Review of Hamilton Beach 40729 Espresso/Cappuccino Maker with Pod Holder

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've used this machine for two years now, and would buy it again in an instant. I'll add these comments to those previously written:
* Crema varies with coffee bean; shiney fresh beans give more crema and have more (but subtle) flavors.I don't get the best crema with Starbucks beans.Peets is great though, so is Nicholas.Even the generic beans ($5/lb when on sale at the local grocer) work OK.Remember, these espresso machines extract more flavor from coffee beans (than perk or drip machines); it's the nature of the pressure (vs temperature) process.
* For a great double shot (actually, 4 oz), I fill the fresh-grounds filter to level (not heaping) with whole beans, grind them for 8 seconds in a cheapo spice grinder, and tamp them (not too hard, not too soft).The tamped grounds come up almost to the #2 line in the filter.I run the pump for 30 seconds after liquid starts coming out of the nozzel.The machine has been turned on and heating for only about 5-10 minutes prior to this.
* I've used Starbucks pods.It does takes two (at 15 seconds of pumping per) to make a double shot.It tastes good (but not as strong as when I use fresh-ground.)Pods are quicker, but more expensive, than using grounds.You do need to be careful to press the pod in the filter so all water goes through, not around, the pod.Be aware that this machine comes with two different stainless steel filters; one for grounds, and a smaller one for pre-packaged pods.
* These machines use ***PRESSURE*** not temperature to extract flavors. This results in smoother taste, but not scalding temperatures. If you want your espresso law-suit hot, nuke it afterward.
* The included plastic tamper is too flimsy for the tamping pressure I've found works best; get a sturdier one (I got an aluminum one from a local kitchen store.)If you don't tamp hard enough, grounds float up and coat the nozzel that high-pressure water comes out of.If you grind and tamp just right, the used grounds will maintain their hockey-puck shape when you shake them out of the filter.
* Coffee mugs don't fit under the spouts.Its not like this machine will make enough espresso in one batch to come close to filling a standard 10 oz mug.I just want to drink a strong brew from a manly mug ;-)I've had to resort to using the shorter, dainty, coffee cups from the fine china set.(Don't tell my buddies.)
* If you're the analytical type, check out "The Complexity of Coffee" in Scientific American June 2002, Vol 286 Issue 6 p86.It contains good info you can use to perfect your brew.
* Use some of that cafeine buzz to clean the machine after each use, and it will last for a long time. There was a recall (on the older 40714 version) because some people weren't cleaning milk off the frother, which resulted in scalding when the plug of old dried curdled milk suddenly erupted. Use common sense, keep this puppy clean, and it will make cup after cup of great brew.
* The frothing wand is not the easiest to use, due to the funny angle, short length, and low height above counter.I had to search for a stainless pitcher of just the right size; 10 oz to the brim.Disclaimer: I don't use the frother much so this doesn't detract from my rating of this machine.
* After years of use, hard water deposits build up on the nozzle just above where the coffee grounds sit. I noticed that water was spraying, rather than dripping, from here (during cleanup). There's no need to run special cleaners through the machine; I successfully remove deposits by rubbing the nozzel with a hand towel after every use. It's become part of the espresso-making ritual.
* I've been burned on other items when chosing the cheapest, but not on this one.It has some drawbacks, but for the price I can easily overlook them. It has kept my picky self satisfied!

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Product Description:
Making cafe-quality coffee drinks is quick and easy with this Italian-style espresso machine, which features 1100 watts of power and a 15-bar pump. The unit works with ground espresso or pre-measured pods and offers simple push-button operation. Its 2-cup removable water reservoir is easy to fill, and the adjustable steam/frothing dial allows for quickly steaming milk for cappuccinos and lattes. For added convenience, the appliance provides a cup-warming plate, an "on/off" switch, a power indicator light, a thermostat indicator light, a pressure safety valve, and a removable drip tray for easy cleanup. Accessories include a measuring scoop/tamper, two stainless-steel filters, an instructional video, and laminated recipe cards. The espresso machine measures 9 by 7-1/2 by 11-3/4 inches and carries a one-year warranty.

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Review of Capresso 114.01 Espresso Classic Black

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(More customer reviews)I bought a Capresso 114.01 espresso machine via Amazon in December of 2005. I had selected it in part, because of the high "bar" pressure rating. Upon receiving it, the first shot of espresso took several minutes to make. The coffee just drips out one drop at a time. The manual suggests "using a coarser grind than other espresso machines". I tried progressively coarser grinds until I was at the coarsest setting of my burr gringer...the coffee was getting weaker, and coming out a little faster, but still taking many minutes for one shot of espresso, with a weak and bitter result and no crema. The manual suggests tamping the coffee ever so lightly. Good suggestion, because if you tamp it with more than a feather's weight of pressure, you get no coffee flow at all. I called Capresso technical support numerous times. They suggested disassembling the machine--unscrewing the metal screen on the body of the machine where the water comes through-- and cleaning it. I did this to no avail. Besides, one shouldn't need to service a machine that is less than a month old in this way! After two months of frustrating, hit-and-miss results, I returned the machine to Amazon. Because it's after the 30 day return period, I may not get a full refund, but I'm glad to be rid of that piece of junk. I have since purchased a $180 Krups XP 4000 espresso machine that just works beautifully, with any grind of coffee (even very fine), any tamping pressure (even quite firm), the machine produces 2 shots of espresso in 25 seconds flat with tons of crema. What a relief!

