La Pavoni PPG-16 Professional 16-Cup Espresso Machine, Brass

I have owned this machine (8-cup, chrome) for over ten years and everyday when I make my morning cappuccino I love it more. You can spend more for a machine that measures the coffee, tamps it, pulls the water through and steams the milk for you, but you can tip the kids behind the counter at Starbucks and they'll do the same thing. Making espresso should be a little art and a little science and this machine an impeccable balance of the two. If you aren't the kind of person who takes joy in mixing the perfect martini, making a risotto that whispers with flavor, or whipping a meringue to impossibly tall peaks, this probably isn't the machine for you.

The La Pavoni is for the person who will find tremendous joy in going to the lengths required to make a perfect cappuccino by hand everyday. (And don't bother using anything less than Illy Cafe coffee in it.)

I owned one of these for three years, and agree with the only other reviewer that this item is only for those who take joy in fiddling with the many variables of grind, pull speed, preheating, and coffee bean choice. If you don't want to put in all the extra effort to coax performance from a beautiful piece of Italian engineering, save your money and buy something automated.

That said, I thought a potential buyer might want to read about some of these idiosyncracies. First, no matter what you do, the first shot you pull will taste bad. Preheat, pull hot water for the first shot--nothing will change the fact that the first shot doesn't taste good. I resigned myself to wasting that first shot.

Second, if you want to pull shots soon after each other, you'll find out that this unit does not have a pressure release mechanism. So when you unseat the filter holder soon after pulling the shot, there's still pressure against the grounds, which will now *poof* blow back outward onto your fingers and the machine. You'll get used to knowing when it's been "long enough", and in a pinch you can *carefully* ease the holder out, slowly letting the pressure to escape.

With a pump espresso maker, you can pull "lungo" or "ristretto" shots, which have (respectively) larger or smaller shot sizes. Since the amount of grounds stays the same, this means more watery or stronger. But with this unit you have to live with the pull size implicit in the amount of water moved by that piston for a pull. They give you two holders, which gives you two sizes. The smaller one is the only one I ever used, which was a ristretto--a good choice, if you have to take a single choice!

Unlike most espresso machines for the home market, you have steam available all the time on that side steam wand--you don't need to switch it into "steam mode". The steam wand is a little dated in design, but I got very good results out of it. They supply you with some gimmicky steam/frothing attachments which you should ignore.

For a party, you'll run out of water sooner than you expect. The reservoir is heated up to steam and is thus under pressure. You do NOT open it until it has cooled down enough to release all the steam. So unlike those pump units, this one is really not for making a lot of shots in a row.

Let me finish by saying that although most of what I've said about this machine are its misfeatures, it is a really, really likable unit! The previous reviewer was SO right in comparing it to making a martini. I'd add that it's even more like fiddling with your stereo and speakers until you finally get it sounding *right*. With the manual pull lever you'll get a feel for what the correct grind feels like. You'll know what the right pull speed is--your muscles will start to remember it. And out will come that lovely espresso with its golden crema--what a way to start the morning!

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The only problem I had was the wood on the boiler cap was cracking. This is not a common problem that they had. I sent the damaged cap back and they replaced it with a new one. The coffee grind is the trick to making this espresso machine work properly.

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Pros: after getting used to the classic finicky nature of this, the quality if superb.

Cons: first shot tends to go to the sink, poor placement for the steam wand.

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There is nothing I can add that these other 2 reviewers haven't already covered w/ eloquence, but here I go anyway. I bought mine roughly 2 2.5 years ago. I'm happy to report, the romance is still alive and strong. I might not tremble in awe anymore, but every morning there we are, starting our day together. It's never the same. lately my shots are not doing it for me. I have found the bean makes a considerable difference. namely, how fresh it is. I've been buying stump town lately, but it might not be cutting the mustard. ahhhh, I digress. the general gist is that its quirky. and figuring out those quirks(which may vary machine to machine) has got to appeal to you. If you want a consistent, nice shot everyday as you fly out the door on your way to work, maybe this is not the one. some people prefer automatic transmission, others want to feel the engine below the pedals, they enjoy driving for its own sake. so, that's what I'd reinforce. clearly it's a gorgeous machine. It's very well-made. it's got old-world appeal. some of my friends didn't realize it actually functioned. they thought I had some cool antique relic on my counter, and didn't even question why I had it on display based purely on aesthetics. pouring a shot of liquid gold was, for them, nothing short of a religious experience. the last thing I'll say, and the resin I'm even here, is because I was curios how well they hold there value. I am happy to report they seem to be increasing in value.

