Melitta 64008 Red Ready Set Joe Filter Cone

I have been using one of these filter cones for a couple years at home and work. I recently bought a few extras and now take one with me (and my favorite brand of coffee) when I travel it's a great upgrade from hotel coffee. I use the Melitta #2 unbleached filters and get excellent coffee. You just put ground coffee (drip grind) in the filter, add hot water (appx 195 to 205 degrees F), and in a minute you have a perfect cup of coffee. I've used a number of different methods and gizmos over the years, until I started using this, my favorite was the French Press method.

This is quicker, simpler, easier to clean, and you can take it with you. The coffee tastes great, clean, full, no off tastes. You can of course vary the strength (both the caffeine and flavor) by adding more or less coffee to the filter, and varying the temperature of the water. I find I get the best taste when I bring the water to a full boil then let it sit about a minute. When you're done you toss the used filter with grounds into the garbage, and you're done. This is great if you and your spouse/kid/partner, etc drink different kinds of coffee or one likes decaf and another likes regular. And you make just one cup at a time so you're not brewing a whole 12 cup tank when you really only want a cup. I also like to use this with a 16 oz. travel cup which is 6 oz. larger than my normal cup. I simply add a bit more coffee a bit more water, and presto! I have exactly the right amount of coffee to hop in the car and off to work or whatever.

You can spend a ton of money for a high tech coffee maker, but you won't get better coffee.

Been using a one-cup coffee cone for decades, and I have a suggestion: Buy #4 filters instead of the #2 recommended ones. The smaller, #2 filters aren't tall enough, so it's too easy to slop boiling water over the edge of the smaller filter.

The #4 filter fits similarly except that the #4 extends above the rim of the cone to hold more water if you tend to over-pour.

I just purchased the cone featured here (mine is black) and bought it from Bed Bath and Beyond (please note that I've bought other, more costly items from Amazon.com whose prices and service are among the best).

Bought the new cone because the open space at the bottom should make it easy to see when the cup is full instead of lifting the unit from the cup. One thing I noticed is that the bottom is slightly rounded on mine, so it doesn't fit as well on the top of the coffee cup. Not sure if that'll matter much when there's coffee and water in it. That's why I give my new cone only 4 stars instead of 5.

In any case, inexpensive coffee cones make coffee as well or better than costly machines. Again, buy #4 filters.

Great for people who like to keep things simple!

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This product is exactly what I've been looking for. The industrial strength coffee maker at work isn't used properly so I prefer to brew a fresh cup. Not a fan of the french press and graininess so tried this as an alternative. Works great! The strength of the coffee will depend on how much you put in the filter, so it will take some tries to get used it it. Awesome product!

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I got two of these plastic coffee brewers cup, one for the office and one for home. I usually brew a whole pot of coffee in the mornings, but sometimes later at work, or in the afternoons and evenings at home, when I know I won't finish a whole pot or there's nobody to share with, I brew a single cup with this cup. Along with the filter cone filters, and a coffee grinder, this is a very quick method to have a freshly brewed single cup of coffee at any time without having to brew a whole pot of coffee. I have also traveled with it! very handy too in small hotels that provide hot water. If you are an avid coffee drinker, surely will get a lot of use from it.

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The Melitta Ready Set Joe filter cones are available in red or black, and I have one of each. In fact, I like thise cone so much that I even bought a third one for a coworker who loves it. So far I haven't detected a difference in coffee taste between coffee brewed with the two colors.

The cone is easy to use and easy to clean; as a bonus it even comes with a few starter filters included so you can make a cup of joe right out of the box. Interestingly the origin of "a cup of joe" is commonly thought to be traced back to the 1900s, when Admiral Josephus Daniels outlawed alcohol on all ships. Coffee became the drink of choice and hence a cup of "Joe." Other explanations of this term also exist.

To use the cone just place it over a cup, insert a cone filter, add coffee, and pour hot water over the coffee grounds. The water slowly drips into the cup, so the user would be advised to first heat the cup by letting some hot wate sit in it prior to making coffee. The resulting cup of coffee tastes great, and one doesn't have to clean out a coffee maker afterwards. Just rinse out the plastic cone and you're done.

The Melitta cones are suitable for making coffee only, not for adding oil to a car engine or for using as a garment enhancement.

