Showing posts with label gaggia classic espresso machine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gaggia classic espresso machine. Show all posts

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Alessi Espresso Coffee Makers Espresso Coffee Maker 10 Cup 9"

Alessi Espresso Coffee Makers Espresso Coffee Maker 10 Cup 9'1. Function: The base is wide, to absorb the heat of the stove burner effectively. It doesn't "unscrew" (tired of gritting your teeth and wincing to get your base separated?) but detaches with a unique, almost breech-like handle lever catch. Almost all espresso makers are iterations of the same basic design. Alessi is the exception. Last, the use of stainless where almost every other uses aluminum changes "what is this scaly stuff? And is it safe to boil aluminum every day?" to "how did I live with anything other than stainless before?"

2. Form: Sustainable. Comfortable. Beautiful. This is what happens when architects design espresso pots.

Granted, it's expensive. But your chances of being able to own and enjoy the world's finest espresso maker is probably better than your chances of owning a Ferarri or penthouse apartment. Carpe cafe.

Friday, June 6, 2014

Krups XP7230 Compact Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

Krups XP7230 Compact Fully Automatic Espresso MachineI have had this machine for 3 years now, and it has been sent back to the manufacturer 3 times... Stay away, many problems.

This is the only coffee machine I've had that will deliver better than coffee shop espresso. It has the crema/foam on the top, the mark of a quality espresso, I keep the machine in my office, visitors marvel at the magnificence of their java, the machine is completely automatic, rated tops in Consumer Reports. I'm amazed that diners are still able to get top dollar for burnt coffee, with the knowledge of this coffee maker, that primative and savage way of life will come to an end.

Buy Krups XP7230 Compact Fully Automatic Espresso Machine Now

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Hot Water Pot (3 Liters)

Hot Water PotI bought my unit at an Asian grocery called "99 Ranch", which had a very good price. The unit had notable defects (sometimes stopped boiling far before the boiling point; sometimes got an air bubble and couldn't keep pumping the water out), and it did NOT have a "lock/unlock" safety button although one was depicted in the manual. When it did work, it was very handy. It stopped working entirely after just two weeks.

I called the phone number printed right on the back on the machine, and the very courteous man on the phone immediately offered to send me a whole new one at their expense, and even pay for the return shipping on this one. The new one arrived promptly, but has already proven to have at least one defect (a loose hinge part).

It seems like you get a lot for your money, but the quality reminds me of General Motors circa 1975. Needs improvement.

I've had one of these hot water pots for several years now. All it does is boil up 3 liters of water and keep it hot all day, all night. I frequently plug mine in at 9 am and unplug it at 2 am. The water is always very hot. I use it to make instant coffee, tea, cocoa, and for 'starter' hot water to boil noodles & such faster. I also find that having hot water always to hand helps ensure I get plenty of fluids each day (particularly important with drying heat on in the winter).

The fuse did blow on mine a few months after I first got it. But the company quickly sent me another free of charge (pot was under warranty), and it was not difficult to install. You can also purchase fuses if you want extras. But, this happened only once to me in about 3-4 years of heavy daily use.

All in all, if you want a basic unit that will give you really hot water whenever you want, this pot is perfect. Much easier than constantly boiling up tea kettles (and probably more energy efficient).

Buy Hot Water Pot (3 Liters) Now

I have had my hot water pot for about a year now and I love it! Being an avid tea and hot cocoa drinker I am always using it and probably end up refilling it about once every other day. I would recommend a larger size for families. I recently moved in with my boyfriends family and at first they were skeptical about using a hot water pot they claimed to like the charm of heating a pot of water over the stove everytime they wanted hot cocoa but I set up my hot water pot and now they are addicted. The poor water kettle has been sitting on the stove collecting dust for a few months now! The only bad thing I can think of is that you get hard water stains in the water dispenser. I am not sure if there is any way to get around this since the nature of the pot is that it boils off chloride, etc. I just rinse it out once in a while without any chemicals and it works perfect still. Anyways, I highly recommend a hot water pot.

