Hamilton Beach 40714 Espresso/Cappuccino Maker with Pod Holder
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $79.99
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Editorial Review

Enjoy authentic Italian espresso at home with this powerful, 15-bar pump machine. Two stainless-steel filters are included so that either fresh-ground espresso beans or popular pre-measured coffee pods can be used. Two spouts enable two shots of espresso to be made simultaneously; if only one shot is pulled, the cup used must be at least two inches wide to catch both streams at once. Unlike a steam machine, the bar-powered machine can continuously make shots since more water can be added without turning off the power. For cappuccinos and lattes, the steam nozzle heats and froths a small pitcher of milk. Two particularly nice touches: the measuring scoop/tamper device stores in its own covered compartment on top of the machine; and, the substantial drip tray under the metallic-look plastic cup grill completely removes for emptying and cleaning. The 28-ounce transparent water reservoir slides out for filling and cleaning by hand. Measuring 9 by 7-1/2 by 11-3/4 inches, the espresso maker is more compact than many. Clearly marked buttons, red and green lights, an instructional video, and an illustrated user guide make learning to operate this machine a snap. Hamilton Beach covers the espresso maker with a one-year warranty. --Ann Bieri ... Read more

Features

• Measures 9 by 7-1/2 by 11-3/4 inches; 1-year warranty
• Italian-style espresso machine with powerful 15-bar pump
• Works with ground espresso or pre-measured pods
• Adjustable frother for cappuccinos and lattes
• Includes scoop/tamper, 2 stainless-steel filters, instructional video, and laminated recipe cards

Reviews (27)

Can't beat it for value and quality
I purchased this machine in December of 2003 and have been using it on weekends ever since.It is a great machine.I make mostly cappuccino, but I do enjoy the occasional espresso.My wife loves the mochas that this machine can make.

On the plus side:

15 bar pump
Very easy to use with a little practice
Small size
Looks good
And most importantly.... It makes great espresso and cappuccino

On the minus size:

The frothing wand position
Was cheaper 3 months ago (Seventy Dollars)

There are a couple of things to remember when using it:
1)Keep it clean.This includes the frothing nozzle, group head (where the water comes out of), portafilter, and water reservoir.
2)Use GOOD, fresh ground espresso roast coffee.The old saying garbage in, garbage out holds true here.Bad beans = bad espresso.
3)It does take a little practice, but it is really not hard.Once you get the grind size and tamping technique down, it is easy.Just remember what works, and what doesn't.
4)Warm things up before hand.This includes your shot cups, cappuccino cups if you use them, and the portafilter.I do this by first running a shot through with no coffee.This warms the portafilter and the shot cups.I warm the cappuccino mugs in the microwave with a little water.Don't warm the frothing pitcher.You want that cold.

If you really want some detailed coffee info, look up coffeegeek on the internet.The name speaks for itself.

Nice deal for inexpensive latte
I'm sure there are better machines, but for $70 and free shipping you can't get a pump machine anywhere near that. The only negative on this machine is that the frother will only steam a small quantity of milk, before having to wait for it to heat up again. Usually if I have a larger quantity of milk, I just steam it twice and froth it on the second round. I cannot speak to the crema of the machine because I only drink lattes, not espresso by itself. But I did find that the raw espresso comes out very hot. The machine comes with everything except for a small espresso cup to put under the spout. It even has a video.

Best espresso maker on the market for less than $200
This is my third espresso maker (the previous two were made by Briel and Starbucks, respectively). Both of the earlier units did an OK job of making espresso, but the Hamilton Beach unit really excels. The crema is spot on perfect, and the convenience factor when using pods means this unit gets used 3-6 times a day. (Yep, I will never again tamp grounds for espresso.)

