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

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Lavazza Gran Crema Espresso Pods 20 pack

Lavazza Gran Crema Espresso Pods 20 packThe Lavazza Gran Crema pods are fine if you're not too fussed about good coffee, or if you're using them for latte or other milk drinks.

My main issue with these was how they came from the seller.

The product description clearly states that the pods come in a "20 pack box" this was important to me as I keep my pods on the bench in their display boxes.

Instead, my 20 pods came loose in a zip lock bag and each one was clearly marked not for individual sale.

The seller obviously buys these in bulk and then on-sells them for a larger profit very dodgy.

I'm not a gourmet, just someone who looks forward to her morning latte. I typically make a 12-oz latte with a single shot. I like saving money by making my own lattes, but don't want to take the time or deal with the mess of grinding beans, so I prefer pods. I recently bought a De'Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker, and was inspired to expand my horizons beyond Starbucks espresso pods, so I tried a few different brands. I liked the flavor of this coffee, finding it to be smoother and less bitter than Starbucks. At the price they were a good value. However, I found it difficult to get a good pull from my machine with these pods; the pack seemed too loose. Dipping them in water and tamping did help. These are E.S.E espresso pods, made for espresso machines with E.S.E pod adapters. They are not for Senseo or K-cups machines.

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These Pods are great. They provide excellent tasting espresso without the grinding process which saves a lot of time. The only downside is each pod only provides 1oz of espresso. So if you're going to make two double shots of espresso that's 4 pods you would have to change in and out which makes a lot work. Overall great for just yourself but if making more than a shot or two for yourself, you'd be better off going with beans or grounds.

Read Best Reviews of Lavazza Gran Crema Espresso Pods 20 pack Here

Lavazza coffee is hands down one of the better coffees available. These pods produce an excellent flavor espresso, with a very smooth almost sweet taste, and an incredible crema! Highly recommended!

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I purchased the Lavazza Gran Crema Espresso because to use in my espresso machine. It worked great it makes a perfect espresso is delicious especially for cappuccino and using pods are a lot cleaner than using ground coffee.

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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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Tuesday, April 1, 2014

valve for coffeee-pot Mukka express tz. 2

valve for coffeee-pot Mukka express tz. 2Purchased this replacement valve with ring and installed both correctly as I have used one for years. First use resulted in an eruption of hot coffee on the ceiling as it blew the valve off the top of the pot! Thankfully no one was hurt. Once we cleaned up the mess we tried it again with just water and the result was the same. Put the old valve back on and it worked without incident. I have contacted the Seller.

I had to replace the valve after inadvertently dropping the original down the garbage disposal. My Mukka Express was only a year old, but the valve that came with the coffee maker did not always froth the milk and even contributed to leaks. This one is much tighter, and they have changed the color of the gasket to red to ensure that you replace it as well. They have quite good customer service, so if you have a Mukka that is leaking, etc. they will send you a replacement valve for free. I purchased this one since it was my fault.

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I ordered my Mukka Express in December of 2009 and have used it and loved it almost daily since. Last month my valve, instead of popping up to foam the milk, shot to the ceiling spraying HOT espresso and milk all over my ceiling and kitchen. Thank goodness I wasn't standing at the stove waiting or I could have been badly burned. I paid for a replacement valve and on my first cup of coffee it again shot off spraying my ceiling and kitchen again. I could tell the valve didn't fit as well as the original. I'm not sure if they changed the design? I tried it three more times with just water to see if I could break the valve in because I've become a morning Mukka addict and didn't want to give up on the machine. But it shot off each and every time, so at this point I'm crying uncle. My biggest concern is the danger of the hot liquid spewing all over, and I'm not looking forward to having to re-paint my kitchen ceiling either. Even if you love this machine as much as I did, PLEASE never stand by the stove while it is brewing. Clearly they are having issues with their valves and you don't want to get burned. At this point I can no longer recommend this product because of the safety danger it poses.

Read Best Reviews of valve for coffeee-pot Mukka express tz. 2 Here

This valve has a different design and does not work as the old one used to. The old one worked 100% of the time, this works only about 50% of the times. It is to loose and, as other customers said, it releases the steam too early, and furthermore not all the water goes through.

I am unhappy with this and want my old valve back!

