Forever All In One Stovetop Cappuccino & Espresso Maker - "Miss Combi Duo"

First, my review is based soley on making cappuccino, as the only espresso I've made are the three pots you are instructed to make and throw away to "season" the pot before using. When I first opened the instruction booklet, I was overwhelmed by the diagrams and instructions. However, the English instructions are very clearly-written, and they are easy to follow if you just take them step-by-step. Once you've gone through the process of seasoning the pot, you will be quite comfortable with the parts and the process, and it will go quickly. There is also a good troubleshooting section.

A few things to know before you purchase this pot. The instructions say not to use finely ground espresso. I asked my local café to grind their high-quality espresso beans on the more coarse espresso setting. The result tastes exactly like what we had on a recent trip to Italy.

Don't pat the coffee down in the coffee holder, and don't tilt the pot after you screw the top and bottom together. I did this once to make sure it was screwed on straight, and the milk didn't foam because the ground coffee shifted in the coffee reservoir. If you want foam, you must use whole milk. I used 1% the first time, since that was all I had when I received the pot. The result was a nice latte, but no foam. Also, the instructions say not to use vegetable-based milks (soy, almond, rice, etc.).

The instructions say not to use an induction cooktop. I have a glass top range, and I set the burner on #7. It takes 4-5 minutes total for cappuccino. The pot produces two smallish cappuccini. If you are drinking alone, and have a larger cup, you could certainly drink the entire amount yourself. In fact, I'm so pleased with this pot and the ability to make cappuccino easily at home (after spending the equivalent of $4 for one cappuccino in Italy), that I'm going to email the company and suggest that they make this pot in a 4-6 cup version.

Jan 28, 2013 Update: Since I wrote my original review, I've had mixed results with this pot. About the half the time, I end up with latte instead of cappuccino. I am following the instructions, and making sure the valve is clean after each use. Filling the coffee reservoir to the brim may be the cause this, so I've been trying to use a little less coffee. The English troubleshooting section of the instruction manual is titled, "When the pot is naughty." The title in the Italian section of the manual uses the Italian word for capricious. I would say that capiricious is accurate, since I can't figure out why I sometimes get foam and sometimes I don't. When I get foam, I am very impressed with how easy it is to make real cappuccino at home. When I don't get foam, I still enjoy a delicious latte, but it's somewhat disappointing. I've reduced my rating from 5 to 4 stars as a result.

I bought this in hopes that it would make a decent cup of espresso, and cappuccino. Followed the directions for pre-cleaning it. Even while cleaning, I could see that the process was very nice, using the little pressure valve. Holds the water in the coffee, until the pressure is up, and then WHOOSH! fills the top pot. This little pot brews a wonderful espresso, with nice crema, and a nice frothy cappuccino. WOW! My only wish is that it was bigger. Perhaps a 6 cup model. If you want a good espresso or cappuccino at home, this will give it to you. Easy to use, and quick. No big bulky machine on your counter, and to clean. This thing cleans up fast, too. VERY HAPPY with this purchase.

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This coffee maker is easy to use and makes nice cappuccino. It's similar to a bialetti, but you put milk in the top and as the coffee steams, it froths the milk. I've had it about a month, and have found that you have to be careful to use the correct amount of water, coffee, and milk: it's overflowed a couple of times. But most of the time it works well and I'm very pleased with it.

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I am not a Espresso expert but do know if my cappuccino tastes good or not. Although I do want to have a machine that gives me strong espresso with good crema and thick bodied milk froth, yet I am not ready to dish out the money on a 15-bar barista machine especially when a lot of these mid-range machines costing $500 or more don't last more than a year or two before requiring expensive repairs. This contraption of a moka pot sort of gives me an inexpensive way to start off on my path to a barista. I have tried out a couple of different coffees and grounds but am not totally satisfied with the results as yet (more to do with my inexperience with making an espresso than with the pot). Sometimes I do get a thin layer of crema in the pot but it disappears soon after pouring it in the cups. I am also not sure about how much ground coffee I need to place in the filter. With the given measure of water (which is hardly enough for 2 small espresso cups)I feel the coffee comes out too strong or bitter if I top up the filter with coffee (wihtout tamping ofcourse). Diluting with more milk or water once the espresso is made doesn't really work with Cappuccinos. I guess I need to play around with different coffee types and grounds to find my sweet spot. Can't blame the utensil much for that since it pretty much does what its supposed to do. It actually makes a great milk froth if I only use water for steam and the filter left empty without the coffee... but that defeats the whole point of making a capuccino with espresso in one go. Anyways I think the pot is better than regular moka pots as it does induce some steam pressure on the filter grinds for better extraction.

