Cappuccino - bialetti, latte

Click here for more information Makes better espresso then most of the espresso shops here in Java Town, Seattle. It also costs about ten times less then an espresso machine that probably won't make as good coffee, and eventualy will need repair. Bialetti has been making these things since the dawn of time and have it down to a science.



A few tips:

1. Grind coffee between medium and fine.

2. Don't pack coffee into basket like you do in an espresso machine.

3. Heat between medium and high heat.

4. Be careful not to have the handle be over the burner of flame.

5. NEVER WASH THE POT WITH DETERGENT. JUST RINSE AND DRY. The more you use the pot,the better the coffee becomes.

6. Before using for the first time season the pot. Make a pot of weak coffee and discard it.

When visiting my friend in Italy, she served us the most amazing espresso -- made in a Moka Bialetti (which is, she tells me, what virtually ALL Italians use at home!) So of course I had to buy one when I got back to the USA. I agree w/all the previous reviews -- it is simple, inexpensive, even fun to use! The instructions that came with it are nearly indecipherable so here's my summary (of course you'll want to rinse all the parts in plain water, no soap, before use):

1. Fill the bottom part w/water up to (not over) the steam valve

2. Put the middle section in, fill w/ground espresso (it is finer than regular American coffee). But don't overfill or pack down.

3. Carefully screw on the top, and place directly on a gas stove, use the smallest burner on medium heat - be sure there is NO flame coming up around the moka (that would melt off the handle). I'm sure you can use electric, too, I just haven't tried it.

4. You'll hear the coffee percolating in about 5 min or so -- when lots of steam comes out, you'll know it's ready. Feel free to carefully pop the lid to peek while it's percolating -- it's kind of cool, actually.

5. Enjoy! If you're going to make a second pot, be aware the pot will be VERY hot, so give it a time to cool before touching the metal.

6. Cleanup: When it cools, take it completely apart and RINSE all parts, making sure they are all DRY before putting the moka away. Do NOT use soap, and by all means, do NOT use a dishwasher!!!!!



Some other tips to keep in mind:

This is called a 3-cup pot, but: 3 Espresso "cups" = 2 tiny espresso cups full = less than ONE actual CUP of liquid. The whole pot makes MAYBE 6 ounces, really. Espresso is concentrated, meant to be savored and enjoyed in sips, not gulped out of a jumbo American mug. To me this is the symbolic difference b/t the European and the American lifestyle! For one or two people, the 3-cup pot is just right. For a crowd, or for die-hard caffiene junkies, you'll want a larger pot.

Because the espresso is so concentrated, it lends itself to many uses. Yes, lattes, as a previous reviewer mentioned. Cappuccinos as well, of course. You can even just add hot water to make a still-strong full sized American mug of coffee. I have been known to throw the hot espresso over a cup of ice for an instant iced coffee. If you like to make blended coffee drinks, this stuff will stand up to the ice cubes and not get too diluted.

The first pot you brew will NOT be good (I tossed the first one), the second slightly better, etc. The seasoning is necessary to get the best flavor. This morning, about my 7th time using it, my husband and I looked at each other and said, This is it! It finally tastes GREAT. I use the Lavazza brand, purchased from a local Italian market, but I know Illy is popular too, both in Italy and here.

Treat it with care, and this little guy will make you simple, excellent, inexpensive espresso coffee for many years to come.

I bought this espresso maker about a week ago at the suggestion of my cousin who lives in Italy. Also bought a milk frother from Ikea ($2.99), some Illy espresso (2 pack for $25) and vanilla-flavored syrup from Starbucks with pump ($7). I have been drinking the yummiest vanilla lattes every morning. Takes a couple of minutes to make and they are delicious. Why the heck was I spending so much money at Starbucks everyday for all those years?! (By the way, my Italian cousin says never to refrigerate the espresso coffee. Just keep it on the counter.)

I love this espresso maker. I use it every single day. It makes a perfect double espresso, so it's great for having a fresh macchiato in the morning with my breakfast. It's cheap, simple, easy to clean, and the only way to break it is to put it on the stove with no water in it. Don't do that. Really. :)

Visited Italy last summer and saw this pot on a few stoves, and used it every morning in the apartment I stayed at. I loved it there so immediately bought this upon my return, and it hasn't disappointed.



This little guy pays for itself within a week. That $4 latte you like having every morning? Make it at home. Some tips/thoughts/etc:



1) I only really fully clean this every other week or so. I quickly rinse it out before every use and make sure the threads are clean - if they get gunky, you'll notice some steam coming out during brewing.

2) I had used a grind from the coffee shops 'doser' (the thing they use to grind for espressos), but I like what I do at home a bit better -- it's just a hair more course than the doser. I use a Hario manual hand grinder, btw.

3) I place on medium/high heat. Works with electric or gas. Just make sure the burners aren't too wide for bottom of moka (I use the back, smaller burner).

4) It takes 4-5 minutes. When I see it bubbling, I pop my mug of milk in the microwave for a minute to heat the milk. When that's done, I whip it up into a slight foam using a small electric wand from IKEA ($2 or so).

5) After about 5 minutes, you'll hear the pot bubbling. If you've been watching it brew, you'll want to put the lid down before this point, as it will spew over your stove top.

6) add it to your milk. This makes about what is a double-shot here in the states.

7) last thing: stay away from pre-ground stuff from the grocery store. Either have your shop grind it or buy a grinder and do it at home. I have noticed a huge difference in taste.



I got this for a friend who had just received a $300 espresso machine. Guess which one he uses every morning. :) Yup, this one.



[NOTE: this is the review for the 3-cup version] - Bialetti - Latte - Stovetop Espresso Pots - Espresso - Coffee - Coffee Maker
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Cappuccino - bialetti, latte

American Weigh - pocket scale, american weigh

Click here for more information I recently purchased this scale and I completely love it. First off, let me say that I was very hesitant about buying this based on the "Two thumbs down" guy's review. I said heck with it and bought it anyways because it was exactly what I was looking for and in my price range. However, right out of the box I had the same problems. Scale was all over the map, sometimes even going negative. I scoured the manual for troubleshooting tips but to no avail.



Finally it dawned on me and sure enough, there were two pieces of cardboard in between the scale and the base for shipping purposes. I removed those and the scale works perfectly. Another thing is that the manufacturers website says there must be a 1g minimum in order to weigh. This isn't true. It weighs from .1g up with no problems.



It really is a beautiful scale. Very accurate, I reweighed several objects and they were dead nuts. The weighing platform is 4"x4". It's not the least bit chintzy and in fact has a very pleasant display. Moreover it comes with a hard plastic case that double as weighing trays!

I recently purchased this scale to help me in my coin and precious metal collecting. The scale is small and easy to use, while it is not the most accurate scale in the world it is accurate to 0.1 gram which is more than accurate enough for my use.



