Primula Tempo Coffee Press 6 Cup - Red

After about a month's worth of use, I discovered that the red plastic used to make the lid of this coffee press comes of with a mere wiping of a paper towel!!! This means the plastic can get into the coffee you're drinking. This is absolutely not acceptable for a food-contact item. The company that makes this item should recall it, or the FDA should should investigate this company's material safety guidelines.

I've been using this coffee press for about four months now and haven't had any problems. It hasn't shattered, melted or exploded, and the screen is sufficient for keeping the grounds out of the liquid once it's been pressed down. I like the X-shape of plastic around the glass carafe because it makes me feel a little more secure when I'm carrying it. It isn't fancy but it does the trick just fine.

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The Coffee (or French) Press is a nice way to make coffee. It requires very little equipment, and can be used at home or virtually anyway. You simply combine the coffee grounds in the beaker with the hot water and allow to brew. Once the coffee has reached the desired strength, you press down the plunger to trap the grounds on the bottom of the beaker, and then pour out.

On the up side It is small, and very easy to use. Clean-up is a snap.

On the down side The glass of the beaker is not sturdy, and will not stand up to much abuse. Also, I do prefer the "pull" variety, it pulls the grounds out of the drink, and does not leave the coffee in the grounds to become bitter, as this one does.

Conclusion This is an OK French Press not great, but definitely usable.

(Review of Primula Tempo Coffee Press 6 Cup)

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This product exceed my expectations, the relationship price/quality is excellent, and it's more beauty that it seems in the pic!

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The item came quickly, in good shape, and was a great deal for the money. I love grounding coffee beans in the morning and getting a fresh taste from this press!

Bodum Brazil 8-Cup French Press Coffee Maker, 34-Ounce, Black

This was my first French press. I have always enjoyed this type of coffee, particular after dinner. However, I was attracted to the plastic framework surrounding the carafe, as I can be clumsy at times.

This press has worked just as well as the more expensive, more traditional looking French press pots. I set the coarsest setting on my Braun grinder, and no grounds get through the screen. It is just perfect. I haven't ever run my press through the dishwasher, it isn't necessary with the easy cleaning with this one. I just put hot soapy water in the carafe, up-and-down a few times with the plunger and it's all ready to use again. I have heeded the warning not to stir with a metal implement; I use a wooden spoon.

I would heartily recommend this model of Bodum for someone who would like to experience French press coffee at home, inexpensively.

I have two Chambord models, and this one. I prefer the features of the Brazil's keyed lid, and secured plastic frame to the Chambord models. I've had this for about 3 years now, use it every day, and it's held up perfectly. Great press.

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Let's face it, dumping coffee grounds into a bucket of hot water is nothing new. The Bodum Press is a refinement of the cowboy coffee brewing method, minus the campfire & straining it thru a sock. In My world, there is no such thing as "too Strong" for coffee. There IS, however, too bitter & too acidy. The press does what perking, dripping and steaming ground coffee cannot do: produce a stout, yet smooth cup of coffee just like the stuff made around decades of my campfires.

Model Brazil, made in Denmark by a Swiss Company & called a French Press. No wonder the confusion over exactly how many cups this actually makes. The Euro-instructions for the press say 4 oz. per cup, but even my fine Bavarian China cups (from when I lived in Munich) are 6 ounces.

Just look at it this way: It holds 32 ounces of water.

The instructions on your roast coffee container usually say to use 1 TBSP per 6 ounces of water (NOT 4 ounces & NOT 8 ounces). Again, in MY world, 32 ozs. makes about 2 cups of coffee.

I toss in 6 or more scoops of ground coffee, pour in hot water & wait the obligatory 4 minutes. The result is a smooth coffee that you can drink by the quart without that nasty heartburn/reflux side effect.

It's ideal for work, where the office sissies are afraid of offending anyone with REAL coffee, so they make it weak. I simply step up to the hot water spigot & take the Press to my desk.

Now, you, too, can have coffee the way you like it at work without having to cover up someone's botched brew with that foo-foo Vanilla, Hazelnut, Irish Cream or other phoney-flavored faux creamers.

Cleanup? Swirl around some soapy water, & dump the grounds down the sink just be sure to have the water blasting & the garbage disposal running, so as to not plug up the sink trap.

Even if you already have the coffee-brewing apparatus of your dreams, buy the Bodum 32 oz. model. You won't be disappointed.

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This is a very simple, easy-to-use and easy-to-clean French press. I couldn't be happier with it. Brewing with a French press generally results in much more flavorful, rich coffee than using a conventional drip coffeemaker.

Though it makes very good hot coffee, I especially like using it to cold-brew homemade iced coffee. Ever notice how when you try to make iced coffee at home by brewing some with a regular coffeepot and then sticking it in the fridge till it cools, it never tastes right? That's cause most good coffeeshops cold-brew their iced coffee, which results in a smoother flavor. When you cold-brew, you use time rather than heat to brew the coffee.

In case you've never cold-brewed coffee, here's how I do it: I take a grinder-ful of fresh-ground premium beans, toss them in the press's pitcher, fill it up the rest of the way with cool, filtered water, let it brew 12-15 hours at room temperature, then press the beans down, stick in the fridge for a while, and serve in a glass with some ice cubes. Delicious! Add sweetness and cream to taste. I'll save a fortune by brewing my own iced coffee from now on. (By the way, the directions for brewing hot coffee are the same, only you use hot water rather than cool, and the heat makes it brew in about 5 min rather than 12 hours.)

If you're a coffee nut like myself, whether you prefer it hot or cold (or either, depending on the weather), you owe it to yourself to try a French press, and this Bodum can't be beat for the money!

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Video review of bodum original brazilian french press. Almost perfect design and function. Great value.

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Nescafe Dolce Gusto by Krups Circolo Coffee Machine

I want to start out by saying, I usually dont drink coffee. It just takes so long to prepare, grind the beans, put the filter, water and wait... This machine is amazing, I put the water in, wait like 30 seconds and then move the lever to the right for hot water. BOOM. The drink is done and it's ready for your tasting pleasure. I got the RED machine because my KitchenAid mixer is Red so I figured I'd continue the color scheme. It's got a nice matte feel to it and everything compacts together with an easy to clean components. In the box, it came with a sampler of different drinks and plus if you register your product you get a free box of capsules (16 in total). I have to say I wish the water tank held more water but its okay. Overall, I would recommend this product to anyone in the market for a fast and delicious cup of joe.

Like the coffee maker. It's shape is unique and bright. The only set back that I can see ,has to be Nescafe coffee since they are the only ones that fit (k-2 cups won't fit). There is limited stores to get the coffee from and not a lot of variety in the coffee choices. It does make an excellent cup of coffee out of the choices available. Wish the coffee was available in more stores closer to where I live.

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This thing is one piece of fine art. First of all it makes delicious coffee. Their Cafe Lungo and the Cafe Americano I would say are the best tasting ones. Rich in flavor! The machine is very simple to use. I didnt even have to read the manual or directions. The blue LED light is pretty neat too. It illuminates while the coffee is being made. Awesome coffee machine for the price. I would recommend this to everyone who is a coffee lover!

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I have had many different kinds of coffee makers in the past, but NOTHING is as good as this one! I can make a 16oz cappuccino to go in my Contigo travel mug, flavored exactly how I want it (Torani Hazelnut) in about a minute. I can sit at my desk at work sip on my nice hot delicious cappuccino. The lattes, chocochinos, espressos, and cafe americanos are great too!

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Bought this machine to replace a worn out Tassimo (Braun version). Coffee comes out just as good and I love the design. Not fully automatic like the Tassimo, but I really can't complain too much. Also wish the water reservoir held more water. So overall it's a 4 star. Hope this line catches on and they develop even more beverage pods for it.

Bialetti Mukka Express 1-Cup Cow-Print Stovetop Cappuccino Maker

It took about 5 tries to get the right combination and flavor coffee and then!!! Morning bliss!

Stay within the marks and you wont have to clean frothy delight up!

Black & Decker EE200 Expresso O Mio - Expresso Maker

As an ex-Seattle-ite of 12 years, I am pretty persnickity about my espresso. I found this microwave espresso maker at an upscale retail outlet for discontinued merchandise, in my new home city, and thought, what the heck, it is only $10, what do I have to lose? For ten bucks I got the microwave espresso maker and a frother, basically a beaker with plunger/beater for making steamed milk froth you see on a cappucinno.

