Customer Reviews

Krups 867-42 Il Caffe Bistro 10-Cup Coffee/4-Cup Espresso Maker

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

A year ago, I purchased one of these for my fiancee. My initial impression was very positive, but I didn't want to rush into writing a review without putting it through the wringer (so to speak). Well, after countless latte's the Caffe Bistro is still pumping out quality espresso and foaming great quanities of milk. It's very solid in construction and brain-dead simple to use, even without its very well written owner's manual. I do have a few comments to make, however, that might serve as minor caveats to anyone seeking to purchase a combo espresso/coffee maker:

[1] While the manual states that the handle assembly is dishwasher safe, I would strongly recommend *against* putting it in the dishwasher. I'm not sure what it is about my fiancee's dishwasher crystals, but after one go-around in the 'washer, the aluminum portion of the handle assembly turned very dark grey (almost a slate color)--completely oxidized. This doesn't affect performance in the least, but it does make the it somewhat less pretty to look at. Wash it by hand and all should go well. If you forget and find yourself with an oxidized cup, simply go at it with a brillo-type (mildly abrasive) pad and your favorite dishwashing soap (e.g. Palmolive, Ivory, etc.). After a few minutes of scrubbing, the aluminum cup will be back to its original lustre.

[2] The manual makes frequent mention of a "perfect froth attachment" but doesn't really explain what it is or what it does or why it's there. In short, it's the second little miniature stem to the side of the steam stem whose purpose is to funnel in cool air from the room via the top of the attachment via the Bernoulli effect (the same principle that perfume atomizers with the squishy rubber bulbs use), thus providing the "perfect" amount of air needed to make foam. While cleaning the frother, the little rubber tip on the top of the attachment rolled under the stove and was effectively lost. The next time I tried to froth some milk, I got a whole bunch of air and very little steam, resulting in just a rapidly moving cup of slightly warm milk (and a whole lot of noise). I figured out that if you just remove the "perfect froth" attachment, you can get "perfect froth" by simply holding the nozzle just a tiny bit above the surface of the milk--just the way one would do with a machine without such an attachment. I'm now actually glad we lost the tip of the PFA since now the steam nozzle is much easier to clean. :-)

[3] Regular cleaning of your frothing nozzle is imperative. I like to keep a straightened paper clip next to the machine to clean out the tip after every use. If you don't clean it regularly, old milk and hard water deposits will result in a partially or completely blocked nozzle. You should also use a small wrench to remove the tip of the nozzle once a month and make sure you clean it from the inside--a paper clip can only get so much.

[4] The nozzle on this unit is just a bit too long, even without the PFA in place. We purchased a stainless steel frothing pitcher from Fourbucks, er...Starbucks, and found it to be just about 1/4" too tall (or the nozzle just about 1/4" too long) to fit under without tipping either the pitcher or the machine. I'm sorry I don't have a measurement handy, but it's only a very minor annoyance, nothing worth losing sleep over.

[5] I am concerned about the use of aluminum in the unit. The grounds cup, the handle assembly and apparently the tank in which the water is heated are all made of aluminum, and aluminum is a known neurotoxin (i.e. it's bad for you) and it is thought to be a contributing factor in the contraction of Alzheimer's Disease. If I had known that the Caffe Bistro used so much aluminum in the parts that contact the water, I probably would not have purchased it, but buying an espresso machine with stainless steel parts would have been prohibitively expensive. :-(

In short, it's a great unit and has served wonderful lattes and coffees for the past year or so, and it's a great value...that is, if you don't mind ingesting material that is a known to do the body harm.

