Holstein Housewares H-08004 4-Cup Stainless Steel Espresso Maker Mate

I ordered (2) SIZES, THE 4 AND 6 CUP models. They arrived in good shape, looking pretty sharp on the outside. It is plain to see they are the sort of design which is a product of examining something already established and making a production item that is a cheaper version of it. It is overall of lighter weight than its Italian prototype. The interior coffee chamber, the upper part, has a very narrow cyclindrical channel around the filter inset, which would be hard to clean if it needed cleaning,though it is not hard to rinse. the funnel/ filter is the weakest part of the device, it is not a 'perfect' fit. For me, it was a 'well-enough' fit.

The pressure relief valve sometimes seems to leak a little. It hasn't outright malfunctioned but it is one more thing for me to not be absolutely confident in.

The outside of the coffee maker is handsome and well proportioned. The hinged lid is a good fit.

What I really felt positive about the design was the handle, robust and well attached. This has been a defect of my more expensive Italian made version.

Overall impression. You get your money's worth. If you want something that will last you for twenty years or more and the company will still be around, go for the Italian orignal. Otherwise, this will work, it will last at least a few years, and if you forget it somewhere you will feel no loss.

*Post Script*

Well, I've given both sizes a lot of use and there is one more thing to report:

I use a hot plate, and when the espresso maker is good and hot and ready to boil, the bottom part, i.e. the 'boiler' bottom expands and bellies out just enough to make the unit very slightly tippy. This has not occurred on my more expensive Italian made unit, and is a design flaw in the Holstein unit(s). Once the bottom has cooled off somewhat it returns to its 'flat' state and sits solidly on a flat surface.

Practically speaking, this has not presented a difficulty to my use of the product and does not change my existing rating.

I was comparing some of the more well known brands of aluminum expresso makers and I came across this lesser known stainless brand. I have been using it often and think it works great! My only recommendation is for people using a gas stove is that the handle can heat up so remember to use a mitt if pouring directly into a cup.

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I bought this espresso maker based on the reviews, it's made ok, not sure how long it is going to last because it is feels cheaply made, however maybe replacing the gasket with a better made brand will make a difference. It will do the job until I buy a better brand.

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This espresso maker is a great buy. I chose this one because it was affordable and stainless steel. I had heard that the aluminum stove top espresso makers flaked off after awhile, so I steered clear of those. This one is simple, easy to use and makes the perfect amount for my boyfriend and I to each have a double shot late in the morning. The espresso tastes great too. Definitely not disappointed with this.

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This espresso maker is the best one in the market. Simple to use and clean. Im buying another one for fathers day.

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Forever Espresso Inox 10 Cup Espresso Maker.

This worked well for about a year and a half until the handle broke off. Yes, if you didn't know that "made in PRC" meant People's Republic of China" you may be annoyed, but I realized that to begin with. Now that I have to replace it, I will go with an as yet undecided higher priced, but still stainless steel competitor, hopefully that will last longer.

I bought the 6 cup one last year and now the 10 cup one. They work great. I use the small $20 Krups grinder for grinding the beans (and flax seed too). It is also perfect little machine.

I especially appreciate the simple elegance of this way of making a good strong cup/s of fresh coffee. The stainless steel is also a big plus compared to the aluminum version. I mean, using aluminum to cooking anything is pretty lame (and unhealthy?).

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I try to stay away from stuff made in China and I would really appreciate it if product info would state where things are produced. Here it said: real Italian Coffee maker created in Italy.... On the box it says: made in PRC (China). I think this is fraudulently advertised!

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The quality of this coffee maker is below par! the lid screw fell off after about six months and the handle fell off after less than one year. I am going to escalate to manufacturer. I'm lucky that I didn't get burned! do not buy this coffee maker!!!

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I first switched from aluminum stove top espresso makers because of concerns about aluminum. I made the switch to Italian stainless pots that were beautiful but had two problems, they overflowed constantly (smell of burnt coffee throughout the house plus a nasty mess on the stove) and the gaskets wore out (at the worst possible times) and had to be replaced. I tried the six cup and then the ten cup Forever model a couple of years ago as they were very competitively priced. I saw from the reviews that they were made in China but so what, many, many consumer products are.

