 Great Value |
| Review Date: December 3, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Joseph M. Michalik, Parsippany, NJ United States |
For the price, this is a great machine. Aesthetically, the units chrome and stainless looks adds greater appeal than the normal cheaper black plasic items that you find in this price range. I have used this unit numerous times to make both espresso and cappucino, and the coffee comes out great after you get familiar with its operation.
The only negative item that I can mention is regarding its manual. In order to find out how to properly operate this machine, I had to do a bit of research such as reading the manuals from other manufacturers. In addition, I have sent Kalorik some questions regarding the fiters mentioning the fact that the manual was lacking in any detail. Kaloriks response was to send me a PDF of the manual.
For the customer that mentioned that they where unable to get the machine to produce hot coffee, this again is due to the lack of information in the manual as I have had that as an initial experience and was first very disappointed by the machine. The item missing from the manual is the fact that you need to prime the machine prior to making the coffee, especially if this is the first time using it. The manual mentions that this is a cleaning process which is partially true when the machine is new, but you also need to do this to prime the boiler whenever you use the machine. Bascially, this just involved opening the steam valve for a short time to purge the water, and then let the pump put out some water. After this step, you will find that the coffee output is very hot.
Bottom line, a very good machine, but an incomplete manual. |
State of the Art
|
| Review Date: October 21, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Tac, USA |
This is probably the best looking espresso machine you can get for such a reasonable price. I bought a used one for $75.00, and can't even tell it's used because of its solid construction. Real glass & metal, some plastic, but not much. You can stick magnets to this thing, like your refrigerator!
That being said, it makes a pretty damn good espresso too. It is only my 2nd espresso machine, my 1st one was a Mr. Coffee steam type, so that is the only thing I can compare it to, and it is definitely a huge improvement.
It is very fast, you don't have to wait more then a minute, or so, for it to warm up.
The benefit in not using steam is that you can use it to brew yerba maté, or other herbal concoction, without overcooking them, which can cause them to lose some of their beneficial properties. Since I drink yerba maté more then coffee, this is a huge plus.
It doesn't come with any containers, or cups to hold the finished product, but my old ones fit, so that's not a problem (for me). It also comes with a tamp/scoop combo tool, that's just the right size.
Overall, I'm very happy with it, can't think of anything I'd change.
|
Great machine for the price - avoid Factoryoutletstores.com!
|
| Review Date: January 25, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Michele Green, Irvine, CA USA |
I searched a while for a machine. I wanted something that would make great coffee; but it is my first espresso machine and I worried it would be one of those things you buy and it sits on your counter in non-use, so I wasn't up for paying an arm and a leg. I read every review I could find on machines ranging from $40 to about $250 spending way more time than a rational human would. I will say that I'm a latte/cappuccino fan so it was almost more important that the steaming wand worked well then the machine produced award winning crema. Now, I am not expert, though I did work for starbucks for years in college, I'd give this crema an A! I'd give the micro foam an A+.
This was one of the prettiest machines I saw and the price was right. I couldn't be happier with it! I use espresso pods, and it takes a little getting use to (making sure the attachment is locked in correctly etc) but I can make a micro foam cappuccino in 4 minutes or less.
I had read reviews of machines being loud, so I was a little worried. I have never used a steam based espresso machine so I don't have much to compare it too, but while this isn't a church mouse, it isn't "loud" at all in my opinion.
BUY from AMAZON!
I made the mistake of buying the machine not from Amazon, (I'll be honest, I was lured by the free shipping promise, this machine isn't available for super saver shipping) I bought it from factoryoutletstores.com, besides saying they had the machine in stock and than taking three weeks to ship it because it was back ordered, they advertize "brand new" machines and what I got was a used one that hadn't even been cleaned very well. Their customer service wasn't great, though I actually laughed when after being on hold for 12 minutes, the lady picked up only to ask me to hold for another 3. AVOID Factoryoutletstores.com but get this machine.
|
Becoming My Own Barista
|
| Review Date: February 4, 2010 |
| Reviewer: S. C. Buchl, Twin Cities |
I've only had the machine for a month now, but it hasn't failed to impress. What people have said about it being a little loud is true, but the sounds aren't unpleasant; for me, they sound like the sounds behind the counters of my favorite cafes.
The manual isn't fantastic, but where it fails, the machine makes up for it. The stainless steel and the glass accent the already perfect-sized machine for a classy, modern, do-it-yourself caffeinated experience.
Espresso = easy and awesome.
Cappuccino = 30 seconds more to coffee-lovers heaven.
I actually use Starbucks ground coffee even though the manual recommends using something finer-ground. But, as I've mentioned, the manual doesn't help a whole lot. I've never failed to get crema on the top of my delicious espressos, and I can't imagine how fantastic the resulting beverage would be if I used actual espresso grounds.
The steam wand is a tad short, but it contributes to the compact design of the whole machine. Make sure you have an extra cup around to get the pre-steam water out before you steam the actual milk. *Hint for hotter espresso: get the steam wand to steam before making the espresso; somehow it gets the espresso water warmer. I, like another reviewer, use soy milk, and I was pleasantly surprised when it kept getting frothier as I let it churn (so much better than my handheld frother). Keep the rubber steam nozzle clean (just rinse it with hot water after every use) to avoid any chunking up, which I haven't experienced yet and don't plan to.
Besides the compactness of the steam wand and the force required to make sure the filter holder locks in, the machine doesn't have many cons. As with all of my coffee machines, I wish I could somehow hook them up to main water lines because I need to refill the tanks so often, but for an espresso machine, this one can hold me for at least one day and usually two.
Buy one; impress your friends and yourself with the class and deliciousness of this machine as you reap the savings of leaving your specialty-coffee drink-making to yourself. |
Works really good, very pretty, kinda loud
|
| Review Date: January 6, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Jeffrey M. Dillon, Denver, CO |
As a gift I was able to step up from a steam pressure espresso machine which worked OK, but took forever. This is very efficient. It used to take 15 minutes to get my old cheap machine to finish. This takes less than 2 minutes from the time the switch is flipped, the water heated the coffee brewed, and milk frothed. The coffee comes out really frothy and creamy too.
It looks great on the counter. It doesn't take up too much space. This also looks for more expensive than what was paid.
The only minor thing I would complain abut is the pump is kinda loud. This is not compared to other pump machines only a steam driven (read the cheap plastic) machines. Not lawn mower or blender loud, just noticeable. |
|
No video reviews found for this product.
Leave a Reply