Capresso 302.01 Mini-S 4-Cup Safety Espresso/Cappuccino Machine
I purchased this machine after much research and to my surprise; it has far exceeded my expectations. Why? Well first let me inform you that I had absolutely no espresso/cappuccino machine experience and that this Mini-S is in fact my first machine. So back to why?
1. Capresso does an excellent job with the instructional video and so you can feel very confident when making your first cup.
2. During my research I kept reading that some of the other less expense machines don't get up to a high enough temperature - well this is NOT a problem with this machine. BUT if you are making cappuccino MAKE sure that you froth/steam the milk enough to bring it to the right temperature or you will in fact experience a cooler cup of cappuccino.
3. Another complaint I heard about other machines is that the frother/steamer is too low to put a proper sized frothing pitcher. NOT the case with this machine. I purchased the Krups 085 - 20-ounce frothing pitcher and I have plenty of room.
4. This machine doesn't require a tamper - I don't know why but it doesn't and so that is one less item to buy!
5. IT MAKES AN EXCELLENT CUP OF CAPPUCCINO!! My wife and I purchased Espresso from Starbucks and had them grind it (so no need to buy a special espresso grinder) then we compared the cappuccino we made using the Mini-S & Starbucks brand espresso and the cup of cappuccino we had Starbucks make and they were identical!!!! (BTW - DO NOT use regular coffee so do make sure you buy real espresso and have it ground up for you)
I'm certain there are cons to this machine but being a first time user I have to say that I haven't found one yet and that is why I give this machine 5 STARS.
Good luck with your pursuit of a great cup!
I wasnt sure about this machine because it is so cheap for an espresso machine, but it really does work well. My drinks made at home taste just as good as Dutch Bros. and Starbucks! It isnt noisy, and is easy to clean ... the frother/steamer is also very powerful. For the price, it is well worth it.
The "4-Cup" can be misleading. In terms of how much expresso you can brew at a time, the max is about 1 cup. But of course as far as serving suggestions go, you have 4 "cups."
Its very easy to use, and the espresso produced, as well as the steamer/frother, are both of a quality well worth the great price.
$59 Steam powered espresso machines are a complete waste of time... If you use this unit or anything like it -- you will be disappointed!! don't think that what comes out of this is espresso. It is built to a price point -- cheap! They left out the pump! You must have a pump to make espresso.
Or you can give this as a chessy gift to someone you dislike, OR if you get one -- save it for a RE-GIFT!!
OH, and don't even start about 'pod' machines! Overpriced, STALE coffee. GAAACCKKK!
First of all if you try to make 4 cups at a time it does not produce crema. After approximately 10 uses the knob broke.
I read everyone else's reviews, got excited about my little espresso machine, received it, watched the little video, etc... and now i'm very disappointed.
First off, the espresso is NOT frothy. I do not think the machine gets to a high enough temperature, but i was willing to let that go... since it was only $59.99. I was going to keep it, but then, less than a week into use (one cup a day), the rubber ring in the water resevoir came off... and when brewed the next cup, it did not provide a sufficient seal... and now it's kaput!
Now I have to go through the hassle of returning and researching another coffee maker! So, please save your time and money and look elsewhere is my advice... it sounds like the machine is decent if you get lucky, but the consistency of the quality is poor.
I bought a Mini-S Espresso machine in August. I was well on the road to being fully satisfied with device--until it broke about ten days later. Due to the apparent cheapo plastic construction of the switch, I cannot endorse the long-term value in this machine. I give it five stars for quality espresso, but only one star for durability, resulting in an average of three stars.
My brother, who says he has made about 3,000 cups of espresso with various machines (one a day over about ten years) advised me to buy a model like this. If you pay more, he said you are really paying for styling and a few handy features. We looked at one other more expensive Capresso model, but I didn't really one to spend too much. I paid $64 for mine.
Having never made any latte's before at home, so I didn't know what to expect from this model. I have drunk many latte's from various coffee shops in America (and from shops in Germany, Hungary, and Croatia), so I had a pretty good idea what I was looking for. My mental recollections were my baseline.
My first batch of espresso didn't taste good. I made it from regular coffee, which resulted in a weak, tasteless brew. I tried grinding the coffee up in my home bean grinder, but didn't reach a powdery state, so I gave up.
I drove to a nearest grocery store and bought some beans, then ran them through the store grinder at 'espresso' grind. I didn't know which bean to use, so I just picked an organic mexican bean. The coffee beans, on espresso grind, become a powdery grind.
I took the powder home, added filtered water into the resevoir, made my espresso, frothed my milk, then mixed it all together. My homemade latte was as good as anything I've tasted from any Starbucks/BarnesNoble etc. (In my recollection, there is only one 'espresso' I had that it didn't come close to. It was a liquid-smooth concoction I bought from shop about a block the Kolner Dom in Cologne, Germany. I have no idea how they made it. It was so good you could have hooked a drip feed into me. There is nothing like it available at any Starbucks in Minnesota. I am still searching. . .)
I would like to keep using this machine. Instead, I am returning it for refund. I am going to examine the quality of the parts before buying another Capresso. I may buy the $200 model I saw if the parts seem to be better quality. I will more carefully keep track of the sales receipt too!
Since I received this as a Christmas gift, I have made untold numbers of double espressos and cappucinos/lattes. It's very easy to use and with the proper grind of coffee (obtained at my local Vons for $6.99/lb) you can make a delicious drink at home for a fraction of what Starbucks charges. Includes a video demonstration and couldn't be easier to use. As other reviewers have noted, you must use the proper grind or it won't turn out well. I used Safeway's whole bean grinder and chose the fine grind option (just below espresso as the Capresso manual recommends) and found it to be perfect. I like my espresso strong so I nearly fill the coffee holder up to 4 cup level when making 2 cups. My only complaint is that when steaming the milk, some of it bubbles up around the adjustment arm making it almost too hot to move when you're ready to froth. Otherwise it's perfect.
I am very pleased with this machine -- easy to use, very effective, easy to clean, and easy to store.
After holding out for 40+ years from drinking coffee (always thought it was too bitter), I was introduced to espresso about 3 months ago. I have sampled espresso at numerous restaurants, Starbucks, etc. since then and deceided it was time to get a machine for home brewing. Most reviews and coffee web sites recommend starting at $200.00 for a good espresso machine, which is too high for my budget. I came across the mini-s on sale at Barnies, and for less than $60.00 decided to give it a try. It is very simple to use following the video instructions and produces an excellent cup of espresso. From a newbee perspective, it tastes just as good as any of the espresso I've had thus far. Gave it 5 stars - but have only had it a week.
This machine should meet the expectations of coffee addicts on a budget. I have owned this machine for approximately eight months, while using the machine almost daily to make espresso shots and other espresso beverages.
I have found that the machine produces consistently good espresso, even when pulling all four "cups." The trick is to always fill the machine with water equivalent to the top of the band on the carafe. This information is in the instructions, but is easily overlooked. I have only been dissatisfied when I have not filled the machine all the way.
The accompanying video is a nice inclusion, but I, along with most of my friends, have ditched our VCRs some time ago. Luckily, I was not out of luck. I was pleasantly surprised that capresso.com has video instructions available for streaming.
