DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine

I have the EAM3200, which is the previous model version. The differences are slight but noticeable to the newer. These machines are the best in class for price and performance, produce a great espresso, and are maintainable in ways that other manufacturers models are not. The coffee from the Delonghi is just as good as from Jura and even some manual models such as Expobar and Rancillo. It is very close to what you find in Italy not quite, but for the price it is worth it. Great crema, hot temperature, rich flavor. And the best part is you can pull out the brew mechanism and clean it VERY key. This will ensure sound operation and function for many years.

In order to keep this machine is fine working order, you need to do a bit of upkeep each week and use the right beans.

1. Only use non-oily, 100% Arabica beans. If you use oily beans it will clog frequently and attract rancid flavors. It will also shorten the life of the machine. I use Illy, but any espresso will do (I actually get the Illy dark roast it has more flavor when brewing a larger "americano" cup).

2. Clean the brew mechanism once a week. Just snap it out and run it under hot water.

3. Use spring water instead of tap water. This will keep any weird flavors from your tap entering the coffee. It may build up minerals, but...

4. De-calcify the machine when it asks for it don't wait.

I, for one, would rather have manual controls over coffee amount, strength, etc. You are not losing out on anything by not having digital controls other than not being able to have the machine automatically on and ready to go when you first wake up. As for the other models ability to do milk-based drinks at the touch of a button how often do you really want a cappuccino? If it is every day, then get the 3500. If you are like me and need real coffee in the morning, then get this model. The milk canister can only sit in the fridge for so long. If you are planning to serve cappuccino at dinner parties, then you are committing Italian heresy cappuccino is only served in the morning.

CONS

1. The cup warmer does not work very well, but get double walled cups and the temperature of the product will not be an issue.

2. You can't have it turn on automatically at a certain time. But it only takes a few minutes to get up to temperature.

3. It is NOISY.

My espresso settings coffee amount at 10 o'clock, strength at 3 o'clock, single cup dispense. Super double espresso in an espresso cup. I may have 2 of these on a saturday.

My wife's "americano" settings coffee amount at 3 o'clock, strength at 3 o'clock, double cup dispense. Full cup of rich coffee in a normal cup.

Bean grind at 5.

Now, after six years...

The machine does develop leaks... I ordered a couple of sizes of silicone O-rings and spring clips from McMaster-Carr and go in a couple of times a year to replace them. I should find a size that works better. We also had to replace the original gear-driven grinder when it wore out completely. The newer design belt driven grinder is SO MUCH quieter!! It's worth repairing this machine is it gets older. It still makes amazing espresso and coffee.

This is an update after three years of using our Magnifica.

We bought our Magnifica after using a similar machine while visiting friends in Germany. We have been using it for over 3 years now, and are still quite happy with it. My wife and I both drink a lot of coffee -tall Americanos most of the day. I am a full time telecommuter, so I will average 3-5 a day in winter, 2-4 in summer. We also love being able to fill a couple of 16 oz. insulated cups before leaving on a road trip. I would say this machine probably gets more use than the manufacturer intended.

The unit has been fairly trouble free. We have noticed a few occasions when water leaked from the tank where it connected to the machine, leaving a puddle on the counter. After a cleaning and more carefully aligning the tank, it ceased being a problem. We have run the de-liming process when the machine asked for it. So far no other problems. I would strongly recommend a complete, thorough cleaning inside and out every month or two, though. Use a brush and a vacuum.

The cup warmer seemed like a great idea; in reality it doesn't do much. I was going to disconnect it to save electricity, but as it turns out it's just a metal plate over the hot water tank -it doesn't use any additional electricity. They just made a feature (cup warmer) out of an area where plastic would have probably warped and cracked by now.

It doesn't get any quieter with age. Once you push the button you can pretty much forget any ideas you had about conversation until your coffee is done (I am always sure to offer a cup to the in-laws when they visit). I finally removed the covers and added some Dynamat left over from my truck stereo installation to the areas that seemed to be vibrating; that helped a little but it's still pretty raucous.