Read Best Reviews of Hot Water Pot (3 Liters) Here

This item was given to us second hand, it is the best thing ever for making baby bottles. (of course always check the temp to be sure it is not too hot for baby!) We put about an ounce of hot water to make an 8 ounce bottle mix the formula then add room temp water. Also great for making tea or cup of soup. We just love it, have been using it for about a month now and have had no problems and it was used previously for who knows how long. No problems with the pump or hinge or anything else works like a dream. Easy to clean too. And the cord comes out of the side of the pot so that it can sit flush up against the back of the kitchen counter minimizing the amount of space it takes up.

Want Hot Water Pot (3 Liters) Discount?

I got my first pot and it worked great for 3 weeks. Called manufacturer and they were very nice and sent me a new cord as they thought that was the problem when it completely stopped working...that was not the problem so they sent me another bottom and it went right to ready with no boiling....they sent me a third pot and it worked great for 3 days when it also stopped boiling and went right to ready. Great concept when it works...I'm now going to ask for a refund and try another brand.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Nifty Nespresso Carousel

Nifty Nespresso CarouselOkay, this thing rocks. I bought this because all the other reviewers raved about this pod rack and I'm glad to say they are all correct. It would be great on my counter top, but it's small enough that I keep it on the first shelf of my kitchen cupboard right above my Nespresso machine. If you like things that are perfectly designed and well made then pull the trigger on this purchase. You'll be glad you did.

Since the product description doesn't give the product dimensions I included them in the title of the review.

I highly recommend this product! Aesthetically, it's very attractive and although it can accomodate 40 capsules, it's remarkably small. Additionally important to me is that the names of the coffee capsules are clearly visible by simply looking at them, as opposed to having to remove each capsule or having to remember each coffee type by the capsule's color. If I needed two, I'd get another one, but I don't!

Buy Nifty Nespresso Carousel Now

After having got the Nespresso machine, keeping track of all the capsules was a hassel. This carousel looks amazing, is super convenient and is smaller than it appears. It takes up almost no room on my counter. I absolutely love it and I would tell others, if you bought a Nespresso machine, this accessory is a must have!

Read Best Reviews of Nifty Nespresso Carousel Here

I love this little gizmo. It is solidly built and doesn't take up much space. The picture makes it seem like it's going to dominate your counter but quite the contrary...it is pretty small...about the same height as your Nespresso machine. Also, and obviously, it spins around.

Want Nifty Nespresso Carousel Discount?

I had been searching for a handy way to store Nespresso pods, and this carousel is amazing especially for the price. After looking at other storage systems, this one is simply the best. No need to mount it on the wall or slide pods onto a weird track system. My husband and I had been using the gift/display box we bought with our first order of pods... which is nice, but it takes up way too much space on a counter top (it also holds 36 instead of the 40 this carousel holds). This sits right next to the machine, looks great, and turns smoothly!

Did I mention the price is awesome? Well, it is.

Save 26% Off

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Frieling Gold Coffee Filter # 2

Frieling Gold Coffee Filter # 2Mesh not fine enough. Lets a lot of sediment through. Does not fit in the Zojirushi coffee pot. Ok if you run out of paper filters, I went back to paper.

I was looking forward to using my gold filter instead of paper filters or a French press. My first cup was a disaster the coffee was too fine and a lot of grounds made it through the filter, plus the water passed through very quickly, picking up little of the coffee's flavor. I have tried adjusting the grind on my burr grinder, and a coarser grind works better in terms of keeping the coffee in the filter, but the water still runs through very quickly. I guess one option is to make coffee in a French press and then pour it through the gold filter, but that seems lame I may as well just use the plunger sieve in the French press.

Buy Frieling Gold Coffee Filter # 2 Now

This filter saves a lot on paper (expensive) filters. I love it. It also saves on paper waste for the environment.

