Espresso Machines Coffee Tea Espresso - Page 12

Breville BES820XL Die-Cast 15-Bar Programmable Espresso Machine

List Price: $599.99 By: Breville - Model: BES820XL Amazon Marketplace: 1 new & used starting at $479.95

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Features:

• Stainless-steel programmable espresso machine with 15-bar Triple-Prime pump
• Thermoblock heating system; electronic temperature control; pressure gauge
• Push-button volume settings; steam wand for frothing milk; cup warmer
• Includes 1- and 2-cup dual-wall stainless-steel filters, pod filter, tamping tool, and pitcher
• Measures 10 by 10-1/2 by 12-1/4 inches; 1-year limited warranty

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

A good espresso on this machine 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This is a review about the quality of the espresso the machine makes, and not about
the short or long term reliability of the machine, since I have only had it for about a month.

I bought coffee beans from a starbuck coffee shop and asked the barista to grind the beans for an espresso maker. Decided not to buy a grinder (since reviews on grinders seem to indicate nothing but trouble). The first results I got were disappointing. No matter how well I packed the 2 shot coffee filter, or how much coffee I packed into it, the pressure on the indicator dial never reached even the beginning of the "optimum" range.

Then I decide to ask the barista if they had a finer espresso grind. They said their finest was # "2". With that grind, I filled the 2 shot filter with coffee to the top of the filter, and packed the grinds as hard as I could. Started the machine. The needle started to rise, reached the optimum range, went all the way up the optimum range and beyond it before finally stopping when the machine stopped pouring coffee! I also noticed that the amount of coffee poured was somewhat less than 2 shots of coffee. Removing the filter holder from the machine, it was clear that the filter had water, that had not pressed through the coffee, mixed in with the spent grinds.

The next cup of espresso I made, I did not pack the coffee as hard, or fill as high. I left about an 1/8" between the coffee and the filter rim . That did it. After starting up the scale the needle stopped 3/4 up the optimum level scale, and the coffee it made looked like 2 full shots and, when I removed the filter holder the coffee filter was mostly dry! The espresso had a nice layer of crema, added a little Milk, lots of foam...perfect!

What did it for me was 1) the right grind, 2) the right packing pressure, 3) the right amount of coffee.

I hope this helps some fellow home baristas!

Editorial Review:

This die-cast stainless steel programmable espresso machine extracts the perfect volume of coffee at the touch of a button. Choose from Auto Shot, Custom Shot, or Manual, Shot, the Espresso Pressure Gauge assists in obtaining the most favorable extraction pressure, to create the ideal espresso.

Jura-Capresso Impressa F9 Fully Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center

List Price: $2,250.00 By: Capresso - Model: 13171 Amazon Marketplace: 2 new & used starting at $750.00

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Features:

• Touch-screen technology governs cup size, strength, and temperature
• Commercial conical burr grinder; stainless-steel-lined ThermoBlock unit
• Integrated pure water system cleans brewing water for improved taste
• Dual frother PLUS for steaming or frothing manually
• Measures 11 by 16 by 12-1/2 inches; 1-year warranty

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 27 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Smart Espresso Machine---I've had it for 2 years, so I know! 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

I have had this espresso machine for nearly two years now, so I know all of its "quirks" and benefits/issues. I feel compelled to write a review since I relied so heavily on these reviews when making this purchase...so here goes:

1) After much research, I purchased the F9 at Williams Sonoma, primarily because they used to have a policy that you could return anything, at any time, if needed. So, I figured that if ever I had an issue, I could just return it to my local Williams Sonoma and get a replacement rather than returning the machine to the factory and waiting. Turns out I did indeed have to do this once for an electrical issue, which was actually an issue I had with the wiring at the outlet--not the machine afterall! In any event, I don't think Williams Sonoma still has that same open-ended return policy. Be sure to research the return policy wherever you make your purchase!

2) Overall, I have to say I absolutely LOVE this machine. Here's how I rationalized payment for such an expensive indulgence: if you figure a Starbucks costs approx. $3, and you buy one everyday (which I was), it would take 600 cups to break even. Well, with the automatic counter on my machine, I have made more than 1600 cups! This machine paid for itself in the first year..easily. ok, so now that you're past the issue of paying so much for a coffee machine, here's more...

3) This machine is crazy smart. It knows exactly when to clean itself, or tells you when to start the cleaning cycle. To clean it, all you do is insert a tablet in the coffee powder drawer and it does its thing. It knows when it needs water, when the filter needs to be changed, etc. In fact, since we have a water filter built into our refrigerator, we just use that filtered water in the coffee machine and therefore we don't need to use the expensive water filters. Bottom line, if you just pay attention and clean the machine on a regular basis when it tells you to, this is a no-brainer machine.

