Showing posts with label home espresso machine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home espresso machine. Show all posts

Monday, August 4, 2014

Jura 67083 Cool Control Milk Cooler

Jura 67083 Cool Control Milk CoolerWorks well, but works better with constant cleaning of the tube. If you are making a bunch of lattes at once, this is your machine. For just one person it might be overkill. I would give it 5 stars but after the power goes out it doesn't turn itself back on, so if you are not home you will have bad milk.

A colleague had ordered this and we both have nearly identical Jura automatic espresso machines. We both work from home, so I wanted something that would make my machine a little more automated.

I've purchased wine coolers and other machines which use the same type of induction technology, and I've been 'burned' by them all breaking down early, not keeping the right temperature, etc.

I've had this device for six months now and I'm still just as pleased with it as the day I unboxed it. Milk is truly kept cold consistently and it's incredibly quiet.

Cons: If you're a Skim milk drinker, and you wait a couple days before using it, I've noticed that the milk can sometimes freeze up or develop ice crystals. I've been able to mitigate this by filling the outer tank with barely just enough water for it to reach the brim when the container is inside of it.

Also, the tube can be a hassle to clean. Sometimes the suction power pulls milk through and lets it sit there in the tube. You have to be conscientious to clean it thoroughly after each use or each day.

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I do some work from my home so the Jura Z5 is on most of the day. Milk used for froth of my cappuccino gets warm in the standard containers but this cooler takes care of the problem. It will keep milk in the low 30 degree area and runs quiet. It may seem a bit eccentric but I love it. The Amazon price is great, about $80.00 cheaper than buying it from Jura. Keep up the good work.

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Overall, terrific and works as advertised. The minor complaint: the stainless tube attaches to the lid by means of a silicone "washer" it's not quite snug enough to keep the tube from falling into the milk container reliably. A seemingly minor fix if they would just make the silicone washer slightly larger. Not a deal-breaker, but worth noting. Also, you need to wash this container no less than once a week otherwise milk solids tends to collect in the lid which will impart an off taste to the fresh milk that comes through it.

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I had always wanted something like this for my Jura S7 automatic espresso machine. It is much more convenient that steaming individual containers of milk, even though I am the only user each morning. I have only had it several days but have been satisfied thus far in its ability to keep the milk cold. One liter seems a lot, but once you have the dispensing convenience, it is surprising how quickly you can go through milk. It integrates nicely with the coffee maker and does not take up too much counter space. I tend to use the milk steamer and not the frother as the froth quantity is too much for my taste.

Pros: Finally I am able to make use of the Froth Express Plus feature; Convenience, especially for multiple single cups. I do not hear the fan that others complain about.

Cons: Condensation; Wish the cap was more like a thermos and clamped down on the entire device-this would stop condensation and keep the milk colder; matte finish is prone to spotting from liquid splashes-should be like the coffee maker finish which is easy to wipe; Large transformer block plug takes up plug space-beware.

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Monday, February 3, 2014

Nespresso Maestria Coffee Machine

Nespresso Maestria C500 Espresso Maker, RossoI have had Nespresso machines for over 20 years (yes, that long!). I currently have an Essenza, a Citiz and a Lattissima Premium (in different places) so I have some experience with Nespresso. The Maestria is in a class of its own. There is nothing fancy about it but it is just extremely well designed. It feels rock solid and makes all my other machines feel flimsy. The volume control is extremely precise (contrary to the memory functions on all the other machines where there are variations from one coffee to the next: if you like very short espressos such variations make a huge difference). Because of the new technology involved ('quality seal') the pressure is constantly 19 bars (instead of 'up to' 19 bars) and you can really taste the difference. All coffees have even more flavour and body. The adjustable height for the cup support is fuss free and very practical (similar to the Citiz but with an even better design, and more solid parts), so you can use virtually any recipient under the machine (even -heresy! -a Thermos for travelling!). The water tank is larger than on the other machines (1.4l) and very easy to access, and the used capsules container is also larger (14), which is very handy. The frothing tube works most excellently, much better than on any of my previous Nespresso machines.The pressure is very high so the steam jet is strong and constant so you can perfect foam, finely texture, thick, creamy and very long lasting. It stands by itself on a spoon and looks almost like shaving foam it is so fine. The trick, by the way, is to use cold milk, an appropriate jug (Alessi makes some wonderful ones), start at the bottom to avoid splattering but then move to the surface right away and keep the tube close to the surface so that you hear the typical 'paper ripping' noise of steam being incorporated into the milk. No need to move up and down, nor circularly, the jet will do the work. The important thing is to have the tube at the right height and stop before the milk boils (no need for a thermometer, with a bit of practice you can 'hear" the right moment to stop). Then the milk foam is better than with an Aerocino! This machine is significantly more expensive than the others but it is entirely worth its price. And last but not least, the design is very pleasing to the eye.

