We bought this machine from Williams-Sonoma and liked it so much that we stuck with the coffee through four separate units, each of which failed within three weeks for a different reason. My wife and I each drink 2-3 shots of espresso per day, for a total of 6-8 cycles of the machine (including self rinsing): this is within their warranty rate of 10 cycles per day. We use non-greasy beans and reverse-osmosis water, both of which are recommended by the manufacturer. At first I thought we just got unlucky -every factory makes a few lemons -but after four machines and four independent failure modes I''m convinced they''re just poorly built.For coffee : 4-5 stars. When they work, these machines are just adjustable enough for us you can adjust the grind, the water temperature, and the water volume independently to "sight in" your ideal shot. For reliability: -4 stars. I would give this product just a single star, but the titanium fronted one comes with a terrific milk-frothing assembly that makes great, silky foam every time. That alone is worth a second star.
Machine #1: worked for three weeks, then mysteriously failed with an error code "DE" on the screen. Krups support was baffled.
Machine #2: worked for 1.5 weeks, then the burr grinder broke motor would turn but wouldn''t grind coffee.
Machine #3: DOA on initial plug-in, entered an infinite loop of "calibrating machine" cycles. (I think an internal sensor was jammed).
Machine #4: worked for 3 weeks, then mysteriously started spewing acrid, electrical-insulator smoke.
I suggest a Delonghi Magnifica they can be found for under $1k and are actually designed to be maintainable or a semi-auto with built-in burr grinder (Breville makes one).
If you are selling a defective product, and you know it, at least try to keep your company''s reputation intact by taking responsibility for it, you know?
Finally, amazon agreed to take it back and refund our money. Anybody recommend a good DeLonghi?
Buy Krups XP7225 Compact Fully Automatic Espresso Machine Now
Today I received my Krups XP7225 Compact Fully Automatic Espresso Machine after doing hours and hours of research. I liked the things I read about itsmall size, some control over output, flavor, crema, dependability compared to other models of interest.I have to admit that I don''t usually drink espresso. I prefer to add milk to my coffee. I like to enjoy a latte or cappuccinno. I do not add syrups or sweetenersno flavorsno sugar.
So, I really need to bring out the sweetness of the milk, and to do that I need to get the milk to at least 140 degrees. When the milk hits 140 degrees the natural sweetness of milk bursts through, and you can enjoy a reasonably sweet and creamy beverage without using sugar, and fend off osteoporosis at the same time. I learned from a barista in Rome that lattes and cappuccinos do not have to be loaded with chocolate or caramel to taste sweet and delicious. You just have to know how to produce proper steamed milk! I had fun learning how to do make a great espresso drinks in Italy, and I long for the quality I enjoyed there. (or at least as close to it as I can come in the U.S. midwest)
Unfortunately, the Krups 7225 does not have enough staying power to heat the milk properly before or after brewing a shot of espresso. I wish it had an additional heating element! I followed the set up, rinsed the machine, did the initial run through, prepared 2 cups of espresso, and as directed, threw them out and began to make my first latte.
My initial attempt produced lovely foam, but the milk was much too cool to sweeten the milk. Not a good product. I returned to the manual (which is WONDERFULLY instructive) and adjusted steamer''s automatic timer. Better, but still the milk was not heated well.
Third time I let the steamer use the full cycle, then started the steamer again. It was a short wait, but my espresso was cooling on the cup warmer while I waited to generate steam again. Finally I got the milk to 140, added it to the espresso shot, and enjoyed a creamy, sweet latte. The foam was absolutely lovely, dense, creamy, sweetperfect. I just wish the machine would provide an adequate amount of steam.
In fairness, I am going to go tonight to get some mineral water and see if I can produce more steam. Today I used distilled water, hoping to avoid calcium buildup to keep the machine clean and running for years to come. I hope I can report that it makes a difference.
It is regrettable to spend so much for a machine that cannot produce sweet, frothy milk for one latte or cappucino. I feel disappointed. However, if you prefer to drink espresso or use just a little milk, this could be the machine for you.
Pro''s:
Very compact size
Easy to set up
Easy to adjust and customize for your particular taste
Easy to useexcept when steaming milk
Easy to understand manual
No more stops at the coffee shop on the way to work!
Con''s
Steam does not last long enough to produce a sweet, frothy large latte.
Less metal, more plastic than I expected.
Price seems a lot for the construction of the machine
Overall Impression:
If you don''t have a lot of space for your espresso machine, drink straight espresso or drinks with just a little milk, then stop looking and buy the Krups XP7225. However, if you''re like me and enjoy a large latte or cappuccino with sweet, creamy milk and dense, fluffy froth, this may not be the machine for you.
Read Best Reviews of Krups XP7225 Compact Fully Automatic Espresso Machine Here
I''ve been using my XP7225 for a couple of months now, and I think I can provide some insight into this machine.Executive Summary: Great machine if you like pressure-brewed coffee or straight espresso shots. Not so great for cappuccinos as the steamer doesn''t get the milk hot enough fast enough. Bargains available online and in stores. I bought mine for $320 at BBB (with the 20 percent coupon).
