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

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

Saeco A-SPV-BK Spidem Villa Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Black
Average Reviews:

(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

Buy Now

Want to buy Saeco A-SPV-BK Spidem Villa Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Black at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:



buy it at amazon.combuy it at amazon.co.ukbuy it at amazon.cabuy it at amazon.debuy it at amazon.fr

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

Nespresso C100 Essenza Single-Serve Automatic Espresso Machine, Piano Black
Average Reviews:

(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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nespresso C100 Essenza Single-Serve Automatic Espresso Machine, Piano Black

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.

Buy NowGet 20% OFF

Want to buy Nespresso C100 Essenza Single-Serve Automatic Espresso Machine, Piano Black at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:



buy it at amazon.combuy it at amazon.co.ukbuy it at amazon.cabuy it at amazon.debuy it at amazon.fr

Review of Francis Francis! 206002 Espresso Machine, X6 Trio

Francis Francis 206002 Espresso Machine, X6 Trio
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is the first espresso machine I bought, had it for about 6 mos now. And so far, I really couldn't be happier with it for what it is - a great looking, reasonably priced machine to make a couple drinks.

I'm still learning, but I think we get pretty great tasting coffee from this. In my heart, I wanted a machine that could also do grinds. But I don't miss paying extra for a grinder or dealing with the likely mess I would create in my kitchen. So - the pods are nice, and the trio of setting is pretty interesting. I've found that the lungo setting works pretty well if you don't want to being using 2 pods for each drink. The machine performs really well. Warmup is only a few minutes, and going from brew to frothing temperature is actually really quick. You can only pull 1 shot at a time, but for my usual routine - 4 shots and frothing - this works pretty well.

This is just a great looking machine, very attractive on your kitchen counter (we bought it in white). At first, we weren't sure about it being made from plastic - but the main body is pretty heavy duty and feels solid. It has a fairly small footprint, so it doesn't take up too much space.

The steam wand - even given it was my first time using a machine, I can say that it is a bit awkwardly placed and hard to use at first. I bring the machine near the edge of your counter so have a little more room to maneuver. But after some practice, I really haven't had any issues with it, and I'm able to get some decent foam. The water resevoir is nicely designed to pull out sideways, so I'm able to pull it out only half way and pour the water in from a pitcher. The drip pan is fairly shallow - but any bigger and I'd probably let coffee sit in there for weeks, so I actually like having to clean it out.

I'm sure there are bigger and badder machines out there. But for the cost, looks, and performance - this machine really fits the bill for our Saturday mornings.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Francis Francis 206002 Espresso Machine, X6 Trio

Product Description:
Pod only espresso/cappuccino machine

Buy NowGet 20% OFF

Want to buy Francis Francis 206002 Espresso Machine, X6 Trio at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:



buy it at amazon.combuy it at amazon.co.ukbuy it at amazon.cabuy it at amazon.debuy it at amazon.fr

Review of Francis Francis 208003 X8 iperEspresso Machine, Black

Francis Francis 208003 X8 iperEspresso Machine, Black
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Illy is having a promotion of these.You can get them from Illy's website for $175 until 12/31/2009.

This machine is for people who want convenience. This machine uses pre-packaged espresso servings.If you do not want to fuss or mess that comes with grinding your own beans, you have three options:

1. Nespresso.You have to buy the machine and the capsules from Nespresso. I tried this machine and didn't really like the espresso. Not enough rich crema.

2. E.S.E Pods. Made by lots of different companies.This is an industry standard format.It's basically like an individually packaged tea bag, with a compressed puck of finely ground coffee inside. You could use this in a convensional espresso machine with the appropriate adaptor. Widely available. But the quality of your espresso will depend highly on your machine.

3. Illy's iperEspresso capsules, used by this machine, the Francis Francis X8. Not much of a selection of coffee, but what they do offer is very good. The crema is excellent.I find the machine very easy to use.The multi-color LED tells me when the machine is ready.Switches quickly between brew and steam (< 30 seconds). The frothing wand works pretty well, but it tends to over froth a bit.That's great for cappuccinos, but not so great for lattes.

PROS:

1. Extremely easy and convenient.
2. It acually makes decent drinks.
3. Seems to be good quality construction.
4. Never really runs out of steam.The pump inject small amounts of water into the boiler while steaming.
5. Switches between steam and brew (and vice versa) in under 30 seconds.
6. Heats up very quickly (under 30 seconds).CONS:

1.This is not for espresso connoisseurs.The espresso is acceptable, but not in the same league as a Rancillio or Gaggia.My other machine is a Silvia.I bought the X8 because I wanted a second machine for the office, where grinding beans and making a mess is not an option.

2. The Illy capsules are not individually wrapped.Once you open the tin (14 capsules), the shelf life is 14 days.

3. The construction quality is excellent, keeping in mind the whole thing is plastic.Again, not in the same league as something 100% stainless steel or polished chrome.