Krups XP4030 Pump Espresso Machine, Black

After making cappuccino on steam type espresso makers daily for the past 12 years, I thought it was time to upgrade to a pump model. I researched pump types and decided on this model. Wow! What a difference! The espresso first comes out as a creamy light brown froth which then clarifies into a rich darker brown color within a minute. What a difference in taste! We use pure Kona and the taste is softer and smoother than we're used to. In the week I've used it, I haven't yet mastered the froth on this unit, but it's getting better and is probably a learning curve on my behalf.

Some pointers and caveats need to be mentioned up front for optimum performance and eyes wide open purchase:

1) This model is heavier & noisier than steam models

2) No decanter is included. I use a Pyrex measuring cup if making two servings. About 1/3 cup per espresso serving.

3) You must manually turn off the espresso control after the desired quantity is made, hence the measurement of 1/3 cup per serving

4) The water tank is removable--a nice touch. If it is not reseated properly, you will hear a very loud continuous noise as the unit tries to suck out water it cannot obtain. This is just a learner's tip.

5) While the water reservoir is massive, you can only make one or two servings at a time, unless the espresso is diluted. Making more is only a matter of placing the unit in standby, removing the grounds, refilling with fresh grounds and continuing the process again.

6) Always wait for the thump thump noises of the pump to stop before proceeding to the next step. This is usually a matter of several seconds, just don't be impatient!

7) Whenever crafting the froth, you must wait for the orange light to go out before proceeding. This is like waiting for the oven to reach appropriate temperature.

8) Alternatively, you cannot go straight from froth to espresso without first placing the unit in standby for a cooldown cycle. The pump will cycle for about 10 seconds. When it stops, you can proceed. This is only a cool down period.

9) For making espresso only, this unit is FAST!!

10) I am well over the age of 13!

With the above in mind, I hope you take the plunge. The price is right and the difference in taste is remarkable. If you're thinking of upgrading your steam espresso maker, go for it! The Holidaze are just around the corner!

First, an introduction to my point-of-view on coffee. I am not a coffee snob by any means, but I do know what tastes good and what does not. I am also no stranger to the kitchen...what I mean is, kitchen gadgets are pretty self-explanatory to me.

I wanted an espresso machine because paying almost $5 for a latte a day was becoming out of control I brew coffee at home all the time, but really needed something that would save me $20+ a week. I purchased a Mr Coffee unit which was awful and I returned. I did not want to spend $300 $500 on something to brew espresso, but I did not want something that was cheap. I selected this model based upon it's pump feature and my previous experience with Krups.

Right out of the box, I cleaned the system following the simple instructions. Then, I was off to make my first latte. I read the instructions, while cleaning the system, and found them very easy to understand. Also, cleaning the system really helps to learn the system quite quickly. So, off I go....

This KRUPS unit brews a beautiful cup of espresso and quite simply so. Once my espresso was brewed, I steamed and foamed my milk for a latte. I could not believe how simple it was. My very first experience with this unit and I was able to create a wonderful latte that not only tasted good, but came out right. The milk was hot and there was the right amount of foam to drizzle my chocolate on top.

This unit allows you not only to brew ground espresso, but also pods if you choose. I am not a fan of the pods, but I might be with this unit. There are three filters in the box. A one scoop (cup), two scoop and pod filter. Also, it comes with a nice scoop that has a flat bottom at the end of the handle so that you can tamp your grounds in the filter. Very clever. The only thing that you might like which does not come with this unit is an actual small pot. I use a measuring cup so I can see exactly how much espresso I have brewed, but you can always purchase one of those pots as well.

The milk steamer/foamer is very simple to use. There is about a 3 inch clearing, so you may want to purchase a shorter stainless steel cup for steaming your milk. I use a 2 cup with the slant design. It is a pump; the sounds it makes are very normal.

Some tips I would like to offer:

1. Before pouring your milk into your container for steaming, place it in the freezer for about 5 minutes so that the milk is really cold. This will help to achieve the best foam.

2. Freshly ground espresso beans will give a full-flavor espresso. I tried pre-ground and it is not near as good.

3. Don't get frustrated if it does not work the first time. Especially the milk. This really is simple on this unit, but does take practice if you have never done it before.

A side note: My favorite is a Marble Mocha Macchiato so I wanted to attempt this at home. Use about 1 cup of milk, purchase white chocolate sauce and dark chocolate syrup and you can make these at home for cheap. They are just as good. You can also create white chocolate mochas omitting the dark chocolate syrup.

