I almost didn't buy this machine because I was worried about some of the negative reveiws I've read about it from users.However, it was the only machine its price range that really caught our eye, so we went ahead and purchased it and have been using it for about six months.It is hands down the best machine I've ever owned.It has great features, and the espresso is the best espresso I've made at home, and better than most espresso I can buy in american coffee shops.A quick rundown of the great features.
1.It looks great.It heats up quickly, and it is very simple to use.
2.The size of the water resevoir is pretty generous.It holds enough water for about 24 shots.You can expect to get a little less if you are steaming a lot of milk, but if you are steaming at the recommended temperature, the machine is very water efficient, and you shouldn't see a dramatic drop.We use it every day to make at least two drinks (at leeast 4 shots), a lot more on the weekends,and we refill only about once a week, roughly.The design also makes it quite easy to refill, I've been in the middle of steaming or pulling a shot when I realized the reservoir was low, and refilled whiled pulling the shot.This is awfully convenient.
3.The machine comes with a disc you can put inside the porta filter to make a sort of fake crema by whipping the coffee, which is popular on upper-end machines these days.However, if you are using good coffee, and grind your beans fresh, and brew the coffee at the recommended temperature, the machine produces a wonderful genuine crema without the disc. I never get an espresso in a coffee house with a crema as good. (crema has more to do with the the quality of the coffee than the machine, but cheaper machines that pull the coffee way too hot never produce good cremas because of the crazy temperatures.)
4.The steam wand does a great job of genlty steaming and frothing without scalding the daylights out of your milk.I've heard a lot of complaints about the steamer, but in my experience it works perfectly, and easily.
5.It does come with an adaption for pods, if you're into pods (blech.)
6,I love that the machine has a temperature gague that allows you to control the temperature of your steam and coffee, and not just indicator lights.It allows you to have a lot more control over the quality of your espresso.
A few things that are so so, the included tamp is flimsy and useless, get yourself a nice heavy one.The drip tray does feel a little light and cheap compared to the rest of the machine, but it is perfectly functional.The Cup warmer isn't very successful at warming cups.But these are minor quibbles I have with it.
I'm sure if I were willing to pay 4 or 5 times as much, I'd get a better espresso, but for the price, I couldn't be happier with this machine.It beats any of the little starter machines you get, and makes better espresso than machines that cost twice the price, in my experience.I'm very happy with this machine.
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Espressione Café Retro Espresso MachinesProduct Description: Combining old-world design with new-age features, this 1050-watt espresso machine supplies a high-power 18-bar pump for making espressos and cappuccinos at home. To accommodate individual preferences, the unit is ESE adapted for use with ground espresso or espresso serving pods. The machine's precise C/F gauge indicates brewing and frothing temperatures, and its 24-ounce boiler has zero recovery time for continuous brewing. With its sturdy pull-down lever, commercial-quality steam or froth is simple. For added convenience, the unit's water tank with an easy-to-read water-level indicator is removable for quick filling or cleaning. Other useful features include toggle switches with indicator lights, a pull-out knock box, and a cup warmer. Accessories include a chrome-plated brass pod and pod porta filter, a porta filter for ground coffee with double exit, a 1-cup and 2-cup filter, a spoon, tamper, and an instruction manual. Housed in solid steel with a thermo-painted metal finish for long-lasting durability, this espresso machine measures 12 by 12-1/2 by 13-4/5 inches.
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I purchased the Dualit toaster about 12 months ago and am glad that I did.