Of course, if I should have the budget to spend ten times the price for an amazing machine I would be worrying about pump pressure and looking for perfection in not only the output product, but in the design. Yes, this machine is mostly plastic, but the important working parts are metal. I find the design attractive, and perhaps more importantly the machine is compact enough to fit well in my efficiency kitchen.
Since I really didn't invest a lot of money in this machine I wasn't expecting high end performance...just average. However; I do drink on average a couple of Cappuccino's a day so I consider that I gave this machine an average workout.
This machine did not stand up to regular use. It did produce a very nice quality cup of Espresso and after I got in the groove with the Capresso I was able to make a nice hot creamy Cappuccino.
Within the twenty days I had the Capresso, I had a couple of strange things happen with what I consider to be pressure tank related issues. First, once when I was steaming milk, I put the frothing picture under the nozzle and selected steam. The machine sucked the milk into the tank instead of injecting steam into the milk. Yes there was water in the tank when this happened. The second and fatal issue; the tank lid will no longer open to allow me to put water in. I assume this was due to a vapor lock and un-plugged the machine and turned the dial to steam to hopefully relieve the pressure. Over the course of several days I did this a few times. Finally I turned on the machine to see if there was enough water inside to create steam to hopefully release the vapor lock. No go. The cap will not budge....which has rendered my Capresso Espresso machine useless.
Moral of the story...as others have written, it is a waste of time and good money to purchase an Espresso machine without a pump. The Capresso 302 was nice while it lasted.
I don't fault the machine itself but the technology behind it.
I have had this machine for about 10 days now and it already has paid for itself with all the fine coffee drinks I have been able to make with it. It does take a little practice to get the grind and the amount of ground bean right.
The frother also took some practice but now I am able to make espresso, latte or cappucino of quality comparable to what I get in coffee shops here in Seattle.
It's easy to clean to maintain which is a huge plus.
First I have to refute one of the earlier reviews.
This machine is a boiler pot machine. Here's how it works: you put water in and it heats up the water, making steam. When you open a valve connecting the boiler pot to either the coffee basket or the steam wand, steam leaves the boiler pot through either the steam wand or the coffee basket. After you're done, you can open one of the valves (like the one to the steam wand) and let off pressure or you can leave the machine closed up. Let's say you left it closed up and didn't let the machine heat up again before trying to use it. The ideal gas law says PV=nRT, or that the pressure in the machine is directly proportional to the temperature. You've let the machine cool down. The pressure in the machine is now lower than the pressure in the room. If you open a valve now, it will suck air back into the machine. High school science.
The other reviewer is actually quite lucky that a safety mechanism on the machine prevented him from removing the lid to the boiler chamber while the machine was hot because, had he been able to, that lid would have become a projectile. He would have been hit with hot steam and a fast moving lid propelled by the pressure built up in the chamber. Wow is this person lucky he bought a machine with a safety mechanism because it saved him a trip the the emergency room.
Or lucky I understand high school science because I actually own a slightly ealier model that has no safety mechanism. I've owned it for seven years, and it has lived through multiple abusive college roommates. The carafe broke (college roommate) and the seal has coffee stains on it, but it's held up remarkably well and makes a good cup of coffee. (And I worked at a coffee shop for a year, which is where I bought this machine.)
And no you don't need to have the coffee ground at the store. You can use a regular grinder. (I duct tape mine closed for about 2 minutes.) Get some espresso ground from a store so you can compare the grinds. And regular coffee makes a slightly lighter coffee than espresso but it works so you don't need to have two different kinds of coffee in the house.
I bought this for $60 in August... desperately wanting to enjoy steamers and lattes with breakfast but being a just-more-than-impoverished grad student. I've worked in coffee shops before, so know my standards.
The machine weighs disturbingly little, and is horribly uncomplex. The filter arrived with many of its holes still unopened, and I had to punch them out myself. But I have three main complaints:
1. It cannot steam and make espresso at the same time. Maybe I'm just spoiled...
2. Steaming adds a ridiculous amount of water to the milk. Right now, at the height of my steaming ability, I'm still getting about 4 oz of water added to every 8 oz of milk.
3. It has no warm-up switch. IE, whereas other machines you can turn on, walk away, and come back when its heated to make espresso, this one will just start pouring water though anytime it feels its hot enough. Thus, if you want to avoid accidentally ending up with 8 oz of espresso when you only wanted 1.5, you have to watch it like a hawk.
This is a $30 machine. If you can get it for that price, its worth the money. If not, go with something else.
I've had my machine for nearly a year now, and have been able to make a pretty good cup of cappuccino every time (I use it nearly every day). It isn't a high end, expensive machine, so don't expect a crema laden expresso, but if you get the grind just right, you will get a little. I use a 100% arabica coffee, and the expresso I get is not bitter at all, and very smooth. The frother works well, too, but takes a little practice to get it just right. For a reliable machine that is affordable and makes fairly decent expresso, this one fits the bill. Even though the expresso is not what a $500.00 machine can make, I give it five stars based on what you get for the price.
When removing the Capresso from the box, the first thought I had was that this is a cheaply made product. The machine is very light weight (because the housing is plastic). I was a little diasppointed that even the "metal looking" plate that the caraffe sits on is plastic painted to appear metal.
BUT... This machine makes great lattes! I like my lattes with low carb vanilla soy milk and sugar free french vanilla Coffeemate. It took me a few tries to perfect the amounts of each ingredient, but now I am enjoying lattes better than I got in the local coffee shops. And, I am saving a lot of money by making my own lattes. Hot or iced, they are delicious either way.
I did notice that it works better when making 2 "cups" rather than 4. I don't like my lattes too burning hot, but my mom does. When she came over last weekend, I made 4 "cups" (espresso shots) and the machine ran out of steam before getting the milk hot enough to her liking. Although, it was perfect for me.
If you are looking for an inexpensive little machine and want to save money on buying lattes in shops, this is definitely the way to go.
Good product - sturdy-built, nice expresso, good latte/capuchinos.
There's been some comments regarding froth generation by this unit. In fact, it's the same complaint across a large selection of similar units. In fact, I posted a 1-star myself for this froth issue but today my friend who happens to be a barrista in Italy helped me out! Here's the tutorial:
(a) Always use COLD, COLD milk - skimmed/thin milk.
(b) Hold nozzle (after a wee bit of steaming) :
- Deep inside the milk
- But NOT pointing into the center
- Cup/Utensil slightly turned towards yourself, so the nozzle blows at the bottom RIM.
- Also twist the cup/utensil a little TOWARDS the machine itself also.
(c) START the process. Almost immediately MOVE THE CUP SUCH THAT THE VERY END OF THE NOZZLE IS INSIDE THE MILK - you do this by moving the cup downwards but maintaining the tilt.
(d) At this juncture you'll see that the sound changes - as if something is being fried in a skillet - GOOD.
(e) Immediately you'll find froth build-up. NOW IT'S IMPORTANT TO KEEP THAT NOZZLE JUST INSIDE THE MILK. SO, AS FROTH BUILDS UP, YOU'LL NEED TO KEEP MOVING THE CUP DOWN!
>>> That's it!
Now, the importance of the tilt is to generate a circular motion on the milk as steam blows into it with the motion creating a movement of the milk DOWNWARDS. The reason is, a best cuppa coffe is when the bubbles are SMALL and MIXED with the milk - not the BIG bubbles just floating up and pure milk down! So, as you generate that circular motion - you constantly PUSH those BIG bubbles down INTO the milk where they dissapiate and get totally mixed with the milk.