Buy Krups XP4030 Pump Espresso Machine, Black Now

This machine is fantastic--makes an excellent espresso, best I've ever had (and I'm a total coffee junky). I was a bit skeptical because of some of the bad reviews on here, but I've owned a Krups steam espresso machine for 16 years (4 espressos a day) and it still works like the day I bought it. I wouldn't have believed the difference the pump makes if I hadn't tried it for myself--if you love espresso like I do, dump the steam and get this machine.

As to the bad reviews...

The "noise" issue that people talk about is ridiculous. It makes two clicking noises when it starts up, which lasts about 1 second. Then it does the same thing when you flip the switch to make your espresso--1-2 seconds of a metallic clicking sound that is about as loud as an older dishwasher. Hardly what I would qualify as a "racket" or "sounds like a tank." It's compressing really hot water using metal bars in a pump mechanism--what do you expect? If you want total silence, you should expect to pay more than $150 for some feat of sound-baffling engineering by Bosch or something!

Second, the whole "leaks like crazy" issue is just plain wrong. There's a tray that collects extra water from the process. They tell you this in the manual (read it). It's NOT A LEAK--it's part of the normal operation of the machine. This slowly fills up, and needs to be emptied once a week--you pull it out, rinse it off and you're done.

The machine is also built like a tank, but doesn't sound like one...this is a solid piece of machinery--even the handle is made like it's supposed to be handed down to your grandchildren (it weighs 2-3 pounds!).

If you're looking to get into a pump machine, but don't want to spend outrageous amounts of money on it, this is the way to go. Don't bother with the bad reviews on here--people don't read the manual, and they expect engineering miracles that can a) fit on your countertop and b) cost under $150. Good luck with that!

I love this machine and I'm sold on Krups design, workmanship and value--ignore the whiners and buy it.

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Pumps great espresso, but after 2 months, my steaming wand flew off while steaming milk. One month later, milk stops frothing altogether. I called Krups customer service and they advised that I decalcify the machine. Mix 2 cups vinegar, 2 cups water, run some of the mixture through the steaming wand and the espresso pump. Then let sit for an hour. Now, run the vinegar through both the espresso pump and the steaming wand until it runs out. I found that the vinegar cleared the clog in my steaming wand! Repeat the whole process, this time with clear filtered water, to wash away the vinegar.

The machine should work great now. I learned that when the steaming wand gets a little clogged, it increases the pressure and this blows off the rubber gasket at the end of the wand, spewing milk all over. Depending on the hardness of your water, it is recommended to decalcify the machine every month.

Thanks to Judd at Krups for helping me out.

Ken

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This is a sharp looking machine that looks good sitting on the countertop. This is my first espresso machine, so it definitely took some time getting it right. Be aware that the nozzle on the frothing milk component often comes off and leads to a rather large mess of milk going everywhere. Other than that, the machine makes pretty good lattes/espressos. Also, you have to shut off the espresso maker manually when the proper amount of espresso has been made. This took me some time to figure out the proper amount in order to not dilute the beverage. Despite these issues, the product runs well and seems to be of decent quality.

Cuisinart EM-200 Programmable 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel

I've had this machine now 4 months. I've had many machines before it, including the ever popular DeLonghi. This is an amazing machine, but there are a few things to know.

1. All espresso machines, and even some coffee machines, need to be primed. If there is water in the tank, yet it's not pumping but making noise, chances are you just need to prime it. Turn the steam knob just like in the manual, and if it fails, try again. You only have to do this when you first get the machine, or if you some how let it run dry.

2. The specs list this as not coming with a tamper, that's only partially correct. It comes with a plastic scoop / tamper combo thang. Before you get too annoyed with it, I recommend ordering "RSVP Terry's Tamper" (probably advertised on the same page). It's less than 7 bucks, and the small side fits this machines portafilter perfectly.

3. Some reviewers have knocked this machine because the "Filter keeps getting clogged". Here's a news flash: All espresso filters will get clogged if your grinder leaves too many fines. You can get pre-ground espresso (I recommend LaVazza InBlu, or Illy), or you can get yourself a good grinder (doesn't need to be great, as long as it grinds *evenly*). If you accidentally grind too finely, this machine comes with pins to un-clog the filter. You can save a bit of time by just rubbing your thumb over the filter aggressively while running watter over it.

