Showing posts with label best home espresso machine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label best home espresso machine. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

NIFTY 36 COFFEE POD SINGLE DRAWER-HOLDS 36 KEURIG K-CUP PACKS

NIFTY 36 COFFEE POD SINGLE DRAWER-HOLDS 36 KEURIG K-CUP PACKSI don't know how this stacks up against the Keurig brand drawer but I would hope for the price difference that it is a little more sturdy.

Cons:

We have a B70 and it barely fits on this from front to back.

The whole drawer unit itself does not lay flat with the machine on straight, so I turned the machine diagonally so that it would not wobble.

The drawer does not open smoothly at all, it is very rough and is probably scraping paint off the bottom of the drawer. I'm hoping after it has been used a million times this will improve.

If you try pushing the thing on the counter the little white rubber feet come out. I'm glad I did it before I lifted the machine onto it because I would not have been happy to dump my new coffee toy over.

I feel like it could be a lot sturdier since it is meant to hold a $100+ coffee maker on it.

There are a couple pros though, that earned the 3 stars:

It does hold 36 k cups. I read reviews on other products that don't actually hold the number of cups that it claims. At least this one really does.

The black color matches the machine nicely.

It gets those bulky boxes of k cups off of the counter. I still have partial boxes to stow somewhere (since I wanted more than 2 varieties in the drawer) but at least I don't have to keep them handy.

All in all I would not buy it again and still might return it. It was cheaper than the other drawers I was finding but I feel like I got what I paid for. Sometimes it's worth a few more dollars to get something a little better.

I had several of the carousel type K-cup holders. When I saw this, I knew I could get rid of those and make more room on my counter. This item does just that. Since my brewer sits right on the top of the "drawer". It is well made and holds 36 k-cups...more than the carousel type. I highly recommend this item.

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Wonderful...doesn't take up extra counter space, of which we have very little. Fits under the Keurig easily, leaving plenty of room between the Keurig and the cabinet above. Also holds more pods that the previous carousel type that I had.

Read Best Reviews of NIFTY 36 COFFEE POD SINGLE DRAWER-HOLDS 36 KEURIG K-CUP PACKS Here

I bought a new Keurig coffee maker for my wife and was finding those little pods all over the place. The Grandchildren thougth they were building toys! I intended to mount this drawer under cabinet but it's construction is plenty sturdy enough to have the coffee maker sit on top with great stability. Very well built. Put pods in right side up, up side down ect ect you can fit in an extra 6.

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The frame of this is what holds the weight, and holds it nicely. The rest is slightly flimsy. The sides actually are kinda plasticy, and the top is a thin sheet metal. That aside, with my Keurig Platinum it works just fine and it opens without any catching.

While putting in the k-cups, I find that alternating upside-down & top-side-up helps fit more into the track.

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Monday, December 30, 2013

Jura 13467 ENA3 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center, Black

Jura 13467 ENA3 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center, BlackAfter weeks of research we ended up selecting the Jura-Capresso ENA 4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read Best Reviews of Jura 13467 ENA3 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center, Black Here

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

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

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

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

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

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Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Nespresso CitiZ Automatic Espresso Maker

Nespresso C110-US-RE-NE CitiZ Automatic Single-Serve Espresso Maker, Fire-Engine RedI have experienced a holiday 2009 embarrassment of riches. I purchased a DeLonghi EC155 espresso machine as a gift for my wife after much research and we have used it for for 2 days with much pleasure. As a total surprise, we received a Nespresso D110 as a family gift during a party, and we could not refuse it. It will be interesting to compare the $83 DeLonghi (with another $20 rebate in the mail) to, if I have the price right on Amazon, a $279.00 Nespresso D110.