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Product Description:
Contemporary design espresso machine has stainless steel lined Thermoblock with 18 bar pressure for rich crema espresso.Two sieves for single or double plus special sieve for use with pre-pack espresso PODs.

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Review of Saeco A-SPV-BK Spidem Villa Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Black

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(More customer reviews)I have to say I was skeptical about buying a super automatic machine and especially this one since it was one of the cheapest models. I bought this for my mom and it had to be as easy as possible to use for her. I love it and I found out that the inside machinery is basically the same as the models that cost 2-3 times more. I have been using it for 3 months now and have not had any problems at all it just takes a little bit of learning and trial and error don't forget to read the manual there are many little things that you should know so the machine will work properly without problems. It really only takes about 1 minute for the machine to be ready in the morning from a cold start to make an espresso or boiling water for tea. The only thing that takes some time is to get the grind size and amount of coffee correct for the type of bean you have. You wouldn't think so but Dunkin Donuts whole orig beans work great and taste amazing for espresso I even talked to Saeco customer support and they said it was a great bean for it since it wasn't too oily. Dont think Twice about buying this machine it is amazing and will pay for itself in a couple months of not going to the coffee shop. I even like the fact that this machine isn't complicated it is very simple to use. If you end up buying one of these try to get the solid black model since it isn't painted it is solid black plastic so there is nothing to chip and when the coffee or milk splashes you don't see the spots so it looks clean all the time unlike the silver models. Some people complain about the water and coffee capacity but unless you put this in an office you will be fine the water makes about 12-15 shots and coffee makes about 30 shots so you should be fine for a normal household. I also noticed that if you use bottled water you will have hardly any problems with the machine since most problems arise from calcium buildup from hard water and not to mention bottled water tastes so much better. I hardly ever write in depth reviews it's just that I am so happy with this machine and it saves so much money. We are a family of 3 and we used to get 3 Coffee's lattes etc. every day costing about $12-$15 daily and we had a instant boiling water dispenser in our kitchen sink that from what I found out costs about $30 a month to keep going since it is always on and now we turned that off and just use this machine for the boiling water for tea, cup a noodles, etc. as well.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Saeco A-SPV-BK Spidem Villa Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Black

Product Description:
Brew espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, and tea with this super-automatic home espresso machine. Its simple control panel provides a dial display with 1- to 8-ounce serving settings, and three buttons--one for power, one for coffee, and one for steam. With the push of a button, the unit grinds, doses, tamps, brews, and dispenses coffee; it can even prepare two cups at the same time. The machine comes with an adjustable built-in conical burr grinder and a pre-brewing cycle that injects hot water into ground coffee to maximize flavor extraction. Its Opti-Dose adjustable doser allows for adjusting the fineness of the grinds, the amount of coffee brewed, and the amount of ground coffee used to make each individual cup, from 6 to 9 grams. In addition, the espresso machine's Rapid Steam function means no waiting between frothing milk and brewing espresso, and its steam and hot-water wand comes with an exclusive pannarello frother to make frothing milk simple. The steam wand's swivel joint adjusts to accommodate either a 12-ounce or 20-ounce frothing pitcher. With a light push, the machine will rotate on its swivel base, simplifying general maintenance and the cleaning and refilling of the 57-ounce removable water tank. Other highlights include a removable brew group for chemical-free cleaning; a removable drip tray and dreg drawer; and a removable dump box for used grounds (holds up to 15 pucks). Made in Italy, the 1,250-watt super-automatic espresso machine measures 12-1/2 by 14 by 15-3/4 inches and carries a one-year parts-and-labor warranty.
From the Manufacturer
With state-of-the-art technology, you can make all of your favorite espresso-based drinks, including cappuccinos, lattes, and even regular-strength coffee. The hot-water nozzle also dispenses hot water for tea or soup. Every cup of coffee is freshly ground, dosed, tamped, and brewed with consistent high quality in one cycle, all at the push of a button.
A Host of Helpful Elements
With a simple turn of the Spidem Villa's steam knob, you can you can use the steam wand and pannarello frothing device to froth milk easily for cappuccinos and lattes. The machine's conical burr grinder grinds the coffee before each dose is dispensed and can be adjusted to change the coarseness of the grind, allowing you to control the coffee's strength. The Spidem Villa also includes a brew button for brewing single and double shots. To change the strength of the coffee, the volume-adjustment knob can be turned to the right (less coffee) or to the left (more coffee) to regulate the amount of water used. You can even change the amount of coffee beans used for each beverage, from 6 to 9 grams, with the Opti-Dose adjustable doser. By adjusting the amount of coffee, you can adjust the strength, from weak to strong, without changing the amount of water used. A pre-brewing cycle injects a small amount of hot water into the freshly ground coffee to maximize the flavor extraction. The Saeco Easy Clean System consists of the new, patented brew group, the heart of the machine, which can be completely removed at the push of a button for convenient rinsing and chemical-free cleaning, and the water tank, dump box, and drip tray are easily removable for refilling and cleaning. Additional features include an adjustable/removable dual-spout dispensing head and a swivel base. Features and Specifications

