Briel ES200APG Multi-Pro Stainless Pump Espresso with Auto Espresso Flow
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $499.99 -- our price: $399.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Not for the novice espresso drinker or for the Starbucks-style café latte fan, this professional espresso machine is the workhorse type found in small cafes throughout Europe. Think single-shots of thick espresso and small cups of cappuccino, as anything else is beyond the realm of this machine.

Briel is Europe's largest manufacturer of pump-driven espresso machines, and its Multi-Pro series is designed to be used with fresh ground coffee or ESE coffee pods, which are small portions of ground coffee pressed between two pieces of food-compatible paper. Coffee pods are packed with the right weight, roast, and grind, so even the inexperienced barista can consistently make great espresso.

This machine features Auto Espresso Flow, an adjustable electric timing control that lets you select serving size in advance. One of two filter holders brews two cups of espresso at a time. Other bright spots include the Turbo Jet frother, equipped with a steam control knob and removable cappuccino nozzle; a self-priming pump fed by filtered suction and water return tubes; a cup warmer; a removable drip tray and grid; and a coffee tamper. The removable 2.5-liter water tank also has a water level indicator viewable from the front of the machine. One downside is that the brew head fits so tightly into the filter holder that it strictly limits the amount of coffee that can be loaded into it, which complicates the brewing process when using fresh ground coffee. --Matthew Evans

Editor's note: This item may arrive with water inside from the manufacturer's pressure test. This is a normal occurrence and doesn't point to a problem with the machine. ... Read more

Features

• Measures 10-1/4 by 11 by 12-1/2 inches
• Auto Espresso Flow allows for tall or short espresso; Crema Master filter guarantees thick cream
• Turbo Jet frother equipped with steam control knob and removable cappuccino nozzle
• Removable drip tray and grid; aqua-stop eliminates messy drips; cup warmer; coffee tamper
• Accommodates fresh ground coffee or ESE coffee pods; removable 2-1/2-liter water tank

Reviews (53)

Nice try...
If you know anything about the art of pulling a shot of espresso -- forget this machine.The ESE adapter is junk.If you like quick poor shots this machine will produce.

Finally a good espresso maker
I have to agree with all the positive reviewers.I did a lot of research. I already had a Capresso maker and after a year it hardly produced the coffee.My new Briel is producing great coffee and the froth is terrific.I called briel with a few questions and they answered on the first ring.I found preheating the cup helps.I am very pleased.

INCREDIBLE MACHINE
Not only did I like the resulting rich espresso that theunit extracted, but I also liked the cool "sub zero"stainless steel look of the machine.

It's commercial in quality andperformance, easy to use and produces an espresso or cappuccino asgood as you can get at the local coffee bar or restuarant, withouthaving to leave your home.

I tried using the coffee pods for thefirst time and the result was even better than use with ground coffee(which was alreay good!). Besides the coffee result, there was nomessing cleanup, no grinding of coffee and the mess involved with theprocess, no worries about the correct amount of coffee to place in thefilter basket and no concern about tamping the coffee either too muchor not enough. The pod works beautifully with this machine.

Afterall of the above, I decided to shop around. I called BRIEL directly inAtlanta and they told me that amazon could get me a unit....

I'mextremely happy with this machine and can recommend it to someone whois serious not only about having a great espresso or cappuccino (Ihave also used hot water from turbo frother arm for making hot tea),but also for a great looking, hi-tech appliance for the counter, thattakes up very little space.

Simply put, it's as GOOD AS YOU CAN GET! ... Read more

Asin: B00004RHMU

Capresso 153.04 C3000 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center, with Pump-Auto Cappuccino System
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $2,394.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

When feeling a little groggy in the morning, or wondering where the coffee measure was tossed, or when dreaming of hiring a personal barista, consider the Capresso 3000. With completely automatic functions and stylish good looks, it fulfills all of these desires and doesn't ask for tips.

