Bosch TCA6301UC Benvenuto B30 Thermoblock 15-Bar-Pump Digital Fully Automatic Espresso Machine Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Bosch Benvenuto B30 is an exceptional coffee maker. We used to have a fully automatic Saeco model for the past 9 years, but it recently started leaking and so we decided to get a new machine.

Before buying the Benvenuto B30, we researched quite a few machines: The Saeco models we saw on store display didn't strike us as too well-made. Our old one was largely metal but we found the new models to be made of relatively flimsy-feeling plastic. We then looked at the Jura machines but ultimately decided against them due to their high prices, reviews we read that the coffee isn't made hot enough, and also because Jura machines only allow for three different coffee strength settings - weak, medium, and strong. We wanted more choices.

Having had experience with these types of machines for almost 10 years, we knew what we wanted: a height-adjustable spout, the possibility to use both beans and ground coffee, a relatively quiet operation, and an intelligent design which would tell us when to refill water, beans, when to clean, descale, etc. The B30 does all that and more. Moreover, it offers stylish design and is very well made.

The machine does not take long to reach its required operating temperature and the electronic display informs you when it is ready. The coffee strength can be adjusted from mild to extra-strong. Furthermore, the amount of water can be adjusted to accomodate small Espresso cups, XXL coffee mugs and pretty much everything in-between.

Undoubtedly the best feature is the height-adjustable spout, or rather spouts (the B30 has 2) which let you brew 2 cups of coffee simultaneously - a huge time-saver in the morning! We found that although the height can only be adjusted by little over 4 inches, there is no problem to use cups higher than that. This is due to the clever design that gives ample and easy access to the spouts from the side as well as from the front - we just move the cups under the spouts holding them at a slight angle. With our old Saeco machine, we always had to remove the grille and tray to be able to accomodate larger mugs.

Another very nice feature is that the water temperature can be adjusted. At the Maximum setting, the coffee is piping hot - very useful when adding cold frothed milk to it because with other machines, this makes the coffee too cold to be enjoyable. The B30 even has a heated top grille for pre-heating your coffee mugs!

And if all of that weren't enough, the machine even has an automatic timer function to automatically turn itself on at a pre-set time, and turn itself off again after a set number of hours.

In summary, this machine is incredibly easy to operate, fast and makes excellent coffee in all kinds of strengths and sizes. An integrated steamer to froth milk, etc. is of course standard.

The only other thing I would like to mention is that if you are a larger family of coffee lovers, you may find the water tank to be a bit on the small side. In our house we're just two people and find that we have to refill the tank every day after just 2 - 3 cups of XXL-size coffee. Then again: This also ensures that the water is always fresh and not stale from sitting in the tank for too long. So you be the judge whether this is a negative or not.

I whole-heartedly recommend this machine which in my opinion offers a lot more than the overpriced Jura machines, especially when it comes to flexibility!

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Product Description:
At just the touch of a button, the Benvenuto Gourmet coffee maker grinds the beans and brews the coffee within seconds. The unique AROMASWIRL high-pressure brewing system immerses the freshly ground coffee in the ideal water temperature for optimal extraction and maximum flavor release. A frothing attachment for cappuccino, instant hot water for tea or hot chocolate adds to this amazing machine's capabilities. To top it all off, the Benvenuto automatically cleans itself when needed. Fresh, flavorful coffee, cappuccino or espresso just like they make it in the Italian cafes.The Good Housekeeping Seal Recognized for their quality manufacturing, Bosch are backed by The Good Housekeeping Seal - a two-year limited warranty.

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Krups XP7225 Compact Fully Automatic Espresso Machine Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)We bought this machine from Williams-Sonoma and liked it so much that we stuck with the coffee through four separate units, each of which failed within three weeks for a different reason.My wife and I each drink 2-3 shots of espresso per day, for a total of 6-8 cycles of the machine (including self rinsing): this is within their warranty rate of 10 cycles per day.We use non-greasy beans and reverse-osmosis water, both of which are recommended by the manufacturer.At first I thought we just got unlucky -- every factory makes a few lemons -- but after four machines and four independent failure modes I'm convinced they're just poorly built.

For coffee : 4-5 stars.When they work, these machines are just adjustable enough for us - you can adjust the grind, the water temperature, and the water volume independently to "sight in" your ideal shot.For reliability: -4 stars.I would give this product just a single star, but the titanium fronted one comes with a terrific milk-frothing assembly that makes great, silky foam every time.That alone is worth a second star.

Machine #1: worked for three weeks, then mysteriously failed with an error code "DE" on the screen.Krups support was baffled.

Machine #2: worked for 1.5 weeks, then the burr grinder broke - motor would turn but wouldn't grind coffee.

Machine #3: DOA - on initial plug-in, entered an infinite loop of "calibrating machine" cycles.(I think an internal sensor was jammed).

Machine #4: worked for 3 weeks, then mysteriously started spewing acrid, electrical-insulator smoke.

I suggest a Delonghi Magnifica - they can be found for under $1k and are actually designed to be maintainable - or a semi-auto with built-in burr grinder (Breville makes one).

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Product Description:
Brew cafe-quality coffee drinks right at home with this easy-to-use fully automatic espresso machine. Simply add water and espresso beans, select the type of beverage and amount desired, and press the button--it takes care of the rest. The appliance grinds, brews, and tamps, then dispenses used grounds into a collection container. An oversized digital display and intuitive controls make it effortless to scroll through the on-screen menu and to follow detailed instructions for everything from set-up to brewing perfect espresso. In addition, the unit's commercial-quality built-in conical burr grinder holds up to 28 ounces of whole beans and comes calibrated to three optimal grind levels. Use the pre-ground bypass doser for pre-ground decaffeinated or flavored coffee--a handy feature when entertaining.
For added convenience, the espresso machine's innovative design combines the thermoblock brewing system and hydraulic jack into a single piece, which means an overall smaller build that takes up less space on the countertop. In fact, it's 30- to 50-percent smaller than most fully automatics available. The completely redesigned thermoblock comes cast in aluminum with stainless-steel tubing for precise control of the water and temperature and optimal heat transfer while reducing scaling and build-up of mineral deposits. Other highlights include a 64-ounce water tank, hot water on demand, and a steam function for cappuccinos and lattes. The 1450-watt espresso machine measures 12-1/2 by 9-1/2 by 14-1/4 inches and carries a one-year warranty.

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Saeco 641 Odea Go Super Automatic Espresso Machine Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I recently upgraded to this model from a Krups steam espresso maker and it was probably one of the best decisions I've ever made.I can't believe I did upgrade sooner.

The espresso comes out perfect, just like those at places like Starbucks.My favorite part about this model is the minimum work required for cleaning.It has a bin that collects the used grounds so you don't have to empty and clean after every cup.

The steam for the milk frother comes out super fast and super hot.It takes less than 30 seconds for me to froth milk.And when you're done, just rinse the plastic nozzle and you're set for the next cup.

Now the only downside about this model: it doesn't store too much water.If you have 2 or more people using this thing every morning, there's a good chance someone will always have to refill the water in the tank after the machine pumps out a half cup of coffee and blinks its red light.Even then, for the price, it is well worth it and provides great value.

Update 4/7/2010 - Still turning out great coffee/espresso with ease after 3 years of service.Must've saved me $1000 from morning trips to Starbucks annually.

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Product Description:
Equipped with 15 bars of pump pressure, this 1500-watt automatic espresso machine grinds, doses, tamps, brews, and dispenses quality coffee, preparing one to two cups at the same time. The machine's built-in ceramic grinder ensures the best results without altering the flavor of coffee; it quietly delivers a more consistent grind, allowing perfect dosing and blending, plus offers more control over the density and body of coffee. In addition, the espresso machine's pre-brewing cycle maximizes flavor extraction, while its Pannarello frothing device produces steam in three different directions for cappuccinos and lattes, dispenses hot water for making hot beverages and soups, and can be completely removed for cleaning. Other thoughtful details include a 1-1/2-liter removable water tank; an Aqua Prima water filter that removes impurities from the water and protects the machine from limescale damage; a drip tray that can be raised or lowered manually or electrically with a simple touch, which means it easily accommodates different cup sizes such as espresso cups or glasses; and a removable Saeco brew group for easy, chemical-free cleaning. Sleek and stylish, the espresso machine measures 15-1/6 by 11-3/7 by 14-1/2 inches.

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