ONE MAJOR COMMENT TO ANYONE BUYING THIS SCALE, AS NOTED IN OTHER REVIEWS, THIS SCALE COMES WITH 2 PIECES OF PACKING CARDBOARD THAT IS WEDGED BETWEEN THE SCALE PLATE AND THE BODY OF THE SCALE. IF YOU DO NOT REMOVE THESE THE SCALE WILL GIVE MAJOR MISS-READS. THE CARDBOARD PIECES ARE ALMOST UN-NOTICEABLE UNLESS YOU LOOK FOR THEM. THERE IS NO MENTION OF THESES PIECES OF CARDBOARD IN THE LITERATURE THAT COMES WITH THE SCALE.



All in all I like this scale and it suits my needs at an affordable price. I'm Pleased!

So far so good. I'm happy with the product though I've had it for but a single day. I am curious about the battery life but I'll see about that later as time goes by.



It works as is advertised. I placed a calibration weight on it and that was at 200g. I did a 100g and the 200g and that too was accurate. The trick is to keep it on a stable surface and to keep other electronic devices away from it at the same time.



There was/is a crack in the smaller of the two trays that come with it. (I've decided that the bottom case portion is to be used as a tray.) I didn't mind that much at all and it doesn't impact the accuracy or efficacy of the product either way.

good scale, auto shutoff (in about 60 seconds) makes it nearly unuseable. If you have to weigh multiple items precisely, like mixing paints, which is what I bought it for. You need everything out and open and ready to go and hopefully you can get it done in time... annoying.

I bought three of these scales for use in a coffee and espresso lab. The oldest of the three is still going strong, even though it has had water splashed on it, and has been in continuous use for two years now.



A new trend in coffee and espresso preparation is weighing everything - your whole beans, your ground coffee, your water, even the shot of espresso you're brewing. Weighing gives a much more accurate measurement than visual ml/oz viewing in a measuring cup or shot glass. This is especially true with espresso, given that crema can be large in volume, thus screwing up a visual measurement of the amount of liquid brewed.



This scale fits the bill, by virtue of the 2kg max weight while still resolving to 0.1g. It's not without its problems, but the price earns it 4 stars from me.



The large weight allowance allows you to put portafilters on it (then tare them out, and weigh the amount of ground coffee in the portafilter). It even allows you to brew a big 8 or 10 cup press pot right on the scale, accurately measuring the water used in grams instead of in mls (1g water = 1ml water).



The display is easy to read; blue with black letters that are readable from most normally used angles.



The tray is wide enough to hold most items I use on it, from press pots to cupping cups; it's a bit small for portafilters, but you can balance them on the scale.



TAREing the scale is very quick; startup is a bit slower, but not bad.



The price is fantastic, and earns an extra star from me just on that basis. If it were $35 or more, it would only get three stars.



Very accurate. I have some calibrated weights and it was bang on, right out of the box.



What's preventing this from being five stars?

- time out is too short. It's 60 seconds, but honestly, that needs to be longer, or at least user-adjustable.

- I had to put non-slip rubber bumpers on the bottom of it - otherwise it slid around too much

- there is a bit of a delay when you add or subtract items from the scale - it's not instant (takes about half a second sometimes to update)



Overall a great scale at the price. Could be better, but there's nothing else currently available that matches it features vs. price. - Pocket Scale - American Weigh - Coffee - Espresso - Accurate - Boy Scouts
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American Weigh - pocket scale, american weigh

Coffeemaker - coffee, espresso

Click here for more information The instructions do not tell you exactly when the coffee is done and when to turn off the heat. The plastic parts melted the first time I used it. I am a do-it-yourself type, so I bought a metal knob and some flat aluminum to fashion a new handle. Now it is better than new. It makes great espresso, but the instructions are little help. What the instructions should say is when the top fills with espresso and steam stops coming out of the spout, it's time to turn off the heat. It was well worth the discount price I paid. However, in hindsight, I would not buy one with plastic parts.

Imusa Espresso Coffeemaker, 6 cup

My sister-in-law lives in Austria and is always talking about how weak American coffee tastes to her. I tend to prefer a European-style coffee myself, so did some checking to find out what kind of coffeemaker is most commonly used there. This style seemed to be the one that came up most often.



I ordered this coffeemaker wondering how I'd feel about aluminum once I got it. I had my doubts but went ahead based on the strength of the reviews.



The first 3 pots weren't horrible, but I was glad I'd been warned (through the reviews) that the first few pots wouldn't taste the greatest. Pot #4, and following, have been delicious!



My favorite way to drink this type of espresso is Americano-style. It makes a very robust, yet smooth, cup of coffee this way. I'm able to pour the contents of the coffeemaker into a thermal carafe, add hot water to fill and serve full-flavored coffee to my husband and myself.



Sometimes I do choose to make cappuccino or a macchiato with the full-strength coffee I get from this pot. While it doesn't taste quite as "nutty" as the espresso I used to make with my electric espresso machine, it's still a good cup.



For BEST results, I would recommend that one use a good, dark, espresso-roast coffee, but I've also gotten good results with well-roasted flavored coffees if I'm making Americano-style. The flavored coffees come out with more of the flavor noticeable than when I use other methods of brewing them.



A drawback, which is true of all "mochi-style" coffeemakers is that you can't vary the amount of coffee you make... unless you have more than one of these coffeemakers in different sizes. Thanks to other reviews here at Amazon, I knew that going in so I haven't been disappointed.



I have no problem recommending this coffeemaker to anyone who simply wants a good every-day way to make full-flavored coffee with little or no bitterness. If you're looking for espresso that tastes exactly like what you get in a coffee-bar, you may be disappointed. It's good espresso, but it doesn't taste exactly like what you get from a machine. Again, I already knew that from the reviews so I wasn't disappointed.

I received this item as a gift and I am extremely pleased with it. Some other reviewers complained of poor instructions or melted handles. Perhaps the manufacturer has made some changes as my espresso maker did come with instructions that made it very simple to use. They specifically state that one should keep the handle positioned so that it is not directly over the burner. I have had many, many cups of espresso in the last week without any problems. The size is perfect for two people to enjoy some delicious espresso and cleaning is so easy. I think this product is fantastic for the price, especially if you are mindful of the plastic handle and keep it away from the direct flame.

I'm drinking a mocha I made with this expresso coffeemaker as I type. It is delicious.



I read the reviews before mine, but I wasn't worried about the handle issue since I have an electric stove. Handle has been totally fine, but just in case I do position the coffeemaker with the handle on the side of the burner, not directly over the heat. The first time I didn't screw the top on completely tight enough, so I got a few drips of water come out while boiling, but no big deal. Hasn't happened since then because I am screwing it on completely tight.



I have been going to starbucks and other local coffeeshops almost daily to get mochas, and I know that is a super expensive habit. So, I am trying to break myself but I just can't seem to enjoy the plain coffee made with my french press. I am a cheap grad student, so I don't want to fork out tons of money, and I also wasn't sure I'd keep to my plan of making coffee instead of buying it. So, I forked out $10 for this guy from amazon, and 5-mochas-in-3-days later, this thing has already paid for itself a couple of times.



