Comments for Espresso Making guide

Comment on Mr. Coffee ECMP50 Espresso/ Cappuccino Maker by R. Griffin

R. Griffin — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 01:13:30 +0000

In the cosmic sense, this isn’t the best espresso machine that money can buy – hence the four-star rating. But, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, this is more like a seven-star machine. I haven’t had an problems with it so far, and it’s gets used 7-10 times/week.

For what it’s worth, the scoop/tamper it comes with is cheap and lightweight. I wanted a more sturdy one, so I had to buy it separately (I’ve heard that this is common with less expensive machines). If you want to do the same, you want a 51mm tamper for this machine.

All in all, I’m very happy with this machine.
Rating: 4 / 5

Comment on Mr. Coffee ECM21 4-Shot Espresso Machine and 8-Cup Coffeemaker Combo, Black by DJ

DJ — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:21:53 +0000

I love the fact that I can make expresso for me and coffee for when I have guests. I have owned this for almost 2 months and I use it everyday in some capacity. This is a surefire way to cut costs on buying those expensive coffee drinks by making them at home.
Rating: 5 / 5

Comment on RSVP Terry's Tamper by L. Mammoser

L. Mammoser — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:37:21 +0000

This is a well made coffee tamper, but the smallest end of it is too wide in diameter to be used with my Mr. Coffee Expresso Machine. As a result, I had to return it. If you have a Mr. Coffee Expresso machine you should look to a different tamper.
Rating: 4 / 5

Comment on Cuisinart EM-200 Programmable 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel by J. A. Lawson

J. A. Lawson — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:35:02 +0000

Bought this for my son and daughter-in-law fr Christmas and he made lattes and espressos for us every morning for a week. The coffee was wonderful and he loves the machine.
Rating: 5 / 5

Comment on Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel by K. grant

K. grant — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:05:17 +0000

Beautiful machine, makes a great expresso but I’m very upset about the turbo frother attachment. I’ve tried to froth milk 6 times and every single time, no matter how hard I slip the attachment up at the tube it slides down during frothing creating a huge spilling mess. It’s unbelievable that the designers of this machine couldn’t come up with something that works and stays in place to withstand the steam pressure.

If you ony drink expressos buy this machine but if you love cappucinos and lattes don’t bother with this one.
Rating: 3 / 5

Comment on Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel by Douglas Thomas

Douglas Thomas — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:54:38 +0000

This is a well built machine, does a great job of making espresso drinks, and is a pleasure to use. I investigated several automatic machines in the price range of the Gaggia, but in the final analysis, I was not willing to trade convenience for robustness of the Gaggia. The automatic machines are full of plastic parts and mechanisms that lead me to question their longevity.

Should the Gaggia fail in the future, it appears to be easily serviceable and replacement parts are readily available.

My only minor complaint is, when frothing milk, the steamer readiness indicator light occasionally goes off. I assume the reason has something to do with steam reservoir capacity.

Rating: 4 / 5

Comment on PodMerchant Espresso Pod Super Sampler by Kartheek Hirode

Kartheek Hirode — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:52:49 +0000

It was going great (really great) until we hit the first Hausbrandt pod. Watery, light and tasteless. All the Hausbrandt pods are the same. I wish PodMerchant would take this out of the collection.

The rest of the collection is fantastic. If you are looking to sample a variety of coffee flavors before deciding to mass order the ones you like, this sampler collection is ideal. We have no favorite brands, just what suits us best for the occasion. In general, the darker wrappers seem to be the richer, heavier flavors and the lighter wrappers were lighter. That said, there are many exceptions to the rule. We liked to be surprised.

Highly recommend this collection, but only if PodMerchant will be kind enough to remove the HausBrandts. Atleast 10 pods were of this brand. Rating: 3 / 5

Comment on Rattleware 12-Ounce Latte Art Milk Frothing Pitcher by J. Forcier

J. Forcier — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:50:42 +0000

I get about 8oz of milk out of this after steaming. The quality is good but turned out to be too small for making mocha. I bought the 20 oz one which is about perfect for my needs.
Rating: 4 / 5

Comment on Cuisinart EM-100 1000-Watt 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel by Ioannis Koufopoulos

Ioannis Koufopoulos — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:42:04 +0000

I cannot say I am very happy with the new machine.

Water pressure is not as good as steam.

More cleaning.

You cannot make 3 or 4 coffee at once

water tank is not that big

If you have steam coffee machine and you move to water think about it.

Rating: 2 / 5

Comment on Cuisinart EM-200 Programmable 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel by Karen

Karen — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:33:18 +0000

My husband gave me this as a Christmas gift, and I love it, because we like espresso very much. It is not perfect but it does very good espresso, it makes “crema” (light brown foamy on the coffe) The program that it brings for default is perfect for my taste. The steam is ok too. Disadvantage: A little bit noisy.
Rating: 4 / 5