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I did have to experiment for a few days with the size of the grind (I recommend a good grinder as other have stated) until I finally got it right. I must admit that since I have never used this type of machine before, I did have to read the instructions a couple of times to make sure I understood how to use it, but after a few times, I can whip out coffee in no time. I have never owned an espresso maker so I will not be able to compare it with other models and the more expensive ones out there. I have had no problems with making steamed milk and froth. I have only had this for a couple of weeks and I use it daily (sometimes several time a day) so I hope it lasts me a long time. All I know is that I love coffee (I even started roasting my own beans) and I am amazed at the quality of coffee this little inexpensive machine is producing. I can't believe I make my own cappuccinos and lattes so easily every morning.
The espresso I am able to make with this machine is exactly like the espresso I had there. I have owned this espresso maker for about a year now and absolutely love it. It can be found at Target. I highly recommend this machine and you can't beat the price. It's easy to use and easy to clean.It makes a great cuppa. I lived in Sicily for 3 years where coffee is so important that there are signs on the highway that tell how many kilometers until the next cup.
fine to turkish grind. Usually that one comes right after I've wiped off the rubber gasket for a good tight fit. I would love to buy a more expensive pump machine, and I might, but this one has served me well. It started making ugly chunky bubbling noises about two weeks ago and seemed to be less powerful with the steam.
I've been running this thing 2-3 times a day for a year and a half. Run yesterday's water out of the wand before you stick it in the milk. It's easy to over-tamp if you use a v. I use bottled water or distilled water because of my highly mineraled water.
I can't get anything out of it today. I like to use whole or a little bit of half and half to get great tasting foam in a mini capp, so it take more time to foam than lite.A year isn't very long, but it did the trick keeping me buzzed and happily far from spending $3.50 for capps. One of ten drinks is perfect looking and perfect tasting. If you let it get good and hot, 15-20 minutes, there is a noticeable improvement in flavor and crema.
I've had several cappiccino makers over the years, low cost to high end and this one does exactly what it should and at a great price.One caution - the frother nozzle is soft plastic and I can see how it could be easily cross threaded when replacing after washing. It makes great crema, the steam frother does the trick every time (hint: use skim milk) and I actually look forward to getting up in the morning because of this little gem. I bought two additional ( I received this as a Christmas gift from my wife and our son. So I have used it several times per day for three months without a single problem.
After a few seconds of hot water or steam, the steam would lose pressure or the espresso would go lukewarm and then pump out simulated crema. Machine never produced enough hot water to make espresso.
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