Hot-Water Nozzle: Dispenses steaming water for tea, hot chocolate, and instant soups.
Pannarello Frothing Device: This makes getting that soft, velvety foam for a cappuccino fast and easy. Completely removable for easy rinsing, it offers flexibility and convenience when frothing milk.
Adjustable Conical Burr Grinder: The machine's conical burr grinder can be adjusted to several different grind settings, from fine to coarse. The burr grinders crush the beans between a moving grinding wheel and a non-moving surface, which creates a finer and more consistent grind than blade grinders. When water filters through fine grinds, it extracts the flavor more evenly for a perfect, robust cup of coffee.
Patented Removable Brew Group: The removable brew group is the heart of every one of Saeco's fully automatic machines. Thanks to this patented technology, all it takes is the push of a button, and Saeco's machines grind fresh whole beans, dose the grounds, brew the espresso, and discard the used grounds, all in one automatic cycle. The brew group can be easily removed for simple rinsing with tap water.
Volume-Adjustment Knob: Turn to the right (less coffee) or to the left (more coffee) to regulate the amount of water used.
Opti-Dose: Allows you to adjust the amount of coffee ground from 6 grams to 9 grams of ground beans per brewing cycle.
Saeco Aroma System: To optimize the coffee-drinking experience, a special programmed step injects a small amount of hot water into the freshly ground coffee to start a pre-brewing process. This is done just before the actual brew cycle commences in order to extract the best elements from the coffee grounds.
Dual-Spout Dispensing Head: With the dual-spout dispensing head, the espresso is divided evenly, so you can brew two cups simultaneously.
Adjustable and Removable Dispensing Head: Allows for several different sized cups and mugs to be used.
Swivel Base: The swivel base provides convenient rotation and makes operating and maintaining the machine more accessible and practical.
Easy Clean System: Lets the new, patented brew group, the heart of the machine, be completely removed at the push of a button for convenient rinsing and chemical-free cleaning.
Color: Black
Bean-hopper capacity: 10.6 ounces
Dump-box capacity: 15 pucks
Removable water tank: 57 ounces
Stainless-steel boiler
1,250 watts / 120 volts (UL listed)
Dimensions: 15 by 14 by 15.5 inches (width by depth by height)
Weight: 18 lbs

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Review of Nespresso C100 Essenza Single-Serve Automatic Espresso Machine, Piano Black

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(More customer reviews)They had this machine in a hotel in Paris and I had to have it.Easiest way to make expressos and the coffee is very good.

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Product Description:
Developed with a unique extraction system specially designed for coffee-filled capsules, this 1200-watt single-serve automatic espresso machine deploys technology essential for preparing perfect espresso. A simple system perforates the hermetically sealed capsule and soaks all the ground coffee to optimally filter the coffee, while the unit's high-pressure 19-bar pump extracts all the aromas and gives body to the espresso ensuring a smooth crema--the delicious creamy layer on top. In addition, the machine's ThermoBlock heating system heats water to 187 degrees and 196 degrees during extraction and empties the remaining water after each use so that the water is fresh for each preparation. Used capsules eject semi-automatically into the used-capsule collection container upon lifting the handle.
Other highlights include programmable and automatic control of the amount of coffee in the cup, a backlit control button, electronic temperature regulation, and a removable 34-ounce water container. The espresso machine only uses capsules, not any other ground espresso, but a range of 12 premium coffee blends is available, including decaffeinated. The capsules can be purchased from Nespresso, either by phone or at their Web site, and an assortment of 12 capsules comes included. Compactly designed in ABS housing, the strikingly modern espresso machine measures 10 by 6-1/2 by 11-1/2 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Review of Saeco A-SPV-BK Espresso Machine, Spidem Villa Automatic

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this on a Friday sale for a great discount over normal price.However, I was underwhelmed by the quality as soon as I took it out of the box.Almost all parts are made of cheap plastic.Several controls are unintuitive and accessible only by opening coffee bean tank.Manual is poorly written.