Easy to pre-set, the Capresso 3000 wakes up first, warming itself up in preparation for the coffee to come. Just stumble into the kitchen, find a clean mug, and set it down under the adjustable coffee spout. If you're in the mood for a cappuccino, pour some milk into a separate cup, so that it can be steamed while the Capresso brews. Then select the quantity and style of coffee wanted by pressing one button and, about 50 seconds later, the espresso or coffee is steaming in the cup. The milk is ready in another 30 seconds or so.

The Capresso 3000 measures out the correct amount of coffee, grinds it according to specifications, tamps it into the filter, brews the espresso, adds water, for an Americano-style coffee, and then discards the used grounds into an easily removable tray. If you'd like an additional shot, it's ready to go. The milk steamer never runs out of steam, since it's run on a separate system, and the removable water tank holds 96 ounces of water. To insure that the Capresso 3000 always makes great-tasting coffee, it also comes with a water filter attachment, two sample water filters, six cleaning tablets, and water hardness test sticks. Oh, and one more thing--the espresso is superb, with a rich, heady cream that made me think I'd died and gone to Italy. --Julija Gelazis

Editor's note: This item may arrive with water inside from the manufacturer's pressure test. This is a normal occurrence and doesn't point to a problem with the machine. ... Read more

Features

• Measures 14 by 14 by 15-1/2 inches; 1-year limited warranty
• Fully automated, programmable coffee, espresso, and cappuccino maker
• Integrated burr coffee grinder; 96-ounce removable water tank for easy filling
• Programmable timer, coffee strength, and temperature
• Includes water filter attachment, 2 sample water filters, 6 cleaning tablets, and water-hardness test sticks

Reviews (20)

Disappointed
Below is the message I Sent to Capresso. I think it explains it all.They did not reply until i sent them a follow up letter

Dear Madam or Sir:

I was very excited about purchasing one of your Capresso Super Automatic Impressa S series machines. The design concepts and convenience appealed to me. Usually (not always!) the higher priced items tend to be of better quality and your machines definitely fall into the higher priced category. Therefore I assumed they would be of the utmost quality. Boy was I wrong.Rather giddy I took the 45 minute drive down to ******** ******* in Wrentham, MA to purchase an Impressa S7 only to find they had none in stock, but they did have factory refurbished C3000 machines. So in having good luck with other manufactures refurbished products, and assuming your company was thorough in its refurbishing process I was comfortable purchasing one at its $1200.00 price tag. Upon arriving home and opening the package I was rather disappointed. The machine was filthy there was still grounds in it, and the surfaces and catch trays all had dried up coffee and sediment on them. So I read the manual and cleaned the machine the best I could. When I went to set it up and attach the frothXpress I found that the Steam nozzle was missing. Figuring I could call and get one shipped to me Monday I continued on. Plugging in the machine and going through the initial rinse phase I got a message to fill the system and press steam. The system was full of water and beans and the steam half of the machine worked. When trying to make a cup of coffee it would grind the beans and then just dump them into the waste tray. After looking through the manual again and checking your website I decided that the machine was defective and boxed it back up. The next morning I loaded it back in the car and made the 45 Minute ride back to the store to exchange it. After making the 45 Minute ride home with the new unit I was happy to find that this one had the steam nozzle. This one was also filthy. During cleaning of the second unit I found that the used coffee container and aroma protection lid where missing from this one. When I powered up the second unit neither the steam nor the brew system functioned with the system full of water and beans. With this I packed it back up and spent an hour and a half to return it to the store, and did not get another for obvious reasons. Mind you that both boxes appeared to be unopened and factory sealed. With all that I found wrong with both units it makes me wonder if your refurbishing process consists boxing them back up and shipping them out or if the fixed units got mixed with the damaged units. I can not see how a company could ship a filthy machine like that with the health concerns involved.

