Stovetop Espresso Pots - stovetop espresso pots, espresso maker

Click here for more information Every family in Italy owns one of these machines. Here are a few tips:

1. In Italy this is NOT called an espresso machine, but a Moka machine. An espresso is what you would drink in bar made with a steam or high pressure machine with the crema on top.

2. Smaller size Moka machine tend to make better coffee.

3. Never wash the Moka with detergents, just rinse it under tap water

4. You've gotta use it often for a good coffee.

5. If you haven't use it in a while, make a weak coffee ("lungo") and discard

6. DO NOT put the MOka in the dishwasher.

7. Use drinking water. Avoid tap water especially if very chlorinated

8. Never compress the coffee.

9. For a strong coffee fill the filter with ground coffee and make a small cupola that slightly protrudes beyond the rim. Do not press down.

10. For best coffee, heat at very low heat. It's ok if it takes 10min.

11. As soon as coffee reaches the top, remove from heat

12. Do not let the coffee boil

13. Use good quality coffee, not too strong, medium grind (try Illy for a good commercial brand)

14. Sip while still hot, enjoy!

My wife and I have been spending a pretty penny at the local coffee shop, so I began looking for inexpensive home alternatives. Most of the coffee snobs claim you have to purchase a $200+ machine and $150+ grinder to have a decent cup of espresso. I turned instead to the frugal Italians. They did invent the stuff, afterall. My Bialetti Moka Express coffee pot came this afternoon. I was a little concerned that a $20 pot might not meet the high standards of the gourmet beverages wifey and I have become accustomed to. I was wrong. The brew made by this ingenious little pot is a little weaker than "pumped" espresso and lacks the foamy cap (crema) that all the snobs rave about, but mixed with some hot, frothed milk and a bit of chocolate syrup I couldn't tell the difference between Bialetti and Seattle's Best.



This rich brew comes from a tiny little aluminum contraption with no moving parts, no electronic gizmos, no pump handle and virtually no wait time or clean-up. You just fill, brew and pour. It's that simple. Its base only covers half of the stovetop's smallest eye and I expect it will be easy to store due to its diminuitive size. I've already had three cups of homemade mocha today, and I've only had the pot since noon! *jitter jitter* The point is this: If you're a coffee lover who is bored with Folgers from a Mr. Coffee drip machine or is spending way too much at Starbucks, the Moka pot is an inexpensive and easy-to-use alternative with excellent results.

***DO NOT OVERHEAT!***DO NOT OVERHEAT!***DO NOT OVERHEAT!***



There. I've done my good deed, and passed along the warning for the next person. Reading the translated-to-English directions, it's easy to miss this important cautionary note. In fact, it's not even IN the directions. It's written on the side of the box.



But fortunately, before my Moka Express ever arrived, I read another reviewer's cautionary note about avoiding HIGH heat (which can destroy the rubber gasket), so I didn't have any problem from the get-go.



And speaking of 'get-go' here's the deal. The FIRST time out (actually the second time, because the directions recommend that you dispose of the first batch), I had THE *BEST* ESPRESSO I EVER HAD. PERIOD. BAR NONE.



Using some Columbian coffee (that a friend had actually hand-carried from Columbia a few weeks ago), and setting my smallest burner (it's a ceramic-top stove) to just under "5" (10 being the hottest), the espresso that came out of this coffeemaker was INCREDIBLY smooth, and totally without the bitter taste that it can sometimes have.



If this is the result after using it ONCE, I'm looking forward to seeing how good it gets after I've had a chance to figure out the best combination of type of coffee/amount to use/fineness of grind/etc.



Also, for the price, it absolutely cannot be beat. The full pot yielded about six double-shots, so after just one use, it's almost half paid for!



I'm going to be drinking a lot more espresso. And cappuccino. And cafe-au-lait.



Oh well. Who needs sleep? It's overrated anyway! ;-)





-Jonathan Sabin



UPDATE... We put it in the dishwasher today.



DON'T make this mistake!



When we pulled it out at the end of the cycle, the shiny aluminum exterior had turned into a pretty ugly, uneven, dull finish. I'm sure it'll still work just fine, but it sure doesn't look as nice as it did before.



(ONE other review, among the 48 thusfar, mentions the dishwasher issue, but doesn't say why.)





