6/30/2011

6 CUP Traditional Stove Top Espresso Coffee Maker Review

6 CUP Traditional Stove Top Espresso Coffee Maker
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Bene Casa's 6-cup "cafetera," as they call these units in Spain, is an excellent substitute for the WAY over-priced Bialetti. Clearly some folks like the "charm" of being able to say that their "cafetera" was manufacture in Italy instead of China (wher Bene Casa's unit is made), but if the quality of the unit is equivalent, is it worth paying $20 extra for the name? I do not. This is all aluminum, just like Bialetti's, and all three disassembling parts join flawlessly. The espresso made is the same as that by Bialetti's and other "cafeteras." So, unless you have money to burn, buy the Bene Casa brand and you'll enjoy a quality unit that produces the same excellent espresso. Now, if I can only find a 12-cup unit by Bene Casa...

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AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker with zippered nylon tote bag and an Extra 350 Micro Filters (700 Total) Review

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker with zippered nylon tote bag and an Extra 350 Micro Filters (700 Total)
Average Reviews:

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This is a great coffee maker - especially for someone like me who wants to make only 1 mug at a time. I've tried all different kinds of coffee makers, but they don't seem to be optimized for making a single ~8 oz mug of coffee. I always ended up brewing multiple cups of coffee and throwing the extra away to get the one good cup I wanted.
I got this aeropress for Christmas 2006 and it is great. I followed the initial instructions, but preferred my coffee a bit different. So, I experimented with grind, water temperature, amount of coffee/water, etc., until I found the right combination for *my* personal preference. I use this to make a cup of coffee, not espresso (that is, I add water to the result to get "regular" coffee), so I can't comment on the quality of espresso taste. I have noticed that coffee beans/grind from different sources have their own "sweet spots" for best grind and coffee/water quantity to get the taste I prefer. So, now that I know how I like to brew a couple different types, I try to stick with those so that I don't have to go through the experimenting stage needed if I try a completely new coffee bean/grind. That works for me. This coffee tastes great. :)
Oh, I should mention that I have also used french press coffee makers. I really like the taste of french press coffee, but got sick of the grinds and/or sediment that always ends up in the bottom of the coffee and made the bottom of the cup taste gross. True to its advertising, the aeropress doesn't seem to leave grinds or sediment. I sip my cup kind of slowly and end up zapping it in the microwave to heat it up again several times. The coffee does not get bitter from sitting in my mug because there is not coffee grind sediment soaking at the bottom. That is a huge plus for me!
A few folks mentioned that the plunger can be hard to press. I have to agree. I've had 2 shoulder surgeries and it does take some extra effort to manage to push the plunger straight down. I can still do it, although I only have 2 scoops of coffee grind in at a time. I think it would be extremely difficult to press with too much coffee in it.
All this time of daily use, including travel, and there are no problems, no parts wearing out from stress, no cracks in the plastic. It still looks like new.
I donated my drip coffee machine, french press and espresso machine to Goodwill. :)
PS - I noticed the aeropress is available via third party vendor and Amazon. I can't comment on the vendor, as I put it on my wishlist for Xmas and got it as a gift. I noticed there are separate reviews for each device/vendor, so will post my review under each.

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6/29/2011

Saeco Aroma - Espresso Machine Review

Saeco Aroma - Espresso Machine
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This machine works great, it is heavy duty metal case and does delicious creamy espresso. This machine does not leak like the gaggia I tryed before and for the price it is far the best I used. If you get it from Amazon you will get the best service ever! The water tank on the back is removable to fill and clean, the water retention tank for the coffee drops below is also removable, easy to clean, big enough and of very good quality. The metal grill does not rust and the portafila is solid. Saeco is the perfect Italian espresso lover's machine and it is so solid that it's like it was German made and not Italian :) I checked a lot of brands, models and review and that's from far the best I found for the bucks. I owned fully automatic machines for 10x the price paid here and that one is doing better espresso than any of them... This machine is a hit!

