Saeco S-TRP-ST Talea Ring Plus Super Automatic Espresso Machine Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I owned a Jura Impressa S90 for 6 years at a daily rate of 8 espressos . No problems , I sold it to upgrade it for a professional like machine.. Bad decision, The Talea Ring Plus has a beautiful design and is relatively small for a full automatic, but...
After 4 months it was leaking (faulty 0 rings ), it wastes more water that it goes into the coffee, it is very high maintenance to clean (new filter every 2 weeks, cleaning tablet every 3 weeks, descaling twice in 3 months), but most important if you have a problem forget about Saeco customer service:rude, incompetent and they don't return emails or calls, so you better have a good relationship with your retailer to enlist their help. After the repair of my NEW machine, Saeco lost my original box and protective pads, they scratched the led display and plate and the serial number sticker was missiing...
After 8 single coffees you must empty the grounds and the drip tray! the container is flooded with water.
What about the coffee? Just OK , not any better that one could get with a machine one third of the price.
If you are thinking superautomatic forget Saeco( at least this model)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Saeco S-TRP-ST Talea Ring Plus Super Automatic Espresso Machine

Get 32% OFF

Click here for more information about Saeco S-TRP-ST Talea Ring Plus Super Automatic Espresso Machine

Read More...

Espressione 1334/1 Cafe Minuetto Professional Espresso Machine Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Just purchased this unit, (actually the 1334 not the 1334/1, the only difference is less stainless steel exterior). I read hundreds of reviews on all kinds of models and spent way to much time going to the stores here in Florence, Italy looking and comparing and talking to the sales reps. Like most items if you get a bad one you hate it and if you get a good one it is the best there is! So many units are plastic and so light weight that they really scared me. Even the old names out there seem to have models that look and feel cheap and you wonder how long they will last? I narrowed it down to the Ariete Minuetto, Gaggia Evolution and the DeLonghi EC 310 models. I was on a tight budget so that made things a little difficult to sort out as well. The DeLonghi had lots of reviews and the highest user satisfaction rating but two things turned me away, 50 euros higher in cost and it felt light and seemed kind of cheap. The Gaggia was pretty plastic and light as well and was supposed to have good inner working parts but the reviews were a 50/50 thing for the most part with not good ratings on after the sale service. The Minuetto had only 2 or 3 user ratings on it that I could find and they were 50/50 as well but the negative one seemed more like user error to me than the brands problem. So after a lot of scrutiny I decided on the Minuetto at a cost of 99 euro. I looked at the Minuetto pro with all the stainless on it but decided that another 35 euro was not worth just the look of more stainless steel.
The unit was very well packaged and there was no damage of any kind to the exterior of the unit and the fit and finish was excellent. The unit feels very solid and has a good weight to it like something that is made to last for a while. Not bright and flashy in appearance but just simple and very professional looking with stainless steel parts and brushed chrome and the darker areas are a dark gray color. The foamer wand is stainless steel and not plastic like so many I looked at and feels solid when I turn it and not wobbly like it is going to fall off at any moment. The drip tray grate is stainless steel as well. The drip tray is easily removed for cleaning and even has a float gauge to tell you if it gets full of water. The top has a stainless steel plate over the cup warming area but like so many I don't think it will get warm enough to want to use it for cup warming. The plate is removable for cleaning so that makes cleaning the top of the unit very easy. The water tank is on the back side and is clear so you can see the water level with ease and it hold a very good amount of water so you won't be filling it each time you use it. The tank is also very easy to remove and the top of it also is used as a handle to lift the tank from it's position on the unit.
The filters it comes with are, one for using pods and one for a one cup espresso using ground coffee and one for a two cup shot using ground coffee. The filter wand and housing are solid but the handle might feel slightly light weight. Time will tell how it hold up. There are two indicator lights on the front, one for power being on and the other letting you know it is up to the right heat level to use. Their is a rocker power switch on the back left side of the unit. The main control knob on the front is chrome plastic but feels very solid and turning it to the left produces steam for the wand and to the right for pouring the espresso and in the center for standby mode. User manual is shown in several languages and is clear and easy to read. Not hugely in depth but adequate for the most part. There is also a service center brochure supplied.
A short word about service. I had one very simple question that I emailed the Ariete customer service center about and within 4 hours I had a return email with a very clear answer. If that is typical of their response I give them high points for taking care of their customers.
I followed the instructions for preparing the unit for use. Some talk about noise of espresso machines. What came from this unit was nothing alarming at all. You of course heard the pump running but what do you expect? The unit heated up quickly after priming the pump etc and ran hot water through the filter well and also steam through the wand very well. No leaks of any kind, no water spraying where it should not etc. but just worked like it was supposed to work. I filled the two cup filter with ground espresso coffee with the supplied measuring spoon and tamped it with the other end which is a tamper. Not heavy duty but it did do the job. Positioned the filter and snugged it into place. Allowed it a couple of minutes to warm up and then turned it to the espresso switch side. In a couple of seconds great looking espresso began to flow with a great creama effect on the top. I then ran the steam wand in a glass for a few seconds to allow it to warm and produce good steam and then with a cold cup of milk in a stainless cup began to produce great looking frothy milk. Espresso and milk were nice and hot and looked great. Taste was not perfect but that was because I used a cheap espresso brand to begin with to get the hang of things.
So in summery this unit did all that it was supposed to do the first time out. Looks good, feels good and is very easy to use. My first impressions are 5 stars! If you are looking for a well made and put together easy to use espresso machine take a look at this one. It is worth the look and I think you will be impressed especially if you compare it to others in the same and even slightly higher price range.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Espressione 1334/1 Cafe Minuetto Professional Espresso Machine