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I first bought my Bialetti Mokka Express three years ago and just loved it! It worked perfectly each time I used it. Then I had to replace the pressure valve and the ones I got worked perfectly as well. Last year I had to replace the valves again and received a new model. At best it works perfectly about 60% of the time. When it doesn't, it releases before there is enough pressure to froth. It sometimes tilts sideways on the stem then leaks steam. The froth doesn't reach the top of the pot. What a disappointment! When it works properly it makes a fabulous cup of coffee like heaven on earth. But I have wasted so much coffee and milk that I could have bought a brand new Mokka Express. I am going to give it ONE MORE CHANCE with a new valve. If it doesn't work, I'll have to abandon Bialetti and look for another way to make my morning latte.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Food Network Espresso Machine

Food Network Espresso Machinepeople must know when purchasing this it is an economy machine. it will not work like a rocket or simonelli. it wasn't meant to it was meant to provide a functional machine for the home brewer. I have had this machine now for 4-5 months. and I am a very avid coffee drinker/brewer. the espresso does come out rather headless but the flavor is great. I make 6-15 lattes a week for me and my friends. I think it's a great buy until you want to get into the 2-300 dollar range.

I got this as a present and I had to return it. The operation of the unit was very loud and it didn't pump any liquid into the filter basket. I also tried the "steam" and "warm" from the wand to see if it pumped any steam that way. It had the same results. There are always factory defects but right out-of-the-box? It was also a concern that the knob to change from "off" "steam" and "warm" was very resistant and difficult to turn (almost to the point where I needed a channel lock). Maybe this was also a factory defect, but if all units was this tight then those who have weak hands or maybe arthritis would have difficulty. Not only that but if the steam feature was actually working, then I would be concern someone burning themselves and over heat their milk. Like I said, this might be a factory defect. I know this is not a $500 machine, but honestly I used $50 espresso MR. Coffee machines that seemed better built than this.

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It made good espresso for about 2 months and then the filter baskets were completely plugged up and are uncleanable. Noisy. Weak pump. Returned the machine. If you are going to use it once a week for a month and then put it up on the shelves until special occassions, fine, but there are cheaper ones that will do that. Day-to-day use wears the poorly made machine out quickly. Have been drinking nothing but espresso for over a decade and this has been the worst machine I've owned.

Food Network should be ashamed of putting its name on such cheaply made garbage for a buck.

Read Best Reviews of Food Network Espresso Machine Here

I can make good foam from this unit, the warmer is nice one thing to mention is the buttons on mine are backwards. Meaning if I want a double shot I need to select the one cup button if I want a single cup press the 2 cup button.. Odd but it just works that way I think it gives it character. other things to note the steam wand attachment does come off don't forget to clean off the burnt milk under it if you use it, I just keep mine off for the time being. The rest is pretty simple I use distilled water in the unit and for maintenance sake after I empty the last shot of espresso I run a cleaning ( just water only) through the system to keep all the espresso ground out of the unit.

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Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Waring Pro ES1500 Professional Espresso Maker

Waring Pro ES1500 Professional Espresso MakerWell, the machine arrived well packed and without damage. It was easy to set up. My husband likes the hot water feature for his tea. I drink caps more than espresso and it does a decent job with the milk. However, I have yet to pull a decent shot of espresso. It either comes out to rapidly, or not at all, or leaks around the top. I have weighed the dose, tried fine grind light tamp, slightly coarser grind with heavy tamp, tried with the crema helper, without the crema helper. There is no crema even with the "helper" and the machine just gives you a pour over, no extraction. The pump seems to have plenty of power for steam and I suspect it may be the filter cup design. or the head. I would love to know where this machine was made and who made it. ConAir registered the copy write on Vero Barista which is on the front of my machine and this may be why it is now listed as es1000.

While the machine looks nice, is relatively quiet, if you want to pull a real shot of espresso, buy something else. Waring Pro has seriously damaged their image as the purveyor of quality small appliances with this machine. Any home barista would send it back. If Waring Pro cares about their name, they will figure out why this machine doesn't perform as they say and fix it.

We have tried all sorts of combinations of grind and packing but are disappointed with the lack of power in this machine. It looks great, the levers are nice, the steamed milk is stupendous, the coffee is disappointing. I am returning it.

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Sunday, July 28, 2013

Gaggia Espresso Dose

Gaggia Espresso DoseI 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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