Showing posts with label italian espresso machines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label italian espresso machines. Show all posts

Friday, August 1, 2014

Krups XP2010 Combination Unit; 10 cup Coffee Maker & 15-bar Pump Espresso

Krups XP2010 Combination Unit; 10 cup Coffee Maker & 15-bar Pump EspressoUPDATE

I originally wrote this in June; it is now November. In all fairness, I feel compelled to drastically downgrade my opinion of this device, for one reasonthe steam wand will periodically blow off the machine, blasting your hand with live steam and throwing hot liquid everywhere. If you are lucky enough to escape a good scalding, it still takes about twenty minutes to clean upand you still don't have any coffee. The wand is not cloggedI clean it carefully prior to each useit just explodes.

I WOULD SAY THIS UNIT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE RECALLED.

(MY ORIGINAL REVIEW)

I've owned the Krups XP2010, my 4th espresso machine, for about 12 weeks now, and am quite pleased with the performance to date. Initially, it took a bit of trial-and-error before I could produce an adequate espresso, but after some practice, I am easily making some of the best I've ever made in-house. One does have to learn proper technique, though.

Things I like include the built-in water filtration system, the internal storage for filters, the overall solid construction, the ease of cleaning, and the small footprint. Although I am not particularly fond of the coffee quality in the various ESE pods which I have so far sampled, the ESE holder works very well, and does the best that it can with what it has to work with. With regular espresso-ground coffee, the 1and the 2-shot filters work brilliantly, producing copious amounts of crema, and a shot in about 15-20 seconds.

On the coffee side, the XP2010 works quite well, producing a nice clean cup in a minimum of time. Operation of the unit is simplicity itself; coffee in a filter, filter in basket, water in reservoir, push the blue 'on' button. The water is dispersed evenly over the grounds, while a water filter and no-drip system add to the over-all efficiency of the machine.

I have not experienced any leaking on either the coffee nor the espresso side of the machine, although the XP2010 normally does expel excess steam at certain times in its various cycles. In addition, note that the drip-tray must be emptied from time to time.

In the 'room for improvement' category, the XP2010 should, but doesn't, come with a 4-shot carafe and a stainless steel frothing pitcher.

The steam/frothing wand is adequate, but barely I produced better frothed milk with my old Krups Type 963.

Krups advises, and I agree, that it is important to preheat the filter, demitasse, pitchers, etc.

Overall, I am very pleased with my Krups XP2010, in terns of its functionality and construction; I am especially pleased with the quality of the espresso and coffee it consistently produces.

I was looking for a combination espresso-coffee maker to fit a specific space in the kitchen. The width and heigth of the unit had to fit within that area. There aren't too many combo machines out there, but the Krups 2010 fits the bill perfectly. It's very quick at producing a good espresso and the coffee maker works great too, filling a 10-cup pot in less than nine minutes. One reviewer claimed the espresso head leaked. I haven't had that problem. Maybe he or she didn't tighten the head enough or they're tossing ESE pods in the filter holder without properly adjusting them. Who knows? I know you can spend a lot more for a standalone espresso machine, but for a combination espresso-coffee machine the Krups works just fine.

Buy Krups XP2010 Combination Unit; 10 cup Coffee Maker & 15-bar Pump Espresso Now

Searched for a long time to find a good quality espresso machine that didn't cost over $500. We had a great workhorse Krups combo espresso coffee machine that was still working after 15 years. Was hoping this one would be the newer, more powerful, fancier model. Boy are we sorely disappointed. The coffee part works fine. Unfortunately the espresso part leaks all over from the gasket and doesn't even produce hot espresso. I exchanged this once, hoping I just got a bad one but apparently the Krups XP2010 is designed badly. Shame on Krups for releasing a premature, untested product.