NB: to all those who experienced technical issues, in particular the machine making noise but no water coming through the pump. That happened to me too (with the Lattissima Premium, not the Maestria). It's very likely that your machine is not faulty, in most cases it just means that there is an airlock in the system which prevents the water from coming up. There is a very easy fix: you just lift the handle (with no capsule in the machine), leave it up and press the button for a lungo. This manoeuvre is designed by Nespresso to break the airlock and after up to 30s you'll see the water coming through. Then just push down the handle and press the button once more to make sure that the water circulates fine, and then make your coffee as usual. You may have to do that again if you don't use the machine for a very long time, or if you purge it to transport it. It is explained in the instructions manual but admittedly it's not easy to find at all. I had to ring the club when I got the Lattissima as (like the customers who complained of the same 'fault') I was very disappointed and thought I had a faulty machine. But that just wasn't the case and it was sorted out in less than 5mn, so I do sympathise with the new buyers who clearly were not well advised by the Nespresso person they spoke to.

We purchased this machine for our office as a gift to our employees. However, this model has caused nothing but problems. We just received our third replacement machine and it is defective like the first two. We follow the instructions to a T and yet, when we try to test the machine to brew water (the step prior to using a capsule) the machine pump make noise but no water is released. We've called Nespresso numerous times for trouble shooting and they promptly offer a replacement machine. After 3 brand new machines, I have to warn anyone who is interesting in purchasing that these machines have a major design flaw and you may end up in the same RMA, replace, RMA process we are stuck in. Buyer beware!

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This is a beautiful machine, but the one I got doesn't work at all: no water can go through, with or without a capsule. The pump does not work. It's quite ironic that Nespresso includes a note asking customers to call Nespresso before returning the machines (which must happen quite often): at any given time, you can call and wait & wait for an hour or two, and no one will ever answer. I love Nespresso, but the customer service is horrible and the quality of these new beautiful machines is dismal. I know people who had returned Maestria after Maestria up to three or four times, to no avail: apparently only some work, as a mere matter of serendipity. But they are very pretty, so many give it several tries...

INCIDENTALLY, Nespresso censors and bans almost all negative reviews on their own website, so beware of the manipulated feedback the maker of this machine offers. I talked to a representative of the store from which I bought my Maestria, and she told me that as many as half of all Maestrias they sell are eventually returned. Why isn't Nespresso recalling an obviously defective product, instead of engaging in a campaign to supress criticisms?

Read Best Reviews of Nespresso Maestria Coffee Machine Here

Should listened to other review and don't buy it as a gift for my sister, she's troubled by the gift.

Feel bad about this machine

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I normally do not post, however with our experience with this gorgeous (but entirely unreliable machine), felt compelled to share our experience particularly given the price. First the good comments -when it works, it makes beautiful cappuccinos and espressos. Now the not so good stuff.....

We purchased a red Maestria 1 week ago for Xmas at a local retail store. Took it home, opened for use the first time and it didn't work. Went back to the retail store and with the helpful patient folks there opened and tested FIVE more (yes, five) and all did not work straight out of the box new.

On our sixth box we were able to get it to work. With the store we contacted Nespresso who said they've never heard of this issue. Search online and you'll see it is pretty common maybe it is a manufacturing issue with a specific lot? Turns out there is some mechanical issue with the water pump to pump the water from the tank into the machine.

Nespresso offered to send us a temporary one while they repaired our brand new one -we opted to go with the sixth one that worked. All others didnt work.

As if that wasnt enough... today after using for less than 16 times (number of test pods provided in the box), the descaler light came on. Apparently it isnt supposed to come on but every 3 6 months. We are using filtered tap water so this shouldnt be happening. Here we go again...

Again tried to contact Nespresso customer service Nespresso customer service has been unreachable for the last 2 weeks. The sales line (which I have called to order pods) answers quickly but the customer support line (different group) has constant delays (now on hold in excess of 20 minutes). Going back to retailer again to see what options are... may just end up returning it.

Too bad because we love the look and it makes great espresso when it works...

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Friday, January 31, 2014

DeLonghi DCF212T Drip Coffeemaker with Convenient Front Access

DeLonghi DCF212T Drip Coffeemaker with Convenient Front AccessWhen my $100 coffee maker quit, I researched coffee makers and found this model from DeLonghi I hadn't heard of before. The design of this model sets a new standard for on-the-counter coffee makers. It is incredible to be able to put the filter, coffee, AND WATER in the maker without moving the machine. The caraffe doesn't drip when pouring into the swing out arm (or into the cup later) so there's no messy drips to wipe up at any time.