After a few attempts, I found the proper setting on my microwave, to make excellent shots of espresso. I did have a couple of messes to clean up before I figured it out. I have a smallish GE microwave purchased in 1997, and don't remember the wattage, but running the microwave for 1 minute and 45 seconds yields almost a full shot of espresso. I empty the result into a cup and put the espresso maker back in the microwave for an additional 10 or 15 seconds which makes enough more to make a good sized shot when added to the first batch. I do this because one newspaper reviewer, who I will talk about later, mentioned that his espresso had a burned taste from leaving it in too long. I have not experienced this, but do this anyway as a precaution. The result is an acceptable dose of espresso for use in making a latte, etc., every time. I do sometimes just add a bit of sugar and take it straight, as well.

Now for the frother. This little guy is amazing and worth the cost, even if you don't use the espresso maker. I am able to make a decent froth in a few seconds using non-fat milk. Whoa. With whole milk you can make something approaching whipped cream in a 15-30 seconds.

Now for the reviewer I mentioned earlier. This fellow published his very negative review in the Seattle Times and, I think, contributed to the apparently horrible reputation that perhaps caused B&D to discontinue this little gem. He obviously did not tinker enough to figure out the settings that would work for his microwave, etc,, and made a couple of messes and gave up, and then proceeded to blast this espresso maker.

I wondered if I was the only person who liked this little guy, so I called a good friend of mine who is a consultant and travels all over the country to see if he wanted one of these. He was way ahead of me and had already been using one for some time. He loves it and it goes everywhere with him. BTW, he is twice the coffee snob that I am. He told me that when he is home he still uses his little B&D instead of the fancy countertop unit he has in his kitchen, if he wants to make a single shot of espresso.

This is like the Holy Grail of microwave espresso makers, though, to my knowledge, it is the only one of its kind. OK, maybe I am being too enthusiastic, but, hey, I love my coffee. It is handy enough toss in the suitcase and take with you for making espresso in your hotel room, if you are a traveler, or just don't want to spend a few hundred dollars for a gadgety space hogging countertop appliance. I actually went back to the store where I bought this and bought two more, in case something happens to my first one, so I will never be without one.

OK, now for the negatives, and there are some. This guy only makes one shot at a time, and then you have to empty the grounds and start over. If I want to share an espresso with my honey, then she had better be patient, because the first shot is for me. The coffee goes in a little aluminum cup that is covered by a screen, and this little cup gets HOT. If you want to make a second shot you have to take the maker apart, empty the grounds, refill it and start over. I do it, sometimes, and it is not impossible, but I do alot of cursing when I do. Of course you can set it aside to cool off first, but that's no fun.

Bottom line, this is a great little espresso maker if you don't mind making one shot at a time, don't mind experimenting a bit, are a traveler, don't want to spend money or space on a large espresso maker, etc. I heartily recommend this microwave espresso maker and wish you luck in finding one (my spares are not for sale!). They are still out there, and I did also see them at Walgreens, at one time.

.. and brand new; I decided to give it a whirl.

There was a little bit of leakage from the unit, but nothing unmanageable, and it did indeed make excellent espresso. Yes the metal cup (and plastic assembly) inside does get hot, but so do the parts from a "regular" espresso maker. A quick rinse in warm or cold water does the trick before fully disassembling. On my next attempt, I made the base tighter and voila! No leakage. Except that it only makes one shot, this is a very neat gadget. I guess it's too bad that it didn't catch on.

... Ok now that it's been here awhile...

Pain in the patootie to use, and the espresso is really not very good. Now I'm sure I know why it's discontinued.

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The product is OK, but when the frother comes apart, beware...no instructions and I have tried every which way to put it back together without success. Searched online and many others have same problem.

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La Pavoni EPBB-8 Europiccola 8-Cup Lever Style Espresso Machine, Black Base

PHOOEY to those who say this is only for the purists! Stuff and nonsense! The possibility for a more delightful relationship with a machine than a man can have with his La Pavoni espresso machine surely doesn't exist outside an Arthur C. Clarke novel. I really can think of no other mod con which is truly indispensible in the way that Ralph, our little Europiccola, is.

Difficult to use? Pshaw! Is a bicycle difficult to use? At first maybe, but all of a sudden you wonder what the fuss was about. With a little practice and practice is half the fun of it you will have the most beautiful espresso thick crema and all merrily widdling out the little spout everytime.

Ralph is delightfully simple to use, as a matter of fact: water in, turn on, coffee in, lever up, lever down, and you're done. How hard can that be?

Getting your espresso right comes down to a lot of other variables, which are the same for any espresso machine the sort of coffee you use, the correct grind, the correct grinder (if you grind yourself, the grinder is really critical) the correct pressure, even the type of water you put in the machine. If you're having trouble grinding your own then head down to the grocers, pick up a tin of Illy coffee, and BINGO you may as well be in a Palazzo San Giovanni with a pair of smart sunnies and a scooter shouting, "prego" at passers by, that's how Italian you'll feel. And the coffee is divine.

Honestly, the very sight of that cute little chappie sitting, glinting on our bench every morning, ready to gladden the very experience of waking up and getting ready for work is enough to make my heart sing. I love my little La Pavoni. You'll love yours, too. Depend on it. I know I do.

I have owned this machine for over ten years and everyday when I make my morning cappuccino I love it more. You can spend more for a machine that measures the coffee, tamps it, pulls the water through and steams the milk for you, but you can tip the kids behind the counter at Starbucks and they'll do the same thing. Making espresso should be a little art and a little science and this machine an impeccable balance of the two. If you aren't the kind of person who takes joy in mixing the perfect martini, making a risotto that whispers with flavor, or whipping a meringue to impossibly tall peaks, this probably isn't the machine for you.

The La Pavoni is for the person who will find tremendous joy in going to the lengths required to make a perfect cappuccino by hand everyday.

PS It always makes my day to know that people find these reviews helpful. So, please vote (the "Was this review helpful to you: Yes or No" buttons) and leave a comment if you'd like, even if it's just to say, "Hi!" I respond to all comments so feel free to ask a question about the product. Also, when you leave a comment, I will go to your reviews and pay you the same courtesy.

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We bought the 16-cup version on our honeymoon in Italy. We've had it for five years. It makes great cappuccino. I bought some extra filters from Thomas Cara in San Francisco, and I can crank out 4 cappuccinos in a row. When we have guests over, they rave about the coffee, and swear it's the best they've ever had.

The machine isn't hard to use true, you need to learn how it works, it's not like Mr. Coffee, but that doesn't make it hard. It has good instructions, and you can mostly figure it out by looking at it water goes here, coffee goes there, lift and lower the handle for coffee, steam a little milk and cappuccino heaven! Ok, it's a little more work than Pop-Tarts, and you can infinitely play with the grind and techniques to create the perfect espresso... so what? You're going to make coffee with this machine for the next twenty years.

The machine is fussy about the grind, however too coarse, and the water just gushes out. Too fine, and the water won't come through at all! Of course, once you get your grinder set "just so", you never need to adjust it.

I never succeeded at steaming milk with the "wand." My Pavoni included a plastic "cappuccino automatic attachment," which consists of a tube which you put into the milk, and a black plastic aerator. This attachment makes fantastic, foamy milk.

The quality of the milk foaming depends on its freshness. Milk doesn't foam as well after 3 or 4 days (Funny milk tastes the same after 3 days, but it doesn't foam the same). Like most home machines, La Pavoni won't get the milk as hot as commercial machines will. By pre-heating the cup with steam or hot water before putting in the milk or espresso, you can overcome this.

Our Pavoni isn't just an appliance. It's beautiful to look at, and it's built with heirloom quality. It needed repairs once, but... refitted its worn gaskets, polished its chrome finish, and got it working like new.

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Finally there is a Espresso machine that makes a GREAT cup of coffee. Takes only 4 or 5 minutes to warm up, a "no brainer" process to pull a great espresso. Compared to stove top or other electric espresso makers, this company has spent the time and energy to develop a machine that gives GREAT coffee morning after morning. If you can remember to refill the water tank, clean out the basket, wipe off the steamer rod -you will have good coffee day after day.