First of all, the Nespresso D110 is really beautiful--as much a work of art as a functional machine. The "winter white" is more of a cream color and the machine itself reminds me of an art deco juke box from the 1950s, if that makes any sense. It is very slim and looks beautiful on the counter top. The DeLonghi is much more utilitarian, with obviously less expensive materials (again, the price difference makes sense). If I use a PC analogy, the D110 is a Mac (elegant, incredibly simple to use, and expensive). Just as there are vocal supporters of MacWorld--I think the Nespresso D110 will have equally vocal supporters if you can justify the price...or better yet, receive as a gift :)!

Initial impressions: it took about an hour and several tries on the DeLonghi EC155 to get the proportions right for a nice espresso with the ESE pods. With the Nespresso D110, it literally took about 5 minutes--and 3 minutes of that was reading the directions. 1-button operation. The crema on the espressos we produced from the Nespresso capsules were better the first time than we have been able to produce from the DeLonghi after several iterations.

My biggest complaint: the Nespresso machine does not have a milk frother whereas the DeLonghi EC155 does. Though I am not a designer, because the design is pump driven--it seems like having a frother would have been relatively easy and could have been incorporated with the elegant D110 design without altering its sleek appearance. Finally, a quick Amazon search tells me that the capsules that are to be used with the Nespresso line are proprietary, so there is not the competition like there is with the ESE pods used by other machines. A quick perusal tells me that the capsules are over $0.60 each, in bulk, while ESE pods can be found for closer to $0.40 online. The lack of frother and the proprietary capsules needed have me taking away 1-star.

Finally, this espresso machine is beautiful, elegant, very quick (you can crank out multiple espressos for a gathering quickly), produces excellent crema, has a small footprint, and is extremely easy to use. You pay a price for all of this and will continue to do so with the proprietary capsules. Again, the PC vs. Mac analogy is a good one.

I would not have thought I would be alive long enough to see a "Jetsons" reality. (I guess Raymond Kurzweil was right when he said technology will grow exponentially) This is truly a futuristic dream come true. The Nespresso produced coffee is the best. Perfectly intense without bitterness. I cannot imagine how someone could invent something so easy to use without compromising even a fraction of quality.

I purchased the bundle, Citiz and Aeroccino Frother and together they make an incredible latte.

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I bought this machine as an x'mas present for my mother who loves her coffee but is afraid of the steam from traditional espresso machines, hates the hassle of French Press, and dislikes drip coffee.

This product was an instant hit. Just switch the machine on, run it through once to rinse the machine & heat up the cup, then insert the capsule and press for a tasty cuppa. Repeat for a second cup. So simple a four year old did it too.

Added benefit is that this particular machine has a slim footprint and the water tank holds enough water for quite a few cups so the machine itself can be placed wherever you would like your coffee. So far the machine has been 1. in the kitchen, 2. upstairs in her bedroom on Sundays for a luxurious breakfast in bed 3. out tailgating plugged into the car inverter 4. in various hotel rooms during her spring roadtrips.

The folding cup tray, enables you to use either a cup or mug directly under the spout.

The CONs of this product are:

1 pod makes 1 Nespresso Cup = 4oz = 1/2 US Mug.

A mug of coffee requires 2 pods.

(An espresso shot is standard and is 1oz 1.5oz. The above 4oz refers to the "coffee"'/long-shot option)

No frother attachment. Milk has to be heated and frothed separately.

Addictive: this machine is so quick and simple to use that my mother has actually increased her daily coffee consumption.

Highly recommended for those who want to but cannot make a decent cup of coffee for any reason.

Read Best Reviews of Nespresso CitiZ Automatic Espresso Maker Here

Coffee extracted at atmospheric pressure can be drinkable, but to truly experience all of the flavor nuances, a high pressure extraction is necessary. The Nespresso CitiZ (all Nespresso machines use the same pump and block heater) pumps steam through the sealed coffee capsules at 19 bars, about 275 lbs. per sq. inch.

Temperature is important too. Do you enjoy the wonderful aroma coming from your drip coffee maker? You can actually sense it from other rooms of your house. That smell is actually volatile chemical components of the coffee that are lost to the air and not in your cup!

