The “Ferrari” Of Coffee Makers: Jura Giga 5 Reviewed!

April 4, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Coffee Makers, Espresso Machines Tagged 5, coffee center, espresso, giga, jura Leave a comment

Jura Giga 5 Coffee Center (click to enlarge)

The Jura Giga 5 is the Ferrari of coffee makers. This model is not in everyone’s budget. But it is so advanced and creates one of the best coffees in the world. The Giga 5 should definitely be on every coffee aficionado’s must-have list.

Jura Quality

Made in Switzerland, Jura Giga 5 features a full steel exterior and is built to last. Jura models are meant to last for years without breaking. This model comes with a 2-year warranty, so you never have to worry about paying for a faulty part that breaks after a month of use.

Design & Features

Beautiful in design, this all-steel exterior model isn’t only aesthetically pleasing, it’s packed with a lot of features.

Click here to get the price of the Jura Giga 5 Coffee & Espresso Machine.

17 preprogrammed drink options.
Color display with rotary selection.
5 coffee strengths.
3 temperature levels.
Milk frother.
Adjustable spouts.
2 ceramic disk coffee grinders.
2 coffee bean containers.
15-bar pump.
20-ounce stainless steel milk container.
Descale options.
87-ounce water reservoir.
Water filter system.
Pre-Brew aroma system.

These are just some of the features included with the Giga 5.

The two burr grinders hold the coffee beans you prefer. Once ground, you’ll be able to choose between 17 preprogrammed coffee drinks from Espresso to regular coffee and Ristretto to Viennese Coffee.

It’s like having Starbucks in your kitchen – but better.

The digital display also allows you to choose size, strength and heating for your desired cup of coffee. The adjustable spout allows users to fill any size cup or travel mug. If any coffee drips out of the spout, it will be caught in the dishwasher-safe drip pan.

Want tea? There is a hot water spout just for that.

Using Thermoblock heating, drinks are prepared quickly. The aroma will also be preserved despite the fast brew time thanks to the pre-brew aroma system included.

Coffee doesn’t get much better than with the Jura Giga 5.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Maintenance was a design feature for this product. The machine does allow for the drip tray and coffee grind holder to be placed in the sink. However, the system also cleans:

The milk system.
The spouts.
The coffee system.

There are filters that need to be changed, and the descaling is also done by the machine itself.

Durability & Longevity

Jura states that many of their models have been in use for over 10 years and have produced over 12,000 cups of coffee. This machine will last you, granted you maintain it properly, for decades.

High-End Price

The Jura Giga 5 is not your typical coffee maker, and the price reflects the quality. Some people go all the way to Rome for an espresso. Now they don’t have to with Jura.

Pros

17 preprogrammed drink selections.
The highest durability on the market.
Specialty coffee made with the rotary display.
Ceramic disc grinders.
Unmatched pre-brew aroma system.

Cons

Priced out of most buyer’s budgets.

This is not a coffee maker for everyone, but it is the right choice for avid coffee drinkers. From the strong aroma to the thorough extraction and bean grinding process, the Jura Giga 5 literally redefines the way coffee is made.

Click here to get the price of the Jura Giga 5 Coffee & Espresso Machine.

The Amazing Jura Impressa C9 Reviewed!

April 4, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Espresso Machines Tagged C9, espresso, high-end, Impressa, jura Leave a comment

Jura 13422 Impressa C9 (click to enlarge)

Jura is a premium brand, and the Impressa C9 is one of the company’s top models. This coffee and espresso center has virtually every feature a person could ever want from their coffee maker – and more.

Build Quality

Measuring 16” x 11” x 13 ½”, the C9 is made with hard plastics, chrome accents and stainless steel. The storage area features a chrome-plated cup and even the burr-grinder is commercial-grade.

Jura ensures every piece and part of the C9 meets the highest quality standards.

Click here to get the price of the Jura Impressa C9 Coffee & Espresso Machine.

Design & Features

Impressive doesn’t begin to describe the immense feature set that this model boasts.