4. Noise. Without a doubt, this is the noisiest espresso machine I've ever owned. That said, I just purchased a Kurieg for my wife, and it is noisier and had even more trouble with it's initial priming. To the Kurieg's credit, there is no grind to mess with, and the clean up is Zero. :)

Now for the stuff that Hasn't been mentioned, but if I where Cuisinart, I'd be shouting this from the roof tops...

1. This machine has the most rock solid temperature across shots I've ever seen. Nothing else comes close.

2. This machine has integrated pressure relief. It's not perfect, which is probably why they didn't mention it, but even Gaggia's solenoid freaks out from time to time too. Most every other manufacture with this feature charge double this machines cost. It's a big deal.

3. I've been inside DeLonghis, Gaggias, and others, this thing is pretty well built. It also looks pretty nice on the outside, and has a water res that is easy to use, large enough, and above all else, leak free.

4. The steam wand works well. It actually works better than my Gaggia's (which was 4 *times* as much money), but it is Different, and takes some initial practice.

5. This machine has an auto power down. That's a Very Nice feature that is often overlooked on less expensive machines, and it's very handy too.

6. The dosing on this thing actually works. I've had a couple other machines that claimed dosing, yet they all seemed pretty random. This one actually works and it works reliably. Before you think this is a feature you can live without, consider this: With non-dosing machines, you need to use a shot glass or some other way of eye-balling when to stop, then put into final glass for mixing. But, with dosing, you can punch up a double shot right into the final cup, and it gets it right. Every Time. How cool is That??? Very Cool!

The only things I wish they did different:

1. I wish the machine was quieter.

2. I wish they had a non-pressurized portafilter basket option.

But, when you compare that to the plus side, it's a no brainer: Buy This Machine!

Not having to temperature surf, not having gooey cleanup, having a cup warmer that actually works, AUTO POWER DOWN, dosing, etc., all for the price of a used Gaggia? Just click "Add to Cart" already!

I read that another reviewer had trouble with her machine. Hopefully it was the exception and not the rule. It comes with a 3-year warranty, so I figure that I have reasonable protection should anything break.

This is my first espresso machine and I did a lot of shopping and read a ton of reviews before deciding to buy. I was nervous about buying it because there were zero reviews at the time. However, I loved the look, liked the feature set, and believed in the Cuisinart brand. I have had the machine for a week and have used it at least once each day. So far I am extremely pleased.

I had considered the DeLonghi EC155, which gets good ratings and is reasonably priced. However, it requires the operator to guess or measure the volume of espresso. I am terrible at guessing the volumes of liquids, so I liked that this machine has buttons that make a pre-set (or programmable) volume of coffee. It turns out that this is a great feature and really frees me to multi-task. In the mornings, I hit the power button, and by the time I fill the portafilter the machine is ready to brew. I hit the brew button and mix up my meal replacement shake. After the coffee is finished, I hit the steam button and pour the milk for frothing. It takes less than 30 seconds to froth and steam the milk, so I am pleased with its power. I have never run out of steam and was able to make a nice foam with very little practice. I can make my breakfast shake and a cappuccino or latte in under 10 minutes with the above process. Not bad for an amateur.

Overall I am very pleased with the machine and am having a great time with it. I would recommend it based on my experience thus far.

Buy Cuisinart EM-200 Programmable 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel Now

This unit is nicely put together, with its stainless steel finish. It definitely has a quality feel to it. I had no problem with turning the steam knob, as others have mentioned.

The machine makes excellent espresso, both in semi-automatic and manual modes. Good crema, excellent taste.

Where this machine fall short, though, is in steam volume. It takes a long time to froth the milk, and getting it right is very hit or miss. At first I thought there was more to the art of frothing than I'd assumed, and I kept working on my technique. The best approach, I found, was to include a couple of ice cubes in the milk, to keep the temperature down as the froth built up. Results were barely satisfactory.

I have since discovered that a stronger steam flow is the key to frothing effectively. I'm now using a fully automatic DeLonghi machine that makes excellent espresso and has a far more powerful flow of steam than this Cuisinart (at least the one I had).

If espresso is your thing and you don't mind the manual grinding, tamping, and brewing, this is a great machine. If frothing milk is part of your favorite drink, I'd suggest looking elsewhere.