I'm still perfecting it, but that is kind of nice to customize things exactly how I like them. I always hated mochas where the chocolate flavor came from a syrup instead of a powder. So, I first put some milk in a pot with some hot cocoa mix (Ghirardelli is delicious, but I've also used grocery store brand hot chocolate and it seems to suffice) and put it on the stove on low-medium heat. Now, get the coffee ready: some water a bit below the valve (I am only making for me, so the 6 cups is a little much...), put in the grounds container, and then some grounds till that's full. I even used the rest of my course ground coffee from the french press and it did fine... a little watery I guess, but it is hard to notice when you're so pleased with your first few mochas. Screw the top on tight and stick it on the stove on medium-high. Wait for the water to boil in the coffeemaker, and you can even lift the lid with the plastic topper to check if it is full. Make sure you're stirring your hot cocoa on the side. Both should be done around the same time. Espresso goes in the cup first, then the hot cocoa. I don't have a frother (yet) but it doesn't bother me much. Enjoy! - Coffee - Espresso - Espresso Maker - Coffeemaker - Stovetop Espresso Pots - Bialetti
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Coffeemaker - coffee, espresso

1 Cup Coffee Maker - coffee, coffee maker

Click here for more information I did many hours of research into coffee makers before deciding on an Aeropress. I learned that several factors influence the coffee you end up with: the temperature of the water, the way the water mixes with the coffee, and how the coffee is extracted from the grounds. I found it difficult to find knowledgeable reviews of the various coffee machines, so I decided to take control of my coffee preparation. The aeropress allows you to control how hot the water is and how long you let it mix with the coffee.



The whole coffee making process is explained in the products instructions.



1. Insert a filter and some coffee into the unit. A coffee scoop and some filters are included with the aeropress, they recommend 1 scoop of coffee per cup.



2. Heat the right amount of water. Markers are printed on the side of the Aeropress to show the recommended amount of water for between 1 and 4 (the maximum) espresso shots. The manufacturers recommend water between 75 and 80 degrees. I don't know if this is correct, because I don't have a thermometer in the kitchen, and in any case, I'm not going to stick a thermometer in water to get it to a precise temperature. I boil water in my kettle and let the water sit for a set time before use. Alternatively, you could microwave the water for a set time. A bit of experimentation and you'll find how hot you like the water. I agree with Aeropress that boiling hot water extracts unpleasant flavors.



3. Mix the water with the grounds. The grounds are immersed in water, much like in a french press, but the manufacturers recommend letting the water sit for no more than about 10 seconds. I find that this is about right, but you can experiment and decide for yourself.



4. Insert the plunger and push the water out of the Aeropress. You press the plunger down so that it extracts the water from the grounds over about 20 seconds. The Aeropress needs to be on a strong and stable container, such as a mug, for this part of the process. Pressing the plunger requires a bit of strength if you are making more than one espresso shot. You'll need to press down for about 20 seconds.



5. Drink up, or dilute the espresso shot(s) for American coffee or mix them for cappuccino, or whatever.



I am very happy with the Aeropress. It makes great tasting coffee. It's easy to clean and inexpensive. In my opinion the aeropress is superior to french press or manual drip percolator coffee. It is not as convenient as a machine but I'm willing to spend the effort for good coffee.

***Update 3/15/11*** It's been over 4 years, and I still use this coffee maker every single day. I'm STILL on my first packet of filters, and still in love. I rinse the filters out and reuse once or twice per filter. And no, I haven't flipped it over. Yet.



As a certified coffee snob, I thought it didn't get better than french press. Fugetaboudit! The Aeropress renders a sweet, flavorful, impeccable Americano every time that will change your expectations forever. I have a drip coffee machine, a french press and a Krups espresso maker, and they are all officially retired thanks to the Aeropress.



I can't say enough about the results, but note that the Aerobie is more time-consuming to use than either french press or drip coffee makers, more comparable to espresso makers. Well worth it, mind you, but NOT as quick and painless as the manufacturer would have you believe. This product makes espresso by forcing air through the grounds using a syringe-type plunger. You must put in a filter, add the grounds, measure out the precise amount of water, add water and stir. You then have to place the Aeropress on top of a cup to use it, exert a pretty good amount of force, and then, if you're making two or more cups, divy the espresso up into other containers and add water or milk, if you want. So far I haven't done it, but I think it would be really easy to push too hard, flip over the cup, and spray espresso everywhere.



Still, greatest coffee ever, no competition. If you want the best, you gotta put in the time.

Wow! Best cup of coffee I ever had. And so simple! The design is brilliant. I'm impressed with the quality of construction, ease of use, ease of cleanup, and the great taste. This is the end of all other methods of coffee production.



I fill the plunger to the appropriate mark with hot tap water and place it in the microwave for 20 seconds (the experimentally determined time to reach 175). While the water is heating I place a filter sheet in the cap, place it on the chamber, and add 1 scoop of coffee. With the chamber on top of my cup, I add the now hot water, stir, and press. Cleanup consists of ejecting the used coffee into the composting pot and rinsing the end of the plunger. Then I'm ready to enjoy a perfect cup of coffee.

As others have said, the Aeropress makes great coffee and espresso. The Aeropress lacks the style and design of the $3,000 automated Italian machines. In fact, it looks a lot like a bong or a chemistry set. It operates like no other coffee maker you have seen before. Who would have thought someone could come up with a new way to make coffee?



The Aeropress is a completely manual system, which explains its low price. You espress the coffee manually by pressing on a plastic pipe that sends hot water through the coffee grounds, sort of like an upside down french press. It is very easy to use, and could easily be packed for travel.



Pros:

Cheap

Great coffee

Great espresso

Takes up very little space

No electronics to break

No high-dollar bean mill required. A regular blade grinder will do.

Right water temperature produces coffee with very low acid.



Cons:

You will go through a lot of beans because the coffee tastes so good

It takes practice to make crema

You need an instant-read thermometer to heat the water to 165 to 175 degrees

You will have to heat and steam milk manually if you like milk-based espresso drinks

No cool-looking Gaggia or Saeco espresso machine sitting in your kitchen

No excuse to upgrade your blade grinder to a mill - Coffee - Coffee Maker - Coffee Press - Espresso - Americano - Best
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1 Cup Coffee Maker - coffee, coffee maker

Delonghi Ec702 - delonghi ec702, espresso maker

Click here for more information Basically all of the negative reviews they did not read the instructions well enough. This thing kicks ass for a 15 bar espresso/cappuccino machine for under (...). Perfect crema, nice steam, cleans easily. Sexy stainless. Of course it doesn't have auto on-off... IT IS AN ESPRESSO MACHINE! The timing is different every time as the water pumps through, and how will it know if you are making a short, a double or if you want to turn it off early? If you are too lazy to push a single button to start and stop the pump, get a "Mr. Coffee" and quit whining that your appliance doesn't tie your shoes for you... The steam nozzle only leaks if you don't close it. If you don't put the lever back to the closed position all the way, yes, then water sprays out. When it is not in steam mode and the valve is open it sprays water, thats what it is supposed to do (for tea, etc.). It is not that complicated a machine, but common sense is uncommon to most people. It heats up fast, makes a delicious cup of cappuccino or espresso and cleans up easily. The warming rack on the top is designed well also. It makes me happy to turn this thing on in the morning. It prefers finely ground espresso, not espresso ground for drip machines or stovetops. If you are a "pod" person, you should be ashamed and really don't need this machine. This machine is for brewing a real cup with fresh grounds.



