Showing posts with label best espresso machine under 1000. Show all posts
Showing posts with label best espresso machine under 1000. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Gaggia 102532 Espresso-Pure Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine, Black

Gaggia 102532 Espresso-Pure Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine, BlackWe purchased this machine just after Christmas, and have fallen in love with it since then. We were looking at another, better-looking espresso machine, but were advised to get the Gaggia by some friends. This is our first REAL espresso machine, I had a Mr. Coffee machine years ago that worked all right, but the Gaggia Pure is head and shoulders above that one. It makes great espresso, although we are still working on getting great crema out of it...sometimes we do, sometimes we don't (this could easily be our fault). The frothing nozzle is also great, and although it's not as fancy looking as the all-stainless model we nearly bought, it is still a nice looking machine.

Negatives: no warming tray, and the first shots take awhile as the machine has to warm up first. This might be true with most machines, and it's not a big deal for us. We start it up, prep the milk and cups for a few minutes, come back and its ready to go. Subsequent shots go much quicker.

We would definitely buy this machine again.

Seemed complicated at first, but is actually quite easy after the first time or two. Yummy espresso. Foaming wand makes thick, delicious foam for cappuccino. Easy to clean. The pump is quite loud when passing water for the espresso, but that's only a minute.

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I am pleased with the Espresso Pure for my entry-level espresso maker purchase. I wish it had a warming plate, but as another reviewer said, the body is all plastic. I also purchased the Baratza (or is it Solis? I'm confused about the relationship of those two companies) Maestro Plus grinder for around $140 and they work well together. You do have to spend some time breaking in the machine and experimenting with grind size and tamping pressure. You also have to let the machine heat up well, at least 8 minutes. But after I turn on and let it heat up, it doesn't take me more than 5 or 6 minutes to make a latte or cappuccino.

I like the size of the water tank because there are only 2 of us. I also like that there is enough clearance for a standard 8 oz mug beneath the portafilter. The steam wand produces great foam with whole milk and there's enough clearance there for a 2 cup Pyrex measuring cup. Yet the machine does not take up a lot of space in fact it's less than the Mr. Coffee machine it replaced.

I think its interesting the Espresso Color got higher reviews than this one, because they are the same machine. The Color is $50 more, but otherwise they are exactly the same. And I read on that the red colored paint starts chipping off after awhile.

For now (1 month after purchase) and for what it is, I think it works great, and at a young, frugal person kind of price.

Read Best Reviews of Gaggia 102532 Espresso-Pure Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine, Black Here

Yes, you do need properly ground coffee to make the best of this machine. However the $ Capresso Infinity is fine for the job. This is an impressive machine for the money but it does have a learning curve. Follow the directions in the book, get a tamper that is sized to the portafilter (58mm), use some fresh roasted ESPRESSO beans and you'll be making coffee better than 95% of the shops with a little bit of practice. One added suggestion, a ridgeless portafilter, which allows for better tamping.

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Received the Gaggia Expresso Pure at the end of May 2010 and loved it for 3 months made great coffee. In late August the knob started disfunctioning more and more. Finally figured out the metal it was on was getting so hot it was slowly melting it. Then in early September steam started coming out everywhere and water dripped even when it was turned off, and it always dripped through the coffee filter whether that button was pushed in or not. Called the company they made us go buy their special cleaner that would fix all. It did not. They had us take it apart several times before they finally said to send it in for them to fix. We did hear they received it, but have not gotten it back and it is now January 2011. Do not buy this machine unless you want to throw your money down the drain.

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Monday, March 3, 2014

Complete Coffeehouse Solution, Milk Frother by LifStyl

Complete Coffeehouse Solution, Milk Frother by LifStylI've been using this product for about 6 months and I have to say it's wonderful. My bulky machine is collecting dust...this is all you need to make great coffee in about 60 seconds. No mess, heats and mixes the milk perfectly everytime and the taste is awesome! I strongly recommend this product if you don't like waiting in long lines and paying too much for your favorite morning, afternoon and evening treat. Great as a holiday gift!

I love my Lifstyl coffee house solution. I'd been looking for a reasonably priced milk frother for ages and finally found the perfect one! It frothes up milk to the perfect consistency for lattes and cappuccinos and warms at the same time. So easy to use and even looks nice sitting on my counter. No more expensive coffee shop lattes or cappuccinos for me. Also, my kids love frothed hot chocolate on cold mornings. Works great with almond and soy milk too. Just gave one to my sister so she can make her favorite, chai lattes, at home.

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For someone who loves frothed milk drinks this has been a dream come true for me. No thought involved! No more messes to clean up. The to go cup has even taken my latte to a new level as I can take it anywhere now! Not just for home enjoyment.

Read Best Reviews of Complete Coffeehouse Solution, Milk Frother by LifStyl Here

This frother is great, and easy to clean, perfect size! Just love it and makes my coffee, hot chocolate and lattes taste great. I'm going to get my sister's one for gifts. You can't go wrong buy one!

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Omg, love this machine. It makes the best froth ever. So quiet, so fast, worth every penny! Cathy, March 2013

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

No. 1 Cone Coffee Filter in Natural Brown (Set of 40)

No. 1 Cone Coffee Filter in Natural Brown
  • Melitta
  • 620122
  • Coffee Makers & Accessories

The filters work fine but are hard to find in local stores. And when I ordered three packs I was charged full shipping for each one, though they arrived in one package. I now buy the Melitta #2 filters and just cut off 1 inch, works great.

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These are good filters. I use them with the Black 'n Decker Brew & Go coffee maker and they work great.

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I use these filters in my Black & Decker Brew N Go. No grounds in my brew. Cleanup is quick and easy, no mess. I use them for both coffee and loose tea.

