Showing posts with label italian coffee pot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label italian coffee pot. Show all posts

Monday, April 7, 2014

Capresso 4-Cup Glass Carafe with Lid for 303 Espresso Machine

Capresso 4-Cup Glass Carafe with Lid for 303 Espresso MachineThree of these glass carafes broke. First time chalk it up to consumer use. Two more times? Clearly a problem with quality. The glass is extremely thin! I now use a small stainless steel frothing pitcher.

We love our little Capresso 303 Espresso machine. We use it for travel, because our super automatic doesn't travel well. Needless to say, this carafe doesn't travel well either, but the replacement works great and comes with padding that we put in the box with the maker.

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I accidentally broke the carafe that came with the Espresso machine so I had to order a new one. It was the same carafe, but unfortunately the lid is loose, and I have to be real careful when I use it.

Read Best Reviews of Capresso 4-Cup Glass Carafe with Lid for 303 Espresso Machine Here

Exact replacement for the espresso machine. I broke my first carafe the second time I used it and wish I had kept the lid. The lid that comes with this one doesn't fit as tightly. I suppose the diameter of the rim on the carafe could slightly bigger, but I don't think so.

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I bought the Cappresso expresso machine at Crate & Barrel and I was surprised to find out they did not stock replacement carafe's. This is a nonstandard shape. They gave me the card of a recommended retailer. With shipping and all, it was expensive. I made due with a carafe I had from my old machine for a few months. It's nice to finally have one that fits. I need that cup in the morning.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Nespresso CitiZ D110 Espresso Maker, Black

Nespresso CitiZ D110 Espresso Maker, BlackI stressed about buying a "pod" machine for some time. I didn't like the feeling of being held to corporate pods and I resisted the "idiot-proof" nature of a machine like this, but I accepted the fact that I am not interested in coffee enough to master hard core barista techniques so I took the plunge with this machine.

It was a great decision. This machine is beautiful, functional, easy to use and makes fantastic espresso, cappuccino and latte drinks consistently and I highly recommend it. If you dont have access to a Nespresso Boutique for your pod purchases you can get very fast delivery from their online store with reasonable shipping (but I think it should be free).

I also debated a long time between this machine and the one with the attached milk frothing device. I decided to buy that separately because I didnt want the machine to take up too much counter space and the separate frother can be stored in the cupboard.

After traveling the course of Delonghi and Capresso manual and semi-automatic machines, I finally broke down. Spending 20 minutes to prepare a shot of espresso, including preparation and clean-up, and then having to drink it luke warm after the motions, was, to put it mildly, just not fun anymore.

Once you get off the high horse of "Oh, that cannot be espresso, only an X machine can make espresso, you need to suffer to make espresso", and you actually try Nespresso coffee, you are in for a treat. It's not bad. NOT BAD AT ALL.

I'm a hardcore coffee guy. My favorite espresso will always be the one that a professional makes for me, or one that I make for somebody else. I cannot enjoy something I make for myself. So my choice was either one of those $1,000+ super automatic machines, with all its glorious, unending, thankless maintenance chores, or one of those "capsule" monsters. Well, HELLO FRANKENSTEIN. Yes, yes, you are ALIVE!

The CitiZ could not be easier to operate. Anything I can say in that regard would be overkill; some fellow reviewers have done magnificently in their description of the beautiful "unboxing experience". Nespresso offers a nice variety of coffee blends, and they are sufficiently diverse in flavor and complexity to matter. Those people who say that there is no difference between blends (i.e. the Dulção and the Ristretto) may have lost their taste buds in a horrible dentistry accident, or may be instant coffee refugees. My condolences.

Yes, the people at Nestlé are uptight snobs, presumptuous b*stards who have closed the Nespresso capsule market to themselves. They sell a relatively expensive product ($0.60+ per capsule, after taxes and shipping)that you can't find in stores, and which can only be ordered at their uppity online club. Well... I can live with that. And, as far as heartless capitalism goes, those Nestlé Nespresso guys are lovable. Once you consider the practicity of the delivery mechanism, the consistent quality of a product that is satisfying, complex, and rewarding each and every time that you press that magical button, then the "you get what you pay for" law of nature hits you.

I got what I paid for. And I'm pretty happy with my purchase.

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Had problem with my Nespresso Citiz after just two years of light use. Clear water coming out as capsule did not puncture. This seems to be a common problem. Just got off the phone with Nespresso 'CS Manager'. THEY REFUSED TO FIX MACHINE. Wanted to charge $125, then lowered to $99. Obviously they DO NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS. This machine is only 2 years old and was well cared for. Offered to sell me a new one! Told them I am moving to the Starbucks machine, as Nespresso obviously doesn't stand behind their products. POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE. Will never buy, again!