Get 38% OFF

Click here for more information about Espressione 1334/1 Cafe Minuetto Professional Espresso Machine

Read More...

DeLonghi BCO120T Combination Coffee/Espresso Machine Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I received this machine as a christmas gift, I like having the option to make expresso/cappacino but it just didn't work well from the start. It leaked water from the bottom and now it has just stopped working. This is my second Delonghi that stopped working after about 8 months of ownership.

Click Here to see more reviews about: DeLonghi BCO120T Combination Coffee/Espresso Machine

Brew coffee and espresso simultaneously with this all-in-one countertop appliance. The convenient unit features an espresso machine on one side and a coffeemaker on the other. Its Vario system and Accuflavor selector dials allow for choosing the desired strength of espresso or coffee, plus it can be programmed for brewing at a later time thanks to its digital timer.
The espresso machine provides a 4-cup espresso carafe, a stainless-steel filter with a two-cup adaptor, and a swivel Jet Frother that mixes steam, air, and milk to produce a rich, creamy froth for great cappuccinos. Safety features include an adjustable steam emission and a pressurized steam system with a safety valve and steam safety cap.
The unit's 10-cup coffeemaker offers a swing-out filter for easy access and cleaning, a deep removable drip tray, and a thermostatic warming plate so the last cup is as hot as the first. A dishwasher-safe lidded glass carafe with water-level indicator comes included, and a drip-stop mechanism allows for removing the carafe at any time to pour a cup midbrew. In addition, the unit's unique dual-function filter accommodates both E.S.E. pods and ground espresso. The 1500-watt coffee-and-espresso machine measures 11 by 17 by 14-1/6 inches and carries a one-year warranty.

Get 41% OFF

Click here for more information about DeLonghi BCO120T Combination Coffee/Espresso Machine

Read More...