Coffee and espresso options.
Commercial-grade burr grinder.
14-ounce stainless-steel, thermal milk container.
18-bar power pump.
Two-step flavor extraction.
Programmable functions.
Dual temperature settings.
Three strength levels.
LED dialog display for: heating, fill water and clean unit.
64-ounce water reservoir.
8-ounce bean container.
Adjustable spout.
Water-care filtration system.

Brewing can be done with either store-purchased coffee or with fresh beans that are ground to perfection in the machine’s conical grinder. Fine or coarse grinds can be produced with various degrees of control.

The 64-ounce reservoir is connected to a built-in water filtration system. This system removes chlorine and other water impurities that affect the way coffee or espresso tastes. The stainless steel milk container keeps milk cold for hours and will allow the frothXpress Plus system to make froth or steam milk for the perfect espresso.

Coffee strength and cup size can be chosen by the user. Want a specific type of coffee? Save the setting so you can instantly create the perfect coffee down to strength, cup size and more.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Maintenance and cleaning could not be any easier. Why? Jura has included every last measure to make sure users know when to:

Change the water filter.
Clean the machine.
Add water.
Descale.

There are even step-by-step instructions for you to follow. Self-cleaning is offered and takes just 60 seconds to complete. The rest is a simple rinse of certain parts, or using a damp cloth to clean the exterior.

Durability & Longevity

Under warranty for 2 years or 6,000 cups, this machine should have no issues lasting 6+ years. Many Jura users have been using this very model for 2+ years without any issue – it’s built to last.

Price

How much does premium quality actually cost? This is not a cheap model, but it provides one of the best flavor extraction processes in the world.

Pros

Very quiet
Easy to clean
A ton of features
Energy efficient
Comes with a DVD with tips on brewing, frothing and cleaning

Cons

Doesn’t work well with oily beans

The manufacturer warns that if you use oily beans, the machine will not operate properly. Normally, this will cause a leak. The leak will be fixed once the beans are removed. So, if you like oily beans, this may not be the best choice for you.

However, if you’re a coffee aficionado that will only settle for the best, the Jura Impressa C9 is one of the best models in the world. Period.

Click here to get the price of the Jura Impressa C9 Coffee & Espresso Machine.

De’Longhi Silver Lattissima Plus Nespresso Capsule System Review

April 4, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Espresso Machines Tagged de'longhi, espresso, Lattissima, nespresso Leave a comment

DeLonghi Lattissima Plus Nespresso Capsule System (click to enlarge)

De’Longhi is one of the most respected names in the coffee industry, and the Latissima Plus combines De’Longhi craftsmanship with the convenience of Nespresso capsules.

I was so excited to give this machine a test run, and I was really surprised with the results. Let’s take a closer look at what this luxurious espresso maker can do.

Artisan-Quality Craftsmanship

The Lattissima is just as beautiful as its name. It’s well-built with high quality materials and steel accents.

The design of the machine is elegant and looks great in the kitchen. De’Longhi is known for producing high quality machines, so you know the Lattissima will give you plenty of use.

Click here to get the price of the De’Longhi Lattissima Plus Espresso Machine.

Luxurious Features and Elegant Design

The Lattissima Plus makes it easy to brew espresso drinks right in your own kitchen. With the touch of a button, this machine can brew shots of espresso, lattes and cappuccinos.

Now, this machine only works with Nespresso capsules, so keep that in mind. Once the brewing cycle is complete, the machine automatically ejects the used capsule into the capsule tank for easy disposal. The tank can hold up to 10 capsules before it needs to be emptied.

Brewing is easy, too. Just load up a capsule, fill the milk container and slide it into place, and place a glass under the machine’s nozzle. Select what type of drink you want to brew, and you’re ready to go.

You can adjust the quantity of coffee or milk for each selection, and you can even program the machine to save your favorite drink settings.

The Latissima Plus heats up in just 40 seconds thanks to its ThermoBlock heating system. And when it’s done brewing, the auto power-off feature will turn the machine off to help you save energy. You can choose to have the machine automatically power down after 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.

