Handpresso HPWILD Wild 16-Bar Hand-Pump Portable Espresso Machine with Free Handpresso Carrying Case

I ordered this as a Christmas present. When I received it, it did not work. I tried to return it for a new one. So far I am out of pocket $80 for postage which I had to pay to return the faulty product! ($40 to post to me and $40 to return it) And I do not have the product!

I have been toying with the idea of buying a handpresso for the past 2 years; I should never have waited so long. My job entails being on the road 90% of the time and the majority of that time I am in places where it is difficult if not impossible to get a decent shot of espresso. The handpresso allows me to have a quick perfectly pulled shot every morning. I have no complaints regarding this product and encourage anyone interested in getting one to do so; you wont regret it.

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This machine seems promising, but does not deliver a a cup of anything resembling espresso. It is not difficult to operate, but neither is it a pleasure to go through the clumsy hand-pumping and pod loading required. What finally emerges is a little infusion of mediocre coffee-flavored beverage with an uncontrolled splatter of foam (there's no way to call it crema) at the end. The temperature and quantity of the beverage are nearly impossible to control.

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Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill

Don't believe that ANY grinder in this price range will be the ultimate grinder for all your grinding needs. I read with amusement as some reviewers slammed this grinder for not grinding well enough to use with their espresso machines. I own this machine for use with my drip coffee maker only. I own a $500+ Mazzer Grinder for my espresso machine. The point being, that for the absolute consistent grind needed for use with espresso, you better be willing to step up significantly in price. That said, on to this grinder review.

Considering there are no decent blade grinders on the market including those in the $25 price range, the best grinder to have is a burr grinder. Burr grinders do not create the heat that destroys the flavor of your beans and creates a more uniformed grind. Burr grinders do not produce the large "chunks" of beans in varying size that a blade grinder does. I have yet to see any missed "untouched" beans find their way past the burrs (as one reviewer claimed) and find that hard to believe, considering beans can only pass through the small space between the burrs and would thus be ground on their way through. You may get some bean smaller than your setting, but will not get anything larger than your setting.

As with any burr grinder under $200 this grinder does create some powder. It creates a lot of powder if you attempt to grind at its' finest setting (called Turkish Coffee). For drip coffee makers though, a mid-range toward coarse setting doesn't produce enough powder to be a concern when using paper filters in your coffee maker and a GOOD bean to start with. I sometimes wonder if the complaints of "bitterness" from some reviewers isn't a problem with their bean choice or their water temperature. As a drinker of 100% Kona in my drip maker, I have yet to taste a bitter cup of coffee, even with the less than a tsp. of powder that is present in my freshly ground coffee.

Noisy? Yes, but no more noisy than some and less noisy than most in this price range. A grinder of this size will create noise, but unless you plan on grinding 24/7 that is to be expected. My guests are actually enthralled by the noise and the ability to watch fresh beans meet their demise (I hang with a morbid crowd) as the beans slowly disappear down the hopper. The timer is a nice touch if noise is a concern. The fact that you can turn it on, leave the room and return in a minute or two (avoiding the noise) to find the unit automatically shut off should make those with sensitive hearing happy.

This grinder has a decent weight to it, making it feel sturdy on your countertop. The S/S body also gives the appearance of a well built machine and makes it more stylish than your standard black plastic neoprene models being produced by other manufacturers. This is a solid, sturdy, and well built machine for this price.

If there are complaints that you should be warned about, it is the age old problem of static cling caused by the use of plastic for the grounds receiver. Cuisinart should have used glass to receive the grounds. I would have gladly paid an extra $3 on the final price in order to avoid dealing with the static cling found in every machine that uses plastic for this purpose. The other is the clean-up, if you are as anal as I am about coffee equipment. Again, the static cling is annoying, but I keep a slim painters brush nearby for the purpose of brushing out the chute and receiver which makes the task quick and easy. It loses a star for the static cling issues, but I guess every grinder in this price range has the same problem because they use plastic.

Overall, for under $50 this is a very good machine for the price.

First, after checking the Amazon listings, I noticed a similar model (Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill). I'm not sure if this model is a newer version of that one--because they look awfully similar--but I did notice that some of the reactions to that other model are fitting for this one.

After my initial use, the first thing I noticed was that the grind (I used the lowest "coarse" setting) didn't seem as consistent as I thought it would be, considering the point of using a burr grinder is to get a consistent grind. There was a fair amount of dust that came through, in other words.

For the price, I can't say I expected it to be perfect, and honestly, this bit of coffee dust (maybe half a teaspoon)doesn't much bother me. A common complaint for the other model is that the plastic hoppers attract the coffee dust due to static cling. This is also true here, but for me, not a problem.

Overall, I like the way this grinder works. Just realize going in that this is one of the cheapest (price-wise) burr grinders on the market, so you can't expect it to function like a $400 model. If you're just getting into grinding your own coffee and want to begin to experience the benefits of burr ground coffee and french presses, I'd say this is a great place to start.

If, however, you already own expensive coffee equipment (say, an expensive espresso maker for instance) you might want to spring for a higher quality burr grinder.

The other model had many people mentioning the motor dying after 6 or so months. Some customers said that it was due to a buildup of coffee dust between the hopper and grinders, and that after unscrewing the top and cleaning it out, the motor worked again.

I've only had my grinder one day, so I can't comment on this yet. But I plan on updating this review periodically as I use my grinder.

Finally, a call for consumer support:

I am using this grinder with my French press, which needs a coarse grind of beans. I am testing the different settings (as there are about 5 or 6 "coarse" settings to choose from. I started on the low end of the coarse cycle.

My suggestion? If you get this machine, why not tell me, in the comment section, which setting works best for you with use of a french press. I will also update, once I've used all the settings, to tell you what I find in terms of the best setting.

UPDATE #1: I've now used all the coarsest settings except the very last (coarsest), and not surprisingly, the coarser the grind, the better the coffee when using a French Press. I'm sure other factors are coming into play, such as the amount of coffee I use, the temperature of the water, and the steeping time. But without a doubt, the coffee tastes much better than when I used to use a blade grinder.

I'm still experiencing a certain amount of "dust" with every batch I grind. Interestingly, the dust seems to clump up and stick to the edge of the container after being expelled. I'm not sure if this is common for everyone, or is possibly it has something to do with the quality of bean I'm using. But I'll be sure to update once I use a different type of bean.

The good news is that when the dust clumps like this, it's easy to brush away and avoid.

More Updates to come.

UPDATE #2: I decided to dial back the coarseness of my grind, so for french press I think I like the third to last coarseness setting the best. The machine continues to expel around half a teaspoon of coffee dust (clumped against the container) per grind, which I know most die-hards would find unacceptable, but for a novice like me, isn't too bad.

I've taken to scooping the dust into a separate container to save. My guess is that for every one pound bag of coffee I grind, I may get enough dust saved to brew one drip pot of coffee. Sure, it won't be as fresh, but it's better than using it in the french press and getting more "sludge", or throwing it away and wasting it.

I have also decided to change my initial 4-star rating to a 3-star. I still like the machine, but I do think the lack of grind uniformity and amount of dust is annoying. I reiterate: If you are a novice/just getting into grinding your own coffee, this machine is a good fit. But if you have expensive equipment (espresso machines, etc) spend the extra cash on a better grinder.

Update #3 (3/16/2010): I've had the machine nearly 3 months and it's still working fine. No motor failure here. I do unscrew the top of the machine to clean excess dust from the burrs, which does cake on pretty thick after a while, and *might* be the cause of some of the reported motor failures.

One other thing I neglected to note is the counter top mess. It seems nearly impossible for me to grind some coffee without getting a bunch of coffee dust on the counter. This does *not* occur during grinding, rather, when I remove the lid and scoop the coffee into my pot. In other words, it's probably to be expected, but I thought I'd note it.

Overall, I'm still enjoying my machine and getting good use out of it every day.

Update #4 (7/13/2010): Still going strong. No problems at all.

Buy Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill Now

First off, the grind you get from a burr grinder is superior to a blade, hands down. This grinder makes a superbly uniform grind, and the fineness/coarseness is easily adjustable. For the price, this is an excellent burr grinder. Highly recommend it for your average coffee drinker. If you are grinding things finely, grinding spices or flavored coffees, or grinding lots of coffee, read on for important details.

I was a little disappointed with the plastic grind hopper. Burr grinders I have used in the past were glass, and while I didn't think plastic would be a big deal, extremely fine grinds tend to 'stick' due to static electricity.

When doing longer grinds (for larger pots of coffee, etc) the motor really starts to sound strained. I'm worried that with heavy use over a few months I might have issues with it. If I do, I'll update this review.

