need to be cleaned detach easily.
4. A standard sized coffee cup will fit under the spout -- not so with many models!
5. The steam feature is simple, fairly powerful, and works well. No problems here.
6. As long as you get a good batch of coffee grounds, this machine can turn it into delicious espresso!

CONS:
1. I have been experiencing a small leak onto my counter after use. I haven't caught it in the act yet, but if I return to the kitchen a few hours later, there is a wet spot near the machine. I read another review that mentioned the same thing, so it might be a universal issue with this product. However, it is a small leak, and not enought to cause a real problem in my opinion.
2. I would suggest making 2-3 cups before wasting any milk product on your first trial. This model does not have an automatic drip feature and you will need to manually tell it when to stop pouring. If you are not used to this, you might end up with a few nasty batches on your first try. No biggie. Just watch the color of the drip. It starts out as a medium brown, and changes to a much lighter brown if left alone. I would recommend shutting it off a second or so after it changes to the lighter brown. I have made perfect batches every time by this method. This all takes place over several seconds, so keep an eye out.

YOU MIGHT NEED TO KNOW:
It mentions this in the manual, but make sure to get the right size of grounds. About the consistency of salt. I would recommend griding your own either at home with a grinder or at the store at a grinding station. They taste better for one, and you won't waste your money on a mystery bag that doesn't work well with your machine.

Also, it does not come with a frothing pitcher. You will need to buy one separately. I purchased mine at Bed Bath and Beyond -- a Krups one, stainless, about $10? It fits fine. Just make sure you don't get one that is too deep, or the froth wand will not reach the milk. It is a countertop model after all. If you don't want to use as much milk you can turn the pitcher at an angle.

That's it! Definitely more pros than cons. I feel that for the price I paid, I could not have hoped for a better quality machine. I would highly recommend this model if you want something easy and you don't require tons of frills. If you want something more frilly, go ahead and spend $300 to $3000 on one. But I purchased an espresso maker to SAVE time and money (so long, Starbucks!), and this one's just right for me!

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Product Description:
Have the ability to make coffeehouse quality espressos and cappuccinos in the comfort of you own home.The Mr. Coffee 15-bar pump espresso maker delivers high-quality drinks on a consistent basis.The thermal block heater makes brewing faster and a removable water reservoir makes it easier to get started.

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Hamilton Beach Espresso Maker Review

An inexpensive way to have coffeehouse-quality beverages at home. Unit is largely plastic, so it may not last forever like the $300+ models, but with proper care should last for years. Frother is easy to use, loud, and effective-just like the sound you hear at every corner coffee bar. Makes one or two cups at a time, and makes them fast and consistently good. Will accept ground espresso, or the individual 1-cup "pods". Comes with an instructional DVD that is 10 minutes well spent. Watched it once, and had my first cinnamon cappucino 10 minutes later! Really produces terrific quality, and makes this an excellent value. One warning: For some reason, this unit requires a manual shut-off to stop the brewing. So, you need to watch the output and hit a button when you think the espresso is as you like it-so no walking away during brewing!

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Product Description:
Hamilton Beach Cappuccino Plus Espresso Maker Cafe quality made easy Powerful 15 bar pump No-fuss frother Easy-fill reservoir Works with pre-measured pods or gound espresso Enjoy authentic espresso and cappuccino anytime

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Mr. Coffee ECM21 4-Shot Espresso Machine and 8-Cup Coffeemaker Combo, Black Review

I have had this machine since February and use it nearly every day.This is definitely one of the best coffeemakers I have ever owned, and I haven't had one single problem with it.

When I was deciding whether or not to buy it, some of the negative reviews had me a little skeptical.But I am SO glad that I took a chance.It was absolutely worth it for me.

I honestly don't see how some of the reviewers have had some of the problems that they have.Reviewer 'Joan of Arc' seemed to have quite a bit of leakage problems.It must have been a defective machine, because ours hasn't leaked one time -- not even a little drop.I'll go over a few of the issues she and some others had:

- The removable water reservoir (or "bucket" as she called it) for the coffeemaker is easy to remove and replace.If you don't want to take it out to fill it with water, just pour water into it.It is marked clearly and is easy to read even when stationed on the machine.No problem.

- The showerhead over the filter basket swivels outward to allow you to change the coffee filter.When you're done, you just swivel it back into place.I don't see how you can forget to do it, because the lid is designed so that you can't even close it if the showerhead isn't moved back into place.It really isn't even something you have to think about.

- Some people have had problems with the carafe lid.It doesn't open fully, but opens wide enough for me to clean it with little problem.We haven't had any problems with it dripping or leaking at all.It's like any other carafe that I've used over the years.

- 'Joan of Arc' mentioned that it was easy for her to forget to put the 1st lid on the espresso side before putting down the second lid.I'm not exactly sure what she was referring to, but I think she meant the water reservoir cap and lid.Again, I don't see how you could forget to screw the cap back on after you fill it with water.I suppose it's a learning curve.The first few times I used the machine, I referred to the instruction manual to make sure I did everything right.Now I can crank out good espresso and cappuccino in minutes without really even thinking about it.It just takes a little practice, like with anything else.

- Some people wished for a frother that was a little more accessible to make it a little easier to froth milk in a larger pitcher.That would have been a nice feature.It isn't too difficult to use, however, and seems to work just fine.The milk is always steaming hot, and the froth doesn't get cold for us.

- The coffee and espresso COULD be a LITTLE hotter.I don't like scalding hot coffee anyway, so it doesn't bother me too much, but for someone that does, it might be a small issue.Again, it doesn't seem like a deal-breaker, though.

- A clock or timer would have been a nice addition as well, but not having it doesn't affect the quality of the machine.It would have made a good product even better.

We have used both the coffee side and espresso side many times, and have yet to have any problems.I think some people may have received defective machines, but any product can be purchased defective.Some issues can easily be resolved with a little practice in getting used to the controls and operation of the whole machine, but once you do, it's more than easy to make good quality coffee and espresso.

I would definitely have to say that I got a great deal on a sleek, stylish machine that also works very well and makes good quality coffee.If you 'get what you pay for', then I made out like a bandit.Perfectly satisfied and VERY happy I bought it.

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Product Description:
Ideal for entertaining or everyday use, this convenient two-in-one appliance can brew up to 8 cups of coffee or up to 4 cups of espresso at the same time. The espresso/coffee machine's removable cone filter basket and removable water reservoir provides easy filling, while its brew-strength setting accommodates individual preferences. And frothing or steaming milk for cappuccino and lattes is quick and easy with the variable steam control and swivel steam valve. Other useful features include a lighted "on/off" switch, a pressure safety valve, and a pause-n-serve function for pouring a cup midbrew. The unit's dishwasher-safe glass carafe and removable drip tray make cleanup a snap. A measuring scoop is included. The espresso/coffee machine measures approximately 10 by 12 by 11 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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