I'm sure the guys who grind, tamp, press and adjust the pumps on the chrome semi-autos will turn up their noses at a machine like this, but it's such a huge step up from the typical drip coffee maker (and ground Folger's). If you're a coffee lover you really do owe it to yourself to try a machine like this. The price tag made the purchase a tough decision -still 5x what we paid for the best drip machine we'd ever had -but we're glad every day that we took the plunge.

Below is my original review, written a couple of months after we got it:

*****************

I wish I could give it a 4.5. As others have noted, it is a bit on the noisy side. We went from a Bunn drip machine (best drip coffee maker by far) to this after being blown away by the one our hosts had in Germany. It's been worth every penny. Speaking of pennies, a 20% off coupon at Bed Bath & Beyond is the ticket for low price and a VERY good return policy.

We have used Starbucks and Pears beans, and will continue to try others probably. Cleaning is a snap, my only real gripes are the water reservoir obviously designed with coffee-sipping Europeans in mind, not us coffee-DRINKING Americans. Still, we haven't used the Bunn since we plugged in the Magnifica.

Likes:

Superb coffee!! Great crema, better than coffee houses

Easily adjusted cup size & coffee strength

FAST warm-up

Easy to clean

Everything works perfectly

Dislikes:

A little noisy.

No automatic timer (not a big deal, since it warms up fast)

Cup warmer not of much use, and no way to shut it off

Buy DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine Now

[This review applies to the Magnifica 3200, this is the same as the 3300 with slight cosmetic differences.]

I bought this machine in 2006 after an almost-endless trawl through the internet reading owners' reviews after all, we are talking about the search for the perfect espresso here!

The coffee quality is indeed great. The only misgivings I would have about using it are that the knobs have no user markings, which means that if there are several people in the house using the machine, it is impossible to select the previously-selected individual settings. Also, the time before the machine performs an auto-switchoff is fixed at about three hours. I couldn't find the power comsumption in the user manual when in "idle" mode, but I think it must be substantial since it keeps the boiler/cup-preheater hot during this time. Not that the preheater is any use I warm my cups by first wetting them and then putting them in the microwave for 30 seconds.

More seriously, I have had the machine for three years and in this time it has broken down four times the first time after six weeks, the second time after about 18 months, the third time after about 30 months, and again most recently last week. The first two times, the machine was fixed under guarantee, without any quibbles. I think the problem is that the environment these machines have to work under is probably the most severe to be found in the home: high-pressure boiling water, grinding, and the transport of the coffee grains within the machine. Maybe the build quality of the cheaper machines is such that they cannot cope?

While waiting this last time round for it to be picked up and repaired, I decided to open it up to check its build quality (I'm an engineer). De Longhi has used thin plastic wherever possible. The coffee transfer path is not well isolated from the rest of the machine as a result coffee powder had dropped into the moving motorised assembly at the back of the machine (I think this was the reason why the machine ultimately had failed).

Others here have commented on the machine's coffee-making ability. I agree, it makes great coffee. It's a pity that, in my experience at least, it was let down by poor engineering.

Read Best Reviews of DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine Here

I purchased the Delonghi Magnifica Automatic Espresso Coffee Machine from Amazon in November 2006. It just died one month ago, out of warranty of course. When I called Delonghi to inquire as to how I could get it repaired, they informed me that they have only two places in the US that fix them. One on the east coast, and one on the west coast. So you have to ship it at your expense and insured to the appliance repair shop. I shipped mine the same day it broke to the east coast location; it went to Cross-Bay Appliance in Howard Beach, NY. It took them an entire month to look at the machine and they have a very casual, unconcerned approach. They will say, "I'll try" to look at it for weeks until you start to get a little heated in your tone, then they will take a look at it. Well, after waiting the entire month, they looked at it only to tell me it will cost almost as much as it would to purchase a new one to repair it. I asked them to ship it back and not to bother adding the cost to insure it since, now, it's nothing but piece of junk. Well, they insist on charging over twice as much as it would cost to resend it back to me.

