Showing posts with label bar espresso machine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bar espresso machine. Show all posts

Friday, June 6, 2014

Krups XP7230 Compact Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

Krups XP7230 Compact Fully Automatic Espresso MachineI have had this machine for 3 years now, and it has been sent back to the manufacturer 3 times... Stay away, many problems.

This is the only coffee machine I've had that will deliver better than coffee shop espresso. It has the crema/foam on the top, the mark of a quality espresso, I keep the machine in my office, visitors marvel at the magnificence of their java, the machine is completely automatic, rated tops in Consumer Reports. I'm amazed that diners are still able to get top dollar for burnt coffee, with the knowledge of this coffee maker, that primative and savage way of life will come to an end.

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Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Jura Cleaning Tablets for all Jura Automatic Coffee Centers, 6-Count

Jura Cleaning Tablets for all Jura Automatic Coffee Centers, 6-CountPricey but necessary. Keeps my Jura in good shape and I try to take good care of it since it takes such good care of me.

Does what it is designed to do. I need one about every month or so (we drink a LOT of coffee). Painless.

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These are pricey, but considering how expensive my Jura machine is I would be a fool not to do everything the maker recommends to keep it working properly for as long as possible. I use my Jura all day every day and so far so good with keeping it ship-shape.

Read Best Reviews of Jura Cleaning Tablets for all Jura Automatic Coffee Centers, 6-Count Here

I think these tablets are over priced for a cleaning product. I plan to use some of the less expensive tablets to compare and will check back here soon. $ stars because they do keep the machine functioning well. However our daughter has never cleaned her Jura Capresso in 4 years and only had one minor clog which rectified itself with a little water flush.

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Sure they are overpriced, but using the correct product on your expensive automatic coffee maker is a small price to pay to ensure that it is going to keep working. When you pay $2000 for a coffee maker, why would you try to save $5 and risk either harming or only partially cleaning it? False savings!

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Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Mr. Coffee JWX20 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker, White

Mr. Coffee JWX20 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker, WhiteThe other reviewers are right. This makes a decent cup of coffee, but it's really messy. Grounds get everywhere and due to its size it's hard to rinse the inside in the sink. It's awkward to fill because it's extra long and you have to fill it at the back. The clock hasn't kept the time right since we got it. Wish I'd read reviews first, but our last pot died one morning, and I just ran out and got one. This is about our 4th coffeepot over the years, and the first one I really dislike.

Bought this about a month ago at a local store. It looked like a good deal, and I had never had a bad experience with Mr Coffee before.

The other reviews are SPOT ON. When it brews, the coffee is good. I have experienced the folded over filter/grounds in coffee, and you never know when it will happen. The inside of the coffee maker is just poorly designed. Grounds and splashed coffee tend to go all over the inside of the unit, making cleanup a real pain. Since the brewing chamber and water storage are in the same area, the steam from the coffee (along with the splashes) tends to accumulate on the inside and further make a mess.

I would never buy this coffee maker again, and I am strongly contemplating donating it and buying a new one. I hate having to clean it up all the time. You gotta wonder if the designers of these coffee makers actually try to use it at home for a couple of days to see how they work. Does not look that way.

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About 50% of the time when I'd go to pour a cup of coffee, the filter had been compromised and the grinds leaked into the pot! Not happy with this purchase. The features are nice, but the actual coffee making is not good.

Read Best Reviews of Mr. Coffee JWX20 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker, White Here

5 stars on brewed coffee when brewed. 1 star on dependability.

This coffee maker was amazing. It worked hard, made some good strong coffee. It's auto shut off for the hot plate was great. Strong or regular brew strength was great too.

Until this morning, it would not brew. Checked everything, read booklet, nothing. Went online, target where I bought it people were saying same thing happened to them, pump died thus no more coffee brewing.

So if you want great coffee with a short life span you should pick this up at your local target or amazon for under $30 or just invest in a better longer lasting model. My old dependable whose 2 yrs old and mr coffee stainless steel 8 cup guy just got dug out and is back in use. Going to return this item today.

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The writing on the metal surface rubbed off, and in less than a year the machine broke. dont waste your money.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

dr. tech Commercial Automatic Expresso Coffee Machine

New ME-708D Commercial Grade Fully Automatic Expresso Coffee Maker MachineI decided to write this review because there are few online reviews about this machine. I purchased this machine brand new on another shopping website (not the aution one) for $300 with free shipping. I have been researching automatic espresso machines for several months and ideally I would have purchased a saeco or delonghi or gaggia. However, money is an object and I could not justify spending $1000-$3000 on a coffee machine. Also, this is my first espresso machine and I am not certain of the longevity of any of them (most discussions state 5-7 years is the norm). I even considered refurbished or used but even these were $600 and up.