I decided to give your company a second chance today Monday, March 07, 2005 by calling your customer support line. I wanted to find a stocking local retailer where I could buy a new Impressa S7 and express my dismay about the problems I had this weekend. I wanted to buy it locally so if I had more problems I could return it to the store instead of shipping it somewhere. The service representative got me locations down in Providence, RI about an hour and fifteen minutes away from me but seemed irritated that she had to do it for me. I had already tried the net but it returned no results. When I started to mention my problems she showed no interest at all and just worked to get me off the phone without addressing any of my concerns for the product. This left me with a bad taste in my mouth and no real desire to spend $1800.00 on a machine made by your company. The People at ******* ******* where professional, courteous, and sympathetic to my problem though there was nothing they could do for me. It is a shame your company is not the same. All this from a company that makes the claim "People and Attitudes Make a Difference!
Once you own a Capresso product we want to make sure that you feel completely comfortable about your decision" on your website. I am pretty sure my comments will not make it under that section of your site but I can make sure that this letter gets posted with every product review location that I find your products in.



Disappointed,

Danny Wilcox

Sent for service twice
After two to three months use the machine has clogged and had to be sent in for service.Clogging seems to occur after the message displays to clean machine with the tablet.After doing that, the trouble starts.When it is working it makes great coffee.Don't seem to get answers on how to fix it myself.They just tell me to send it back.Then I am without it for two to three weeks.The local rep has tried to be more helpful than Capresso customer service.Has anyone else experienced this problem?

Not for Everybody
Owning and living with the C3000 for over a year, I encourage people to try this before they buy.It takes time to learn how to get good results from this machine.Although semi-automatic, I always make the coffees, due to it's many idiosyncrasies.

Pros: Water container and filter system is really superb. System cleaning is very easy, including periodic maintenance.System status / display panel very good and easy to use. Fast warm-up time, auto shutoff feature.

Cons: It is honestly not the best at extracting full flavor from the espresso beans (compared to my Brasilia) - you really need just the right beans for best results & the first shot is always a tosser. Also, since my SubZero keeps my milk real cold, I have to pre-heat my cups with hot water and even then it is tough to steam the milk to a high enough temperature for serving. Noisy when making coffee.Oily beans jam hopper on grinder.

Overall, I use it only to make quick coffees for myself.I certainly would never attempt to impress anyone with the quality of coffee it produces. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SU1R
Subjects:  1. Espresso Machines    2. (Espresso Makers)    3. (Expresso)   

Norpro Ultimate Seven Piece Espresso Set
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $45.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

This set equips its owner like a professional barista, and it's darned stylish to boot. Here's what you get: 3-cup milk-steaming pitcher, 9-inch spoon to scoop out foam, clip-on, instant-read thermometer to prevent scalding milk, 2-tablespoon coffee scoop to get the proper amount for the portafilter, tamper to compact coffee in the portafilter, brush to clean the portafilter, and a shapely, double-shot espresso cup, with rubber grip to protect fingers. Buon giorno! --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Wipe clean with damp cloth
• All the accouterments for making espresso drinks at home
• Pitcher, spoon, thermometer, coffee scoop, tamper, brush, espresso cup
• All pieces are stainless steel
• Stylishly embossed, soft, black rubber grips

Reviews (1)

Great Quality Great Price
This is a kit looks identical to one that I almost bought at a coffee shop for $20 more!It is essential for making top notch lattes. ... Read more

Asin: B00004RIYR
Subjects:  1. Accessories    2. Coffee Accessories   

Krups 872-42 Bravo Plus Espresso Maker
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $90.00
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Latte lovers will enjoy making their own with this compact, lightweight espresso maker from respected manufacturer Krups. It brews up to four shots of espresso at a time and has a safety switch that allows instant switching from brewing espresso to frothing milk. This model comes with a 4-cup glass carafe, a convenient adapter to allow brewing directly into two cups, and a "Perfect Froth" attachment for cappuccino. An excellent instruction manual is included with well-written, step-by-step instructions and clear illustrations. Cleaning instructions are also included on the machine itself. This model is a great choice for those new to making espresso drinks at home. --Marcie Bovetz ... Read more