Delonghi apparently does not care in the least about your out of warranty repair needs. Even if you have a small problem, you better give your beloved espresso machine a long kiss goodbye because you won't see if for a while. In my case, it's junk. I've heard of others having mechanical failures with these machines, but if they are out of warranty, which is only one year, you are screwed. I searched and searched for a appliance repair shop locally, there is NO ONE who knows about these machines but Delonghi knows and they will send you to this operation which does not have to try to get business, could care less about the customers and you can tell they know the drill. I'm tempted to let them keep it, but then realized that probably many people do that and they end up probably refurbishing them and then selling them, which I will not allow.

So, as much as I loved the machine, I would never purchase another one from Delonghi simply because there is no way to reasonably get it repaired in a decent amount of time and for a fair cost. So, your machine, once something goes wrong with it, will end up in the garage until you or someone else you know decides to go to the Espresso Machine Repair School for broke down Delonghi Machines.

I was shocked that this was my ONLY option, and the repair shop Delonghi sent me to has unprofessional and callous morons running it. They know you either pay what they ask for or pay whatever they want to ship it back regardless of the actual cost to ship it back to you, which further aggravates you because you have no choice. It's abusive. I will be filing a BBB complaint for this repair shop and giving Delonghi two thumbs down. Your purchase will be short lived. I'm looking into the Pasquini Espresso machine now, but I will find out what process I will have to go through if it needs any type of repairs in the future--post-warranty. These machines are not cheap. At first I loved Delonghi, but now that I know I'm buying their products only to put them in the garbage later because of outrageous repair costs and inconvenience by the morons Delonghi sends you too, I will never buy another one.

Want DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine Discount?

I ordered this machine for my mother for Christmas. What convinced me to go with the DeLonghi were the overwhelming number of outstanding reviews on Amazon. I will say that for three and one-half weeks, the machine made outstanding coffee. It then broke. The lights would blink on and off over and over and the machine would no longer brew. When my mother called customer care they suggested a possible solution. When that didn't work they said it would need to be sent back for repairs. She asked about a replacement. They told her 'no', that it would have to be repaired. She then asked about an extension on the warranty for the time it was in their shop. They again said 'No'. Having no other option, she sent it back (after waiting two weeks for the shipping box and label to arrive). That was THREE months ago. She has called customer care. They referred her to the appliance repair shop. She attempted to contact the appliance repair shop NEVER receiving an answer. She again called customer care and was told that the shop is in Seattle, WA (we are in Virginia) and that they are only open Monday-Wednesday from 9-5 and Thursday from 9-1. They have no answering machine. You must call during working hours and be lucky enough to get someone on the phone. She found this out last Thursday. She now has to wait until Monday at 11 am to make another attempt.

We estimated that we probably had 40 cups of espresso before the machine broke. When I purchased it it was $799 (say an even 800 for sake of easy math). That means each cup cost us about $20 (not including the cost of the beans). The coffee was good, but it didn't pump out $20 cups. The company may believe that the quality of the machine is 'good enough' for the $800 price point, that a few lemons here and there are to be expected for that price point. Investing $800 in an espresso machine (in anything) is significant and not something I took lightly. It is an expression of trust. I don't mind the fact that we received a lemon, I do mind that the company does not seem to care or respect our investment in them. Beyond the money, it has cost my mother time and frustration. I am embarrassed that our family's gift to her (on my direction and recommendation) has been little more than a source of stress for her.

When (or if at least seemingly) she gets the machine back from being repaired she is seriously considering just returning it to Amazon, even though we cannot get a refund due to the time that has passed.

Like I said, I read ALL the reviews on this before I selected in this particular machine good and bad. I have never before run into a more appropriate application of the saying 'Let the buyer beware!'. If you are still thinking about investing in this Delonghi, we might have a deal for you! That is, if we ever get it back.

