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94 of 95 people found the following review helpful
on January 25, 2012
This is my 4th expresso machine in the last 20 years and my 2nd DeLonghi one. I love it. You do have to read and follow all the directions before getting started, you have to pre-heat and you can't just turn it on and walk away like I have been able to do before. So, preparing the coffee does require your attention. But,it makes a great cup of espresso with nice crema. I can even froth for cappuccino with this one, which has been a challenge before. It is like a mini commercial machine. I like the one cup and two cup filters that can be stored in the water tank area. I like the "tamp" on the end of the measuring spoon. I like the look of it - red goes with my kitchen and it comes in many other colors. Only drawback is that it doesn't have the carafe like my previous DeLonghi and the old carafe doesn't fit under the filter. Amazon delivery was great. All in all, I am very satisfied with it.
Update 03/28/2012 This machine was great for almost 2 months [I got it December 27,2011].Then the coffee would just drip,drip out.And I didn't always get the crema layer. Descaled. Cleaned out all outlets following directions in the instruction book.I always wipe down the coffee outlet after each brewing cycle,anyway. And the holes weren't clogged. I use spring water. Contacted customer service via e-mail and was in contact with them for the last month.Did all their suggestions.Suggested I use less coffee and tamp less.I did although I don't know why that was not a problem for 2 months. Had Starbucks grind the coffee rather than grinding myself as usual. Finally could get the two cup filter to produce a decent cup.Coffee just stayed in one cup filter and dripped out.They sent another 1 cup filter, but same story.They now want me to ship the machine to a service center at my expense. I don't know if I want to do that.I could see if it was a year old, but two months! I told them to send me a new machine and then I would send this one back. They are not going to do that. For now, I will just use the 2 cup filter and think twice before I buy another DeLonghi.
Update 03/28/2012 This machine was great for almost 2 months [I got it December 27,2011].Then the coffee would just drip,drip out.And I didn't always get the crema layer. Descaled. Cleaned out all outlets following directions in the instruction book.I always wipe down the coffee outlet after each brewing cycle,anyway. And the holes weren't clogged. I use spring water. Contacted customer service via e-mail and was in contact with them for the last month.Did all their suggestions.Suggested I use less coffee and tamp less.I did although I don't know why that was not a problem for 2 months. Had Starbucks grind the coffee rather than grinding myself as usual. Finally could get the two cup filter to produce a decent cup.Coffee just stayed in one cup filter and dripped out.They sent another 1 cup filter, but same story.They now want me to ship the machine to a service center at my expense. I don't know if I want to do that.I could see if it was a year old, but two months! I told them to send me a new machine and then I would send this one back. They are not going to do that. For now, I will just use the 2 cup filter and think twice before I buy another DeLonghi.
30 of 32 people found the following review helpful
on March 26, 2012
After my $500 dollar Breville broke after two years, I started shopping around for something good and not insanely expensive. I tried a cheaper version from my local store, and it did not deliver any foam/power. Then, saw this gorgeous little yellow number at Crate and Barrel and fell in love. Now, I got one for my mom as a gift. Every visitor that uses this machine in my house loves it and can't believe what great espresso and what powerful foam it yields. A PERFECT machine that does not cost $1000. The instructions are well designed and simple and the machine is likewise straightforward and excellent. It also looks cuter and takes up half the counter space than most other machines.
31 of 37 people found the following review helpful
on October 2, 2012
I bought this espresso machine partly because it was a gift for my wife and she liked the way it looked and we had read mixed reviews but mostly good ones and it was at a decent price. When we got it, it worked great. It was a great little machine that made good coffee. We enjoyed it for all of about three weeks however before it stopped working. It literally would not turn on one morning and I called the DeLonghi customer service center and they said I would have to send it in to an approved service center. Since it was still under the one year warranty they stated all I would have to pay was the shipping to the service center. I was somewhat disappointed by this and told the lady on the line that I have had it less than a month and they would really expect me to pay for outgoing shipping? She would not budge so I sent it to this place called the Coffee Boss (on the east coast) on August 6, 2012. Needless to say I still don't have my espresso machine back. I have called both DeLonghi and the Coffee Boss multiple times a week for the past month and all they can tell me is that the part has been shipped (They told me that a month ago as well). So I am somewhat frustrated at two things. First that the espresso maker would break after only three weeks of use and secondly that the customer service at both DeLonghi and the service center have been very bad. It is only after I threatened to send me the espresso maker back and I would send it somewhere else did the service center actually keep me on the line as they called DeLonghi themselves and ask where the part was. I still don't have a definitive answer but I will update this review as I find out more. Who knows, this might all be a fluke, I might have had the bad luck of getting a defective machine and then sending it to an incompetent service center. I'm sure there are other customers who have had no problem whatsoever with this espresso maker and have had it for years. I think the bottom line is that before you look at the price and immediately want to buy it, take all things into consideration and make a well informed decision.