Read Best Reviews of Nespresso CitiZ D110 Espresso Maker, Black Here

I absolutely love this machine. Easy to use and takes up little space in the kitchen. So convenient and takes no skill at all to use.....in other words it's a no brainer and that is what I need in the morning!

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I've owned a few espresso machines over the years: Many years ago, I owned one of those stovetop metal machines. It's been so long since I've had one of those that I'm not even going to comment on the quality of espresso it made. Subsequently I purchased a few different pump machines made by Krups. They both made decent espresso, but nothing compared to what I could get at a decent cafe.

I moved several months ago and discovered that my espresso machine didn't survive the move. After fruitlessly trying to figure out how to get it running again, I decided I'd just buy a new machine. What to buy? I looked at Krups again, but thought it might be nice to get something that would hopefully make even better espresso. I looked at Breville and a few other brands, but my frugal side kept pulling me back to inexpensive machines by Krups and a few others. Meanwhile I was seeking out opinions from others, both in person and online, and finally decided to give the Nespresso brand a try. I was initially extremely put off by the notion of buying into a system where I'd have to buy my coffee from the manufacturer, but I did have to admit that the ease of use seemed great and I wasn't particularly enamored by all that was entailed in using a manual machine.

I've now had my CitiZ for nearly three months and have to say that, along with my Nespresso Aerocino, it is one of the best consumer electronics purchases I've ever made. I like strong espresso, so my preferred pods are the more intense ones: Ristretto, Arpeggio, Roma, Decaf Intenso, and the limited edition Kazaar. I've had espresso at a few cafes since buying my CitiZ and I honestly have found all of them inferior to what I get from my CitiZ. The CitiZ is so easy to use that you could probably make your first cup of coffee while half asleep.

I just descaled my machine for the first time yesterday, and that was quite a breeze to do as well. (Look for a helpful YouTube video on descaling the CitiZ versus trying to figure out Nespresso's illustrated instructions.)

In closing, yes this machine cost me more than I initially wanted to spend. Yes, the capsules cost WAY more than buying coffee beans, grinding them yourself, and then using them in a machine where you have to measure, tamp, etc. But what you get in exchange for the premium cost is consistently great espresso. I'm frequently a budget minded person, but this is one indulgence I'm happy to have developed. I haven't enjoyed drinking coffee this much in years. And, no, I'm not a Nespresso employee -I just sound like one. :)

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Bialetti Replacement Gaskets

Bialetti Replacement Gasket - 3 Cup SizeI guessed that the 3-cup version was what I needed for our 4-cup stainless steel Bialetti pot, and luckily I was right. The gasket's outer diameter is 2.5 inches, and the ring is 0.25 inches wide.

It is the real deal, Bialetti product a package of 3 gaskets plus a replacement filter. A great deal at this price.

This came from J&R, and arrived in only a couple days with standard shipping. I'm totally, completely satisfied!

I'd give 5 stars since the current gasket has lasted forever but since Bialetti and amazon both are reluctant to provide sizing, I'm knocking it a star. I replaced mine since I now have to crank the pieces together firm enough I sometimes can't get it loose to prevent leaks.

As far as sizing, if a person were to go to espressoparts, they would find that the:

---3 cup gasket has measurements of: Outside Diameter: 64.75mm (2.54 in.); Inside Diameter: 50mm (1.96 in.); Thickness: 2.6mm (.102 in.) that's the vertical thickness and not the width of the gasket

---6 cup gasket: Outside Diameter: 72mm (2.83 in.), Inside Diameter: 55.5mm (2.18 in.), Thickness: 2.75mm (.108 in.)

---9 cup gasket: Outside Diameter: 80mm (3.149 in.), Inside Diameter: 63mm (2.48 in.), Thickness: 3.52mm (.12 in.)

So, if you're under the 3, it's probably a 1, if you're between the 3 and 6, I guess you maybe have a 4 cup. The measurements for coffee are all silly anyway as they use a 4-6oz as a cup in order to appear to increase the volume of their maker.

-Also, my 3 cup maker takes almost exactly 1/2 cup (118ml) of water to reach bottom of the safety valve. So, in Bialetti math, we can assume that they think around 40ml is an espresso cup. Hopefully that helps.

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I bought 3 new gaskets to replace the one in my Bialetti's 1 cup coffee maker.

As many here, I ended up buying the wrong ones :-(

No biggy, since I own different Bialettis in different sizes, but definitely a nuisance.

In order to avoid my mistake, I suggest you to go to the online Bialetti's store (Bialetti.com).

In the 'replacement parts' section, you'll find a very useful tool to determine which gaskets you need, based on some measurements.

Also it seems the prices are a little lower, but I'll leave this judgment to you...