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Moka Espresso Maker in Aluminum

I bought this for my hubby. It make 12 cup. This product is BIG! Super easy to clean. Has a mixer inside. You turn the mixer by the little black ball on top. This product is better than i expected. =)

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Krups XP7225 Compact Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

We bought this machine from Williams-Sonoma and liked it so much that we stuck with the coffee through four separate units, each of which failed within three weeks for a different reason. My wife and I each drink 2-3 shots of espresso per day, for a total of 6-8 cycles of the machine (including self rinsing): this is within their warranty rate of 10 cycles per day. We use non-greasy beans and reverse-osmosis water, both of which are recommended by the manufacturer. At first I thought we just got unlucky -every factory makes a few lemons -but after four machines and four independent failure modes I'm convinced they're just poorly built.

For coffee : 4-5 stars. When they work, these machines are just adjustable enough for us you can adjust the grind, the water temperature, and the water volume independently to "sight in" your ideal shot. For reliability: -4 stars. I would give this product just a single star, but the titanium fronted one comes with a terrific milk-frothing assembly that makes great, silky foam every time. That alone is worth a second star.

Machine #1: worked for three weeks, then mysteriously failed with an error code "DE" on the screen. Krups support was baffled.

Machine #2: worked for 1.5 weeks, then the burr grinder broke motor would turn but wouldn't grind coffee.

Machine #3: DOA on initial plug-in, entered an infinite loop of "calibrating machine" cycles. (I think an internal sensor was jammed).

Machine #4: worked for 3 weeks, then mysteriously started spewing acrid, electrical-insulator smoke.

I suggest a Delonghi Magnifica they can be found for under $1k and are actually designed to be maintainable or a semi-auto with built-in burr grinder (Breville makes one).

Loved it for the four weeks it actually worked. Krups had us send it to their service center. It came back after a month, still leaking out the bottom. Called Krups again and they wanted us to send it back to the service center once more-when it just came back from there with no change?! I said I didn't want to do that again, that the unit is clearly defective (hey, we tried) and now it's time for a replacement or a refund. The customer service agent said no, that my only option was to send it back to their service center.

If you are selling a defective product, and you know it, at least try to keep your company's reputation intact by taking responsibility for it, you know?

Finally, amazon agreed to take it back and refund our money. Anybody recommend a good DeLonghi?

Buy Krups XP7225 Compact Fully Automatic Espresso Machine Now

Today I received my Krups XP7225 Compact Fully Automatic Espresso Machine after doing hours and hours of research. I liked the things I read about itsmall size, some control over output, flavor, crema, dependability compared to other models of interest.

I have to admit that I don't usually drink espresso. I prefer to add milk to my coffee. I like to enjoy a latte or cappuccinno. I do not add syrups or sweetenersno flavorsno sugar.

So, I really need to bring out the sweetness of the milk, and to do that I need to get the milk to at least 140 degrees. When the milk hits 140 degrees the natural sweetness of milk bursts through, and you can enjoy a reasonably sweet and creamy beverage without using sugar, and fend off osteoporosis at the same time. I learned from a barista in Rome that lattes and cappuccinos do not have to be loaded with chocolate or caramel to taste sweet and delicious. You just have to know how to produce proper steamed milk! I had fun learning how to do make a great espresso drinks in Italy, and I long for the quality I enjoyed there. (or at least as close to it as I can come in the U.S. midwest)

Unfortunately, the Krups 7225 does not have enough staying power to heat the milk properly before or after brewing a shot of espresso. I wish it had an additional heating element! I followed the set up, rinsed the machine, did the initial run through, prepared 2 cups of espresso, and as directed, threw them out and began to make my first latte.

My initial attempt produced lovely foam, but the milk was much too cool to sweeten the milk. Not a good product. I returned to the manual (which is WONDERFULLY instructive) and adjusted steamer's automatic timer. Better, but still the milk was not heated well.