My only regret is that I didn't buy the 16 cup maker. But life cannot always come up roses.

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For the hard core purist only. Using this machines is a skill. And, if you master it, you will be a barista in the truest sense of the word. Every variable, grind, tamp, pressure, length of pull, is crucial and requires close attention to detail. The most critical factor is the grind. If you can not obtain the proper grind, this machine will never produce good espresso. Be prepared to spend [more money] for a grinder capable of providing it. Zassenhaus hand grinders are the cheapest option.

The machine itself is gorgeous. The heavy chrome shines up beautifully after each use and all the levers and spigots and knobs sticking out in every direction baffle and intrigue all who see it. The only thing more fun than looking at it is driving it. Amaze your friends, dazzle your guests. Then, serve them REAL espresso.

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Cuisinart DGB-625BC Grind-and-Brew 12-Cup Automatic Coffeemaker, Brushed Metal

I had an earlier version of the 10-cup Cuisinart Grind and Brew that lasted more than 3 years. It made an awesome pot of coffee. I read online reviews of this and similar grind and brews from Cuisinart that made me nervous that I wouldn't get as good a product as I had last time. I looked closely at other brands and other versions of grind and brews and decided based on my own experience with the last one I bought, I'd give this model a shot. So far I have not had any problems that other people have mentioned. Yes, there are more parts to take apart, clean and put back together than a regular coffee maker. But the superior taste of the coffee you get from the grind and brew is absolutely worth the extra couple minutes of prep time it takes. Besides, I was used to it from the previous model I owned. So that is not an issue. I read other reviews about the hinge not closing or popping open during the brew cycle, or leaking. I have not had ANY of those issues. NOTE: One reviewer said to read ALL the instructions carefully and follow the directions and that's what I did. Most important thing to remember here is you have to be sure to keep the handle of the gold filter basket facing the front of the coffee maker. Last I saw some reviewers complain of the noise as it grinds the coffee beans. This version of the grind and brew is noticeably more quiet than the last one I had, so no issue there either. All in all, I am VERY glad I purchased this product. I love it!

A very nice, straightforward coffemaker, makes good coffee with pre-ground beans, can be programmed to start when you want. A nice feature is that it can also be programmed to shut down when you want -either right after brewing or up to 2 hours later. A bit on the noisy side, even without the grinder function on. Initial setup is easy. Please note that if you do not close *and latch* the reservoir cover, the machine will beep constantly and not brew until you do. Drove me crazy for about 15 minutes until I noticed that the cover wasn't fully latched. Although it does tell you that in the instruction manual, it's not immediately evident -it's a line in the middle of lengthy instruction under #6 "Close Reservoir Lid", on page 8.

Update on Feb. 1, 2010

It was a learning curve to figure out how many scoops of whole beans to add for a good cup of coffee. A small scoop is included, with instructions to use one scoop per cup. However, the grind on this machine is fairly coarse, so it comes out a bit weaker than I'm used to. Adding a bit more each time took me over the top to "bitter," so it's hard to find a balance. I'm afraid I enjoy pre-ground coffee in this coffeemaker more than whole-bean.

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Bought this unit for my wife for Christmas 2009. Liked the idea of a combo grinder and coffee maker. $100 at World Market, Houston. Get it cheaper now.

1. Also bought the gold filter basket (no brainer).

2. The unit makes great coffee.

3. The grinder is very loud. Loud enough to wake the household at 5am. I now purchase ground coffee and don't use the grinder in the coffee maker.

4. The filter basket sits in a swing out holder that is spring-loaded. There is a "release" button on the side of the unit. The door tends to pop open at very inopportune times, including while the coffee is brewing. This is an unacceptable glitch in the design. This gets the unit a 3-star rating from me.

I'm in the process of getting a replacement unit from Cuisinart. Even for $50, not worth the mess.

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I am very pleasantly surprised by this machine. It replaced a 3 year-old Cuisinart grind-and-brew that just stopped working one morning. I intended to buy one of the expensive burr-grinder models from Capresso when I found this one on clearance at a warehouse club for fifty dollars. I figured for a quarter of the price of the Capresso it was worth a shot if I didn't like it I could always take it back. I am so happy that I tried it!

Compared to my old Cuisinart this one is much, much quieter. Don't get me wrong, it's still loud, but it's more like the sound of a truck driving by while my old one sounded like a jet engine taking off. I attribute the quietness to the much thicker grinding chamber on this model. I think it holds in place better, reducing the vibration noise. Maybe a burr grinder model would be quieter; I don't know. The burr grinders I have used make noise at a lower frequency so they sound different, but not necessarily quieter.

The coffee tastes great! The warming plate / glass carafe keeps the coffee hot enough for my taste. Might not be hot enough for some I don't like my coffee scalding hot. The grounds in the basket get well saturated during the brewing process, so you don't have to use an excessive amount of coffee beans to get a strong pot.

The only drawback is the need to clean the machine after each use. I'm used to it, because my old Cuisinart was the same way, but I can see the attraction of a burr grinder model that you don't have to constantly wash. The cleaning process is easy. Everything pops out easily and cleans up quickly, but there are several parts that have to be washed. The instructions say you can run the parts through the dishwasher, but when I did that with my old Cuisinart the plastic eventually developed a white residue that took a while to scrub off so I'm not going to use the dishwasher with this model.

Overall I am very happy with this purchase. It is inexpensive, relatively quiet, has good programming features, and makes a good pot of coffee. Having a 12-cup capacity is great!

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This is my second Cuisinart Grind and Brew Coffeemaker in the last six years. This model is easy to clean, easy to set timers and you can check the water level from the outside of the unit. Parts go back into unit with ease. I am very happy with my purchase.

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Espresso Stovetop Coffee Maker By Cuisinox (Mirror Polished Aluminum)

I purchased this Cuisinox Espresso Stovetop Coffee maker for my sister for her birthday and she loves it. She uses it every morning and it is probably one of the best gifts she has ever received. Very simple, inexpensive, no fuss, quick, strong, concentrated Espresso. The term "3-Cup" is giving a few customers a problem. It, in this case, does not mean 3 full cups (24 ounces) of watered down, drip-brewed coffee, but 3 shots (1/3 cup or approximately 2.6 ounces) of pure, strong, concentrated coffee with a thicker consistency. Espresso has more caffeine per unit volume than drip-brewed coffee, and this is what Expresso drinkers want. A quick shot to get them going; Espresso! This Espresso maker is probably not for those who want to drink coffee all morning, but for those who want the instant, long lasting charge to get them going and keep them going for hours and it works for her. I am giving this 5 stars because it does exactly what is suppose to do, make strong, concentrated shots of coffee (Espresso cup-sized). She says "It's just perfect!", "I love it!", "It's just right!". I hope this review helps coffee drinkers understand the difference in what they are buying. Do you want to take a shower or would you prefer a long bubble bath?

This item is very small. The description says that it's "1 cup" but that is misleading. It's certainly not 1 cup of liquid that it produces. And it's not for a coffee cup size drink. The bottom part that you fill up with water would hold about a half cup of water--at the most. And the espresso part holds about two tablespoons of espresso. It's tiny! I used to work at a coffee shop, and we used more espresso to make one small espresso drink. One shot of espresso would require double the amount of espresso that this maker can hold. So even if you did use this product to make yourself a shot of espresso, it would be a very weak one because it doesn't hold enough espresso to make a normal espresso shot.

I can't imagine how you would ever use this espresso maker. I guess it might be good for a dollhouse....

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If looking for a 1 cup espresso maker, this is a great value. It was given to my son as a gift and he appreciated receiving it.

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This is a great stovetop espresso maker. We enjoy espresso just about every day and whenever we go to Italy we stock up on the good stuff. This espresso maker is great quality for great coffee. I've had a few espresso makers of this style but this is the best one yet. Instead of the normal plastic ring that most others come with this one comes a silicone ring which I notice is MUCH easier to clean and it does a better job of keeping the coffee in the pot as it bubbles to the top reservoir. With the others the coffee sometimes spewed out the side a bit. What we also notice with this one is that the inside does not change much or oxidize as previous makers did. Highly recommended!