Read Best Reviews of Krups XP2010 Combination Unit; 10 cup Coffee Maker & 15-bar Pump Espresso Here

I bought this machine with reservation after reading the reviews, but for the money I couldn't find anything comparable. I wanted a sturdy professional looking machine for way less than the $500. and over I am used to seeing for pump driven machines. After living with this machine for a couple of months now, I have to say that my experience has been nothing but positive. The coffee carafe does seem a little fragile, but almost all of them do now for some reason anyway I'm careful with it. This unit faithfully makes a couple of cups of perfect espresso every morning without any problems whatsoever. I can't see spending more money on another machine and I highly recommend this one.

Want Krups XP2010 Combination Unit; 10 cup Coffee Maker & 15-bar Pump Espresso Discount?

I like this product a lot, it makes good hot espresso quickly and the coffee maker works perfectly. I have not had any quality problems what so ever. You have to read the instruction booklet as the controls are not intuitive to a first time user. After you learn the how to use the machine, it becomes apparent that this is a well designed appliance and a great value for the money. I'm willing to bet that other reviewers let the pump run without water in the tank (which ruins the pump, causing leaks) and aren't preheating the espresso side before making espresso.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

DeLonghi BAR42 Pump-Driven Espresso Maker

DeLonghi BAR42 Pump-Driven Espresso MakerA really nice espresso machine. I've used both pods and ground coffee, and this machine makes great espresso either way. I've owned several inexpensive machines, and finally decided to 'bite the bullet' and get a nice one, and I REALLY got a nice one. Although the instructions say you have to wait 1/2 hour for the unit to warm up, it usually doesn't take that long. I turn it on, and by the time I'm out of the shower it's ready. It won't really make a latte though I suggest heat your milk, then froth it just a little. But it makes a really nice foamy cappuchino. I'm glad I got this and heartily reccommend it to anyone who loves espresso, cappuchino or latte!

I have seen alot of negative reviews regarding this appliance, however; I purchased one about a year ago and absolutely love it! The 2 liter tank is the bomb no more running out of water for steam. There is nothing worse than running out of water in those tiny tanks on other machines. By the time you correct that issue the espresso has gone cold! I crank out some high volume for all my neighbors on the weekends (several lattes) and have never had a single problem with this machine. This machine is built for high volume. I liked it so much I purchased one for my brother. I am also about to get one for a wedding gift for my neighbor. I wouldn't use anything else...especially a Krups! Had two different Krups machines and both fell apart in less than 6 months!

Buy DeLonghi BAR42 Pump-Driven Espresso Maker Now

The other customer reviews of this great product are very revealing. The steamer nozzle does NOT leak. It does, however, retain quite a bit of water that will slowly drip out if you don't follow the directions and remove the tip for rinsing after each use (detaches with no effort at all). Read the directions and clean your machine properly and you won't have any trouble.

This machine was a replacement for my $25 cheapie Mr. Coffee steam unit. There is simply no comparison. No more fumbling with dangerous steam chambers and watching my espresso get cold while I'm venting the machine! The DeLonghi has a water storage tank, is plenty pre-heated in just a few seconds (despite the directions reccomending 30 minutes) and espresso will start flowing within 3 seconds of turning the dial. I usually select warmup on the dial and then go grind my espresso beans. After selecting steam the machine is ready within 20 seconds (I use this time to get the milk ready).

The espresso has a great crema. Although not a concern for me, the frothing tube simplifies the milk part a good feature for an amateur to milk frothing. A great machine for a starter or a pro just be sure to read and follow the directions!

Read Best Reviews of DeLonghi BAR42 Pump-Driven Espresso Maker Here

I've used at least once a day for the last two years (at least) and have been very pleased with it. Sadly, I think it's getting old, and time for a new one. But I will buy the same thing again.

Want DeLonghi BAR42 Pump-Driven Espresso Maker Discount?

I got this as a gift about six month ago. I was new in making espresso so it took some time before I got perfect espresso. Now I like to order espresso in restaurants and cofee shops to compare with mine, usually mine is better. I use starbucks espresso coffee, they grind it for me an tastes wonderful. I give 4 stars because capuccinos are not as easy and fast to make as espresso holpfully I make lot more espresso than capuccino. Never have problems with the machine.