Third time I let the steamer use the full cycle, then started the steamer again. It was a short wait, but my espresso was cooling on the cup warmer while I waited to generate steam again. Finally I got the milk to 140, added it to the espresso shot, and enjoyed a creamy, sweet latte. The foam was absolutely lovely, dense, creamy, sweetperfect. I just wish the machine would provide an adequate amount of steam.

In fairness, I am going to go tonight to get some mineral water and see if I can produce more steam. Today I used distilled water, hoping to avoid calcium buildup to keep the machine clean and running for years to come. I hope I can report that it makes a difference.

It is regrettable to spend so much for a machine that cannot produce sweet, frothy milk for one latte or cappucino. I feel disappointed. However, if you prefer to drink espresso or use just a little milk, this could be the machine for you.

Pro's:

Very compact size

Easy to set up

Easy to adjust and customize for your particular taste

Easy to useexcept when steaming milk

Easy to understand manual

No more stops at the coffee shop on the way to work!

Con's

Steam does not last long enough to produce a sweet, frothy large latte.

Less metal, more plastic than I expected.

Price seems a lot for the construction of the machine

Overall Impression:

If you don't have a lot of space for your espresso machine, drink straight espresso or drinks with just a little milk, then stop looking and buy the Krups XP7225. However, if you're like me and enjoy a large latte or cappuccino with sweet, creamy milk and dense, fluffy froth, this may not be the machine for you.

Read Best Reviews of Krups XP7225 Compact Fully Automatic Espresso Machine Here

I've been using my XP7225 for a couple of months now, and I think I can provide some insight into this machine.

Executive Summary: Great machine if you like pressure-brewed coffee or straight espresso shots. Not so great for cappuccinos as the steamer doesn't get the milk hot enough fast enough. Bargains available online and in stores. I bought mine for $320 at BBB (with the 20 percent coupon).

Some observations:

-The Claris filter is optional. I don't use it as it appears to cause problems for users and the troubleshooting guide mentions to remove it if you have problems. I have never had any problems going filterless. Instead, I use a Brita faucet filter to fill the machine. Also, the Claris filter costs $18 and must be changed every 2 months!

-Some users have complained about leaking. Note that the drip tray fills up from within the machine as the machine heats up. You need to empty the drip tray after each one or two uses. I am sure this is where the leaks come from. If you empty the tray often, no leaks.

-Although the milk steamer is effective to froth, the end-product is not hot enough after a one minute cycle. If you have the patience to run it for a second time, that solves the problem. However, cleaning the attachment is a pain (requires running steam through it but should also be removed and washed). I prefer to heat the milk in my cup for one minute in the microwave. This also heats up the cup nicely. I realize this is not steamed milk but rather heated milk. I really don't have a big attachment to milk froth, but, if you do, this is not the machine for you.

-The pressure-brewed coffee is so delicious and non-bitter that I can drink it black without sugar. This is from someone who usually takes three teaspoons and lots of milk per 8 oz cup. The difference between this and a drip coffee machine is like night and day.

-I always run a rinse cycle (about 2 oz of water) after I am done with the machine and when I start it up.

-The standard size coffee is adjustable up to 4 oz. The long coffee (8 oz) is a double cycle. I mix 4 oz of steamed milk (from the microwave) with 4 oz of coffee. The result is very good and requires little or no sugar.

-The machine hates oily beans. Use a medium roast, dry bean for best results. I prefer the finest setting on the grinder. It produces lots of crema on the coffee.

Want Krups XP7225 Compact Fully Automatic Espresso Machine Discount?

I reviewed semi-automatic machines like this one along with many others. My brother-in-law had introduced me to the concept of single-brew coffee and I had the opportunity to use similar machines while over in Austria.

It took me over a year before I made the purchase and I decided on this Krups machine.

I had experienced and read reviews that the temperature on other machines was not where it needed to be. In some cases, manufacturers suggested that you warm up the coffee mug to help with that issue. I didn't want that to be a problem so this was top on my list of important features.