If you can work simple machinery and like espresso/cappuccino from freshly ground beans, get this machine and enjoy.



If you are a bit lazy and prefer everything to be automatic and are the type to use "pods", do not get this machine.

I have been making espresso at home for 30 years and have gone through 3 machines prior to purchasing the DeLonghi. The first was purchased in Rome in 1978 when home-brewed espresso in the US was a rarity. That machine lasted 10 years before the pump blew out and looking back it just made 'acceptable' coffee. I next purchased a Krups (from Amazon) and ran that one to death in 10 more years. It was a fine machine but not surprisingly, it did wear out. A good value for the price and I got a lot of service from it. Then I got a Braun which was totally serviceable for yet another 10 years....do these things all last 10 years? I guess so. When it was time to purchase another espresso maker, I chose the DeLonghi EC702. What a nice surprise! It heats up really quickly, and despite the owner's manual that says let it warm up for 15 minutes before you brew the first cup, I find you can get a perfect cup after only about 3 minutes of warm-up. Then, hit the 'milk steamer' button and in just one more minute it's hot enough to do the milk for a great cappuccino. The steamer nozzle is the first I've seen that can be EASILY dismantled (two small pieces to pull off) and rinsed. Former models had to be scrubbed with a scouring pad occasionally to scape off the residue left on the nozzle. This DeLonghi setup is far better and the steamer nozzle is always clean and ready for your next cappuccino. The drip tray (plastic with a metal grid) pulls off for easy cleaning too. Being a coffee-hound, I use the double-filter basket to make a single cup, although the photo shows two demitasse cups being filled side-by-side. Really, I'd recommend this machine without reservation. It's good-looking, easily cleanable, warms up super fast, quickly steams the milk to a lovely froth, and filling the water reservoir is a snap because it pulls out like a small drawer so you can squirt more water in from the sink's dish sprayer without needing to remove the entire reservoir from the machine (at least that's how I do it). A full reservoir makes about 4 good-sized cappuccinos with frothed milk before needing refilling. All in all, a GREAT machine at a GREAT price. Buy it!

Pros: Brews excellent espresso with abundant crema, dual thermostats for brewing and steaming, two different sizes of filter holders, one of them allows you to use E.S.E. pods, good frothing, cup warmer, attractive look all at a good price.

Cons: Removable water tank not ease to reach in a tight counter space, I would have liked to see more flexibility in the frothing wand, the design leaves too little space both sideways and below to maneuver with the pitcher, cheap plastic, fragile looking bottom tray that contrast with an otherwise stainless steel solid body.

Although there are much better pump driven machines out there you may find out that the much higher price doesn't have much impact in the quality of the espresso and sometimes even in the quality or functionality of the machine. For a budget minded person, this is a good choice in its class.

Now a few words about the different espresso makers to help you make a choice. I have owned all three types.

The traditional stove top maker, pros: is cheap, last a lifetime with little care, keeps the coffee warmer longer, cons: it is messy, slower in comparison with steam driven machines and requires attention while brewing, doesn't make crema by itself and of course you need a separate frothing device for cappuccinos, size of the brew rigid you will need different sized machines to brew for just yourself or 3-4 people or you'd be wasting coffee. Still the most popular household machine in espresso loving countries and localities like Italy, Cuba and Miami.

Steam driven machines, pros: fast, inexpensive, durable, can be left unattended while brewing, integrated frothing wand, more flexibility in the size of the brew, cons: Espresso quality while similar to that of the stove top cannot match that of a pump driven machine, no crema, coffee gets cold fast.

Pump driven machines, pros: great tasting coffee with crema, integrated frothing wand and other convenient features, cons: always more expensive, lots of parts and electronics makes them pron to fail or wear much faster than the two other types, brewing requires full attention and some technique, the machine needs priming too so this are not machines for people on the run.

Finally, the quality of the espresso is in a good part a function of the quality of the coffee you use regardless of the machine, pump driven machines definitively give you a better tasting coffee all other things equal but requires you to learn some techniques and won't compensate for bad coffee.

However, I must say that taste varies. Some people here scoff at this or the other brand of coffee and recommend particularly expensive brands as a show of their taste and sophistication. Follow you own instincts and taste, experiment with different brands and techniques (grinds, degrees of roast, tamp strength) until you find the most satisfactory to you. Many will find out that good coffee doesn't necessarily have to be made and packed in Italy. I personally use inexpensive 30 cents an ounce or less Latin brands which suit my taste well for everyday use. When it fancies me I buy something more expensive for a gourmet experience. Bottom line, you don't have to break the bank to enjoy a good espresso just like you don't have to go every day to a gourmet restaurant to have a good meal. - Delonghi Ec702 - Espresso Maker - Espresso - Cappuccino - Latte - Crema
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Delonghi Ec702 - delonghi ec702, espresso maker

Cuisinart Coffee Maker - cuisinart, espresso maker

Click here for more information I purchased this machine at a Kohl's for roughly $220. I think it's of an exceptional quality for the price.





Positives: #1 Well built (it's actually quite heavy)

#2 easy to use, filters allow for a single or double shot to be made - also comes with a pod filter but I've never used it

#3 large water reservoir that has allowed me to make 4 or 5 espressos and steam milk too

#4 comes with a DVD that teaches you how to use it (much easier than reading the booklet) - this is especially helpeful if you're new at making your own drinks

#5 easy to clean

#6 has a warming plate on top (good if you need to make more than one double shot cups or two single shot cups

#7 espresso has a good taste (although I think this has as much to do with the quality of the coffee you're using) The machine actually does produce a good amount of crema for the price you pay

#8 Stainless steel frothing picture is just the right size for one latte or two cappucinos

#9 15 bar pump allows for more than enough pressure and for great taste.

#10 has a feature that allows you to get plain old hot water too if someone isn't interested in the espresso and wants tea/cocoa/whatever



Negatives: #1 the steam nozzle is too long - you kind of have to tilt the pitcher to get the nozzle out - this isn't a problem so long as you know so you can use less milk or you can place the machine so the nozzle can be used on a non-countered space. The nozzle has a good range of movement so this does help counteract.

#2 the distance between the portafilter (where the coffee comes out) and the drip tray is not very tall - I've found that I have to use a smaller cup to brew and then dump it into a larger cup if I'm going to make a latte and want to fit in a decent amount of frothed milk.

#3 you have to be really careful to not overtamp your grounds or you'll end out with coffee everywhere - this machine is a little pickier than I expected (and pickier than the really cheap machine this replaced). But, with that said, the taste is 100x better. You can catch it if you overtamp too so long as you closely monitor and make sure the water is coming out of the portafilter at a decent rate. If you overtamp, barely anything drips out. After a while you figure out how much is too much.

