Capresso 121.01 Ultima Semi-Automatic Coffee and Espresso/Cappuccino Machine Review

About a year ago I wanted an espresso machine that was easy to use, however I was unwilling to pay 1k or more for a fully automatic machine. The Capresso turned out to be an excellent value, providing ease of use with semi-automatic ground disposal and a reasonably sized water container.
In fact, we have experienced only two problems with the Capresso since we bought it: a torn o-ring and clogging. The o-ring tore because I did not clean the rotation mechanism for several months. The accumulated grounds eventually tore into the o-ring, breaking the pressure seal. However, when I called the Capresso help line to discuss our broken o-ring, the help desk agent immediately sent us two replacements in the mail with no questions asked. Total down time for the machine was a mere two days. The clogging was fixed with a complete cleaning, and if truth be told, it did say in the instruction booklet not to use very finely ground coffee.
Our last espresso machine, besides breaking after two years, was so difficult to use and clean we only made espresso on special occasions. The Capresso is convenient enough that we use it all the time. In fact, we have used our Mr. Coffee only twice (note the broken o-ring comment above) since we bought the Capresso.
After a year of use, I can still strongly recommend this product.

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Product Description:
The best of coffee culture in one convenient package. Eliminating all the strenuous steps of conventional espresso/cappuccino machinestamping, hot filters and stubborn sievesthis all-in-one center lets you pour in the coffee, switch on the pump and enjoy! One-year warranty. Model 121.

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Gaggia 102533 Espresso-Dose Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine, Warm Silver Review

I purchased this from Amazon in January and found it makes great espresso for a relatively small and light weight machine. I also have a Sirena which is much sturdier and more expensive but I think that the Gaggia makes a better espresso. I initially gave this product a lower rating because the lights failed to operate after a few uses and I was frustrated because it wasn't clear how to trouble shoot the machine from the Gaggia website. Thanks to Google, I found the customer support number in the US. They called me back promptly and were very helpful.They were able to resolve the problem with me over the phone with a simple screwdriver in about 5 minutes. They actually knew a lot about the machine and I didn't need to send it back and wait 5 weeks!Despite the issue with the lights, I think the machine has been well worth it.

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Product Description:
Brew cafe-quality espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, tea, and more from the comfort of home with this semi-automatic espresso machine. Thanks to its stainless-steel boiler, passively heated cup warmer, and maximum pump pressure of 15 bars, each shot brews at the proper temperature and comes out with a thick layer of golden crema. The unit also provides a chrome-plated brass brew group and portafilter for excellent temperature stability, and the portafilter can be used with ESE coffee pods or ground coffee. Unlike many semi-automatic espresso machines, it also offers a programmable dosage button that allows for setting a preferred dosage for single and double shots of espresso. In addition, its Pannarello steam wand takes the guesswork out of frothing milk for thick cappuccinos and lattes, plus delivers hot water for tea, hot cocoa, or instant soup. Other highlights include a simple control panel, the ability to make two cups simultaneously, a large 42-ounce removable water reservoir, and impact-resistant ABS plastic housing in a classic, timeless design that brings style and innovation to any kitchen or workspace. Accessories include a single-shot, double-shot, and E.S.E. filter basket; a coffee tamper; and a coffee-measuring scoop. Designed in Italy by Gaggia, one of the most respected names in the industry, the 1100-watt espresso machine measures 10-4/5 by 8-2/7 by 14 inches.

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Gaggia 12700 New Espresso Color Espresso Machine Red Review

This snazzy-looking espresso machine had our hopes up. As coffee roasters and coffee students we liked previous reviewers who talked this machine up. The first brewing attempt produced a bland drink with no crema as promised by Whole Latte Love.I then spent an afternoon adjusting variables. Our coffee is one day after roasting with a fine grind by Rocky Rancilio which cost more than the Gaggia Color.Eventually I took the temperature of the water exiting the brew head.160 Fahrenheit. Water this cool can't make coffee by any method. Long conversations with Whole latte Love had them admitting that we knew more about coffee than them. Promises of full refund did not pan out although we did force them into issuing a return shipping label.
We are amazed that a reputable company like Gaggia can desgn a technically deficient machine like this. We would not deal with Whole Latte Love again although they are not necessarily an intentionally bad organization.