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Designed for those who seriously enjoy coffee, this easy-to-use traditional espresso machine features a stainless-steel boiler and a powerful 15-bar pump for producing excellent cafe-quality espresso, cappuccino, and lattes from the comfort of home. The unit allows for making espresso without having to measure out the ground coffee dose, and its pressure filter can accept a wide range of espresso grinds while still giving good crema. Thanks to its pod adaptor, industry-standard E.S.E. pods (prepackaged doses of coffee) fit perfectly into the pressurized portafilter, with no mess to clean up afterwards. Even more, the included steam and hot-water wand with exclusive Pannarello frothing device dispenses steam in three different directions, making it easy to froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes, plus it dispenses hot water for tea, hot chocolate, or instant soups. Other highlights include a simple control panel with back-lit buttons, an 85-ounce removable water tank, a cup-warming surface, and a removable drip tray. Made in Italy, the 950-watt traditional espresso machine measures 8 by 10 by 11-3/4 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Aerobie AeroPress Coffee & Espresso Maker Review

Aerobie AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker
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This espresso maker consists of two plastic tubes, one of which fits inside the other. The outer tube has a coffee filter holder on one end. The inner tube has a soft rubbery plunger that fits very snuggly inside the outer tube.
Steps to making coffee are:
1. Insert filter (the espresso maker comes with a pack of 350 filters) into the filter holder and screw the filter holder onto the outer tube.
2. Set the outer tube on a mug, with the filter at the bottom.
3. Add measured coffee grounds (I use fresh ground beans for each cup)
4. Add measured hot water
5. Stir gently for about 10 seconds
6. Insert the plunger and gently force the coffee through the filter paper into the mug.
7. Drink this as an espresso, or add hot water for an 'Americano'
Advantages of this maker are:
* IT MAKES GREAT COFFEE -- all the flavor and bite of a really good espresso, with none of the bitterness or residue of French press coffee
* You can use very fine ground coffee to get the most flavor out of your beans
* The hot water stays on the coffee grounds for only 10 to 20 seconds, so that none of the bitterness associated with over brewing coffee
* Easy and quick to use, can make 1 to 4 cups at a time.
* Very easy clean-up
* The plastic is high quality and the unit should last a lifetime
* No electricity needed, and no moving parts -- you can make coffee anywhere.
Disadvantages:
* The recipe as used makes very weak coffee -- I had to double the amount of ground coffee per cup
* When brewing the coffee in the maker, a very nice 'crema' forms, but this is lost when the coffee is pressed through the filter
* The unit is not dishwasher safe.

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6/28/2011

DeLonghi BCO120T Combination Coffee/Espresso Machine Review

DeLonghi BCO120T Combination Coffee/Espresso Machine
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I received this machine as a christmas gift, I like having the option to make expresso/cappacino but it just didn't work well from the start. It leaked water from the bottom and now it has just stopped working. This is my second Delonghi that stopped working after about 8 months of ownership.

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Brew coffee and espresso simultaneously with this all-in-one countertop appliance. The convenient unit features an espresso machine on one side and a coffeemaker on the other. Its Vario system and Accuflavor selector dials allow for choosing the desired strength of espresso or coffee, plus it can be programmed for brewing at a later time thanks to its digital timer.
The espresso machine provides a 4-cup espresso carafe, a stainless-steel filter with a two-cup adaptor, and a swivel Jet Frother that mixes steam, air, and milk to produce a rich, creamy froth for great cappuccinos. Safety features include an adjustable steam emission and a pressurized steam system with a safety valve and steam safety cap.
The unit's 10-cup coffeemaker offers a swing-out filter for easy access and cleaning, a deep removable drip tray, and a thermostatic warming plate so the last cup is as hot as the first. A dishwasher-safe lidded glass carafe with water-level indicator comes included, and a drip-stop mechanism allows for removing the carafe at any time to pour a cup midbrew. In addition, the unit's unique dual-function filter accommodates both E.S.E. pods and ground espresso. The 1500-watt coffee-and-espresso machine measures 11 by 17 by 14-1/6 inches and carries a one-year warranty.