4. The steam power is very weak, however due the sophisticated design of the steam wand, it does a good job creating froth because it mixes lots of air into the milk.Nonetheless, you don't really have the power or flexibility that you'd find on a high-end machine.

5. It's mainly designed for single shot drinks. A tripple shot "venti" cappuccino will be rather tough to make with this machine (and expensive). Steaming a large enough portion of milk will be a slow process.Also, it would take you nearly two minutes to brew three capsules.By then, both your crema from the first shot and froth in the sitting milk would have started to collapse and your end result will not be great.
Overall, I love this machine.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Francis Francis 208003 X8 iperEspresso Machine, Black

Product Description:
The X8 machines uses the new revolutionary iperEspresso Method to prepare espresso.Hyper Espresso is a unique and innovative two-stage process.The first is hyper infusion.This is followed by emulsion, resulting in a thick, velvety crema and full-bodied espresso.

Buy Now

Want to buy Francis Francis 208003 X8 iperEspresso Machine, Black at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:



buy it at amazon.combuy it at amazon.co.ukbuy it at amazon.cabuy it at amazon.debuy it at amazon.fr

Review of Saeco S-TG-ST Talea Giro Super Automatic Espresso Machine

Saeco S-TG-ST Talea Giro Super Automatic Espresso Machine
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Seems expensive, but please add up your Starbucks expenditures for the past year and then buy this with no hesitation!

Many espresso purists turn their noses up at superauto machines, but as someone who has owned a high-end non-auto machine, this Saeco will reliably produce a high-quality espresso shot with virtually no effort!With my manual machines the shots would vary in quality, and while at times I could produce a better shot on my own, it would require a lot of effort.This superauto produces espresso that is 100% reliably better than most but not all of the shots I could produce manually, and it does so with almost no effort on my part (add water, beans, empty dreg drawer, that's about it).

Oh, and definitely get the [optional] Milk Island, which produces a phenomenal microfoam, to the point that you can do some basic latte art with it; again not better than some I could produce manually, but consistently better than most I produce manually, and with no work at all!

This machine looks great, heats up INSTANTANEOUSLY (that's right, no waiting at all for a boiler to heat up), is fairly quiet (thanks to ceramic grinder), and produces espresso that is superior to anything you could ever get a Starbucks.

I also looked at just about every other superauto in the $500 to $1,500 price range, and in fact tried a number of them out in person.This particular unit was my favorite by a wide margin!

BUY THIS AND THE OPTIONAL MILK ISLAND AND NEVER GO TO STARBUCKS AGAIN!I'm serious.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Saeco S-TG-ST Talea Giro Super Automatic Espresso Machine

Product Description:
The Talea Giro offers all the convenience of a super automatic espresso machine, and is milk island capable ( milk island sells separately) which offers more options for frothing and steaming milk for cappuccinos and lattes. The Milk Island is a unique Saeco development for all Talea models. In fact, it is the key function for all milk frothing connoisseurs. Whether you prefer espresso macchiato, cappuccino, latte macchiato or any other speciality, the preparation of creamy foam takes just a matter of seconds. The Milk Island is available in glass with a total capacity of 13.5 ounces or 1.7 cups.The Talea Giro has a built in ceramic grinder that puts an end to grinding with metal components.Ceramic is inert and won't react to the coffee or alter its flavor.The ceramic grinder provides a more even grind, allowing for perfect dosing and blending and is also much quieter about performing its duties than stainless steel grinders. The Talea Giro takes care of the grinding, dosing, tamping and brewing, but allows for personal taste in the programming of coffee size, strength and temperature. The Talea Giro offers the patented technology of the Saeco Brew System--turn the dial either right or left and change the strength and consistency of your coffee by either increasing or decreasing the water pressure as it moves through the grounds.Saeco Opti-dose has an adjustable 7 - 10.5 gram doser regulating the amount of beans to grind per serving.Talea Giro includes an adjustable built-in ceramic disc grinder, automatic cup warming surface that holds up to 6 espresso cups, a stainless steel pannarello attachment for steaming milk and dispensing hot water,a removable 57 ounce water tank, manual drip tray that you can move up or down to adjust to any size cup, sliding wheels on the base of machine for convenient rotation and rapid steam technology---no waiting between frothing milk with pannarello attachment and brewing espresso.

Buy NowGet 19% OFF

Want to buy Saeco S-TG-ST Talea Giro Super Automatic Espresso Machine at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:



buy it at amazon.combuy it at amazon.co.ukbuy it at amazon.cabuy it at amazon.debuy it at amazon.fr

Review of Francis!Francis! X1 Ground Espresso Machines

FrancisFrancis X1 Ground Espresso Machines
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
We bought this based on info about how good the construction was. Paid about $600 over four years ago.(from another website) We only used it on the weekends and really enjoyed it.About six months after the one year warranty expired so did the machine! As soon as we plug it in the GFCI blows. There is some kind of short in it and the only place that repairs them is in Oregon or Seattle. So there it sits, for over two years, collecting dust. Very, very dissapointed in the machine.

