DeLonghi 12-Cup Digital Programmable Drip Coffeemakers Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)At this price level, most coffee makers are terrible.This Delonghi model seems to be one of the rare exceptions.I've had it for over a week now and I'm very pleased with it.

The Good:

-Well designed carafe.When you pour a cup of coffee, it doesn't spill everywhere like some makers I've used in the past.Additionally, it's proven easy to clean

-Fairly solid design.While not bullet proof, the maker as a whole seems sturdy, with one small exception (see below)

-The "Aroma" setting is AWESOME.I've owned many coffee makers in the past and it always takes quite a bit of grounds to brew a pot that's strong enough for me (I like my coffee almost espresso strength).Not with the Delonghi!just put in the grounds, pour in the water, hit "start", then hit the "aroma" button and in 15 minutes you've got yourself coffee that's (at least) twice as strong as coffee from a regular maker

The Bad:

There are only two problems I've had with this maker (and I must stress that they are very MINOR)

-When fully open, the tray for the filter does not quite clear the top of the maker.As a result, you have to tilt the filter and mess with it a bit to get it free of the machine.Additionally, the filter is sometimes a little tricky to get back in, but once you figure out the trick to it it's a bit easier

-The spring that holds the "pause and serve" lever in place seems cheap and looks like it would be easy to break (it hasn't broken yet, so this is just an assumption).This isn't a really big issue for me as I never use this feature, but I know that some people do.On the plus side, the spring is easily accessible, so if it ever did break or come loose, then it would probably be easy to put it back in or replace altogether

Despite these minor problems, the Delonghi coffee maker performs like a champ (indeed good enough to still earn a 5 star rating in my eyes).The good far outweighs the bad, and I'd recommend this maker to anyone who just wants a simple, well-made machine for a decent price.

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Product Description:
Along with its 12-cup capacity, this drip coffeemaker features a digital programmable timer with two-hour automatic shut-off. Setting the timer allows for waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, or for having coffee ready--without getting up from the table--to serve with dessert. The unit's showerhead design helps extract coffee's full natural flavor by allowing water to completely saturate all coffee grounds. In addition, its aroma button activates a unique brewing process that enhances the flavor and aroma of coffee. To achieve this full-bodied flavor, the coffeemaker advances through several continuous cycles that release water into the filter basket in 30-second intervals. This special time-released process saturates grounds a little at a time to extract the best flavor and aroma from coffee.
The coffeemaker also provides a pause-and-serve function for pouring a cup midbrew, and its non-stick warming plate keeps coffee hot after brewing and makes cleanup a breeze. The included glass carafe offers measurement markings, a generous cool-touch handle, and a drip-free spout for graceful serving. Other highlights include simple push-button controls, a swing-open filter basket with a permanent gold-tone filter, a convenient water-level indicator, and cord storage to keep countertops tidy. Designed and engineered in Italy, the 12-cup coffeemaker measures 8-8/9 by 10-8/9 by 14-2/5 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Grindmaster OPOD PrecisionBrewTM Single Cup Coffee / Tea Brewing System - with 10 FREE Pods Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this to replace my Bunn pod brewer.I liked the Bunn, but after going through three in two years, I figured it was time to try another brand. The Grindmaster is somewhat of a commercial-grade product and hopefully it will last longer.

Grindmaster pros include:

- Quickly brews good-tasting and very hot coffee (adjustable)
- Works with every brand of pods we've tried
- Has a large water tank, and can be plumbed for automatic fillup
- Reasonably good looking, although a bit larger than others
- Lets you program the unit to exactly fill your favorite cup

On the negative side, about the only thing I've noticed is that the unit is a bit loud when running, and there's no way to turn off the (relatively bright) blue water level indicator lamp on the front of the unit.

I'd rate the overall quality as somewhat above the Bunn and other brands, but it's not necessarily in a completely different league.

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Product Description:
PrecisionBrewTM - Innovative precision pod brewing and infusion technology provides the ideal cup every time. Open-Pod System accepts a variety of pod brands and sizes. BrewControlTM - Adjustable brew strength control allows users to fine tune their flavor preferences. Smartstop Automatic Water Shutoff-Water shuts off when pod drawer is open. Programmable cup size - Control the volume of beverage dispensed into the cup. Stylish, high performance design. Dual water system brewer can be plumbed into a water line or manually filled. Great for coffee and tea.

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Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill (CCM-16PC1) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Don't believe that ANY grinder in this price range will be the ultimate grinder for all your grinding needs. I read with amusement as some reviewers slammed this grinder for not grinding well enough to use with their espresso machines. I own this machine for use with my drip coffee maker only. I own a $500+ Mazzer Grinder for my espresso machine. The point being, that for the absolute consistent grind needed for use with espresso, you better be willing to step up significantly in price. That said, on to this grinder review.