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Melitta 64008 Red Ready Set Joe Filter Cone

I have been using one of these filter cones for a couple years at home and work. I recently bought a few extras and now take one with me (and my favorite brand of coffee) when I travel it's a great upgrade from hotel coffee. I use the Melitta #2 unbleached filters and get excellent coffee. You just put ground coffee (drip grind) in the filter, add hot water (appx 195 to 205 degrees F), and in a minute you have a perfect cup of coffee. I've used a number of different methods and gizmos over the years, until I started using this, my favorite was the French Press method.

This is quicker, simpler, easier to clean, and you can take it with you. The coffee tastes great, clean, full, no off tastes. You can of course vary the strength (both the caffeine and flavor) by adding more or less coffee to the filter, and varying the temperature of the water. I find I get the best taste when I bring the water to a full boil then let it sit about a minute. When you're done you toss the used filter with grounds into the garbage, and you're done. This is great if you and your spouse/kid/partner, etc drink different kinds of coffee or one likes decaf and another likes regular. And you make just one cup at a time so you're not brewing a whole 12 cup tank when you really only want a cup. I also like to use this with a 16 oz. travel cup which is 6 oz. larger than my normal cup. I simply add a bit more coffee a bit more water, and presto! I have exactly the right amount of coffee to hop in the car and off to work or whatever.

You can spend a ton of money for a high tech coffee maker, but you won't get better coffee.

Been using a one-cup coffee cone for decades, and I have a suggestion: Buy #4 filters instead of the #2 recommended ones. The smaller, #2 filters aren't tall enough, so it's too easy to slop boiling water over the edge of the smaller filter.

The #4 filter fits similarly except that the #4 extends above the rim of the cone to hold more water if you tend to over-pour.

I just purchased the cone featured here (mine is black) and bought it from Bed Bath and Beyond (please note that I've bought other, more costly items from Amazon.com whose prices and service are among the best).

Bought the new cone because the open space at the bottom should make it easy to see when the cup is full instead of lifting the unit from the cup. One thing I noticed is that the bottom is slightly rounded on mine, so it doesn't fit as well on the top of the coffee cup. Not sure if that'll matter much when there's coffee and water in it. That's why I give my new cone only 4 stars instead of 5.

In any case, inexpensive coffee cones make coffee as well or better than costly machines. Again, buy #4 filters.

Great for people who like to keep things simple!

Buy Melitta 64008 Red Ready Set Joe Filter Cone Now

This product is exactly what I've been looking for. The industrial strength coffee maker at work isn't used properly so I prefer to brew a fresh cup. Not a fan of the french press and graininess so tried this as an alternative. Works great! The strength of the coffee will depend on how much you put in the filter, so it will take some tries to get used it it. Awesome product!

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I got two of these plastic coffee brewers cup, one for the office and one for home. I usually brew a whole pot of coffee in the mornings, but sometimes later at work, or in the afternoons and evenings at home, when I know I won't finish a whole pot or there's nobody to share with, I brew a single cup with this cup. Along with the filter cone filters, and a coffee grinder, this is a very quick method to have a freshly brewed single cup of coffee at any time without having to brew a whole pot of coffee. I have also traveled with it! very handy too in small hotels that provide hot water. If you are an avid coffee drinker, surely will get a lot of use from it.

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The Melitta Ready Set Joe filter cones are available in red or black, and I have one of each. In fact, I like thise cone so much that I even bought a third one for a coworker who loves it. So far I haven't detected a difference in coffee taste between coffee brewed with the two colors.

The cone is easy to use and easy to clean; as a bonus it even comes with a few starter filters included so you can make a cup of joe right out of the box. Interestingly the origin of "a cup of joe" is commonly thought to be traced back to the 1900s, when Admiral Josephus Daniels outlawed alcohol on all ships. Coffee became the drink of choice and hence a cup of "Joe." Other explanations of this term also exist.

To use the cone just place it over a cup, insert a cone filter, add coffee, and pour hot water over the coffee grounds. The water slowly drips into the cup, so the user would be advised to first heat the cup by letting some hot wate sit in it prior to making coffee. The resulting cup of coffee tastes great, and one doesn't have to clean out a coffee maker afterwards. Just rinse out the plastic cone and you're done.

The Melitta cones are suitable for making coffee only, not for adding oil to a car engine or for using as a garment enhancement.

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

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

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

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

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

We own this machine for 2 years now, and, just like other reviewers noted, it was fast to develop a leak. Gaggia customer support convinced me that it is not their fault, as the gaskets wear out over time. They made me pay excessive fees for the gasket and shipping, and, to my surprise, it did not even fix the problem. However, here is a cheap 25 cent fix... The problem, actually, is in the way they design their product it has cheap plastic parts that support the portafilter on the group head, and they fail pretty fast. At the point of the failure it is not worth fixing it. However, you can take the basket (the metal part that you put your coffee beans into) out, and put a rubber band on it, so that it goes between the edge of the portafilter and the top of the basket. You might have to be careful when choosing the size of the rubber band, and make sure you choose something that is meant to withstand the heat and won't release any harmful materials into your drink (it has no contact with coffee, so it should not.... but still...) You could also look for some rubber ring. The rubber ring should go into the narrow groove on top of the basket as if it belongs there... This will lift the basket a little bit, and make it seal with the gasket. And here it goes great espresso, with lots of crema. Of course, seeing the failures of the engineers to properly test the device before putting it on sale, I would not recommend anyone this product. However, if you have it already, this might extend the life of the useless coffee maker and remind you of the potential that this machine has...

Buy Gaggia 102534 Espresso-Color Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine, Red Now

I live in seattle, Wa, and I live for coffee. I received this Gaggia Espresso Color for christmas this last year (2009) and there is definitely a learning curve... especially going from your regular drip coffee to espresso :-) After reading reviews and tutorials on ''how to pull a perfect shot'' I went to the store, bought a few bags of coffee and got to work. Lets back up a few steps though.

The machine: the machine is beautiful. Its heavy and sturdy, its made with quality parts-the portafilter is heavy like it should be-definitely not a chincy machine. The only quaff I have is the red outer shell is plastic. I would have preferred a metal casing, but thats my only issue. The drip tray is removable and easy to clean. The steaming wand does a wonderful job with heating things relatively quickly-not starbucks fast, but it does the job! The on/off button is in the back of the machine. A little weird, but not difficult to find. This machine is pretty quiet except for the actual brewing part-luckily that takes less than a minute. you get multiple baskets for the portafilter-double, single, and "pod". The seal does NOT leak-the only time it ever has, was when I filled the portafilter with entirely too much coffee and screwed it on too tight. That was operator error, not a faulty machine. You also get a plastic scoop and a plastic tamp-both work well for being plastic. I've never had issues! You will have to buy your own shot glasses, frothing pitcher, and frothing thermometer though.

Review: I noticed that the grind of the coffee needs to be pretty fine to make it pull a good shot-I actually have a cheap Black and Decker blade grinder and it works just fine. You just have to really grind it fine! I also noticed that the roast needs to be Medium-more Brown than Black. I was using a DARK roast and all my shots came out like Tea or Tar. When using Tulley's Medium Breakfast roast, I get a perfect shot-lots of crema and all! tamping isnt too difficult. fill up the portafilter almost all the way with coffee, tamp it down till its packed pretty firmly (not using like ALL your weight, but make sure its solid.). This is an easy machine to use after you practice a while... i'm so so happy with it!

step by step:

1. make sure there is water in the machine.

2. turn on the machine with empty portafilter in place.

3. start grinding your coffee

4. wait for both green lights to be lit

5. place 2 shot glasses under portafilter, and push BREW button to fill with clean, hot water.

6. take portafilter out, and fill with coffee fine coffee grinds. Tamp. Replace portafilter onto machine to keep warm.

7. steam your milk-fill the frothing pitcher halfway with milk, make sure the brew button is OFF! (it its on when you twist the brewing knob, hot water will come out instead of steam!) twist the steam knob with the wand IN the milk. Heat. when finished, put a towel over the end of the wand, twist the knob once more to get a short blast of steam to clear the lines.

8. get your cup or mug and put some flavorings in there if you want.

9. dump the hot water out of the shot glasses from earlier. replace them under the machine, and push "Brew" (make sure the steam knob is OFF!).

10. after shot is done brewing, dump it into mug with flavorings and mix! add your milk, and wahhlahh! Coffee!

make sure you clean your portafilter completely and turn off the machine :-)

Read Best Reviews of Gaggia 102534 Espresso-Color Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine, Red Here

I'd agree with Kaden22 This is a great machine but you have must preheat it according to the instructions, use a quality bean grinder, and get a correct tamp.