*most* of the grinder is very easy to clean... however, inside the base there are a couple of pieces out of reach, and really fine grinds tend to collect just inside the chute that dumps the grinds into the hopper. If you grind flavored coffees (or, in my case, fresh seed spices) and need to clean it, you might be a little frustrated.

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This is the second automatic hopper-type burr grinder that I've owned. The first was the similarly-priced Capresso 551.01, which died after a couple years of use. I don't know what the lifespan of this Cuisinart grinder will be yet, but so far I'm extremely impressed with the comparison between the two. Start with the weight, at nearly 4 pounds--it simply feels more substantial. (The Capresso is a comparatively diminutive 2 lb. 9 oz.) The casing is an attractive stainless steel (which may just be a veneer over plastic, but it certainly looks nicer than the Capresso's black plastic) and the hopper and grind chamber are of thick, good-quality acrylic.

The Capresso had to be emptied before changing the grind coarseness, and had a small, finger-bruising wheel with which to adjust it, but the Cuisinart's entire hopper turns freely to adjust the grind, filled or not. I'm also very pleased to find that the Cuisinart doesn't dust the countertop with a sprinkling of coffee after use, as the Capresso did. The motor isn't whisper-quiet by any stretch, but it's not as noisy as many home grinders.

There are only two disadvantages of this grinder, in my opinion. First, the timer can only be adjusted in two-cup increments (minimum of 4 cups). It does this with a satisfying click, but still, I'd like to nudge the slider a bit for a weaker morning brew or a stronger nighttime one. Second, the hopper contains almost four cups' worth of coffee below the visible area, inside the machine. That, combined with the grinder's heftier weight, makes it a chore to empty it if you want to change coffees (say, if a guest requests decaf). Not only do you have to turn this brute upside-down, but you also have to turn it every which way so that all the coffee inside the machine works its way out.

But these are minor quibbles. Overall, this is an excellent machine.

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I've had mine for about 6 months now. I use it to grind for a drip machine, and it grinds for about 16 cups every day. The motor seems to take it all in stride, and it's never sounded like it was under undue stress, so I'm puzzled by all the reviews reporting bad motors. I suspect, at least some of them, are really interlock problems. There are at least two of them: one is under the cup that collects the ground coffee. The other is under the hopper. If the cup or the hopper aren't properly seated, the motor is prevented from operating. This is a safety feature.

The flavor of coffee ground in a burr mill barely resembles that of beans chopped up in a grinder with spinning blades. The spinning blades keep hitting the coffee over and over, heating it up. If you watch, you will see the coffee turn a lighter shade of brown as it dries out. A burr mill spits the ground beans into a cup as soon as it's finished with them, and the grounds are the same shade as the beans were. The difference in flavor is tremendous, so recommending a burr mill, such as the cuisinart, is a no-brainer.

Update Jan 09, 2007: We've been grinding for about 16 cups per day for about a year now. Still going.

Update July 27, 2009: 3.5 years of faithful service, but I have to admit that I'm starting to get paranoid. This thing has done a lot of work, and something has got to be on the verge of going out. I'm addicted to my morning coffee (I drink it ALL morning), and I'd be in a bad way if I couldn't partake of my favorite bean. I'm considering buying another one as a back-up.

Update Feb. 5, 2011: 5 years, and still grinding.

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Jura 13467 ENA3 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center, Black

After weeks of research we ended up selecting the Jura-Capresso ENA 4.

I was a bit skeptical that this small little super automatic could really replace our larger manual and brew quality espresso. I went to a local retailer and was fortunate enough to be able to use a demo unit. I was amazed by how simple and intuitive the ENA 4 is to use; while at the same time provides a level of flexibility and control well beyond my expectations.

The Jura-Capresso site has some great video demos as well as other info that is worth checking out.

http://capresso.com/automatic-coffee-centers-ena3-4.shtml

If you're looking for a super automatic, I highly recommend you take a look at the ENA. Our unit has exceeded our expectations. Great espresso and lattes!

I purchased the ENA4 2 years ago, actually I purchased the ENA3 which is black, but I was given the ENA4. The only difference is the color. It has never failed to produce an excellent shots of espresso. Generally, I make lattes or cappuccino.

Performing the routine maintenance, when indicated, produces the best results.

This is a home unit, not designed for power users. Wouldn't recommend it for an office or high volume household.

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This is our third Capresso (or Jura Capresso) superautomatic coffee machine. In our experience these machines last only a few years before needing repair but they make such good coffee, so easily and quickly, that we keep coming back to them. We've tried other brands and none rivals Jura Capresso's coffee. This is our first machine of the Ena generation, however. We just bought an Ena 3. While the coffee is as good as that of previous models, the new design is disappointing. The rotary dial is a pain but it is tolerable once you master it. The water tank, on the other hand, is an absolute nightmare. We can only make three mugs of coffee before it must be refilled, and the rear location of the tank makes that task very difficult, especially since our machine must be located on a kitchen countertop beneath upper cabinets. In addition we have under-cabinet lighting, and it's hard to remove the water tank for refilling without bumping into the lights and burning your hand. In my opinion the few inches reduction in the width of the machine is insignificant compared to the inconvenience of the new water tank's size and location. Unless Jura redesigns the water tank, I doubt we'll be buying a fourth coffeemaker from them. Maybe we'll just have our old one repaired and use it for a few more years!

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I love this espresso machine, it's so easy to use and makes such great tasting espresso with no effort. I know nothing about making espresso, but this makes it easy. I thought about getting a more expensive machine, but glad I didn't waste the money. I don't know what I would have got that would make the extra money worth it.

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I had high hopes for this machine. Did some research, read a bunch of reviews, dismissing as novices (I've been a home 'barista' for 9 yrs) the people that had negative comments. Well, they were right.

This is not an espresso maker. My first clue was the unit comes with an 8oz 'shot' programmed as the default setting. Yes you can change it but nothing you do this unit will get it to make real espresso-not the grind setting, not the shot size, not the strength setting, not amount of coffe, nothing (using Illy beans). Luke warm shot without any true crema. Besides that, there are little annoyances resulting from design errors e.g. unless the frother wand is cocked off to the side (as shown in the photos) you will knock it off every time you open the garbage drawer. As mentioned previously the water tank is too small, if you make more than 1 a day you will be filling it daily but hey, what do you want there are tradeoffs to get a small footprint.

I did like the ease of cleaning the frother and you can't argue that its not a good looking unit. Also, I don't know why others comment on poor foam. Another thing the Juras do really well is put on a head of microfoam. You need to both steam the milk and also extend the wand to get a true latte or cap; frothing alone will not get the milk hot enough.

Bottom line: it does everything well except its prime mission -making espresso (sort of like phone calls on an iPhone 4). I've already sent mine back and replaced it with a Rancilio Silvia.

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Hamilton Beach 80365 Custom Grind Hands-Free Coffee Grinder, Platinum

I too read all the reviews... I spent several hours, so let me save you the trouble. This item is sturdy, washable, compact, and grinds beans for anywhere from 4-12 cups of coffee.

I use it for both my 2 cup french press and my percolator, when my mill & brew coffee maker, which I have two carafs and 3 baskets for, is busy. We really get into coffee here I must have 10 varieties of beans in the freezer.

It also did a fabulous job grinding hazelnuts very fine for a cookie dough where the hazelnuts were, in effect, part of the flour.

I do love that the grinder basket and top can go in the dishwasher, and the little brush that is stowed on the back is a thoughtful and utilized addition.

The only drawback would be that if you are only making 2 cups of coffee and you want a course grind, you have to let the machine think you're making 8 cups, by moving the cup setting, as this machine is intended to grind beans for a minimum of 4 cups. When I make enough coffee for my percolator, I can get an intermediate course grind with no problem.

What sold me was this: After I read all the reviews I went to my local "megamart," found the grinders, opened up the boxes of the makes I wanted to compare, and I literally took things apart and put them back together.

Like another reviewer warned, stay away from those other grinders with the tiny (you can barely see them) plastic pins that engage the start button. Once those bits of plastic break off, you're SOL.

This is a very reasonably priced maker which I've had for 6 months. I love it so much, that for much of that time I've felt just a bit guilty that I hadn't yet praised this maker on Amazon. With that done it's time to grind some beans. :) Enjoy.

PS: It looks very pretty/handsome on the counter.

This is the best coffee grinder I have purchased (it is my 3rd over the past 10 years). This one is the best for multiple reasons 1) I dont have to continue to hold the button while it grinds, I hit the button once and it grinds and stops when the coffee is perfectly ground. 2) It has a deep container for holding the ground beans. Before I could only grind a small amount and than when I removed the lid it would be messy. 3) It has several different grinds to choose from all the way to a very fine espresso 4) It is styling and has a great hide away area for the cord.

