I was searching for a budget minded machine in the $350 price range that would be a combination espresso/coffee maker and stumbled upon the XP2280. mind you, I am a novice machine purchaser but avid coffee lover. I liked the overall appearance of the XP2280 and simplicity of the design and controls. I searched the internet for a review and alas there were none. I took a chance and bought it and am very satisfied thus far. It makes a very good cup of coffee with #4 cone filters, although a gold tone should be and was not included in the purchase. I also programmed it to start brewing before I wake up, VERY NICE. I would have been more satisfied with an extra two cups of coffee, my previous coffee maker being a 12 cup, but the coffee it does make is great tasting. The espresso side is literally idiot proof with the built in tamper system and makes a fine one or two serving with either scoops or the option of ESE pods (44mm Dia. 7g size). I used the Illy dark roast and it made two espresso servings with the right amount of foam, coloration, aroma, and taste that you would find in many popular "indie" coffee shops. I used the steam function for foaming milk for a cappuccino and was very satisfied with the outcome. It was quieter than other machines for the sole purpose of making espresso/ cappuccino while still making a full 15 bars of pressure. The unit is easy to clean and care for and will be a fine addition to your counter-top.
The reason for 4 stars and not 5
1. lack of gold tone filter, it should be included for the price I paid
2. 10 cup maker not 12, I drink alot of coffee
3. coffee making process can be heard from a few rooms away, not loud, but louder than my previous machine
4. no pressure indicator for espresso maker
I received this item as a Christmas gift. It looks beautiful on my counter top and for the first month it worked flawlessly. Other reviews are accurate concerning confusing instructions but once you figure out how it works, it works well.
The biggest issue is the frothing nozzle, MS-622874, broke within the first month. The internal assembly is plastic with a metal sheath. After my machine wouldn't froth milk the way it used to, I opened it up to clean it to notice that the threaded plastic assembly broke. This must be due to the high heat temperatures that can occur in the steaming process. When I try to purchase a replacement (ranges from $11 to 20 online) I cannot find one in stock ANYWHERE! This is a key part that works on several of Krups' cappuccino machines and its lack of availability (including from he Krups store itself) leads me to believe this is a very widespread problem!
The unit did come with an alternative device that attaches and still 'works' but it operates differently than the primary nozzle (it draws milk through a nozzle from a tube). This method produces lattes and cappuccinos that are nowhere near hot enough and not as good as the original part. It also tends to spit milk all over the place which is annoying. That said, I am glad it came with this back-up piece because otherwise I would be totally out of luck in the froth department. It would have also lead to a 1 star rating.
This was a great gift and I love it but I am bummed that this key part was so poorly engineered. It is even more frustrating that I cannot find a replacement. Perhaps they are working on a re-engineered version and no longer making the crappy original?
I have only brewed drip coffee a couple of times and the results are fine.
UPDATE 4-27-12: This is my third update to this review. I had filed a warranty claim with Krups concerning the frothing part which broke within the first month. They contacted me and informed me that it was being re-designed and they would send me a new one. I noted this in a comment in March. Well today I received the new part from UPS. It installed easily (although there were no installation instructions only cleaning instructions) but after I figured out that the plastic fitting attached to the metal tube could be unscrewed with care and replaced with the new fitting and gasket I was good to go. Anyhow, the new design actually looks better. The inner structure, which caused the problem on the original part, is made from a much more solid piece that does not require you to unscrew anything along it in order to take it apart. That was the primary design flaw of the original part. You had a piece of plastic that was subject to heat and then would be subject to the twisting force of the screw assembly. The new design eliminates this completely and relies on a silicone seal to keep the metal housing in place.
The performance of the new steam nozzle is even improved over the old one! I made my first cappuccino and it was awesome. Clean up was a snap. Obviously I will have to see how it performs over a longer period of time but it appears that the primary issue with this machine has been addressed. Krups replaced the part for free and while it took some time, and they didn't include instructions on how to replace and install it, it was intuitive enough to figure out. Raised the rating from 3 stars to 5 stars. Back in business!
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It is so rare that I take the time to write a review but I feel I must to prevent others from buying this machine and with the hope that the former excellent manufacturer sees how disappointed I am with this product. I am not a novice espresso maker and in fact had an older model Krups combo coffee / espresso machine for more than 10-years previous to this. That machine was so good, brewed perfect coffee, espresso and froth milk without a problem or touchy process.
Let me start by saying what I love about this machine THE LOOKS (lipstick on a pig???), the little compartment for the coffee spoon and the release button for used espresso grounds. These items do not have a thing to do with brewing or making a good coffee drink.
The machine I have does not make very hot coffee, it's very warm but not super hot. As for the espresso and frothing capability they just don't work according to the VERY fragmented instructions. There are so many references to figures 1.... and you have to keep going back and forth. The espresso does not brew after waiting for the light to turn solid and simply pushing 1 or two cup selection. I often have to push 3 or more times and it still doesn't work. Then I start the "warming" process, etc. all over again.
As for the "froth" it simply doesn't work everytime or well and worse of all it pushes water into the milk. Instead of froth it makes barely luke warm water filled milk. This machine generally sucks (a word I dislike and rarely use).
I am so disappointed with this machine and for the money it's really bad. I want to know when we started to think that spending $300.00 on a coffee maker was cheap. Why on earth is it necessary to spend $700.00 on a coffee maker? This product is not worth $40.00, let alone $300.00.
Don't buy it. I promise it's not worth any amount of money. Too bad because it looks great!
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Bought a Krups XP2070 because it is a company with a good reputation in the past. Shortly out of warranty, the clock/timer stopped working. OK, it still made offee and espresso. After another two months, it stopped altogether.
I sent it to the repair station, but they say parts are no longer available. Now I have a $300 paperweight.
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While it worked it made coffee just fine. My husband had A LOT of difficulty making any quality espresso with this machine. Overall the machine was very hard to work (as newbie espresso makers). Big reason for the 2 stars? Espresso side of the machine broke after 3 years and the machine stopped working all together (no power/no nothing), just shy of 4 years. For $400? I don't think so.
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Purchased this for business, works well however it runs really hot, won't be surprised if the coffee inside is 212%, also stops dispensing with about 12 cups inside, guess this keeps the pot from burning, but I then have to move the last 12 cups to a carafe so they can be enjoyed. Guess you cannot have your cake....u know the rest.