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I liked the filters and they work effectively. I don't drink coffee made from coffee grounds much but I enjoy being able to just make one cup.

I did not like the fact that the shipping was twice the cost of the product.

The product #1 Melitta Coffee Filters worked great. My mother was very happy with the gift. She has been using then in her 1 cup coffee maker.

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Villaware 275-06 Moka Express 6-Cup Espresso Maker

Villaware 275-06 Moka Express 6-Cup Espresso MakerI've been using my Bialetti 6-cup moka maker for a couple years now and it sure beats the mess of an actual espresso machine and if you make the coffee correctly you don't sacrifice any of the great flavor. I'm not sure why this product is listed as Villaware because it is a Bialetti maker from Italy. Anyway, it makes great coffee. How to use: 1. Fill the bottom half with water up to the release valve so the water level is right under the release. 2. Place the filter in the bottom half and fill with espresso coffee very carefully. You need to spread the coffee to the edge of the filter and then get a good mound of coffee in the middle. Do not tamp the coffee in the filter like you would an espresso handle filter. 3. Screw on the top tightly. 4. Put on burner under low heat so the water can seep through the coffee slowly. 5. Once you hear it percolating you are done with this portion. For a simple cup of espresso just add sugar. Once the coffee is done there are a variety of recipes which you will have to look elsewhere for. Cleaning this pot is also very important. After it has cooled down you can take it apart, dump the coffee (I use an old coffee can), and clean the pieces with cold water only. DO NOT use soap to clean this pot. I like to wipe dry my pot because scum can build up if you have hard water, but you can let it drip dry. Do not put the pot back together while it is wet. In fact you don't even need to put it together again until you are ready to make another pot of coffee. Buona Fortuna.

Over twenty years ago, one of my roomates had one of these and we enjoyed a little cup of espresso every morning to get the day going. I never forgot the great coffee his little pot made, but I hadn't gotten around to getting one of my own until recently. I had about given up on espresso at home after several disappointing "cheap" plug-in machines.

The way this works is so simple; you put the water in the bottom with the coffee in a funnel like device with a stem that almost touches the bottom of the pot. Screw the gasketed top on and put it on the fire. As the water heats and starts to boil, the accumulating steam pressure forces the boiling water up the stem, through the coffee and into the top pot through a vented post. When you see steam start to come out of the spout, shut it off and enjoy!

The only trouble with this pot is its small size. It will fill one coffee mug full, so if my wife is home we have to split the pot. That's not all bad if you pour your half over a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a touch of Kahlua to fill the mug (after work, of course). I know they make larger pots like this, and as soon as Amazon has one, it's mine!

Buy Villaware 275-06 Moka Express 6-Cup Espresso Maker Now

There is nothing wrong with the Bialetti. It is excellent.

BUT...you really don't want to go with an aluminum stove top coffee maker. You want to go with stainless steel.

Over time, there will be calcium buildup in the pot; unless you're smart and use distilled water (which results in better tasting coffee anyway). When you go to use one of the decalcifiers on the aluminum, an oxide will form that is impossible to clean.The inside will lose its shininess and possibly some of the metal, allowing aluminum to leach in to the coffee.

This problem is avoided with a stainless steel stove top unit.

Read Best Reviews of Villaware 275-06 Moka Express 6-Cup Espresso Maker Here

Ask my wife, I love coffee, and I love espresso even more. It is rare to find a good cup of espresso, even at a fine shop, but this little machine does it. Trust me, I am picky. It does a wonderful job of bringing out a rich, even flavor from any bean. My first cup with it (about 4 months ago) was an experience of it's own. Since then, I literally have brewed 2 or 3 pots of regular coffee. I shun coffe wherever I go, and I compare "professional" espresso to what the Moka Express can do. Buy it. I have nothing to gain, except to know I have ended your search for a great cup of espresso at home, without the dissapointing results of the under $100.00 steam espresso makers. PS. My son asks me to pack it whenever we travel.

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I have been drinking coffee from this machine for 5 years now, and let me tell you, it's a new level of coffee. My roommate and I swear this is the best coffee in the world (I've recently been to Paris and Italy and nothing compared!).

The capacity is somewhat small, but it's good for one or two people, and hopefully amazon will soon offer the 12 cup version.

I've found that flavor has more to do with the type of beans, a certain bean that tastes great in a drip coffee will not necessarily taste great in this machine. So do lot's of experiments. And don't grind the coffee too finely as the machine will clog and sputter out of the sides...

I drink regular size mugs of this every morning with half and half (regular milk has no effect). Note that 6 cups refers to the tiny espresso cups. this thing will fill about 1.5 normal size mugs with very strong coffee (with room for cream)... Definitely buy it!

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Lola Espresso Maker - 3 Cups by Frabosk

Lola Espresso Maker - 3 Cups by FraboskI looked for several stovetop espresso makers and finally

found this one!.It heats up fast & makes great Espresso!

I purchased this 3 cup and drink all the delicious rich

liquid in a large cup....it starts my day off right!! =0)

I wanted an espresso maker which was made in Italy, and this was my choice. I'm glad that I got it, because it works great. Espresso in about 6-8 minutes.

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The product is physically attractive, however beware that you cannot take this off the stove without an oven mitt or protection. It would've been nice if the handle had protection on it. I bought it without reading closely at this particular detail. I have owned many espresso percolators, and I rate this at the bottom of my list. You are better off with a Bialetti. They are sturdy and last long. When I attempted to return the product, they were wiling to accept the return at my cost and add a 20% repacking fee if they item was used. It was not for me, but perhaps it would suit others.

Read Best Reviews of Lola Espresso Maker - 3 Cups by Frabosk Here

This a great, convenient and DURABLE espresso maker. This handle will not break off ! Plus, it is stainless steel to avoid health problems associated with aluminum in the popular espresso makers.

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