Customer Reviews

Nespresso 3190US Aeroccino Automatic Milk Frother

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(23)

 

 

I have owned several different espresso makers from krups to capresso to nespresso. I have also had a capresso frother which I had to return because it didn't work. While I have enjoyed the coffee, I have always been "frothingly" challenged- except on the lower end krups- a fact I find mildly interesting. Anyway, this aeroccino is so simple as to make you wonder and the froth is perfect, as is the steamed milk. So far I have not run into the problems of it shorting out and neither has a friend who has also purchased one, but I am glad to know they will replace it. The greatest thing since sliced bread for the consumer who likes gadgets and is willing to pay for them

When Aeroccino works, it works great. It is quick and quiet, and produces excellent foam. Clean up is very easy. But, there is something inherently unstable about Aeroccino machines. Since August, I managed to kill three of them and I am not sure why. Part of it is the nature of the machine: because it is constructed like a water kettle, one should not submerge it into water. But because it is designed to heat milk, the manufacturer allows putting it under running water as long as the bottom of the machine remains dry. If you get the bottom wet (and you will), the machine either trips (and heals itself after fully drying) or dies. I suspect, my first two Aeroccinos died such deaths. My third one died today. I frothed milk with it, refilled it and tried again (without cleaning in between) and the machine did not work. I tried again and it worked for 20 seconds and stopped. I tried again a couple hours later and it worked for 10 seconds and stopped. I am not sure why it is so, but I suspect it has to do with the magnetic foaming brushes you must insert into the machine to make it work. If anyone has ideas why this is so, let me know.
On the positive side I keep calling the company and they keep sending me new machines. I really like Aeroccino when it works. But I suspect it will be the good old microwave when I finally run out of warranty.

Here are the most important things I think prospective buyers should know:

1. The machine does not heat the milk to scalding temperatures. You know how when you get a latte at Starbucks, it burns your mouth at first? Yeah, this doesn't do that. The milk is warmed, but you won't have a hot drink for as long as you would at a coffee shop.

2. Size. This machine is meant to be paired with a single-serve coffee machine. It makes enough milk/foam for a single cappuccino or a single latte. That means 1.5 oz of espresso and 5 or 6 oz. of milk. If you want to make drinks for more than one person at a time, or if you want to make the equivalent of a "Venti" latte, you may need more than one of these or a different machine (Froth Au Lait).

3. Cleanup is EASY. This is one of the most important features, IMO. All you do is rinse it out, wipe the bottom with a sponge, rinse again, and you're done. You can clean it while your Nespresso machine is pouring your espresso shot. For making yourself a cappuccino in the morning, this thing can't be beat when it comes to simplicity, ease, and convenience. You do need to wipe the bottom (of the inside of the container), because as others have said, burned milk can appear on the bottom. This is easy to remove if you let the machine soak or just wipe it immediately.

4. Reliability is this machine's achilles heel. Thankfully, Nespresso has amazing customer service. However, the reliability issues seem to be inherent to the machine's design. When you look at the picture, you should realize that the black bottom is a plastic stand that the stainless container sits on. The bottom of the stainless container is plastic with a metal power jack in the middle that fits into the base. When you clean the unit, you remove it from the base and rinse the inside of the jug/container. You can run water into the stainless jug and rinse it out, but you are not supposed to get water on that bottom plastic area. This is difficult. When you wipe your countertop with a sponge, often streaks of water linger. If you place the container on the counter after it's been wiped, you may have an issue.