What else is there? It is perfect.

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This is my first hands-free coffee grinder. I had it about 2 yrs and liked it pretty well. It mysteriously stopped working a week ago as in other reviews. Instead of pitching it, I decided to pull it apart to learn why it died. Upon inspection, there's a switch that is activated by locking down the lid. The contacts are not sealed and had a coffee residue preventing conduction. All it takes is a quick scrape and it worked good as new. As for disassembly/reassembly, the biggest obstacle is the triangle-head screw in the bottom (I used a flat blade bit that just fit in one side). The other trick is placing the cleaned-up switch in the space on the outer housing before sliding everything back together. The whole job will take about 30 minutes so you'll have to decide if it's worthwhile. I should also mention that I fully expect this to happen again in a year or so. Good luck. This is the Achilles' Heel of an other wise great product.

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I bought this as a gift for my husband-after reading a hundred reviews, I made my choice. This little machine doesn't do anything fancyit grinds beans-we haven't used it for anything else since we bought it to grind beans. It does a great job-it's easily put together, nothing spills, it's easily used-not much else to say.

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Let me start off by saying that I worked for very large coffee retailer (you can probably guess whom)for MANY years, and have had extensive training in the coffee making process -from growing, harvesting, drying and roasting to grinding and brewing, so maybe my review is a bit harsh.

Anyway, I purchased this product in a moment of desperation because I wanted an inexpensive grinder to make my coffee in the morning while I save enough money to buy a nicer espresso machine. I have a French press and use (well, USED) the grinder on a daily basis. I didn't spend much on it, so I didn't expect peak performance; and at first, it got the job done. My major complaint was, as other reviewers said, it doesn't grind evenly. Even on the most coarse setting, you will wind up with some large chunks, some the appropriate size, and some fine dust. It doesn't matter if you fill it and grind 12 cups at a time, or grind it little by little, or what setting it's on.

Now, I haven't had the blasted thing but four months, and it's already out of commission. The blades are have dulled considerable and yesterday it died completely -won't even turn on. My recommendation? Don't waste your money on this plastic piece of junk, no matter how dire your need for a grinder. I wouldn't buy this again. In fact, based on this experience, I'm not sure I would buy ANY other Hamilton Beach product. If you love coffee enough to take the time to grind and brew your own, you obviously prefer a superior coffee experience, and to brew the best cup, you need grounds of a consistent size. You also need a grinder that works. Which isn't this one. Spend a little extra and get a burr grinder.

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Mr. Coffee BVMC-FM1 20-Ounce Frappe Maker

Many people buy this machine to save money from the expensive coffee houses.

I bought it because the nearest location I can buy a Frappe is 25 miles from home ...

I also bought it because I like coffee in the afternoon, and I could use decaf ...

And then there's the fact that I'm diabetic and need low carb choices ...

So for me, it not only saves money, but it makes the impossible possible.

I've been using the Gevalia Dark Chocolate Truffle Ground Coffee, Decaffeinated, 8-Ounce Packages (Pack of 3), with 1/2 cup water in the top. Then in the blender I add 2 cups of ice, 3 TBS low Carb chocolate syrup, Equal, and 1/4 cup nonfat milk.

Three minutes later I have a scrumptious frappe, fully approved by my doctor! Because of the low calorie count and the lack of caffeine, I can have as many of these as I want at any time of day. Right now I'm whipping one up for breakfast and another one in the evening as a low calorie substitute for ice cream.

Everything on this is easy to use and easy to clean. It made no more noise than the blender I was using to try to make my own (unsuccessfully), and not a drop leaked anywhere. Everything locks tightly for a safe and mess-free experience.

I love the recipe book included (which even has some alcoholic options), but the best part for me is being able to substitute what I like to make my very own perfect frappe. I like mine light (like McDonalds), but if you want a heavier coffee flavor, you simply add more grounds to make it your way.

I've put my coffee maker away for the summer (maybe forever), and moved the blender back under the counter. Since this is smaller than my blender, it hardly takes any counter space.

Fortunately, I opened the box before I brought it home and realized it needed the 4 cup basket filters, so I was able to grab them while I was still at the store. I bought the 2-4 cup size which fit perfectly. But other than wishing the information on the filters was included in the details on the outside of the package, it was a wonderful purchase for me.

I bought this locally on sale, and as a result this will more than pay for itself in about two weeks ...

*** NOTE *** The video is "real time" so you can see exactly how long it takes to go from beginning to end. It actually took me longer to upload the video to Amazon than to make the Frappe and in the time it takes you to watch the video, you could be sipping yours!

SPECIAL NOTE

Mr. Coffee has recently come out with a latte maker Mr. Coffee BVMC-EL1 Cafe Latte. If you are looking for something similar to use for your winter drinks, it is nearly as awesome as the frappe maker. I have posted a video there as well, and now rotate between them based on season.

*** Edited Review *** I purchased a second Frappe machine for my daughter which we used about 5 times a day for a week. She is using ice cubes from her freezer, and even though we were sure her lid was secure, one of the ice cubes caught the lid wrong (or is it right) and loosened it, causing the "kitchen mess" others have reported occurred. This happened once in about 35 times of use.

I am using smaller crushed ice and ice from an ice machine (small and round) and have not had it happen on my machine yet, even though I have made more than 70 frappes in my machine but I have removed a star, Mr Coffee really does need to make sure the lid is secure and locks.

****Second Edit**** This morning (about 10 months after I purchased the Cafe Frappe, my unit would not power up. :'( However, I called customer support and they were able to walk me though a quick fix. I'm back up and running. Since customer support is important to me, I wanted to add this to my review.

*** Updated Dec 2012. The Frappe maker survived the move to a more civilized location, in easy driving distance, but the ice maker that keeps it supplied did not! After looking at the price of Frappes, I am continuing to make my own.

*** Updated May 2013. It started getting warm again, and I pulled out my Frappe Maker once again. It works just as good as ever! You should know that I am now on my third ice making machine to supply ice to this, my favorite appliance. If it ever gives up the ghost for real, I won't have to even consider whether it is worth replacing, I will buy a new one, with overnight shipping since I have prime, it costs less to ship overnight than to buy even one frappe.

This product doesn't do anything you couldn't do on your own with a blender and a coffee machine, but the combination of the two makes the frappe-making process much more convenient. In the few weeks I've owned it, I've found myself just making my own frappes instead of running to the local coffee shop. The accompanying recipe book offers some great ideas, including tea frappes. As a warning to those who don't keep paper coffee filters around the house, the package doesn't even include a sample filter, so you'll need to purchase four-cup size filters before you can try out the product.

The process is simple. Set up the coffee brewer by placing a filter, 3-6 scoops of ground coffee, and water in the machine. In the blending pitcher, add ice cubes and other ingredients (e.g. ice cream, milk, flavor syrup, alcohol, etc.). Turn it on, and the coffee (or tea) brews directly into the pitcher, which then automatically starts a pulsed blending cycle. There is a separate "blend" button that can be used if you find the drink requires further blending once the automatic cycle is complete.

The machine has worked great for me, but there are a few reasons I'm not giving it a full five stars. The coffee flavor is a bit weak, so I sometimes also add my own shot of espresso in the blending pitcher, which sort of defeats the purpose of the product (though I'm someone who prefers the darkest straight espresso shots, so I realize others might find the by-the-book frappes fine as is). Ideally, the product would have a built-in coffee grinder so I wouldn't also have a grinder to clean, but that would obviously increase its cost. In regards to cleaning, it's worth mentioning that the components of the machine aren't dishwasher safe.

If you're like me and tend to keep a collection of gimmicky small kitchen appliances to inspire you to make things you might not otherwise think to make, this is a great item to have around. It operates well, and some of the little details like the automatic pulsed blending as well as the option to perform extra blending as needed render it truly functional.

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I recently purchased the Mr Coffee Frappe Maker after seeing an ad for it. I thought of the times I have had to stand in the long lines at the local coffee house, how many times they have made my Frappe wrong because they were in a rush to deal with the long lines and of course the cost they charge. I figured for $ it was worth a shot. The Frappe Maker gives you the control of strength of coffee or other goodies you may want in your drink, syrup, sugar, etc. The ad claims in delivers the product in 3 minutes and it does! I was personally delighted with the end product. It will have paid for itself after a mere 20 visits to the local coffee house. I am pleased with the ease of use and the convenience it provides. I can make myself a Frappe in my own home saving time and money, this is a great product for those that do not have a need to impress others by drinking coffee house Frappes. I anticipate many other copycat products following suit. Every so often a product comes along that is affordable and does exactly what you want it to do.......this is that product and it's affordable. Try it, if you don't like it, return it, you will be surprised how convenient it is however.