This machine is a compromise. It allows you to enter the world of superautomatics for a fraction of the cost. Let me say that for $300, I will be content if the machine functions for two years. Money well spent. So far it's only been a few days and I will try to update this a few months down the road.

Firstly, the machine arrived well packed; good amount of foam and bubble wrap. The only accessory is a scoop for preground coffee and a rubber straw for frothing milk. No video. No elaborate manual. The manual is in English....however not grammatically correct English. The instructions are basic; mostly diagrams. I would advise searching online for manuals or videos on other machines for more in depth directions. It seems most of these machines function similarly. This is what I did so the lack of detailed instruction didn't bother me.

After unpacking, installing the drip tray and straw, filling the coffee bean and water reservoirs, I powered up. The machine walks you through some warm up and cleaning steps. It flushes itself with water. There is a menu function where you can set water temp (it's an icon of a thermometer that goes up and down; don't know precise temp). I would recommend setting this to highest point. You can also select how long you want the machine to stay on before turning itself off....30, 60, 90, or 120 min. There is no clock on this machine so you can not program it to turn on and off. I just turn it on when I first wake up and it's ready in probably 10 minutes. You can turn off the beeps...this is important as this machine will constantly beep when there is an issue until you fix it, ie, needs water, drip tray removed, side door open, etc, etc. If you turn off the beeps you will still get the message on the display. There's also a descale option (the machine will prompt you when it's time) and you can adjust how much coffee gets ground per cycle (this is accomplished by holding the menu button for five secs at the very end of the brew cycle). The menu also has the date the machine was manufactured and total cups brewed. You can set your water hardness level (if you know it). There is a knob inside of the coffee bean hopper to adjust fineness of grind...it's settings are 1, 2, and 3.

This is a fairly tall machine so counter to cabinet clearance might be an issue for some. Also you will have to pull the machine out to fill the reservoirs and to get the brewing unit. It has some recessed handles on the bottom which makes it easy to move. The brewing unit is accessed by a side door. There you will also find the dredge container. The whole machine appears plastic (except for the boiler I assume). The indicator that the dredge container is full comes on when the container is only about 1/3 full, so be prepared to empty it often. I can't give you specs but I will say that the bean hopper can hold about 8oz of beans and the water holds enough for about six single shots. You will also need to emply the drip tray daily, as there is always water dumped into it by the machine with each shot.

So, the first two shots you make you will need to dump. I guess the machine has to adjust. The machine is fairly loud, I've never owned one so I can't compare to others but it is as loud as a coffee grinder. After that, I got beautiful espressos. The taste is as good as that chain store. Obviously not perfect. It seems the grounds could be tamped a bit more. The double shot button simply makes two single shots back to back.

The front of the machine is super simple. There are individual buttons for a single shot, double shot, steam, hot water (which comes out of the steam wand), menu, and OK/exit. There is a nifty straw that you can attach to the frother and then insert other end into a container of milk. It will conveniently froth milk into your waiting cup. It stops after frothing some predetermined amount (I don't think you can alter the amount but you can push ok button to stop the water or steam or milk at any time.). There is a little knob on the steam wand that allows you to choose steam or frothed milk. There is another button for the bypass doser...this is when you want to use preground coffee. You push the button, fill the included scoop, and dump this into the little hatch up top. You can only do single shots this way. There is a passive warmer which doesn't get warm enough to warm the cups. I would recommend warming your cups first...you can fill them with hot water from the wand or put them in microwave with water for 30 sec.). This just helps ensure you have hot espresso. The espresso is hot...I didn't test the temp but hotter than my machiattos from that chain store. The espresso tastes wonderful....coming from a non-expert.

So that's about it. It is so far a decent machine for the price. I can have espresso whenever I want at the push of a button. Keep in mind there is NO WARRANTY so there's some risk. The online store I purchased from has a 45 day return policy...that's it. Like I said, I will try to update this review in a few months.

Similar to the other reviewer who liked the machine, I was surprised at the quality of the coffee after I got the machine adjusted to the strongest setting and the finest grind. The on screen controls are great as you can change the volume or strength of the coffee after you have started to make a cup. I agree that the grinds do not tamp as well as the $2000 Saeco Royal Professional that I also own, but for the money it is quite a bargain. All the controls are easy to use and should not require a manual if you can operate any modern day electronics. The water reservoir is small and so is the spent coffee bin, but it is not unreasonable that you would want to keep the machine clean more often and use clean water more often. I have had this machine for almost a year and use it as a secondary machine for my office. I have made 600 cups of espresso and talk coffee's and have been very happy with the taste and quality. First time shoppers should be pleasantly surprised because of the low price. I just wish that Amazon had a supplier as I am currently shopping for another one for a present.

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It may have been a bad machine, but the coffee produced was poor. The expresso cakes were wet and mushy, should be dry and well formed.