Final Thoughts:
My unit has just stopped frothing, and Nespresso says this is because the frothing whisk isn't moving fast enough. Their explanation is that some water may be in and around that plastic base. I've been advised to turn the jug over and let it sit for 48 hours to allow any moisture that may have made it inside to evaporate. If this doesn't work, they'll replace it. I'm not upset, as I read the many experiences already posted here and elsewhere. In fact, the time this malfunction occurred I was thinking to myself how lucky I was to have gotten a machine that works well. Obviously I was wrong, but I still really like this machine. Even if you know how to use a proper steam milk frother, you just can't get this kind of great foam in so little time with so little hassle and cleanup. However, if every few weeks I need to give it a 48 hour time out... I don't know how I'll feel. The Froth Au Lait machine, which I own, is fantastic, but much larger and more difficult to clean as you need a brush of some sort to clean the bottom. There seems no doubt that the Froth Au Lait FAL-W Frothing Unit, White machine is more reliable, but it is not as pretty on the countertop or as easy to clean for a single serving of coffee/espresso. Hence my 3 star review of the Aeroccino. Good machine with some serious flaws. If you have the appropriate expectations going in, and have the money to spend, this machine will make you happy, as long as Nespresso continues their great support.

Update: It appears my machine wasn't broken at all, though I can't explain what's going on. It seems either some kinds/quality of milk don't froth, or else different outlets in my kitchen are giving different amounts of power. I tested this by using my Froth Au Lait, which also only heated the milk without frothing it. Moving the machine to the outlet I had originally used it on, with fresh milk, fixed the issue. I suspect FRESH MILK might be the takeaway. When you get a week into a carton of milk, you might not be able to froth it, even if it seems fine for cereal. Hope this helps someone.

I saw this at willamson-sonoma and thought would be nice to have in addition to my machine so I could do coffee while frothing and not have to switch over while the coffee cooled... fantastic quick easy and good. I rinse out the top and use a wet paper towel to clean to avoid getting the bottom wet. and simply let it dry on the rack to be sure. so good am getting one for my neice's anniversary. a bit pricy but worth the ease.

I love this product. I purchased a nespresso leCube. I wanted an espresso machine that made great espresso and was a breeze to clean up after. I have had espresso machines before, but I hated cleaning up the milk steamer and such, and I prefer my espresso straight up. So, my use of a milk steamer was occassional. This Aeroccino is perfect. Easy to use, easy to clean. Fill it to the line with milk, choose the attachment to heat the milk or froth it. Push the button. It stops automatically after a minute. Its easy to clean, run it under the faucet, a little dish soap, that it. No mess, no fuss. Highly recommended, especially as an accessory to the Nespresso LeCube.

It looks like we are not alone in our experience with this product. When we first got it we were infatuated with how clean, neat and easy it was. The design was elegant and the frothed milk was fabulous. Then, after about a week of regular use it just quit frothing the milk. Everything still functioned apparently, but no froth. Ever.

I read the manual and saw the year warranty. I figured, there's no way that anyone would warranty a product for a year that breaks so easily. We turned it in for a replacement, and brought the new one home, excited to have gotten rid of the fluke defective product. No such luck.

The replacement neatly and quietly whirs away, without producing any effect but warm, frothless milk.

Oh well.

Williams and Sonoma had better give me my money back.

AMMENDMENT:
Ok, so after significant frustration with this product we struck on a hypothesis. What if it was the change in milk that caused the lack of frothing and not a change in the device?

We switched back to the milk which we were using when the device worked (from a local dairy) and lo and behold! The device worked again just fine; we had delicious frothy milk. So we compared the two milks and the second milk (the one that didn't work) had a preservative in it (a salt of some kind) that was specifically designed to keep the milk fat from separating in hot liquids; in fact it said this right on the carton. After repeated testing our observation appears to be correct and since watching what milk we use, the frother has worked fabulously.

Barring further problems I am prepared to change my rating to four stars. I will keep this review up to date if anything of further note occurs.

My 3 month old aeroccino quit working, so I called the company. They told me to never store it on the base if the base is plugged in, because there is enough electricity coming through to tell the unit it's on. Since I had done that and it quit working, she told me to put it upside down for 48 hours. That worked! It now works fine. Only store the unit off the base or on the base if the base isn't plugged in. This will save you a lot of grief. I love this machine and think it works beautifully.

After reading some of the negative reviews here, I was skeptical about this device, but I decided to buy it at Williams-Sonoma and return it if not completely satisfied.