Remember: The trick is in the tilt and the sound - watch those 2 and you have a perfect cup!
Alright, Ive had this machine for abbout a year. I clean it all the time, and use it 1-2 times a day. Since it is steam powered, it isnt that great, but does make a good crema every 1 in 5 tries. It takes a long time to put the ground coffee in, water, etc. Also beware: if you don't de pressurise the machine, it will fill thw whole room with steam and spit hot water everywhere (from experience!!). So beware, but this machine is a perfect start for a beginner.
U only paid $60.....what did u expected? well...I didnt expect much from this little one machine. however, it had been 3 weekd since i received it and it worked very well!! only cost 2 mins to make one excellent coffee and beautiful foam, even less than u spend time going to coffee shop, right?
the only reason i gave it 4 stars, instead of 5 stars, is that the frother/steamer cant be adjusted. sometimes it is unconvient to use it.
anyway....coffee taste good!! compared to starbucks....haha~~
The steamer on this machine didn't work great from the start, and eventually stopped working altogether after about 2 months. However, I do have to compliment the customer service department at Capresso. I have spoken on the phone with the folks there multiple times and always found them helpful. Although the whole process was inconvenient from my end, the machine was replaced without difficulty. (Hopefully the new one will be OK!)
I bought this to break myself of going to Starbucks and because I'm cheap. This is not a state of the art, hot shot machine, but it is 1/3 the cost of anything nearly as good as far as I can tell, and I like it a lot.
To make cappuccino you follow these steps:
1. Pour water into carafe to top of metal rim, then pour it into the boiler and close the boiler tight (easy)
2. Put espresso into filter (marked for 2 or 4 cups) and then put into machine (easy)
3. Put carafe into position (only goes one way and incredibly easy)
4. Turn to cup setting and wait until it drips to steam line, meanwhile prepare 2/3 cup of milk (skim is better) (very easy)
5. Put frother into milk, turn dial from cup to steam, steam milk about 10 seconds (easy), then drop the steam cover to start frothing (very easy) and froth for another 10-20 seconds
6. Turn control back to cup and wait until enough coffee has dripped through (either you have enough or it starts steaming). (easy but it takes attention).
7. Turn machine to off, pour your coffee and steamed milk and foam into your cup. Drink (easy)
8. Let the rest of the water drip into the carafe, then let steam run out into (another) empty cup. Very easy
-- You are done --
Clean up is even easier. You can put just about everything into the dishwasher, the only tricky part is to unscrew the frother and wash it to keep it clean. Incredibly easy.
Did I mention it is easy?
The cappuccion so far is better than I was buying at Starbucks for $4.25 and as far as I can compute it, it is costing me about < $0.50 / cup using the expensive Green Mountain Espresso + skim milk. Not a bad savings.
The one thing they don't tell you is that if you are making 1 serving (2 cups), stop brewing (turn from cup to 0) at 2 cups, pour out your coffee, and then let the rest of the water pour through.
All in all, it couldn't be easier. Time from start to finish, including clean up is about 4 minutes.
==============
Here's a follow up some months later. I finally decided that the foam and espresso I was getting was not consistent enough, the parts were a bit fragile, and, most important, a steam-based machine will never quite give me what I truly want.
I decided to to step up and I bought the Starbucks Barrista (during their annual 25% off sale) and there is no comparison (in quality or in price!)
So, I'd modify my review just to say that the Capresso is great for its cost, and great for getting started, but if you want the flavor of a truly well made cappuccino you need a machine with a pump, and one with separate controls for steaming and for making the espresso.
This device paid for itself easily in just the first week. No more $4 latte's at Starbucks.
Yes, it has a few slight drawbacks.
1. Prep takes a little time (so does waiting in line at SB's).
2. Clean up is also time consuming for just a few cups.
3. I like my drinks HOT and have to microwave them afterwards.
4. Locking/unlocking the coffee filter might be a little tough for some older folks.
Other than that, this little puppy does exactly what I wanted and expected it to do.
Why 5 stars?
1. The price.
2. Being able to make an excellent drink whenever I want it.
3. Ease/familiarity of use after just a few tries.
4. Money saved is going to my college aged kids instead of Starbuck's corporate wallet.
5. Satisfaction of making my own hot drink and enjoying it at my leisure.
6. Did I mention price?
when i was buying this machine i was hesitant. i thought i was going to get junk for this money. to my surprise this little machine is so easy to use and it makes great espresso for my lattes and mochas .i use thermometer when steaming milk, it steams milk to 170 degrees fast with no problem.i wish i had space for a bigger pump espresso machine like francis x5, but in the meantime this little one serves my purpose in fact i will but another one to give as a gift. i am stabucks addict and for a whole week i made mochas and lattes that my husband could not tell between the ones i made and starbuck's. i am very happy with this purchase.
First of all, this tiny appliance is extremely light and hardly occupies any counter space. Very compact.
2. Hooking it up is very straightforward.
3. Brewing starts in about 30 seconds and in less than a couple of minutes, there is enough steam built up to steam the milk.
4. The tiny machine produces enough steam to really heat up the milk, without having to use the microwave. This is one thing that my other cheaper machine could never do. I always had to heat up the milk in the MW before frothing. Kudos for that.
5. I even tried using the steamed milk directly with instant coffee and it just tastes amazing. :)
My one complaint - steaming is a little noisy, as if it is going to blow up any minute. A little unnerving in a quiet house.
After seeing pump-style machines at $300 and up, I admit I was bit skeptical about a 60 dollar machine. With the minimal counter space available in my kitchen, and Capresso's reputation for good products, I gave the Mini-S a try. After 1 view of the video, I was off and practicing my skills at crafting the perfect latte.
Let's face it - espresso purists wouldn't give this type of product a second look. But for less discerning customers who would delight at a great tasting homemade coffee drink (like me), this machine does not disappoint.
I use a stainless steel 20-ounce frothing pitcher and fill it about half way with skim milk. I steam the milk for about 15 seconds and then froth it for another 20-25. Then I fill my two mugs half way with frothed milk, fill to 3/4 full with coffee, and finish them off with a "scoop" of foam and a dash of cocoa. Delicious! Makes 2.5 cups per cycle.
Another perk of this machine is that you don't need a $100 burr grinder. Simply pickup a 20 dollar bean grinder and you're good to go.
So with all this praise, why not a 5 star rating? I suppose the plastic drip tray could have been stainless. But then it might be a $75 machine.
Bottom Line: this machine is compact and easy to operate and clean. If lattes or cappucinos are your thing, give this little guy a try. If it lasts, and I hope it does, then I'll be emailing Capresso with plenty of praise.
Enjoy.
***FOUR MONTH UPDATE***
After 4 months of use, the machine is still going strong, although I'm not getting the great frothing results that I used to. I may have to touch base with the manufacturer to see if this can be addressed via cleaning/inspection.
If you're looking for an Expresso/Cappuccino machine for one or two people, this it! This inexpensive machine is very reliable; we've used it for three months and we're very happy with its performance. Best of all, it's simple to use yet produces a good cup every time.