The digital clock isn't the quickest to set since you have to hold a button in as it changes in minutes only, but hopefully that won't need set often.

The "aroma" button really works! There actually is a difference in the brewing aroma with it on.

Most importantly, the end product was a great cup of coffee! I'm thrilled with the coffee maker and haven't found a single negative aspect yet, including the price. I HIGHLY recommend this model. Kudos Delonghi, you really outdid yourself here. Amazon's shipping was simple and fast. The whole purchasing experience was exceptional. A+++++

I just got this coffee maker a few days ago and for the most part I like it, but, and this is a major but for me, the coffee just isn't quite hot enough. I find myself throwing my cup in the microwave to get it piping hot, not scalding but hot. It's nice looking, the front water loading is convenient, the coffee tastes good, but I wouldn't buy it again because of the temperature issue.

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I had the same leaking problem that another reviewer had. After about 1 month of daily use this unit starts leaking from the back and liquid coffee goes down to the warming plate making a mess and causing a burnt coffee smell. The company kindly sent me another unit but the same thing happened. So now they are sending me a second replacement and I chose a different model which hopefully will be more reliable. But based on the review on that unit I am not optimistic that unit is any better.

Read Best Reviews of DeLonghi DCF212T Drip Coffeemaker with Convenient Front Access Here

Summary: it died after 40 days.

I did my homework before picking this one, relying a lot on other reviewers' comments. I concede that the pour-from-the-front feature was appealing, but after getting the machine, I realized that it's not such a great design. Because the water channels through this front access swing-out arm, it's very difficult to REMOVE unwanted water, not to mention grounds that somehow end up in the reservoir. When I used a flashlight to examine the reservoir, I was appalled at how scummy it was, even after only a few weeks' usage.

The digital clock is terribly clumsy. To set the clock or brew time, you must hold down a single button until it reaches the desired time. The brew time defaults to 6AM, so if you want to set it for 5AM, you must cycle through 23 hours of counting.....and if you want to change it for the weekend, it's very awkward. Hey, this is 2008! Can't you do better than this, DeLonghi? This is a stone-age digital clock!

But the bottom line was simply this: the heating element stopped working after only 40 days of use. That's simply not acceptable. In the past, a coffeemaker could be expected to last for many years of daily use. Sadly, none of the "imported" coffeemakers I've tried recently can match that performance. This model was an exceptional failure.

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I bought this coffee maker about 4 months ago and it is already in the garbage. After the first month coffee would slowly come out of the carafe around the silver strip near the bottom and get on the burner and the smell of burnt coffe would fill the house. Then this weekend as I was filling the carafe with water it cracked. Carafe's online are $20 + shipping. NOT WORTH IT! So, I went out and bought a Cuisnart Coffee on Demand 12 cup programmable coffee maker and so far it is wonderful! Flavorful and hot coffee and even better there is no carafe to worry with!!!

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Sunday, September 15, 2013

Vev Vigano Vespress Nero 3-Cup Espresso Coffee Maker OH

Vev Vigano Vespress Nero 3-Cup Espresso Coffee Maker OHwe've owned and used a 6-cup bialetti moka express for some years now. both the bialetti and vev vigano work the same way, but to my surprise coffee tastes much better on the vev. the bialetti is aluminum while the vev is stainless steel, so maybe it's because of the material. since this is a 3-cup, it makes the coffee faster, and unlike the bialetti, I can open it right after pouring the coffee using two kitchen clothes to clean and refill to make another cup. on the bialetti, I have to wait until it gets cold to be able to open it. I suppose aluminum expands more under heat than steel.

the only reason I am not rating this coffee maker five stars is that the gasket has melted a little bit onto the upper part of the coffee maker. this also happened on the bialetti but only if I left it by mistake on the stove longer than needed to make the coffee. I use the lowest heat setting that my stove allows and still I continue to see the gasket deteriorate. I think I'll have to replace it for another gasket which is more resistant to heat. I hope they seller has silicone gaskets for this model or regular rubber which can withstand heat better.

I would buy this product again because of the price and it was the size I was looking for. I bought it because I was looking for a stainless steel espresso maker. However, there is an odd laque in the water holder of this esperesso maker that slowly vanishes... which means it is basically coming out in your coffee. I am not happy about this, but because I am in obscure places in Africa i couldnt send it back. Except for this latter I am happy with the maker. Makes 2-3 shots of espresso (rather on the side of 2).