#4 - my biggest complaint, and this one is quite dangerous - There's not a great way of knowing that pressure has been released - this means that once your espresso is made and you're ready to clean out the coffee grounds you have to be really really careful or it'll explode the hot coffee grinds all over you and your kitchen. I've been seriously burned a couple of times. It might not be a problem if you're used to espresso machines (I wasn't when I first bought this one) or you learn to be super extra careful always.

We had a Krups combo coffee pot/espresso machine and after several espresso calamities in a row, I gave up and got this Cuisinart. So far it has been great! It seems that there used to be only basic espresso makers or extremely expensive ones on the market, with nothing in between. But the Cuisinart satisfies the coffee connoisseur on a budget by making truly wonderful espresso and more.



One of my frustrations with our last model was the "perfect froth" tip, which was disastrous to say the least. I just need a basic steam wand and I can take it from there, and the Cuisinart fits the bill - it steamed and frothed my milk easily and quickly. Just be careful to use less milk than you might think, because the volume doubles in no time. I'll probably switch to a larger pitcher than the one that comes with the Cuisinart, though it's fine to start out.



A couple tips to get started: the instructions say the heating light should come on right away, but it didn't for me until I switched the small knob to the droplet icon (as opposed to the middle neutral position). I figured this out by watching the video, which I recommend as the instruction manual is pretty bare. It's also good to see how much pressure one should use to tamp the grounds.



The only negative thing I can say is that the warming tray doesn't seem to get very warm, but I do like being able to store my cups on top anyway (more space in the cabinets now, plus a certain café aesthetic is always nice), so I don't mind. Positives are that it's fast, it's quiet, everything is sturdy and well designed (and clicks or locks solidly in place so you know things are seated correctly), and the espresso is truly café quality - an enormous difference from the more basic espresso machines on the market.



UPDATE: Since this review I have had some experiences with clogging. Cuisinart customer service was totally unhelpful, but here's what I do to remedy the situation:



1. As soon as you notice espresso isn't coming out, turn off the machine, take off the basket (you may have to wait for the pressure to subside), rinse it out well, and fill the machine with water.



2. Scrub the underside of the metal grid that the filter basket attaches to with a damp cloth.



3. Reattach just the basket with no filter. Heat water and run that through to get any clogs in the upper part of the machine. I fill up a milk pitcher. Then turn the big black dial to neutral, add the empty filter to the basket, and repeat. As long as water starts running through that ok it should be all right. I hope it works for you! - Cuisinart - Espresso Maker - Espresso - Em-100 - Cappuccino - Latte
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Cuisinart Coffee Maker - cuisinart, espresso maker

Espresso Maker - cappuccino, espresso

Click here for more information This Espresso machine is great for people who love good espresso but can't afford fancy machines. In fact, I think I like this machine better than the fancy machine my mom has. It's super easy to use and quick- I make a latte every morning before work. And in fact you CAN froth milk with the wand- it takes a little finagling but the trick is to rotate the mug around the wand. It may take a couple of tries to get a routine down but by the third time you'll get the hang of it. And may I suggest- if you're making lattes, make only one at a time to get good foam. Enjoy!

I'm surprised at some of the negative reviews of this product. Perhaps the reviewers ended up with the occasional lemons. I've purchased two of these...one I bought for myself, and the other as a gift, and they've worked beautifully. The milk steamer is very effective (but as noted, the wand is a bit short, which would be my only complaint). It would be nice to have a separate bypass switch between brewing and steaming modes, but the lack of one is common in machines in this price range. Overall I'm very happy with mine and have had no problems at all. At the current price, I'd highly recommend purchasing one. If you want more features and better construction, then spend another $100 or more for a steam pump model, but for fast and easy coffee drinks from a functional, affordable machine, this is hard to beat.



January 2010 update: It's been over four years since purchasing two of these coffee makers, and both are still going strong. The one I purchased for myself is used almost daily, and still works perfectly.

I am far from a connoisseur of coffee, but I really like this machine. Unlike the Krupps that is similar priced (FND111 Allegro), it is make much more sturdy. I played with both in a feature to feature comparison and the DeLonghi is MUCH better made.



Best : Quality, quick espresso. Easy to clean, easy to use. Very attractive in the kitchen. Pretty darn quick. Great price for the quality.



OK : Frother is very short, so you need a short, stout cup to froth with. It is good for Cappuccino, but not really powerful enough for steaming a Latte's worth of milk. To get some extra steam, run it through an extra cycle just for steam.



Bad : Not really any for the price.



Overall, I am very, very pleased. I got it for only $39.99 here on Amazon and I think that is one heck of a good deal.

All the reviews I read before I purchased this item said that the coffee maker was purchased to make lattes. Several reviews mentioned the steaming wand being difficult to use, but that they managed in the long run. Well, I feel that the wand is impossible to use as there is no way to chose between the espresso selection and the steaming selection. If you follow the instruction regarding the coffee and the water portions, you have great espresso, but if you want to steam milk, you need to put in more water, but since there is no way to select steam, you have to try and steam the milk while the espresso is brewing and you end up having watered down espresso or steam milk that is not hot enough. I have resorted to just heating my milk up in the microwave and have more of an espresso with hot milk as opposed to a latte. If you want to make lattes, I recommend looking for another espresso maker.

I believe this is my fifth espresso and cappuccino maker (I have worn out the previous four) and this DeLonghi EC5 is by far the best one. It is easy to use, easy to clean, takes up little counter space, while producing the best espressos,cappuccinos and mochas I've made using a Steam-Driven home brewing system. I don't even bother using the glass carafe anymore except to measure and pour the correct amount of water into the machine. I put my favorite cup directly under the filter when I make an expresso, latte or mocha for myself and if a friend joins me I put two cups under the double spouts of the extended filter, which sits lower, allowing me to make two at the same time while foaming the milk. It saves time, makes less mess, and warms the cups at the same time. Perfect for those cold winter mornings allowing me more time to relax and enjoy a hot beverage while visiting with a friend. Less mess, less fuss, less time, and my friends and I believe it produces the best beverage yet while allowing us more time to visit.

After working at Starbucks and getting free espresso drinks for 4 years, I needed an espresso machine to support my habit. This one was the most affordable with the best reviews, and so we went with it. I am so impressed! First of all, don't follow the directions on steaming the milk, instead of moving the pitcher up and down just keep the tip of the steam wand right below the surface of the milk. It should just barely look like the surface is stirring. If you have too many bubbles pull the wand out slightly at an angle. That will make foam instead of bubbles. The quality of the espresso shot isn't the best, so if you drink straight espresso I wouldn't recommend this. But for lattes, cappuccinos, or flavored americanos, it's so worth it. The money we're saving is great. (Even for a pro barista like me it took a few tries to get it right to make two at a time, so don't get discouraged at first!) - Cappuccino - Espresso - Espresso Maker - Latte - Coffee - Coffee Maker
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Espresso Maker - cappuccino, espresso

Espresso Machine - espresso maker, delonghi

Click here for more information I love espresso, and this little baby makes a great cup. Here are a few points that might be useful for you to know:



Good points:

*It doesn't take up too much room on the counter and looks nice with it's silver metal accents.