Click Here to see more reviews about: FrancisFrancis X1 Ground Espresso Machines

Product Description:
The X1 Ground Espresso machine was designed for the espresso aficionado who prefers to grind beans to achieve the perfect cup of authentic Italian espresso. The machine was designed by Luca Trazzi.The Body is made of stainless steel. The 18 bar pump ensures enough pressure for the perfect extraction.Like the other Francis Francis! machines, the boiler is brass, the brewing head is chrome-plated brass, and the dual electronic thermostats control the coffee temperature and steam temperature. An automatic boiler refill offers continuous steam and prevents accidental burn out of the heating element. Easily identifiable symbols, lights and sounds makes this machine user friendly.

Buy NowGet 29% OFF

Want to buy FrancisFrancis X1 Ground Espresso Machines at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:



buy it at amazon.combuy it at amazon.co.ukbuy it at amazon.cabuy it at amazon.debuy it at amazon.fr

Review of Saeco S-PR-SG Primea Ring Super-Automatic Espresso Machine

Saeco S-PR-SG Primea Ring Super-Automatic Espresso Machine
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Yes, this machine is very expensive.I was lucky enough to get it at a very very good price when amazon temporarily reduced the price, otherwise no way I would spend so much on something like this....

Anyway, this thing is quite simply awesome.My wife and I are now addicted to coffee :-)Latte machiatos and cappuccinos in the morning, espresso in the evening, hot milk for our daughter too!

The machine is totally automated, it will tell you when to clean it, when to add stuff, it will keep your cups warm, and did I mention it makes wonderful coffee?You can personalize how you want each of the different coffee drinks to come out, stronger, hotter, more robust.You can double the quantity of coffee coming out.It will accommodate various cup sizes, from espresso cups to large coffee cups.Did I mention it makes wonderful espresso/coffee:-)

Now the negatives:the machine is rather large so make sure you have the space for it, figure about a 1'X1' footprint of counter space, but it looks very modern and high tech.You do have to keep it clean, certain things have to be done about 15 minutes after your first cup (if you use the cappuccitore to make milk based drinks) but that is understandable as you want to make sure the milk doesn't start clogging everything.The water reservoir is not very large (you can get about 6 cups of coffee out of it) considering the size of the machine.You do have to learn to navigate the touch sensitive ring to get to what you want, I can imagine some people finding it frustrating.The machine does seem to have a lot of moving internal parts, when you use it you hear all kinds of mechanical noises in there, it makes you wonder how long that internal mostly plastic apparatus, called the Brew Group, will last; it's the heart of the machine.I am now drinking more coffee than ever!!!

All in all this thing is awesome, I hope it lasts a long time!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Saeco S-PR-SG Primea Ring Super-Automatic Espresso Machine

Product Description:
Blending simplicity with state-of-the-art technology, this super-automatic espresso machine provides an array of convenient features. Its easy-to-use click wheel interface allows for scrolling through and selecting each menu option on the display with just a slight touch of the click wheel. And thanks to its exclusive, integrated Touch2Cappuccino system, it can prepare two cappuccinos or two latte macchiatos at the same time. The system consists of a milk container placed directly inside the machine; milk gets drawn from the container, frothed internally, and then dispensed into the cup.
In addition, its Saeco Brewing System (SBS) technology allows for making an infinite variety of coffee beverages from just one fully automatic machine and at the mere twist of a knob. Choose from an intense Italian ristretto (turn the knob to the right) or an American-style long coffee (turn the knob to the left). SBS satisfies all tastes, giving a full flavor and a truly unique creamy layer. Furthermore, the coffee dose in the extraction chamber can be fully manipulated, due to the pressure, which remains constant throughout the extraction cycle.
The espresso machine's ceramic grinder delivers a consistent grind and allows for perfect dosing and blending, while its Rapid Steam technology reduces the normal waiting time between coffee brewing and steam output to just a few seconds. Froth milk to make cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiato coffee at the simple turn of the steam knob. Other highlights include a drip tray that can be easily raised or lowered manually or electrically with a simple touch, allowing for different cup sizes; nanotechnology, which substantially facilitates the cleaning process and guarantees that all components in contact with milk are perfectly clean; a 68-ounce removable water tank; and an Aqua Prima water filter to remove impurities from water for improved coffee taste and protection from limescale damage. The 1500-watt espresso machine measures 18 by 14 by 15 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

Buy NowGet 37% OFF

Want to buy Saeco S-PR-SG Primea Ring Super-Automatic Espresso Machine at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:



buy it at amazon.combuy it at amazon.co.ukbuy it at amazon.cabuy it at amazon.debuy it at amazon.fr