Hamilton Beach Pump Espresso & Cappuccino Maker 3.9 5 96 107
Exceeds Expectation I am not an advance espresso guy, but this is my 2nd espresso-making machine. The original one was a $39 one (Salton/Krup?), it was terrible. This Hamilton Beach is built very sturdy it seem- there's suction cups at the bottom to hold it in place.Pros:- Stainless steel dual spigots are sturdier than plastic ones.- Relatively simple to use (3 switches)- Clean up is easy, but be sure to wipe the water spout part too.- The suction cups at the bottom was genius.- The price.Other Thoughts:- The height of the nozzles are a bit low, but cappuccino-type cups fits just fine.- The water resevoir is a bit awkward to slide in and out.Suggestions:- Don't tamp too firmly if you use espresso/finely ground coffee as it will clump up and the water collect.- Also, it is best not to wait too long after to clean it.- Be sure to have enough water in the resevoir.Other than that, the espresso is very good- much like at Starbucks. And you can control the strength of the espresso too- all for $60! Great value. Try the espresso drizzle over vanilla ice cream- it's real good. 09/16/2008
It suprised me. This machine works better than I expected! I worked for Starbucks for five years, so I'm a tough person to please. After researching for months, I learned that most pump machines are the same. This machine steamed milk much quicker than I expected, and after a few tries I was getting great shots (poured between 17-25 seconds). I have yet to get any crema, but if you make lattes and capps then it doesn't matter. Making foam is a techinque, and it has nothing to do with the machine. The steam wand does sit very low, so we just elevated our machine off of the counter. And it's true that only shot glasses fit under the portafilter. Other than those two things (which are easy to work around), this machine is an incredible buy. It works just as good as the $200 machine that Starbucks sells. If you want to learn how to make better drinks, go into any sbux and ask for a demonstration. 07/27/2009
I have had this product for over two years and use it every day for the both of us. I have had many other Espresso makers through out the MANY years, some that cost well over a Thousand $ and when my last expensive one broke down it would have cost over $300.00 to have the pump replaced. While I was searching out the price of the repair I happened to pick this one up while in the store, like I said, I drink a cup every morning. (1) You have to have patience with any of them, (2) a good burr grinder (not a blade grinder to get the proper grind), and with THIS expresso maker, a double shot glass fits under the coffee basket perfect, use only bottled water or very soft water so that hardend water does not form in the lines & pump, have real creamer pitcher (I have two sizes, with the larger one I set the Expresso maker over by my pastery counter which is lower than the counter next to it so that the coffee maker is at a higher level than the large pitcher so I don't have to tilt the machine to get the large one under the steamer spout) I fill the coffee basket up & attach it to the machine, fill up the pitcher with milk, turn the machin on and push the steam button, wait for the red light to go out, froth the milk first. If the red light comes on wait a few seconds for it to go out. TURN THE STEAM BUTTON OFF, THEN turn the brew BUTTON on till the shot glass is half or more full and its done and every thing is still hot. (DON'T BREW WITH STEAM BUTTON ON, THIS IS NOT A DUBBLE CHAMBER MACHINE, YOU WILL BLOW OUT THE STEAMING GASKETS ) Makes just as good of a latta as the expesive machines I've had. Make sure to empty the coffee basket write away & turn off machine if your going to sit down and drink. NO MACHINE WAS MENT TO STAY ON VERY LONG, EVEN THE ONES WITH AUTO SHUT OFFS. ALL THIS SOUNDS LIKE IT TAKES A LONG TIME (NOT) 3-4 MIN. FROM GRINDING TO A FULL CUP OF HOT EXPRESSO. ( I did have to take the first one back, the pump wouldn't pump, just like any product there are quality issues in a mass produced product especally a espresso machine under $60.00 06/15/2008
I'd like to dispell some misconceptions This machine is a phenomenal value for the money. As a matter of fact...you'd spend $56 just to buy a replacement 41watt Ukla vibratory pump. So they basically give you the entire machine with accessories and dvd for the price of a pump.I've read reviews that ask "where's the crema?"...The crema is a product of fresh beans, proper grind, proper tamping, proper brewing temperature... If you're switching from a steam driven machine, or a pump machine with a "pressurized" portafilter...you're used to getting crema the easy way. With this machine...you've got to use the proper technique to get the crema.I've read reviews that recommend not tamping too much, or your grounds will be wet...Again...a steam driven machine drys the "puck" by blowing steam through it when the water is depleted, which drys the puck. Most high end espresso machines have a "three-way valve"...this valve opens when you stop the brew process...the excess water is ported off inside the machine down to the drip tray or drain. This allows the "puck" to dry. This machine does not have the "three-way valve". It will have a soupy looking "puck" of coffee grounds when you're done brewing. If you don't tamp your coffee --- in order to avoid having a soupy puck...you'll wind up with poor extraction...because the water will just flush right through without developing the proper amount of backpressure. Ideally, you'll develop at least 9 bar of back pressure by getting the grind and the tamping pressure just right. A common technique is to tamp your coffee by placing the filter handle on a scale. Tamp with enough force to register 30 lbs. Brew coffee for 25 seconds. If you're getting too little espresso...your grind is too fine. If you're getting too much espresso...your grind is too coarse. Adjust as necessary. You're trying to get 2 to 2.5 oz of espresso in 25 seconds using the double portafilter basket.I have read reviews saying..."You can't fit a coffee mug under the portafilter" ...Well...no fooling. It's not a coffee machine. It's designed to pull shots of espresso. You can fit shot glasses, espresso solo cups, espesso doppio cups, and capuccino cups under the portafilter with no problems...............All-in-all...this is a fantastic little machine for the money. You can't expect to get a copper or brass boiler, or an E61 grouphead, or a three-way valve for the price. What you do get is a very capable machine.You can google "temperature surfing" to learn a technique that will help you zero in on the best brewing temperature. This machine has a thermostat with approx. 22 degree wide temperature band. If you want to acheive more consistent results...you'll have to learn how to time your shot to get the optimal brewing temperature. Same thing that people do on machines costing $600 or more.I've been using this machine for over a year now. I've pulled at least two doubles everyday. I just noticed a decline in the machine recently...which was remedied by descaling it with citric acid. It's back to it's old self again.I wrote Hamilton Beach and asked for an order form for parts. They sell replacement parts such as water resevoirs, filter holders, filter baskets, etc..for very reasonable prices. I ordered two filter holders and an extra filter basket and it came to $18.57 with shipping. Filter holders alone on high end machines cost over $60...albeit made of chrome plated brass instead of aluminum.If you want an espresso machine that makes great espesso...and doesn't break the bank. This machine is a fantastic buy!It's not a pretty as the $600 - $2500 models...and the plastic steam wand, and plastic tamper is a drawback...but for the price??? C'mon!! It's crazy what a great price this is... 01/13/2010