4) The coffee and espresso are great. I've learned to make a latte just like Starbuck's and I haven't been back since. Some people complain that the frother doesn't work well, but here's the trick: first, you should use non-fat or low-fat milk. For some reason, lower fat milk froths better every time; second, be sure to clean the frothing nozzle after each use. Kind of a no-brainer, I know. Third, there are two settings on the frother, and you can change the setting by sliding the sleeve on the frothing tip up or down. Experiment with this and you will get the perfect froth, really.

5) As for the beans, we don't use overly oily beans as I have read that they can cause a build up and make the machine tough to clean, etc. I believe the "Illy" brand that comes in the metal tin is supposed to be too oily. Others may have a different experience, but we just use whole espresso beans from the grocery store.

6) Believe it or not, this machine heats up in about 90 seconds, if not sooner. As a result, we use this for tea and hot cereal all the time. This is an added bonus for purchasing this machine.

As for issues, I honestly don't have many. I guess the only things that bug me are the fact that I have to remove the drawer from time to time and dump the water which is ejected after each use. I have learned to keep a black coffee cup under the spout so that it collects the rinse water and i just dump it as needed.

The only other issue I have had with the machine is that the touch screen sometimes works and sometimes 'sticks.' I've tried cleaning the face, washing my hands, but sometimes this just doesn't work right. Fortunately, when it does 'stick,' it gets stuck on the setting I use, so it's not a huge problem.

Net-net, I highly recommend this machine. It took us several days of research and at least a couple of weeks to build up enough nerve to spend this much on a freakin' coffee machine, but I have to say, this machine has become my new best friend in the kitchen. Sad, but true! Do yourself a favor and buy one. Enjoy!

Editorial Review:

Impressa F9 Fully Automatic coffee and Espresso Center with Stainless Steel ThermoBlock Heating System, Dual Frother PLUS, Removable 64 ounce Water Reservoir with CLARIS Water Care System, Sensor Touch Control, Coffee Brewing Illumination, LED Display, Chrome Plated, Heavy Die-Cast Coffee Spout and 3mm Thick All Metal Front Housing and MORE.

Mr. Coffee 3-IN-1 COFFEEMAKER & ESPRESSO

List Price: $79.99 By: Mr. Coffee - Model: ECM21 Amazon Marketplace: 9 new & used starting at $61.80

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Features:

• Mr. Coffee Combination Coffeemaker and Espresso Ca
• manual-piston-espresso-machines
• SideWinder X8 Mouse WinXP/Vist
• 3HA-00001

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

makes great cappuccinos 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I really love the look of the coffee maker. It makes great cappuccino and coffee and performs these tasks very quickly. My only problem is that you have to hold the lid open on the coffee pot when you pour or otherwise the coffee spills everywhere. It's a small price to pay but it gets annoying telling guests to open the lid.

Editorial Review:

MODEL- ECM21 VENDOR- MR. COFFEE FEATURES- 8 cUP Coffee/Espresso Maker Prepares 2-4 cups espresso Variable steam control and swivel frothing aid to create cappuccino lattes and steam your milk Removable drip tray Pressure safety valve Regular coffee maker prepares 2-8 cups Removable water reservoir Brewing Pause 'n Serve Removable cone filter basket Brew strength setting

De'Longhi EC155 Espresso Machine Ec155

List Price: $140.00 By: DeLonghi - Model: EC 155 Amazon Marketplace: 4 new & used starting at $84.96

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Features:

• 35 oz. (1 liter) removable tank
• Removable drip tray
• Stainless steel boiler and adjustable steam emission
• Swivel jet frother
• Two separate thermostats

Editorial Review:

In the morning, after a meal - any time is a good time for hot, eye-opening espresso and cappuccino! Great looking and hard working, this 15-bar pump-driven machine features a dual-function filter holder that mixes air into the brewing process to produce the perfect crema every time. One-year limited warranty. Model EC155.