I'll definitely be keeping it! The first thing that struck me is how SILENT it is! If not for the light-up start button, I wouldn't know if it was on or off! It froths and heats milk in less time than it takes to pull an espresso shot from my Nespresso Essenza. Also, it has never scalded the milk, but heats it to the perfect temperature.

Another plus is the non-stick interior, which is so simple to clean. The magnetic mixing attachments are also a great idea--and whichever one is not in use simply attaches and stores underneath the lid.

Some reviewers have complained about the small quantity of milk that can be steamed or frothed at one time. I've found that it creates adequate froth for at least two cappuccinos and steams enough for two lattes, made to my tastes. This is a european-designed machine, made to produce the amount of milk necessary for traditional cappuccinos and lattes made with espresso shots--NOT the big, 16 oz. milky beverages many are accustomed to at Starbucks and Dunkin donuts. If you do prefer a larger ratio of milk to coffee, this machine is so fast that you can just froth/steam up an additional amount in seconds. Keep in mind that you couldn't do that with a typical steam wand! This also doesn't require the "finesse" or skill that is needed when using the steam wand on an espresso machine.

I'd recommend the Aeroccino to anyone who has a Nespresso Essenza espresso machine because it is the perfect complement. It's perfect for anyone who would like to make quality cappucinos and lattes in no time, easily and with no mess.

I wonder if I am the only one with this problem? I am on my 2nd Aeroccino and am having the same problem. It seems there is a hot spot on the bottom of my machine that burns milk and will NOT clean. It's about 1/2 inch long, and is constantly black or deep brown in color. I wash and rinse after every use but this keeps coming back and its really a pain...this seems to be a permanent mark and its really annoying, especially since little flecks get into the milk...yuck! I love my Essenza and Nespresso, but this is becoming annoying with each morning.

The capacity of this is sooo limited, you can't even make enough for 1 coffee! Plus, if you put in just a little too much milk, is spits out all over. I paid $100, and will never use it again. total waste. I since purchased another frother...here is my review.

For about 5 years I have been searching for the perfect way to get "starbucks style" cappucino at home. Without exaggeration, I have owned:
A miele built in espresso machine with integrated grinder and frothing wand - cost $2600

A kuppersbush built in espresso machine with automatic frothing device - cost $3195

A miele/nespresso built in espresco machine with their special "cappucinatore" cost $2495

A nespresso Aeroccino that is only designed for frothing a tiny amoung of milk - cost $100.

As a custom home builder, I have tried out a lot of products, and obviously, my coffee is important to me. So important...that in 10 years of internet shopping, I have NEVER written an Amazon review...except for this Froth Au Lait Product. So that should tell you how strongly I feel about it.

First of all, it only costs about $50, so how could it be any good I thought? I was skeptical, but for $50...I thought I might as well try it.

Well...let me tell you, this thing is probably the most amazing appliance I own. I have made countless batches of frothed milk in this device, and it not only heats the milk perfectly, but it gives a froth like I have never seen before. You can literally make the froth stand up above the mug...and you can make multiple cups at one time! There is no need to only use 1 1/2 oz of milk like the twice the priced aeroccino! This thing makes multiple servings, and the froth lasts forever. I have a cup of coffee sitting here that I made over 1 hour ago, and it still has froth!!

Not only is this product amazing, the price beyond belief, but on top of all that...there customer service is 2nd to none. I had a simple question about a frothing method, so I emailed froth au lait, and within a couple of hours, they actually called me!!! That never happens.

DO NOT buy the nespresso aeroccino instead of this. (or..actually just email me, and I will sell you mine, since it will never be used again)

Also..I am a custom home builder who has been in business for 15 years. I have no affiliation with this company, and don't even really know where they are located. (I am telling you this because sometimes, employees just happen to write "glowing" reviews about their company's products.)

If you like starbucks style froth, spend the $50 and buy this. If you want to spend $100, get less of a froth, and make a mess doing it, get the nespresso product.

tony c.