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DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine Review

DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine
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I have the EAM3200, which is the previous model version. The differences are slight but noticeable to the newer. These machines are the best in class for price and performance, produce a great espresso, and are maintainable in ways that other manufacturers models are not. The coffee from the Delonghi is just as good as from Jura and even some manual models such as Expobar and Rancillo. It is very close to what you find in Italy - not quite, but for the price it is worth it. Great crema, hot temperature, rich flavor. And the best part is you can pull out the brew mechanism and clean it - VERY key. This will ensure sound operation and function for many years.
In order to keep this machine is fine working order, you need to do a bit of upkeep each week and use the right beans.
1. Only use non-oily, 100% Arabica beans. If you use oily beans it will clog frequently and attract rancid flavors. It will also shorten the life of the machine. I use Illy, but any espresso will do (I actually get the Illy dark roast - it has more flavor when brewing a larger "americano" cup).
2. Clean the brew mechanism once a week. Just snap it out and run it under hot water.
3. Use spring water instead of tap water. This will keep any weird flavors from your tap entering the coffee. It may build up minerals, but...
4. De-calcify the machine when it asks for it - don't wait.
I, for one, would rather have manual controls over coffee amount, strength, etc. You are not losing out on anything by not having digital controls - other than not being able to have the machine automatically on and ready to go when you first wake up. As for the other models ability to do milk-based drinks at the touch of a button - how often do you really want a cappuccino? If it is every day, then get the 3500. If you are like me and need real coffee in the morning, then get this model. The milk canister can only sit in the fridge for so long. If you are planning to serve cappuccino at dinner parties, then you are committing Italian heresy - cappuccino is only served in the morning.
CONS
1. The cup warmer does not work very well, but get double walled cups and the temperature of the product will not be an issue.
2. You can't have it turn on automatically at a certain time. But it only takes a few minutes to get up to temperature.
3. It is NOISY.
My espresso settings - coffee amount at 10 o'clock, strength at 3 o'clock, single cup dispense. Super double espresso in an espresso cup. I may have 2 of these on a saturday.
My wife's "americano" settings - coffee amount at 3 o'clock, strength at 3 o'clock, double cup dispense. Full cup of rich coffee in a normal cup.
Bean grind at 5.