The machine works well as others have stated. The switch that controls the steam between the cup and steaming attachment is very good and makes it quite easy to do.
the frothing attachment gets gummed up and is tough to slide.
other than that its a very good product so far.
Although you tamp the expresso grounds into a small stainless steel filter cup with this machine, it then fits into an aluminum holding cup with the little funel at the bottom (over the glass pitcher at the top of the machine). Those who are health conscious should be concerned that acidic coffee may well leach the aluminum. For instance, aluminum concentrations are found to be higher in the brains of Alzheimer's patients and some European nations have laws against aluminum cookware. Of course, you may get as much from your under-arm deordorant. Just though you might want to know this so you can make an informed decision. I honestly don't know if other cappuccino machines use stainless all the way through or not. Guess I will have to shelf shop for a cappuccino machine since product descriptions and even instructions manuals will probably not tell you this. Maybe I will then turn around and order over the internet! I am regrettably returning my Capresso Mini-s.
I gave this as a birthday gift and have not heard whether it works well or not. But I was impressed with the fast shipping!
The Capresso mini espresso fits the bill! Simple to operate, makes great coffee and espresso. Taste just like the sidewalk cafes in France, but I can also take this coffee to-go! Highly recommended, so-far. Use the money you save to buy a good grinder.
David
This espesso machine is pretty good. Makes an awesome cappucino, but can tend to make a lot of noise when frothing the milk. Otherwise a good buy.
With the great expresso coffee I'm getting from this little easy-to-use machine everyday, I don't understand why you would pay hundredsssss for other machines. I love my coffee. I'ts fair to say though, that a plastic piece from the lid snapped and I must hold it when pouring the brewed coffee to keep it from falling off.
As a newbie I can only speak from my very limited experience with Espresso/Cappuccino machines. For the money, this appears to be an Excellent starter model for anyone wanting to experiment with brewing their coffee house favorites in their own home! It is easy to operate and cleans up quickly. The espresso/cappuccino/lattes' are Very Nice and compareable with many of the smaller family owned coffee houses. Don't expect that Professional cup from a $2,500.00 machine... but for $60, you get a Very Nice cup of your own favorite brew right at home. Sharp looking small machine that fits easily on your counter.
After reading reviews of some of the competitors, we went with the Mini-S by Capresso. It took us almost a week to "perfect the science", getting the timing down perfectly, exactly how much espresso we used, etc., but over 2 months later, we are loving this little machine. Still can't believe what comparable makers cost, when one of the least expensive out there works wonderfully. FYI: We dropped the glass carafe last week, and ordered a replacement online from the manufacturer quite painlessly!
User hint - regular milk will not foam, at all, ever. Fat free milk is the ticket, and half-n-half is a great twist, too! Also, avoid the hassle and just go to starbucks, buy their espresso beans, and have them grind them for you. An airtight container at home ensures you will have a premium espresso whenever you like, right in your own kitchen.
So glad we made this purchase.
This expresso maker is worth about $30. It works ok - not great.
The coffee coming out of the machine is cool at first and then it gets hot (It must be boiling at the bottom of the vessel first and forcing the cool water out of the top.) So we have resorted to heating up our cups with hot tap water. Other than this issue, the machine is fine.
We have this machine for 3 months now and are using it every single day. Get the Starbucks coffee, syrup, Carmel and you will get the same macchiato they sell for $4 at fraction of the cost.
I expected this to be just so-so. I was so wrong. This little machine produces like a pro. Takes up very little counter space and with the included video, so easy to use. Takes a little practice to get the perfect latte but compared to what you pay at Starbucks, it paid for itself in about a 10 days! Great little machine!!
After suddenly receiving a coffee kick, I began frequenting my local Starbucks for their caffe mochas. But going there every day cost me approx. $22 per week...that was too expensive for me. So I researched different machines, and I came across this one. After reading all the comments, I decided to give the mini capresso a try, and I must say I am pleasantly suprised. The only qualms I have is that the frother makes ALOT of noise, and sometimes it sucks the liquid you are frothing up into the wand...but other than that, it turns out a decent cup of mocha every time. This machine is perfect for the casual latte drinker, but discerning espresso snobs probably wouldnt like this machine, as there is really no visible crema. But for the money, its worth it. The amount of money I paid for the machine, frothing pitcher, and storage bin for my ground starbucks espresso roast (which starbucks will do for free) would equal me going everyday to starbucks for my caffe latte for about a month. A few hints, buy the krups 20 oz frothing pitcher, and go to local kitchen store to pick up a cheap thermometer, dont bother paying 10 bucks for one on amazon b/c the shipping adds to the cost. And Ive been having great success with a medium espresso grind, just tell the barista to grind your coffee that way and you'll have decent lattes in no time.
We are very pleased with this machine. It's easy to operate, the water heats up quickly, and the frother works great. We use it all the time. It's our second cappuccino machine and is much better than the Mr. Coffee we had before even though it was larger and more expensive.
The machine is affordable, but so cheaply made that I feel like I'm going to break the handle off the espresso filter every time I lock it into place. I'm returning it today. If you're the type of person who gets annoyed by really poorly designed and made appliances, I would recommend looking elsewhere.
We didn't know how to make lattes before this machine. Very easy to operate, even my husband can do it! If you want large amounts at one time, this one IS NOT for you, as only one cup can be made at a time. Would recommend it for casual latte drinkers and would buy it again. We have definitely gotten our moneys worth.
First, let me say that I am not a coffee buff. I have just now acquired a taste for mocca latte's. I do not know the quality of the straight espresso shots as compared to anything else, but the latte's and cappucinos are really good to an amateur coffee drinker. I would recommend this product to anyone on a budget and wants decent (in my opinion good) latte's. The only way they could get better is if you spent another thousand dollars on a premium machine.
I was concerned about the quality of the Capresso Mini-S given the price, but decided to go ahead.
It's been great! Builds up quite a head of steam (I only use whole milk, too) and has worked very reliably in the four months that I've had it.
Only one issue came up at the beginning, and that was ultimately Operator Error: At first I was using a very fine grind of espresso and the machine didn't seem to have enough power to force its steam through the grounds. Thought the machine was broken...but switching to a slightly coarser grind of coffee fixed the problem and I'm very pleased. Hope this helps!
Through the years I have owned several Espresso/Cappuccino makers, this one is by far the best. It makes a great cup of Espresso. The frother is far enough away from the machine that it is easily used and froths the Milk very well.
I don't care what anyone thinks. This maker is GREAT! It is very simple and small but makes up a large batch of espresso. I know coffee and I know gadgets and this is a good buy.
I depended so much on the reviews before I got my machine that I felt an obligation to return the favor!
It took a little practice to get used to this machine, but once I did, it has been a breeze to use. I've been using it for a couple of months and have taken lately to making iced lattes every morning for my trip to work. This has saved me BOATLOADS of money that would have gone to Starbucks.
I'm not a coffee connoisseur, but I imagine if you are, you're probably not buying a $60 espresso machine. With that in mind, if you use good quality fresh grounds, this makes a mighty tasty espresso, latte, or whatever you fancy.
PLUSES:
Very small - takes up hardly any counter space!
Comes with a really helpful video, assuming you still have a VHS around to watch it on!
Really easy to use. I was a little intimidated at first having never used an espresso machine before, but once I got the hang of it, I could do it in my sleep.
