Showing posts with label pod coffee maker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pod coffee maker. Show all posts

4/27/2012

DeLonghi EC140B Espresso and Cappuccino Maker Review

DeLonghi EC140B Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I owned the maker for a while.It's far better than many of the Krups and other models typically for sale at department stores.If you want an espresso, you'll need a pump machine.Many cheap machines will say "steam driven" or otherwise have "steam" in the title:what this means is that they lack a pump and merely use steam pressure to get now overly superheated water to flow through the fine espresso grinds.(By the way, "espresso" is, for all intents and purposes, a grind, not a roast.It is a very fine powdery grind, just shy of Turkish grind.)This results in charred burnt espresso, with little or no crema.

This DeLonghi, by contrast, does a fine little job of pumping.In addition, it uses a small stainless steel boiler -- not a superheated "thermoblock" [which means the water is run over a heating coil, not heated within a boiler].

That said, the only way to get an espresso, meaning a coffee drink in which properly heated water is compressed through a powdery grind of freshly roasted beans, and thus producing a chemical reaction which releases a frothy caramel colored liquid (called "crema"), is by using a very good grinder to produce a very fine, even grind.This machine, when coupled with a Gaggia MDF or Rancilio Rocky, or at the most economical, an Innova Lux or Solis Maestro Plus, and beans roasted within two weeks prior, can produce good espresso.

As to cappuccino, the machine does a fine job for the price in steaming milk.In order to do this, though, you must "temperature surf" the thermostat.What this means is that you steam while the boiler is heating.It's simple:start steaming your milk and you'll find that the steam power will run out in about 15 seconds.At that time the light for the boiler will come on, indicating the boiler is engaged.Instead of closing the steam valve and waiting for the light to go off, just close the steam valve for a few seconds, and then open it again, as you continue steaming the milk with the light still on (and hence the boiler still heating).This will give adequate steaming power.

I don't believe you can really get a better espresso or cappuccino maker for under $150.If you want to go for a huge step up, consider buying a Gaggia Carreza.It's worth the extra money.

Click Here to see more reviews about: DeLonghi EC140B Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

Product Description:
Delonghi Espresso/Cappuccino Maker with patented "sempre crema" filter holder. Used with ground espresso, this unique filter mixes air into the brewing process to produce a perfect crema. Distinguished by its caramel color, the crema is the seesnce of authentic espresso.

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3/11/2012

DeLonghi EC270 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Machine, Black and Stainless Review

DeLonghi EC270 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Machine, Black and Stainless
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This machine is nicely heavy and strong, normally with every pump espresso machine you have to wait like 5 minutes or more to let it warm up, well this one is ready in seconds, the pump is not noisy at all, the steamer works very nice mixing perfectly the milk with the steam without making boiling the milk before you get a firm foam and that is a good advantage because you can froth directly into your cup instead of using frothing pitcher (less clean to do), the water reservoir can be remove to fill it or it has a lid too, and it comes with two kinds of filters one to use with ground coffee for 2 cups, and another one that can be use with ground coffee for 1 cup or with E.S.E pods( which although they are bit expensive, once you use them you love them cause they are super practical) and at last but not least the fact that this has stainless-steel boiler is a plus since all the small espressos use aluminum which is not that healthy. In general it is very easy to use and to clean machine.

Click Here to see more reviews about: DeLonghi EC270 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Machine, Black and Stainless

Product Description:
Brew cafe-quality espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, and more from the comfort of home with this easy-to-use espresso machine. Thanks to its durable stainless-steel boiler 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's dual-function filter holder can accommodate two separate attachments. Use the patented Sempre Crema Filter with two measures of ground coffee, or use the E.S.E. (Easy Serving Espresso) Filter with pods or one measure of ground coffee. In addition, the machine comes equipped with a self-priming system for quick start-up times, two separate thermostats for brewing and steam at the perfect temperature, and an adjustable frother with a special chamber that mixes steam and milk to create a rich creamy froth for cappuccinos, lattes, or any other frothy milk-coffee beverage. Other highlights include a removable 35-ounce water tank, a water-level indicator, and a removable drip tray for quick cleanup. The 1050-watt espresso machine measures 12 by 8-1/5 by 12-4/5 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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12/18/2011