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Capable of preparing espresso, coffee, cappuccino, latte drinks, and more, this super-automatic machine features a unique beans-to-brew system that grinds coffee beans right before brewing for exceptionally aromatic espresso. The appliance comes equipped with two stainless-steel boilers that provide excellent heat distribution, as well as an instant reheat function, which keeps the machine at an ideal temperature, no matter how long the interval between cups. In addition, its quiet burr grinder automatically grinds beans and can be set to a specific grinding level, but the unit can also be used with ground coffee if preferred.
The unit's front panel offers easily accessible controls for the on/off switch and cappuccino system, as well as for adjusting the quantity of water and coffee to suit individual tastes, from long or short to weak or strong. Its patented cappuccino system rotates 180 degrees to allow for any size milk container, plus the coffee spigot height can be adjusted to accommodate all different cup sizes--from a classic espresso cup to a tall mug. Even more, the unit's exclusive cup tray keeps cups warm before use, and its three-hour automatic shutoff provides added safety. Other highlights include a 60-ounce removable water tank, a handy water-level indicator, a 7-ounce bean container, an electronic steam and coffee thermostat, rinse and decalcification auto programs, and a removable drip tray for easy cleanup. Made in Italy, the 1,150-watt espresso/coffee machine measures 17 by 13 by 18 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty. From the Manufacturer Capable of preparing espresso, coffee, cappuccino, latte drinks, and more, this super-automatic machine features a unique beans-to-brew system that grinds coffee beans right before brewing for exceptionally aromatic espresso. The machine makes espresso at a consistently ideal temperature because of its new stainless-steel double boiler, which provides excellent heat distribution, as well as its instant reheat function, which keeps the machine at an ideal temperature, no matter how long the interval between cups. Brewing Unit:The "Heart" of Magnifica Features
Compact and High Performance: Because DeLonghi's new patented boiler is so compact, the excellent heat distribution guarantees a perfect espresso at the ideal temperature every time.
Timeless Reliability: Thanks to the stainless-steel removable double boiler, the inside can be cleaned easily.Regular cleaning of the machine is essential for maintaining the best flavor possible and for minimizing the need for service.
A Perfect Aroma, Guaranteed: The beans-to-brew system guarantees an espresso with a delicious aroma as the coffee is freshly ground.No traces of stale grounds are left in the machine.
Instant Reheat: This special function heats the core of Magnifica, ensuring the machine is always at the ideal temperature for espresso, no matter how long the interval between cups.
Removable Water Tank and Bean Container: Magnifica knows that the counter space in your kitchen is always at a premium.Magnifica is the only super-automatic machine that allows you to fill the water tank and empty the coffee grounds without moving the machine.All of the controls are at the front of the machine, from the on/off switch to the cappuccino system.
Integrated Burr Grinder: A space-saver container for beans is fully integrated into the Magnifica. You can set the grinding level to customize your espresso.Magnifica can also be used with ground coffee. DeLonghi recommends the use of illycaffe for the best tasting espresso. Rich, smooth, balanced, and never bitter, illy provides the same consistent distinctive taste cup after cup.
Coffee Spigots: Magnifica's coffee spigot height can be adjusted to allow for all different cup sizes--from a classic espresso cup to a tall mug.
Cappuccino System: The patented cappuccino system rotates 180 degrees to allow for any size milk container.
Cup Tray: Magnifica's exclusive cup tray, similar to those found in cafés, keeps cups warm before use.
Front Panel: Magnifica allows you to customize your coffee by adjusting the quantity of water and coffee to suit your taste:long or short, weak or strong. Technical Data
Power: 1,150 watts
Rated voltage/frequency: 110/120V, 50/60 Hz
Water container capacity: 60 ounces/1.8 liters
Beans container capacity: 7.10 ounces/200 liters
Dimensions: 17 by 13 by 18 inches
Selection for 1 cup
Selection for 2 cups
Cappuccino system
Decaling program
Removable water container

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6/27/2011

Breville Cafe Modena Espresso Machine, Refurbished Review

Breville Cafe Modena Espresso Machine, Refurbished
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I worked at an espresso stand for a few years and I loved my job. The machine we had was a huge one in the $5000-$10000 range. When I quit my job and decided to have another baby I really missed not having a drink in the mornings to start my day with, but I hated paying $3-$4 per cup to get a decent tasting mocha. I did some shopping and researching and decided to order this machine because it was by a reputable company and it was in our price range. I was a bit scared because of the other reviews, but I decided to get one that was refurbished and sold by Amazon because I knew they would back it up if there were a problem, and I thought that buying refurbished would be not as risky because whatever was wrong with it was already repaired and certified to be in brand new working condition before leaving the manufacturer, plus it was about half price. We are not the kind of people that can drop $1000 on an espresso machine without it hurting. I am happy to report that my husband and I love this machine. There is a thick rich crema on top and absolutely no bitterness in the shot. Even the frother is great. I don't have any trouble getting the milk nice and hot and it foams up just right. The drinks taste just as good as the professional machine drinks tasted where I worked.