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Kalorik Coordinates 8-Cup Coffee Maker, White/Red

The carafe cracked on the third usage. As if that wasn't enough to discard product integrity. I return and ordered a second brewer and that carafe cracked on the fourth usage. So there you have! I would be a bit leery in considering this product. Now I have been brewing coffee for a solid 55 years and have never had this happen on any other brewer.

I received my Karolik 8 cup coffee maker and used it for 3 weeks when the carafe broke on the bottom while the coffee was brewing. I contacted Abe's of Maine. The customer service rep was immediately defensive, spewed a bunch of reasons it was not their responsibility and ultimately said they were not responsible because carafes break all the time. A clean dry carafe should not break while the coffee is brewing, especially after a few weeks. I read a review after I purchased that others have had the same issue with this product. In the end he said they do not carry the item anymore and could not help me. So wasted my money buying from this company; they would not support the products they represent.

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This is an inexpensive, good looking product that works as well as any of the more expensive brands.

When I discovered that, in this industry, a cup is only four ounces I went looking for something that would fill two sixteen ounce mugs like real people use. This was perfect. I may buy more for gifts.

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This is a great coffee maker and coffee is very hot the way it should be. Who needs a programmable timer when you can set it up at night and in the morning it only takes 9 minutes for nice fresh, tasty really hot coffee!

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Gaggia 12300 Baby Class Manual Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

We got the Gaggia Baby Class 12300 over the weekend. I must confess that I purchased it not here at amazon (although I am an amazon shopper for life, I think). Firstly, the built of this machine is by far superior than my first esp machine, breville cafe roma which I had to dispatch with a heavy heart, because it was a good (cremaaaaa!!!) espresso machine. I also have a Delonghi 702, which got great reviews, but I cannot get good crema from it, so it's going back. Stainless steel casing, the cash basin is cast iron, and the filter weighs about a pound.

After carefully reading the manual,(I rarely do with other new "toys"), using this machine is easy to use. I always "prime" the machine as instructed by running it without the filter attached until the cup is filled with just water.

I usually use a clear mug/cup to see the beautiful crema that comes out.

The frother: one of the reviewers that I read was mildly complaining about it falling off. If you read the section on how to clean it and put it back it should not happen anymore. Tip: youtube has videos from casualfilm that shows you how to prime, make capuccino, clean, the machine.

Cappuccino: Wow! that's all I can say... first you make your espresso, and by the time you put your milk (stright from the fridge) the machine has warmed up already that it only takes a few seconds to heat up the milk and create a great frothing.

I have nothing but praises for this machine!!! I will try to update in about a month....

You pay for what you get. The Gaggia is pricey BUT it is worth the price for a great cup of espresso. We have previously owned two much cheaper models by other manufactures and they never produced a great cup of espresso. The Baby Gaggia is extremely easy to operate and contains all quality parts, most importantly it produces a world class cup of espresso or cappuccino. It is a great reminder of vacations to Italy.

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I had a Gaggia Classic for years, which gave one consistently great shot after another. I upgraded to the Gaggia Baby Class, and after 7 months I have given up. It has gone back for service twice, and each time came back not working properly. When I complained, I was told the problem was a "new" problem, and even though it was still under warranty, I would have to pay shipping ($50.00).

My new Baby Class is inconsistent and pours great shots alternating with shots I have to throw away. Service from Whole Latte Love/Importika has deteriorated since I had my first Gaggia machine. I have finally given up and gotten rid of this machine and purchased a new one, a different brand from a different vendor.

Very disappointing.

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This is a great looking machine and functions very well. It takes some time to get the crema right but it when it works properly, it's excellent.