Fuss-Free Cleaning

Cleaning the Latissima Plus is a breeze. The drip tray, water tank and used capsule container are all removable for easy cleaning. And with pods, you never have to worry about cleaning up coffee grounds.

Designed for Years of Use

The Latissima Plus is backed by the De’Longhi name and its reputation for producing high quality coffee makers. I’m confident that you’ll get years of use out of this machine as long as you take good care of it.

Mid-Range Price

The Latissima Plus offers automatic espresso and coffeehouse drink brewing – for a fraction of the cost of most high end automatic machines.

Pros

Automatic espresso, cappuccino and latte brewing.
Convenient coffee capsules.
Great tasting coffee.
Easy to clean.
Heats up in just 40 seconds.
Comes with a pack of Nespresso capsules.

Cons

Pods can be expensive and limiting

Pods can be more costly than regular coffee and your selection is limited. But the quality of the coffee is fantastic.

If you love a good espresso, cappuccino or latte, the De’Longhi Latissima Plus is your go-to choice for a home-brewing system. It’s an affordable, automated brewer that’s durable and looks great in the kitchen.

Click here to get the price of the De’Longhi Lattissima Plus Espresso Machine.

The De’Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Reviewed

April 4, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Espresso Machines Tagged de'longhi, ESAM3300, espresso Leave a comment

DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Espresso (click to enlarge)

De’Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica is a high-end automatic coffee and espresso maker. The ESAM3300 includes everything you could want in a coffee maker.

It makes coffee, espresso and cappuccino. This model is even able to create froth, grind beans and has a double boiler system if you want to make two consecutive drinks – minus the wait.

Top Quality

Made with hard plastic and a stainless steel front, the De’Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic is a top quality coffee maker with no expense spared. Check out these top features it sports below!

Click here to get the price of the De’Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Espresso/Coffee Machine.

Design & Features

Wondering what makes the Magnifica magnificent? Let’s take a look at the features:

Cappuccino system
Rotary display
Programmable settings
Conical burr grinder
Direct-to-brew system
Double boiler
Instant reheat
Cup warmer
Adjustable spigots

The magnifica makes brewing coffee as simple and easy as possible. Starting from the top, users can add beans into the coffee grinder before choosing their desired setting. Now, users will fill the 60 ounce water container and will be ready to brew their first cup of coffee.

Featuring a direct-to-brew feature, the Magnifica will grind the beans and start brewing immediately for optimal freshness.

The spigots are adjustable to fit your mug size, and there is a double boiler design. This design allows you to brew a cup of coffee followed by espresso or cappuccino without having to wait for the water to reach optimal brewing temperature.

Want froth? There is a milk wand that is included and will create the perfect froth for your drink.

Users can also brew two cups at a time, or one cup if they wish.

Easy Maintenance and Cleaning System

Cleaning is essential if you want this model to last a lifetime. You’ll be alerted when it’s time to descale, and you’ll want to perform a thorough cleaning at least once a week for optimal flavor.

The bean and water container are removable to allow for easy cleaning.

Durability & Longevity

Many customers love the De’Longhi brand, and I am among them. I do not own this model personally – although I wish I did – but I know people that have owned the 3200 for nearly 10 years. While an older version, the newer version comes at even a higher quality than the 3200 and is far superior in my opinion.

This is definitely a great buy if you’re in the market for a long-lasting coffee machine.

Price

This high-end machine is priced for a mid-price range, which is low for a high-end model of this quality.

Pros

Direct-to-brew makes making coffee a breeze.
Delicious tasting coffee, espresso and more.
Cup warmer makes cups ready for espresso.
Milk frothing wand and cappuccino system.

Cons

Small water reservoir.
Slow customer support.

I would have really liked to see a larger water reservoir included. Many high-end models hold double the water amount. The only other issue is that if you need a repair, customer support is very slow. However, this only happens when a machine may have a defect off of the assembly line.

Aside from the slow support, this is the perfect model. The burr grinder is precise, the froth is delicious, the brew cycle is quick, and the taste is top-notch.