Both do a great job of making espresso. They never overflow and a permanent silicone gasket never needs replacing or reseating.

The ten cup model's handle was somewhat loose when I got it. Taking it apart it did not seem to be the metal fitting that attached to the pot that is the problem but the way the plastic fits to the metal tab. I couldn't tighten or otherwise fix it but it has worked fine for a couple of years.

It has started to get looser and since I don't want a bath of hot espresso down my leg I am replacing it with another Forever pot. For $50 you can't beat the overall value. If the handle didn't have this problem this would be the best value in the market for this type of product.

Got to go, coffee's ready!

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Lavazza BLUE Espresso Dolce 100% Arabica Capsules

We started buying Lavazza's blue caps a few months ago and have not looked back. It's perfect every time, no change every time ya make it. Intense taste with a nice high toned aroma. I know I should not be but some days I find myself making 5-6 cups!

Of all the Lavazza Blue capsules, the Dolce is my favorite. It is not sweet as the name implies but not bitter either. It holds a nice crema for a long time.

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Not a strong flavor. I didn't like it because it was very weak in flavor. Do not buy this product!

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This Lavazza Blue espresso flavor has a nice smooth flavor with a long-lasting crema. It is my son's favorite for making cappuccino. You cannot beat the Lavazza Blue system for espresso. A perfect cup every time with no fuss! The sealed capsules guarantee a fresh result everytime.

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Gaggia Espresso Dose

I have owned a number of Gaggia machines and liked them. I bought this for my girlfriend and it is the worst espresso machine I have used. it is a poorly manufactured plastic imitation of a Gaggia machine.

It is too light and you have to hold it down to attach the porta-filter.

The heating tray on top is practically useless as it doesn't get hot.

the Filter seal started leaking after 2 months and I have waited 3 months for a replacement.

It does not siphon water into the tank so you have to prime it everytime you use it.

Don't waste your money spend more and get the Gaggia Baby or Coffee. both of these are great machines that will make better espresso.

This machine worked for 30 days then failed. I returned it to wholelattelove for repiar and I'm told it will be 2 months before I get it back. I'm not impressed with their service nor with the buggy Gaggia Dose.

I dont recommend either the Dose or wholelattelove

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Espressione Luna Wall-Mount Pump Espresso Machine

I saw the Luna in England, and fell in love with it, but I didn't think I would be happy with coffee pods I'm truly a coffee snob. But I ordered the machine from Espressione here in the states, and installed it at the office. Fantastic! Lots of crema, very little time to warm up, fast and simple. The frothing/steaming arm has tons of power it takes seconds. As for the coffee, I've tried both the pods available through Espressione and the Italian Illy brand, both are great. The espresso is fresh, and I've found that I'm waiting to make my morning espresso until I can use the Luna at my office ignoring my home machine ( a very nice Swiss semi-commerical espresso machine). My only complaint is the lack of availability of organic, fair trade & shade grown coffee pods, but I'm trying to locate a European source (they are way ahead of the US in organics). The trade off is the pod no spilled coffee grounds equals no mess at the office!

As mentioned befor the unit looks great and works well, for a short time anyway. Bought in Feb 2008. First the leak was a few drops down the mounting plate from under the unit then steam pressure decreassed and then leak got worse. Must find service center. Should have listened to past reviews. Since it looks great and makes good espresso why has it been discontinued? Could it be design flaw???

Save your money invest in a reliable machine.

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Beautiful european design with brilliant space-saving implementation. How could I resist? I couldn't. I should have. The shots were always good until it started to leak hot water all down the wall and onto my countertop. The steam was always marginal, needing to pause several times during steaming to allow the boiler to recharge. Finally the leaking water and impotent steam forced me to send it in for repair. It has never been the same since. After several weeks it now leaks water worse than ever. The steam is slightly improved but nothing to get excited about. Looking back on the whole experience, I would have to say that the first year was pretty good and then it was down hill ever since. Many a man has been beguiled by beauty that in time fades to remorse and anguish. In the case of the Luna that time frame is about 1 year and the remorse and anguish are in the form of leaking hot water and lackluster froth.

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