Every element of this machine's design is thoughtful and well executed, from the splendid little suction cup feet to the very elegant european design. This is a quality unit and I like it so much I bought another for work. Can't say that about many other products. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Asin: B00008VNIC
Subjects:  1. Kitchen    2. Small Appliances    3. Coffeemakers   

Espressione 100% Arabica Coffee Pods, Box of 150
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen (18 June, 2001)
list price: $82.99 -- our price: $69.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

From Espressione come these pods containing 100 percent arabica coffee for fuss-free espresso brewing. Each sealed pod, which resembles a round tea bag, contains the proper amount of ground coffee (7 grams to be exact) to make a single serving of decaffeinated espresso. Afterward, the pod can be tossed away. There's no messy, uncertain measuring of coffee into an espresso machine's filter and no messy cleanup. The espresso for the pods comes freshly roasted from selected Italian roasters. The pods fit espresso machines using the trademark E.S.E. (Easy Serving Espresso), including certain models of espresso makers made by Briel, FrancisFrancis!, DeLonghi, and others. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Proper amount of coffee every time
• Pods compatible with all machines using the E.S.E trademark
• Each pod equals one serving
• Italian roasted espresso used in pods
• Throwaway pods make espresso with no fuss, no mess

Reviews (29)

Zero stars for Amazon.
Today, February 2, I received this box of espresso pods from Amazon, all marked with a use-by date of February 4, 2005. I love espresso, but not enough to drink that much in the next two days! A packing slip from the manufacturer inside the box states that these were packed in 2003--two years ago!

There's no point in Amazon expanding its offerings to include food products if there's no assurance of their freshness. If you care about espresso enough to spend this much on it, spend your money somewhere that you can get fresh beans.

Great coffee, no mess!
We use these pods for a youth group fundraiser at our church.We consistently get comments on how great the coffee tastes.I like how easy they are to use.No mess, no tamping.I am able to make drink after drink quickly and easily.

Loves convenience in GA
These pods have got to be the best invention yet. They are compact, extremely easy to use & is the best solution to making several very quick cups of coffee.

Fresh ground coffee is nice, but there is virtually no mess with these pods. The crema is just as good as ground coffee & these can be used in a pod holder as well as a one cup filter basket.
What more could a person want?!

... Read more

Asin: B00005IX97
Subjects:  1. Coffee Accessories    2. Accessories   

Melitta MEBG8B Coffee Mill
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $29.99 -- our price: $19.88
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Equipped with hard burrs that grind beans more uniformly andwithout the flavor-destroying heat generated by blade grinders, thiscoffee mill makes preparing fresh coffee simple. It has preprogrammedbuttons for grinding enough to brew 4, 8, 10, or 12 cups and a dial forselecting one of 18 grind consistencies, from very coarse to very finefor espresso. The bean chamber holds 8 ounces, enough for about 36five-ounce cups. When the selected amount of beans is ground, the millshuts off automatically. A transparent plastic container snaps into themill's front to catch up to 8 ounces of ground coffee. It has a snap-onlid so it can store either ground coffee or beans. For easy cleaning,the grinding wheel twists out. The 120-watt mill measures 5 incheswide, 9 inches high, and 6-1/2 inches deep. It's clad in hard, brightplastic, has push-in cord storage, and carries a one-year warrantyagainst defects. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Snap-in lidded container stores 8 ounces ground coffee or beans
• Burrs grind coffee beans uniformly without heat generated by blades
• Pre-programmed buttons for 4, 8, 10, or 12 cups of coffee
• 18 grind selections, from very coarse to very fine for espresso
• Grinding wheel twists out for easy cleaning

Reviews (60)

If you buy this grinder you will have to fix it yourself!
But fixing it yourself is not all bad considering how inexpensive it is in the first place.After opening the box and happily expecting a batch of evenly ground coffee (like the box says) I was very disappointed.The coffee was more flaked than ground. My first attempt was on the middle setting for fineness so next I tried the finest setting. I could barely tell the difference.The coffee was still VERY flakely and coarse.

I then called Melitta customer care and they sent me a new burr wheel.I doubted this was the problem but I decided to give it a try.After installing the new wheel I found that the results were exactly the same.