Update: Improving the rating to 4 stars as I think I am now getting better results with a different grind and coffee. Using starbuks medium roast fine grind filled all the way to the brim of the filer, I am getting better crema and coffee is smoother too. I am frothing the milk seperately now using a small hand held milk frother. That way I can have more milk to reduce the strength (the pot only holds frothed milk enough for one cup) and keep the froth white in the cup as well. Going to try Lavazza Crema e Gusto Ground Coffee now to take it up a notch!!

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So Overall I am amazed on how good the Cappuccino is and the valve used to make it happen is better than the one used in the other better known brand with the cow symbol. The overall machine is really well made. The issue was that upon arrival and opening the first thing I noticed is that it appeared to be almost new and not a new coffee machine. I say almost due to the fact that I would have not notice that it was used if it wasn't for the dried coffee stains left on the side of the coffee maker. For what I can see it seems like someone used it probably one time try to clean it really fast and put it back in the box trying to make it look all new but since they didn't pay attention to detail had left proof of their mischievousness. I have decided not to return it since I am not a picky person I clean it and is all well. The seller was CashClock but they may not be the ones to blame since I had also ordered some filters for my humidifier from a different seller at the same time and they got send together by amazon fulfillment services, where at least they should have done some quality check (although I don't know how their mail system works)and notice that the box looked like it had been open before and do something about it. The only reason I mention all of these is that I would had been really angry if the same had happened with a more important item like my baby's new bottles or an expensive electronic device that looks like it was tampered. In other words something did not happen or something happen in between me placing my order and receiving it at home. But hopefully I am wrong, and just wanted to inform you all for your knowledge in case these helps at all. Surprisingly enough I do recommend the coffee maker since is an excellent device and works so far great. If all above mentioned had not happened I would had gave it a 5 stars.

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Lavazza 4202A 2.2 Pound Super Crema Espresso Whole Bean

after years of using starbucks espresso roast in my gaggia titanium, i thought i'd try something different. there is really NO comparison...the lavazza beans produce coffee that is less bitter and sweeter than any of the starbucks coffees...there is a lovely thick crema on top of the glass (thicker and tastier than any i've ever tried) i can even happily enjoy full cups of americano coffee from my gaggia (doesn't work really well with other beans, again, they tend to be bitter and acidy)

highly recommended!

Don't have a clue what the negative reviews are about...it's a food product and there will always be natural variations in consistency. I haven't experienced any with this product. Even though I received a 1kg bag with a broken seal, it was still excellent (it's a sin to waste it, LOL!). . As far as the "light" color goes, oily black beans clog super-auto machine's grinders so they're usually not recommended. FWIW, the Illy (see below) is black as night and it's pre-ground so I don't have to worry about clogging as I can manually bypass dose the machine. You can do the same with any espresso you buy pre-ground or grind in an external grinder.

Personally, I love the stuff! I was introduced to it by friends who bought a Saeco Incanto Sirius super-auto (HIGHLY Recommended) and use Super Crema and Illy Decaf pre-ground (fantastic, but you need a mortgage to buy the stuff) and I loved them so much I bought my own Sirius and tons of Lavazza (as well as the Illy decaf). I've had the Saeco from Memorial Day to Labor Day this summer and have brewed circa 800(!) shots, going through SIX (6) kilos (13.5#) of Super Crema in the process and have yet to brew a bad shot. It does fine in cappucino and cafe crema as well. I bring 12 shots into work on fridays (bagel day) and everyone loves the stuff...I haven't met one person who didn't enjoy my Super Crema espresso and that's served from a thermos!