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Product Description:
Gaggia New Espresso Color Espresso Machine Red - Gaggia 12700

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RSVP Terry's Tamper Review

I have a DeLonghi EC155 and the smaller size fits very nicely for tamping.It is able to hold over 50 lbs of pressure with no problem.I used the tamping method from Good Eats, where you put 50lbs of pressure, then twist.

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Product Description:
Designed by a professional barista, this tamper is made of heavy cast metal and compresses espresso like nobody's business.

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Gaggia 7002 Burr Grinder, Black Review

Ok, the good things first.This grinder is easy to use, powerful, easy to clean, and I have had no problem grinding coffees from turkish to french press (you often don't get the full range of grinds on some burr coffee grinders).It also doesn't heat up too much.

Now the bad news.It's really, really loud.I ended up sound proofing mine because I didn't want to wake people up in the morning.Second the grind button must be held down during the entire grinding process (their is no timer dial to set).Third, mine builds up a lot of static (I think all burr grinders have this problem) so if you get one, be extra careful to tap the coffee container a few times before you open it.

The nice thing about Gaggia equipment is that it's pretty basic, which means if anything goes wrong, it's easy to fix with parts you can get from a supplier like whole latte love.

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Product Description:
This popular Gaggia MM burr grinder holds 6 ounces of coffee beans and comes with adjustable grinding burrs. Choose from 9 degrees of fineness to produce uniform grinds. Grinding duration is controlled with a push-button switch. The ground coffee container slides out for ease of use and cleaning.

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Gaggia 35005 Carezza Espresso Machine, Gray Review

At around $200 at several online retailers this machine is about asgreat a value as you can find in a semi-automatic espresso machine.It has about the same internal parts and portafilter as much more expensive Gaggia machines, but a plastic rather than metal exterior.The steam wand produces a lot of steam, but is not really a pro style.It froths milk very well for a Cappuccino, but getting the even fine micro-bubbles for a Latte is a bit of a trick.
The unit in general is very solid, with a near commercial quality chrome plated brass group head and portafilter.The portafilter is a 58mm, which is the same as most coffee shop machines, and you will want to get your coffee ground a bit finer than a typical home "espresso" grind. Grinding your own is probably best.
Bottom line: If you want the least amount you can spend to pull a real double shot of espresso at home, this is as good a choice as can be found.
Added 4/29/06:I have had this for a year now, and used it every day.The trick here really is the grind, and I eventually got a Zassenhaus grinder, which has made a world of difference.A good burr grinder is needed to really bring out the best in this machine.
Added 10/08/07:I am still using it regularly, and I have to agree with some others, that the drip tray is too small given the fact that it does dribble a bit too much after you use it.Running some citric acid based cleaner once a month seems to help with this, but does not eliminate the problem.Anyway, apart from that gripe, it keeps on chugging along and putting out good coffee.

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Product Description:
The Gaggia Carezza is one of the hottest products in the low $200 price range. No other espresso manufacturer will bring you the pump power, heating capacity, brass components and pure results at this price. Hi-tech performance combined with simplified fingertip control takes the guesswork out of making delicious espresso and cappuccino at home or in the office. Each cup will be creamy, tasty, robust and rich with flavor. Gaggia is in the process of rolling out a new Turbo-Frother wand replacing the metal frothing wand and sleeve. Your Gaggia may have shipped with the Turbo-Frother wand or the frothing wand. Both are designed to help you get great froth with minimum fuss

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DeLonghi EC702 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Maker, Stainless Review

Basically all of the negative reviews they did not read the instructions well enough. This thing kicks ass for a 15 bar espresso/cappuccino machine for under (...). Perfect crema, nice steam, cleans easily. Sexy stainless. Of course it doesn't have auto on-off... IT IS AN ESPRESSO MACHINE! The timing is different every time as the water pumps through, and how will it know if you are making a short, a double or if you want to turn it off early? If you are too lazy to push a single button to start and stop the pump, get a "Mr. Coffee" and quit whining that your appliance doesn't tie your shoes for you... The steam nozzle only leaks if you don't close it. If you don't put the lever back to the closed position all the way, yes, then water sprays out. When it is not in steam mode and the valve is open it sprays water, thats what it is supposed to do (for tea, etc.). It is not that complicated a machine, but common sense is uncommon to most people. It heats up fast, makes a delicious cup of cappuccino or espresso and cleans up easily. The warming rack on the top is designed well also. It makes me happy to turn this thing on in the morning. It prefers finely ground espresso, not espresso ground for drip machines or stovetops. If you are a "pod" person, you should be ashamed and really don't need this machine. This machine is for brewing a real cup with fresh grounds.