Most importantly the machine started breaking down within one month and completely stopped working in 6 weeks.

The company has poor customer service with long wait times.They don't pay for shipping for warranty service.Be careful if you decide to buy this and don't throw away the packaging materials.They make you pay for those too.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Saeco A-SPV-BK Espresso Machine, Spidem Villa Automatic

Product Description:
Bringing the cafe into your own home has never been easier with Spidem Villa by Saeco.Just add whole beans and water, and instantly you will have perfectly extracted espresso.With state-of-the-art technology, you can make all of your favorite espresso-based drinks, including cappuccino, latte, and even regular-strength coffee.Every cup of coffee is freshly ground, dosed, tamped, and brewed with consistant high quality in one cycle, all at a push of a button.This fully loaded machine features a 57 ounce removable water tank, 12 ounce bean hopper capacity, built-in adjustable conical burr grinder, Pannarello frothing device for perfect froth and steamed milk, an adjustable dispensing head to fit any size mug, and the Saeco easy clean system with the fully extractable brew group that grinds, doses, tamps, brews and discards used ground internally.

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Review of Primula Espressotini 5-Piece Espresso Martini Set

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(More customer reviews)This is a clever espresso set. It is easy to follow the instructions to make a beautifully garnished espresso martini.The gift is very reasonably priced for the amount of things you get in the box.

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Product Description:
Recipe for the perfect Espressotini: Fill the cocktail shaker with shaved ice.Brew espresso using the stovetop espresso coffee maker and pour the coffee in the shaker.Add 1 serving each of Vanilla Flavored Vodka, Kahlua (R), and Baileys (R).Shake Vigorously and pour over the 2 martini glasses.Then use the chocolate grater included and shave fresh chocolate over the drink to make a beautiful garnish.

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Review of Cuisinart EM-100 1000-Watt 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this machine at a Kohl's for roughly $220. I think it's of an exceptional quality for the price. Positives: #1 Well built (it's actually quite heavy)
#2 easy to use, filters allow for a single or double shot to be made - also comes with a pod filter but I've never used it
#3 large water reservoir that has allowed me to make 4 or 5 espressos and steam milk too
#4 comes with a DVD that teaches you how to use it (much easier than reading the booklet) - this is especially helpeful if you're new at making your own drinks
#5 easy to clean
#6 has a warming plate on top (good if you need to make more than one double shot cups or two single shot cups
#7 espresso has a good taste (although I think this has as much to do with the quality of the coffee you're using) The machine actually does produce a good amount of crema for the price you pay
#8 Stainless steel frothing picture is just the right size for one latte or two cappucinos
#9 15 bar pump allows for more than enough pressure and for great taste.
#10 has a feature that allows you to get plain old hot water too if someone isn't interested in the espresso and wants tea/cocoa/whatever

Negatives: #1 the steam nozzle is too long - you kind of have to tilt the pitcher to get the nozzle out - this isn't a problem so long as you know so you can use less milk or you can place the machine so the nozzle can be used on a non-countered space. The nozzle has a good range of movement so this does help counteract.
#2 the distance between the portafilter (where the coffee comes out) and the drip tray is not very tall - I've found that I have to use a smaller cup to brew and then dump it into a larger cup if I'm going to make a latte and want to fit in a decent amount of frothed milk.
#3 you have to be really careful to not overtamp your grounds or you'll end out with coffee everywhere - this machine is a little pickier than I expected (and pickier than the really cheap machine this replaced). But, with that said, the taste is 100x better. You can catch it if you overtamp too so long as you closely monitor and make sure the water is coming out of the portafilter at a decent rate. If you overtamp, barely anything drips out. After a while you figure out how much is too much.
#4 - my biggest complaint, and this one is quite dangerous - There's not a great way of knowing that pressure has been released - this means that once your espresso is made and you're ready to clean out the coffee grounds you have to be really really careful or it'll explode the hot coffee grinds all over you and your kitchen. I've been seriously burned a couple of times. It might not be a problem if you're used to espresso machines (I wasn't when I first bought this one) or you learn to be super extra careful always.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cuisinart EM-100 1000-Watt 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel

Product Description:
Imagine a cup of your favorite espresso, cappuccino or latte - hot, rich, fresh and flavorful- anytime you want it.The stainless steel Cuisinart Espresso Maker is the real thing and looks like the professional it is.Make espresso in your own kitchen, then use the stainless steam nozzle and frothing cup to turn it into cappuccino or latte.You can even heat the cups on the warming plate on top-just like the pros! 15 bars of pressure guarantee perfect results!

From the Manufacturer

The Cuisinart EM-100 Espresso Maker

The Cuisinart EM-100 espresso maker

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