Buy a bag and see for yourself....for LESS THAN the price of Starbucks garbage, you can get the real deal here. I just bought six more bags of the stuff...I'm keeping most of it and giving one or two away as gifts to family/friends. Remember the old caveat: there truly is no accounting for taste, LOL!

Enjoy!

UPDATE (4/8/09): After approx. 4,000+ shots, I haven't changed my opinion. If anything, I love this stuff even more now! I am completely addicted to Super Crema to the point that I can't stomach anything else. I still haven't had a bad shot with the stuff. If you find better, let me know, please! You'll have to go some to beat Super Crema in my book, especially at the under $/lb. price point!

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Fantastic espresso beans! I usually drink Illy, but thought I would give this a 'shot'... and I was not disappointed! This has a slightly smokier flavor than the Illy roasts, produces a NICE crema, and is ultra smooth.

In short, give this a try. Highly recommended for my fellow coffee heads out there...

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Lavazza produces the best espresso beans according to me. Someone was complaining against the quality may be the packs that you bought were too old and yesgenerally espresso does upset sensitive stomach, that does not indicate bad quality of coffee beans. I am from Europe and can say that Starbucks coffee is not to my taste, I have to agree with Mr.Hernandes. The bitter taste that they achieve has blends and notes of something quite different than the normal espresso bitterness.

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These are ordinary coffee beans, not the super oily dark roast you want in expresso beans. In fact they are a little on the green side. They probably make decent coffee.

Update 9/3. I have revised my review from 3 stars to 5. This is wonderful stuff, full-bodied and creamy. It isn't what I expected; it's better. I'm reordering some today.

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Nescafe Dolce Gusto Melody II Single Serve Coffee Machine

My husband and I received this as a gift. We are coffee drinkers, so this definately made our day. This coffee maker is very easy to use and easy to clean. The coffee is always piping hot. You can make a cup in about 30 seconds! I like being able to make different varieties of drinks that I couldn't do before. Instructions for making the different drinks are super easy. The coffee, hot chocolate, cappuccinos, and machiatos are all good. The cold drinks (ice cappuccino & peach tea) are wonderful. I would definatley recommend this to anyone. Before, we were ordering our pods online, but I've recently discovered that Walmart sells quite a few of the varieties.

I got this as a Christmas gift for my wife. So far we've only tried the latte macciato and the hot chocolate (cocochino) flavors but she likes both of them. The machine is easy enough to use, although an auto shut off option may be worth the extra money (the creativa model has this option). As it is you have to decide when to turn off the machine so you have that control over the strength of the coffee but its hard to get the reccommended amount. The only complaint I have is that amazon says:

"Everything you need to make a hot or cold drink is contained in our easy to use capsules, your new system come with a variety box of 16 capsules, a cappuccino cup and saucer, and a latte macchiato glass mug"

Which is partly true because I got the variety box but I didn't get the cappuccino cup, saucer or latte macciato glass mug. I didn't lower my rating since this has no effect on the coffee maker but I wouldn't have paid what I did if I knew I wouldn't be getting these items. I think its an error on Amazon's part and not a missing item because the box did not mention the cup, saucer or mug being included. I will update my review after I hear back from Amazon on the issue.

UPDATE: Amazon took care of the problem for me, hopefully they start shipping with the mugs for everyone else or they take it off the description.

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I have tried and owned the Keurig, Tassimo, Senseo and Dolce Gusto. I've kept the Dolce Gusto because it produces the best tasting drinks! The ease of use and taste of different drinks is fantastic! This is definitely, without a doubt, the best single serve coffee maker on the market!

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After reading the rave reviews for this product, I decided to give it a try to save money and time in my morning routine of getting coffee drinks at starbucks, dunkin donuts, etc. A quick breakdown of the device from over a dozen uses of the machine:

Pros

-makes drinks fast

-easy to assemble

-aesthetically pleasing (good-looking)

-compact, occupies minimal space

Cons

-drinks are watery

-drinks require multiple capsules

-drinks don't have full flavor

While ergonomically, this device is quite a success, it lacks the full flavor of a coffee from a true cafe or even a Starbucks. I'm hearing other reviews talk about European coffee. I just got back from Europe two days ago and I'm drinking the nescafe vanilla macchiato it's like night and day. This Nescafe drink took 4 capsules to get enough flavor (the instructions recommend 2) and it still tastes like flavored water. I've tried to crank up the strength of the various recipes by adding espresso, but espresso looks and tastes like regular coffee and isn't very strong.