All in all, I would say:

Pros

1) Hot coffee 3 settings and I have dialed it down to setting 2. Very happy

2) Reliability I am seeing a few individuals suggest that they are having issues. I specifically chose this manufacturer since I have an older manual espresso that will probably last another 20 years. Their customer service is outstanding and the warranty was respectable. Reading the reviews where there were issues sounds like someone may have had some electrical issues in their house??? Also, I could see where someone could think the machine leaks since there will be water on the counter if you don't empty the drip tray. I have had my machine for 8 months with zero problems.

3) Selectable options including temperature, grind setting (3), Amount of coffee/espresso per serving

4) Space this is a smaller unit than some of the other brands

5) Frother Works well as long as you use skim or a lower fat milk. The milk should also be cold when starting

6) Cost other machines like this are $1,000+ (new)

7) Convenience Excellent... wife would buy another one if this one should ever need replacing

8) Ease of use I think Krups did an excellent job with the user interface and controls. This is very simple to use.

Cons

1) Selectable options do not include brew strength. This can be controlled through a combination of grind setting and serving size since the amount of coffee can not change. This should be an option

2) Plastic controls The titanium look is a plastic look. Dials could be heavier metal but nothing has broken. This is a function of cost so you get what you pay for.

3) Serving size The machine will only dispense 4 oz of coffee as a single serving. If you want a full cup, you select the Long Coffee setting which will then run through 2-cycles of the 4 ounce option. It doesn't take long to complete but it would be nice if 1-cycle could make 8 ounces. I am not sure why I say that other than the fact that it is different than what you would expect.... Don't put a lot of weight on this comment

4) Noise I believe most machines are loud since they are grinding beans and using pressure to make the coffee/espresso but it will be nice when the machine is as quiet as a Miele Dishwasher.

In summary, I believe most of my purchases and satisfaction are a direct correlation between the price. I think this is an excellent choice at the price point. There are machines that are made out of heavier materials and provide some options that I talk about above. They are more expensive and I had concern over reliability.

*** update on 3/4/10 (8 months from purchase) machine started leaking and I had to return for a new one. I have to say that the idea of not having this was not an option. I thought about buying one of the other more expensive versions but then came to grips with everything that I liked about this one to begin with. I guess reliability may not be one of the strengths though... I can say that we use this way too much! ****

*** update on 10/2011 I had received a new machine back in March and it is now leaking all over the counter. I called Krups and they said that this is no longer under warranty and I would need to have it repaired. If it was the first occurrence, I would pay for it but this has proven to be a defect with the unit as evidenced by others and comments. I asked Krups to honor the product given the extenuating circumstances and they would not replace the machine. I have chosen to purchase a new Delonghi Magnificia and so far it is much better given the features and functionality. It also comes with 2 years of warranty and a white glove service line which I hope I do not have to use.

Breville BWF100 Replacement Water Filters, 6-Pack

I absolutely love my Breville single cup coffee maker and I'm fairly religious about changing the filters since I do think good water is important to good coffee. When I put my last filter in the machine I automatically order another box. This time the experience was easy and quick, requiring practically no effort on my part -so much easier that locating a retail store and making a trip.

Easy to install in my Breville expresso. It's recommanded by Breville, so I use it.

Buying a 6-pack is conveniant, and it's a year's worth (2 month per Filter).

Buy Breville BWF100 Replacement Water Filters, 6-Pack Now

My wife and I drink coffee on a daily basis.

We did not follow the original directions that stated we needed to replace the filters every 2 months or so...

Well recently wifey was drinking coffee and started complaining it tasted more like water then coffee...

I began to research and thought this would help...well low and behold, it did :)

THANKS TO THESE LITTLE THINGS

Read Best Reviews of Breville BWF100 Replacement Water Filters, 6-Pack Here

I think these cost too much.

I love my Breville BES900XL espresso maker but do not like that I need to pay so much for these filters.

They work fine and I am sure they are high quality.

I just think they cost too much.

Want Breville BWF100 Replacement Water Filters, 6-Pack Discount?

