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You need to warm up the cups before making espresso to be sure that your espresso stays warm while you steam the milk.I had previously used a Krups steam espresso maker which was a four cup - 6 ounces, and a 6 cup stove top espresso maker (moka pot) which makes 9 ounces. Tamping the espresso too tight will cause too much pressure to build up.I returned it and purchased a new stainless steel stove top espresso maker. The espresso it makes is not as strong as I like and it was warm, not hot enough. The first disappointment with this machine is that it can only make one or two shots of espresso. After using this machine a couple of times the crema isn't worth the hassle and the taste isn't that much different. I think I may have caused it by tamping the espresso too tight - in order to get it to hold more to make it strong enough.
I put it on a thick wooden cutting board to get around that problem.I used this machine for about a week then it started leaking water.
It appears that nearly all pump machines in this price range make less espresso than cheaper steam machines.
There are several solutions.
Basically two espresso cups - total of about 3 ounces.
They are available in 4 to 10 cup versions.What you don't get with a stove top espresso maker is ability to steam milk.
It may be enough for you, but if you want to enjoy an espresso or a latte with a spouse or friend it takes longer with this machine than steam machines or moka pots.This unit doesn't come with a carafe like most steam machines.
It is also hard to get the frothing pitcher under the steam nozzle.
Use the Aerolatte Milk Frother, Satin Finish or the Bodum Chambord 5-Ounce Milk FrotherYou won't get crema with a stove top or steam espresso maker, however other reviews for this machine have reported this one doesn't produce crema.
I bought this machine based on the reviews. The space under the dispenser is much too shallow and requires you to furnish your own very shallow cup. The steamer is OK, but the pump has already crapped out. You get what you pay for.
But I unfortunately got a lemon, and didn't realize it soon enough to return it to the box store I purchased it from. I reviewed my technique, compared it to his and tried again. I've read lots of reviews for this model, and yes overwelmingly most people really like it and can pull good genuine shots of espresso from it with a little practice. It DOES seem to vary. If this one dies on me, I would probably buy Hamilton Beach's new updated version of this machine, and hope that I get one with a properly working heating element. My specific machine, does not heat up enough with just the power on to pull a decent shot of espresso. There's a good video on youtube of a consumer using his machine and pulling beautiful espresso shots.
However, if I turn the steam button on, and allow it to get steam button hot, pull a blank, load and tamp the grounds, and then pull a shot, I get strong, hot espresso with a little bit of crema on top. I've had my model for a year, and do like it. No luck. So I know exactly what other reviewers are talking about when they complain that they have trouble with this machine. Even with fresh beans, a good grind and tamp, letting the machine heat up, and pulling a blank first, the machine simply won't make anything stronger than drip coffee. Since we always make our coffee drinks with steamed milk and flavorings, this is adequate enough for us, and has saved us LOTS of money over the past year from buying our coffee at the coffee shop. Overall, better than a steam machine, and an acceptable price point for the budget minded, despite small drawbacks.
The machine works great and fast. I use it everyday the coffee shop quality of espresso is impressive. The only flaw is removing the arm that holds the ground beans takes several tries and often gets stuck. Other than that minor pain the machine is well worth its price.
received this for a christmas gift had to watch video several times and it took 4 people to figure it out and to boot it wasn't worth the effort.
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