I started with a Nespresso C100, which I recently sold to a friend. I bought the CitiZ because the footprint is perfect for my modest kitchen.

The capsules are proprietary, but they're essential to making this system as great as it is. Even a $2000 machine would produce terrible coffee if you used bad beans. All Nespresso models come with a sample pack of capsules, so you can order your favorites right away.

While this machine is marketed as an "espresso machine", it can actually make any kind of coffee drink you can imagine. Wonder why you can't replicate Starbuck's drinks with your drip coffee maker? It's because they use espresso shots as a base for their overpriced drinks. Two programmable buttons allow for a ristretto (short) or lungo (long) shot. If you eject the capsule and hit the button again (this takes 2-3 seconds), you'll get hot water for dilluting your espresso shot to an Americano. But why would anyone want to do a silly thing like that??

The espresso comes out of the machine at a perfectly hot, but still drinkable temperature. This should be a no-brainer, but if you use a room temperature ceramic cup, the laws of physics dictate that the cup will steal heat from the coffee. Either pre-warm the cup using a hot water cycle, or use a thin-walled glass insulated tumbler (Bodum and Nespresso sell them).

In the summer, I love serving iced coffee drinks to my friends and family. Two pumps of flavored syrup (vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, etc. I like Torani or Ferrara), 4 oz cold milk, and three ice cubes. Put this under the spout and pull a ristretto shot using your favorite capsule variety. The hot espresso shot floats on the cold milk, and the espresso crema floats on the top of the drink. Elegant, dramatic, and delicious. Zero bitterness, minimal dilution from melted ice, and impossible to do using drip coffee.

If you get an Aeroccino milk frother, you'll have everything you need for making the best cafe lattes and cappuccinos you've ever tasted.

Personally, I mainly use this machine in the mornings to wake me up and get me going. I prefer a lungo shot or three, black and unsweetened. I take my time, and savor every delicious sip.

This machine will change your life if you let it. The best coffee drinks in town come from my little kitchen.

Stop wishing and start drinking real coffee!

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This machine is excellent because it can be used with both small and large cups (Latte Macchiato, for example). The user can program how much water to use for each of the two programmable cup sizes.

CON: you need to warm the cups before using otherwise the coffee will be less than perfect. You can wam the cups by adding hot water to it and waiting for 15 seconds or so. You can do that by running the machine with no capsules in it.

Friday, July 12, 2013

Bialetti 4-Cup Stainless Replacement Gasket / Filter Pack

Bialetti 4-Cup Stainless Replacement Gasket / Filter PackThese are original Bialetti parts made in Italy. Most generic replacement parts are made in China. This set includes 3 rubber ring gaskets and a stainless steel filter plate. When it comes to my morning espresso, I trust Bialetti.

Not a whole lot to comment on. They work, they work well, the design is good, fit is solid. I'd definitely buy again if/when I needed them. I especially like that they provide an extra seal with the filter!

Note: Amazon was outstanding to deal with also. I ordered the wrong size (found out after I opened the box and found out it didn't fit), and Amazon gave me a credit even though I had opened the item. Excellent customer service!

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These items are a perfect fit for my 4-cup Bialetti 4-cup Venus coffee maker. I did see in the item description that it says the items are for 3-4 cup makers, but the packaging clearly says 4-cup. I noticed that some owners of 3-cup machines said the gaskets are the wrong size for their machines. I wouldn't know what to think either. I DO know it was difficult to find a 4-cup machine, and that 3-cup ones are far more commonly available, but I did some research for my specific machine and found the part number to match. I would recommend owners of 3-cup machines do the same.

Bialetti 4-Cup Stainless Replacement Gasket / Filter Pack

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Ideal para mantener a lo largo del tiempo el buen uso de los percoladores Bialletti.

Very good parts for Bialletti percolators.

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This was exactly what I needed for my 4 cup Bialetti Kitty Moka pot. I haven't used it yet but I opened the package and the rubber ring and filter are the exact same size as the original so I am all set for years to come!