Mr. Coffee Pump Espresso Machine, ECMP50 4.3 5 48 58
Mr Coffee ECMP50 Espresso & Cappuccino Maker If you want espresso with crema and frothed milk that can be used in latte art for low bucks buy this product. I preheat both my coffee mug and the containers used for coffee extraction. I use a grounds basket from an old espresso machine to tamp down the grounds using my thumbs in the basket and table underneath for pressure. I keep the frothing wand (without frothing adapter) positioned in the pour spout of the frothing container and clean it when I'm done. I clean where the grounds holder gets attached after extracting the coffee. The results are great.Now for the quirks so you don't think I steered you wrong. You turn on the ECMP50. The red light will be solid and the other light flashing as is proper. Then for little or no reason the red light starts to flash too. You must turn the machine off until both lights go out, turn the machine back on and this time the red light should remain solid so you can proceed. Push the coffee extraction button. Put your collection container (I prefer translucent with ounces on the side so I can see 1-1/2 and 3 oz shot measurements for a double) under the coffee holder and turn the knob down. You will hear a noisy vibration as the pump is working to send the hot water through the coffee grounds. When the correct amount of coffee has been extracted turn the knob back to the off position. Now push the milk frothing (steam) button and wait until the flashing temperature light goes off. Get ready for another quirk. The sound the machine makes when frothing is quite different from the sound when extracting coffee. Position the tip of the frothing wand just under the milk (wand in the spout if you have one) and turn the knob up. Keep the wand very near the surface and raise it slowly as the milk froths. Do it slowly enough and you get the microfoam. When the foam has caused the milk volume to double lower the wand a bit deeper until the container is getting HOT to the touch and turn the knob off. Be ready for the sound of water being forced into the tray holder (under the metal tray). The water is fairly substantial, but the machine is designed for it. You will want to dump and rinse the tray and metal top between each batch of coffee. Summary: I'm really pleased with the quality of coffee and froth made by the machine. Considering the low price I'm actually amazed at the results. I "hope" the machine lasts in spite of the quirks one must endure. It would be a shame if it were to spring a leak or fail in a relatively short time ... but so far, so good. 02/25/2009
I am happy with my purchase. Espresso machines are so different from prices. I saw one that cost over 20K dollars. This one, for $69, and the cheapest price around for this brand and model. It works great! I love latte, the espresso made from it, made great taste latte. I am happy with it, and I don't want to go for more expensive anymore. 11/16/2008
Works for me. I get a fresh, hot, strong Americano every time. It's quick, easy, inexpensive, and, so far, reliable. The thermo-block heater provides hot water in seconds, the arm/basket sets high enough so you can get a cup under it, the gizwizes provide froth, and the slip out spill tray is a snap. Set a cup under it and let it run until the cup is full. Under two minutes from filling the basket with fresh grind to taking that first sip. It's all I ever wanted. Even the noise it makes works for me - keeps me focused on turning it off before I wander away. We've run a couple of hundred cups for ourselves and our neighbors through it in the month we've had it. So far, so good. 05/02/2009
AWESOME product I bought this machine for my husband for his birthday. We love it! It is very easy to use, just make sure you read the instructions carefully. This unit is also very easy to clean, but you must do it after each use for optimal results and longevity. I made a mocha the other day and it tasted just as good as a coffee house mocha would. This machine is small enough to keep out on the countertops and is eye appealing. Can't say enough good about this product. 05/21/2009
