Customer Reviews

Vev Vigano Carioca Nero 6-Cup Espresso Maker

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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I did a LOT of research and finally settled on this one. I was not disappointed. One thing to say upfront is that it is a very good quality product and made in Italy (not made in China or India) and this is stainless which is important I gathered versus aluminum.

Coffee choice should be a finely ground espresso or dark roast - similar to one for a traditional espresso machine- and the quality of the output is top notch.

I would definitely recommend and have even ordered a second one to take to camp with me!

I too did a lot of research before buying this one. So far I am very satisfied with this product. It is very well built, no problems yet with the handle or cover. The base is very heavy gauge steel suitable for heating water. I have a gas stove range and this sits well on my burners. Depending on the heat (instructions say to use low heat.) I use med. to low.... it takes 7 min or less to completely brew. One quick note regarding the 6 cup model. It brews about 8 0z of espresso which is suitable for two people. If you are one person, you will probably end up throwing a little extra away. You may want the 4-cup model for just one person. If you are preparing espresso for a dinner party then you may want larger than a 6-cup model. Also you can make a regular American cup of coffee by adding hot water to your espresso, at approx. 1:1 ratio depending on your taste. The straight espresso is great as a topping for ice cream, try it.

After a trip to Italy I was very disappointed to come home to American coffee. Have long wanted an espresso maker but don't have the money or space for a professional machine. This model works well and quickly. Stainless steel rather than aluminium is good. As others have stated, because the very high pressures of large machines are not reached, the "crema" normally seen with espresso doesn't form. However, finely ground coffee produces a rich dark cup. I use a hand pump milk frother for cappuccino.

This was my second attempt at an upgrade to stainless steel, and I've been using it for about six months. Look no further - this is a terrific espresso maker at a very fair price. Nicely designed (none of them have great handles but this one is fine if you keep it out of the flame), easy to clean, doesn't get dingy like the aluminum ones. Makes scrumptious coffee too - just the right amount for one addict-sized latte in the morning. Love this pot.

Is it possible to fall in love with an espresso maker? I seem to have. I love the looks of this ingenious design and smile when I see it. It's not just another pretty face though.

I love strong coffee and will often order 4 or 5-shot lattes or cappuccino, which are rather expensive. Weak coffee has absolutely no appeal for me. I've had small electric espresso machines and picked up a few more expensive models, but none of them really delivered coffee-house-style espresso, even with the best French Roast or Espresso Grinds. Plus, they all had aluminum parts which really bothered me.

Before I purchased the Vev Vigano, I was boiling my coffee in a mixed cowboy/Turkish style manner that delivered a strong brew but was messy and involved sludge at the bottom of my cup.

This machine is so easy. Fill the bottom with water, lightly tamp in some espresso-ground coffee and screw on the top. I put it on a very slow(3 on an electric stove) heat and place it on the edge, so the handle doesn't cook. The low heat keeps your gasket in good shape. I heat up a little full-fat milk in a one-quart saucepan and use a $2 hand-held frother to create a thick and stiff foam. Voila! My 24 ounce mug is filled with a cappuccino fit for the most devout believer in the goodness of strong espresso topped with clouds of froth.

What you won't miss when you replace your little electric espresso maker is the rather fetid steamy miasma that emanates as the espresso is brewing. There's very little aroma involved when you use this espresso maker, just some cheerful bubbling noises as the brew is finishing. You also probably won't miss de-scaling your machine or wondering just what was in the water chamber.

Clean up is a breeze. The steam compresses your grounds into a solid and relatively dry puck that is easily knocked into the waste or compost bin. The filter cup and other two pieces clean easily and quickly with a little sudsy water. The Vev Vigano will exceed your expectations -- I know it has exceeded mine.