Click here to get the price of the De’Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Espresso/Coffee Machine.

The Breville BES920XL Espresso Machine Reviewed!

April 4, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Espresso Machines Tagged BES900XL, breville, espresso machine Leave a comment

Breville BES920XL Espresso Machine (click to enlarge)

I’ve reviewed other Breville espresso makers (yes, they have quite a few), and they’re always a pleasure to use. But the BES920XL holds a special place in my heart. This model isn’t always easy to get a hold of and it’s a bit on the expensive side, but it brews up a cup of espresso that rivals what you’d get in an Italian café. There’s a lot to love about this machine, and I can’t wait to share the details of my review with you.

Commercial-Quality Espresso Machine

First, let me just say that this machine is commercial-quality, or as close as you’ll get with a home machine. It’s built with stainless steel, so it’s highly durable. All parts are made from either steel or BPA-free plastic.

Click here to get the price of the Breville BES920XL Espresso Machine.

All the Features You Could Ever Need

The BES920XL features dual stainless steel boilers with two 15-bar Italian pumps. This allows for steaming and espresso brewing simultaneously. The dedicated steam boiler is 32 ounces, while the dedicated espresso boiler is 10 ounces.

On top of this, you get a ton of programmable features, like:

Shot volume
Shot temperature
Pre-infusion duration
Power
Auto start time
Audio volume
Shot volume

The BES920XL uses precise electronic temperature control to ensure your espresso is always brewed at the optimal temperature.

The backlit LCD display also shows you the shot clock (how long the brew will take), regular clock or the shot temperature. The 84 ounce water tank is removable, too, for added convenience. Plus, it comes with a 360-degree swivel steam wand for brewing coffeehouse drinks.

The OPV (over-pressure valve) ensures that your grounds are never over-extracted because of excess pressure. And the BES920XL gives you instant hot water, so you can preheat cups or brew Americanos.

At first glance, you’ll think the BES920XL is a complicated “space machine” (at least that’s what I called it), but it’s really easy to use. And after a few rounds, you’ll be brewing espresso like a professional barista.

Smart “Clean Me” Feature

One of the things that I really love about this model, and other Breville espresso makers, is that it lets you know when it’s time to clean the machine. It also comes with cleaning tools and a cleaning disc for added convenience.

The exterior of the BES920XL is stainless steel, so it wipes clean with a sponge or damp towel.

Will Give You Years of Espresso Brewing

Breville is known for their high quality home appliances, and the BES920XL is well-engineered. I have no doubt that this machine will give you years of use if you take proper care of it.

The Right Price

I’m going to be honest – this machine isn’t cheap. Right now, you’re looking at spending well over $1,000 for the BES920XL. But if you’re a true fan of espresso, you know that a high quality brewer is worth every penny and can’t compare to low-range (or even mid-range) machines.

Why I Love This Machine

Dual boilers and pumps, so you can brew and steam at the same time.
OPV limits the extraction pressure, so you get a smooth shot of espresso every time.
LCD display makes it easy to brew.
With a ton of features, you can brew your espresso to your own liking.
Swivel steam wand lets you make cappuccinos, lattes and other coffeehouse drinks.

The One & Only Con

Price

Aside from the price, there’s nothing I’d change about this machine. It has everything you could possibly want in an espresso machine. And, in all honesty, that makes it well worth the price. I can’t recommend the Breville BES920XL more. If you love espresso, you’ll love this machine.

Click here to get the price of the Breville BES920XL Espresso Machine.

The Breville 800ESXL Espresso Machine Reviewed!

April 4, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Espresso Machines Tagged 800ESXL, breville, espresso machine Leave a comment

Breville 800ESXL Espresso Machine (click to enlarge)

In case you hadn’t heard, Breville makes some fantastic espresso machines, and the 800ESXL is no exception. When I took this model for a test drive, I was surprised by the quality of the espresso it produced – and how easy it was to brew. This 15-bar, triple-priming, die-cast machine was on par with some of the higher end models I’ve tested. Let’s take a closer look at what the 800ESXL has to offer.

