Cuisinart EM-200 Programmable 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I read that another reviewer had trouble with her machine. Hopefully it was the exception and not the rule.It comes with a 3-year warranty, so I figure that I have reasonable protection should anything break.

This is my first espresso machine and I did a lot of shopping and read a ton of reviews before deciding to buy.I was nervous about buying it because there were zero reviews at the time.However, I loved the look, liked the feature set, and believed in the Cuisinart brand.I have had the machine for a week and have used it at least once each day.So far I am extremely pleased.

I had considered the DeLonghi EC155, which gets good ratings and is reasonably priced.However, it requires the operator to guess or measure the volume of espresso.I am terrible at guessing the volumes of liquids, so I liked that this machine has buttons that make a pre-set (or programmable) volume of coffee.It turns out that this is a great feature and really frees me to multi-task.In the mornings, I hit the power button, and by the time I fill the portafilter the machine is ready to brew.I hit the brew button and mix up my meal replacement shake.After the coffee is finished, I hit the steam button and pour the milk for frothing.It takes less than 30 seconds to froth and steam the milk, so I am pleased with its power.I have never run out of steam and was able to make a nice foam with very little practice.I can make my breakfast shake and a cappuccino or latte in under 10 minutes with the above process.Not bad for an amateur.

Overall I am very pleased with the machine and am having a great time with it.I would recommend it based on my experience thus far.

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Product Description:
Brew a single or double espresso using either ground espresso or pods with this programmable espresso maker. The unit's 15 bars of pressure deliver consistently authentic espresso with excellent crema, while its stainless-steel steam nozzle makes it easy to turn an espresso drink into a frothy cappuccino or latte. Pre-programmed cup sizes include 1-1/2 ounces and 3 ounces. The espresso maker's 64-ounce reservoir removes for easy filling, and its steam button functions separately for convenience. Other highlights include a cup-warming tray on top, a removable drip tray and cover for easy cleanup, and a porta-filter holder with a locking mechanism, which makes it possible to quickly pump out wet grounds after each use. Accessories include a stainless frothing cup and a tamping tool with a measuring spoon. Beautifully designed in professional stainless-steel housing with an embossed Cuisinart logo, the espresso maker measures 10-1/2 by 9-1/4 by 12-3/4 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.
From the Manufacturer
The Quest for a Perfect Espresso

Water: When brewing espresso, make sure the water flows through the filter at the correct pace. The water flow can be adjusted by varying the pressure with which the coffee is tamped in the filter or by altering the grind of coffee. If the speed of the water is slow, the coffee will be over extracted and will be very dark and bitter, with a spotted and uneven crema (froth) on the top. If the speed of the water flow is too fast, the coffee will be under-extracted and the supreme flavor will not develop. The coffee will be diluted and there will be an inadequate amount of crema on the top.
Coffee: While the bulk of the liquid is water, all of the flavor should be from the coffee. To achieve the same great quality of coffee you receive at a cafe, you need to use the same quality beans. If you choose to grind your own beans, buy the beans fresh and whole, only about a two week supply at a time for maximum freshness. Once the coffee bean is broken, its flavor degrades very quickly. If it is not practical to buy smaller supplies, we recommend you separate larger amounts of beans and store them in airtight containers in a cool, dry area. They should not be kept for longer than 1 month as flavor will diminish. Do not refrigerate or freeze coffee beans.
Grind: The grind of the coffee is critical for proper flavor extraction. If using a pre-ground coffee, be sure to purchase an espresso grind that is specifically for espresso/cappuccino machines. If the grind is too fine, over extraction and bitterness will occur with a spotted and uneven crema on top. If the grind is too coarse, the water will pass through too rapidly and there will be an inadequate amount of crema on the top of the espresso.
Tamping the Coffee Grounds: If you choose to use ground espresso instead of pods, tamping the coffee is a very important part of the coffee-making process. Use the scoop supplied to fill the filter basket, then using the tamping tool, tamp down the grounds with moderate pressure. Add more coffee and tamp again if necessary to bring coffee to level. Do not overfill the filter basket. The ground coffee should be tamped with moderate pressure. If the coffee is not tamped securely, there is a chance the water will flow through the coffee to rapidly and the coffee will be under-extracted. Note: if the coffee is tamped too firmly, the water will flow through the coffee too slowly and the coffee will be over-extracted.
Programming Your Espresso Machine
This Cuisinart espresso machine has programming capabilities. Based on cafe settings, the single and the double espresso functions are set to 1.5 and 3 ounce. However, by following a few simple steps, you can pre-program your perfect serving size down to the ounce. Easy to follow steps with illustrations are included in the Instruction Book.
Milk Texturing
Milk texturing is the steaming of milk. The steam does two things; its heats the milk and mixes the air with the milk for form a foamy texture. As with learning to make an espresso, perfecting the art of milk texturing takes time and practice.
Features and Benefits

• Removable 64-ounce water reservoir with lid with 2 options for filling with water:
  
