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.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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.
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.
Buy KRUPS XP3200 Opio Pump Boiler Espresso Machine, Black Now
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.Want KRUPS XP3200 Opio Pump Boiler Espresso Machine, Black Discount?
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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