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I've been making espresso daily for 15 years with a machine, (Pavoni, Breville, Saeco) and when the last machine crapped out I decided to try a stove top maker. The coffee tastes fantastic, I didn't realize how weak my machine espresso had gotten. BUT, due to deterioration of the white rubber gasket after only a couple of days, it's extremely difficult to unscrew the bottom and top after making coffee, unless you do it right after. I run the pot under cool water then unscrew the parts. I've also been careful not to screw the top and bottom together too tightly. The gasket got crumbly and sticky, possibly to using medium-low heat on my gas stove. Perhaps this wouldn't have happened if I only used the absolute lowest setting which takes about 8 minutes to brew. UPDATE: Amazon was great about giving me a partial refund since I had a problem with the gasket. I ordered the silicone replacement gaskets after confirming with the seller that they are 2.5" in diameter, so they should fit. Other than the gasket problem, I would give this a 5 star rating. It's beautiful and well made and makes great espresso.

Read Best Reviews of Vev Vigano Vespress Nero 3-Cup Espresso Coffee Maker OH Here

Monday, July 22, 2013

Paula Deen 8-Cup Stovetop Percolators

Paula Deen 8-Cup Stovetop Percolator, RedIn seeing so many nasty reviews about this little perk pot, I am putting in my two cents. First of all What do all these one and two star folks think this percolator is supposed to do for them?? Take them to Starbucks... I mean, seriously......

The reason I bought this percolator was because I had tried some stove top espresso makers, which clearly made much richer and fully flavored coffee, the only problem was that is was much too strong. It was evident something about the water and steam passing though all the grounds fully, and very slowly was making all the difference in the world. So I bought this percolator to see if this could make a richer home brew that was not as strong as espresso. Indeed this old fashioned process adds to the flavor and if properly perked your coffee will turn out just fine. The coffee is so rich that I save the left overs for iced coffee in the late afternoons during the summer.

Best thing to do is follow the instructions which say to let the water come to a boil then turn it to low heat. Yes, this means you need to stand there by the stove . Yes, if you over cook it, it will taste bitter. Yes, if you put too much water in the percolator it will over flow onto your stove. However, if you fill the percolator and coffee basket half way, all should go well.

The design is nice and this is a very sturdy item. Would have been very helpful if this came with a silicon grip in this day and age. Yes, you have to use a pot holder, just like way back when. Also, the orange is close to a bright red, the red is a very dark red, and the blue is nearly an aqua green.

Would be five stars but for the lack of a silicon grip. Nice job Ms. Paula Deen. Thank you!

It all started with the knives. I moved into this apartment in early Feb., My son gave me a gift card as a house warming so I went on a spree buying

kitchen things. When I considered a new percolator the fact that the landlord payed for the cooking gas entered into the choice. It's not possible to

just go out to Wall-Mart and pick up a stove top unit. I had purchased red knives and red cooking pots so it had to be red. It's a well made product and

a credit to the Paula Deen brand name. I agree with another review I read when shopping on amazon, the bad reviews for this unit come from young people who have never used a crank to lower a car window or lowered a needle on a 78 RPM record.

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Best coffee pot I ever had! Bought a DeLonghi coffeepot for over $100 and between filters that had to be purchased every few months, descaling the pot with vinegar, it just wasn't worth it. The descaling didn't work and after a year I threw it away!

The Paula Deen coffeepot makes excellent coffee even without using the strainer, when less coffee is needed, but with excellent flavor!

I even make tea in it. Somehow, the heaviness of the pot and tight, snug double lid gives coffee and tea a full-bodied flavor! It makes coffee so fast, and has a slowly, brewed taste!

Read Best Reviews of Paula Deen 8-Cup Stovetop Percolators Here

We have had our Paula Deen stovetop percolator for more than a year. It brews the best coffee we have ever had. You need to pay attention to when the coffee begins to percolate and then turn the heat down to low and brew for six minutes. We then turn the heat off and let it set for a couple of minutes before pouring. It makes perfect coffee every time.

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Bought this for my hubby, the coffee drinker in the family. Cute, seemed sturdy and sustainable, no plastic, so I bought it.

But this thing takes 20-25 minutes to fully percolate on med-high heat(what a waste of energy!) Seems to be taking longer the older it gets(right now about 6 mos. old). Like other users we also have gotten some some grounds in the coffee.

I wish I could find another one that makes a similar amount that is as pretty as this one! I don't mind having this live on the burner.

Please improve the design, Paula! I'd probably spring for another if issues have been fixed.