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I am a "frappe-aholic" to say the least. I saw this frappe maker and just had to have it. I have to say for the most part I am pleased with it, But~ they really need to redesign the lid on this thing. Every morning I am cleaning the counter and all around the frappe maker due to the mixture that is shot out of the top when the blend feature it on. It is seriously insane the amount of liquid that is shot out of this thing. I've tried everything to ensure this isn't a daily mess. I now have to wait just prior to the blend and place a washcloth over the top to catch the mess. For the price they could at least fix this problem. Just a note as well, the parts are NOT dishwasher safe. If they spend a little more time in the design room fixing this issue.. it would be a 5 star machine in my eyes. I do love it, just hate to spend the extra time cleaning a mess that could easily be prevented by a redesigned top. Get to work Mr. Coffee... : )

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If you like Starbucks' Frappes, then read on. As a "smart shopper" I love finding deals that will end up saving me money; ultimately, saving me enough that the product pays for itself. I used to buy real iced tea by the gallon until I bought Mr. Coffee's Iced Tea machine... now I smile as I pass the aisle at my grocery knowing that I no longer have to lug those containers around and that my appliance has saved me lots of extra food money. With the Mr. Coffee Frappe Maker, I will be able to say the same every time I pass by a Starbucks (i.e. every other block!).

I have tried using a blender for similar results, but trust me when I tell you that is a waste of time. The results from the Frappe Maker are far superior. The ice breaking power and the appliance's "technique" were not only made for frappe making but is also as simple as can be. A note on its power: make sure you place this machine on a sturdy surface as it kind of jumps a bit when the blend takes place -although I was never in doubt that the Frappe Maker would ever be too unstable (as tall and powerful it is) even during the first time I ran it... it is a legitimate piece of machinery.

I used Hershey's dark chocolate syrup to make a mocha frappe and followed the directions without modification... the results were perfect! The recipe booklet it comes with has several great concoctions that I would have never thought of on my own... I can't wait to try them out! Seriously, if you were to pour your homemade frappe into an empty Starbucks container and gave it to someone, they would NOT know the difference (and I say that without exaggeration!). One extra note: when you are at the store picking up ingredients, don't forget the straws... take it from me who learned the hard way! Also, the directions call for crescent-shaped ice cubes, but I used regular medium-sized ones and the results were just fine. Enjoy!

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Blue Neapolitan Coffee Maker - Made in Italy

First, the "coffee maker" will only yield maybe 6-8 oz of coffee at most...during its entire usable life. The threaded metal filter became impossible to remove after the first cup of coffee. In addition, during the first stage of the brewing process i.e. heating the water, the steam release spout squirts hot water across your stove. I went with this coffee maker because I didn't want something made in China and I figured it was worth a shot. Go with a Bodum Coffee press made in Denmark instead. I would not recommend this product.

You can't use this on the stove at all. It's way too tiny. I thought it would be larger than this.

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Nespresso D121-US-BK-NE1 Citiz Espresso Maker with Aeroccino Milk Frother, Black

I started out getting my spouse a manual espresso machine and burr grinder as a gift, but it quickly became obvious that we weren't going to use them very often because of the time and number of steps involved in making espresso, cappuccino, and lattes by hand -grinding beans, brewing, steaming milk, multi-step cleanup. Weekday mornings are hectic, and who has time for all that?

So the manual machine and grinder went back to the store, to be replaced by the Nespresso CitiZ with Milk. Think of it as a Keurig machine for espresso shots. It's simple to use -just insert a prepackaged espresso capsule from Nespresso and push the button for a small or large shot. This machine is a 19-bar pressure-driven espresso maker, and when combined with the high quality grinds available from Nespresso it brews a very nice cup of espresso with surprisingly rich crema.

The CitiZ with Milk also includes a built in milk heater / frother unit that can either produce hot thick milk for lattes or foamed milk for macchiatos and cappuccinos. The frother is easy to use just select the mixing attachment you want (one for un-frothed milk, one for foamy frothed milk), add some milk, pop the cover on, and press a button. The frother heats the milk and optionally froths it, then turns itself off when it's done. Pour the milk over your espresso (or vice versa) and you're done.

One area where the machine could stand improvement is the temperature of the milk. The aeroccino accessory only heats milk to around 150 degrees, so your coffee beverages aren't very hot. They're not as hot as using real steamed milk, so if you like your cappuccinos and lattes hotter than this you'll need to microwave them for a few seconds before drinking.

The only other downside is that you have to buy the capsules from Nespresso, and in many areas they're only available online, so you have to plan ahead lest you run out. At $0.60 per capsule they're more expensive than grinding your own beans, but considerably less expensive than going to Starbucks every day. A wide variety of beans is available in a range of strengths with different characters, but only 3 of the 16 varieties are decaffeinated. If you're a decaf drinker you'll wish you had more options.

Other than that, we've been delighted with the Nespresso so far.

I received this Nespresso machine as a gift and loved it so much, I bought an identical unit for my office. The quality of the end product whether expresso, latte or cappuccino, is very good.

The problem began 6 months later when the built-in frother began to malfunction. I got online and found recommendations about not placing the unit back in place after using it, not keeping power turned on except when in use, etc. After trying this, the frother began to work again. However, several months later, it no longer works and nothing has seemed to work. If you can find a number or place to return these machines to Nespresso, you are better and more patient than I. Not only do I not have the box to ship it back in, nor do I want to forego my morning expresso for weeks on end, but I can't find a place to contact. Customer service is definitely lacking. Eventually, I bought a new stand-alone frother to carry me over. Eventually, the expresso part will die and I'll be forced to purchase a stand-alone of that.

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I love this machine! The espresso it makes is delicious every time, and is very fast and mess-free. There are a variety of flavors Nespresso makes to try (buying from their club is the most cost-effective way to get your capsules) and I have enjoyed trying them all in order to find my favorites. I have had my Citiz Espresso Maker about a month and have loved every minute of getting to know it!

You should be warned: the Aeroccino Milk Frother does not make the milk particularly hot. Now, don't be mistaken I love it. I think it makes beautiful foam, and heats milk to a temperature that I consider to be *immediately drinkable* but if you like your latte to be HOT, you should skip the Aeroccino and just get the espresso maker on its own. I hated having to steam milk on my old espresso maker I found the process loud, messy, and the spout hard to keep clean. The Aeroccino is super easy to clean (I rinse with water after each use), super easy to use, and I don't mind WARM versus HOT milk, so I am very happy.

Also, I am going to mention (because it was a big concern for me as a non-dairy person) that it will warm AND froth/foam both SOY and ALMOND milk perfectly. The foam is lovely with both, and the "milk" is warmed and smooth. It has no problems with the slightly thicker consistancy, and comes out beautifully.

Read Best Reviews of Nespresso D121-US-BK-NE1 Citiz Espresso Maker with Aeroccino Milk Frother, Black Here

Pros:

I loved the weight of this machine, it was well packed, easy to setup and really enjoyed the ease of use. I really like the attached milk frother (Its heats up just enough milk and the magnetic frother works great).

The machine is super easy to use , you lift up, drop the pod, close and push the button. couldn't be easier. It has an auto shut off too so if you forget to turn off it's not an issue.

Cleaning the milk from the frother was a breeze. Cleaning the pod catcher after they drop into it was simply and well thought out.

Now for THE CON:

My goal was to use this with the refillable pods and not only the Nespresso pods. I purchased the ones that seemed to me to be the best, the CoffeeDuck Refillable Coffee Capsules For Nespresso 3 Pods These Espresso Cups fit all Nespresso machines from after October 2010 and those turned out to be a disaster (they melted after a few uses). I did more research and realized that I was not the only one to have those issues, so I ended up returning the machine as i was not willing to drink $5-$6 worth of pods a day ( to me that beats my purpose)

In conclusion, if you want an espresso here and there this is ideal, if you are hoping to replace your coffee maker with this think again . There doesn't seem to be a refillable pod at this point in time that will allow to do this without melting after a few uses.

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This is an easy review as it is the second Nespresso Citiz I have purchasedone for home and one for office. A great cup of espresso and easy milk frothing with these machines. While the capsules are pricey, the end result is wonderful and would be hard to match without spending a great deal more and losing convienance.