However, after using it regularly for four weeks, it seems the filter becomes very clogged very quickly and has to be cleaned often. The holes seem quite small and the water accumulates in the awkward catch tray quite often. It's frustrating because water also accumulates under the machine. Lots of cleaning involved. Didn't happen on our old Saeco. Suppose it could be the grind but its been the same used from day one. At this point, I would not rank it over 4 stars.

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I've had the Baby for just over a month. I have experienced none of the issues I read about in a couple of the reviews. No leaks, primed right out of the box. It heats up quickly and makes a really good espresso and froths milk with no fuss. The only complaint I have ,and it's minor, is the placement of the power switch. In this price range I don't think you're going to find a better espresso machine.

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SmartBrew 12 Cup Coffee Maker

NEVER AGAIN will I purchase a coffee maker on the internet. This Black and Decker is a piece of junk. It is poorly made whith flimsy plastic. Flimsy being the key word here. If you buy one handle with care. The Chinese don't tell you that the lid to the caraffe will pop off when cleaning. It came off the first time I cleaned it before brewing coffee. Luckily the tiny little plastic pins didn't break off. If you like your coffee hot from the pot, this is not the product for you. You have to put your cup in the microwave for that. If you do buy this product, be sure you run the basket under water so you can stick the filter to the wet inside of it. Otherwise you get grounds in your coffee....YUM YUM

Durgol Express Multipurpose Decalcifier

I'm reluctant to admit I had neglected the regular maintenance of my Carezza espresso machine for a year or two. While waiting for the Durgol Decalcifier to arrive in the mail, I flushed the machine with vinegar and cleaned the parts as described to get the cleaning process started. The machine still didn't work right. This Durgol product arrived today and I again flushed the machine according to directions, using this decaldifier. I'm amazed at the amount of sludge and disgusting grime that came out! This product is wonderful and has restored my espresso maker.

I bought a Capresso glass electric tea kettle and used for the first time spring water as I do prefer this than filtered drinking water for coffee and tea. After several uses, the chrome heating element became so corroded, and this spring water is bottled by the way, so I was forced to do some research.

On Amazon I found the above product and tried it. WOW, after following the directions, within a few minutes the chrome bubble in the glass carafe was shiny and new.

I was so impressed I then used it in my Meile washing machine, again very impressive, laundry came out lovely. By the way, the bottle doesn't say any thing about using it in a washer. In the UK, I can buy Calgon Tablets for this. Here in USA, I could not find Calgon at all for my washer.

Highly recommend this product.

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I ran this cleaner through my drip coffee machine and the coffee tastes better... product is good.

The bottle asks you to use 1 or 2 cups of cleaner per cleaning; I ran it through with 1 cup for a 12 cup drip machine and it cleaned it well.

I think you have 6 cups of cleaner in one bottle.

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There is no mention of the size of any of the Durgol products on your website.

In Switzerland, Durgol is sold in half-gallon plastic bottles at a very low price in most supermarkets, inexpensive even even when considering the strong Swiss currency. The espresso cleaner in the U.S. sells for about $6.82 for a 4.2 ozs plastic bottle. This extends to a price of $52.00 per quart or $208 per gallon! The product works very well, in fact just as well as regular white vinegar. After all, just about all mild acids work as well as the hydrochloric acid in Durgol in removing Calcium deposits. The Durgol Multipurpose Decalcifier, a very similar product, comes in an equally mysterious size.

I suggest that Durgol be more honest in the merchandising of its product and not hide the actual size of its products on your website. The pictures on the website are very deceptive.

gsnyc

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Capresso has been recommending this for 15 or more years. I find it very effective and far superior to vinegar or the powders.

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Vev Vigano 8306 Vespress Inox 6-cup Coffee Pot - Made in Italy

I love it. I'll probably get the 12 cup pot soon. Its perfect for the average american caffeine abuser when making one large cup, but two caffeine abusers will want the 12 cup pot. The one cup = one shot.

Happy

This is a beautiful product. Looks even better than in the picture. Shipment was fast and the entire purchase process went very smoothly.

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