Features

• Measures 10-3/4 by 7-1/4 by 9-3/4 inches; 1-year limited warranty, 90 days for parts and labor
• Compact, lightweight espresso maker ideal for specialty drinks
• Brew directly into 1 or 2 cups; Perfect Froth cappuccino attachment
• Instantly switch from brewing espresso to frothing milk; up to 4 shots of espresso at a time
• 4-cup glass carafe; manual with step-by-step instructions included

Reviews (51)

Not bad though,
This a good machine if you want a quick home latte, cappuccino, or espresso fix.The foaming action of this machine is marginal.It does live up to quality you'd expect from a Krups product.I have owned mine for a few years now, and it still fires up.

A worse idea
This is the worst of a number of these inexpensive espresso machines that I have owned over the past fifteen years.Although the coffee it makes is on a par with most of the other models of this sort, there are features which make this machine a real dissappointment.The worst thing about it is the switch, which has no positive stops and is the most counter-intuitive switch I have ever seen.It took a while to get it to turn on at all, and I often turn it the incorrect way even after owning the thing for six months. It is way too easy to leave it on after the coffee is made.The filter mechanism is difficult to seat properly, the screw on cap is tucked unter a plastic shield which is clumsy and which I removed almost immediately.The gasket in the cap often detaches from same, which is a real pain, and the cap needs to be screwed on with all one's might or it wheezes moisture.There is a lot of plastic replacing what should be metal.
In all, a wretchedly designed product, inferior to earlier similar models.Why are there no moderately priced options?I'd be willing to pay around $100 for a better quality product along the same lines, but the next higherst priced one is over $200.Stay away from this.

Helped me break my Starbucks addiction
I bought this machine in an attempt to save my wallet from the damage my local Starbucks store was doing.And I have to say it has performed wonderfully and met all my expectations.

Once I got comfortable with what amount of espresso, milk and other ingredients to use, I have found the mocha I can make with this machine to be excellent and satisfying.

I have not had any other kind of experience with espresso makers in the past, so it's hard to say how it measures up to others (easier to use, espresso tastes funny, etc), but I can say that for a first time user it works just fine.

If you are a true espresso connoisseur, this is probably not the machine for you.Go ahead and spend a ton of money to get your espresso to the exact taste and consistency that you require.If you are someone who just wants a decent latte, mocha, cappuccino or other espresso based drink and don't want to break the bank, you can't go wrong with this machine... ... Read more

Asin: B00004SPCW

Krups 203-42 Fast Touch Coffee Grinder, Black
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $25.00 -- our price: $19.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Nothing beats a freshly ground, freshly brewed cuppa joe to start the day, and with this grinder, you can have up to 20 cups' worth of beans at a time. The understated black color and contemporary oval design fit in well with any kitchen décor, while the small size (just 6 inches high) doesn't take up too much premium counter space. Stainless-steel blades guarantee a long life and an even grind, whether you use this grinder for coffee, spices, nuts, or even whole grains. --Jill Lightner ... Read more

Features

• Measures 6 by 3-1/6 by 3-5/9 inches; 1-year limited
• Electric grinder with 160-watt motor provides fast grinding
• Grinds up to 3 ounces of coffee beans at a time
• Oval design and stainless-steel blades ensure uniform grinding
• Also can easily be used for spices, nuts, and grains

Reviews (52)

Lasts and never dulls
I have had this coffee grinder for at least 15 years, and it grinds as well as the day I received it. The only problem with it may be that it is a little messy when you take the top off, as the coffee will stick around the top edges and sometimes I have to wipe the counter.You have complete control over the size of the grounds, and the entire amount ground is uniform in size.I'm sure I have had it even longer, and I use it every day. It is also very fast.The grinding time for a normal pot of coffee is about five seconds.Also, you never have to clean the inside, and the outside can be wiped with a sponge.