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KRUPS Espresseria Full Automatic Espresso Machine

I just received this Krups Espresseria automatic machine. I have a Jura ENA 4 at my work so I will try to make some comparisons to them. The Jura is about the same price and they both have very similar features. I was so excited when I found out I would be receiving this Krups machine so that I can make my cappuccino at home too! I am a coffee fool so I make alot. With winter coming up this will be well used. Ok I have been using the Jura for some time at my work and it has been a very nice machine and is easy to setup, clean, and use. The Krups is no exception here as it is very easy to setup. Just fill the water container, bean hopper, set language, ML or OZ for liquid measurement, water hardness and ready to go. I use beans I buy here on Amazon. They are eight Oclock brand 50 % decaf. I chose the fine grind setting and brewed my first Cappuccio in less than a minute and the froth was superb. The coffee taste and strength is every bit as good as the Jura maybe alittle stronger with the Krups. I like that the machine is fully programable for different fill levels of coffee. You can fill one or two cups at a time. The nozzle height can be adjusted for taller cups but will not accommodate tall cups without sliding the drip tray out. The Jura can accommodate tall glasses no problem. The steam wand worked very well with no mess and produced a very nice froth and is fully adjustable for many positions. I really liked the spill tray as it has a float in it that rises to let you know when it is full. The Jura does not have this. Both machines come with a water filter to help reduce the bad flavors and reduce machine descaling frequency. The both come with a starter pack of cleaning tablets. As with any coffee espresso machine it will need cleaning to keep the flavor and machine working properly. It looks like the Krups requires less frequent cleaning. Both the frothing nozzles need cleaning frequently. All in all this is a very nice machine that will see alot of use. Oh yeah I was kind of surprised when I opened the box and noticed a small amount of coffee grinds in the machine. I called Krups customer service and was promptly advised that the machines grinders are tested during the assembly. I found no mention of this in the owners info so I was surprised but it is very nice to know that the machines are quality tested before shipping them out. Oh I should note that Jura does mention in there instructions that small traces of coffee grinds may be found in there machines for the same reason. Well I will try to make some comparisons now.

The Krups you can only use whole beans and no preground coffee.

The Jura has a bypass doser that allows you to use preground coffee.

The Jura does not come with a milk container and must be bought separately for about 80-100 dollars.

The Krups does come with its own stainless steel milk container even though it is not mentioned or shown in any of the pictures. I was really hoping it did come with it. Yeah!!

The Krups is made in France and not Mexico or China.

The Jura has a removable bean container.

The Krups does not have a removable bean container so no quick swapout of beans. Must run them all trough machine.

They both hold about the same amount of old grind cakes at 14.

The Jura needs to be cleaned every 180 cycles.

The Krups needs to be cleaned every 360 cycles. Big plus here!

The Jura takes about 44 minutes on the cleaning cycle.

The Krups take about 22 minutes on the cleaning cycle.

Both have an energy saving mode that is programable.

Both can be changed from ML to Oz for fluid measurement.

Both Krups and Jura come with a 2 year or 6000 cup warranty.

My likes about the Krups are slightly stronger coffee than the Jura.

Less frequent cleaning demands with the Krups.

Krups comes with its own Stainless milk container so you can fill it and put back in fridge when not using. The Jura you must purchase the milk container for 8-100 dollars.

Krups has a drip tray float to remind you when it needs cleaning out.

The Krups costumer service department was very quick and responsive when I called them. Oh yeah and they were all American so I could understand them.

The Krups has a better look for a home than does the Jura in my opinion.

I like being able to see how full the bean container is on the Krups without looking down in it unlike the Jura.

My dislikes abouth the Krups are no removable bean container. So when you want to change coffee beans to another brand you must cycle them through where as the Jura you can remove the bean container and empty it out.

Cannot use preground coffee as an option where as you can on the Jura.

The Krups nozzle does not raise as high as I would like to accommodate taller cups but can if you slide the drip tray out first.

So bottom line would I recommend the Krups Espresseria machine??? Yes I defiantly would!!!

UPDATE:

Ok so I have been using it for some time now and love it more than ever!! My wife too!! When just making a good old fashioned coffee the creama is so rich and yummy. I love it. I am still experimenting with all the minor adjustments you can make to custom tailor it but so far I like the grind set on very fine for a very robust flavor but not bitter at all. I am also loving the included milk container for the milk froth. It is very nice to be able to just fill it, use it, then put back in the fridge when done. Jura makes you pay extra for there milk container so nice job Krups!! Well just wanted to give an update as to how things are going here. Thanks

We're a 2-3 cup a day coffee household. This doesn't include all of the weekly trips to the coffee shop while at work for more specialized drinks. Prior to getting this espresso maker we simply brewed flavored coffee at home with cheap and disposable coffee makers. We were of course overjoyed to welcome the Krups EA8250001 Espresseria Full Automatic Espresso and coffee Machine into our kitchen. Here are my thoughts;

Pros

+ All in one unit. Stores, grinds, brews and disposes of your coffee. No outside water lines needed.

+ Stainless Steel milk frothing bottle provided. Very nice!

+ Auto clean/rinse cycle. Only needs complete cleaning once every 360 cycles!

+ Modern and sleek black look. Also, very compact in size for an espresso machine.

+ Easy to use digital interface and quick set up.

+ Water proof service guide stored inside a side slot of the machine.

+ Steamer nozzle also dispenses hot water for tea/hot chocolate drinkers.

+ Extremely quick brew time. Less than 2 minutes.

+ Energy efficient and has an auto-off timer.

+ Made in France (not Taiwan or China like many products today).

+ 2 year or 6,000 cup warrantee.

+ Machine alerts you on all cleaning/replacement functions.

+ Tool provided for easy installation of the unit's water filter. Especially useful if you have larger hands.

Cons

Incredibly expensive.

Milk frothing bottle and attachments are a bit cumbersome to use and clean.

Water filters are $18-20 each and need to be replaced every two months.

Unable to use flavored or pre-ground coffee. There's no bypass chamber to change beans. Once your coffee is in the machine it's in there until you use it.

Frother is rather rigid and has limited flexibility. It's also difficult to use on a countertop, especially with larger mugs. You need to have it on the counter edge to even get a larger cup out.

Can be rather noisey, especially early in the morning. Water tank can rattle quite a bit when brewing the coffee.

Clock display doesn't stay on when you're not using the machine.

Water dispenser tray platform is a bit small and while the coffee nozzles do raise, it's not really enough for larger coffee mugs.

Some crucial pieces of the machine are plastic (coffee nozzles, parts of the frother etc.). I would prefer them to be metal as the plastic feels like it could crack from the heat.

The Krups EA8250001 Espresseria Full Automatic Espresso and coffee Machine is something most people would never buy but would love to receive it as a gift. I'm sure there are many of these machines on wedding registries from couples with crossed fingers. For the price this machine should definitely be considered an investment. Spending this much on an espresso machine is difficult to justify. However, if you can afford the purchase price it definitely does what it's supposed to. I can absolutely say that I'm the envy of all my coffee drinking coworkers and friends. I know our household will get many years of use out of it.

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This could seriously be the best thing I have ever purchased. It is expensive, but man, it is great to wake up and push 3 different buttons a total of 5 different times and have an excellent cup of cappuccino. It could not be easier. Set up is a breeze. The machine tells you when you need water or a new filter. You can see the coffee beans. There is no mess to clean up. When it is time to empty the spent grounds (about every 10-15 cups) a message comes on, you pull out a side drawer, dump it in the trash, empty and rinse the water tray and ... voila.

We bought this assuming that it would not replace our regular drip coffee maker. But we completely stopped using the coffee maker and instead have cappuccino or cafe creme every day. The automatic cappuccino foamer is really quite clever and easy to clean. We have found that you need milk fat to make a decent foam so use whole milk or add a little 1/2 n 1/2 to whatever reduced fat milk you use and it will make a good foam. It takes a few experiments to see how long you need to let the steam run to get the right amount of milk foam to mix with the strong espresso. We have finally landed on 15 seconds. The machine always comes back to whatever setting you used last, so once you get a setting you like you can pretty much just push a few buttons and your coffee is ready in less than 2 minutes from the time you power up the machine.

It pays to experiment with beans also. We use a mix of 1/2 decaf cafe Britt which is nice and dark and adds an earthy flavor, and 1/2 regular caf Lavazza Super Crema because that seemed to be a consensus good espresso bean. The Lavazza is a medium roast. So now we have the coffee we like, and cappuccinos better than any we can get in a restaurant or coffee shop (always way way too much milk). I am confident we would never use a manual machine. My hats off to people who do. If you are like me and want a great espresso, cappuccino or cafe noisette every day, you will love this machine

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This is the best super automatic espresso machine out there based on my own, super-nerdy formula: "(rich flavor * ease of use) / cost." Dorky, yes, but you're talking to someone who came up with decisionking.com and previously has used a one-touch Tassimo machine in USA, one-touch Philips machine in Spain, and a few other cheap espresso machines including the manual kind. I am a resident of Spain and a US citizen, so I appreciate a good european style "cafe con leche."

