Review of Krups XP5220 Pump Espresso with Precise Tamp, Black and Stainless

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)We've had this espresso machine for just over a month and it works wonderfully.

It's a huge step up from our previous model (XP4030). For one thing, the previous machine was extremely loud and vibrated so badly that it couldn't be left unattended. We expected a bit more noise, and did get used to it, but not being able to turn our back while the coffee was brewing wasn't an option. This machine is much quieter, and there is no vibration. I can leave the room and come back to find the carafe or cup in the same spot I left it.

The coffee does pull slower, but that's not an issue for us.

Secondly, this machine has an auto tamping system. At first I was dubious about that, but now I love it. No more worrying about how far to tamp the grind down, just put it in the holder, put the holder in place, turn it a click or two, and you're ready to go.

If you click too far, not only will the holder be too tight, but the coffee won't flow. If nothing happens after a second or two, simply shut the machine off, release the holder, then click it one turn back. At that point it should work without having to remove any of the grounds (though in the beginning I did have to take a bit out). It takes a little practice, but you do learn how much ground to put in the holder.

The third thing that this machine has over our previous one...NO THIN RUBBER GASKET!! That was a big draw. We had spent quite a bit of money replacing gaskets (from the six month point on), and every other machine that we looked at (and we looked at them all) had the same rubber gasket.

Fourth, Krups finally got wise and encased the metal that was behind the drip tray. No more exposed metal, no more rusting. And instead of a pull out drip tray, the entire piece lifts off for easy emptying.

All of these things made the machine more expensive than our previous one, but it's less expensive than a lot of the brands/models we looked at. And though we're serious about our espresso/Americano's, we're not ready to take the plunge into the machines that cost hundreds of dollars. This is a good alternative (for us anyway).

We've had no problems with the frothing wand. It seems as sturdy as any of the others we've seen.

I will say that with our old machine it was extremely difficult to develop a good froth. With this one, I expected about the same, but then we hadn't purchased the machine for fancy drinks.

That said, this machine makes a fantastic froth and it's very simple to use. I had given up even trying with our previous machine, and whenever I wanted a cappuccino my husband had to do it (with mixed results and never quite as good as our old steam espresso maker).

It's nice to be able to make my own cappuccino's now. :-)

Who knows. I may be back in a few months with some negative comments, but for right now we're enjoying this machine.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Krups XP5220 Pump Espresso with Precise Tamp, Black and Stainless

Product Description:
Inspired by experts and demanding consumers with uncompromising standards of performance and quality, Krups products have been built with three key attributes in mind: Passion, Precision and Perfection. Be your own barista at home with the Krups XP5220 Precise Tamp Espresso Machine. With 1400 watts of power, and a 15 bar Thermoblock System, the Precise Tamp machine extracts a perfect shot every time for delicious espresso, latte or cappuccino drinks. The Precise Tamp Technology automatically tamps your grounds evenly to the optimum level, directly against the brewing head to minimize the puddling and tunneling. Simply scoop your espresso grounds into the filter holder; use less or more grounds to adjust your strength of your espresso; insert the filter holder and turn to the right until the filter holder stops. This advanced brewing system pre-heats twice as fast and requires less frequent descaling. The universal filter holds ground coffee, ESE or soft pods, and clicks into place for one or two cups. Clean up is simple thanks to a new easy-clean froth nozzle and no-mess filter cake ejection system. Beautifully designed in black with a die cast finish, the XP5220 features a removable water tank and drip tray.

Get 19% OFF