Read Best Reviews of Bialetti Replacement Gaskets Here

I've had an IKEA Moka pot for years and the two gaskets it came with finally wore completely out. A visit to IKEA for the allegedly available replacement gaskets was futile no stores actually carry them it seems so I took a chance that these seals would fit my 3 cup IKEA model. They are the tiniest bit loose, not enough to keep the pot from making a seal, and I'm thrilled to have found a source for these. I think my IKEA pot was $12 when I bought it and although that's cheap, I hated the idea of tossing it and getting a new one just for lack of a new gasket.

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To those listing these gaskets, please put this link on all of your listings to prevent us from ordering the wrong size: […]

Nowhere on these makers is there a # cup measure so we're guessing. I only found this link after the fact. Now I have to reorder and have an opened pack of wrong size gaskets.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Keurig Cafe One-Touch Milk Frother

Keurig Cafe One-Touch Milk FrotherI am the world's biggest Keurig milk frother fan, so why am I giving it only 3 stars? Because this expensive and addicting accessory only works reliably for about three months. It froths milk for those first few months like nobody's business, perfectly heating your milk with a snowy mountain of froth on the top and then it stops working. I know this through extensive personal experience, because I have (hangs head in shame) actually paid for three of these puppies that's how obsessed I am with them. I returned the first one after a surprisingly contentious phone conversation with a Keurig representative who all but accused me of breaking the item. "You can only use skim milk with it", she admonished me, even though the advertising blurbs for the item say nothing about that. I have dutifully complied with the rules for frothers #2 and #3, but yesterday, when the third one gave up the ghost, predictably, at the 3-month-mark, I decided that my dysfunctional relationship with the Keurig frother has to end. Time to start buying half-and-half again.

The first unit was purchased last Saturday, and Saturday afternoon, I made delicous and abundant froth for my coffee. The next morning, my husband made it, and it only half frothed. Monday, the unit did not work at all; replaced it. Monday afternoon, new unit must not have heated long enough. No work. Replaced it, thinking third time's a charm--Fool that I was. These units are definitely lemons--not charming. The third one shut off this afternoon after around 35 seconds. I think that is the problem, they are shutting off prematurely. What are the chances that my local Bed, Bath & Beyond got stuck with a shipment of lemons with electrical cords and cheap, plastic frothers?

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Found this item cheaper at a local "Bed, Bath and Beyond" store ($79).

This product works as advertised. It has three parts:

1. The base (which plugs into the wall and provides the electricity)

2. The decanter which contains the electrics that heats the milk. There is a socket under the decanter the plugs into and sits loosely the base.

3. The removeable lid that has a stirrer attached to it.

3. The stirrer, which is a tiny wire whisk that you can remove when you only want to heat the milk.

Its very easy to operate... You put the correct amount of milk into the decanter(There are two fill lines, one for froth, and one for hot milk), place the decanter onto the base and press a button. The wire whisk spins around as the unit heats the milk and you get a nice single serving of froth. Remove the whisk and you can simply heat up the milk. The unit shuts itself off automatically when it is finished properly frothing or heating your milk. There's no guesswork at all.

Not only does this product prevent you from cooling off your coffee with cold milk, it makes your coffee look and taste better too. Funny how simply placing a layer of froth on the top of your coffee makes it look ten times more appealing. We tried it using Mocha, Donut Shop, and Butter Toffee flavors. It worked great in each one of those.

After you're done, it's very easy to clean up. Just rinse the decanter out with water (and dish-soap if you want) and rinse off the whisk and stirrer.

Is it worth $80? We think so because, like the Keurig, there's no guess work. Just pour in the milk and press a button.

Its great for getting creative with your coffee! For instance, we created a layered mocha: Pour the froth on the bottom of the cup, add Chocolate Syrup and then the coffee on top of that.

Read Best Reviews of Keurig Cafe One-Touch Milk Frother Here

I READ REVIEWS OF HAVING ONE OR MORE OF THESE SUDDENLY STOP WORKING IN A MONTH OR TWO. I SPENT THE $80 AND LOVED ITTHAT IS UNTIL IT SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING AFTER 1 MONTH. I WAS THE ONLY PERSON USING AND FOLLOWED ALL DIRECTIONS, KEPT CLEAN, ETC. $80 FOR SUCH A SHORT TIME IS A WASTE. WORSE IS THAT MINE IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. I HAVE READ SOOO MANY REVIEWS OF THIS SAME THING HAPPENING. SOMETHING IS DEFECTIVE WITH THIS PRODUCT. F.Y.I KEURIG'S CUSTOMER SERVICE IS TERRIBLE. THEY DON'T STAND BY THEIR OWN PRODUCTSHAME.

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My family LOVED this at first! We made hot chocolate, lattes, delicious toppings.... and then it broke. We blamed it on ourselves and bought another one. Then, the next one broke. Again, we mourned the loss of all the yummy drinks... Nowwe are without. :(

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