UPDATE TO THE UPDATE... It's taken about 3 months, but a BUNCH of hand-cleaning has finally reverted our Bialetti to its former shiny state! It's STILL making the best espresso/cappucino I've ever had! - Stovetop Espresso Pots - Espresso Maker - Bialetti - Coffee - Latte - Cappuccino
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Stovetop Espresso Pots - stovetop espresso pots, espresso maker

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

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

Expresso Maker - stovetop, coffee

Click here for more information The Bialetti Moka Express 3-Cup Coffeemaker is fantastic. I enjoy it immensely. Word of warning, don't forget to put water in it before placing on the stove! And if you have a gas stove with an open flame, do not use a flame that exceeds the size of the coffeemaker. The handle will melt.

This product is the most awesome product I've come across in a long time. For being extremely simple to use, it sure does produce an amazing cup of espresso. Love it, love it, love it! It came highly recommended by a good friend of mine and because of that, I ordered one from Amazon.com and am surely impressed! I recommend it highly to those of you who love a good cup of espresso and who doesn't want a complicated product. So easy to use! Magnifico!

This unit is a great little device for making strong coffee (somewhere between espresso and regular coffee, closer to the espresso side) in an elegant way, and it's designed to last a long time.



The coffee produced is extracted using steam that is generated when the bottom part of the pot gets heated from placing the unit on a stove top. You have to experiment to find the right low-to-medium heat to get the best results. Too low and it will not boil, but you probably want it just above that and not too hot. I have found a setting where it will boil in 5 mins, and then the coffee comes up in 1 minute or less. So, a total of 6 minutes, which is not bad at all. As mentioned, what's produced is close to what we call "espresso" in the US, but it is not the same thing. It is not as strong and with not quite the same taste as full-blown espresso created using an automatic or semi-automatic espresso maker. It's much stronger and more flavorful than regular coffee, though. I used the same Intelligentsia Coffee House Blend (a great coffee) through my French press and then the Moka pot, and the taste difference was eye-opening. Apparently, these stove-top coffee makers are the norm in Italy, and practically everybody has one.



If you enjoy taking your time making your coffee, this is a beautiful unit that creates great coffee (and apparently it gets better over time, as the coffee oils seep into the aluminum). And as mentioned, it's actually not that slow. It's a nice "coffee ritual." It's made in Italy. It only has three parts, which are easy to clean and look virtually impossible to break, so it will last.



The only potential downsides are:



(a) you need coffee ground to the correct size. Either you should get pre-ground Illy Coffee or else you should get a good grinder that can grind to just above espresso fineness. When using whole bean coffee, our old blade grinder does not work well at all with this (sometimes it's acceptable, sometimes hardly any coffee comes out), but we have a Vario on the way, so all is good... But it is a given that a grinder is extremely important regardless of what method of coffee brewing you use. So -- get a good grinder!



(b) you can only make the same amount of coffee each time. For example, we have the version that says 6 on the side (6 cup?) and it makes just enough for my wife and myself. (It doesn't actually make 6 cups, as far as I can tell -- it's more like 2 cups for us). That is, you cannot just put in less ground coffee and less water to make less coffee. If you do that, the mechanics of the steam don't work and you won't get proper coffee as a result. So, make sure you get the correct size for your use.



This thing is so cheap and well-made that anyone who loves coffee should have one around to try out or for occasional use. Ours will get regular use, alternating with our French press. I was very happy to find this.

After a trip to Spain where one of these little coffee makers was in the apartment where we stayed, I returned and purchased one, in spite of owning another pump driven expresso maker. This little guy makes very smooth strong expresso. Really not sure why I spent the money on a more expensive style expresso maker, when these little pots have them beat for great tasting expresso.



You won't be disappointed.

This item yields excellent coffee as long as you have good quality beans, way better than Starbucks in my opinion. Be careful with the handle though when you tighten it. This is my second moka express purchase because I broke the handle.

Too many words would ruin the simplicity and elegance. It simply makes delicious espresso, quickly and with a minimum of effort. Cleans up in about 2 minutes...I take mine camping.



The "cup" ratings are for small, traditional sized espresso cups. If you like to pour a mug full of espresso, then divide the cup rating by 4 to arrive at an approximate size for your "machine". My nine cup maker gives me 2 full sized mugs of rich coffee. For you "crema" people...there is none.



It is inexpensive, relative to plug in type machines, so it is as nearly a risk free purchase as you can make. Enjoy. - Stovetop - Coffee - Espresso Maker - Expresso Maker - Bialetti - Latte
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Expresso Maker - stovetop, coffee

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

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

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