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Breville Barista Express BES860XL machine with grinder Review

Breville Barista Express BES860XL machine with grinder
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I spent my Christmas 2009 reviewing expresso machines. I had just returned from a trip to Europe and finally was going to fold and get an expresso machine. I missed the expresso from Italy and France. 1oz of crema delight.
So, I liked the Breville from all the reviews but was worried about some of the negativity on the "wet puck" I had read. All the reviews mentioned excellent coffee though, so it was on my short list.
Then I saw the Breville BES860XL, also known as the Barista Express Programmable Expresso. From the looks you can tell this unit has exchanged the hot water dispenser for a bean grinder. This unit is a fully automatic expresso machine with the super automatic feature of grinding a pre-measure of beans for your brew. Note, it is not a super automatic machine as you still need to manually mount the portafilter into the group head, and clean the filter afterwards. This is as automatic as you will want to go if you want to really control your coffee.
But, let me walk you through the pleasure:
1. the box. this has excellent graphics -- even as you open, the getting started guide and pictures guide you along. The unit removes easily.
2. The tamper is magnetically held in place on the front of the machine -- you can use it in place or remove for manual tamping.
3. New: -there is a dry puck feature now for all the fussy reviews -- this removes excess water so you get, a dry puck
- an excellent burr grinder -- you can dismantle this for cleaning, and it has a wide range of control
- for those that previously complained about the "cheat" dual wall filters -- the unit comes with single and double dual wall AND single wall filters
- there is a hideaway storage tray to hold all the small goodies
4. Steaming -- excellent steam temperature and pressure -- works very well with the provided frothing jug, very minimal excess water to start
5. The real test. I am using the dual wall filters, and the Illy whole expresso beans I got from Italy were made into pure heavenly expresso. Nice crema. This is the real thing.
This is one finely engineered machine. From a mechanically inclined electrical engineer to the folks at Breville: you have created an exceptionally functional piece that does the job. Did I mention it is beautiful on the counter as well? I have it on an island, no bad sides.
Drawbacks: none. BUT, when making a real expresso shot, make sure you pre-warm your demitasse. Otherwise the expresso will heat up your cup and your coffee will not be hot. I run a water cycle first into my cup to heat up the group head and the cup.
In my opinion this is the best buy in the market under $1500. At the office, daily I use a super automatic machine that is at that top end.

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6/26/2011

Imusa GAU-18200 Espresso, Cappuccino Maker Review

Imusa GAU-18200 Espresso, Cappuccino Maker
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I ordered this to replace a Bialetti stove-top maker. I have had it a couple of months and it is great. I saw some reviews about some machines within this price category being flimsy and unreliable. The Imusa is terrific. Easy to clean (Bialetti was awful!), and makes up to a quad in under 5 minutes. It is lightweight, but sturdy; and makes thick rich foam, even with skim milk. I am a former chef and have had some fancy machines that cost thousands of dollars in my kitchens, Imusa gets it done for me at home. I even went back and ordered a second as a gift.
Adding on to this review: If you haven't been using your old espresso/cappuccino maker because it isn't easy, or a pain to clean up, then this is the machine for you.

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DeLonghi Espresso Maker – Stainless Steel (EC460) Review

DeLonghi Espresso Maker and#150; Stainless Steel (EC460)
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My wife-to-be and I wanted to start making our favorite espresso drinks at home since buying them each morning from Starbucks made us feel guilty (spending $8/day on coffee = $240/month or $2,880/year ). So we started looking into getting an espresso machine and a nice burr grinder for our home. Since I had worked as the manager of a trendy coffee shop/Bar/Restaurant when I was in college, I was already a skilled Barista. As part of that job I also had to read up on coffee types and the various ways to properly prepare it. This really came in handy as we began to research a massive variety of espresso machines. One thing you will quickly find out is you can't be stingy when it comes to spending cash on your machine (but think of the money you can save by making your own). So I was prepared to spend around $350 for our new machine and I seriously considered the starbucks barista model machine (in that price range). But then we came across the De'Longhi EC-460. The machine didn't have very many reviews but it did have good specs, good looks, and the few reviews I could find were very positive. So we gave it a try. Wow are we glad we did. This machine is awesome all around. It's got great looks (looks far better then models which cost 2x as much). It's got the cup warmer on the top, and an easily washable/removable water reservoir. This machine is ideal for making two beverages at a time (if you need any more than that and will need to make them in a second run). What I mean is that frothing/steaming milk for more than two beverages at a given time won't work very well in this machine so you will have to make your drinks in no more than groups of two's. The machine has excellent components (lots of power) and pulls an awesome shot (with perfect crema). And the steam wand heats fast and is extremely effective (great micro-foam). This machine is quality any way you look at it (without taking the price into consideration). Once you take a look at the price-tag for this machine you find that it's down right amazing. If you are looking for an affordable, quality machine (with really great style) to make tasty espresso at home...I would highly recommend you select this machine (EC-460 model).

