 if you like moka, this is the ticket |
| Review Date: May 4, 2006 |
| Reviewer: kermit rohrbach, allen, tx, usa |
| I have read so many negative reviews of this wonderful little moka machine, I must put in my 2 cents. First, this is a stream machine, meaning it makes moka not espresso. If you like Bialetti but want cappuccino instead of cafe latte, then this is perfect. The grind must be close to espresso, finer than for Bialetti, and you must tamp it down, but no tamper included. There is only 1 knob, yes it is stiff, but i don't have arthritis. The round design makes it easy to handle even though it is very light. It descales with...vinegar! How about that, actually a traditional machine. The panarello works, just put in extra "cup" of water for steaming. Make 2 "cups", not 1 or 4, and always start with cold machine, or use very, very cold water. Stop the brewing as soon as moka hits 2 "cups" or it starts to steam instead of brew, then switch the knob to steam for the milk. If you don't, coffee will taste slightly burned. I have owned espresso and moka machines from USD5 to USD1,000 over a period of 40 years. If you like moka, don't waste money on anything more expensive. But, like any machine, read the manual, and experiment if things don't work the way you want. Finally, garbage in garbage out. If you want great cappuccino, use good organic coffee and organic milk. |
Read The Manual - it's there for a reason!
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| Review Date: April 17, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Trusting in Him, |
One of the biggest complaints with this machine is that the reservoir lid is difficult to open. The manual tells you to release the remaining pressure by turning to either coffee or steamer. Then it opens easily. The knob to select steamer, off, coffee gets easier to use once it is broken in, but I agree, if your hands are not dry, it is a bit slippery.
The manual also gives clear details how to make different types of coffees and a troubleshooter. The frother makes long-lasting tasty foam, and I found the coffee to be plenty hot. I cools quickly because there is no hot plate to keep it warm, but you are only making one cup at a time--why wouldn't you drink it right away?
The coffee I liked in my previous coffee maker didn't taste the same in this machine. I had to experiment with a variety of brands and finally decided on Bustello. Someone else I talked to raved about LaVazza, but I didn't share her enthusiasm for the taste. It's all about individual preference.
I like that with one machine, My husband can make his espresso, and I can have my weaker American style coffee by simply adjusting the amount of coffee vs the water.
I have had my machine almost 6 months and my handles have not broken. Perhaps the other folks contributed to theirs breaking by banging the coffee basket against something to release the grounds. This may have weakened the handle? The glass is thin and you do need to take reasonable care not to break it. The metal parts are not Stainless Steel (except the inner grounds basket)and I found the finish on the frothing tube began wearing off (to what looks like brass or copper? )when I used a scrubby to clean off the dried milk. I have since steamed water with it right after use, use only a sponge and finger nail to clean and have not noticed more wear.
This machine is the same one sold at Walmart as Mr. Coffee (same model #)for $25 and at Walgreen as Signature Gourmet for $20 (the one I bought). It is not going to be made with the finest materials, Folks!
It does make very good coffee, is extremely affordable, simple to use, takes up minimal space on your counter and has held up almost 6 months so far. That's why I gave it 5 stars
EDIT - It is now November 2008 and My coffee maker is still going strong! The knob is easy to turn but the white lettering has worn off. I broke the carafe by throwing groceries against it in a rush. The carafe can be replaced for about $10 but I am using a regular coffee mug. It works fine and the coffee is just as great!. Best $20 I ever spent. |
Broke even already
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| Review Date: January 15, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Y. Rehder, Seattle, WA USA |
| Given this costed in the 20's, there was no expectation on my part. My main goal was to break even by making more than 15 espresso drinks before it broke. Well, I made more than 30 now. And it is still working. The knob on mine is not too tight to turn, and the handle is still in its place. I made Latte and Americano, Americano most of the time, but it makes very good Americano. Even better than some Espresso stands, given you can get to pick the coffee you use. The quality of the Espresso varies obviously by the beans you use, and the coarseness of your grind. I am very satisfied with the machine. |
Simple to use, great cup of coffee!
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| Review Date: June 11, 2009 |
| Reviewer: chaosmomof3, Tacoma, WA |
I purchased this cute little expresso maker as the price was right and I needed something compact for our new camper. I opened it this morning to give it a test run and I couldnt believe how simple it was to operate. Of course I opened my manual and followed the instructions step by step the first time, and it really couldnt have been easier! I fresh ground my beans to the right consistancy which it tells you exactly how it should be in the manual. Not too fine like flour where it is powdery, but a little bit courser so it is more like salt. It literally took all of about 3 minutes start to finish. I filled the water reseviour, hooked on the filter with the coffee in it, put the cute little glass pot under the filter and turned it on. within minutes it starts to brew on its own, then stops and that is it! Fresh brewed expresso.
I personally think it is great that it does everything itself. I have a very expensive expresso maker which I also love, but doesnt make any better a cup of coffee then this machine in my opinion. This is actually much stronger coffee out of the Mr. Coffee then anything I get out of my costly expresso maker, and its much less labor intensive! I dont have to wait around watching the coffee express and manually start and stop it so it doesnt overflow the little coffee shot glasses that I normally use with my professional machine. I can set the Mr. Coffee..turn it on, and walk away for a bit, and return to a perfectly brewed pot of expresso waiting for me! I LOVE IT.
I also want to mention that in regard to people that say this is made cheaply or breaks easily, I dont see how that could be, the pot is glass, yes, and it isnt terribly thick glass, but anyone would know when working with glass you just need to be delicate and not bang or crack it against anything, as with ANY glass container. I would say this seems like a very sturdy well built machine, but is also very light weight, and takes up little space on a counter top. I give it two thumbs up!!
And most importantly, aside from ease of use, the coffee is great!
Worth EVERY PENNY!
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Incredible value!
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| Review Date: December 26, 2007 |
| Reviewer: M. Peterson, |
| I was a little worried about getting this espresso/cappucino maker because of some of the complaints about the milk frother on the machine, but I don't understand why anyone wouldn't love this machine, particularly given its low cost compared to others on the market. The quality of the espresso is not the best I have ever tasted, but it does the job just fine, and the milk frother is top notch! I have owned any number of cappucino makers in my life, and this is the best one for making a stiff, thick foam. There are better machines to be had for three times the price, but this one is an excellent performer for the cost. |
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