15 of 17 people found the following review helpful
on January 16, 2013
This espresso machine, given to me as a gift, was a pleasure to use for about eight months. My chosen espresso, which I had to grind toward the end of the machine's run as I feared that the coarse grind was a source of the machine's troubles, always brewed beautifully: The taste was as lovely as the aroma. Eight months in the machine started leaking water from just about every orifice and making a horrid chugging noise that would only stop after unplugging the machine from the wall. After cleaning every small part that was clogged with espresso, but stopping short of doing much more for fear of nulling the warranty, I got nowhere, though I was still sometimes able to brew espresso even with all the water leaking out of the machine. What followed was a series of laughably unfortunate encounters with DeLonghi's customer service. Over the phone they diagnosed the problem as a gasket issue, but they neither had the gasket in stock nor could they give me the model number. Instead, they directed me to a supplier who didn't have the gasket in stock. A lost cause it would seem, but after another call to DeLonghi, the gasket was available, and after ordering it (and having it delivered for a ridiculous $15, ridiculous because it was shipped First Class mail and the package weighed nothing), what we received wasn't a gasket but an espresso holder. Now we're past the warranty and they can do nothing for us, so money down the drain.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
on October 31, 2013
I've owned this machine for about nine months so I think I can now give an accurate assessment.
It's easy to use, fast, has a compact footprint, is powerful enough for normal home use, and seems to be dependable. To date I've had no issues with it. I use it mainly for espresso shots. The frother works fairly well, so if you're into the occasional cappuccino you should be satisfied.
I bought a heavy tamper to press the coffee grounds into the basket because the plastic one that came with the machine was next to useless.
A word of caution -- try not to fill the basket to the rim with espresso. Leave a few millimeters of head room for the steaming water to flow into the ground coffee. Otherwise you run the risk of backwash into the boiler unit. Also, when cleaning make sure to wipe out the hot water outlet above the basket. This is an easily overlooked area and it can get clogged with fines. And never walk away from the machine while it's dispensing espresso. It works very fast. Otherwise you will get overflow. I know. It's happened to me.
One final note. This is not an industrial grade espresso maker. If you have people over it should be able to handle most requests, but if you've got a large crowd that wants an after dinner espresso be careful not to overtax the machine. And keep your eye on the water level!
It's easy to use, fast, has a compact footprint, is powerful enough for normal home use, and seems to be dependable. To date I've had no issues with it. I use it mainly for espresso shots. The frother works fairly well, so if you're into the occasional cappuccino you should be satisfied.
I bought a heavy tamper to press the coffee grounds into the basket because the plastic one that came with the machine was next to useless.
A word of caution -- try not to fill the basket to the rim with espresso. Leave a few millimeters of head room for the steaming water to flow into the ground coffee. Otherwise you run the risk of backwash into the boiler unit. Also, when cleaning make sure to wipe out the hot water outlet above the basket. This is an easily overlooked area and it can get clogged with fines. And never walk away from the machine while it's dispensing espresso. It works very fast. Otherwise you will get overflow. I know. It's happened to me.
One final note. This is not an industrial grade espresso maker. If you have people over it should be able to handle most requests, but if you've got a large crowd that wants an after dinner espresso be careful not to overtax the machine. And keep your eye on the water level!
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
on June 29, 2012
Ok...if you are reading this it is because you are considering purchasing this product, because it's in your price range..are there better machines? Sure there are, I worked behind one for years when I worked at "fourbucks" are there worse ones? Yes anything steam driven...all I can say is, if you are looking for a great machine that produces a great product for under 1000 dollars, you can stop looking and add it to your cart...I also must admit that the design is amazing to. I bought one in that bright glossy orange. Looks great in my kitchen.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
on May 22, 2012
Having owned a Saecco bean to cup coffee maker for 8 years I was nervous venturing into just an espresso maker. But the price, size and, lets be honest, gorgeous colour, attracted me to this model. Yes, I did read all the reviews, including the negative ones about De Longhi's customer service or lack thereof, but I took a leap of faith and it was SO worth it. Its simple, heats up quickly and simply makes fabulous coffee. Whether you use the pods (very convenient) or ground of your choice this model is a little wonder. I was so happy with it I've just ordered the drip coffee maker to go alongside (the ONLY downside was I was getting the shakes from too many espressos). Well worth the money!
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
on November 15, 2012
I have been using this thing since august and I have to say its quite something. I used different kind of beans and with it and not every time i get crema.
When I dont get good coffee or crema:
-If the beans are grounded and not fresh.
No crema and coffee tastes awful.
-If the grounded beans get warm or hot.
If I leave the beans in the filter in the machine it also tastes bad.
-If I ground the coffee too much or to little.
Too much will clog it too little no crema.
the Swivel is nice and works well but it has to be cleaned after each use because the milk might bulled up and clog it which happened to me, but fixed it by using a steamer.