*The water reservoir is a good size, you can make about 8-10 shots before you need to refill it, which is very easy to do, and there is a clear section behind the basket which shows the water level.

*Fast heat-up time (only about a minute), good frothing wand, no wait time between frothing and brewing (though you do have to wait a little between brewing and frothing).



Be warned:

*Frothing wand is only 3 1/4 inches from the counter top. Not a big deal, I just went and bought a frothing cup that is about that height.

*Distance from grounds basket to tray is only 2 1/2 inches, I usually use a small espresso cup.

*Built-in tamper sucks, buy a good metal one.

*You don't end up with a nice dry puck, the grounds basket is a watery soup after your espresso is made, so I dump it down the disposal.

*You will end up drinking more espresso than you mean to, it's that good!



Seriously, I chose this machine after a lot of online researching, and decided on this one based on its outstanding reviews and great price. What led me to it were the reviews of another DeLonghi, the EC140B, which is an older and less attractive model, but had reviews from people who had owned theirs for 6 and 10 years! I'm hoping that this one will have the same longevity.



-----> UPDATE: I've now had this machine for 8 months and it started running very slow. I'd been using only distilled water, so I knew it wasn't a calcification issue, so I looked into it and it turns out machines like this one (no backflushing) need to be cleaned every month or so to remove built up grounds that work their way inside the machine. So I ran some cleaner through it and all this nasty brownish liquid came out, and now it runs great again! So remember people, take good care of your things and they will take good care of you. A lesson I am still learning...

- and to answer a question commented on this review, my tamper is 2 inches in diameter.

First, a couple of disclaimers:

1. This is the first pump-driven espresso machine that we have owned.



2. We generally drink cafe Americano, which is an espresso with a little added hot water (or cold water with an iced Americano). We make an occasional cappuccino and have thus used the steam wand, but not extensively.



After doing a cost/benefit analysis in regards to our current cafe Americano habit (~10 per week), we realized that there would be some justification to buying a home unit. We first considered the Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker, but reviewers consistently lamented the unit's tendency to clog the filter, necessitating time-consuming cleaning. Also, not being completely sure that we would actually use the espresso maker, we balked at the $250 price tag.



We also considered moving up to one of the superautomatico machines that grind, tamp, brew and dispose of the grinds, but we worried about the reliability of technology that had only recently hit the consumer-grade appliances. After reading zillions of reviews, we realized that every mid-priced machine had some glaring flaw and, in the end, we decided to buy an inexpensive pump-driven unit and wait for the technology to catch up before investing a huge chunk of change in an espresso machine. Moving our investigation to low-end espresso makers, we were impressed by the reviews of the DeLonghi EC155 and purchased it from Amazon.



I put off writing a review in order to make sure that the DeLonghi was going to last until we had at least broken even on it. We received it in mid-July and since then it has produced about 200 double shots flawlessly. By my reckoning, that's about $400 worth of Americanos at the local cafe. Even considering the price of the coffee, we have more than broken even. So, here's our pros and cons:



PROs

- Price--we paid $91.28.

- Crema Production--this unit consistently produces a thick layer of delicious crema.

- Powerful Stream Wand--Easily froths milk.

- Mechanicals--After six months of nearly daily use this mighty-mite works as well as it did the day it arrived.

- Easy Cleanup--Filter cleans easily.



CONs

- Ergonomics--As other reviewers have noted, there could be a little more room between the area where the cup sits and the output nozzle. Also the steam wand could be longer.

- Features--No cup warmer. Not a big deal to us, especially considering the price of the EC155, but it will put off some buyers.



SOME THINGS WE HAVE LEARNED

- Using a coffee especially made for espresso, such as Lavazza, produces a much better espresso. Lavazza has the added benefit of allowing you to go for hours without blinking.

- Preheating the unit for 15 minutes and warming the cups in the microwave improves the results and experience. - Espresso Maker - Delonghi - Espresso - Latte - Cappuccino - Expresso
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Espresso Machine - espresso maker, delonghi

American Weigh - pocket scale, american weigh

Click here for more information I recently purchased this scale and I completely love it. First off, let me say that I was very hesitant about buying this based on the "Two thumbs down" guy's review. I said heck with it and bought it anyways because it was exactly what I was looking for and in my price range. However, right out of the box I had the same problems. Scale was all over the map, sometimes even going negative. I scoured the manual for troubleshooting tips but to no avail.



Finally it dawned on me and sure enough, there were two pieces of cardboard in between the scale and the base for shipping purposes. I removed those and the scale works perfectly. Another thing is that the manufacturers website says there must be a 1g minimum in order to weigh. This isn't true. It weighs from .1g up with no problems.



It really is a beautiful scale. Very accurate, I reweighed several objects and they were dead nuts. The weighing platform is 4"x4". It's not the least bit chintzy and in fact has a very pleasant display. Moreover it comes with a hard plastic case that double as weighing trays!

I recently purchased this scale to help me in my coin and precious metal collecting. The scale is small and easy to use, while it is not the most accurate scale in the world it is accurate to 0.1 gram which is more than accurate enough for my use.



ONE MAJOR COMMENT TO ANYONE BUYING THIS SCALE, AS NOTED IN OTHER REVIEWS, THIS SCALE COMES WITH 2 PIECES OF PACKING CARDBOARD THAT IS WEDGED BETWEEN THE SCALE PLATE AND THE BODY OF THE SCALE. IF YOU DO NOT REMOVE THESE THE SCALE WILL GIVE MAJOR MISS-READS. THE CARDBOARD PIECES ARE ALMOST UN-NOTICEABLE UNLESS YOU LOOK FOR THEM. THERE IS NO MENTION OF THESES PIECES OF CARDBOARD IN THE LITERATURE THAT COMES WITH THE SCALE.



All in all I like this scale and it suits my needs at an affordable price. I'm Pleased!

So far so good. I'm happy with the product though I've had it for but a single day. I am curious about the battery life but I'll see about that later as time goes by.



It works as is advertised. I placed a calibration weight on it and that was at 200g. I did a 100g and the 200g and that too was accurate. The trick is to keep it on a stable surface and to keep other electronic devices away from it at the same time.



There was/is a crack in the smaller of the two trays that come with it. (I've decided that the bottom case portion is to be used as a tray.) I didn't mind that much at all and it doesn't impact the accuracy or efficacy of the product either way.

good scale, auto shutoff (in about 60 seconds) makes it nearly unuseable. If you have to weigh multiple items precisely, like mixing paints, which is what I bought it for. You need everything out and open and ready to go and hopefully you can get it done in time... annoying.

I bought three of these scales for use in a coffee and espresso lab. The oldest of the three is still going strong, even though it has had water splashed on it, and has been in continuous use for two years now.