I too thought the machine had bad seals as water came pouring out every time I used it. It was very frustrating the first few times I tried it. Yet, I learned other espresso experts that you need a good conical burr grinder. So don't waste your time unless have a decent grinder. Equally important, you need to get the right temperature prior making a shot. If you follow the manufacturers lead, you will you let some water through the pump and then let it preheat for about 8-10 minutes. One more step is to run a tad more H2o to preheat through the filterthen you are ready to tamp your coffee into the filter. Now run the machine et voilayou have a great cup of espresso.

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The first six months were heaven...no more expensive latte's at Starbucks. Then the filter gasket began leaking. I had been cleaning the area after every use. Finally, I ordered another gasket. It was a difficult installation. It worked but the leaks began after one month. They suggest that you clean excess coffee grounds from the filter gasket and I did so religously. I have given up. Do not purchase this machine unless you want a leaker. The water cascades into your latte container along with the brewed coffee, diluting the product to the point you must discard.

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Nespresso A+D50-US-OR-NE Espresso Maker with Aeroccino Milk Frother, Pure Orange

I have spent a large amount of time researching consumer espresso machines; it's actually somewhat of a hobby of mine. The range of products from entry-level to prosumer is boundless and it fascinates me to see what people will pay for the convenience of a latte at home. Nespresso takes this convenience to another level with its capsule system, only available through Nespresso, that offer relatively high-quality espresso for the masses. There's no portafilters, no grinders, and no tamping.

And this is one the biggest secrets of espresso at home. You're not buying a machine, you're buying a setup. Typically this involves an espresso machine ($150+), an entry level espresso grinder ($200+), and countless accessories. Want to steam milk? Well, you'll need a pitcher. And a thermometer. Fresh beans need good storage. A better tamp? That'll cost you. The up-front savings of the Nespresso are sizable and easily offset the expense of the capsules.

As a professional barista who works in a fully manual, high-end café, when I want an outstanding cappuccino I generally will just go to work. Frankly, this is not a replacement for a café, and you won't find one in this price range. The Nespresso U is perfect for those times when you want to go to get a latté but just don't want to leave home.

The U is far from a replacement for a traditional cup at a coffee shop, but it is a standout in its price point. It has fantastic design elements that make espresso drinks much more manageable like

-internal drip mechanism so that your counters don't get dripped on

-magnetized storage so that parts don't get lost as easily (internal and external drip trays)

-moderately large used capsule bin inside

-easy to use ristretto, espresso, and lungo settings. I love how easy these are to program as well

-great water tank that's moveable; great for small kitchens

The Aerrocino is also a lot of fun. Latte art is absolutely not going to happen with it, but it makes the milk adequately frothy and hot. I am particularly fond of the cold cappuccino setting which basically just turns all the milk to foam without heating it. This is a feature you can't have with a steam wand like on a traditional machine. It's fun, light, quick, and delicious. I also think the Aerrocino, much like the U, looks nice on the counter.

In short, this setup is a great value. You will get decent espresso, nice milk, and no additional resources needed, excluding Nespresso's capsules and some quality milk.

makes an excellent cup of espresso with no manual intervention other than dropping in the coffee capsule, and the milk frother heats and froths milk silently and quickly.

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Exceptional product, very easy to use and it makes drinks in minutes. The quality of the Nespresso Caps and the coffee flavor is rich and full, I could not be happier. Great product and saves me money at the coffee shop.

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If you love espresso, and drinks made with espresso, this can't be beat! I used to grind my own beans, pack my own coffee, and make my own espresso... but the clean-up afterwards is a buzz kill. Personally, I think 60¢ per cup is a DEAL considering the convenience factor and the quality and consistency of the product. The Aeroccino also makes perfect froth every time. My wife got a Keurig and I got this after I liked the convenience factor of the Keurig but not the quality or its ability to make real espresso, or cappuccino (what it [produced was nothing more than instant "gas station" coffee). The Keurig is no longer in our kitchen. My only knock is that it would be nice if it made the drink a little hotter (its actually the right temp if you drink it right away but bigger drinks get cold before I finish).

Tip: This machine has programmable buttons. I reprogrammed the smaller button to pour the standard espresso (realizing that I would never want the ristretto setting which is too small), changed the middle button for the Lungo size, and changed the larger button to pour an "Americano" (essentially your typical coffee sized drink made with a shot of espresso and hot water I just let the hot water continue to run through the pod for a little stronger version). This larger pour just makes basic coffee (as good as any our Keurig could muster).

I have found that I like the Lungo sizes (now my middle button). It is essentially a double shot of espresso (more like almost 3) and, to me, is the perfect cup of "regular" coffee (just way more flavor than standard coffee, and still has the crema). The Lungo pods have a little more cofffee in them so they also make the best "Americanos". Enjoy!

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It's quick easy and doesn't take up any space on your counter. And nespresso delivers fast to your door step! I have two of these now one for my home and one for the RV.

Krups XP4030 Pump Espresso Machine, Black

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

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

1) This model is heavier & noisier than steam models

2) No decanter is included. I use a Pyrex measuring cup if making two servings. About 1/3 cup per espresso serving.

3) You must manually turn off the espresso control after the desired quantity is made, hence the measurement of 1/3 cup per serving

4) The water tank is removable--a nice touch. If it is not reseated properly, you will hear a very loud continuous noise as the unit tries to suck out water it cannot obtain. This is just a learner's tip.

5) While the water reservoir is massive, you can only make one or two servings at a time, unless the espresso is diluted. Making more is only a matter of placing the unit in standby, removing the grounds, refilling with fresh grounds and continuing the process again.

6) Always wait for the thump thump noises of the pump to stop before proceeding to the next step. This is usually a matter of several seconds, just don't be impatient!

7) Whenever crafting the froth, you must wait for the orange light to go out before proceeding. This is like waiting for the oven to reach appropriate temperature.

8) Alternatively, you cannot go straight from froth to espresso without first placing the unit in standby for a cooldown cycle. The pump will cycle for about 10 seconds. When it stops, you can proceed. This is only a cool down period.

9) For making espresso only, this unit is FAST!!

10) I am well over the age of 13!

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

First, an introduction to my point-of-view on coffee. I am not a coffee snob by any means, but I do know what tastes good and what does not. I am also no stranger to the kitchen...what I mean is, kitchen gadgets are pretty self-explanatory to me.

I wanted an espresso machine because paying almost $5 for a latte a day was becoming out of control I brew coffee at home all the time, but really needed something that would save me $20+ a week. I purchased a Mr Coffee unit which was awful and I returned. I did not want to spend $300 $500 on something to brew espresso, but I did not want something that was cheap. I selected this model based upon it's pump feature and my previous experience with Krups.

Right out of the box, I cleaned the system following the simple instructions. Then, I was off to make my first latte. I read the instructions, while cleaning the system, and found them very easy to understand. Also, cleaning the system really helps to learn the system quite quickly. So, off I go....

This KRUPS unit brews a beautiful cup of espresso and quite simply so. Once my espresso was brewed, I steamed and foamed my milk for a latte. I could not believe how simple it was. My very first experience with this unit and I was able to create a wonderful latte that not only tasted good, but came out right. The milk was hot and there was the right amount of foam to drizzle my chocolate on top.

This unit allows you not only to brew ground espresso, but also pods if you choose. I am not a fan of the pods, but I might be with this unit. There are three filters in the box. A one scoop (cup), two scoop and pod filter. Also, it comes with a nice scoop that has a flat bottom at the end of the handle so that you can tamp your grounds in the filter. Very clever. The only thing that you might like which does not come with this unit is an actual small pot. I use a measuring cup so I can see exactly how much espresso I have brewed, but you can always purchase one of those pots as well.

The milk steamer/foamer is very simple to use. There is about a 3 inch clearing, so you may want to purchase a shorter stainless steel cup for steaming your milk. I use a 2 cup with the slant design. It is a pump; the sounds it makes are very normal.

Some tips I would like to offer:

1. Before pouring your milk into your container for steaming, place it in the freezer for about 5 minutes so that the milk is really cold. This will help to achieve the best foam.