Solid Espresso Machine with Stainless Steel Housing

If you plan on brewing espresso daily, you need to invest in a high quality machine. And the 800ESXL is a great choice. With a stainless steel housing, this machine is durable and easy to clean.

Click here to get the price of the Breville 800ESXL Espresso Machine.

Convenient Features

Now, here’s what’s most important – the machine’s features. And this model has plenty to offer, including:

ThermoBlock heating system
15-bar, triple prime Italian pump
Selector dial that lets you choose between espresso, steam or hot water
Swivel steam wand with a frother
Removable, 72 ounce water tank
4.5” cup clearance

Plus, the 800ESXL comes with a tamping tool, filters, frothing pitcher (stainless steel) and a cleaning tool.

All controls are easily accessed on the front panel of the machine. The dial lets you choose between brewing espresso and using the steamer or hot water functions. It’s so easy to use, and it brews a rich cup of espresso.

Easy Maintenance and Cleaning

I’m not a big fan of coffee makers that are difficult to clean (who is?), and the 800ESXL was surprisingly easy to clean. The exterior of the machine is made of stainless steel, so it wipes clean with a sponge or towel. And Breville gives you a cleaning tool, so you can keep your machine looking like new.

Highly Durable

Espresso machines can be fickle. Even some high-end machines have a reputation for puttering out after a few months. But the 800ESXL is built to last. Plus, it’s backed by a 1-year warranty. So if your machine does happen to break, Breville will either repair it or send you a new one.

Affordable

Many coffee lovers shy away from buying an at-home espressos machine. Why?

They’re afraid the espresso won’t live up to their expectations.
They’re expensive.

But Breville breaks that trend with the 800ESXL. This is a high quality, affordable espresso machine that you can get your hands on for a great price!

Pros

15-bar Italian pump and ThermoBlock heating for the perfect cup of espresso.
Swivel steam wand, so you can make cappuccinos, lattes and Americanos.
Removable 75 ounce water tank for easy filling and cleaning.
Stainless steel housing for the utmost in durability.

Cons

No automatic shut-off

The 800ESXL does not offer an automatic shut-off feature. This isn’t a deal breaker, but more of an inconvenience. If you forget to shut off the machine, it will continue heating your water all day.

The 800ESXL is easy to use and lets you brew the perfect cup of espresso – or your favorite coffeehouse drink – right in your own kitchen. If you’re looking for an affordable espresso machine that’s built to last, the Breville 800ESXL is a smart choice.

Click here to get the price of the Breville 800ESXL Espresso Machine.

My Favorite High-End Espresso Machine: The Jura Ena Micro 1!

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Espresso Machines, Favorite Tagged ena micro 1, espresso machine, high-end, jura Leave a comment

Jura Ena Micro 1 Espresso Machine (click to enlarge)

Looking for an espresso machine that’s sleek, elegant and brews the absolute perfect cup of espresso? You’re in luck – the Jura Ena Micro 1 is all that and more. It’s ultra-compact, but designed to brew espresso like a seasoned barista in an Italian café. This is the ultimate in premium coffee machines and I am so excited to be able to share my review with you!

Artisan Craftsmanship

The first thing you’ll notice about the Ena Micro 1 is its design. Sleek, compact and modern, this coffee maker is a work of art. It’s so small and compact, that it fits mostly anywhere in the kitchen.

But it doesn’t just look great – it works great too. It’s well-designed and built with the highest quality materials — something Jura prides itself on with every one of their models!

Click here to get the price of the Jura Ena Micro 1 Espresso Machine.

Designed to Brew the Perfect Espresso

The Ena Micro 1 is perfectly engineered to take most of the work out of brewing espresso. With just a few button presses, the Ena Micro 1 will get to work, brewing your preferred cup. From size to aroma level, you have control over the brew.

All of your beans are stored in a small compartment on top of the machine. The aroma preservation lid keeps your beans as fresh as possible, while the grinder gently grinds them to your preferred size.