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This machine is amazing! Makes great expresso! I bought this machine to replace a Breville that I was not completely happy with, as it made weak espresso and I needed to turn a knob to brew the correct amount. NOT WITH THIS MACHINE! Push a button and walk away, come back to a single or double shot. The water tank is easy to refill (I use a clean syrup bottle to refill it, instead of removing it). The frothing knob is hard to turn at first, but upon the 3rd or 4th use, it is fine. I do not find the frothing wand to be too low or drippy, after all it swivels over the drip tray, duh!!! Looks great on the counter, large cup warming surface, truly stainless, not painted plastic, like some of the Breville is. A++++++

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I did a lot of research and read a ton of reviews of different espresso machines before buying the Cuisinart EM-200. This machine works excellently, but you have to make sure that you read the instructions (or watch the included instructional DVD). Here's a couple things that will help you make sure that you brew great espresso with this machine, which is especially easy to do once you get the knack of it!:

1. Make sure that you use good quality water so that you're espresso tastes as great as possible. If you're water is chlorinated or has a lot of dissolved minerals or metals, then you should probably run it through a Brita, Pur, Zero, or some other filter.

2. Make sure that the water tank is seated well so it activates the spring valve on the tank otherwise you will not get any water into the machine. Also, if the tank is not seated properly, it could potentially leak. However, I have never had any problems with mine.

3. Think carefully about what coffee you are using. Lots of people seem to use "espresso roast" coffee, but then complain about the lack of crema production. Crema production is partly a function of the roast of the coffee. Many European espresso shops use medium roasts (sometimes called a "city roast"), which tend to yield a better crema. It's your coffee, of course, but you might want to keep this in mind before purchasing espresso, French, or Italian roasts for your espresso maker.

4. Make sure that your espresso grind is very fine and even, if you're not using espresso pods (I rarely use them). It's tough to get a good, consistently fine grind with a blade grinder so you'll probably want to use a bur grinder. There are a bunch of good ones out there for around $25-$50.

5. You'll want to use 13 grams of ground espresso for a 1.5 fluid ounce (the "single serving" standard brew on the EM-200), 17 grams if you're going to brew a double shot (2 fluid ounces ), and 25.5 grams if you're going to brew 3 fluid ounces (the "double serving" standard brew on the EM-200). You can use the combo tamper/measurer that comes with the machine, but because espresso can compress *very* easily, it's better to weigh it for the sake of consistency.

6. Make sure that you tamp your coffee down well. The combo tamper/measurer is a little hard to give ground espresso the right pressure, so I use a stainless steel tamper to tamp to 40 lbs. of pressure. (The instructions with the EM-200 are not very specific on the pressure, but 40 lbs. of pressure yields good results for me with this machine.) I place the portafilter on a kitchen towel and then tamp the coffee so as not to damage the portafilter.

7. If the EM-200 is starting cold, it can take a minute or so to heat up. I usually fire it up before measuring, grinding, and tamping the coffee. This way it is ready to go as soon as possible.

8. Either select the manual, pre-programmed single or double serving, or the programmed serving and brew your espresso! (I know right, finally!) On my machine with properly tamped espresso, the pre-programmed 1.5 fl. oz. and 3.0 fl. oz. buttons were spot on and yielded those exact amounts. (I measured them in a graduated beaker.) If your yields or steam production declines over time, it could be due to mineral buildup in your machine. You can run a mineral cleaning product through your machine. They are cheap to get and easy to find on Amazon.com or your local Bed, Bath, and Beyond, for example.

9. If you're frothing milk for your espresso, you'll want to hit the steam button right after your pulling your espresso shot so the machine builds steam as quickly as possible. Once the steam button indicates it is ready, start the steam over the draining grate on the machine (in case any water comes out). After you see good steam coming out, move your milk pitcher into position and heat your milk to around 160°-170° F. You'll probably want to use a frothing thermometer, which are pretty cheap ($5-10) to get.

10. Pour your milk and spoon your frothed milk into your espresso (if you're using it) and you're all set!

Cleaning the machine is easy. I clean the portafilter, steaming wand, and drip tray by hand since it's easy and far less harsh than the dishwasher.

I've read reviews of this machine and think that probably 90% of the complaints about this machine are due to "operator error" and people really not knowing what they are doing, in my opinion. This machine works great when you use it properly! :-)

This machine is definitely worth the money and if you're looking for a semi-automatic machine, then I would recommend this one!

Thanks!

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