Briel ES35AF Chamonix Pump Espresso Machine With Auto Espresso Flow

Amazon Price: $199.99 List Price: $300.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Briel - Model: ES35APG Amazon Marketplace: 4 new & used starting at $199.95

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Features:

• Compact machine automatically produces 2 cups of espresso at once
• Heats water quickly from 30-serving tank and holds it at proper temperature
• Steam nozzle has frothing attachment for cappuccino foam and lattes
• Push-button controls; filter produces thick crema on espresso
• Measures 8 by 8-3/4 by 11-3/4 inches

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 149 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Good buy - Used one for years! 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I've had the Chamonix for a few years. I make a Mocha just about every day. The Chamonix is easy to use, makes good espresso in about 20sec. and is easy to clean. Water reservoir holds a good amount. Love it generally, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
1) The quantity of espresso output is not consistent. Part of the reason could be that it is affected by other devices in the circuit (microwave, etc) but sometimes it just over or under does it. The variance is up to 1/4 cup when making a double espresso.
2) The inner basket (specifically the double) will twist in the basket holder and get stuck and will either stay attached to the machine or need to be pried out of the holder.
3) The Anti-drip mechanism worked great initially, but somewhere along the way has failed and I have to clean the drip tray more often.
I still recommend the machine and am happy that I bought one. This has, for the most part, stood up to the test of time and usage.

Editorial Review:

Briel Chamonix Espresso Maker ES35AFB Coffee Machine

Krups Allegro Espresso Makers

List Price: $75.00 By: Krups - Model: FND111 Amazon Marketplace: 2 new & used starting at $20.00

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Features:

• Easy-to-use, 4-bar steam espresso machine for espresso, cappuccino, and lattes
• Convenient large-capacity carafe with lid and handle equals easy pouring
• Steam nozzle quickly froths milk, easily controlled by oversized dial
• Space-saving design; removable drip tray for easy clean up
• Built-in safety valve provides safe operation

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 168 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Great for price, hard to clean steamer 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I bought this machine a week ago. I considered the more expensive model but decided to give this one a try first. First couple of lattes were fantastic. Having never made espresso myself,I was pretty pleased that I was able to do it. However, after a couple of days the steamer wasn't working as well and then was sending steam out but not frothing the milk. I almost returned it then I read these reviews. I had been taking the plastic steamer cover off and washing it after each use but wasn't paying attention to the metal wand. When I looked at it, I thought it was rusted over. After about 10 minutes of scraping I saw metal again. The milk had dried on the metal and cloged up the steamer but not enough for steam to stop coming out, just enough to wreck my latte. Anyway, cleaned it and am back to having wonderful lattes. I definitely recommend this machine for the price and recommend it for newbies too. Just make sure to read the instruction booklet, to release steam after use and CLEAN metal wand in addition to plastic wand cover. Alos, bonus I forgot to mention is that I steam and froth the milk for my kids and add Ghirardelli chocolate cocoa powder and they are in heaven! They love "mom's new maching"!

Editorial Review:

Krups FND111 Allegro Espresso Machine, Black & Silver. This easy to operate 4 bar espresso maker quickly makes espresso, cappuccino and lattes.

Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker

List Price: $249.99 By: Breville - Model: ESP8XL Amazon Marketplace: 2 new & used starting at $199.98

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Features:

• Stainless-steel espresso machine with 15-bar Thermoblock pump
• Dual-wall filter system for excellent crema; froth enhancer; cup-warming plate
• Large, easy-fill 1-2/7-quart water tank; external water window indicates when tank is low
• Removable drip tray and grid; stainless-steel espresso cup set and frothing jug included
• Measures 9 by 9 by 12 inches; 1-year limited warranty

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 172 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

From a guy in the know ... 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

[...] - visit my anti-foodie ... er ... food blog

I know quite a bit about the art of espresso. I have sold numerous models and makes over the last five years, and am considered "the Espresso Guy" in my kitchen hardware store (toot, toot -- that's my own horn you are hearing).

I've also used and sold many different kinds of machines -- stovetops, manual, semi-automatics and fully automatics -- not mention those transvestite-o-matics everyone is so up in arms about.

Anyway -- my point: for the price, it's a great, great deal. Especially considering I bought mine on special for $[...]. I doubt you will find it for that cheap anywhere, seeing as my employee discount really helped out there. But, I will say that the crema is terrific for this small machine, the frothing is a breeze, and the overall functionality is good (with the cup warmer on top). To be totally honest, I kind of bought it just to get the uber-cool stainless steel cups & saucers. But, I really intended on returning it if it sucked. It doesn't. The quality, thus far, rivals that of the "big- rig-fully-automatic-shines-your-shoes-too" machines.

I will certainly update my review if the machine fails down the road, but knowing Breville products well ... I doubt that will be the case. Cheerio -- bottoms up, bean heads!

That was a compliment.