Before the brewing even begins, the machine will preheat the water to the optimal brewing temperature. In one single brewing cycle, you can choose the strength and preparation for up to two cups. The coffee spout is also adjustable, so you can brew large or small cups of coffee with ease and without destroying the crema. The 15 bar pressure system is ideal for brewing espresso.

To ensure that your espresso tastes as pure as possible, Jura includes a water filter cartridge to remove impurities from the water. It also helps prevent scale.

And when you’re done brewing, the zero-energy switch will disconnect the machine from your power supply, so you don’t use energy while the machine is on standby.

The Jura Ena Micro 1 comes pre-programmed for three sizes, which are espresso, lungo and ristretto, and there are three settings for the concentration of beans.

Ristretto is the strongest and smallest cup of coffee and will be made with the most concentrated amount of coffee beans and least amount of water.
Espresso is with a little bit more water but still quite strong.
Lungo is more like a regular cup of coffee and will be using the largest amount of water.

The largest of the factory programmed water amount is about 6 ounces and you can quite easily manually program the Jura Micro 1 to give you even more water.

Jura packs all of these great features into one compact model that’s just 9.06” x 12.72” x 17.52”. This powerful little machine won’t take up much room on your counter, and will add a touch of elegance to your kitchen.

Simple Cleaning and Maintenance

With a compact design, the Ena Micro 1 is really easy to clean and maintain. The water filter does a great job at preventing scale, but I recommend also buying the cleaning tablets that Jura offers.

On top of this, the machine also has a rinsing, cleaning and descaling program built in, so your machine will stay clean at all times.

A Timeless Espresso Machine

The Ena Micro 1 truly is an espresso machine that will give you years of use. It’s well-engineered and built with the highest quality materials.

Luxury Coffee Maker at a Mid-Range Price

I would recommend you get the Ena Micro 1 but this is definitely a coffee maker that’s on the higher end of the mid-range class, but it’s worth every penny for the convenience, compact design and fantastic coffee quality.

Why I Recommend the Jura Ena Micro 1

Single-serve 1-cup machine, which is great for single coffee drinkers.
Grinder built into the machine for the freshest coffee grounds.
Multiple cup sizes and adjustable spout make it easy to brew larger cups.
Compact design that won’t take up much room in your kitchen.
Automatic energy savings to cut your energy costs.

Some Drawbacks to Consider

Pricey

The Ena Micro 1 is a little on the expensive side, but for an upper-mid range model, it really is worth every penny. It brews an absolutely delicious cup of espresso, and the machine itself is so easy to use and clean. You’d have trouble finding another coffee maker of this quality at a lower price.

Click here to get the price of the Jura Ena Micro 1 Espresso Machine.

Best Value Buy: The Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine Reviewed!

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Espresso Machines Tagged 14101, espresso machine, Gaggia, italian Leave a comment

Gaggia 14101 Espresso Machine (click to enlarge)

Gaggia is an Italian company that specializes in espresso and cappuccino machines. The company has been around since 1947, so it’s safe to say that they know a thing or two about building coffee makers. I have to admit that I had never heard of this brand before I tested the 14101 Classic, but I’m so happy to now be acquainted with Gaggia. The Classic Espresso is a pleasure to use, and I couldn’t wait to share my review with you.

Unmatched Quality and Craftsmanship

Gaggia takes pride in their craftsmanship, and it really shows with this machine. The exterior housing is made from stainless steel, which gives it a sleek, modern look, but also makes the machine more durable. Both the grouphead and the portafilter are brass, so you’re really getting a well-made machine with the Classic Espresso.

Click here to get the price of the Gaggia 14101 Espresso Machine.

Modern Design & Practical Features

The Classic Espresso doesn’t boast any fancy features. It’s a simple machine that’s designed to do one thing: brew a smooth cup of espresso.

The 72oz. water reservoir is removable for easy cleaning. It also eliminates the need to make several trips to the sink just to brew more shots of espresso. Plus, it comes with a single- or double-shot filter baskets (both made of stainless steel).