If you want a machine that makes excellent espresso (for shots, machiattos, or espresso con panas) the Il Bistro is adequate. The espresso is somewhat diluted and you don't get a lot of crema. Of course, you could try adding more espresso grinds and cutting the brewing cycle short to get better espresso. However, this machine steams milk well and gives an impressive amount of froth. As a barista I've heard a lot of people complain about not getting enough froth from their espresso machines, but that is not a problem here. The instructions only tell you to steam for 1-2 mins., which is not going to get your milk hot enough so I suggest using a thermometer. It's also pretty easy to clean. If you want to keep the steam wand unclogged, remove the perfect frother attachment (after every use) and place under running water for several seconds, then briefly turn the steamer on to expel excess liquid from the wand (careful, the steam and wand are very hot). The other features, the digital clock and programable coffee machine, are great and very convenient. I'm an espresso lover, however, so the espresso machine features were enough to win me over. I've been using my machine almost everyday (sometimes 2-3 times a day during school exams) and I haven't had any problems. I've also been happy with my lattes, so I recommend this product.

I have the previous version of this machine which I have used practically every day for about the last 10 YEARS! And it works just fine. The large 10 cup pot/section is easy to clean, easy to pour, makes good coffee. The espresso part I have used daily since returning from Spain this last April, and it works very well. I really can't think of anything this machine should do that it doesn't. When using the frothing milk attachment you are going to have to clean it, but you really can't make great coffee without making a little mess. Does everything it should, does it well, been doing it for a long time.

I bought this unit in 1994 (yes 12 years ago) and it hasn't skipped a beat. Every few years when I remember, I update the review here at Amazon. I've made coffee with it almost every day and it still works as well as the day I bought it. It's performance is nothing short of remarkable. I recommend cleaning it with 1/2 strength vinegar at least once a year to remove mineral deposits.

As far as the espresso function, I've used it sporadically but have always been impressed with the quality of the foam/brew. I couldn't imagine a better performing coffemaker in terms of appearance, quality, and function for the price.

When and if this unit fails, I will definitely buy another Krups model.

This coffeemaker was not a good buy. Don't get me wrong, the coffee and espresso you can produce with it are wonderful ... if it works. The "perfect froth" attachment is rather temperamental, and the cap will pop off unexpectedly at times. It also requires a high amount of maintenance to keep the steam attachment unclogged. Beside these minor details, the machine is simple to use, and produces good results ... like I said, when it works. There seems to be a problem with the clock assembly on the machine I have, which made it very difficult to set, as well as to turn on the coffee side from the day I bought it. After a mere 4 months, the assembly shorted out and quit working entirely. The repair shop to which I took it to ordered a replacement part from Krups within 3 days, and now, after a month and a half, it has still not arrived. Krups says the part is backordered. It makes me wonder if those parts were defective on a high number of units. I would have never guessed that this would happen!

I have the "cheaper" version of this machine that I bought used. The only difference is the lack of timer and adjustment for espresso strength, so I can't comment on that.

However mechanically, they are identical and I have some design comments.

1. On the American coffee pot end. The fact that you can remove the thing that holds the coffee grinds is great. I also find that if you don't have one of the more expensive triangular filters, that you can push one of the cheaper pleated style filters in there just fine. Just make sure it is even or you could end up with coffee grinds between your teeth.

2. Whoever came up with this design for a coffee pot should be the person wiping up my counter each time I spill stuff all over it. I had one pot of a similar design and if you try to pour just a little bit faster, you make a mess. It is nice however that Krups made the top removeable, as it is easier to fill and clean.

3. Also, the coffee pot I have is the slowest I ever owned. It takes easily 15-25 minutes to do an entire pot.

4. On the espresso end, I have no complaints about the espresso machine part, it seems to work well.

5. The frother. Like the Espresso Bravo I previously owned it is a pain to clean, you have to disassemble it and clean it well. Including using a needle to be sure the opening is not plugged. However, on this one you have some other issues. See below.

6. Besides just cleaning the easily removable parts on the frother, you need to unscrew the end and clean out the back side, using a needle to be sure the orifice is not plugged. Maybe it is hard water build up or whatever, but if you don't do this monthly, it will plug and you will not be able to use it. I don't think milk can get in there due the pressure, so I'm assuming it is the water residue causing this. If you have soft water, you might not have this problem.