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6/25/2011

Bialetti 06799 Bialetti Moka Express 3 Cup Bialetti Espresso Maker Review

Bialetti 06799 Bialetti Moka Express 3 Cup Bialetti Espresso Maker
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My sister spent a year in Italy and gave this to me as a gift. I use it everyday! It is so quick - a cup of espresso on the stove in 7 minutes - and it's easy to clean, and it gives me coffeehouse quality espresso without ever leaving home. I LOVE IT! I would recommend one for ALL coffee enthusiasts. Don't waste your money on a large espresso machine when you can have a simply authentic espresso maker that is suburb!

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Chinook Granite Expresso Coffee Makers Review

Chinook Granite Expresso Coffee Makers
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I wanted a stovetop espresso while staying in the USA and so bought one of these. It has a speckled grey enamel finish (or some kind of paint - it is not anodized - that seems to be tough and "stuck on" well). It also comes in a small black nylon pouch (I think the idea is that it is to take camping?!).
Anyway, it looks fine and works fine - just the same as any other.
It's quite light - an expensive Bialetti would be heavier - but I imagine it will last just as long (these things seem to get damaged handles, or seals, or lost filters, before the body itself wears out in any way).
The only thing that surprised me was the sizing. I thought that the coffee maker I had owned before was "2 cup" size (this is the size I have seen them described as in the UK and in Chile). Since I could only find 1 and 3 cup sizes here, I assumed American cups must be bigger (everything is bigger in the USA right?! :o) and so ordered the 1 cup. But that is a tiny little thing, that would make one espresso cup. I then bought the 3 cup model, which appears to be size of what I have back home - it makes one "teacup size" cup of coffee.
[Update:] After a few months use this is looking as good as new - in my experience a plain aluminium body would be stained by now. On the other hand it does drip a little if you pour too fast.

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6/24/2011

Bialetti Easy Cafe 6-Cup Espresso Maker Review

Bialetti Easy Cafe 6-Cup Espresso Maker
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If you like expresso or lattes and you are looking for convenience and portability, here's your answer. Simply unscrew the top from the bottom. Fill the bottom to the line with water. Place the metal filter in the bottom and fill with your favorite ground coffee. Now, screw the top half of the pot back on - place the pot on the electric heating plate and wait 5-6 minutes to pour excellent coffee. I like to warm lowfat milk in the microwave while I wait. The coffee beeps when it's ready, and you simply pour. Sweeten to taste. A full pot makes one venti-sized latte or six espresso sized portions. Barristas unite!

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Bialetti Musa 4-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker Review

Bialetti Musa 4-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker
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We having been using the Italian made Bialetti aluminum espresso maker for about 4 years and really like it. However, the aluminum Bialetti can't be used in a dishwasher (it oxidizes and turns dark.) We thought that a stainless model would be more convenient to clean. However, this Indian made coffee maker isn't made to as exacting a standard as the aluminum Italian one. The top and bottom pieces don't screw together as well and is very hard to prevent the steam from leaking.
Two year update: This model got better with age. The pieces screw together better and doesn't leak anymore. In addition, slightly looser fit of the rubber gasket made it easier to remove and clean. It cleans nicely in a dishwasher and is very durable. Now will give it a four star.