Hamilton Beach Personal Cup One Cup Pod Brewer Review

Hamilton Beach Personal Cup One Cup Pod Brewer
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
My Senseo finally died and I didn't feel like buying a new one.A friend told me about this little one cup coffee maker that uses Senseo coffee pods so I bought one.So far it works like a gem.Sure it's a bit "plasticy" and cheap feeling but it makes me a mug of coffee on demand and is letting me use my collection of various Senseo (and other) coffee pods.A small mug is the largest you can fit under the spout so be forewarned about not being able to use a tall mug.Device allows for one or two pods.I'm pleased with it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hamilton Beach Personal Cup One Cup Pod Brewer

Product Description:
Hamilton Beach Personal Cup One Cup Pod Brewer. For fresh coffee made fast, look no further. The Personal Cup™ Brewer makes a single cup the easy way. Instead of messy coffee grounds, it uses affordable and delicious Senseo® Coffee Pods.

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12/01/2011

DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Maker Review

DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Maker
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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Maker

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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11/29/2011

Toastess TFC-25T Silhouette 800-Watt Personal-Size Coffeemaker with Stainless-Steel Travel Mug Review

Toastess TFC-25T Silhouette 800-Watt Personal-Size Coffeemaker with Stainless-Steel Travel Mug
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Bought a 8oz single cup coffee maker the other day, but
was displeased with it, was not enough to fill my coffee mug.
It was just enough to fill a tea sized cup.

I then bought this unit, that provides 15oz of coffee.
Fills my coffee mug with a little left over.
Note: you can add just a tad more water, to provide
two cups of 8oz coffee.

Very well constructed unit, and also looks great on the counter.
Also take note, it does shut off automatically once coffee
finishes brewing, which is approximately a quick 2 1/2 minutes.

Works well, and makes a great cup of coffee.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Toastess TFC-25T Silhouette 800-Watt Personal-Size Coffeemaker with Stainless-Steel Travel Mug

Product Description:
Perfect for people on the go, this 800-watt single-cup personal coffeemaker quickly brews a delicious cup of coffee. Its permanent nylon coffee filter means no more time or money spent dealing with disposable filters. In addition to making coffee, the unit also produces hot water for tea, hot cocoa, instant soups, and more. Other highlights include a removable drip tray for easy cleaning, an "on/off" indicator light, and a small footprint that takes up minimal space on the counter. A 15-ounce stainless-steel thermal travel mug comes included. The mug fits in most car cup holders, offers a non-slip exterior band for a secure grip, and provides a tight-fitting lid with an "open/close" tab to help prevent spills. The coffeemaker measures 7 by 6-1/2 by 12 inches and carries a two-year limited warranty.

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11/25/2011

Mr. Coffee BVMC-KG1 Single Serve Brewing System, Silver Review

Mr. Coffee BVMC-KG1 Single Serve Brewing System, Silver
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Back in June of 2009, Keurig announced a partnership with Mr. Coffee, as well as Cuisinart.The Cuisinart partnership created a premium line of Keurig brew machines.The Mr. Coffee BVMC-KG1 looks to catch the interest of the more cost-conscious consumer.

PROS:
- Quick
- Easy
- No mess
- Good value (for a Keurig)

CONS:
- Higher cost for coffee using K-Cups
- Higher up-front cost of coffee maker

I was a heavy coffee drinker in college and at my first office job but have otherwise been a casual java drinker since.I had owned coffee machines in the past but typically went the route of the Peet's, Starbucks, Caribou, etc.It was easier, more social, and usually tasted better.Going through the motions with a coffee maker at home was an arduous task, which often resulted in me having to throw away many bags of coffee due to expiration.Then came Mr. Coffee and Keurig technology.