Over all I love this machine but needs a bit of care to work well.
UPDATE 2/24/2013
So with extensive use almost daily usage the machine somehow doesn't give out coffee I cleaned it using the water like the manual said but water doesn't come out through the filter. So I flipped the machine unscrewed the element? (I don't know whats its name but its the part that builds pressure through the filter I believe) using normal philips screw driver, cleaned the area after removing the rubber gasket turned on the machine with out the gasket and fitter got some water to flow, placed everything back and it stared to work again.
So would I buy this machine again? Yes it saved me a lot of money by making coffee at home.
Would I recommend it? Only to people who have the patience and are willing to take care of it.
Unless you are a coffee person and willing to take the flaws of this machine you might be better of with a Keurig or a Nespresso machine.
When I dont get good coffee or crema:
-If the beans are grounded and not fresh.
No crema and coffee tastes awful.
-If the grounded beans get warm or hot.
If I leave the beans in the filter in the machine it also tastes bad.
-If I ground the coffee too much or to little.
Too much will clog it too little no crema.
the Swivel is nice and works well but it has to be cleaned after each use because the milk might bulled up and clog it which happened to me, but fixed it by using a steamer.
Over all I love this machine but needs a bit of care to work well.
UPDATE 2/24/2013
So with extensive use almost daily usage the machine somehow doesn't give out coffee I cleaned it using the water like the manual said but water doesn't come out through the filter. So I flipped the machine unscrewed the element? (I don't know whats its name but its the part that builds pressure through the filter I believe) using normal philips screw driver, cleaned the area after removing the rubber gasket turned on the machine with out the gasket and fitter got some water to flow, placed everything back and it stared to work again.
So would I buy this machine again? Yes it saved me a lot of money by making coffee at home.
Would I recommend it? Only to people who have the patience and are willing to take care of it.
Unless you are a coffee person and willing to take the flaws of this machine you might be better of with a Keurig or a Nespresso machine.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
on May 27, 2012
My last review abot the Kmix
I bought this espresso in May 2012 and it is not only like new visually speaking, but it still works perfectly and the espressi taste great. Since I have purchased the Kmix, I have made an average of three espressi plus one capucino each day. I use ground coffee from Illy or even sometimes from Lavazza, and 1% fat milk to make foam. I clean the machine after each use, and I descale it every six months. I really like this stainless machine which looks great on my counter; I definitely believe that if you take care of it, it will last for a while. However, My next espresso machine will probably be a Jura again just because it is easier to just push a button, especially when you have guests and you have many things to prepare.
My first review:
In Europe we had a Jura, but in USA they are too expensive so I decided I would not invest too much money in an espresso machine. It took me months to find an espresso machine that would make a decent espresso at an accessible price. I would like to thank the people that wrote a review about this machine, you convinced me, and you were right. My kitchen is "stainless steeled" so I chose a stain steel Kmix.
It is design, efficient, and the coffee is good. I use Illy coffee, that is still a good and accessible (on Amazon) coffee for who drinks an espresso or two per day. I make a capucino everyday, at least one for my husband, and the foam is consistent. Remember to clean the machine after having used it. I recommend this espresso machine, it is the perfect purchase if you like espressos but you do not want to spend too much.
I bought this espresso in May 2012 and it is not only like new visually speaking, but it still works perfectly and the espressi taste great. Since I have purchased the Kmix, I have made an average of three espressi plus one capucino each day. I use ground coffee from Illy or even sometimes from Lavazza, and 1% fat milk to make foam. I clean the machine after each use, and I descale it every six months. I really like this stainless machine which looks great on my counter; I definitely believe that if you take care of it, it will last for a while. However, My next espresso machine will probably be a Jura again just because it is easier to just push a button, especially when you have guests and you have many things to prepare.
My first review:
In Europe we had a Jura, but in USA they are too expensive so I decided I would not invest too much money in an espresso machine. It took me months to find an espresso machine that would make a decent espresso at an accessible price. I would like to thank the people that wrote a review about this machine, you convinced me, and you were right. My kitchen is "stainless steeled" so I chose a stain steel Kmix.
It is design, efficient, and the coffee is good. I use Illy coffee, that is still a good and accessible (on Amazon) coffee for who drinks an espresso or two per day. I make a capucino everyday, at least one for my husband, and the foam is consistent. Remember to clean the machine after having used it. I recommend this espresso machine, it is the perfect purchase if you like espressos but you do not want to spend too much.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
on January 15, 2013
Bought it from Amazon in Sep 2012. Stopped working on Jan 2013.
Does not matter how many times one descales it. it just will not work. Even plain water will not flow.
I do not believe it is just coincidence a so many other customers had the same problem.
Will go to the trash as this company no even has a decent customer service.
Does not matter how many times one descales it. it just will not work. Even plain water will not flow.
I do not believe it is just coincidence a so many other customers had the same problem.
Will go to the trash as this company no even has a decent customer service.