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6/23/2011

Aerolatte 5 Milk Frother, Satin Finish Review

Aerolatte 5 Milk Frother, Satin Finish
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I just got the box from Amazon, pulled out my new Aerolatte, removed the protective cover from the battery compartment (yeah, it even comes pre-loaded with a pair of "aerolatte" double A's!), and put about 2 oz of NON-FAT (skim) milk in a glass.
I nuked the milk for about 20 seconds, pulled it from the microwave, stuck the aerolatte in the glass and pushed the switch.
DANG!!
Nearly INSTANT foam. GOBS of it. It formed PEAKS!! You could make small milk-animals out of it.
I really can't believe how well this thing works. The only thing that would ruin it for me is if it simply fell apart after a few uses, but frankly, with a little bit of care, it looks like it'll hold up. We'll see.
But in the meantime, call me Doctor Foam.
-Jonathan SabinUPDATE ***9 MONTHS LATER***
Notwithstanding the complaints of people who claim that their aerolatte lasted about 5 minutes, I just replaced the batteries for the first time since buying it back in January. (Yes, it still works, but I was disappointed that I was no longer able to make foam-animals!)
Well a couple of fresh Duracells later, and I sound like a deranged dentist with this thing in my hand. The "buzz" I had become accustomed to, is now a high-pitched whizzing sound, that actually made my molars uncomfortable.
But I'm back to making some seriously decent foam again!

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Frothing milk has never been easier than when using the Aerolatte, a stylish and convenient hand held frother. Attractively designed with a chrome finish, it operates on two included AA batteries to quickly froth milk, and does not rely on steam. It's small size makes it highly portable and easy to store, and is especially great for frothing individual cups.

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Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker Review

Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker
Average Reviews:

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This review is based on a latte a day for about a month now.
-Customer service was great: one part got jammed during shipment (despite how extraordinarily well the manufacturer had it packed inside the box!). I called and a person answered the phone right away who helped me figure out the problem.
-Thus far, the espresso comes out hot with a great crema, and my milk is also nice and hot (from 120-160 Fahrenheit depending on how you want it) and well-frothed (meaning microfoam(!) not seafoam). With the frother it's essential to keep the full rubber head (meaning the fat part) submerged in the milk to get it hot (including the intake air vents on the side).
Bottom line: I am very impressed that this quality comes at such a great price.

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Re-create the flavor of authentic Italian café drinks with the Café Roma espresso maker. Style-conscious coffee lovers will treasure its attractive, stainless-steel housing that conveniently sits on a countertop. Espresso enthusiasts will delight in the 15-bar Thermoblock pump which forces water through coffee grounds at the ideal pressure to create delicious, rich espresso shots. The machine also produces an abundance of crema--the light brown liquid that sits atop an espresso and characterizes a well-pulled shot--via its dual-wall filter system. Filters synchronize with heated and pressurized water to perfectly extract and caramelize coffee oils, resulting in a velvety, flavor-packed crema that will impress purists and novices alike.
The machine is simple-to-use, with a removable 1.3-quart water tank and an external water window that indicates when the tank is low. The tank is much larger than most consumer machines, so espresso enthusiasts can pull shot after shot without running low on water. As with any good espresso machine, the unit also includes a warming plate to prevent shots from prematurely cooling when poured into cups. Additional features include a froth enhancer for flavorful lattés and cappuccinos, and a removable drip tray and grid for easier cleanup. As a bonus, the machine also comes with a stainless-steel espresso cup set and a frothing jug.

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6/22/2011

Bialetti Venus Stainless Steel Espresso Maker Review

Bialetti Venus Stainless Steel Espresso Maker
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With this sleek little pot, you can make espresso on the stovetop like they do in Italy. The Venus Bialetti is easy to use-- if you use a countertop drip maker, you can handle this. It takes only 3 minutes on my stove to make 4 shots.
I have been using this daily for a little over a year, usually one pot for myself and one for my husband and the gasket is still doing well.
It does not make the same quality as an industrial espresso maker but it certainly out performs the various countertop models I've tried. I would even go out on a limb and say that a countertop model that outperforms this would be in a price range of roughly 10 times this cost. Those take up a lot more real estate in small kitchen too.
The Bialetti Venus is also adorable. Not that I want to marry my espresso pot or anything. . .

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