10/14/2011

Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel Review

Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
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For the price, I'd give the espresso making part of this machine 5 stars. The portafilter and brew group are substantial and well-made. I've worked at two espresso shops with commercial machines, and the parts on this moderately priced Gaggia are nearly as heavy and substantial as the big multiple-thousands of dollars machines. I've had the machine for 4 days and have been brewing shots with Starbuck$ pods. The toggle switches are easy to use, the reservoir is easy to fill, and the shots are aromatic and full of crema every time. However, the steaming wand takes a star away from this machine. It does not rotate in every direction like the comparably priced Starbucks machine. This makes it hard to remove a cup full of frothed milk from under the wand without spilling. Also, the plastic frother contraption is silly. Actual frothing capability is pretty good, though the plain metal tips on the commercial machines produced finer microfroth, and were more fine-tuned to the trained barista's hand. Overall, it's a good-looking machine, and I'm satisfied with it for my main purposes - iced lattes and americanos, and straight double shots, all of which do not require use of the steaming attachment. This is a good entry-level machine that will brew you good shots, and look good on your countertop. However, I'm expecting to outgrow it and move up to an Isomac with more refined steaming capability within a few years.

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Consumers Best Buy! The Gaggia Classic is one of our best sellers for several reasons. Commercial grade quality: Rugged construction of heavy duty materials for longevity. High performance: Forged brass components to stabilize temperature with a three-way solenoid valve and independent expansion valve. Gaggia is in the process of rolling out a new Turbo-Frother wand replacing the metal frothing wand and sleeve. The Gaggia Classic turns anyone into a "Barista" in their own home. Includes two stainless steel filter baskets (single and double shot), coffee tamper and 7g measuring scoop

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10/13/2011

Jura Impressa Z7 One-Touch Automatic Coffee Center Review

Jura Impressa Z7 One-Touch Automatic Coffee Center
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I previously owned the S8 for about 7 years and after it broke, I decided to upgrade. I love the way Jura will repair a broken super automatic for 275.00 including round trip shipping no matter what the problem but I still wanted a newer model. I did a great deal of research on superautomatics and even bought a Saeco Xelsis. Unfortunately I had to return it as the latte temp never got above 120 degrees despite calling Saeco and working with their support line. I then bought a Jura Z7 as the manual stated that the milk could be heated up to 159 degrees and the espresso/ coffee up to 197 degrees. I love hot coffee/latte. After trying out the Xelsis, I wanted to buy a sure thing that I knew would make me happy. However, the milk at first came out about 130-140 degrees. It took three calls to Jura to figure out how to get the milk to the temp to what they advertise. One helpful person told me to pinch the tubing exiting the milk container before it enters the machine. This slows the stream of milk and increases its exposure to the heating elements but who wants to spend 3 grand on a machine and have to jury with it to get the milk hot enough. Finally, I was told of two things to do to get the milk temp up and how to keep the temp up in the cup. First, when putting the empty cup under the cappucino spout, press the milk button while the cappucino dial is set on steam water. This will spray very hot steam out of the cappucino spout into the cup. This heats up the tubing in the machine and heats up the cup. The third and most important thing is to align the notch in the cappucino spout dial on the border between the steam water icon and the steam milk icon. After flow begins, turn the dial counter-clockwise until the notch is actually into the steam water section but not so far that it stops the milk flow. By doing this I was able to get my milk temps up to the 180s (checking the temps as the milk exits the spout and before it hits the cup). NOW, I could not be happier with the taste AND and the temp of my lattes. Go Jura!!!

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10/12/2011

Pasquini Livia 90 Semi Automatic Espresso Machine Review

Pasquini Livia 90 Semi Automatic Espresso Machine
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Just one quick note: The photo above (at the time I wrote this review) is of the automatic model and not the semi-automatic model. This review is for the semi-auto model. For those who don't know, the auto model allows you to push a button and the machine will start and stop the flow of water on its own (single or double). Semi-auto means you need to turn the flow of water on and off yourself. There are also super-auto machines that grind and tamp the beans as well.
The Review: This is a serious coffee machine. It's "commercial quality" so it's heavy (almost 50lbs) and very well built. It takes up some counter space (mostly depth) but it looks elegant and is easy to keep clean. The portafilter (handle with basket for coffee) is very sturdy and fits snugly. It has a useful ready gauge and simple buttons (as noted above) for on-off and start-stop.
Now the important stuff: It makes great coffee consistently. I moved up to this machine from a Braun pump espresso machine. This one has better pressure and temperature. I used to brag about my Braun machine because it was inexpensive and made consistently good esperesso. The first shots I pulled from this machine made me realize that I didn't realize what I was missing. If you know how to make espresso, this machine lets you pull easy, consistent, and quality shots.
Another great feature of this machine is the continuous steam and hot (very hot!) water outlet. If you've ever had trouble steaming milk on machine you'll be impressed and maybe even surprised at how well this works. The machine also recovers well and quickly after you pull shots or use the steam wand.
The tanks is removable and holds a lot of water. It's easy to fill in place as well. You can leave this machine on all day if you like (it's designed to work that way) and you might want to if you're like me and drink too much coffee. The reason is that it can take a little while to warm up if it's been off for a while. That's probably the only thing I'm not fond of with this machine. First thing in the morning it can take a while to warm up (5-10 mins). This makes sense given the size and build of the machine. It simply takes time to warm up to the proper brewing temperature. However, I had gotten used to a machine that only takes a couple of minutes. So, my new morning routine includes going down to turn on the machine and coming down after my shower for my great coffee!
If you've never had a pump machine before, you may need some practice, but I think this is a good machine to learn on (due to its consistency). Just remember to follow the instructions (especially not to overfill the filter) and adjust either the grind of your coffee or the pressure of your tamping to get the desired results.
I hope this is helpful to you if you're considering this machine. I'd say it does well or better to other machines in this price range. It's a definite step up in quality and build from the machine's you'll find in the $500-1000 price range. It's a complete improvement in machine and coffee from pretty much any machine under $500.
One last comment, Pasquini has been excellent and very responsive to questions. I'm very pleased to see them here on Amazon.
Good luck with your quest for great coffee...I found it with this machine!