Folks say it's noisy, but no noisier than a Starbucks - have you been in one of those places? I don't mind this thing at all in comparison.
MINUSES:
Though the brewing doesn't take long, you can't leave the machine while it's making the espresso. I've made the mistake of getting distracted a couple of times, and the overheated/burned coffee starts to come out before I catch it and ruins the whole batch.
And yeah, it's plastic and looks/feels a little flimsy, but it works well. If you can't get past the thing being plastic, then you'll need to pay for something a little fancier. But I'm not sure you'll get a better espresso out of it.
Things to note:
A few people have complained about the frother getting gummed up or not working, but it took me a while before I realized that it can be unscrewed and cleaned as well. If you do that often enough, you'll have no problem.
Also, always remember to depressurize it when you're done. The only time I had a malfunction with it was after I hadn't blown all the steam out - but the next time I used it, I did and haven't had a problem since.
Enjoy!
Honestly speaking, the quality of the espresso's not bad, and I'm pretty happy with the frother/steamer. I'm unsure of its durability since I've only had it for 2 weeks. However, this isn't exactly my best investment around the kitchen, because... WHERE IS MY CREMA??? Don't be fooled by the instructional video or the box, your Mini-S is NOT gonna give u a nice layer of foam as do those William Sonoma machine. I wouldn't expect as much for a $60 machine, but I'm extremely dissatisfied cuz of the dillusion Capresso gave its customers... (just look at that picture! it has a thick layer of crema in it!) I have no idea how they make that cup of coffee in the tape, but I only get half-hearted crema once in every 5 tries.
This is a great little machine & has served its purpose very well. It has saved me much more than I paid for it!
This little machine turns out quality espresso in about 5 minutes. I have used it 3 times a week for a year and it works just as good as it did the first day I received it. Quality machine for the price.
Do not remove the box from the counter. The only creama you will see is the one on the box. About taste of coffee - it smells as something just burned. Attached CD shows how to make Cappuccino, not Espresso. So much of seeing evidence of making a good Espresso.
Waste of money, shipping charges that are. The free shipping saver will be deducted as well as you have to pay to return it! What a deal!
I received this a week ago and am very happy with my coffee results. Granted I am not anal about my crema not being poofy enough and etc. I found this espresso maker will save me a lot of cash as I live in a small town with no Starbucks around and have to fork out more per cup at a so-so coffee bar in a gift shop in my town. I purchased the Krups 20oz. frothing pitcher as one reviewer suggested and the milk frothed and steamed quickly and consistently for me upon my first try. Since I don't have a decent coffee grinder to get the grind correct for this machine, I purchased a pre-ground can of Medaglia D'Oro Caffe' Espresso Coffee at my local grocery. Unfortunately, the bagged Starbucks beans are probably not too fresh in my small town grocery store and the grinding machine in the coffee aisle is not up to par and probably has coffee residue in it from 10 years ago! Anyway the pre ground Medaglia turned out great for my taste and I used my espresso to make a pretty smooth tasting Cafe Mocha with my freshly steamed milk. I also found this machine easy to clean which is one of the things I hate about using these types of gadgets. I rinsed out the filter, rinsed off the easily removable grate, and used a wet paper towel to wipe off the frothing nozzle and the drop or two of coffee that dribbled below the grate. No weird nooks and crannies to clean! The directions say that you can also put the parts in the upper tier of your dishwasher as well. My unit came with a short DVD (not VHS as some people had received) and it was easy to follow. I highly recommend this for those that love to wake with a strong cup of decent espresso but are space-confined or budget constrained.
We purchased this machine a couple months ago after our previous one, a Krupps, gave out suddenly (and explosively). The Capresso is a little more compact than the Krupps, but still makes a great cup of espresso. We aren't 'purists', so issues like the lack of crema that some here are complaining about do not concern us. We just like a hot fresh cup of espresso with some cream and milk.
It gets heavy use - 2-3 batches per day - and has held up quite well so far.
We purchased this machine a couple months ago after our previous one, a Krupps, gave out suddenly (and explosively). The Capresso is a little more compact than the Krupps, but still makes a great cup of espresso. We aren't 'purists', so issues like the lack of crema that some here are complaining about do not concern us. We just like a hot fresh cup of espresso with some cream and milk.
It gets heavy use - 2-3 batches per day - and has held up quite well so far.
I am a big fan of espresso and espresso drinks but needed to save money so I bought this to make it at home. Making espresso is easy enough if you follow the instructions (I didn't watch the video). The frother even works well. The problem I had was with the flavor. The manual suggests making two or four shots of espresso at a time, but when making four shots the espresso was badly burned by the time it was finished brewing. I had best results making just over one shot at a time, but the flavor was still burned and flat. In the end, I used the machine for a couple months but eventually put it away and went back to my regular drip coffee maker.
This machine--the Capresso Mini-S,(according to phone product support) "is not designed to brew the second two shots as well as the first two. Continuing: "Perhaps you are confusing this machine with a true pump machine. This machine uses the old-fashion steam method; the steam gets hotter and hotter.... You should only brew 2 shots at a time if you do not like the taste of the second two shots."
I returned the machine because the "hotter" steam begins to burn the coffee grounds as the brew proceeds to the third shot. The resultant smell and coffee taste is badly fouled-burnt. Apparently, this is part of the design, which the people at Capresso describe as "the normal operation of the machine." When the machine is returned to me, I will be discarding it.
FYI, at the time of this writing, Capresso's website was down. I'm wondering if they are actually in business. Just be wary of this company, their products, and their product support.
I was given this as a gift a couple of years ago and it worked pretty well, but I was always looking for something a little easier. I ended up purchasing the Hamilton Beach 40729 Espresso/Cappuccino Maker with Pod Holder. This was a pretty good machine-easy to use and made decent drinks. Four months later it broke. So, I brought out my old Mini-S and can't remember why I ever looked for another product. This one is easy to use and clean, and the espresso and steamer functions work tons better than the Hamilton Beach. Yes, if you're going to make 4 shots of espresso, you will have to brew them in 2 different batches and it's true that the steam will only last for a short time. But the steam that does come out works the first time. You won't have to run a second batch of water just to finish the job like I did with the Hamilton Beach. It really is a great user-friendly product.
I absolutely love this machine. It doesn't take up any space, is easy to use and easy to clean! It's perfect for me, as there's only 2 of us that drink espresso in this house, so a full-size machine would be a waste of money. Makes a darn fantastic cappuccino!
This is a terrific, inexpensive little machine, perfect for a crowded countertop. The espresso is terrific, I agree with another reviewer that if you use Starbuck's coffee, the espresso tastes exactly like Starbuck's (I'll add that we use distilled water).
Two little problems. First, the steamer basket only had about half the holes punched all the way through. But Capresso customer service was terrific and sent a replacement basket in less than a week.
Second problem is that the espresso steam gets too hot after 2-3 cups; we can't get more than that without the espresso burning and tasting bitter. 2 cups is perfect everytime, 3 cups is borderline, 4 cups impossible.
Still, for us it's proven well worth the money for our household.