Read Best Reviews of dr. tech Commercial Automatic Expresso Coffee Machine Here

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Michael Graves 52.5 oz. Electric Kettle

Alessi MG32AZ/USA Michael Graves Electric Kettle, BlueMy mother had several of the non-electric versions of these kettles for years. The problem? She kept leaving them on the stove without enough water in them, so the birds would melt, and then the bottom of the pot would get all charred and gross. She claimed she didn't want another electric appliance at home, but I bought this for her birthday and it won her heart. She uses it everyday. It boils water quickly and is really attractive. Of course, it's really expensive compared to other electric kettles, but you're paying for the design, and the design is pretty awesome.

since we are a bit form over function we were very delighted to discover that this kettle is indeed very functional. it is simple to use and heats up quickly. as a bonus, it is hard to be grumpy when a birdie greets you every morning....

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Yes it is expensive and, yes, a $20 kettle can boil water but that is not really the point of an Alessi kettle. The kettle looks great and many people comment on it especially as not everyone in the USA has an electric kettle anyway. The kettle has a fairly big footprint approx 10 inches across so it does occupy a fair amount of apace. At one time it seemed it was a bit of a design cliche in kitchens but i still like it

There is a telltale light on the base and a fairly decent size, crescent moon shape, switch also mounted on the base. BUT the feature that makes people smile, namely the whimsical bird, is its downfall. Just like the regular kettle the bird gets hot and can burn if you are not careful. Really not helpful but it looks good. I've found that the kettle will switch off without the bird cap in place but it takes longer to switch off. Somtimes i just leave the bird loosely on the spout so I can remove it bare-handed while still allowing a fast switch-off once the water has boiled. There are two holes under the bird on the cap but they only allow water to flow out of the spout sideways so are not really functional except to let steam escape. By the way the bird does not whistle.

There is a snap-in filer inside the kettle that covers the spout which might be useful in a hard-water area.

The kettle fits on the base easily and is not hard to locate. Some electric kettles require a bit of jiggling to fit them on the base but not this one.

For some unknown reason the knob on the lid does not match the handle color whether blue or ivory strange I think as i would have matched it to the handle

I used to have a regular, non-electric Alessi on the range and a regular electric Russell Hobbs for daily use so this kettle repaced both.

Read Best Reviews of Michael Graves 52.5 oz. Electric Kettle Here

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Nespresso D110 Citiz Limousine Black Automatic Espresso Machine

Nespresso D110 Citiz Limousine Black Automatic Espresso MachinePerfect espresso or espresso drinks every time. I have purchased two of these: one for me and one for my daughter. Starbuck's doesn't come close to what you can do with this machine...and you probably save $$$ in the long run!

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Gaggia 97001 Coffee Deluxe Espresso Machine with Automatic Milk Frother, Silver

Gaggia 97001 Coffee Deluxe Espresso Machine with Automatic Milk Frother, SilverThis is the 4th espresso maker that my family has owned in the last 10 years and has proven a solid performer. My husband has spent many months in Europe (specifically Italy) during those years and has commented that this machine comes the closest to producing authentic cappuccino as any he's tried. The machine itself is heavy, but fits nicely on the counter and is relatively easy to clean. The greatest positive is that it heats and reheats the boiler rapidly. The only negative consideration is that the frothing wand sometimes works too well and froths the milk before bringing the milk temperature up to an acceptable level.

Mine's been on order with Amazon for several months and I just got yet another notice that shipping is delayed by another month. Therefore, if you're willing to wait half a year for one, don't hesitate to order one. Well, don't hesitate too much, at least. ;)

As for the quality, it's superb! I have 2 friends with one and it still amazes me how blazing fast the Gaggia machine will produce a full load of espresso from a cold start--mere minutes. I've seen other machines take up to 15 minutes from a cold start and this is the hugest benefit besides the quality of the espresso itself. The machine has a few hoops to jump through in getting it going the first time, but it's a cinch from there on out.

IMHO, however, don't use anything but bottled water if you want consistent, high-quality, trouble-free espresso for many years w/o needing major cleaning. Why? 2 reasons:

1) Even the slightest amount of chemicals (flouride, chlorine, etc.) can make quite a noticeable difference in the taste, especially with light or medium roasted beans.

2) Minerals in the water accumulate over time and will convert even the easiest-to-clean machine into an expensive paper weight.

In summary, if you don't mind the long wait, this Gaggia machine is among the fastest and highest quality espresso makers under $1,000. Also, it's basically an upgraded version of their famous Classic model; it's a tad faster and easier to use.