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10/11/2011

Nespresso Essenza C101 Espresso Maker with Aeroccino Milk Frother, Black Review

Nespresso Essenza C101 Espresso Maker with Aeroccino Milk Frother, Black
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The coffee tastes really good. Don't let snobs and wannabes tell you that Nespresso is nowhere comparable to espresso brewed with a Rancilio or a Gaggia. Nespresso makes excellent espressos, and the capsule system is very convenient and clean. However, the Nespresso machines made by Nestle feel cheap. They are made of low-quality plastic all around. Nespresso could charge a bit more and offer the same Essenza models in metallic casing, instead of cheap plastic.


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10/10/2011

Rancilio Silvia Semi Automatic Espresso Machine Review

Rancilio Silvia Semi Automatic Espresso Machine
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This machine is the perfect blend of quality, durability, and ease of repair for a home machine under $500. It makes espresso that rivals any you can buy at a coffee house.
I've been making home espresso for 25 years and have used many different machines of various prices which all died. I bought one for $250 from Starbucks which died in one year. They told me parts were not available. This machine is practically bullet-proof. I've had it for over 5 years and it is still running like new. Sure it hurts to spend this much on an espresso machine, but how many $250 machines will you go through? Learn from my mistake(s) and get a good one.
All the parts inside are commercial or semi-commercial grade. Anyone who works on commercial espresso machines can work on this one, and the parts are readily available. It's all stainless and cast iron. Very nice.
It has a 3-way solenoid, which you want, trust me. The 3-way solenoid lets pressure escape from the basket when you switch off the pump so that the coffee grounds fall out of the portafilter handle in a solid little disk instead of a soupy mess.
You DO NEED a good grinder made for espresso to use this machine. The pump puts out a solid 9 bar, which means most grinders can't get the coffee fine enough. A burr grinder is the only way to go. This makes the grounds fine enough that a shot will take about 20 seconds to make. Any less time for a shot and it means your coffee is too coarse. If you don't want to buy a grinder right now, there are some good preground espresso coffees in a can (such as Illy), but it will go stale fast. You'll want the grinder.
If you want great espresso, and a reliable machine, you can't go wrong with the Silvia. Take a bit of time to learn proper technique and you'll be happy with this one.

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10/09/2011

Briel ES62AF L'Expresso Automatic Cadiz Espresso Machine Review

Briel ES62AF L'Expresso Automatic Cadiz Espresso Machine
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After searching long and hard (and reading countless reviews) I decided upon this machine because of 1)price and 2)looks. This machine replaced an old Krups steam driven machine. I've now had it about a month. Here are my thoughts: 1)There is a learning curve - I had to adjust my burr grinder to get the correct setting, or adjust how hard I tamped, or else I found the liquid coming out around the edge of the filter holder. So,I suggest first buying good quality preground espresso, and get used to tamping it properly (ie. very lightly!). Then, after mastering the tamp, adjust your grinder so you get a grind that approaches what you bought (I used Illy). I found a 5.5 on my Braun grinder works best. Since then I've had no problem and perfect espressos. (the machine seems to work better with time). 2) It drips - no matter what they say it drips. If it didn't drip they wouldn't have a drip pan. It takes a rinse and its clean - no big deal. I have a sponge I use just for the machine to wipe up drips, etc. (also use a toothbrush periodically to clean the brew head). I don't want to turn anyone off; making espresso is messy and will always be unless you pop for the $1000 machines that do everything. 3)I don't have much use for the automatic serving system (the middle dial). Supposedly you can use it to control the amount of water, but I find it varies considerably between shots. I set it to the highest setting and then just turn the brew button on until my shot glass is full and then hit it again to turn it off. Takes around 25 seconds. In all, those are the problems I found - and they aren't biggies. For the price, I'm willing to deal with them as I don't think any of the other machines at a similar price would offer much difference. I'd definitely buy it again.

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Briel Cadiz Auto Espresso Maker ES62 A FB Coffee Brewer

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10/08/2011

Remanufactured Jura-Capresso 13185 Impressa F7 Automatic Espresso Machine, Black and Silver Review

Remanufactured Jura-Capresso 13185 Impressa F7 Automatic Espresso Machine, Black and Silver
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We purchased a refurbished Jura F7 several years ago from Amazon; it has been making wonderful coffee ever since with no issues. You can find much cheaper cleaning tablets than the Jura brand.

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