I haven't even used this very very small machine. I could kick myself in the butt for not realizing just how small this is. I don't know who long it takes to make one pot, butt I would need at least three. So, I saw the perfect machine in Linen's n Things for $169.00. Guess I'l start saving and maybe try and sell this machine, not in less your willing to take it back for a refund. I don't sell merchandise, so I could maybe give it as a chrsitmas gift to someone this year.
This machine replaced one I bought at Starbucks, when they sold affordable expresso machines. Starbucks did figure out that if they sold affordable expresso machines that you would probably buy their coffee, but you would make your $4 latte yourself at home. When my Starbucks machine died I was aghast at the cost of the expresso machine cost. Krups is a terrible machine and does not work so I was leary of trying an affordable machine... But, I did try the Capresso machine and this coffee maker - expresso maker is excellent. Makes great coffee and steams and froths my milk expertly. Thank you.
I don't believe this is a very good machine for first time users. In order to get a decent shot, you need to play with the grind and timing. The thing has a horrible steamer system that required you to pull up and down on a tiny plastic grip that becomes increasingly intransigent. I'm on my third part replacement after 5 months. Now I'm beginning to see white flakes that look like metal oxidization in my coffee grounds. I would suggest this machine for very occasional use and with the knowledge that it will take a lot of time and effort to maintain and will need to be replaced as soon as the warranty runs out.
This product is so easy to use which is wonderful for a single mom!
This machine makes wonderful espresso and froths a beautiful crema for capuccino. A wise purchase.
I bought this machine for use in my college dorm. It was so easy to use and I had made a vanilla latte within 10 minutes after I got it home. It tastes just like what I would get at a coffee shop! I would definately recommend this machine.
The Capresso is my first machine, but compared to what I have heard about so many other cappucino machines I feel lucky. I bought it for christmas 2006 for myself so I didn't hesitate to open and use it a week before christmas when it arrived on my doorstep. One of the reasons I bought this one was because it included an instructional dvd which I found VERY helpful since it was my first machine. I had read other reviews of how this machine had a tendency to burn the coffee when making more than one serving and was surprised to be warned of this on the included DVD too. But I bought this little machine (and I do mean little) because I don't need to make much more than one serving at a time. My first couple of tries seemed to turn out fine, but I realized I wasn't puting enough coffee in the machine. I was measuring scoops with the scoop in the box, but have since found that using the measuring lines on the inside of the cup where you put the grinds works much better. The Capresso also offers a milk steamer/frother. Because of my novice experience I only tried to steam the milk a couple of times before simply pre-heating it in the microwave, but do use it to froth the milk and it works perfectly. Other reviews talk about how using steam is the "old" way of making espresso/cappucino, but the "other" machines and some of the steamers can get really expensive so paying $60 for this one seems like a great starting point. Every time I make a latte I think to myself how much it is costing me. So far I have made about 30 thus even if the machine breaks tomorrow (not likely)I am still saving money from what I was paying at Starbucks!
First time using this machine -- followed all directions & viewed video demo -- resulted in a couple of very good servings of cappuccino: 3 good shots of espresso, nicely steamed/foamed milk. (Note: Others warned of burned espresso by the 4th shot, so I didn't go past that except when letting the water/steam out to depressurize.)
By the 4th or 5th time using this machine, milk frothing became less effective. I'll contact Capresso to get this addressed, but my frustration led me to pick up a dedicated milk frother.
PROS:
- great tasting espresso (effectively upto 3 shots only)
- small footprint, simple and easy to prepare/use/clean
- excellent price for a Capresso machine (I have a few of them; all excellent)
CONS:
- burns the 4th shot of espresso despite providing adequate amount of water in the reservoir as per instructions
- product build quality & material matches that of less expensive machines (almost looks cheap next to my other Capresso machines)
I love espresso, but didn't want to pay a lot for a big machine since counter space is an issue for me. This machine is a breeze to use and makes a fine cup of espresso. I haven't tried frothing milk yet since I don't particularly like cappucino or lattes, but it seems like there's ample pressure to accomplish the task. I love good coffee, and the machine accomplishes that goal nicely. Seems to be well built, and it's very easy to clean. In terms of value for your money, this machine is a winner.
This machine has performed its duty at my home on a daily basis for over a year. It makes a great shot of espresso and has saved me tons of money over buying mocha lattes at the coffee shops! I am not a coffee expert, but I LOVE my mocha lattes:)
The instructional video is VERY helpful.
However, I only gave it (4) stars for the following reasons:
1. It tends to only make (1) serving of espresso per brew, the rest is burned and very bitter (not a big deal for users such as myself making enough for one coffee drinker each morning)
2. I actually had to send in my machine for service just before the one-year mark--I was unable to get even one serving of espresso out before it began to steam and burn the batch. I cannot say anough about the WONDERFUL service at Capresso!! They repaired the machine and all I paid was the shipping to return it to them.
Despite the setback, I would purchase this item again--you cannot beat the price!
I have had two of these machines. My old one quit after 4 plus years of use.
I have used other brands, problems with them all. I was so happy that I was able to replace mine with the same brand. It makes excellent espresso and lattes. The frothing wand works so well, unlike other brands. It is user friendly, easy to clean, and makes the best cup of espresso/cappuccino. I hope this model is never discontinued! The price is awesome!
I got this as a gift from my huband and it makes a great tasting drink!
The coffee it brews is more like a strong drip and less like an actual espresso, but if you like strong coffee this machine gets the job done! It's a powerful machine for cofee and steaming even though it's compact and small. I love its size and the power (and buck saving power) you get from it.
I bought this machine after a friend told me my old krupps wasn't working properly. It is very easy to use and I surprised myself by being able to froth milk for cappuccino the first time I used it. Would recommend this brand to anyone, its light and works well
I LIKE THIS PRODUCT OKAY. MY HUSBAND USES IT MORE THAN I DO. IT'S BETTER FOR ESPRESSO THAN CAPPUCINO THOUGH.
An easy to use and clean appliance that has extended our trip to Italy by giving us the enjoyment of the cappaccino that we had every day while there. Well worth the price and highly recommend.
It took me only 3 tries to get this machine to reproduce the EXACT SAME cappuccino you get at Starbucks. It must be idiot proof because I'm an idiot for spending $3.50 per cup of cappuccino for the last 4-5 years at Starbucks.
The good:
1) Everything feels and performs solidly and sturdily on this machine
2) The frothing system is fantastic with lots of steam
3) The instructional video is helpful
4) There are excellent markings on the machine that tell you how much water/coffee to use
5) The end result is a piping hot cappuccino with spoonfuls of foam on top that keeps it hot for a long time.
6) Clean up is very easy, it has a handy holder design that allows you to easily remove the used coffee grinds
7) Forget about buying the frothing pitcher, you don't need it. Once you get the hang of it, it's easier to do it in the serving cups. No need for a thermometer either.
8) Besides the machine, all you need is water, espresso beans and a mug!
9) It's just super cool to make your own!
The bad:
1) It can make either 2 average size mugs of cappuccino or one large (venti) serving. It will not be able to brew 6 shots at once for those of you who like latte in a sink sized cup. It makes 4 shots maximum if you don't mind the slightly burnt(aka Starbucks) taste and fill the machine to the very top. If you want it super smooth make only 3. I highly recommend filling the machine completely even when making only one shot.
2) It's therefore only adequate for one or 2 people.