Disapppointed with custormer service
Bought an established brand. Got it quickly.First time out it made a lot of noise. Stopped it then started and then it exploded. Blade broken and marked tears in the chamber. It appears the blade was bent when I got it.The blade dug into the stainless steel chamber until it finally broke.I call Krups customer service.I understand an occaisional product can be bad but I expect the customer service to respond.Here is what happened.I was told that I had to take it to the service center - 90 minute drive.I refused (the item cost $20) then they told me to pack it up and send it the service center -- prob 45 minutes minimum if you include driving to the UPS center and then I had to pay the postage - prob $10.I viewed Krups as less than responsive to my problem. So I sent them an email noting that I would be happy if they would send me a new one and I would send the defective item back.I got a stock email back telling me to take it to the service center or send it in.So what did I do?I chucked the Krups and bought another grinder by another manufacturer...Last Krups product for me......

Indestructible Coffee Grinder -- Can Survive a Nuclear War
This is my first review for a kitchen product, but my trusty Krups Coffee Grinder deserves two thumbs up.I have used it to grind coffee to perfection: I have both drip and press coffee makers and I can use this to make different sized grounds for each. It also works well to grind nuts and to turn toast into breadcrumbs -- I have used it for both purposes. It is extremely easy to use.

The only downsides to this grinder (which is why it loses a star) are (1) the base cannot be put in water, it needs to be wiped out; and (2) it lacks some of the "bells and whistles" of newer models. Nonetheless, I have owned my grinder for about 15 years and have been pleased with it since the day I bought it. It is nearly indestructible and will probably outlive me. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SPEU
Subjects:  1. Coffee Accessories    2. Accessories    3. Drip Coffee Machines    4. Coffee Makers    5. (Coffeemakers)    6. Coffee Grinders   

Krups 026-33 Gold Tone Coffee Filter
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $20.00 -- our price: $12.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The mesh in this Gold Tone filter, made of stainless steel, will stand up to years of wear, which is why they call it "permanent." It eliminates the need for paper filters, which is better for the environment and will shorten most shopping lists, too. It's made with the usual Krups workmanship, and is both simple to hand wash and dishwasher-safe. This filter will be used every day--I use it so much I wonder how I started the day without it. --Maria Dolan ... Read more

Features

• Dishwasher-safe
• Fits Krups Crystal Arome and Cocoon coffee makers
• Gold Tone stainless-steel screen eliminates need for paper filters
• Superior coffee flavor through fine mesh
• Reliable Krups durability and workmanship

Reviews (7)

Coffee doesn't taste well
While I save the expense of filters, it just doesn't give me that clean taste of coffee that another more metallic brand of permanent filter gives me.In fact it has the look of gold colored nylon versus the more "solid" golden filters of other brands.

Cleaning it is a bear, not so much getting the stains out, that works well enough, but it takes a lot of water to finally purge the filter of grounds that accumulate in various nooks and crannies.

But it's still probably in improvement over the paper filters.

Doesn't fit size 2
Product description doesn't tell you what size filter this is.It is a size 4.It did not fit our size 2 filter holder.Product returned.

The gold standard in our house --and some hints for using it
We had to go back to paper filters while our coffee pot and Krups gold filter were in storage during a move. So I had a chance to compare, again, the gold filter versus the paper cones. Here are my observations:

1. It is a pain to remember to buy filters, and sometimes the grocery store is out of stock. I like the brown unbleached filters and those are not always available.

2. If you use this gold-coated filter, you should NOT grind your coffee too fine. (We grind our own in a small electric mill.) The filter allows somewhat more sediment through than the paper variety. I don't like finding even a small amount of sludge at the bottom of my mug. A careful grind does take care of this problem, however.

4. Despite the fact that gold is relatively inert and stainless, it doesn't hurt to rub down the filter and plastic with a paste of baking soda and water, once a week. This removes any bad-tasting residue that can accumulate.

All in all, when we unpacked our filter and started using it again, I was very happy. It saves paper, money and time. I recommend it if you have a cone-filter type coffee pot. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SPCY
Subjects:  1. Coffee Accessories    2. Accessories