UPDATE **************

After using the machine for a full week, I am even more pleased. People who bitched about "loudness" or "broken pumps" simply do not know how to work manual espresso machines. Espresso machines are loud. They used pumps and forced hot water and steam. Geez, are you making espresso in the dead of night at a sleep lab? What's the biggie? Each machine is different, and it takes a week or so of daily use to really get it down-pat. Easy sailing after that.

I LOVE this machine. Wonderful coffee with both Illy fine-ground coffee (expensive) or Café Bustelo (comparatively dirt cheap, yet very good - available at your local supermarket). You have to experiment with the grind and how hard you tamp the ground coffee into the filter -- HINT: very, very lightly. Too hard, and you get the "broken pump" complaint other people had. It's not broken, it's just that the pump cannot force water through the coffee cement disc you just made by pressing down way too hard. Also, make sure the water tank is pushed down all the way, and that it is .... drum roll....full! I have no doubt that most complaints on this product were from uninformed, impatient (didn't want to take the time to read the manual or do a little trial and error testing) kind of consumers -- of which, there are far too many. For me, 1/2 the fun of espresso is the making part.

The espresso is outstanding! My only complaint (I agree with the most recent review) ... the frothing wand can be a little awkward as it does not extend out far enough.

Boo hoo .... Buy this machine!

Editorial Review:

Breville ESP8XL Café Roma Espresso with 15 bar thermoblock pump has stainless steel commercial housing and includes a bonus stainless steel espresso cup set and frothing jug.

Die-Cast Programmable Espresso Machine (REFURBISHED)

By: Breville - Model: XXBES820XL Amazon Marketplace: 1 new & used starting at $259.00

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Editorial Review:

XXBES820XL The Breville XXBES820XL Refurbished Die-Cast Programmable Espresso Machine creates caf culture for the home countertop and has a die-cast aluminum and zinc body. A full 4.5 inch clearance accommodates larger cups which make it ideal for espresso variations like Americano, Cappuccino, and Caf Latte. Prior to extraction, the unique 15 bar Triple-Prime pump automatically releases three bursts of hot water into the filter head causing the ground coffee or espresso pod to expand. The increased pressure allows the machine to extract more crema and gives the coffee a rich, smooth taste. The following accessory is NOT INCLUDED with the refurbished model: pod filter. This item may be purchased separately at www.brevilleUSA.com. Features: -Custom set programming. -Choose from Auto Shot, Custom Shot or Manual Shot. -Espresso pressure gauge . -Power save mode. -15 bar Italian made pump. -Triple-prime feature. -Auto-purge. -Dual-wall crema system. -Self-retracting water tank tube. -Box Contents: refurbished espresso machine; tamping tool/ measuring spoon; cleaning tool; frothing pitcher; 1 cup and 2 cup dual wall stainless steel filters; manual / warranty . -Dimensions: 12.25''H x 10''W x 10.5''D.

Handpresso Wild Outdoor Picnic Set with Deluxe Case

By: Handpresso Wild - Model: 127005 Amazon Marketplace: 2 new & used starting at $189.99

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Features:

• Handpresso Wild
• 4 Transparent, unbreakable polycarbonate cups,
• 11oz. Thermo-insulated stainless steel flask w/ thermometer
• 2 Small napkins
• Black case with brown interior

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Espresso for mountaintops! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Bought this as a gift for my man - he's an espresso addict like me. We spend a lot of time outdoors - and this kit enables us to have espresso on the peaks of mountains when we're out hiking/skiing/etc. Awesome!

Beautiful gift! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is a fantastic gift. In Brazil, we drink a lot of coffee and we like it strong (is that how you say it?). So, this is perfect for us, to drink a hot, srong (?) coffee in a park or at work.

Editorial Review:

Now you can have espresso anywhere, anytime with style.  This beautiful Handpresso Wild Outdoor Picnic Set comes in an attractive leatherette case complete with 1 Handpresso Wild, 1 Thermo Flask, 2 napkins and 4 unbreakable outdoor espresso cups.  A super gift for yourself or for that special espresso lover.

Nespresso Citiz White Espresso Maker D 110 CW

By: Nespresso - Model: D110CW Amazon Marketplace: 2 new & used starting at $279.00

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Editorial Review:

This Nespresso Citiz White Espresso Maker is the latest in Nespresso's collection of top of the line espresso makers. Designed to fit seamlessly into tighter spaces, the Citiz unique urban-inspired style makes it functional and fashionable. Measures 5.1" x 10.9" x 14.6".Features include: Automatic flow stop Automatic pump refilling Power save mode Programmable buttons for espresso or lungo Mini brewing unit 34 ounce water tank Removable drip tray Folding cup support Capsule container