3) You have to follow the instructions exactly to get the perfect result. That means measuring out the coffee to the exact measurement marks.
4) Yes it's true, it makes no crema. So what, the espresso still tastes fantastic! Where were you purists 10 years ago when the best coffee available was the wash water tasting drivel I had to endure at Dunkin Donuts?
If you are looking to make a cup or two at a time, you won't be sorry if you buy this machine I promise!
I can't get good tasting espresso out of this thing. From what I understand now, it is because this does not have a pump, and somehow that makes it easier to burn the espresso.
This product is good for someone who is just starting out and wants to "try" the coffee world. I wish I would have bought one of the better models though. I use it mainly to brew tea. I used it once to make hot chocolate- I would suggest just making it on the stove instead. The frother is okay- but not like the professional series. I do not think it makes enough in one setting. THis product is good for one person but not for entertaining guests as you would spend your whole time in the kitchen. I plan on upgrading very soon. Overall the product is worth the price but if you are looking for a Starbucks version you may want to spend the extra money. The brand itself is great- and the DVD that comes with the product was very informative. I hate reading through instructions so I watched the video and was able to start using the product right away. I rate this product 4 stars as overall for the money it was worth it even if I just use it for tea.
The Mini-S makes a great cup of espresso, no doubt. I bought it to recreate my experience of coffee in France and Italy. This machine delivers.
Be sure to put the cap on tight -- this machine packs a lot of pressure -- and ALWAYS take your coffee before all the water boils through, as the instructions say! If you let the boiler run totally dry while filling your decanter, you will get burnt coffee every time.
i bought this for a friend of mine...she loves it! looks good on the counter and makes a fine cuppa joe! this is for those of us who like our coffee thick and rich...not for die hard espresso connesseurs.
The Mini-S makes a great cup of espresso, no doubt. I bought it to recreate my experience of coffee in France and Italy. This machine delivers.
Be sure to put the cap on tight -- this machine packs a lot of pressure -- and ALWAYS take your coffee before all the water boils through, as the instructions say! If you let the boiler run totally dry while filling your decanter, you will get burnt coffee every time.
i bought this for a friend of mine...she loves it! looks good on the counter and makes a fine cuppa joe! this is for those of us who like our coffee thick and rich...not for die hard espresso connesseurs.
I can't get good tasting espresso out of this thing. From what I understand now, it is because this does not have a pump, and somehow that makes it easier to burn the espresso.
This product is good for someone who is just starting out and wants to "try" the coffee world. I wish I would have bought one of the better models though. I use it mainly to brew tea. I used it once to make hot chocolate- I would suggest just making it on the stove instead. The frother is okay- but not like the professional series. I do not think it makes enough in one setting. THis product is good for one person but not for entertaining guests as you would spend your whole time in the kitchen. I plan on upgrading very soon. Overall the product is worth the price but if you are looking for a Starbucks version you may want to spend the extra money. The brand itself is great- and the DVD that comes with the product was very informative. I hate reading through instructions so I watched the video and was able to start using the product right away. I rate this product 4 stars as overall for the money it was worth it even if I just use it for tea.
I got this as a gift from my huband and it makes a great tasting drink!
The coffee it brews is more like a strong drip and less like an actual espresso, but if you like strong coffee this machine gets the job done! It's a powerful machine for cofee and steaming even though it's compact and small. I love its size and the power (and buck saving power) you get from it.
I bought this machine after a friend told me my old krupps wasn't working properly. It is very easy to use and I surprised myself by being able to froth milk for cappuccino the first time I used it. Would recommend this brand to anyone, its light and works well
I LIKE THIS PRODUCT OKAY. MY HUSBAND USES IT MORE THAN I DO. IT'S BETTER FOR ESPRESSO THAN CAPPUCINO THOUGH.
An easy to use and clean appliance that has extended our trip to Italy by giving us the enjoyment of the cappaccino that we had every day while there. Well worth the price and highly recommend.
It took me only 3 tries to get this machine to reproduce the EXACT SAME cappuccino you get at Starbucks. It must be idiot proof because I'm an idiot for spending $3.50 per cup of cappuccino for the last 4-5 years at Starbucks.
The good:
1) Everything feels and performs solidly and sturdily on this machine
2) The frothing system is fantastic with lots of steam
3) The instructional video is helpful
4) There are excellent markings on the machine that tell you how much water/coffee to use
5) The end result is a piping hot cappuccino with spoonfuls of foam on top that keeps it hot for a long time.
6) Clean up is very easy, it has a handy holder design that allows you to easily remove the used coffee grinds
7) Forget about buying the frothing pitcher, you don't need it. Once you get the hang of it, it's easier to do it in the serving cups. No need for a thermometer either.
8) Besides the machine, all you need is water, espresso beans and a mug!
9) It's just super cool to make your own!
The bad:
1) It can make either 2 average size mugs of cappuccino or one large (venti) serving. It will not be able to brew 6 shots at once for those of you who like latte in a sink sized cup. It makes 4 shots maximum if you don't mind the slightly burnt(aka Starbucks) taste and fill the machine to the very top. If you want it super smooth make only 3. I highly recommend filling the machine completely even when making only one shot.
2) It's therefore only adequate for one or 2 people.
3) You have to follow the instructions exactly to get the perfect result. That means measuring out the coffee to the exact measurement marks.
4) Yes it's true, it makes no crema. So what, the espresso still tastes fantastic! Where were you purists 10 years ago when the best coffee available was the wash water tasting drivel I had to endure at Dunkin Donuts?
If you are looking to make a cup or two at a time, you won't be sorry if you buy this machine I promise!
I have had two of these machines. My old one quit after 4 plus years of use.
I have used other brands, problems with them all. I was so happy that I was able to replace mine with the same brand. It makes excellent espresso and lattes. The frothing wand works so well, unlike other brands. It is user friendly, easy to clean, and makes the best cup of espresso/cappuccino. I hope this model is never discontinued! The price is awesome!
First time using this machine -- followed all directions & viewed video demo -- resulted in a couple of very good servings of cappuccino: 3 good shots of espresso, nicely steamed/foamed milk. (Note: Others warned of burned espresso by the 4th shot, so I didn't go past that except when letting the water/steam out to depressurize.)
By the 4th or 5th time using this machine, milk frothing became less effective. I'll contact Capresso to get this addressed, but my frustration led me to pick up a dedicated milk frother.
PROS:
- great tasting espresso (effectively upto 3 shots only)
- small footprint, simple and easy to prepare/use/clean
- excellent price for a Capresso machine (I have a few of them; all excellent)
CONS:
- burns the 4th shot of espresso despite providing adequate amount of water in the reservoir as per instructions
- product build quality & material matches that of less expensive machines (almost looks cheap next to my other Capresso machines)
I love espresso, but didn't want to pay a lot for a big machine since counter space is an issue for me. This machine is a breeze to use and makes a fine cup of espresso. I haven't tried frothing milk yet since I don't particularly like cappucino or lattes, but it seems like there's ample pressure to accomplish the task. I love good coffee, and the machine accomplishes that goal nicely. Seems to be well built, and it's very easy to clean. In terms of value for your money, this machine is a winner.
This machine has performed its duty at my home on a daily basis for over a year. It makes a great shot of espresso and has saved me tons of money over buying mocha lattes at the coffee shops! I am not a coffee expert, but I LOVE my mocha lattes:)
The instructional video is VERY helpful.
