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54 of 55 found the following review helpful:
 This is not a bad machineMar 08, 2010
By M. Sun
Do not understand why this item has so many bad reviews. It is not a bad machine!
My last expresso machine was also a Krups steam powered. Lasted for 13 years until it fell apart last week (the prssure valve inside broke). For my replacement machine, I was looking at fully automatic ones (Magnifica, $900), pump based (like cuisineart em-200, $200), and steam powered (like this item, $50). After reading all the review and knowing how pump based machine works, I decided not to go for them. The main reasons are they require a lot of maintenance and they can break down easily. I just do not want high pressure stuff in my house. If it breaks down, it may take a month or two to fix it. After warranty is over, it is more expensive to fix than buying a new one. I basically want a reliable espresso machine which can last 10 years with very little mainenance.
I typically makes a few shots in the morning as soon as I get up. I just do not see how pump based or full automatic machine can save me time. They require preheat which can take 1-5 minutes. For steam based ones, I just load up the coffee and water and wait. Both would give me pretty good espresso after 5-7 minutes.
As far as flavor goes, I do not really feel any difference between my cheap machine and starbucks/peet's coffee, given using the same coffee. I think good espresso got more to do with type of coffee then the machine. Started drinking espresso drinks heavily in college in 80s, I think I am pretty picky on coffee.
I saw a local store carries this item at $49. I decided to give it a try since they have pretty liberal return policy. It turns out to be a pretty good machine, better than my old Krups and with high pressure.
The good:
(1) Pretty good looking among entry machines, although the price is $10 more than ugly ones.
(2) Makes good espresso drinks quickly
The not so good:
(1) The knob takes time to get used to. The knob has three seetings: off, steam and espresso. It is pretty easy for people to turn on steam when they want espresso, a potentially dangerous situation. Krups should have separate power button instead.
(2) The power cord is kind of short, 6 inch shorter than my old one.
(3) It is pretty hard to heat up the milk straight from the frig. You more likely to have a bunch of cold foams. The better way is to heat up the mil in microwave and then use the steam to make foam.
Overall, I recommend it as an entry machine.
36 of 42 found the following review helpful:
 Just JunkDec 27, 2008
By Nomad
I just got one of these for Christmas to replace a similar unit I used for years. The first time I tried it, it spewed water and coffee grounds all over. It practically blew up! I reduced the amount of coffee (a good Italian espresso, pre-ground fine), and the same thing happened. According to the trouble-shooting guide, the grind was too fine. I tried a coarse grind with no blowups, but the coffee was wimpy. Apparently, this espresso machine wasn't meant to make espresso coffee. This never happened with my previous unit. Pass this one up. It is simply a piece of junk.
25 of 30 found the following review helpful:
I Didn't Believe the Reviews!!Jan 17, 2009
By Carl J. Raichle
I've made great cappuccino for many years using a similar machine. Better than store-bought. I thought the bad-mouthing reviewers simply didn't know what they were doing. Well, I filled my 1020 with the correct amount of water and used a reliably good espresso grind, turned on the machine and waited. And waited. And waited. Eventually, a pathetic dribble of coffee came down. At the appropriate time, I turned the knob to froth the milk. I burned my finger on the jet of steam issuing from the knob-hole on the side of the unit. A weak fizzle came out of the frothing nozzle which never increased in volume. I gave up here and went back to making the coffee - there was no more water to make steam. It had disappeared somewhere inside the machine and onto my countertop. This was such a complete failure that it was almost funny. Fortunately, I bought it locally, and can return it. I left little notes here and there in the packaging saying that this machine is a dud, and could burn you.
I feel that Krups should recall these machines forthwith. They are a complete waste of money for the consumer, and a black eye for the maker.
6 of 6 found the following review helpful:
Best money I've spent on coffee.....Dec 02, 2010
By KateFM
Granted, I worked at a starbucks for a little while after high school so I kind of knew the work that it could take to steam a pitcher of milk and pull a shot of espresso.
For the price, I think this is a great starter if you're strapped for cash or want to dabble with espresso & latte preparation. I've had mine for 2 years now. It's the first one I ever bought. I've had to replace the coffee grind holder/handle once (for about $13), but other than that, i've had no problems. read the directions, they are great. they inform you that pressure builds within the machine and if you do not properly release the pressure upon completion, then yes, it will explode the grinds all over you. duh.
it's pretty easy to clean and maintain. I bought a brush to clean the steaming wand.
It does not come with a frothing pitcher or a beverage thermometer (which i recommend) but they are both pretty inxpensive. I ordered one of each when i ordered my machine.
regarding timing, i put the water in my machine and it begins steaming within 1 minute-1 1/2 minute TOPS. Then when i'm done steaming my milk, i switch it right to the coffee setting and it dispenses my coffee instantly. thats good enough for me!
Hope this review is helpful. i've recommended this to many friends and I think its fantastic for the money.
17 of 21 found the following review helpful:
Not very GoodSep 07, 2008
By Rowan McAllister
I bought one of these used at a garage sale. It was new in the box, still taped, even. I paid $5, which was apparently too much.
The machine seems to be incapable of making espresso. If you fill it up with fresh grind and water, and flip it to the "Cup" setting (for making espresso), it sits, and sits, and sits. About 5 minutes later, it will start to squirt some water out, but it will be another 5-10 minutes until it's finished. It mostly spits out steam through the basket, and a lot of it doesn't end up in the carafe.
I've used other cheapo espresso machine from Mr. Coffee and Melitta and both have worked great (they make a full 4 shots of espresso very quickly). This one just stinks, though. Save a few bucks and get another brand...both the Mr. Coffee and Melitta are actually cheaper than this hunk-o-junk.
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