Customer Reviews

DeLonghi BAR42 Pump-Driven Espresso Maker

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

Overseas, we had a DeLonghi machine, very similar to this one. Apparently on the 220 voltage, the machines get hotter and have higher bar pressure, which is really the only thing that matters in making espresso. Initially, upon returning to the USA, we got a Krups machine, more expensive than this one, and it was a disaster. It spewed water and coffee all over the place, and made a poor cold cup of coffee-soup. We returned it, and went back to DeLonghi. Thank heavens, we can make a proper cup of coffee again. Although the bar pressure is 15, which I think is less than the overseas model, there are no higher pressure machines in the US for even substantially more money. Ignore bells and whistles, and here you have the best, cleanest machine, which can even brew from fine ground coffee (as an espresso machine is supposed to do, as opposed to others on the market). Oh, and the little round pressing device to compress the coffee in the filter is very convenient.

A 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!

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!

I have had two Krups machines, one in a similar price range and this one far exceeds the quality of my previous units. It delivers great crema with every cup and I love the separate dial for steaming. The larger water reservoir allows me to make multiple cups without reloading. And the attached tamper is a useful addition. But, the shallow me has to love how cool it looks on the counter! ;)

For the first six months after I purchased this machine, I thought I had made an excellent purchase. However, the machine began to leak from the steam tube during and after making an espresso or cappuccino. I finally decided to send it in for service to the local Northern Virginia service center to which I was directed by the Delonghi web site. The local service center informed me that they then send it to Delonghi for onward processing; a two step process that, unbeknowst to me, added weeks to the ultimate servicing of the machine. I experienced awful service from the local service center and a rather hands-off approach from Delonghi. After 8 weeks, I still could not even locate where the machine was, nor when I would be getting it back. If you want a machine that takes a long time to heat up, that may well begin leaking after purchase and then will takes months to get serviced, then this is your machine. Frankly, I would strongly recommend against buying this machine. There must be better and less expensive machines on the market.

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.

This is not a "Mr. Coffee" type of machine. It is fragile in the hands of brute force and ignorance, but exquisite in the hands of one willing to engage in reading the directions and enjoying a bit of practice before casting judgment.

If the directions are followed exactly, the results are wonderful. If they are ignored, the results are well-deserved. Treat this as a lab machine (not a soccer ball) and you will enjoy it immensely.

I was lucky enough to have mine arrive undamaged in shipment, and have been delighted with this device. I've used it with finely ground coffee, and have not yet played with the prepackaged filters. A good fill and a firm press against the built-in pressing ring have yielded wonderful results with fine crema and full-bodied expresso.

I've found that heating some of the milk separately, while reserving cold milk for the foamed part produces good results in making caffe latte.

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.

I have had my machine for about 15 months. It has been well worth the money, saving our family hundreds of dollars we would otherwise spend at local cafes.

The pros:
- It's easy to use and quick to heat up for espresso and for steaming. I rinse the basket and the espresso cup with hot water from the tap just before I run it, and the coffee seems hot enough to me.
- I find that the steamer makes perfect foam every time (I submerge the end of the wand just below the milk surface as described in some of the other reviews).
- I like the large-capacity water tank.

Cons:
- The steamer wand does drip, so I just keep a small glass under it at all times. I find that I can reduce the dripping by cranking the steamer knob shut tighter, but I can never completely eliminate the dripping.
- It's a big machine! It takes a fair amount of counter space.
- As with every other espresso machine I have owned, I still have to preheat my milk in the microwave before steaming it; I like a lot of milk in my lattes.
- With our grinder, it's easy to end up with coffee that's a little too fine (results in a burnt taste) or a little too coarse (results in weak espresso). But I couldn't get the coffee fine enough when we had a burr grinder.