Upon opening the box, I saw a clearly illustrated Quick Start guide that took me through the process of using K-Cups in the machine.It did however, leave out that you should run a cycle with just water before first use.I scanned the manual for a few minutes, ran the prep cycle then brewed my first K-Cup coffee, ever.It turned out just fine.I was AMAZED at how quickly it brewed.I would say it took me about 5 minutes from start to sip.

Afterwards, I just opened the brewer compartment to remove the used K-Cup and tossed it in the trash.No filter to deal with or carafe to clean.Quick to brew and easy to clean!Now, eventually you will need to clean out the parts to remove scaling and such, but depending on your use, I'd guess once a week would suffice.

The Mr. Coffee BVMC-KG1 is a no frills, personal 8-ounce single-cup brew machine.It is similar to the Keurig-branded mini brewer.The water reservoir is very small and just enough to brew your 8 ounce cup.The brewer compartment, where you insert the K-Cup, reminds me a little of an old cassette player.It opens up and you place the K-Cup inside and it accepts it for use.Then there's the drip tray that removes for easy dumping and cleaning.There are only 3 indicator lights.The first, surrounds the "Brew Now/Off" button and blinks softly when you press it to indicate the machine is working.The second light, "Heating" lets you know that it is heating up the water.The third indicator light, "Brewing", shows that the coffee is being brewed.When the coffee is finished, the "Brew Now/Off" button turns off and the machine is ready to be run again.

My only hesitation in recommending the machine goes for all single-serve pod-based coffee machines.Cost.The intial cost is usually pretty high when compared to a normal coffee maker and cost per K-Cup can be quite high relative to using normal bags of ground coffee.However, if you are looking at these systems, then what you are after is probably convenience, not a cheap cup of coffee.In that case, I believe the Mr. Coffee BVMC-KG1 is a great addition to your home or office.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Mr. Coffee BVMC-KG1 Single Serve Brewing System, Silver

Product Description:
Trusted for years for both quality and value, the Mr. Coffee brand has partnered with Keurig technology to bring you exceptional single-serve, gourmet coffee, tea and hot cocoa.

From the Manufacturer

Extraordinary Taste, Exceptional Value



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5/02/2011

West Bend 56204 Single-Cup Personal Coffee Maker and Water Dispenser, Red Review

West Bend 56204 Single-Cup Personal Coffee Maker and Water Dispenser, Red
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This was exactly what I was looking for. Don't hesitate buying it. It will fit a variety of sizes of mugs as long as they are not huge. Mugs can be rather tall and still be fine. It does shut off very quickly after brewing...made me feel safe about using it - I'm moving quickly in the morning and won't remember to turn it off. The red color is really cute, just as pictured. I reaaaaaaally like it alot. You can use the permanent filter OR take that out and use paper size 1 or 4 cup filters, like I do. I think it makes a stronger brew with paper because it holds the water on the coffee grounds longer...same with any coffee maker. Takes up no space at all, too.

Click Here to see more reviews about: West Bend 56204 Single-Cup Personal Coffee Maker and Water Dispenser, Red

Product Description:
Quickly heat up to 12 ounces of water for coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or instant soup with this 800-watt single-cup dispenser. Providing maximum brewing flexibility, the appliance can be used with ground coffee, tea bags, or coffee or tea pods, and its 5-1/4-inch cup clearance accommodates standard 12-ounce coffee cups or mugs. Other thoughtful details include a simple start switch with power indicator, an easy-to-fill water reservoir, and automatic shut-off for peace of mind. A permanent filter for ground coffee or tea comes included, and the removable brew basket and permanent filter clean up easily by hand or in the dishwasher. For added convenience, its compact size takes up less counter space in kitchens, dorm rooms, offices, and apartments--plus it works great for traveling. The UL- and cUL- listed coffee and water dispenser measures 5 by 6 by 10 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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