  Lift the lid at the top of the espresso maker and fill with cold or filtered water.
  Remove the reservoir to fill and then replace by pushing down firmly until the reservoir sets on the base flush with the unit.
• Cup-warming plate for warming espresso cups
• 15-bar pump
• Manual Button: Used for a continuous pour of espresso
• 1-Cup Button: Used for a single serving of espresso, 1.5 ounces
• 2-Cup Button: Used for a double serving of espresso, 3 ounces
• Program Button: Used to set the number of ounces needed
• Steam Button: Used when making cappuccinos and lattes--will flash until ready for use.
• Portafilter Holder: Can be used with ground or pod espresso--has two positions, lock and unlock, for ease of cleaning
• Brew Head: For easy fit of the portafilter holder
• Steam or Hot Water Control Dial: Use to activate steam or hot water
• Commercial Steam Wand: Use to steam milk for cappuccinos and lattes
• Removable Drip Tray: Removable drip tray with grate
• Cleaning Pins: Used to clean any excess milk that gets stuck inside the steam wand or any coffee particles that get stuck inside the filter
• Stainless Frothing Pitcher: Used for steaming milk for cappuccinos and lattes
• Measuring Scoop/Tamping Tool: Use one side as a coffee scoop and the other to tamp the coffee grinds in the filter basket
• Filter Baskets: Use the one cup filter for a single espresso and the two cup filter basket for the double espresso, and the pod filter basket for espresso pods

Bringing the Good Life Home
Cuisinart products are designed to make life delicious all day long. Specialty items, like this espresso machine, offer today's consumers a variety of menu options, and fun and easy new ways to entertain family and friends.
Cuisinart first came into home kitchens over 30 years ago when it introduced the now legendary food processor. People discovered that routines could be broken and creative cooking quickly became part of the new lifestyle. Preparing fresh ingredients with products that offered easy and interesting new techniques meant healthier meals and more free time.
Today Cuisinart develops products to make every meal memorable. From breakfast toast and coffee to elegant five-course dinners, the preparation and cooking have become a pleasurable part of the total experience. Today's relaxed lifestyles and the convenience of Cuisinart products make it easier than ever to Savor the Good Life, right at home with family and friends.

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DeLonghi BAR32 Retro Pump-Driven 35 ounce Espresso Maker Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Despairing of ever finding decent espresso in the Midwest, I finally broke down and decided to get a home espresso machine.I had worked as a barrista, and had sipped espresso in Italy, so I had some idea of how it should taste.

Being relatively poor, I wanted a machine that would deliver a decent espresso, at a decent price.Though I was willing to consider a system with proprietary coffee pods (K-cups, Tassimo, etc), it would have to be cheap enough that I wouldn't mind shelling out the extra bucks for the coffee itself.And I also wanted to make sure that it was pump-driven, not steam-driven.

After checking reviews and looking around, I finally settled on the DeLonghi BAR32.It's a pump-driven maker, not steam driven, so it's not scorching the grounds as it brews.And it comes with a single and a double espresso filter.

The DeLonghi uses either ground espresso, or E.S.E. espresso pods.The E.S.E. pods are not proprietary - any company can make them.The DeLonghi comes with a package of 18 Illy pods (retail - $12).The pods are convenient, but still expensive.

I've had the espresso maker for several days, and I'm happy with it so far.With the pods, it pulls a good single espresso with a satisfactory crema.Sugar floats on top of the crema for about 2-3 seconds, and it has a nice golden color.The espresso tastes very smooth.

Pulling a good single espresso, either with the pods or loose coffee, is pretty easy.Use the pods as a good judge of how tightly to pack the grounds in the filter.Use a level, loosely packed scoop of coffee for a single shot.

Pulling a good double, on the other hand, still eludes me.The best I've come up with is to use 2 scoops, 3/4 full and loosely packed, and pressed looser than for a single.Even then, it still dribbles out slowly, with a less-than-satisfactory (though present) crema.

The steam wand works very well.I've made several excellent cappuccinos and lattes with it.It's a little cramped to use, so I pull mine to the edge of the counter so that I can get a good mug under it.I steam straight into the mug of milk, and then add the espresso.Make sure to blow some steam through it to clear out condensation before putting it in your milk.Start with the steam wand nearly submerged in the milk, and then slowly pull it out (lower the mug) until you hear a gentle "sipping" sound.That means that it's frothing.If you see noticeable bubbles on top of the milk, that means you've pulled it out too far - dip it back in slowly and you should be able to whip the bubbles into froth.Once the froth is just below the level you want it, submerge the wand back into the milk to finish heating it.Listen again - once the milk starts to sound "hollow," it's nearly hot enough.Let it go for a few more seconds, then shut off the steam, and remove the mug.The wand will drip a bit, so put it over the drip tray or an empty mug.

Making espresso is fairly easy.Turn the machine to "Heat" to start heating the water and priming the pump.Make sure the filter holder is screwed into the machine.Once the "Hot" light comes on, run an espresso cycle without coffee into the cup you'll use - pulling espresso into a cold cup will ruin the flavor.Fill the cup half-way with hot water, and turn the machine back to "Heat."Empty and quickly dry the espresso cup.Put the E.S.E. pod or ground espresso into the filter (tamp down the loose espresso) and twist it into the machine.Turn the machine on, and wait until you've got your cup of espresso.A single espresso should be 30-40ml, or 1-1.5oz.I used a measuring cup to see what that looked like in my demitasse cups.

Looking back over what I've written, I suppose I do make it look a little complicated.And it is a little bit more complicated that popping the K-cup into the machine, and hitting "Go."But it really is pretty easy, and less than 5 minutes pass between "You know, I could go for a cappuccino," and "Man, that's a tasty cappuccino."

Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Good pressure
- Easy to make a good single shot of espresso
- Uses pods or loose grounds
- 2 dials + 0 buttons = easy to use
- Outstanding steam wand
- 32oz water reservoir lets you make 3 or 4 cappuccinos, or 6 to 8 espressos, without refilling
- Built-in tamper means one less part to lose
- Pre-heat cycle helps make good espresso

Cons:
- Hard to make a good double espresso (might just be me)
- Steam wand leaks slightly (usually at the start of a brewing cycle - I just keep mine over the drip tray)In the end, the machine makes a good espresso, especially for the price, but remember that you're not going to be running a coffee shop with it.I definitely recommend it for anybody who wants to make their own espresso, but wants to do it for under $200.

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Product Description:
DeLonghi is proud to present this unique and popular BAR32 Retro Pump-Driven 35 ounce Espresso Maker.Just a few of it's features include pump driven, makes coffee in mug-size or smaller cup-sizes, brews standard or with pods.With ESE (Easy Serving Expresso) espresso making has never been easier.The Sempre Crema filter produces a rich, creamy froth and the swivel jet frother makes frothy milk for cappuccino, latte and other beverages.The easy cleaning 35 ounce water tank is removable and fills easily right at the faucet.This model features an exclusive anti-drip design.

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Breville Barista Express BES860XL machine with grinder Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)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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Product Description:
With its integrated conical burr grinder and dosing control, The BaristaExpress delivers the optimum path from espresso bean tothick crema in less than two minutes. Non-pressurized cafe style single-wall filters allow for experimentation of grind size, grind amoung and tamping pressure to explore the art of espresso. Pressurized dual-walled filters help beginners by delivering smooth crema every time. The integrated tamper with magnetized lock in storage allows you to tamp to your preference while attached to the machine or the counter

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DeLonghi BCO120T Combination Coffee/Espresso Machine Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)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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Product Description:
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 EC155 Espresso Maker Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I love espresso, and this little baby makes a great cup.Here are a few points that might be useful for you to know:

Good points:
*It doesn't take up too much room on the counter and looks nice with it's silver metal accents.
*The water reservoir is a good size, you can make about 8-10 shots before you need to refill it, which is very easy to do, and there is a clear section behind the basket which shows the water level.
*Fast heat-up time (only about a minute), good frothing wand, no wait time between frothing and brewing (though you do have to wait a little between brewing and frothing).

Be warned:
*Frothing wand is only 3 1/4 inches from the counter top.Not abig deal, I just went and bought a frothing cup that is about that height.
*Distance from grounds basket to tray is only 2 1/2 inches, I usually use a small espresso cup.
*Built-in tamper sucks, buy a good metal one.
*You don't end up with a nice dry puck, the grounds basket is a watery soup after your espresso is made, so I dump it down the disposal.
*You will end up drinking more espresso than you mean to, it's that good!

Seriously, I chose this machine after a lot of online researching, and decided on this one based on its outstanding reviews and great price.What led me to it were the reviews of another DeLonghi, the EC140B, which is an older and less attractive model, but had reviews from people who had owned theirs for 6 and 10 years!I'm hoping that this one will have the same longevity.

-----> UPDATE: I've now had this machine for 8 months and it started running very slow.I'd been using only distilled water, so I knew it wasn't a calcification issue, so I looked into it and it turns out machines like this one (no backflushing) need to be cleaned every month or so to remove built up grounds that work their way inside the machine.So I ran some cleaner through it and all this nasty brownish liquid came out, and now it runs great again!So remember people, take good care of your things and they will take good care of you.A lesson I am still learning...
- and to answer a question commented on this review, my tamper is 2 inches in diameter.

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Product Description:
With two thermostats for separately controlling water and steam pressure, this convenient appliance makes espresso or cappuccino at the perfect temperature for both. The 15-bar pump-driven machine features a durable stainless-steel broiler, and its self-priming operation allows for brewing a favorite beverage without annoying start-up preparations. In addition, the unit's unique dual-function filter accommodates both E.S.E. pods and ground espresso. Used with ground espresso, the filter mixes air into the brewing process to produce a perfect crema, which, distinguished by its caramel color, is the essence of authentic espresso. And for excellent cappuccinos, the espresso maker�s adjustable swivel jet frother mixes steam and milk to create a rich creamy froth. Other highlights include a removable 35-ounce water tank for simple cleaning and filling, an "on/off" switch with an indicator light, and a removable drip tray. Designed and engineered in Italy, the 1000-watt espresso maker measures 7-1/2 by 9-1/2 by 11-1/8 inches and carries a one-year warranty.

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