A new trend in coffee and espresso preparation is weighing everything - your whole beans, your ground coffee, your water, even the shot of espresso you're brewing. Weighing gives a much more accurate measurement than visual ml/oz viewing in a measuring cup or shot glass. This is especially true with espresso, given that crema can be large in volume, thus screwing up a visual measurement of the amount of liquid brewed.



This scale fits the bill, by virtue of the 2kg max weight while still resolving to 0.1g. It's not without its problems, but the price earns it 4 stars from me.



The large weight allowance allows you to put portafilters on it (then tare them out, and weigh the amount of ground coffee in the portafilter). It even allows you to brew a big 8 or 10 cup press pot right on the scale, accurately measuring the water used in grams instead of in mls (1g water = 1ml water).



The display is easy to read; blue with black letters that are readable from most normally used angles.



The tray is wide enough to hold most items I use on it, from press pots to cupping cups; it's a bit small for portafilters, but you can balance them on the scale.



TAREing the scale is very quick; startup is a bit slower, but not bad.



The price is fantastic, and earns an extra star from me just on that basis. If it were $35 or more, it would only get three stars.



Very accurate. I have some calibrated weights and it was bang on, right out of the box.



What's preventing this from being five stars?

- time out is too short. It's 60 seconds, but honestly, that needs to be longer, or at least user-adjustable.

- I had to put non-slip rubber bumpers on the bottom of it - otherwise it slid around too much

- there is a bit of a delay when you add or subtract items from the scale - it's not instant (takes about half a second sometimes to update)



Overall a great scale at the price. Could be better, but there's nothing else currently available that matches it features vs. price. - Pocket Scale - American Weigh - Coffee - Espresso
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American Weigh - pocket scale, american weigh

Espresso Machines - espresso maker, cappuccino

Click here for more information I bought this at Targét for $29, and it is freaking awesome. To the two reviewers above... if you actually read the manual you would know that the cord underneath the base can be unraveled to the desired length. This is to eliminate excess cord on your countertop.



Anyway, I discovered I was spending almost $200 at Starbucks... a near crack habit. My previous espresso machine broke over the summer--a $300 Gaggia. Prior to the gaggia I had a krups.



So I plunked down a few bucks for this one knowing I was taking a wee gamble. Usually you get what you pay for.



Let me tell ya, this little machine is great. First, it is super super quiet. My previous machines were deafening especially when frothing. Secondly, it takes up little space. Third, it's fairly nice looking and matches our coffee maker. And of course last, it makes great lattés.



So, don't waste your money on some huge hulking espresso machine that will only last a few years. This one does the job and won't cause ear trauma.

I've had this machine for over a year. I have tried other machines, even a pump. It makes good cappuccinos/lattes when the milk is steamed properly at the right temperature. If your only into espresso shots, I would go with a pump.



PROS

-Inexpensive

-Frother is strong, plastic tip is removable

-Quiet (then a pump machine)

-Small



CONS

-Supplied tamper is just a slightly flattened end of the coffee scooper.

-No frothing pitcher.

-Multiple shots requires de-pressuring the machine.



NOTES

-It is important to have a correct tamp and grind. A weak tamp or a course grind will cause the machine to brew too fast and cause the steamer to become weak because not enough pressure built up, resulting in weak taste. Too hard of a tamp or too fine of a grind will cause the brew to be too slow and build up too much heat, resulting in bitter taste.



-I rarely make a "4cup" with this machine, but when I do, it is somewhat tricky. The machine has a hard time pushing thru a 4 cup filled basket. In this situation, it most often then not brews too slow and too hot and results bitter. You have to compensate by tamping very lightly.



-It is very possible to create thick dense micro foam as well as light fluffy airy foam. It all depends where and how you place the frothing tip near the surface of the milk. Using a thermometer is very useful too. Overheating the milk will make it lose its sweetness.



-Descale it if it becomes slow. I use Durgol.



-Sometimes excess water builds the tank. I believe this causes the machine to become less efficient. Run an empty cycle to remove the water every once in a while.



EDIT

I've had this machine for almost 3 years and the frothing wand tip broke on me while using a wrench to disassemble and clean the wand tip. You're supposed to use the supplied plastic wrench but I used a metal wrench and it tore the tip right off. It is a 7 dollar part on amazon, but I decided to just buy a new one since these are so cheap and it was 3 years old. I still think for what this is, it is a good machine. The new version of this model has a different shaped wand.



EDIT #2

Still using this machine. Want to note that I have a routine I do with the machine that ensures the brew process is the same everytime.



If you use the machine from a cold start (like hasn't been used in a few hours) what I do is brew just water, no coffee, no filterbasket. and brew out all the water into the cup I will be using. This will warm the cup. and since not so much pressure will build up you will be able to open the top 'slowly' with out it exploding with pressure (warning: this is only on a cold start). After this... then proceed as normal. This will warm up the machine so when it does the brew process it will have an easier time and brew better and efficiently. This method also clears out the problem of water 'building' up in machine causing inefficient brew times.

Love this product. I read all the other reviews before buying, so I knew it didn't come with a steaming pitcher and ordered one to go with it. However, I didn't realize that it didn't come with an espresso tamper either. I would have ordered one had I known, now I have to wait for the one I ordered to come in and hope it fits this machine. Would have given it 5 stars, but as a former barista, I know that to make a good latte I need a steaming pitcher and a tamper. So for an espresso machine not to come with these items is like getting a pair of sneakers with no laces. I have had no problem with leaking, and as long as the user READS THE INSTRUCTIONS, they shouldn't have any problems either. For $40, I've already gotten my money's worth in the last week. And anyone interested in buying, I would say "GO FOR IT!!!" but order a steaming pitcher and espresso tamper along with it.



Note: P.S. Get a 49mm espresso tamper to go with it. Doesn't fit "perfectly" but its as close as I could find that wouldn't be too big. - Espresso Maker - Cappuccino - Espresso - Latte - Espresso Machines - Coffee Maker
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Espresso Machines - espresso maker, cappuccino

Espresso Accessories - tamper, espresso accessories

Click here for more information I have a DeLonghi EC155 and the smaller size fits very nicely for tamping. It is able to hold over 50 lbs of pressure with no problem. I used the tamping method from Good Eats, where you put 50lbs of pressure, then twist.

I have looked everywhere for a tamper that would fit Saeco Aroma for a sensible price, but 53mm tampers were either too expensive or just unavailable. Although this one doesn't fit properly, the small end of it covers about 90% of the basket. Overall, I'm happy with it. It's a temporary solution. Tamper brand or construction is not a huge variable in the resulting quality of an espresso shot. You might at well use something out of the hardware store as long as it tamps the loose grounds well enough. This is why I am skeptical of tampers that cost 50-100 dollars. If RSVP Terry tamper fits your basket's proportions you should consider it.

This product is not a heavy item, but it works very well. The flat design makes it easy to tamp down coffee. It is not dishwasher safe. If you put it in the dishwasher it will come out looking like tarnished and dull aluminum. I speak from experience here. It still works great, but I don't like things I have to hand wash when I have a machine that will do it for me!