The 17 1/2 bar pump and brass components help brew a fantastic cup of coffee. The frothing wand is great for making cappuccinos and lattes too. There’s also a nice hot water dispenser that you can use to brew tea.

As I mentioned previously, this machine doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles you’ll find with high-end automatic machines, but the focus here is really on the quality of the build and the coffee. And in this regard, the Classic Espresso is excellent.

Effortless Cleanup & Maintenance

With a stainless steel exterior, this coffee maker is very easy to clean. Just use a damp cloth to wipe down the sides and top of the machine. There’s no self-cleaning cycle, so you’ll have to clean the interior of the machine the same way you would a regular drip coffee maker.

The Utmost in Durability

With such high quality parts, I’m confident this machine will give you years of use. One online reviewer said their 15-year old machine is still brewing shots on a daily basis. Other reviewers have updated their reviews from 3+ years ago stating that their Classic Espresso Machine is still going strong.

Great Value

This is a mid-range espresso machine, but the quality of the coffee and the longevity of the machine make this machine worth the cost.

Pros

17 1/2 bar pump pressure, high-voltage boiler, and brass grouphead and portafilters for excellent temperature control and great-tasting espresso.
Single and double shot filter baskets for versatile brewing.
Commercial-grade quality.
Frother for making cappuccinos, lattes and other coffeehouse-style drinks.
Easy to use and clean.

Cons

The milk steamer can be fickle.

Gaggia has already addressed the issue with the milk steamer, and have replaced it with a newer, upgraded frother wand.

The Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine brews an exceptional cup of espresso and is well-engineered to give you years of use. I enjoyed every minute of testing this model, and I highly recommend it to any coffee lover looking for a great espresso machine.

Click here to get the price of the Gaggia 14101 Espresso Machine.

My Favorite Espresso Machine: The De’Longhi EC155 Reviewed!

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Espresso Machines, Favorite Tagged affordable, de'longhi, EC155, favorite, popular Leave a comment

De’Longhi EC155 Espresso Machine (click to enlarge)

De’Longhi is a well-known name in the coffee industry. Based in Treviso, Italy, De’Longhi makes some of the best home and commercial espresso brewers on the market. That’s why I was so excited to try out the EC155 for myself. This is a great entry-level espresso maker that won’t break your budget – but will give you a fantastic shot of espresso. Let’s dive right into the details and take a closer look at this model in my review.

Small But Sturdy

The EC155 is small, but sturdy. It can literally fit in any small area within your kitchen or office. With silver metallic accents and a solid black plastic body, this machine is extremely well-built. De’Longhi is well-known for producing high quality coffee makers, and this brewer is a testament to that claim.

Click here to get the price of the De’Longhi EC155 Espresso Machine.

Become Your Own Barista

With the EC155, you can become your own barista – no experience necessary. Not only can you brew espresso, but other coffeehouse drinks as well, like lattes and cappuccinos.

Here’s a rundown of this machine’s features:

Swivel jet frother, so you can make cappuccinos and lattes like a pro.
Dual function filter holder lets you brew ground coffee or pods.
Self-priming operation for easy start-up.
Two separate thermostats that control steam pressure and water separately, so your espresso is always brewed at the perfect temperature.
15 bar pump pressure and stainless steel boiler.
water tank.
Cup warmer.
Brews two cups at a time.

The self-priming feature is really great because you don’t have to wait around for the boiler and element to reach the right temperature.

Easy to Keep Clean

Some espresso machines are a pain to clean, but the EC155 is quick and easy. The water tank and drip tray are both removable, so you can clean and descale with ease. I never had any issues disassembling and reassembling the machine either. The entire process was so quick and painless.

Enjoy Espresso For Years to Come

The De’Longhi EC155 is an espresso machine that will give you many years of use. The boiler is made from top quality stainless steel, which is resistant to rust. De’Longhi is a common appliance brand in Italy, and the company is known for its quality.

Excellent Value

Semi-automatic espresso machines (which is what the EC155 is) come in various price ranges, but most are pretty pricey. That’s not the case with the EC155.