Considering there are no decent blade grinders on the market - including those in the $25 price range, the best grinder to have is a burr grinder. Burr grinders do not create the heat that destroys the flavor of your beans and creates a more uniformed grind. Burr grinders do not produce the large "chunks" of beans in varying size that a blade grinder does. I have yet to see any missed "untouched" beans find their way past the burrs (as one reviewer claimed) and find that hard to believe, considering beans can only pass through the small space between the burrs and would thus be ground on their way through. You may get some bean smaller than your setting, but will not get anything larger than your setting.

As with any burr grinder under $200 this grinder does create some powder. It creates a lot of powder if you attempt to grind at its' finest setting (called Turkish Coffee). For drip coffee makers though, a mid-range toward coarse setting doesn't produce enough powder to be a concern when using paper filters in your coffee maker and a GOOD bean to start with. I sometimes wonder if the complaints of "bitterness" from some reviewers isn't a problem with their bean choice or their water temperature. As a drinker of 100% Kona in my drip maker, I have yet to taste a bitter cup of coffee, even with the less than a tsp. of powder that is present in my freshly ground coffee.

Noisy? Yes, but no more noisy than some and less noisy than most in this price range. A grinder of this size will create noise, but unless you plan on grinding 24/7 that is to be expected. My guests are actually enthralled by the noise and the ability to watch fresh beans meet their demise (I hang with a morbid crowd) as the beans slowly disappear down the hopper. The timer is a nice touch if noise is a concern. The fact that you can turn it on, leave the room and return in a minute or two (avoiding the noise) to find the unit automatically shut off should make those with sensitive hearing happy.

This grinder has a decent weight to it, making it feel sturdy on your countertop. The S/S body also gives the appearance of a well built machine and makes it more stylish than your standard black plastic neoprene models being produced by other manufacturers. This is a solid, sturdy, and well built machine for this price.

If there are complaints that you should be warned about, it is the age old problem of static cling caused by the use of plastic for the grounds receiver. Cuisinart should have used glass to receive the grounds. I would have gladly paid an extra $3 on the final price in order to avoid dealing with the static cling found in every machine that uses plastic for this purpose. The other is the clean-up, if you are as anal as I am about coffee equipment. Again, the static cling is annoying, but I keep a slim painters brush nearby for the purpose of brushing out the chute and receiver which makes the task quick and easy. It loses a star for the static cling issues, but I guess every grinder in this price range has the same problem because they use plastic.

Overall, for under $50 this is a very good machine for the price.

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Product Description:
Elegant SS styling

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Espressione 1332-W Cafe Charme Espresso/Cappuccino Machine, White Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I would never normally give 1 star to anything except if it is dead on arrival and not fixable- obviously there is a design flaw so unforgivable, this is why it is being sold for likely half of what is was originally priced to retail for. I wanted a white retro cappucinno machine for my newly remodeled mid-century modern kitchen. I was willing to pay at least 2-500, as I am quite addicted to fine espresso and prefer it in the morning to coffee.This machine looked attractive but had no reviews I could locate. I felt it was a risk and saw it priced well below what it used to retail for. (more red flags) I thought I'd risk it, because if it was decent, I would save a couple a' c notes. Too bad for me.I eagerly tried to start it, read the directions and followed each step to the letter. Tried to prime it (run some water through the unit before making an actual espresso) but absolutely NO water was coming out. I was mystifyed- but re-read the instructions just in case I missed some minut detail of incredible importance. I checked the tank to see if I was crazy & forgot to fill it. Totally full tank of water, just sitting there. I emptied the tank, and I inspected the hose. I then saw "IT". A BIG JAGGED TEAR in the cheap plastic water delivery tube. So big of a tear it was hanging by a thread! I could not believe it- because there is NO WAY this damage could have occurred via any type of shipping. The hose was not something that could be removed without completely diss-assembling the unit either. So I could not even attempt to fix it w/o voiding any return policy! I had to return it. It was so un-believable, I took some photos to email to Amazon if the seller disputed the return- I politely emailed the company explaining the issue just as I've stated. Surprisingly, they did not even question this odd type of damage and curtly (no apology offered either) told me they would pick it up via Fed X. weirdly fast response. somewhat suspicious if these defective machine was a return, and was being sold again by folks that hope someone will forget to return it after purchasing? Oh well.. Just don't buy it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Espressione 1332-W Cafe Charme Espresso/Cappuccino Machine, White

