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76 of 81 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great espresso maker for those on a budget, April 18, 2004
If, like me, you love coffee, especially lattes and cappucinos, but have more taste than dollars, this is the espresso maker for you.It's an inexpensive pump machine which really does deliver the goods: fast espresso and frothy milk. After testing it out today, I feel fully caffinated for the first time since I moved to the Great Plains from the Northwest. I used the bottom of the line Krups espresso maker back in the day, and then used an inexpensive Capresso for the last six years, until it finally died. Shopping at my local housewares store, I was drawn to this one because of its attractive form factor, and the fact that it wouldn't overpower my small kitchen. I'm an artist and aesthetics are important to me and this machine has a nice clean design. I was skeptical that an inexpensive pump machine could really deliver, but this one does. I love not having to wait to pull a second espresso. And let's face it: Krups has the milk frothing thing down. Nobody makes a frothier frother than Krups. I confess I thought that espresso pods were overpriced and entirely unnecessary. I'm glad that Krups included a sample of the Illy pods, because after using them, I'm hooked. Just 20 seconds, and you have a lovely espresso with a nice crema. There's a lot to be said, especially in the morning, for no measuring or cleanup and there are sources for more affordable pods at amazon.com from Espressione and Terrafazione. I've ordered the Terrafazione ones, as I'm homesick for the Northwest, and I intend to try them both. Some hints: Do warm up the machine, as instructed. Then you'll have nice, HOT espresso. The see through water window is almost impossible to see in my kitchen. Others have suggested putting a ping pong ball (!) or other plastic ball inside as a gauge. I think I'll just get in the habit of topping off the water level before I make coffee. If you have a large milk steaming pitcher, as I do, I find it much easier to use the frother if I put the entire coffee maker on a wooden cutting board. This raises the frother another 3/4 of an inch or so, making it easier to get the pitcher underneath. Be warned that there isn't a lot of clearance between the filter holder and the bottom of the machine, so you won't be able to use tall cups. I have some oversize but wide cups I like to use for lattes, and they just fit. With this espresso maker, and a low tech French press, all my coffee desires are satisfied.
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