2. Freshly ground espresso beans will give a full-flavor espresso. I tried pre-ground and it is not near as good.

3. Don't get frustrated if it does not work the first time. Especially the milk. This really is simple on this unit, but does take practice if you have never done it before.

A side note: My favorite is a Marble Mocha Macchiato so I wanted to attempt this at home. Use about 1 cup of milk, purchase white chocolate sauce and dark chocolate syrup and you can make these at home for cheap. They are just as good. You can also create white chocolate mochas omitting the dark chocolate syrup.

Buy Krups XP4030 Pump Espresso Machine, Black Now

This machine is fantastic--makes an excellent espresso, best I've ever had (and I'm a total coffee junky). I was a bit skeptical because of some of the bad reviews on here, but I've owned a Krups steam espresso machine for 16 years (4 espressos a day) and it still works like the day I bought it. I wouldn't have believed the difference the pump makes if I hadn't tried it for myself--if you love espresso like I do, dump the steam and get this machine.

As to the bad reviews...

The "noise" issue that people talk about is ridiculous. It makes two clicking noises when it starts up, which lasts about 1 second. Then it does the same thing when you flip the switch to make your espresso--1-2 seconds of a metallic clicking sound that is about as loud as an older dishwasher. Hardly what I would qualify as a "racket" or "sounds like a tank." It's compressing really hot water using metal bars in a pump mechanism--what do you expect? If you want total silence, you should expect to pay more than $150 for some feat of sound-baffling engineering by Bosch or something!

Second, the whole "leaks like crazy" issue is just plain wrong. There's a tray that collects extra water from the process. They tell you this in the manual (read it). It's NOT A LEAK--it's part of the normal operation of the machine. This slowly fills up, and needs to be emptied once a week--you pull it out, rinse it off and you're done.

The machine is also built like a tank, but doesn't sound like one...this is a solid piece of machinery--even the handle is made like it's supposed to be handed down to your grandchildren (it weighs 2-3 pounds!).

If you're looking to get into a pump machine, but don't want to spend outrageous amounts of money on it, this is the way to go. Don't bother with the bad reviews on here--people don't read the manual, and they expect engineering miracles that can a) fit on your countertop and b) cost under $150. Good luck with that!

I love this machine and I'm sold on Krups design, workmanship and value--ignore the whiners and buy it.

Read Best Reviews of Krups XP4030 Pump Espresso Machine, Black Here

Pumps great espresso, but after 2 months, my steaming wand flew off while steaming milk. One month later, milk stops frothing altogether. I called Krups customer service and they advised that I decalcify the machine. Mix 2 cups vinegar, 2 cups water, run some of the mixture through the steaming wand and the espresso pump. Then let sit for an hour. Now, run the vinegar through both the espresso pump and the steaming wand until it runs out. I found that the vinegar cleared the clog in my steaming wand! Repeat the whole process, this time with clear filtered water, to wash away the vinegar.

The machine should work great now. I learned that when the steaming wand gets a little clogged, it increases the pressure and this blows off the rubber gasket at the end of the wand, spewing milk all over. Depending on the hardness of your water, it is recommended to decalcify the machine every month.

Thanks to Judd at Krups for helping me out.

Ken

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This is a sharp looking machine that looks good sitting on the countertop. This is my first espresso machine, so it definitely took some time getting it right. Be aware that the nozzle on the frothing milk component often comes off and leads to a rather large mess of milk going everywhere. Other than that, the machine makes pretty good lattes/espressos. Also, you have to shut off the espresso maker manually when the proper amount of espresso has been made. This took me some time to figure out the proper amount in order to not dilute the beverage. Despite these issues, the product runs well and seems to be of decent quality.

Pasquini Livia 90 Semi Automatic Espresso Machine

Just one quick note: The photo above (at the time I wrote this review) is of the automatic model and not the semi-automatic model. This review is for the semi-auto model. For those who don't know, the auto model allows you to push a button and the machine will start and stop the flow of water on its own (single or double). Semi-auto means you need to turn the flow of water on and off yourself. There are also super-auto machines that grind and tamp the beans as well.

The Review: This is a serious coffee machine. It's "commercial quality" so it's heavy (almost 50lbs) and very well built. It takes up some counter space (mostly depth) but it looks elegant and is easy to keep clean. The portafilter (handle with basket for coffee) is very sturdy and fits snugly. It has a useful ready gauge and simple buttons (as noted above) for on-off and start-stop.

Now the important stuff: It makes great coffee consistently. I moved up to this machine from a Braun pump espresso machine. This one has better pressure and temperature. I used to brag about my Braun machine because it was inexpensive and made consistently good esperesso. The first shots I pulled from this machine made me realize that I didn't realize what I was missing. If you know how to make espresso, this machine lets you pull easy, consistent, and quality shots.

Another great feature of this machine is the continuous steam and hot (very hot!) water outlet. If you've ever had trouble steaming milk on machine you'll be impressed and maybe even surprised at how well this works. The machine also recovers well and quickly after you pull shots or use the steam wand.

The tanks is removable and holds a lot of water. It's easy to fill in place as well. You can leave this machine on all day if you like (it's designed to work that way) and you might want to if you're like me and drink too much coffee. The reason is that it can take a little while to warm up if it's been off for a while. That's probably the only thing I'm not fond of with this machine. First thing in the morning it can take a while to warm up (5-10 mins). This makes sense given the size and build of the machine. It simply takes time to warm up to the proper brewing temperature. However, I had gotten used to a machine that only takes a couple of minutes. So, my new morning routine includes going down to turn on the machine and coming down after my shower for my great coffee!

If you've never had a pump machine before, you may need some practice, but I think this is a good machine to learn on (due to its consistency). Just remember to follow the instructions (especially not to overfill the filter) and adjust either the grind of your coffee or the pressure of your tamping to get the desired results.

I hope this is helpful to you if you're considering this machine. I'd say it does well or better to other machines in this price range. It's a definite step up in quality and build from the machine's you'll find in the $500-1000 price range. It's a complete improvement in machine and coffee from pretty much any machine under $500.

One last comment, Pasquini has been excellent and very responsive to questions. I'm very pleased to see them here on Amazon.

Good luck with your quest for great coffee...I found it with this machine!

I bought the Livia 90 semi-automatic in 2003 and I was always pleased with the consistent results. Very good espresso with crema and excellent cappuccinos, not to mention the ability to brew a tea in less than 5 seconds. The machine is very sturdy and beautifully constructed with stainless steel and a 1.5 liter brass boiler chamber. The machine takes 7 minutes to warm up because it's all metal with only the porta-filter handle, the switches, and a couple of knobs made of plastic. For the first couple of years I used the machine with ground coffee, but then I switched to pods because it's less messy and I consistently get the crema every time I use the machine. Also this gave me the chance to try out several brands of coffee ( I believe I tried more than twenty varieties by buying pod samplers available on the web). I'm now mostly settled on Illy medium roast ESE pods, Starbucks, and Lucaffe Colombia pods.

After three years since I had the machine I had a problem with the steam water valve: at least once a day it wouldn't stop heating the machine after reaching the correct pressure, causing the safety valve to release the excess pressure with a very loud noise. I had to return the machine to Pasquini where they replaced the valve and rewired the machine to work properly. After that the machine always worked perfectly and I now turn on the machine early in the morning and I turn it off after dinner at night every day.

You need to take care of the maintenance of the machine, starting with cleaning the machine regularly ( I use the PuliCaff powder once a week) in order to get rid of the coffee oils that deposit in the group head and filters, as well as replacing the undercup gasket and the various O-rings at least once a year, or else the rubber will harden and water will leak from the porta-filter. The maintenance intervals vary with the machine usage: I brew about 6 to 8 coffees every day and I found out that cleaning the machine once a week and changing the gaskets once a year is a good compromise.

After seven years of use the machine still works great and looks like new. I love the espressos I can make with this machine, but now the problem is that I cannot drink regular brewed coffee anymore when I go out to a restaurant that doesn't serve espresso coffee.

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I have waited a year before writing a review because I think that is a reasonable amount of time to wait to give the review credibility. I have to say my husband and I love love love this machine. It looks fabulous and makes the best coffee. It's easy to clean, quick to recover in between coffees so you can make lots of coffees one after the other. Milk steamer is easy to use and great to make the kids hot chocolate. Also the hot water dispenser is great 'cos I love to make tea as well. The water tank is very large and we don't have to fill it often but even then it's easy to do we fill it in place with a couple of big plastic jugs. It's great we love it and don't have single complaint. We got it for each other last Christmas '07 and have a lot more friends now! I don't hesitate in recommending it to you and one final thing it really takes no time to warm up whats five minutes to wait for great coffee! The line at Starbucks would take longer and your coffee will taste a lot better!

Read Best Reviews of Pasquini Livia 90 Semi Automatic Espresso Machine Here

I've had mine for about 10 years now with daily+ use. It only required one replacement part when I got it (used) and has functioned generally flawlessly for all this time. I'm an espresso connoisseur, roast my own beans and seek perfection from this machine. A great burr grinder is essential for this machine. Overall, it does a very good job, but is admittedly finicky. FRESH ROAST, grind, tamp and extraction must all be done very well or shot quality goes funky. Some gripes are the 4-hole standard steamer tip is BAD. It can be replaced with a 2-hole (Google this issue for recommendations) that will slow down the process a bit, make less mess in a small pitcher and permit great microfoam. Oh yeah, try a few different varieties of minimum 2% milk (whole is best!) from your supermarket some foam MUCH better than others.

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I got a deal on this machine by agreeing to buy a years worth of Illy coffe. Since illy is my favorite coffee and they offer vacuum cans of pods it was a no brainer. The coffee actually lasted more like 2 years but I still buy Illy pods for those times when grinding is a chore. I'd recommend you check out the current Illy deal if you are looking for an espresso machine. I'd tell what I paid but it would bum everyone out.

The Livia 90 is so not a toy. Also it is not a factory machine that grinds and tamps and does everything for you. I suspect those machines by their nature are less reliable but anyway I like to handle my food and drink when I prepare it.

The espresso is perfect every time with just the right temp, flavor and crema whether I am using a pod or not. The boiler is large enough to make half a dozen different drinks and steam milk for all of them. This is a tried and true two portafilter machine with one portafilter. Also it dispenses boiling water for tea or Fench press coffee or you can make tea with pods. I love having boiling water on demand in the kitchen. I have never had it perform in any way other than optimally.

KITTY - 4 - cups

I cannot praise this little coffee maker enough! It makes the perfect amount for just me since I am the only espresso drinker in the house. It only takes a few minutes to make. Clean up is a breeze. The espresso (while not a true espresso) is close enough to the real deal to make me very happy. It is very easy to use. I would highly reccomend this product.

KRUPS KM720D50 Programmable 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Glass Carafe and LCD screen, Stainless Steel

I ordered this coffee maker after I broke the carafe on my old Braun. It looks like Braun has gone out of business so I began looking for a new one. After spending hours looking over the reviews on all of the other coffee makers on Amazon and Consumers Reports, I took a chance on this one. It was amazing how many problems all of the other coffee makers seemed to have; from pumping hot coffee all over the floor and counter to some even catching on fire. I was very nervous about ordering this one because at the time it only had one review. I can safely say now that I am very happy with this one. The coffee is as good as my old Braun, the carafe seems thicker and sturdier than the Braun and it does what it is suppose to do; safely make good coffee, keep it in the pot and be easy to clean. This is a stylish looking unit after my research I believe it is the only one being made now that does all of this. Unless you get a bad one, and all companies will problems with some of their units, I think you will be happy with this one.

Well, I said I'd never get another Krups after the FME model I got 2 years ago made a great cup of burning plastic flavored coffee, but as you can see, I tried them again. This model isn't listed on Krups' website, and I only discovered this version by reading a review on another site. And if I remember correctly, none of my searches here on Amazon turned this one up until I typed in the exact model#. I tried a Cuisinart 1200, rated fairly highly here, and what it made was not coffee. So I gave this Krups a shot based on a 4.5 star rating. Yup this is the real thing. Good, rich, smooth, gourmet-flavored brew. All of you looking for a replacement for the Krups ProAroma 453 can find it here. The other good thing about this model is finally they put the clock display on top of the maker so you don't have to kneel on the floor to see what the display says. The bad is... the clock display, at least on mine, is fuzzy & unclear unless you go up on your tiptoes (hence my 4 rather than 5 star rating). I know, I just complain, complain, complain. Also good about this model is they finally put a bright red floating ball in the water level indicators (yes, there's now TWO of them so you can see from all angles!). All the buttons are up top & easy to figure out. You need to buy separately a #4 gold tone permanent filter. I like the top of the carafe well thought out. You open it by pressing your thumb down, which, unlike other Krups that attach on the lip-side, means you can partially open the lid while you're pouring. I had no problems with drips when pouring. Good job, Krups.

Here's an update after several days use. This appliance makes very smooth coffee, even when really strong. I found that adding a little extra grounds than usual makes for a mind-blowingly good brew. My wife said she could smell the power from across the room. I only say this so you know that stronger than usual may be better depending on your tastes. Also, the instructions say they advise not to make less than 4 cups coffee at a time. I agree. The ProAroma could handle one or two cups of water correctly but this one cannot. This Krups makes superb coffee when you make 4 or more cups, in fact I've learned to make 8 cups at a time, even tho' I only drink 2-3, because the flavor is so superior. I'm drinking a cup now & can't believe how incredibly good it is wow! I'm in coffee heaven.

I can now see one potential problem for the future. The carafe lid is held on by 2 nubbins that fit into slotted cutouts on the top of the carafe handle. Those nubbins & the slots are very small and I can see one of the 2 breaking off after a short time of use. In fact, I've already had the lid fall off all on its own. Both should have been larger so they would be stronger. The instructions warn you to turn off the maker when you pour the last cup. I know some folks, like my wife, think since it has an auto-off function, to just let it turn off on its own. That's a really bad idea. Not only can it de-temper an empty carafe & make it more likely to break spontaneously & splash scalding coffee all over you, it can set off the thermal overload switch located under the heating plate, which means your coffee maker is outta commission until repaired or replaced. Look at all the complaints under reviews of Krups machines burning out after less than a year. That's what happens if you leave it on when there's no coffee in the carafe. Turn it off when you're done so you'll have coffee tomorrow.

Here's one more update after having used this coffeemaker for a couple months. There is a flaw in the design of the filter housing, which is removable like with previous models of Krups machines. There's a spring-loaded valve on the bottom of the housing so you can, in theory, remove the pot while the machine is still making coffee without hot coffee spilling out from the filter area. Many coffeemakers do this so you can get a quick cup without waiting for the whole load of water to brew. The valve assembly is not designed well. The piston is held on by a small soft washer that has a tendency to disconnect when simply removing or replacing the carafe & the whole assembly falls apart. Also, the valve stem doesn't fit snugly in its channel so it makes a significant side to side movement when replacing the carafe. That results in the tip of the valve, where the coffee comes out, to land on the wrong part of the carafe lid & spill over the outside of the carafe. Krups states in the directions that failing to carefully place the carafe will result in spills, implying that it's a problem. It is a problem. Just about every other potful leaks and it's really frustrating. If they can just fix this valve problem... I'm really tempted to remove the assembly completely, which would assure the hot coffee comes out straight down where it needs to. But the coffee quality is excellent, and that, my friends, is more important than anything else in my book & I'll put up with some flaws for the perfect taste.

Buy KRUPS KM720D50 Programmable 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Glass Carafe and LCD screen, Stainless Steel Now

The taste of the coffee from this machine when put on the "Aroma" setting is outstanding. I was wanting a replacement for an older Krups machine. It has good tasting coffee too, but this particular model has made my coffee drinking experience brand new. I have had comments from others saying "This coffee sure is good!". I do not go to any special lengths to make my coffee either. The Krups brand in my opinion is hard to beat.

Read Best Reviews of KRUPS KM720D50 Programmable 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Glass Carafe and LCD screen, Stainless Steel Here

My old Cuisinart DCC-1200 Brew Central 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker, Black/Brushed Metal died so needed a replacement in my office. This is a great quality product from Krups. It's fast, convenient, and easy to clean. It keeps the coffee hot and fresh. Highly recommended.