Thursday, December 26, 2013

10-Cup Professional Home Coffee Brewer

10-Cup Professional Home Coffee BrewerI have wanted a Bunn for as far back as I can remember. I finally got this one and am so disappointed. Unfortunately for me I knew it was going to be awesome and I threw the box out so I can't return it. It'll work for guests I suppose.

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Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Nespresso D110 Citiz Limousine Black Automatic Espresso Machine

Nespresso D110 Citiz Limousine Black Automatic Espresso MachinePerfect espresso or espresso drinks every time. I have purchased two of these: one for me and one for my daughter. Starbuck's doesn't come close to what you can do with this machine...and you probably save $$$ in the long run!

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Vev Vigano 8160 Vespress Gold 12 to 14-cup Coffee Pot - Made in Italy

Vev Vigano 8160 Vespress Gold 12 to 14-cup Coffee Pot - Made in ItalyWhat a machine! We have been using a stovetop espresso maker for our coffee habits for 12 years. We've had some drip machines and a french press come and go, but nothing stands up to the stove top. We still have our original in great condition. We bought this unit to upsize so we could serve our friends. What a beautiful coffee maker! It looks great in it's permanent home, the stovetop. It shines up well with a stainless steel cleaner. The pouring spout is well designed and does not drip when being poured. What I like about this unit compared to our other, smaller and cheaper one, is that when screwing the top on it doesn't have to be screwed on so tight that it is impossible to unscrew the next time. Sometimes these machines have to be pretty tight to avoid steam loss through the side, but this one holds the steam in just fine and I don't need a second set of arms around to help get it apart later. The quality of coffee is unbeatable. My husband drinks it straight up as espesso (by the mug!), but most people who come over prefer it mixed with near-boiling water to be had as an Americano. This machine is perfection!

I also have been using my Vespress Oro espresso machine for many, many years and couldn't be happier with it! I bought mine while living abroad and it has held up for over 15 years. It is an excellent product and makes far better espresso than our counter top electric machine. I have even taken it camping! It's durable, elegant and is being used widely in Europe and Italy for many years. I love it so much that I'm ordering the larger size for so my new hubby and I can enjoy an espresso together!

Buy Vev Vigano 8160 Vespress Gold 12 to 14-cup Coffee Pot - Made in Italy Now

This is a pretty functional espresso maker. Makes good espresso at just the right amount for 4 people even though it says it is for 12.

Read Best Reviews of Vev Vigano 8160 Vespress Gold 12 to 14-cup Coffee Pot - Made in Italy Here

Purchased this when I had house guests coming, and I needed to brew more than my usual 6 cups in the morning. Reading other reviews helped me decide to stay with the same Italian maker of stove-top espresso pots that I had started with, and I have no regrets whatsoever. Easy to use and clean, and produces the smoothest cup ever. Love the coffeemaker, love the coffee it makes.

Want Vev Vigano 8160 Vespress Gold 12 to 14-cup Coffee Pot - Made in Italy Discount?

Over the years I've had stovetop percs, electric percs, drip machines, french presses, plus stove top vacuum/bowl makers, and an electric version of same vacuum/bowl maker. I got this Vev Vigano on a whim after shattering my latest french press in the sink. A plus was that it is stainless steel, of course. I carefully followed the instructions -cleaned in soda first -then brewed 3 pots and threw them out. The resulting coffee from then on has been gorgeous stuff -full bodied without being bitter, strong without an aftertaste. Really great coffee. I've been using a dark roasted bean -ground on setting 3.5 of 8 on my grinder. I pat the coffee down -and use a fairly low gas flame. I tried using the lowest flame possible -but that didn't seem to work as well as a flame that was a bit stronger but does not flame up around the bottom. It takes about 10 minutes to brew on the flame setting I use. Easy to pour -brass handle doesn't require an ovenmitt for me at least. I love this Coffee Pot.