After having tried several different Keurig models at retailers, workplaces, and friends' apartments, I do not feel that I'm being harsh by saying this device doesn't live up to industry standards. I believe the Nescafe increased bar pressure system does not derive any more from the ingredients/beans. While this is an excellent business model for selling more capsules vs k-cups, hypothetically the increased varieties of capsules should add the nuance of flavors with additional recipes, but I've found the base espresso as well as the more advanced recipes that incorporate milk all have an insipid, uninspiring taste.

These drinks are simply not pleasurable to drink.

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I have a Keurig B60 and the most of the coffee is just so so.This coffee is phenominal. It has a very bold dark, rich and unique flavor..I am reviewing the coffee because unlike other single brew coffee makers, you have no choice other than to use dolce gusto (nestles)coffee in this machine. That might seem as a serious limitation, but believe me it is worth it. I do hope nestles releases some more flavors, especially decaf as there is only one so far........Arabica coffee does have less caffiene then other beans, so that may be their rational for only one flavor..

What I like about the machine is the manual lever. You control the amount of coffee in each cup. Hold the lever longer for weaker brews, shorter for stronger brews...There are two capsules for Latte's, cappucino's, and chocolate, (1 milk and 1 coffee), and 1 capsule for regular coffee...I haven't tried the tea yet...

The capsule holder is very sturdy and since no coffee touches it, rarely requires rinsing.

If you like European strength coffee you will love this coffee...they do have espresso too..

Youtube has several video's on how to make a good cup of coffee..check them out.

UPDATE: 01/03/2012 In response to concerns of brew temp I measured both my dolce gusto and keurig today. The DG was 184F and the keurig 180F.....Found that interesting since my keurig is set for 192F...

La Pavoni PC-16 Professional Espresso Machine, Chrome

I have owned this machine (8-cup) 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 bought my La Pavoni in the summer of 1983 after high school. It was heavily used during college (especially finals week) and has made me superb espresso continually. This morning I made a spiced chai using it. I've been amazed with the quality of the unit. I unfortunately bought a model that had a brass and copper film that looked spectacular for about 8 months then began to peel off. It's now not terribly attractive but still pumps out amazing Java.

I estimate I've saved over $25,000 on espresso drinks while maintaining a level of quality beyond what one can get at Starbucks and similar cafés. Being from Seattle, there are now (finally) cafés and baristas locally that are passionate (neurotic) about making excellent espresso and I can match them. I'm very happy with my Pavoni.

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I have had this machine for a number of years, the upside is great coffee, downside are:

1. Finish poor, rust soon appears in the crome, the only saving grace is that it is mostly occurs under the drip tray out of sight.

2. It is too easy even after bleeding the pressure, to pop one of the seals when changing the coffee.

3. Descaling can be a real pain.

In short, when it works, great, but this isn't a low maintance product, a bit like old Italian sports cars

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After 15 years of near daily use, I thought it was time for me to relay my experiences and opinion on the La Pavoni PC-16.

This review is for the pre millenium model. The current production model does have slight differences with the group being slightly larger

I was a bartender and barista for about 3 years in a high volume cafe and bar, and believe that this gives me a reasonable level of proficiency in making espresso and espresso based drinks.

The La Pavoni PC-16 is a manual lever group and operates in a manner that is much different from automatic and semiautomatic machines. This must be appreciated and understood by the potential buyer, or it may cause dissapointment.

The concept of preinfusion is why a lever machine can produce a truly outstanding shot of espresso. This is where water wets the grounds prior to the applying of pressure, and this is what makes a lever group superior to other mechanisms in my estimation. The ability to preinfuse the grounds manually can drastically change the result of the shot. For example, the lever is slowly raised to a count of 5, and only then does the lever get lowered. Since this is a manual machine, this means that you alone are raising and lowering the lever, there are no pumps or springs to do the work for you. As the lever is raised, you will hear the water entering the group. This is when your count begins.

