18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dependable space-saving machine.., August 5, 2006
I've owned this coffeemaker for about 8 years now and it still works fantastically and makes great coffee. I'm very puzzled at the bad reviews I've read, since I've never once experienced the issues put forth. My machine and carafe have never leaked - not once. The steamer and Perfect Froth attachment makes a great froth, is easy to clean, and if you use the amounts of water demarcated on the carafe, it makes great espresso and there's plenty of time for steaming (in fact, I usually have more steam available than I need). I set aside my milk ahead of time, and never have an issue with having my espresso go cold before the milk's done. Putting all the pieces together really only takes a few minutes of practice if you've never done it before - I had, but I've had friends use this machine for their first time making espresso with no problems. I recommend buying a permanent gold filter for the coffee side, but I would recommend that for any machine (Krups makes one to fit this machine). You get more flavor out of your grounds, and the gold mesh doesn't hold onto oils. Basically, if you take a few minutes to learn to use the machine properly, which is not difficult, you'll have a dependable machine that will produce consistent results day after day.
As a former professional barista, I'd recommend this for home use. It'd be fabulous if we could all have an espresso bar at home with a water input, and could make four cups and steam milk at once, but that's not affordable or feasible for most people - this machine is.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
It's really good, June 15, 2005
I really am happy with my Krups coffee maker. Either I make expressos or capucchinos (actually I prefer lattes), my Krups has worked perfectly in the two months I've had it. Certainly was tricky to use the froth for foam, but if you read carefully the instructions you will get the hang of it (and of course, with some practice). I recognize I'm not a heavy coffee drinker and I don't expect either that the machine will work like I was in some fancy coffee shop. This is an easy-to-use home appliance to make a slightly better cup of coffee than the average coffee maker machines. If some people are too demanding and specific with their coffee needs and expectations, I suggest strongly not buying this appliance or any other for that matter, because they will always have complains that will be impossible to accomplish.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
You get what you pay for, July 3, 2006
I have had my combo unit for 6 months and have used it constantly since purchase. I am not a true coffee geek. Therefore, my opinion of espresso's and the ability is that of a novice. With this said though I am actively searching for an affordable espresso machine, under $[...].
The good.
1) It was cheap. I picked up mine on clearance for about $[...].
2) The frothier, it works like a champ (once you figure it out)
3) Not too difficult to clean the frothier
4) It is dependable. The first 2 months I owned it; i got on an espresso/cappuccino/latte kick and made about 8 a day for family and friends. I am not kidding, at least 8 a day.
5) If you want to learn how to make espresso and cappuccinos then this will make you learn.
The Bad:
1) The coffee pot is a pain to use. Whenever you pour water into the unit, it spills. Whenever you pour coffee, it spills. It makes a mess no matter what. Maybe I am used to Mr. Coffee and the ability to pour coffee without it catching on the lip. (This is the most annoying thing and the main reason why I am getting rid of it)
2) The espresso side takes a little work to figure out the right amount of water to use to make an espresso to your liking.
3) Mineral build up in the espresso "boiler". If you have hard water, buy distilled water
4) In order to produce enough froth for 2 cups of cappuccino, you need to utilize the "steam" disk and run the espresso machine. Until you get good at this, the milk gets cold before the espresso is done or vice versa.
5) The plastic clip will break off easily.
6) NO AUTOMATIC power off on either the coffee or the espresso side of the device.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No