Yes, 1 star! I would go less if I could. While yes, this could be a step up from the cheapo plastic tamps that arrive with your machine, it is a very small step, and in some cases a step backwards. I invite you to consider saving up a little longer and getting a better tamper. The "Rosewood" brand tampers are a knockoff of the industry standard Reg Barber, and are just over $20 here on Amazon. They are proof that you don't need to spend $70 if you are a home user that is not pulling hundreds of shots a day.



You really do need a tamper that is sized to properly fit your porta-filter, or your pulls WILL suffer. Measure the inside of the filter and buy accordingly. The pressurized water will go the path of least resistance, and if you tamper is too small, you will over extract the outside edge and under extract the middle. The result is a shot with little to no body and bitter. Did I mention bitter? A good tamper makes a HUGE difference.



Being flat on both ends makes this tamper very hard to use correctly. Getting a level tamp is very difficult.



Do yourself and your espresso a big favor and just walk away from this item. Search online for videos on how to properly tamp, and you will quickly see why this tamper is not a good choice, and learning all you can about the process will only improve your shots.

how can you rate a tamper? well, it fits in the basket and it tamps down the coffee. I guess Terry's tamper does just that. It was a great price, I mean come on, who's the numbskull who would pay $20 for an item to tamp his grounds?

I was impressed by the fast shipping and great customer service.

It's rare that a small purchase ($8.00) can make such a big difference. I'm new to the espresso experience and I was using the art-deco plastic girder-looking tamper that came with the Airette unit. After reading the reviews below I bought Terry's Tamper and I couldn't believe what a difference it made. It's a handy size and it allowed me to exert a greater pressure while tamping the grind and the result was a better cup of espresso. I seem to get a better extraction from a tighter tamp therefore greater taste and value from my coffee. What more can one ask?

I have a Gaggia Classic espresso machine. The 55mm plastic tamper that came with the machine broke after a while. This one-piece cast aluminium Terry Tamp temper is a perfect replacement for the original. It is easy to hold, easy to use. No reason to spend $20-$100 on fancy tampers that may be inferior in quality to this.

works great. unfortunately my saeco aroma portafilter is a smidgeon too small for the large end, and the small end leaves a gap on the edge, but it doesn't seem to matter.

don't know how i lived w/o it. the espresso is so much more intense when its heavily tamped.

So far so good...with the smaller diameter side it's a close fit to the breville die cast porta filter. Still, a tiny gap remains and it does not tamp the edges without a smoothing action. As a tamper...well it works for me and the price is excellent. Simple yet handy design. Shipped and arrived quickly. - Tamper - Espresso Accessories - Espresso - Esspresso Accesories - Expresso - Coffee
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Espresso Accessories - tamper, espresso accessories

Expresso Machine - espresso maker, delonghi

Click here for more information Despairing of ever finding decent espresso in the Midwest, I finally broke down and decided to get a home espresso machine. I had worked as a barrista, and had sipped espresso in Italy, so I had some idea of how it should taste.



Being relatively poor, I wanted a machine that would deliver a decent espresso, at a decent price. Though I was willing to consider a system with proprietary coffee pods (K-cups, Tassimo, etc), it would have to be cheap enough that I wouldn't mind shelling out the extra bucks for the coffee itself. And I also wanted to make sure that it was pump-driven, not steam-driven.



After checking reviews and looking around, I finally settled on the DeLonghi BAR32. It's a pump-driven maker, not steam driven, so it's not scorching the grounds as it brews. And it comes with a single and a double espresso filter.



The DeLonghi uses either ground espresso, or E.S.E. espresso pods. The E.S.E. pods are not proprietary - any company can make them. The DeLonghi comes with a package of 18 Illy pods (retail - $12). The pods are convenient, but still expensive.



I've had the espresso maker for several days, and I'm happy with it so far. With the pods, it pulls a good single espresso with a satisfactory crema. Sugar floats on top of the crema for about 2-3 seconds, and it has a nice golden color. The espresso tastes very smooth.



Pulling a good single espresso, either with the pods or loose coffee, is pretty easy. Use the pods as a good judge of how tightly to pack the grounds in the filter. Use a level, loosely packed scoop of coffee for a single shot.



Pulling a good double, on the other hand, still eludes me. The best I've come up with is to use 2 scoops, 3/4 full and loosely packed, and pressed looser than for a single. Even then, it still dribbles out slowly, with a less-than-satisfactory (though present) crema.



The steam wand works very well. I've made several excellent cappuccinos and lattes with it. It's a little cramped to use, so I pull mine to the edge of the counter so that I can get a good mug under it. I steam straight into the mug of milk, and then add the espresso. Make sure to blow some steam through it to clear out condensation before putting it in your milk. Start with the steam wand nearly submerged in the milk, and then slowly pull it out (lower the mug) until you hear a gentle "sipping" sound. That means that it's frothing. If you see noticeable bubbles on top of the milk, that means you've pulled it out too far - dip it back in slowly and you should be able to whip the bubbles into froth. Once the froth is just below the level you want it, submerge the wand back into the milk to finish heating it. Listen again - once the milk starts to sound "hollow," it's nearly hot enough. Let it go for a few more seconds, then shut off the steam, and remove the mug. The wand will drip a bit, so put it over the drip tray or an empty mug.



Making espresso is fairly easy. Turn the machine to "Heat" to start heating the water and priming the pump. Make sure the filter holder is screwed into the machine. Once the "Hot" light comes on, run an espresso cycle without coffee into the cup you'll use - pulling espresso into a cold cup will ruin the flavor. Fill the cup half-way with hot water, and turn the machine back to "Heat." Empty and quickly dry the espresso cup. Put the E.S.E. pod or ground espresso into the filter (tamp down the loose espresso) and twist it into the machine. Turn the machine on, and wait until you've got your cup of espresso. A single espresso should be 30-40ml, or 1-1.5oz. I used a measuring cup to see what that looked like in my demitasse cups.



Looking back over what I've written, I suppose I do make it look a little complicated. And it is a little bit more complicated that popping the K-cup into the machine, and hitting "Go." But it really is pretty easy, and less than 5 minutes pass between "You know, I could go for a cappuccino," and "Man, that's a tasty cappuccino."



Pros:

- Inexpensive

- Good pressure

- Easy to make a good single shot of espresso

- Uses pods or loose grounds

- 2 dials + 0 buttons = easy to use

- Outstanding steam wand

- 32oz water reservoir lets you make 3 or 4 cappuccinos, or 6 to 8 espressos, without refilling

- Built-in tamper means one less part to lose

- Pre-heat cycle helps make good espresso



Cons:

- Hard to make a good double espresso (might just be me)

- Steam wand leaks slightly (usually at the start of a brewing cycle - I just keep mine over the drip tray)





In the end, the machine makes a good espresso, especially for the price, but remember that you're not going to be running a coffee shop with it. I definitely recommend it for anybody who wants to make their own espresso, but wants to do it for under $200.

- Espresso Maker - Delonghi - Cappuccino - Espresso - Latte - Expresso
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Expresso Machine - espresso maker, delonghi