The advantages of this Krups machine are that: 1) it's the most compact machine, 2) it's very simple to operate 3) it has the lowest cost of the different super automatic brands (as of 10-26-2011), 4) and it can use oily beans unlike the other different brands of machines. 5) Also, it runs the longest between cleaning cycles (360 cycles) compared to the other brands. The resulting coffee is, of course, rich and smooth and full of flavor. That being said, it is important to note that coffee flavor seems to be more related to the quality/freshness of coffee beans used rather than the machine itself.

The disadvantages of this Krups machine are its high cost (relative to my cheap coffee machines before) and no bypass doser. But both of these disadvantages are minimal especially when you compare the Krups cost to the other super automatic espresso machines. On the other hand, a bypass doser is important for that quick decaf, one would want to make for late night after dinner.

Bottom line is: I'd give this device 4.5 stars since it does not have the bypass doser. But if you want an easy to use, minimal maintenance, one-touch espresso machine, that is compact and costs the least of the super automatics then I think this Krups is the machine you want to invest in.

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So, I've had this machine for about a month now, and I'll echo much of what others have said: it makes an awesome cup of espresso (especially if you've got good quality espresso roasted beans, but that goes without saying). The fully automatic nature of the machine makes it a dream to easily get a good cup of coffee, and I'm fiendishly excited that I can reduce my outlays to Starbucks.

The one "complaint" that I had about the machine was that the auto milk attachment didn't get hot enough (i.e. it got up to around 110 degrees F), so I started nuking my coffee to get it to a good "americanized" coffee temperature. But, I found a solution: when you hit the steam button and the milks starts pouring into your cup, pinch the plastic tube so that it sputters--this will allow more steam to get into the mix, thereby heating up the milk more. The result? Milk that gets to about 140 degrees F!! Perfect stuff. Also, BTW--I've successfully used almond milk from the start, so if you want to go healthy and tasty, then you have a good non-dairy, non-soy option. Cheers and enjoy!

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DeLonghi EN520SL Lattissima Nespresso Silver Capsule Espresso and Cappuccino Machine with FREE Brab

It's like having your own "barista" in your kitchen! It's fast, brews perfectly every time, and it DELICIOUS!

The "Lattissima" is definitely the best machine if you're a (latte, foamed milk lover). I personally use rice milk because I don't like regular dairy milk. The rice milk foams/froths perfectly in this machine!

The cleaning function for the frother is easy to use. Size of the container for the milk is perfect, & detachable, so you can keep the excess back in the frig (no waste).

Machine is small enough to fit on any counter space, & looks sleek & professional!

If you want to treat yourself to a top-of-the-line espresso machine............THIS IS IT!!!

Cyndi~OH

Bodum Chambord 3 cup French Press Coffee Maker, 12 oz., Chrome

Even if you find an espresso machine alluring, in the meantime, you can't beat coffee made with this elegant and perfectly functional press pot. It's simply the easiest and best way to extract maximum flavor from your finest beans (use a uniform grind slightly coarser than automatic drip). Some people even prefer it to espresso. It's durable, easy to clean, and doesn't require electricity.

One reviewer claimed they put the grounds and the water in the pot, immediately pushed the plunger and waited 10 minutes. However, they will get much better results if they wait 2-4 minutes (depending upon the coarseness of the grind) before plunging the coffee, and then drink it right away. I wouldn't even let the coffee rest, plunged, in the pot for ten minutes, as it will become over-extracted.

As for the reviewer that whined about truth in advertising, all I can say is "Duh". They themselves pointed out that the pot does make three espresso cups' worth of brew. And if they watch what they are doing next time, instead of just trying to pour 12 oz. of hot water into something, they can avoid future unpleasant experiences. I actually make coffee for two "cappuccinos" with this model. If you don't like your coffee as strong, you can simply add a little hot water to your cup after you have poured your coffee (like an Americano).

My sister bought this press for the house. This one works real well-perfect for those coffee press users. Bodum is also a well known brand of coffee press, so you don't have to worry about a flimsy product. Also if it breaks, Bodum is pretty good with spare parts. As a comsumer, I always recommend you shop around for the best price.

When using a coffee press, or any other coffee machine, make sure you FRESHLY grind your coffee for optimal taste. I recommend all serious coffee drinkers to invest in a good burr grinder-you really can taste the differnce. Also for a coffee press the ginds must be large and coarse in thickness, otherwise your pressed coffee will taste lousy-do not use automatic drip sized grinds. I also recommend a quality dark/French roast when using a press.

Please note that this press makes 3 French-sized cups of coffee. In Paris cafes, you're served coffee in a press with a "bowl sized" cup half filled with steamed milk (Cafe Au Lait).

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The person who chastised everyone's reading skills below, insisting that this is a "3-STEP (as in add grounds, add water, press) not 3-CUP" press, is incorrect, and apparently did not her/himself read the title (which does indeed say "3-CUP", NOT "3-STEP). It IS a "3-cup" press -however, if you look around at the descriptions of various french presses found here, you will find that they all define a "cup" as 4 ounces. So, no, this 3-cup press, which is 12 ounces, is not going to brew enough coffee for 3 *mugs*. (And the 8-cup presses, which are 32 ounces, are not going to brew enough for 8 mugs.) The ones referred to as "3-cup" will brew about roughly mug's worth of coffee. This particular press is at least as good as any other I've used, which is to say very good!

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I purchased this as a 1-person coffeemaker because the other 2 coffee drinkers around here complained that I made coffee too strong. Although this is a 3-cup press (each cup = 4 oz, European standards, I suppose) it's really perfect for just one mug. I can almost fill my 14 oz travel mug, and I only ever drink one cup in the morning, so capacity is perfect for me. If you drink lots of mugs, don't get this!

I got one of these in a discount store for only a few dollars, which was a great bargain! Following the suggestion of 3 tablespoons of coarsely ground beans with 12 oz H2O, my coffee comes out as strong as I like it. There's sediment, but that doesn't bother me. Reminds me of Turkish coffee. Clean-up is a little more involved than with a drip maker, but I like the press coffee better, so that doesn't bother me either. The only thing that can truly bother me about coffee is when it isn't strong enough.

Of course, the coffee cools quite quickly if you leave it in the press too long, so I just pour it into the vacuum mug right away, where it stays at temp much longer.

Also, as a control freak, this brewing method is appealing because it allows me to boil the water to the exact temp it needs to be (yes, I use a thermometer. I did say I was a freak). I love this method of brewing coffee, but clean-up and sediment might not be OK with everyone.

Considering the price I paid, I give this 5 stars. It happens to match my coffee needs exactly.

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Alas, like so many other products, this one has become cheap and shoddy. I bought my first Bodum french press almost 20 years ago. It lasted that long with regular use, made good coffee, and became much loved in my house. A few weeks ago I bought a replacement -same company, same size, same model -and much to my disappointment, this thing is a piece of junk. The metal parts are flimsy and about half the time the grinds slip past the filter, as well as the ridiculous plastic filter at the top. I'm throwing it away. It is that useless.

Bialetti 06951 replacement gasket for 6 cup coffee makers.

I bought a gasket here on Amazon. When dealing with third party sellers on Amazon you can't know if you're getting an official replacement part and in this case it surely wasn't. After replacing the gasket, the coffee maker simply doesn't work. The water comes out as steam, but never boils into the coffee chamber. We've wasted a lot of coffee trying again and again with different temperatures all the way up to high on the stove and then taking the unit apart again and trying to figure out why it isn't working. It was working fine before we replaced the gasket, but the old one was just not looking good. Now it doesn't work at all. Sometimes a third party replacement is fine, but this appears to not be the case with this item. I don't know if it is a different thickness or width or what the issue is.

The Bialetti 6 cup espresso maker occaisionally needs replacement gaskets due to wear and tear or if overheated. This replacement is reasonably priced and arrived quickly. Why buy a new system when the gasket can be replaced. But, alas, we couldn't find any in stores. Thanks to Amazon we are back to making espresso the traditional way. Will order again when needed. Bialetti 06951 replacement gasket for 6 cup coffee makers.

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I'm not sure what some other reviewers were purchasing this for, but this is a perfect replacement for the rubber gasket in the Bialetti 6800 Moka Express 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker.

A couple of reviewers had problems with it coming in a padded envelope... I always wash stuff before using them myself.

As the metal "filter" this goes around doesn't wear out, I didn't feel the need to spend over $8 for the gasket/filter combo. I bought 2 of these so that when this one wears out in a couple of years like the original did, I'll have a spare. The original seal was used daily for 2 years straight and they should average about that long if you aren't setting the temperature on the stove up too high.