Product Description:
Enjoy cafe-quality espresso, cappuccino, and other favorite coffee drinks from the comfort of home thanks to this easy-to-use espresso machine. The unit comes equipped with an 850-watt heating element, 15 bars of pump pressure, and a heavy-duty aluminum boiler to ensure consistent, high-quality brewing. Its specialized ThermoCream system and Maxi Cappuccino milk-frothing device, with adjustable steam for customized strength, help create the perfect cappuccino or latte--novice brewers will look like pros. The machine also provides a high-pressure safety valve and a self-primed system to prevent wait times and leakage from the brew head. Beyond its powerful brewing features, the appliance sports a sleek, modern exterior that you'll be hard-pressed to store away in the cupboard. Other highlights include simple controls, the ability to brew two cups at a time, a coffee measure and tamper, and a removable 1-liter water reservoir, as well as a cup warmer and a removable drip tray for quick cleanup. Housed in solid metal and ABS with a space-saving design, the espresso machine measures 12 by 11-2/7 by 13-2/3 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Krups XP5220 Pump Espresso with Precise Tamp, Black and Stainless Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)We've had this espresso machine for just over a month and it works wonderfully.

It's a huge step up from our previous model (XP4030). For one thing, the previous machine was extremely loud and vibrated so badly that it couldn't be left unattended. We expected a bit more noise, and did get used to it, but not being able to turn our back while the coffee was brewing wasn't an option. This machine is much quieter, and there is no vibration. I can leave the room and come back to find the carafe or cup in the same spot I left it.

The coffee does pull slower, but that's not an issue for us.

Secondly, this machine has an auto tamping system. At first I was dubious about that, but now I love it. No more worrying about how far to tamp the grind down, just put it in the holder, put the holder in place, turn it a click or two, and you're ready to go.

If you click too far, not only will the holder be too tight, but the coffee won't flow. If nothing happens after a second or two, simply shut the machine off, release the holder, then click it one turn back. At that point it should work without having to remove any of the grounds (though in the beginning I did have to take a bit out). It takes a little practice, but you do learn how much ground to put in the holder.

The third thing that this machine has over our previous one...NO THIN RUBBER GASKET!! That was a big draw. We had spent quite a bit of money replacing gaskets (from the six month point on), and every other machine that we looked at (and we looked at them all) had the same rubber gasket.

Fourth, Krups finally got wise and encased the metal that was behind the drip tray. No more exposed metal, no more rusting. And instead of a pull out drip tray, the entire piece lifts off for easy emptying.

All of these things made the machine more expensive than our previous one, but it's less expensive than a lot of the brands/models we looked at. And though we're serious about our espresso/Americano's, we're not ready to take the plunge into the machines that cost hundreds of dollars. This is a good alternative (for us anyway).

We've had no problems with the frothing wand. It seems as sturdy as any of the others we've seen.

I will say that with our old machine it was extremely difficult to develop a good froth. With this one, I expected about the same, but then we hadn't purchased the machine for fancy drinks.

That said, this machine makes a fantastic froth and it's very simple to use. I had given up even trying with our previous machine, and whenever I wanted a cappuccino my husband had to do it (with mixed results and never quite as good as our old steam espresso maker).

It's nice to be able to make my own cappuccino's now. :-)

Who knows. I may be back in a few months with some negative comments, but for right now we're enjoying this machine.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Krups XP5220 Pump Espresso with Precise Tamp, Black and Stainless

Product Description:
Inspired by experts and demanding consumers with uncompromising standards of performance and quality, Krups products have been built with three key attributes in mind: Passion, Precision and Perfection. Be your own barista at home with the Krups XP5220 Precise Tamp Espresso Machine. With 1400 watts of power, and a 15 bar Thermoblock System, the Precise Tamp machine extracts a perfect shot every time for delicious espresso, latte or cappuccino drinks. The Precise Tamp Technology automatically tamps your grounds evenly to the optimum level, directly against the brewing head to minimize the puddling and tunneling. Simply scoop your espresso grounds into the filter holder; use less or more grounds to adjust your strength of your espresso; insert the filter holder and turn to the right until the filter holder stops. This advanced brewing system pre-heats twice as fast and requires less frequent descaling. The universal filter holds ground coffee, ESE or soft pods, and clicks into place for one or two cups. Clean up is simple thanks to a new easy-clean froth nozzle and no-mess filter cake ejection system. Beautifully designed in black with a die cast finish, the XP5220 features a removable water tank and drip tray.

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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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cuisinart EM-200 Programmable 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel

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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