Like for so many other manufacturers, the replacement/wear items on machines are WAY more profitable than the original piece of equipment. These filters work as described but are TOO EXPENSIVE for what you receive. I couldn't find an alternative but will keep looking for one.

illy Medium Roast Ground Coffee for Drip Coffeemakers

Confession: I have been a true fan of Starbucks. I used to think Starbucks was the best coffee ever and the many bags of Starbucks in my pantry will prove that! However, I recently received a gift of a half pound of illy Caffe Normale Drip/Medium Grind (Blue Band) Coffee, 8.8 Ounce Tins (Pack of 2)and I was for once in my life, truly impressed with the quality, flavor, and aroma of this coffee. I also find this to be heartbreaking as I do not know what to do with all my Starbucks that I have on hand. I just gave 3 pounds of my Starbucks to my mother-in-law since I will not be drinking it anymore. If you are a true coffee conesseiur then you will love Illy coffee. If I ever open a coffee shop, I would be more than happy to invest in this company.

We use Illy in both drip and espresso machines. Their darker roasts are wonderful, not bitter, and form a nice crema when used in our espresso machines.

Drink Illy any time of the day--use decaf at night as needed!

Do not feel pressured to buy whole beans and grind them every day. This ground coffee is great! The Illy canisters are vacuum-sealed and have a long shelf life. Buy several at a time if you see a good price, and enjoy!

Buy illy Medium Roast Ground Coffee for Drip Coffeemakers Now

This is my default brand of coffee. It's just right, not too strong and no burnt taste. Starbucks was good 10+ years ago, but now I only go if I'm desperate for caffeine. Peets is a bit too strong for my taste. Illy is perfect, esp. their medium roast, fine grind. Hmmm.

Read Best Reviews of illy Medium Roast Ground Coffee for Drip Coffeemakers Here

I keep coming back to this espresso as one of the smoothest, medium-bodied but full flavored coffees I've tried. I make it in a 4-cup drip coffeemaker, not an espresso machine, and the results are still great.

I have tried the dark roast version but find that one is too much for me (at least brewed this way). I just wish it were cheaper or came in a larger quantity; it's not the kind of price that you're comfortable making extra cups worth and not drinking them.

Definitely one you should try if you have not.

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The Illy company was set up in 1933 in Italy by a Hungarian officer who had come to Trieste with the Austro-Hungarian Army during World War I, and stayed. Today, the company remains with the Illy family, with the founder's grandson at the helm. They have 700 employees and sell their brand in over 100 countries. The company uses only Arabica beans, purchased directly from the farmer, rather then the middleman, and produces only one superiour blend.

So much for Google info ;o)... Now, here is my personal Illy "journey":

I am down to only one cup of coffee a day and so I need its taste to be perfect (quality vs quantity). I like my coffee very strong, but dread the bitter aftertaste many strong brands induce (Starbucks would be one). I was introduced to Illy by a co-worker a few years ago, and have not looked back... It provides the strength I crave, with a sweet and smooth aftertaste. Yes, this coffee will grow hair on your chest(figuratively...). The coffee is packed in air free conditions (with nitrogen gas), to help preserve the taste. When you pull of the inner metal seal, you will hear the air hissing its way into the can. The metal cap is a twist off. It is designed to be air tight as well, to prolong the freshness after the can has been opened.

Regarding the brewing process: for a decade now I have been using the French press exclusively (I believe it delivers a stronger/sweeter brew). I find the medium grind/medium roast "blue band" Illy to be perfect for the purpose. The instructions on the back of the can help you with coffee to water ratio for both the drip machine and the French press. Do not over-agitate the French press after brewing and you will be ok. Alternately, you may purchase whole Illy beans and grind them to your satisfaction (sadly, I am too lazy for that...).

Regarding Amazon price and service: Illy is not easy to find in certain parts of the country. Where I live, it requires a trip to the local mall... So, I was happy to find that Amazon offered this product at the same price as my mall, with the cost free, directly to my door, service. The item arrived promptly, with the "open by" date fourteen months away. I am a happy customer!

I hope the coffee will work for you as well!