However this grinder CAN BE MADE TO WORK QUITE NICELY.Just follow the instructions given by R. Johnson earlier in this review section and you will end up with a product you can actually use and enjoy. Thank you R. Johnson!!!

Good value for money, and thats it
This coffee mill has good value for the money, but when I tried to grind fine for espresso, it did not quite do the job right. So, I dump the ground coffee back and grind it again.

Not bad.... better than a blade grinder, after adjustment
First, I have to say it is way better than a blade grinder, and is small and cute. The plastic is a bit cheap and the lid to the bean hopper seems to not fit very well.... However, after making the re-calibration adjustment and tightening the burr grinders--see R. Johnson's advice and instructions: "Very Satisfactory With A Little Adjustment". Now it is giving us a grind fine enough for our espresso maker, and relatively uniform in size. Agreed, it is a little messy to grind coffee at home, but I think this will tend to be true of nearly all coffee grinders. For $20 and a minor adjustment, it's perfect for those of us who would rather spend more on their coffee beans! ... Read more

Asin: B0000645Z1
Subjects:  1. Coffee Grinders   

Anchor Hocking 6-Piece 16-ounce Crystal Cafe Mug Set
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $29.99 -- our price: $14.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Displaying clean, contemporary profiles, the six 16-ounce mugsin this set are great not only for coffee or tea but also for servingmulled drinks like cider and hot buttered rum. They're made oflead-free crystal--thick and durable with exceptional clarity--thatfeels luxurious in the hand. The mugs measure 5 inches high and 3-3/4inches in diameter at the top and are dishwasher-safe. --FredBrack ... Read more

Features

• Dishwasher-safe for easy clean-up
• Set of six 16-ounce mugs for coffee, mulled drinks
• Lead-free crystal of exceptional clarity
• Clean, contemporary pattern
• Thick, durable, stable mugs

Reviews (14)

A hocking good cup
I've been using these for two years and am ordering another dozen today.Why?The clear glass lets the beverage take center stage, they are well balanced, durable, and have a curved lip that lets the drink flow well positioned into your mouth, much like a fine wine glass.

Highly recommended.

These chip
The price is right and these mugs have a great shape for easy handling. I wish I could say buy these, But...the rims chip very easily. Someone else stated this in their review should of followed their advice.

Best Price I've Seen So Far
These mugs are excellent.I didn't want to use ceramic mugs after I received my shipment. ... Read more

Asin: B0000630OE
Subjects:  1. Coffee    2. Tea    3. Cups    4. Mugs    5. Drinkware    6. (Drink Ware)    7. Glassware Sets    8. Glasses   

Follow recipes with precision for exemplary results with this 1-cup liquid measuring cup from the pros at Pyrex. Constructed in durable Pyrex glass, the non-reactive measuring cup prevents lingering odors, flavor absorption, or staining to ensure ingredient purity. Bright red lines and text help chefs identify dark liquid levels with ease. Fluid ounces and 1/2- and 1/3- cup increments adorn one side of the cup with metric milliliters noted on the reverse for quick measurement conversions. A wide handle provides cooks a comfortable grip, whether bare handed or donning a kitchen mitt. For recipes requiring hot milk or melted chocolate, the cup is both microwave- and oven- safe. The user-friendly measuring cup is also dishwasher-safe. A two-year warranty is available for Pyrex products in the event of heat-induced breakage. Made in the USA, the measuring cup weighs 1 pound upon shipping. --Jessica Reuling ... Read more

Features

• Made in the U.S.A.
• Ergonomically designed handles
• Pyrex glass is non-porous, so it won't absorb food odors, food flavors or food stains
• New measuring cup with 4-position lid which allows you to sift, pour, strain, and sprinkle
• Sure fit seal keeps lid secure while pouring

