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Can anyone recommend a good espresso coffee maker? There are so many to choose from! We're looking for a machine that makes espresso and steams milk. Any feedback would be appreciated!
HI there- so sorry I haven't been looking at this forum :-) I purchased an espresso machine back in February this year- it was actually and good luck buy . I have been saving for it for a year since I wanted to buy a fully automatic digital type - but when I saw this on sale at Bed,bath and beyond I grabbed it,
It is a Saeco Odea Giro Plus brand - it is fully automatic and it does steam milk too. It does a good work at brewing espresso and steaming milk- of course you need to use a very good quality coffee bean. I noticed that the starbucks beans are too oily and it makes a messy wet puck (spent ground) I am now using an Italian brand coffee bean . It is much better tasting too ;-)
it does the work of having a good quality espresso/cappuccino/latte/mocha - the same if not better quality from starbucks ( good coffee bean is a must). The only drawback is - it has a small capacity for spent water - you need to empty at least every 3-4 cups of brewing- it does tell you though. If you are not a heavy drinker and would probably make 3-4 cups of coffee a day then it is very good for its price.
I paid around $400 inc. tax for it, it normally costs between $600-750. But i think it is the best one for its price. It was a display unit that the store was getting rid off it wasnt even used at all.
I hope this helps... I have been using it since Feb and i make espresso everyday for me an my husband at least brewing 6 shots of espresso per day. It hasn't failed me so far (knock on wood)
Eileen: Thanks for the info. We haven't decided on which one yet, but yours sounds like an excellent choice. Your comments about good coffee beans are very helpful. We spent three weeks in Italy last July (which is why we want a machine!), and marveled at the quality of Italian coffee. Where do you get your Italian brand beans?
I was in Italy in August and brought some home;-) I bought the Segafredo Espresso brand. It is very good . I think you might be able to find it here too , although maybe a bit more expensive. Lavazza is also a very good brand but quite expensive here. I too spent so much time looking for reviews hoping to help me decide .. but when I found that machine and at the very good price - i didnt even think twice. I figured , if it is not that good, at least I didnt spend a lot.. but so far I am very pleased. I dont need very high tech machine.
Hope you get to find your machine soon. It will save you so much from buying Starbucks. I dont even go to Starbucks anymore
Again, thanks for the info. Italian coffee is the best, for sure! We love Starbucks, but it doesn't even begin to compare to any of the coffee and coffee drinks we had in Italy. The hunt is on!
There is absolutely nothing like coffee in Italy. I came home hooked too. They made it perfect everywhere I went, every time, which is not at all what I can say for around here. I came back to Starbucks only to have that overcooked bean flavor. I missed Italy already!!
Illy brand of Italian coffee is pretty easy to find online and is really very reliable. We have a place that roasts nearby that tastes similar called Kickapoo Coffee Roasters, they make an Espresso Crema that is nice and smooth and works great in my semi-automatic espresso machine.
Now...machines...I have purchased all of mine through Starbucks and fully used their 2 year warranty on three machines. The Saecos have a great reputation, but I didn't find them to be up to the challenge of daily lattes, which is the kind of work out I give my machines. DeLonghi has been the longest, best lasting machine that has held up to the daily grind of daily lattes. I love it.
Do let us know what you chose and how it works out for you.
Well, we bit the bullet and bought a DeLonghi EC-702 Espresso and Cappuccino maker yesterday (30% off the regular price of $299). All stainless steel (no plastic or aluminum), and highly recommended. We're going to try it out today!
We found Illy beans locally (Indianapolis) at a Williams-Sonoma store at a large mall, although the smaller kitchen place where we bought the DeLonghi at (Bloomington) also stocked beans. The store owner swears by this model and it's the only one he stocks since he's had such great feedback from customers.