Fits the Bialetti 6800 Moka Express 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker perfectly and there are no leaks.

Read Best Reviews of Bialetti 06951 replacement gasket for 6 cup coffee makers. Here

Purchased this product and within 4 days I had it in my Bialetti. Fit perfectly, shipped free and fast, does not get any better than that.

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Exactly what I needed. Where I live there are no stores where to buy these things. Thanks to Amazon I did not have to miss my espresso coffee every morning.

10-Cup Professional Home Coffee Brewer

I have wanted a Bunn for as far back as I can remember. I finally got this one and am so disappointed. Unfortunately for me I knew it was going to be awesome and I threw the box out so I can't return it. It'll work for guests I suppose.

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KRUPS XP3200 Opio Pump Boiler Espresso Machine, Black

I wrote the review below when I got the machine. Now two months later it won't steam. I've tried everything and it wont' work. Even though this was a gift, I guess you get what you pay for with this machine.

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After working as a barista at several private coffee shops I was worried about getting an espresso machine that would fit my budget and my coffee tastes. I got this machine a few days ago as a Christmas present and have had no problems with it. It heats up quick and is fairly easy to use. It does take a little getting used to some things though. It does take longer to steam cold milk than what I was used to, and I discovered that it was harder to tamp the coffee grounds down, but it makes a decent mocha or latte. I liked that it did froth the milk very well so there was a nice foam and brews the espresso with a nice crema on top. I'm going to experiment with different coffee brands and even try the E.S.E. pods. One thing I was worried about was the reviews about water leaking from the bottom of the machine. I discovered that after using the steamer it releases the water and pressure out the bottom into the drip tray. I didn't really believe the directions when they said to empty the tray after each use, but it definitely does need to be done. I would have given it 5 stars, but I think the learning curve with the grounds isn't as easy to use as some other machines out there.

This machine makes great espresso for a great price. The crema (foam on top) is always impeccable. BUT there is one extremely common issue with this machine that is also extremely easy to fix.

PROBLEM: machine fails to pump out any water (even with full tank & green light on)

SOLUTION: you are tamping (pressing) the coffee grounds down TOO tightly in the basket! Take the grounds out, shuffle them around to break up clumps, and place back in basket with decreased tamping pressure. Works like a charm.

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I've had this Krups espresso machine for about a month, got it on Woot for $65 delivered (it's on sellout.woot again today).

People have commented that it doesn't produce the same strength of coffee as a steam unit that's because it's not supposed to. Steam units overcook the coffee, that's why I finally upgraded to a pump. You may want to choose a stronger, darker-roasted coffee if you liked the strength of a steam-driven unit. (I still use a stove-top steam pot for camping.) Some coffees that were just too strong in my Bialetti stove-top steam pot are great in the Krups, with better coffee flavour than the beans that I use with the Bialetti.

Another tip if you like stronger espresso, don't run the pump too long, once the best of the coffee has been extracted it will just water it down if you keep pushing water through the coffee. It took me a week or two to learn the balance. I do really love the wonderful crema that this machine produces. Steam pots just can't do this. If you are a typical latte/cappuccino drinker (like me), try the espresso by itself, with just the head of crema. It's a treat all by itself! (With or without sweetening.)

(To the leakage issue I've only had it leak (outside the tray, when the tray wasn't even full) when I run two espressos immediately one after the other. If I purge the steamer in between, it does not happen. For a large latte I brew an espresso, run the milk steamer, then brew the second espresso no leaks!) see updated below.

It does seem like a design defect, it shouldn't leak water outside the tray, and if I had paid the full retail price (around $180), I would not be happy. Since I paid about a third of that, I can live with this eccentricity, as it can (at least for me so far) be avoided.

Update: I've had the unit leak a couple of times, and have tracked it down (at least for my unit) to an improper seal of the water container caused by a few coffee grounds that probably dropped into the back of the unit when the water container was removed. Cleaning the receiving end of the water seal (and making sure that the water container is similarly clean) has so far kept the water from leaking again. I can also see that this may become a problem over time as the water container wears, the seal may become loose and leaky again. We'll see.

Read Best Reviews of KRUPS XP3200 Opio Pump Boiler Espresso Machine, Black Here

This machine makes a very good espresso in a short amount of time. It's simple to use, a pump espresso, which works better than my previous steam espresso machine that took a long time. Overall quality is excellent.

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So being from Italy, I know good coffee. Been through many mid range cappuccino makers and they all sucked. This machine is by far the best I ever owned. The espresso crema is outstanding. Don't waste your money on high dollar machines, by this one. You will be very happy.

PS make sure you read the milk frothing directions. You have to purge the water before steam. Easy process.

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Frieling Gold Coffee Filter # 2

Mesh not fine enough. Lets a lot of sediment through. Does not fit in the Zojirushi coffee pot. Ok if you run out of paper filters, I went back to paper.

I was looking forward to using my gold filter instead of paper filters or a French press. My first cup was a disaster the coffee was too fine and a lot of grounds made it through the filter, plus the water passed through very quickly, picking up little of the coffee's flavor. I have tried adjusting the grind on my burr grinder, and a coarser grind works better in terms of keeping the coffee in the filter, but the water still runs through very quickly. I guess one option is to make coffee in a French press and then pour it through the gold filter, but that seems lame I may as well just use the plunger sieve in the French press.

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This filter saves a lot on paper (expensive) filters. I love it. It also saves on paper waste for the environment.

Read Best Reviews of Frieling Gold Coffee Filter # 2 Here

I used mine for over a year now. Although it lets in the finely ground coffee bits, which end up on the bottom of my cup, I still prefer it to using a new filter every day.

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This filter will not work in the Zojirushi EC-DAC50 coffeemaker or my old Krups. So be sure when you buy this. Also its not worth sending back.

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Bialetti Moka Express 1-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker

I decided to go with this instead of a fancy pants espresso machine. I bought the 1-cup maker (makes 1 shot of espresso, not 1 cup of coffee fyi) and a frother, and I am so glad that I did!

When I first opened the espresso maker, I wasn't exactly sure how to use it. Not all of the directions are perfectly clearI didn't know how high to fill the water (it says to the "lines," but I didn't see any lines), how much espresso to put in, or how long to let it sit for. I skimmed through a bunch of reviews and slowly pieced together all the info I needed....which I will put in one convenient place for you!

When you first get it, clean it with water. Everything I readfrom the instructions to other reviewssay not to use soap. The instructions say to make your first batch and throw it away, which I did since I wasn't able to use soap to clean it.

If you get a larger maker, obviously you will need to adjust your measurements. For the 1-cup, put the water in the bottom piece up to the bottom of the valve (the thing on the wall of the base when you look in it). Put the metal filter in next and put 1 tbsp espresso in. Again, this makes one espresso shot. Screw the top on and put it on low-medium heat (I put it on 3 or 4 on my electric stove and that worked just fine). My burners are pretty big so I set it off to the side of the coils where it was directly on a few of them; I set the handle so it wasn't over the coils because I saw a lot of reviews about the handle melting.

When I made my first batch, I wasn't sure how long to wait; needless to say, I didn't wait long enough. With the 1-cup, it took about 5 minutes to see the espresso start to brew. As it brews, you can definitely open the top to take a peek. You have to guestimate when all the water has gone through (trial and error from using it a few times), and when it's all done, pour out your espresso into whatever you are drinking it from.

For an easy mochaI heated 1/2 cup or so of milk in the microwave. I used Hershey's syrup (about 1 tbsp) and added it to the milk. I used my $7 milk frother (IKEA Produkt Milk Frother...if you live by IKEA, buy it in person for $2!) to mix the milk/syrup. I poured the espresso in a mug and added the chocolate milk to it. It was much more delicious than I expected for using plain ol' Hershey's syrup!!!

In conclusion, it's an awesome espresso maker. It's better than a machine because there are less parts to break, it's easier to clean, and it's definitely authentic!!

Enjoy :D

A previous reviewer complained that the 6 cup version only makes 1 1/4 cups. This is an espresso maker, as such, the cups are measured in "espresso cups", which happen to be 1oz or 30ml. So the 6 cup make 6oz, which is plenty of espresso to have anyone climbing the walls. I love mine, I have the 3 and 6 version (work and home).

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This is your basic Italian single shot espresso maker for the stovetop. I used practically the same model for almost a year while in Florence. I'm tracking down some killer Illy dark coffee to run through this puppy and am salivating until I can find a can.

It works very well. This unit produces a very small amount of very strong coffee. About the same as a single espresso from that corporate giant in Seattle.