Asin: B0000CFMZN
Subjects:  1. Measuring Cups    2. Measures    3. Measurers   

Coffee Basics : A Quick and Easy Guide
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (October, 1996)
list price: $17.95 -- our price: $12.21
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (5)

Great coffee book
This book gives a good basic understanding of what coffee is all about.I especially like the specificity of information about coffees from different areas in the Regional Character chapter.For example, discussing Costa Rica's two best growing areas and how the coffees differ.I also found the opinions of which coffees are worthy of their price helpful.I read the Perfect Cup first and am glad I did because it was a good coffee overview for me.Coffee Basics was a great second book for me because I was looking for more specific information about coffees of each area.If I hadn't read Perfect Cup first I think the break down of info. on each type of coffee/regional character would have been information overload for me.If you are new or relatively new to the coffee world and are excited about learning more and more about the subtlties and nuiances present in that cup, I highly recommend you read this book.

Covers a lot in very few words...
This is not exactly a great book, but then again, not exactly a bad book.It covers much about the industry of coffee and goes over the different regions that produce coffee.It describes what is and how to brew a perfect cup of coffee.

But I get a feeling of being rushed from one tidbit of information to the next.Just while I am almost within grasp of a certain concept or am about to form a picture of what it is trying to say it ends there without further detail.But it does repeat key information more than once throughout the book so you do walk away with greater knowledge than before.

If learning about coffee was compared to eating out, this book is best suited as either an appetizer or a desert.Appetizer to whet and get your brain ready to learn more about coffee, or as a desert, to catch up on and review over learned knowledge.

I guess that's why it is called "Coffee Basics" after all.

"A Perfect Cup" is a better selection in that it contains more information and better elaboration although that book is slightly dated being published in 1994.But coffee has been around way before 1994 so does it really matter?

great book for beginners
Great introduction to coffee - how to brew a great cup, a little bit about the industry, the different growing regions, how to buy good coffee, how to taste coffee, information about how coffee is processed. Not too complicated, easy and interesting reading. I definitely recommend this one if you're looking to learn the basics. ... Read more

Isbn: 0471136174
Sales Rank: 39359
Subjects:  1. Beverages - Coffee & Tea    2. Coffee    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Cooking / Coffee & Tea    6. Non-alcoholic beverages   

Perfect Cup: A Coffee Lover's Guide to Buying, Brewing and Tasting
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 May, 1991)
list price: $16.95 -- our price: $11.53
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (4)

This is a good solid book on Coffee
I'm a coffee freak.I roast my own espresso and grind it with great care and pump it through a two group computer controlled professional Italian espresso machine. My wife thinks I'm obsessive about it. With that in mind, Perfect Cup provides a lot of excellent information that most people probably don't know, about how to make a great cup of coffee. It also talks about the characteristics of different kinds of coffee.If A&P 8:00 is your cup of tea...coffee, you might not give a damn, but if you really are curious...interested, passionate about coffee, you will probably enjoy reading this book.

Very helpful book
I highly recommend this book.I bought it as someone just getting into enjoying the coffee experience.I wanted a book that would help me learn more about brewing coffee, tasting, and what to expect from beans grown in the different areas of the world.It gave me the info. I was looking for.I also really enjoyed the section in which several coffee roasters across the US were interviewed about their roasting philosophies and what to them helped create that elusive perfect cup of coffee.

the perfect coffee book
years ago(before Starbucks bought the world) Boston had a local chain called the Coffee Connection.Their blends were perfect, their roasts were done by an old central american master and all of their employees were coffee lovers who could tell you details on any bean (once again, pre starbucks and the "we'll hire anyone" policy).I once asked how they knew so much and was told that employees were required to read this book.Somehow I lost my original copy ... so glad to see Amazon making it available again. ... Read more

Isbn: 0201570483
Sales Rank: 13759
Subjects:  1. Beverages - Coffee & Tea    2. Beverages - Non-Alcoholic    3. Coffee    4. Cooking    5. Cooking / Wine