Read Best Reviews of Frieling Gold Coffee Filter # 2 Here

I used mine for over a year now. Although it lets in the finely ground coffee bits, which end up on the bottom of my cup, I still prefer it to using a new filter every day.

Want Frieling Gold Coffee Filter # 2 Discount?

This filter will not work in the Zojirushi EC-DAC50 coffeemaker or my old Krups. So be sure when you buy this. Also its not worth sending back.

Save 5% Off

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Urnex Cleancaf Home Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine Cleaner ans Descaler 2 PACK

Urnex Cleancaf Home Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine Cleaner ans Descaler 2 PACK
  • Dual-action formula eliminates coffee oils and dissolves mineral deposits.
  • Cleans both home coffee and home espresso machines.
  • You get 2 boxes - 3 single use packets per box (each single use packet weighs 1/3 oz.)
  • Product includes the full US manufacturers warranty
  • CleancafĂ‚® Brand Cleaner and Descaler is an essential component to maintaining great tasting coffee at home. CleancafĂ‚® is designed to remove flavor-tainting stale coffee oil residue from home machines. Its dual action formula also prevents the accumulation of scale deposits which are responsible for slow brew times and machine malfunctions. Portion packaged for easy use CleancafĂ‚® also contains a blue-dye which helps to insure proper rinsing.

The package on these and my old ones show a cup of coffee. The new ones I just received show a pot. Had read a previous review warning of same, but since photo shows cup I fig'd all was ok. Does not seem the same strength as before??? Did not help much, went from 30 minutes brewing to about 23. I have since on Capresso's advice tried Durgol and cut my brew time down to 15 minutes just like when coffee maker was new. I'm switched despite the hefty price diff., you apparently get what you pay for.

Buy Urnex Cleancaf Home Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine Cleaner ans Descaler 2 PACK Now

This is the best stuff that I've ever used to clean a coffeemaker! I was introduced to it when I received a free sample with the purchase of our coffeemaker, and after trying it, I was sold. I've been ordering and using this product for the past 2-3 years.

I will caution you to be sure to buy the product as pictured. Either the company has reformulated and repackaged these, or there is a counterfeit version out there, but the latest purchase I made (which has a picture of a coffeepot on the front rather than a coffee cup) does not seem to work as well. I sometimes have to repeat the process twice (using twice as much product) to get the same effect that I did before.

Read Best Reviews of Urnex Cleancaf Home Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine Cleaner ans Descaler 2 PACK Here

Not sure I can come up with 20 words about this. It is awesome. Cleans the coffee maker very well and is easy to use. Makes the coffee taste better and your coffee maker will last longer and work better if it is clean. ;-)

Want Urnex Cleancaf Home Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine Cleaner ans Descaler 2 PACK Discount?

Best coffee maker cleaner that I've ever found. I've used others and this works so much better than the rest!

It is easy to use, I use it in my Keurig coffee maker. I like it a lot better than using vinegar, then you have to run cold water through forever to get the spell and taste out. I am glad I found it on-line.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Frabosk 8 3/4" Induction Heat Diffuser Plate

Frabosk 8 3/4' Induction Heat Diffuser PlateI bought the Frabosk 8 3/4" and the 5 5/8" plate for use with my Electrolux Induction Range.

Pro's: They're very nice looking and very well made

Con's: Although they work, they don't work well. The heat transfer is v...e...r...y sloooooow! I could not get the toast for a grilled cheese to brown. I could boil water slowly. And the handles go through and are unusable while heating which kind of makes the handles useless.

My Frabosk plate worked OK for a while, but after a few month it started to do some crack-like noises.

Then it lost its flatness, and assumed a curbed shape.

Finally its three metal layers started to come visibly apart.

In the long run, you may spend less and have far better results, buying a few induction pots and pans at IKEA.

Buy Frabosk 8 3/4" Induction Heat Diffuser Plate Now

This plate works well but you will need to adjust your temp. to make sure you have it right, it cuts down the temp just a bit.

Read Best Reviews of Frabosk 8 3/4" Induction Heat Diffuser Plate Here