7. Also, the location of the frother is horrible. Mine only has 3/4" from the center of the frother to the side of the back of the machine. However, this arm comes forward to where the machine arches out for the espresso pot. You have very little room in which to hold your frothing pitcher.

The machine in general makes good coffee, but slowly and the espresso machine makes good espresso and cappuchinos, if you keep up with the frother maintenance.

I call this my cappuccino, latte coffee dream maker machine.

If you are looking for a cappuccino & latte coffee maker combo this is the machine for you. The manual that comes with this machine has even picture detail to walk you through making your first cup of latte, cappuccino or just a cup of coffee. I would take the manuals advice and get familar with each item. Because if you do not you will get confused and frustrated. It took me maybe 30 minuts to make my first and after that it has been every morning a Latte on my way into work without having to stop in Starbucks. Just by their coffee (or any coffee will do) and make your own. You can even control your calorie intake by making your own with this Krups coffee maker.

I think that it is a wonderful thing to have the coffee maker making your coffee; when you are opening your eyes getting out of bed. Your coffee is already made. If you are not the Latte every morning type of person. This Kurps coffee espresso combo machine has every type of person in mine for coffee makers & coffee drinkers.

I just think that this machine is durable. The time on the clock is easy to program. The manual is easy to learn to make espresso. It is even easy to make your steamed milk and your froth that goes on top of your lattes & cappuccinos.

Now, you will need to purchase the Krups stainless still Frothing pitcher to go along with the machine. If you make as many Latte's as I will the $10.00 price for the pitcher is not bad at all. It is seperate piece. The machine will already have the measuring spoon in it. To me that is all you need.

The only thing that I do not like to do is to clean the frothing attachment. Please follow that manuals instructions. It would be a wise thing to do.

This is a wonderful machine and I LOVE MINE.

I have loved this machine for 3 years now. But today I am in the market for a new machine because this one died. It started to have pump problems and now just leaks all of the water I put into it. It would expect the product should last more than 3 years. It did a great job while it lasted.

I had been on the lookout for a new coffee maker for some time when my husband gave me Krups "Il Caffe Bistro" for Christmas. That was four years ago, and this wonderful machine is still brewing exquisite american coffees and excellent italian espressos and capuccinos. I don't know why the other reviews portray it as an unstable machine. For me, it has worked wonderfully. The capuccinos come up with very rich, frothy milk. The pressure sensitive valve needs to be thoroughly cleaned with an extended paper clip, though; but if one does this simple procedure it should work alright for the longest time.

As an avid reader I am also a lover of coffee of the first kind. I have made flavored capuccinos with different tasting coffees and lattes that make my friends suggest I go into the gourmet coffee business. One small - really small - drawback, is that I've had to buy a small pitcher on the side in order to make the milk frothy for the capuccinos. One also needs practice in order to achieve that special heavenly froth, but do not despair; it is not the machine's fault and, with some practice, you'll soon be on the way to enjoy coffee the way it was always meant to be: relaxing and with your own, home-made flavor.

I have been making espresso and cappuccino for nearly two years, first on a Delonghi pump espresso maker, and now on a Gaggia Baby. While I was waiting for my Gaggia to arrive, and I had already given away my DeLonghi, I borrowed this Krups. It makes normal drip coffee as well as any $30 machine, but for the extra money, it is incapable of making espresso. In order to make espresso, you need a pump to pump water through the very fine grind (espresso is a grind, by the way, not a roast), and you need a boiler with temperature (thermostat) control. This unit has neither! For temperature, it merely passes water over a heat coil (called a "thermoblock") which merely heats it up randomly until it has enough pressure to steam through the tube, thus charring your espresso grounds and producing a black burnt watery substance which bears no resemblance to caramel-striped espresso. Considering you can buy a Gaggia Carezza for around $189 here at Amazon, a top of the line semi-commercial Italian machine similar to what you'd find in a cafe, and any old coffee maker for $30 or under, there is no reason to buy this Krups. I can only imagine that 90% of its cost is pure profit -- it certainly isn't justified by its innards.