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Love this coffee maker, just wished it beeped when done brewing. Can't say for sure that the 'aroma' feature makes that big of a difference. I love strong coffee so I still use a good 1 cup of grounds for only 5 cups brewed using dark coffee beans. Other than that this Krups sits real pretty on the counter. Also no dreaded drips when pouring. The carafe has no plastic on the rim. Keeping my fingers crossed that it lasts longer than a year or two.

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Nespresso CitiZ D120 Espresso Maker with Aeroccino Milk Frother

I wanted an automatic espresso machine, and was prepared to spend up to a $1500, but my problem was that I couldn't find anything in that price range that was reliable and had consistently good reviews. The Saeco Talea came up a few times, and I have a friend who has one, but that (like every other model I looked at) seemed to have only 60% or so positive reviews, or no reviews. I wanted something that would make espresso, required little to no maintenance and would last. I own a conventional espresso maker, and a semi-automatic. The conventional (stove top) works just fine, but I rarely use it because it takes too much time when I'm trying to get out the door in the morning. Virtually every seal in the semi-automatic has worn out, it was messy to clean up, and the milk frother was just a disaster (forget the constant cleaning, water bubbles out of it even when I'm not using it).

My wife recently started to like coffee, but she likes lattes and cappuccinos, which is why I went with this model, rather than one that just made espresso. I liked that everything was on one stand, and there was only one cord, unlike getting the Nespressor C101 with Aeroccino. That's probably a better deal, but I wanted simple. I should note the machine also makes lungo, a long shot, but I prefer good old fashioned espresso, so I won't mention lungo again.

The only downside to the machine is that the espresso comes out at pretty much the perfect temperature. Same with the liquid from the milk frother. If you want scalding hot this machine isn't for you. I've used the machine to make americanos by just not putting in a coffee capsule, but when I'm running out the door to work that's not quite hot enough, so I just boil a pot of water. For espresso, and anything with the milk frother it's fast, and ready to go. I haven't used the frother to cool much stuff, but it works.

The capsules are more expensive than buying coffee by the pound, and setting up a nespresso account is annoying, but it's still cheaper than Starbucks (which I personally don't like), and by the time my coffee costs equal the cost of a fully automatic machine that machine would have died (according to all of the reviews). Standard capsules are $0.55, and specialty capsules are $0.62. Between the two of us we typically use less than 20 shots a week. Call it less than $12. $500 or so a year. We were spending at least half of that a year on coffee beans (more when you add in buying coffee by the cup), so at $250 more a year than a fully automatic espresso machine (and I think our coffee consumption would have gone up) it would have been 2 3 years before we the bottom of the line fully automatic espresso machines would have been cheaper. My guess is that I would have spent more like $2000 if I wanted that kind of reliability, that's more than 6 years.

Anyway, I purchased this model for its reliability. I looked at the Delonghi version, which is like a mini-fully automatic espresso machine, but it seems to have all of the faults of the fully automatic machine. The nespresso series seemed to have the best overall reviews and I've been very happy. My wife uses it, and she never touched the semi-automatic machine that we had. It's easy to use, clean, etc. To operate you hit the on switch, then for espresso press the espresso button. To froth or cool milk (or another liquid) you fill the milk frother and press the button to heat, or hold it down for a couple of seconds to cool. That's it.

My best friend turned me on to this. He has the same model but in fire engine red. After owning his for a year he still hasn't had an issue. A co-worker has had his for years and still no problems. I wish that nespresso sold capsules that I could fill, or that there was a better way to recycle the capsules, but oh well. I haven't used a descaling kit, but I can't imagine that will be a problem.

On the nespresso website you don't need to provide all of the information they ask for. They will still let you create an account and order. I would skip the introduction variety kit. You get a sampler with your purchase.

Let me first say that I did a lot of research before buying the Nespresso CitiZ with Aeroccino. In this price range, everything I read pointed me to this machine. I have been using the machine for one month now.

My reactions after one month:

(1) Very solid, well-made machine. There is not one part of this machine that feels or looks cheap.

(2) The espresso shots and longer shots the CitiZ pulls and pours are delicious. Beautiful crema, full enticing bouquet (if I may be so lame to use that word).

(3) Experiment with a wide variety of Nespresso capsules. My favorite is the Ristretto (10--strongest), but I also like the 9 and eight. The machine comes with a full sampler. Pay close attention to which ones you really like and which ones are merely meh.

(4) Espresso capsules for this machine can be purchased only via the Nespresso Club online. Capsules are 55 cents each and you have to order at least 50 at a time. 2-day shipping is the cheapest they offer and it's $6.95. Their shipping is FAST. You don't want to run out of capsules, but if you do, you won't be shaking for too long. :)

(5) Rinse out the machine regularly. It's a painless process that is explained in the user manual. I have some descaling powder on its way to me in the mail as I type this, so I can't give any feedback yet about the descaling process.

(6) I recommend changing the water in the reservoir each day. The fresher the water, the better the shot.

(7) When using the Aeroccino, be absolutely certain that you fill it with milk NO HIGHER than the lines indicated on the inside wall of the Aeroccino. And if you change from the minimum foam thingie to the maximum foam thingie inside the Aeroccino, be sure you fill to the lower line. Trust me on this one. If you overfill the Aeroccino, you will have a mess on your hands.

(8) If you ignore what I said in #7, it is likely milk got under the black plate that runs down the right side of the unit (with the ring at the end of it that goes around the Aeroccino's base. If you do not clean under that black plate, milk will curdle under there and start stinking to high heaven. I found this one out the hard way. Pretty nasty, but it was my fault, mostly because I didn't realize the milk would seep under there if I overfilled the Aeroccino.

(9) I figure it will take me half a year of use to cover the money I spent to buy this machine. From there, it's mostly gravy except for the cost of capsules and milk. My days of paying $2-4 per espresso drink are done.

I highly recommend the CitiZ. And I'm not an easy person to impress. I think you will love it, too.

Buy Nespresso CitiZ D120 Espresso Maker with Aeroccino Milk Frother Now

As a previous owner of semi-automatic and super-automatic espresso machines, it was difficult accepting this as the best choice to replace them. Although the semi-automatic gives the most control and produces the most satisfying cup, it is a commitment of time and counter space. The Nespresso is a clean, compact and effective design. It produces a surprisingly good cup, and its only drawback is being completely locked in to their coffee pod system of blends and pricing. However, their service is first rate. So, if the objective is a good cup easily and simply prepared with a fairly priced machine, it's a success.

Read Best Reviews of Nespresso CitiZ D120 Espresso Maker with Aeroccino Milk Frother Here

After years of trying to make the best tasting cup of coffee with, the best drip, and even the best vacuum style coffee makers PLUS the freshly roasted coffee beans which I freshly grind in my burr grinder, I found that what I really craved, a morning cup of latte. I've only had this unit a week, but I can tell you from owning two different manual espresso machines in the past, this unit is fantastic. Were retired and not running to Starbucks and spending lots of money on coffee out, so this cost wasn't really a factor to us. We were in Europe for a little while recently and while there is were I realized what I was missing in a cup of coffee in the morning. Its like drinking a glass of Budweiser or having a freshly brewed glass of German Bier. Take your pick. As far as the pods tasting fresh, Im as shocked as anyone. All I can tell you, we put our coffee maker and burr grinder in storage, in case we need to brew some for company in the future. But I highly doubt it. You can't go wrong with this unit. It's fast to get up and running. (heating up only takes a minute or two) Anyone can do this, and forget about the mess. THERE is NO mess. The coffee grinds are contained in the pod, its not all over your counter and down your arms. And the Nespresso company, took two days to receive the coffee. And the frother unit, is amazing. Quick (under a minute) for a half cup of so thick froth you need to spoon it out! Sprinkle it with a little vanilla sugar and what a treat. Beats any coffee anywhere. I'd give it 6 starts if I could. Its that great! By the way, my daughter worked as a barista at Starbucks and the calories in one of those "coffee" drinks is upwards toward 700-800 cal per drink. I have skim milk, and a 1/4 tsp. of sugar. Less than 80 calories. Just in case your counting.

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I recently got this as a gift from my husband and I LOVE it! It is easy to use right out of the box and the variety of coffees available are great. The one drawback as previously mentioned is having to purchase their coffee. There is a $75 credit towards coffee going on right now and that is a nice help! This equals about about 135 pods. The machine looks beautiful in my kitchen as well. The customer service is great. I had a small issue which was not their fault and they were very willing to help me.