What I Love About the De’Longhi EC155

15 bar pump pressure and water temperature control for the perfect shot of espresso.
Is compatible with both ground coffee and coffee pods.
Swivel jet frother allows you to make cappuccinos, lattes and other coffeehouse drinks.
Durable stainless steel boiler will give you years of use.
Self-primer function eliminates wait time, and lets you start brewing as quickly as possible.

What Could Have Been Better

The knob control is a little confusing.

The machine’s main control knob is a little confusing at first mainly because it uses symbols rather than text to describe each function. This really isn’t a big deal. Just make sure you read the instruction manual to learn how to control each setting.

If you’re tired of spending $4 on coffeehouse drinks, start brewing at home with the De’Longhi EC155. It’s easy to use, quick to brew and makes one mean shot of espresso.

Click here to get the price of the De’Longhi EC155 Espresso Machine.

My Runner Up: The Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine Reviewed

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Espresso Machines Tagged breville, espresso machine, runner up Leave a comment

Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine (click to enlarge)

The Breville BES870XL Barista Express is like having your own personal barista right in your own kitchen (or office). Packed with great features, the Barista Express makes home espresso brewing an effortless process. I couldn’t wait to give this model a test drive, and I was blown away by the quality of the coffee this machine brews. I’ll share more details of my experience with the machine in my review below.

Top Quality Construction

Over the years, Breville has earned a reputation for making some of the highest quality appliances on the market. So, I wasn’t surprised to find that the Barista Express worked like a well-oiled machine. With a stainless steel portafilter, conical burr grinder and sleek metal exterior, the Barista Express is a well-engineered work of art.

Click here to get the price of the Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine.

Sleek Design with a Laundry List of Features

The Barista Express doesn’t disappoint in the features department. This machine is as close to fully-automatic as you’re going to get with a home espresso maker.

Here’s what the BES870XL has to offer:

Stainless steel conical grinder, for the freshest beans with each brew.
1/2lb. sealed bean hopper.
removable water tank.
Purge function to adjust water temperature after steam. This ensures that your espresso is extracted at the perfect temperature.
15 bar pump pressure with 1600W thermo coil heating system.
Filter size button lets you choose between single and double wall filter.
54mm tamper for precise tamping control.
Hands-free grinding for an effortless brew.
Reprogrammable shot volumes and preset volumes for 1 and 2 cups.
Stainless steel water coil allows for precise water temperature control.
“Clean me” light lets you know when it’s time to clean your machine.
360-degree swivel wand for steaming.
Cleaning kit included.

The Barista Express leaves no stone unturned when it comes to convenient and practical features. And the most important ones, like temperature control and freshly ground coffee, really make this machine one of the best espresso makers you can buy.

Quick Clean-Up

Breville includes a cleaning kit with this machine, which is tucked away in a hidden compartment. And the “Clean Me” light will let you know when it’s time to run the cleaning cycle.

Backed By the Breville Name

If you’re looking for an espresso machine that will last, the Barista Express is a smart option. Backed by the Breville name, this machine comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

With a metallic exterior and high-quality engineering, you’ll be using this machine for years if you take proper care of it.

Great Features at a Mid-Range Price

The Breville BES870XL is a mid-range espresso machine priced. Compared to other machines with similar features and functionalities, this is a fantastic price.

The Good

Water tank is removable for easy cleaning.
Conical grinder is included, so you can grind your beans just minutes before brewing.
15 bar pressure pump and precise water temperature control, so you brew the perfect cup of espresso.
Gives you the flexibility to choose the grind amount, filter size and number cups.
The “clean me” light helps ensure you keep your machine clean and working in tip top shape.

The Not-so-Good

The cost

The only real drawback with the Breville BES870XL is its cost. But compared to other machines of similar quality and function, the BES870XL is very reasonably priced.

The Breville BES870XL Barista Express is one of the most convenient espresso machines I’ve ever tested, and it brews some of the best espresso I’ve ever had. If you’re searching for a machine that will give you the freshest brew at the best price, the BES870XL is the right choice.

Click here to get the price of the Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine.