First... I'm not an employee of Espressione...
I've read many reviews on this item, most of them, not very positive.I thought I would add my 2 cents as I have had this machine for a little over 2 months.
Let's start with day 1.Dead on Arrival.Bummer.Well, it was easy enough to return to the place I purchased (Sams).They sent me a new one within 3 days, and I was excited to get started.Before you buy this machine, make sure you make this checklist:
1.I have a decent conical burr grinder ( )
2.I am aware that I need to buy fresh beans to get real crema ( )
3.I have a decent tamper in the 58mm variety ( )
4.I am not a total espresso geek, but I have owned a cheap machine or two ( )
5.I never pay retail for espresso machines ( )If you've checked most of these, feel free to continue, if you haven't, don't buy this machine.It's not for you.If you're an uber espresso geek, go buy your PID'd Rancilio Silvia or your Le Lit.You don't belong here.This machine has an aluminum boiler that has heat issues just like the rest of the lower grade machines do.It does hold heat better than most, but seriously, if you're in the $600 market, you shouldn't be looking at this machine.You can get this machine at "other" vendors in the $230 range.And for that price, there isn't a whole lot that's better.Maybe a Gaggia... but I'm sick of those pieces of plastic.
Physical Traits:It's pretty... Very pretty.It's also pretty solid and heavy at 24ish lbs.It is tall, and yes, you do have to hold on while attaching the portafilter.However, it's not as bad as previous reviewers have stated.The portafilter is almost as heavy as my Reneka Viva single group commercial machine at work.It has a very nice (and handy) temperature gauge on the top of the machine that is very useful.
Espresso:
Probably the best part of this said portafilter is that it has options for brewing espresso.If you have a decent grinder, you can remove the "crema enhancing" disks inside and use it's regular filter basket just like a higher end machine (a serious plus for me...).The pump has plenty of pressure to press fine ground espresso and make wonderful crema (as long as your beans are fresh).Some reviewers have stated the espresso is cold.Here's my typical process:
1.Fire up the machine into the standby position (heats boiler to just about 100 degrees C)
2.Once the temp is up, for the first shot of the day I do a quick blank shot to keep the portafilter warm.
3.I warm my cup up with warm water
4.Pull the shot.Enjoy.
I'm guessing people find the espresso cold is the massive portafilter is cold.Once it's warm, it stays warm. But honestly, I've had some pretty nice shots.
Steam:
Yup, it pretty much sucks in from the factory form.The machine makes plenty of steam for my latte's, but not without modification.The tip they give you for the wand is awwwwfuuuullll.Replace it with somethign... or trim it down.I used my Delonghi Ec155 tip on mine and it makes nice micro foam.But the original allows too much air into the mix.Foul bubbly milk...no thanks.
Yes, the wand is too close to the machine, but I have got used to it. It' not that big of an issue, and quite frankly I'm not that picky for $230 bucks shipped.If I were spending $700, I'd be furious.Well I think that just about wraps it up.I really appreciate good espresso.Sure, there are plenty of better machines out there, but this one suits me just fine.Hope you enjoyed this review and that it is somewhat sobering.
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Espressione 1387 Caffe Novecento Espresso/Cappuccino Machine, ChromeProduct Description: For cafe-quality espresso, cappuccino, and other favorite coffee drinks that even a novice can master, this easy-to-use espresso machine provides a 1000-watt heating element, 15 bars of pump pressure, and easy-to-use controls. Its retro-style thermometer verifies the perfect temperature for brewing, and the chrome-plated brass pod and pod porta filter accommodate both ground coffee and ESE espresso pods--a nice option for guests who might prefer decaf after dinner. The unit's professional brass filter holder uses a Thermocream system to dispense intense creamy coffee, and its built-in Maxi-Cappuccino device whips up frothy milk in seconds. Other highlights include adjustable steam, a solenoid valve to avoid unwanted coffee drip, a 1-liter removable water reservoir, chrome-plated metal housing, and a removable drip tray for easy cleanup. Accessories include a 1-cup filter, a 2-cup filter, a spoon, a tamper, and a user manual. Combining advanced technology with an elegant design, the espresso machine measures 13 by 12 by 16-1/2 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.
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I read several review which said a toaster oven would be a better investment--I couldn't disagree more.This little warming rack has given me perfect results with products ranging from frozen hot dog buns to left over pizza (after a quick heating in the micro to remelt the cheese, the warming rack took the sogginess out of the crust).
