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An ideal machine for the classy home espresso brewer, Capresso's EspressoPRO ThermoBlock features both functionality and a smooth, Italian sense of style. It has 1,200 watts of power, enough to make sure the espresso is good and hot, and comes with a specially designed pod sleeve, which works with prepackaged espresso pods if you'd like (it also works fine with ground coffee). Two sieves ensure a rich crema on every drink. This machine accommodates brewing for two at a time and has a hot water s...
- Accommodates brewing for 2 at a time; hot water setting for tea
- 2 sieves ensure a rich crema on every drink; FrothXpress provides steamy, frothy milk
- Use with ground coffee or pods; 40-ounce water reservoir; preheat feature for instant steam
- Stainless-steel ThermoBlock keeps the temperature under control
- Measures 10-1/2 by 10-1/4 by 12-/12 inches; 1-year limited warranty
This Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines give to us some advantages, like this :
1. Great froth and espresso in a neat package
I am very pleased with the EspressoPro.
I had originally purchased the Krups Novo 2300 when my cheapo espresso maker died but became a little spooked by all of the negative reviews posted in ... about the machine even though it seemed to work fairly well. There were a few idiosyncrasies that became more annoying the longer I had the machine, such as having to turn the filter handle really tightly to get a good seal, the long awkward flexible tubing attachment for the frother, and the fact that the espresso was not too hot.
After doing more research, I found the Capresso EspressoPro which appears to be the only other espresso machine combined with the automatic milk frother in this price range.
The EspressoPro does not have any of the Novo 2300 idiosyncrasies: the filter handle clicks into place with minimal effort (no leaking), the frother comes with its own milk container which I find easier to use than the flexible tubing (and it works great and is easy to clean), and the...
2. good machine for the $$
We originally received a Krup's Novo 2300 as a wedding gift. Looked great, but leaked like the South Fork Dam. Greatly saddened, we returned the machine and bought the EspressoPro.
The EspressoPro looked great as well, but the pump was DOA. After a brief call to Capresso, we had a new machine within two days which is still working like a charm 3 months later. Hopefully it will continue to do so!
The machine makes great espresso (if you use the correct grind) with a thick layer of golden crema on top. It's very easy to use, not too bad to clean up, and not too noisy.
The frother is great though we don't use it much - makes great steamed milk and froth.
The three sieves for pods, single shots, and double shots are very handy.
The only reason I didn't give a 5-star review was for the first bum machine, and for the fact that the espresso could be just a touch hotter for my taste. But that's my taste.
Need more appointment... ?
Tips for brewing espresso with this fab machine
I received the Capresso EspressoPRO as a birthday gift 4 months ago. As with any kitchen gadget, it's taken some time to learn about and get in sync with this machine. I use the machine every morning to make an iced latte (yeah, I like my brew chilly in the morning), and occassionally later in the day for a shot of espresso. I don't use the frother for milk, so the advice that follows focuses solely on making a rich espresso with good crema.
1. FINDING THE RIGHT GRIND. Too coarse, weak coffee. Too fine, it stops up the machine. I find that Peets Coffee ground at #6 is the best grind for this machine, even if it's a little coarser than what you'd use on a commerical espresso maker. Major Dickason's Blend has great body and depth of flavor. The Espresso Blend that Peets advertised in the spring has nice crema, but is a little weak. Don't grind at home unless you have a good burr grinder! I prefer buying in small weekly quantities and storing the ground beans in an air tight...
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