The amount of time that is taken to do the preinfusion step is what can drastically alter the result of the shot given that the grind, group temperature and tamp is identical.

Now I will decribe the various details that go in to the requirements for producing a quality shot from the PC-16.

The grind is what is the most difficult part to correctly apply when dealing with this machine. As perfect of a consistency is absolutley necessary with a fluffy grind, no clumping will be tolerated. You will need to judge this on your own, but a slightly finer than average espresso grind is what it takes to get thick crema with minimal blonding during extraction. I still wind up with the occasional sink shot because of this machines absolute sensitivity to grind quality.

I use a light tamp, about 10 pounds of pressure, leaving approximately 1/4" space from the top. Pay extra attention to acheiving a level surface. The Elektra Microcasa A Leva portafilter basket allows more coffee to be used than the PC-16's with far better results. Refer to Orhanespressos slap shot method.

Get a good tamper with 90 degree corners and a flat bottom. I use a custom fabricated stainless steel one, but there are many available online. Unit to unit variation means a standard 49mm tamper may not work.

Water quality. I prefer reverse osmosis versus other methods of filtration including various mineral waters. Experience has shown that r.o. has given the thickest crema and most complex notes. Distilled resulted in a slimy shot with various mineral waters giving a range of quality from good to poor.

It is best to avoid descaling, since it always affects machine performance negatively. Rather use water that is already softened.

Compared to a commercial machine, the PC-16 makes a much more intense shot with more clearly defined flavor. This can be a double edged sword, depending on what it is that you are looking for.

This machine gets hot quickly, and have found that more than 2 shots isnt possible without turning the machine off for a while. Do not flush or run any water through the group before pulling a shot. This will only raise the group temperature. I have discovered a pretty simple way of dealing with the excessive and destructive heat by placing clean and dry

portafilter baskets in the freezer and taking them out a minute before filling them with coffee.

With practice(a lot of practice), you can get perfect microfoam. Again this is very difficult and nothing like a commercial machine. When you first start, you can get a reasonable facsimile to the point of being able to do simple latte art.

There is no anti suction valve, the steam wand will draw milk back into the water tank. Pour out water and refill before turning on machine.

And lastly, make sure that everything is maintained. Generally just a matter of changing the gaskets every 2-4 years depending on use. Keep the machine off when not in use. If you arent comfortable working with tools, find a local tech that works with espresso machines. You can usually find one in most cities. Always respect the machine.

The La Pavoni PC-16 can represent a steep learning curve, but like me, you can be rewarded with outstanding espresso and enjoy the process.

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How can anyone who owns one of these machines not fall in love with them?

Yes, they are temperamental. If you screw up any part of the process, the Pavoni tells you by dispensing a lousy cup of espresso. Wrong tamp pressure, poor beans, incorrect grind (don't even think of using a blade), impure water, wrong pull and you get a bad shot. That's called HONESTY. But master all the above, and you get espresso ecstasy, pull after pull. There are plenty of guidelines available online, from CoffeeGeek to YouTube, to help you achieve your La Pavoni degree, and when you do, you'll not only be rewarded with ambrosia each morning, but you'll have developed a real skill, one that is Old School. And looking back, it's really not that difficult to learn. Use good water, quality fresh beans, and a good burr grinder (Rocky!), and you're rounding third base. Then it's just minor experimentation with the right grind, tamp and pull pressure to guide you home. All this and museum quality art on your counter-top to boot! I've got the gorgeous brass Romantica version with the dome top, and it really is a stunner.

Anyone out there who knows the difference between a flat and phillips head driver can repair this machine, INDEFINITELY. Although La Pavoni provides little help in the maintenance dept, online there is a wealth of info available to help you replace gaskets and the like. The Pavoni is built like a vault and simple to maintain, once you delve inside and see how it's built.

I still can't figure out why there are folks out there who don't like the auto-aerator. It couldn't be simpler to operate (dip tube in milk, open steam valve, admire perfect micro froth coming out every time). The standard wand works ok, but I replaced the 3 hole nipple with a single hole version much improved. But I still use the auto-aerator primarily.

By the way, the note below about using ice cubes on the group head to cool down the unit for subsequent pulls is GREAT advice. Wish I'd thought of that years ago!