Some observations:
-The Claris filter is optional. I don''t use it as it appears to cause problems for users and the troubleshooting guide mentions to remove it if you have problems. I have never had any problems going filterless. Instead, I use a Brita faucet filter to fill the machine. Also, the Claris filter costs $18 and must be changed every 2 months!
-Some users have complained about leaking. Note that the drip tray fills up from within the machine as the machine heats up. You need to empty the drip tray after each one or two uses. I am sure this is where the leaks come from. If you empty the tray often, no leaks.
-Although the milk steamer is effective to froth, the end-product is not hot enough after a one minute cycle. If you have the patience to run it for a second time, that solves the problem. However, cleaning the attachment is a pain (requires running steam through it but should also be removed and washed). I prefer to heat the milk in my cup for one minute in the microwave. This also heats up the cup nicely. I realize this is not steamed milk but rather heated milk. I really don''t have a big attachment to milk froth, but, if you do, this is not the machine for you.
-The pressure-brewed coffee is so delicious and non-bitter that I can drink it black without sugar. This is from someone who usually takes three teaspoons and lots of milk per 8 oz cup. The difference between this and a drip coffee machine is like night and day.
-I always run a rinse cycle (about 2 oz of water) after I am done with the machine and when I start it up.
-The standard size coffee is adjustable up to 4 oz. The long coffee (8 oz) is a double cycle. I mix 4 oz of steamed milk (from the microwave) with 4 oz of coffee. The result is very good and requires little or no sugar.
-The machine hates oily beans. Use a medium roast, dry bean for best results. I prefer the finest setting on the grinder. It produces lots of crema on the coffee.
Want Krups XP7225 Compact Fully Automatic Espresso Machine Discount?
I reviewed semi-automatic machines like this one along with many others. My brother-in-law had introduced me to the concept of single-brew coffee and I had the opportunity to use similar machines while over in Austria.It took me over a year before I made the purchase and I decided on this Krups machine.
I had experienced and read reviews that the temperature on other machines was not where it needed to be. In some cases, manufacturers suggested that you warm up the coffee mug to help with that issue. I didn''t want that to be a problem so this was top on my list of important features.
All in all, I would say:
Pros
1) Hot coffee 3 settings and I have dialed it down to setting 2. Very happy
2) Reliability I am seeing a few individuals suggest that they are having issues. I specifically chose this manufacturer since I have an older manual espresso that will probably last another 20 years. Their customer service is outstanding and the warranty was respectable. Reading the reviews where there were issues sounds like someone may have had some electrical issues in their house??? Also, I could see where someone could think the machine leaks since there will be water on the counter if you don''t empty the drip tray. I have had my machine for 8 months with zero problems.
3) Selectable options including temperature, grind setting (3), Amount of coffee/espresso per serving
4) Space this is a smaller unit than some of the other brands
5) Frother Works well as long as you use skim or a lower fat milk. The milk should also be cold when starting
6) Cost other machines like this are $1,000+ (new)
7) Convenience Excellent... wife would buy another one if this one should ever need replacing
8) Ease of use I think Krups did an excellent job with the user interface and controls. This is very simple to use.
Cons
1) Selectable options do not include brew strength. This can be controlled through a combination of grind setting and serving size since the amount of coffee can not change. This should be an option
2) Plastic controls The titanium look is a plastic look. Dials could be heavier metal but nothing has broken. This is a function of cost so you get what you pay for.
3) Serving size The machine will only dispense 4 oz of coffee as a single serving. If you want a full cup, you select the Long Coffee setting which will then run through 2-cycles of the 4 ounce option. It doesn''t take long to complete but it would be nice if 1-cycle could make 8 ounces. I am not sure why I say that other than the fact that it is different than what you would expect.... Don''t put a lot of weight on this comment
4) Noise I believe most machines are loud since they are grinding beans and using pressure to make the coffee/espresso but it will be nice when the machine is as quiet as a Miele Dishwasher.
In summary, I believe most of my purchases and satisfaction are a direct correlation between the price. I think this is an excellent choice at the price point. There are machines that are made out of heavier materials and provide some options that I talk about above. They are more expensive and I had concern over reliability.
*** update on 3/4/10 (8 months from purchase) machine started leaking and I had to return for a new one. I have to say that the idea of not having this was not an option. I thought about buying one of the other more expensive versions but then came to grips with everything that I liked about this one to begin with. I guess reliability may not be one of the strengths though... I can say that we use this way too much! ****
*** update on 10/2011 I had received a new machine back in March and it is now leaking all over the counter. I called Krups and they said that this is no longer under warranty and I would need to have it repaired. If it was the first occurrence, I would pay for it but this has proven to be a defect with the unit as evidenced by others and comments. I asked Krups to honor the product given the extenuating circumstances and they would not replace the machine. I have chosen to purchase a new Delonghi Magnificia and so far it is much better given the features and functionality. It also comes with 2 years of warranty and a white glove service line which I hope I do not have to use.
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