If you can work simple machinery and like espresso/cappuccino from freshly ground beans, get this machine and enjoy.

If you are a bit lazy and prefer everything to be automatic and are the type to use "pods", do not get this machine.

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Product Description:
DeLonghi EC702 Esclusivo Espresso Maker is a 15 bar pump-driven machine with the patented dual function filter holder, accommodating two separate attachments - the patented Sempre Crema Filter and the ESE Filter. This espresso maker includes the adjustable patented Cappuccino System Frother, which has a special chamber that mixes steam and milk to create a rich creamy froth for the ideal beverage. With this machine is a cup storage tray, removable 1.3-liter (44oz) water tank, and large removable drip tray. The self-priming operation prepares a favorite beverage quickly and easily with no annoying start-up preparation. Other features offered is the stainless steel boiler, an on/off switch with indicator light, anti-drip design, and two separate thermostats which control the water and steam pressure separately to enable the ability to make espresso or cappuccino at the perfect temperature.

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Lello 1375 Ariete Cafe Prestige Coffee Maker Review

I will give this five stars. Not the same five stars I would give something along the lines of a Gaggia Carezza mind you. This five stars should be taken as a rating relative to its price. If this were the same cost of the Gaggia I would probably have to give it a 3.5

I should note I prefer americanos, cappuccinos, lattes, etc over straight espresso. I bought this for a second house. If I were to be drinking a lot of straight espresso I would have bought the Gaggia.

One important detail which is not in the description is this unit will use ESE pods. The portafilter has inserts for single and double shot amounts, as do most machines. The single shot has a small ledge around it which is designed so it may be used for both single shots and ESE pods, with a pod fitting perfectly into the area created by the little ledge. This is a big advantage for those days when you are in a rush.

Construction. This thing is solid. When I ordered it I thought it would not really be steel, just chromed plastic. Well it is stainless steel. And the finish is beautiful. This has to be the most impressive looking espresso machine this side of $300. One plus of being so heavy is you don't have to hold it down when tightening the portafilter. Something I never liked about the lighter units.

Despite the description noting a rather weak looking 950-watt heater, I was pleasantly surprised by the speed at which it warms up. This had worried me at first, but now that I have it I have discovered no reason to be disappointed. While using the steam feature to froth it has enough power to be ready to pull a shot immediately with no need to wait. And after pulling a double shot it seems like it is ready in seconds for the next shot, well before I have time to remove the portafilter and get it cleaned and reloaded.

Another impressive feature here is the warming plate on the top of the unit. Once again, as with the 950-watt rating, I was expecting a rather weak showing on the warming front. Wow, another shocker. It works! I turn the unit on in the morning and prepare my first drink. Then I leave it on. Make sure at this point you clean the portafilter and place it on the unit empty. By the time you roll around to getting your second cup, the cups on top are nicely heated and the portafilter is warmed up as well.

The drip cup and water reservoirs are quite generous. The drip cup underneath the bottom plate even has an ingenious little pop up float near the back which raises with the water level. Instead of constantly pulling up the plate, you can tell if it is getting full by simply looking to see if the float is starting to pop up. What a nifty little feature!

There is one drawback. The portafilter is what Ariete calls their "Thermocream" design. The problem with this design is it is created to produce a "crema like" crema on the top of every cup. This somewhat hides whether or not you are doing your job right and the crema is a product of a good grind, good tamp, and good pull. I prefer the crema production to be a function of how well I doing my job, not a function of some little device that makes stuff that looks like crema even if it is not.

I would like to add that the Group Head (the thing the portafilter attaches to when you put it on) is not solid metal. Parts of it are plastic. But given the price I am not willing to deduct a star for this (or the Thermocream feature) as I would if I were comparing to the $200 machines.

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Product Description:
Constructed of heavy-duty stainless steel and simple-to-use controls, this 950-watt espresso/cappuccino machine makes it easy to brew cafe-quality coffee drinks. The unit's high-performance ThermoBlock 15-bar pump-driven system provides uniform and constant pump pressure to make a superior espresso with good crema and a frothy thick milk cappuccino. Its removable 2-1/4-quart water reservoir can be refilled from the top at any time during operation, and a cup-warming area allows up to nine cups to be warmed before use. Designed in sleek, attractive housing, the espresso/cappuccino maker measures 9-1/2 by 9-1/4 by 12-1/2 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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