Breville Barista Express BES860XL machine with grinder Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I spent my Christmas 2009 reviewing expresso machines. I had just returned from a trip to Europe and finally was going to fold and get an expresso machine. I missed the expresso from Italy and France. 1oz of crema delight.
So, I liked the Breville from all the reviews but was worried about some of the negativity on the "wet puck" I had read. All the reviews mentioned excellent coffee though, so it was on my short list.
Then I saw the Breville BES860XL, also known as the Barista Express Programmable Expresso. From the looks you can tell this unit has exchanged the hot water dispenser for a bean grinder. This unit is a fully automatic expresso machine with the super automatic feature of grinding a pre-measure of beans for your brew. Note, it is not a super automatic machine as you still need to manually mount the portafilter into the group head, and clean the filter afterwards. This is as automatic as you will want to go if you want to really control your coffee.
But, let me walk you through the pleasure:
1. the box. this has excellent graphics -- even as you open, the getting started guide and pictures guide you along. The unit removes easily.
2. The tamper is magnetically held in place on the front of the machine -- you can use it in place or remove for manual tamping.
3. New: -there is a dry puck feature now for all the fussy reviews -- this removes excess water so you get, a dry puck
- an excellent burr grinder -- you can dismantle this for cleaning, and it has a wide range of control
- for those that previously complained about the "cheat" dual wall filters -- the unit comes with single and double dual wall AND single wall filters
- there is a hideaway storage tray to hold all the small goodies
4. Steaming -- excellent steam temperature and pressure -- works very well with the provided frothing jug, very minimal excess water to start
5. The real test. I am using the dual wall filters, and the Illy whole expresso beans I got from Italy were made into pure heavenly expresso. Nice crema. This is the real thing.
This is one finely engineered machine. From a mechanically inclined electrical engineer to the folks at Breville: you have created an exceptionally functional piece that does the job. Did I mention it is beautiful on the counter as well? I have it on an island, no bad sides.
Drawbacks: none. BUT, when making a real expresso shot, make sure you pre-warm your demitasse. Otherwise the expresso will heat up your cup and your coffee will not be hot. I run a water cycle first into my cup to heat up the group head and the cup.
In my opinion this is the best buy in the market under $1500. At the office, daily I use a super automatic machine that is at that top end.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Breville Barista Express BES860XL machine with grinder

Get 25% OFF

Click here for more information about Breville Barista Express BES860XL machine with grinder

Read More...

De'Longhi BAR32 Retro 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: De'Longhi BAR32 Retro 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

Get 58% OFF

Click here for more information about De'Longhi BAR32 Retro 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

Read More...

Cuisinart EM-200 Programmable 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've had this machine now 4 months. I've had many machines before it, including the ever popular DeLonghi. This is an amazing machine, but there are a few things to know.
1. All espresso machines, and even some coffee machines, need to be primed. If there is water in the tank, yet it's not pumping but making noise, chances are you just need to prime it. Turn the steam knob just like in the manual, and if it fails, try again. You only have to do this when you first get the machine, or if you some how let it run dry.
2. The specs list this as not coming with a tamper, that's only partially correct. It comes with a plastic scoop / tamper combo thang. Before you get too annoyed with it, I recommend ordering "RSVP Terry's Tamper" (probably advertised on the same page). It's less than 7 bucks, and the small side fits this machines portafilter perfectly.
3. Some reviewers have knocked this machine because the "Filter keeps getting clogged". Here's a news flash: All espresso filters will get clogged if your grinder leaves too many fines. You can get pre-ground espresso (I recommend LaVazza InBlu, or Illy), or you can get yourself a good grinder (doesn't need to be great, as long as it grinds *evenly*). If you accidentally grind too finely, this machine comes with pins to un-clog the filter. You can save a bit of time by just rubbing your thumb over the filter aggressively while running watter over it.
4. Noise. Without a doubt, this is the noisiest espresso machine I've ever owned. That said, I just purchased a Kurieg for my wife, and it is noisier and had even more trouble with it's initial priming. To the Kurieg's credit, there is no grind to mess with, and the clean up is Zero. :)
Now for the stuff that Hasn't been mentioned, but if I where Cuisinart, I'd be shouting this from the roof tops...
1. This machine has the most rock solid temperature across shots I've ever seen. Nothing else comes close.
2. This machine has integrated pressure relief. It's not perfect, which is probably why they didn't mention it, but even Gaggia's solenoid freaks out from time to time too. Most every other manufacture with this feature charge double this machines cost. It's a big deal.
3. I've been inside DeLonghis, Gaggias, and others, this thing is pretty well built. It also looks pretty nice on the outside, and has a water res that is easy to use, large enough, and above all else, leak free.
4. The steam wand works well. It actually works better than my Gaggia's (which was 4 *times* as much money), but it is Different, and takes some initial practice.
5. This machine has an auto power down. That's a Very Nice feature that is often overlooked on less expensive machines, and it's very handy too.
6. The dosing on this thing actually works. I've had a couple other machines that claimed dosing, yet they all seemed pretty random. This one actually works and it works reliably. Before you think this is a feature you can live without, consider this: With non-dosing machines, you need to use a shot glass or some other way of eye-balling when to stop, then put into final glass for mixing. But, with dosing, you can punch up a double shot right into the final cup, and it gets it right. Every Time. How cool is That??? Very Cool!
The only things I wish they did different:
1. I wish the machine was quieter.
2. I wish they had a non-pressurized portafilter basket option.
But, when you compare that to the plus side, it's a no brainer: Buy This Machine!
Not having to temperature surf, not having gooey cleanup, having a cup warmer that actually works, AUTO POWER DOWN, dosing, etc., all for the price of a used Gaggia? Just click "Add to Cart" already!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cuisinart EM-200 Programmable 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel

Brew a single or double espresso using either ground espresso or pods with this programmable espresso maker. The unit's 15 bars of pressure deliver consistently authentic espresso with excellent crema, while its stainless-steel steam nozzle makes it easy to turn an espresso drink into a frothy cappuccino or latte. Pre-programmed cup sizes include 1-1/2 ounces and 3 ounces. The espresso maker's 64-ounce reservoir removes for easy filling, and its steam button functions separately for convenience. Other highlights include a cup-warming tray on top, a removable drip tray and cover for easy cleanup, and a porta-filter holder with a locking mechanism, which makes it possible to quickly pump out wet grounds after each use. Accessories include a stainless frothing cup and a tamping tool with a measuring spoon. Beautifully designed in professional stainless-steel housing with an embossed Cuisinart logo, the espresso maker measures 10-1/2 by 9-1/4 by 12-3/4 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty. From the Manufacturer The Quest for a Perfect Espresso Features and Benefits Removable 64-ounce water reservoir with lid with 2 options for filling with water:
Lift the lid at the top of the espresso maker and fill with cold or filtered water.
Remove the reservoir to fill and then replace by pushing down firmly until the reservoir sets on the base flush with the unit.
Cup-warming plate for warming espresso cups 15-bar pump Manual Button: Used for a continuous pour of espresso 1-Cup Button: Used for a single serving of espresso, 1.5 ounces 2-Cup Button: Used for a double serving of espresso, 3 ounces Program Button: Used to set the number of ounces needed Steam Button: Used when making cappuccinos and lattes--will flash until ready for use. Portafilter Holder: Can be used with ground or pod espresso--has two positions, lock and unlock, for ease of cleaning Brew Head: For easy fit of the portafilter holder Steam or Hot Water Control Dial: Use to activate steam or hot water Commercial Steam Wand: Use to steam milk for cappuccinos and lattes Removable Drip Tray: Removable drip tray with grate Cleaning Pins: Used to clean any excess milk that gets stuck inside the steam wand or any coffee particles that get stuck inside the filter Stainless Frothing Pitcher: Used for steaming milk for cappuccinos and lattes Measuring Scoop/Tamping Tool: Use one side as a coffee scoop and the other to tamp the coffee grinds in the filter basket Filter Baskets: Use the one cup filter for a single espresso and the two cup filter basket for the double espresso, and the pod filter basket for espresso pods Bringing the Good Life Home Cuisinart products are designed to make life delicious all day long. Specialty items, like this espresso machine, offer today's consumers a variety of menu options, and fun and easy new ways to entertain family and friends. Cuisinart first came into home kitchens over 30 years ago when it introduced the now legendary food processor. People discovered that routines could be broken and creative cooking quickly became part of the new lifestyle. Preparing fresh ingredients with products that offered easy and interesting new techniques meant healthier meals and more free time. Today Cuisinart develops products to make every meal memorable. From breakfast toast and coffee to elegant five-course dinners, the preparation and cooking have become a pleasurable part of the total experience. Today's relaxed lifestyles and the convenience of Cuisinart products make it easier than ever to Savor the Good Life, right at home with family and friends.

Get 54% OFF

Click here for more information about Cuisinart EM-200 Programmable 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel

Read More...