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It took a little 'tweaking' before I fully mastered the art of espresso making. I tried to use the Perfect Crema rubber disc that came with the machine, but after inserting the disc into the portafilter, it adds so much thickness that the basket doesn't fit on top of it and therefore cannot be locked onto the brewing head. I called up customer service, they picked up the phone immediately and told me to throw it away. There were defects from manufacturer and they don't recommend anyone using the disc. Stick to the 'Golden Rules' that came with your instruciton booklet. And I have been making delicious capuccinos! The auto frother is simply magical. And it is very easy to clean. The machine is solidly constructed with metal. Although the dripping tray is made of cheap plastic. But no big deal, as long as the rest of the machine is well made. This is an excellent buy. Go for it!

Read Best Reviews of Gaggia 97001 Coffee Deluxe Espresso Machine with Automatic Milk Frother, Silver Here

DISREGARD THE RATING. AMAZON WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO CHANGE IT THOUGH THEY LET ME EDIT MY REVIEW. When I initially bought this machine I was impressed. I even wrote a favorable review. Two years later and I noticed at certain intervals that my throat would get irritated and scratchy, causing phlegm and cough for days. It was always right around the time the machine would need cleaning, something I did not notice until a couple of months ago. Just recently I started feeling this way again and decided to clean the machine. I turned it upside down to loosen the screw on the screen and noticed that all around the edge of the machine right above the water tank the paint was peeling and there was quite a bit of rust. I scraped the rust with my hand and it came off easily. I looked in the water tank and noticed sediment on the floor. The water tank is right underneath and is fully open. I cannot believe that they use parts that rust on a coffee machine. Anyone would know that would create an unhealthy situation when steam from the coffee machine comes into contact with this area or when the water from the water tank naturally evaporates and comes into contact with these parts. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THAT YOU BUY THIS MACHINE!

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I was going to buy The Lello 45900 Ariete Espresso/Cappuccino Maker, because the price was so good , but I waited over three months because it was not in stock so I looked for a replacement and this machine was more than twice the price, but after using it, it's more than twice the machine I think , on the Amazon description it says the pump is a 16-bar pump , But after checking reviews on different web sites I think Amazon made a mistake because on all the other web sites ,it says the a pump to be 17.5 bar pump, that's even better , And the other thing that I like, was the fact that it had a CD , that was not said on the description either , I never use a espresso machine before so seeing a short little videos was very helpful , shows and explains the basics, from making espresso two frothing the milk ,cleaning tips and more very helpful .

So I made myself my first shot of espresso , it was great nice little cream on top, it just looked beautiful , I didn't think it would work to good because I bought some pods, and I wasn't sure how it would work , works great , taste great and easy to clean , second day I made myself a latte again excellent.

Third day I got adventurous I made myself my first cappuccino, and again great put Starbucks to shame.

The espresso I was using was the ILLY Sucro Espresso Pods 906,

Naturally the espresso you use is actually more important than the machine I guess this one taste great ,about different type of syrups caramel vanilla hazelnuts Irish cream , the syrups brand was daVinci ,So yes I am very satisfied with this machine , and I guess I got lucky because this one was out of stock for a long time

Friday, August 23, 2013

Oggi EZ Grip Regular Coffee Canister, Black

Oggi EZ Grip Regular Coffee Canister, BlackI love this coffee can. I just wish it could hold a whole pound of coffee (or that it said somewhere in the description how much coffee it could hold). Otherwise it is a great product. Cute, blocks out harmful light, airtight, easy to open and shut, and comes with a nifty tablespoon that it holds on its side. Nice. Why couldn't I find anything close to this when I went out shopping? Bless the internet.

Great way to store coffee that protects coffee from its two greatest enemies: light and air. Finding the perfect solution has been a challenge; I'm so glad I stumbled on this canister.

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I purchased this airtight canister to hold my coffee. It does provide an airtight seal IF the metal clasp would function properly. Initially upon receiving this, the clasp was not secure as the metal prongs go into the metal attachment. We had to take a pair of plyers to try and make it more secure. I thought that was the trick, but now I find myself every other day, having to manually tighten. It is small, and would not hold all of my coffee, I did have to use a ziploc bag for the remaining. I am definitely returning and will purchase something that will actually work.

Read Best Reviews of Oggi EZ Grip Regular Coffee Canister, Black Here

These look good, but they do not seal and are not airtight as advertised. I expected truely airtight canisters to keep coffee and tea in....these are going right back to Amazon.

The silicon seal is a poor design and will not seal air/liquids. The closing mechanism is cheap and inadequate...it does not align properly and bends easily. The wire loop clasp distorts (bottom of the loop opens) when closed...so much so that it easily slips out of the clasp when pressure is applied during closing. If you're handy, you could probably braise or solder the loop shut to solve that problem; however, that would still not solve the inability to seal.

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This coffee canister is the perfect size no matter how much counter space a kitchen has.

-easy to open/close

-easy to grab from top shelves

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