***** The keys to success are: 1. fill water no higher than the nut (pressure relief valve) on the side of the bottom section, and 2) use only low to medium (at most) heat to keep it from boiling over.

Yum!

Read Best Reviews of Bialetti Moka Express 1-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker Here

I've had the 3-cup model for 5 years, using it on average 3-4 times per week. It makes absolutely fantastic espresso and I've become so spoiled that I don't care much for espresso in coffee shops any more. It's quick, simple and wonderful! One caution that several reviewers mentioned -make SURE it is COMPLETELY dry before storing away. My wife put it away several times without it being completely dry and now I have that "corrosion" that a few reviewers have mentioned. As long as it's dry COMPLETELY dry this won't happen. BUT, even though I'll now be ordering a new (and bigger) one, 5 years from an inexpensive little pot that has blown me away with its coffee quality isn't bad at all. For now, I've found that if I scrub out the interior with a steel wool SOS pad before using it, I'm getting by until I get a new one. I LOVE this pot! My advice -buy one now! Oh, for a really special treat, put a small piece of lemon rind in the cup before pouring in the coffee. HEAVEN!

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Since I'm Italian I can claim a good experience in moka coffee.

There's nothing wrong with this one, you cannot expect the same quality as espresso. Using good coffee beans, well ground and packing it right you'll have a good coffee. Just a matter of pratice. Remember: you don't need soap to wash it, keep the fire far from the handle and change the O-ring periodically.

Saeco Aroma Espresso & Cappuccino Pump Machine

I've been using this machine for the past couple weeks and so far I love it! It looks great on the counter, doesn't take up much space, it seems solidly built and I couldn't be happier with the quality of the drinks I've been making with it. I'm a latte/cappuccino drinker so I can't really comment on the subtleties of a good espresso shot but the shots look great, they have plenty of crema and the milk based drinks are just delicious, much better than what I get at the local coffee shops.

I usually don't write long reviews but while researching before I bought it, I found plenty of negative reviews from people who seem to have unrealistic expectations or who didn't bother to do their homework or read the manual.

Things to consider and common complaints:

This is a single boiler machine, which requires the machine to be primed every time you steam milk. If you don't, it will end up suffering from a premature death due to overheating. You may be able to find a self-priming machine for this price (I didn't run into any but it's not a feature I particularly cared for). If you want a dual boiler machine then you'll have to invest more money. Personally, I don't mind priming it, it may feel like there are too many steps at first but once you get a hang of it, it's extremely quick and simple.

It comes with a pressurized portafilter which is less sensitive to grinding finesse and tamping pressure and will give you a consistent espresso shot even if you don't really know what you are doing. For the average user this can be a great feature, since you can get a good shot with pre-ground espresso or a pod. However, if you are really into the art of making the perfect espresso and want to play around with grinding and tamping pressure, then you'll probably want a regular portafilter.

The steaming wand is a bit too low and only rotates horizontally, which limits the size of the frothing container you can use. Not an issue for me but something you may want to consider. I use a 16 oz. frothing pitcher and as long as I keep it filled up to somewhere between 2/3 and 3/4, I can work without issues. With more liquid than that, I would spill some on the counter when trying to remove the pitcher. This can be addressed by raising the machine (something like a thick cutting board underneath it could work) or by placing the machine on the far right edge of the counter.

The cup warmer seems a bit on the flimsy side. I'm just being picky with this one, I don't really care about that so just an FYI.

The panarello attachment makes it really easy to get thick foam but a bit tricky to get microfoam. I've been experimenting with it to get microfoam and I've got some good results. However, it is a bit harder to do than with a regular steam wand and I'm not sure if it will be good enough for latte art. Again, if you don't care about latte art, this is no big deal and your drinks will come out just fine.

If the portafilter is not tight enough or if it's too full, water will leak from the top. This happened to me when I first got it and was trying to set it up. It was a bit too tight which required extra strength to make it fit right. After a couple of tries, it loosened up, getting it on and off became very easy and there are no leaks whatsoever.

I can't comment on durability but I will update this review if I run into any issues.

Overall, I'd say this is a great purchase for the price as long as you know what to expect and it suits your needs. If you decide to get it, do yourself a favor and read the manual. =)

Fine machine. Brews an excellent shot with good head. Heats up quickly and the durability has been excellent. Steams well but it definitely takes longer than I'm used to. I have this one at work but the 30013 at home which I think is an even better model. Brews and steams much quicker and while the case is the same the push buttons on this one feel less solid than the flip switches on the 30013.

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I've purchased 3 different Saeco machines and have ownd a La Pavoni espresso maker in the past. I have a home in Italy where the first two Saecos were purchased and a home in the U.S. where I have my third.

I had second thoughts about buying an Italian coffee machine in the U.S. because all of these at one time or another require professional maintenance. Every single one of my 4 espresso machines has had to go to the shop for one thing or another. In Italy, espresso is part of everyday life and there are a lot more of these machines in use and being serviced. My authorized Saeco dealer near my Italian home knows these machines very well and always provides expert service.

My U.S. machine recently stopped providing enough hot steam to froth milk properly. I contacted Saeco USA and was given a warranty number and instructed to send the machine to their Livermore, Californa shop. I did so and in about a week the machine arrived back at my home. When I unboxed it, the machine had been sealed in a plastic bag and placed in the box. When I opened the plastic bag, water poured onto my floor. Not a mere amount of condensation either. The entire machine was soaking wet. The repair center it seems was so unfamiliar with these machines that they didn't know to pump out all of the water prior to shipping. Then, I read their repair report which said that there was no problem with the machine and recommended that the customer (me) let the machine heat up before trying to use the steam wand. (I've been letting it heat up and steam twice trying to get hot frothed milk to no avail)

The machine is no better than when I sent it in...it still doesn't provide enough hot steam to froth and I'm out the $40.00 shipping and packaging that I spent sending the machine to the service center. I notified Saeco USA about this last week and requested a replacement. I haven't heard back from their company.

My recommendation...if you live in Italy where these can get serviced properly, by all means buy one. When it is working correctly it's a nice machine. But, if you are a U.S. customer, I'd pass.

Read Best Reviews of Saeco Aroma Espresso & Cappuccino Pump Machine Here

After my old, cheap combo drip/espresso coffee maker gave up the ghost, I decided to invest in a serious espresso machine. I followed the advice given by Alton Brown from his Good Eats episode on espresso and wound up with the same machine that he uses. It's a lovely semi-automatic machine. By semi-automatic, I mean that the machine pushes water through the portafilter to make coffee as long as the switch is on; it's up to you to decide when to shut it off. Same goes for the milk frothing attachment. But the frother attachment is a big, wide plastic tube which is easy to clean, the water tank has enough capacity for a week's worth of espresso, and the pump can make for a lovely shot of espresso with a beautiful head of crema.

I think I would have preferred the design esthetic of a previous model, where the brewing and frothing switches were on/off switches as opposed to up/down buttons, but that quibble aside, this is a lovely machine for do-it-yourself espresso and cappuccino.

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I purchased this for 300$ with free shipping and a free kit including 6 espresso cups, saucers, spoons and a milk foaming metal pitcher and some espresso blend grounds as well. This machine works great, it's solid, simple, small and powerful. The machine warms up quickly and has few buttons so it won't confuse you.

**Like most machines of this sort, you do need to learn how to use it and it does require maintenance every so often (rinsing, descaling, etc...) but once you use it as it is intended, the results are stellar. Maybe it's just the grounds, but this thing pumps out espresso just like I remember from my trip to Portugal; great crema and very straightforward to use. The steam wand works great, better than some commercial models I've used working in cafe's.

Just make sure you prime the water circuit and warm the portafilter (where you put the grounds) before you put the grounds in. Warming the portafilter has the side benefit of warming the cup as well(which you'll put under the portafilter to catch the water), which most espresso snobs will tell you is necessary for great espresso anyway.

The espresso water pump and the steam wand do seem to continue to leak water a tiny bit after use, but keeping them over the water tray is instinctual and I have heard that even commercial models will drip a bit of water out immediately after use so I don't consider it a 'con', not really a 'pro' though either.

All in all, for this price, I couldn't be more happy. The machine is quite nice to look at too and the extras that I got it with made it a steal of a deal by my standards. It doesn't come with a real 'tamper' though, I'm still trying to find one, it's amazing how most kitchen style stores don't actually sell them.

Contents: machine, water tray, grounds disposal tray with wooden 'hit me here to empty' thingy, removable water tank, water tank top, portafilter with accessory for using ESE pods or regular ground coffee, espresso scoop/spoon.

5 stars so far and if it keeps up it's good work.

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