However, I only gave it (4) stars for the following reasons:
1. It tends to only make (1) serving of espresso per brew, the rest is burned and very bitter (not a big deal for users such as myself making enough for one coffee drinker each morning)
2. I actually had to send in my machine for service just before the one-year mark--I was unable to get even one serving of espresso out before it began to steam and burn the batch. I cannot say anough about the WONDERFUL service at Capresso!! They repaired the machine and all I paid was the shipping to return it to them.
Despite the setback, I would purchase this item again--you cannot beat the price!
This machine makes wonderful espresso and froths a beautiful crema for capuccino. A wise purchase.
I bought this machine for use in my college dorm. It was so easy to use and I had made a vanilla latte within 10 minutes after I got it home. It tastes just like what I would get at a coffee shop! I would definately recommend this machine.
The Capresso is my first machine, but compared to what I have heard about so many other cappucino machines I feel lucky. I bought it for christmas 2006 for myself so I didn't hesitate to open and use it a week before christmas when it arrived on my doorstep. One of the reasons I bought this one was because it included an instructional dvd which I found VERY helpful since it was my first machine. I had read other reviews of how this machine had a tendency to burn the coffee when making more than one serving and was surprised to be warned of this on the included DVD too. But I bought this little machine (and I do mean little) because I don't need to make much more than one serving at a time. My first couple of tries seemed to turn out fine, but I realized I wasn't puting enough coffee in the machine. I was measuring scoops with the scoop in the box, but have since found that using the measuring lines on the inside of the cup where you put the grinds works much better. The Capresso also offers a milk steamer/frother. Because of my novice experience I only tried to steam the milk a couple of times before simply pre-heating it in the microwave, but do use it to froth the milk and it works perfectly. Other reviews talk about how using steam is the "old" way of making espresso/cappucino, but the "other" machines and some of the steamers can get really expensive so paying $60 for this one seems like a great starting point. Every time I make a latte I think to myself how much it is costing me. So far I have made about 30 thus even if the machine breaks tomorrow (not likely)I am still saving money from what I was paying at Starbucks!
I don't believe this is a very good machine for first time users. In order to get a decent shot, you need to play with the grind and timing. The thing has a horrible steamer system that required you to pull up and down on a tiny plastic grip that becomes increasingly intransigent. I'm on my third part replacement after 5 months. Now I'm beginning to see white flakes that look like metal oxidization in my coffee grounds. I would suggest this machine for very occasional use and with the knowledge that it will take a lot of time and effort to maintain and will need to be replaced as soon as the warranty runs out.
This product is so easy to use which is wonderful for a single mom!
I absolutely love this machine. It doesn't take up any space, is easy to use and easy to clean! It's perfect for me, as there's only 2 of us that drink espresso in this house, so a full-size machine would be a waste of money. Makes a darn fantastic cappuccino!
This is a terrific, inexpensive little machine, perfect for a crowded countertop. The espresso is terrific, I agree with another reviewer that if you use Starbuck's coffee, the espresso tastes exactly like Starbuck's (I'll add that we use distilled water).
Two little problems. First, the steamer basket only had about half the holes punched all the way through. But Capresso customer service was terrific and sent a replacement basket in less than a week.
Second problem is that the espresso steam gets too hot after 2-3 cups; we can't get more than that without the espresso burning and tasting bitter. 2 cups is perfect everytime, 3 cups is borderline, 4 cups impossible.
Still, for us it's proven well worth the money for our household.
For the money, this espresso machine performed adequately. It ended up lasting around 10months for me. After that, it started burning the espresso much faster and I was never able to get more than 2 shots of espresso at a time. Also, if you like your espresso hot, you had better drink it fast. This machine tended to make it just more than lukewarm. If you just want a little economical machine that won't take up much space, though, the capresso will suit your needs just fine.
I haven't even used this very very small machine. I could kick myself in the butt for not realizing just how small this is. I don't know who long it takes to make one pot, butt I would need at least three. So, I saw the perfect machine in Linen's n Things for $169.00. Guess I'l start saving and maybe try and sell this machine, not in less your willing to take it back for a refund. I don't sell merchandise, so I could maybe give it as a chrsitmas gift to someone this year.
This machine replaced one I bought at Starbucks, when they sold affordable expresso machines. Starbucks did figure out that if they sold affordable expresso machines that you would probably buy their coffee, but you would make your $4 latte yourself at home. When my Starbucks machine died I was aghast at the cost of the expresso machine cost. Krups is a terrible machine and does not work so I was leary of trying an affordable machine... But, I did try the Capresso machine and this coffee maker - expresso maker is excellent. Makes great coffee and steams and froths my milk expertly. Thank you.
I was given this as a gift a couple of years ago and it worked pretty well, but I was always looking for something a little easier. I ended up purchasing the Hamilton Beach 40729 Espresso/Cappuccino Maker with Pod Holder. This was a pretty good machine-easy to use and made decent drinks. Four months later it broke. So, I brought out my old Mini-S and can't remember why I ever looked for another product. This one is easy to use and clean, and the espresso and steamer functions work tons better than the Hamilton Beach. Yes, if you're going to make 4 shots of espresso, you will have to brew them in 2 different batches and it's true that the steam will only last for a short time. But the steam that does come out works the first time. You won't have to run a second batch of water just to finish the job like I did with the Hamilton Beach. It really is a great user-friendly product.
This machine--the Capresso Mini-S,(according to phone product support) "is not designed to brew the second two shots as well as the first two. Continuing: "Perhaps you are confusing this machine with a true pump machine. This machine uses the old-fashion steam method; the steam gets hotter and hotter.... You should only brew 2 shots at a time if you do not like the taste of the second two shots."
I returned the machine because the "hotter" steam begins to burn the coffee grounds as the brew proceeds to the third shot. The resultant smell and coffee taste is badly fouled-burnt. Apparently, this is part of the design, which the people at Capresso describe as "the normal operation of the machine." When the machine is returned to me, I will be discarding it.
FYI, at the time of this writing, Capresso's website was down. I'm wondering if they are actually in business. Just be wary of this company, their products, and their product support.
We purchased this machine a couple months ago after our previous one, a Krupps, gave out suddenly (and explosively). The Capresso is a little more compact than the Krupps, but still makes a great cup of espresso. We aren't 'purists', so issues like the lack of crema that some here are complaining about do not concern us. We just like a hot fresh cup of espresso with some cream and milk.
It gets heavy use - 2-3 batches per day - and has held up quite well so far.
I am a big fan of espresso and espresso drinks but needed to save money so I bought this to make it at home. Making espresso is easy enough if you follow the instructions (I didn't watch the video). The frother even works well. The problem I had was with the flavor. The manual suggests making two or four shots of espresso at a time, but when making four shots the espresso was badly burned by the time it was finished brewing. I had best results making just over one shot at a time, but the flavor was still burned and flat. In the end, I used the machine for a couple months but eventually put it away and went back to my regular drip coffee maker.
This is a great little machine & has served its purpose very well. It has saved me much more than I paid for it!
This little machine turns out quality espresso in about 5 minutes. I have used it 3 times a week for a year and it works just as good as it did the first day I received it. Quality machine for the price.
Do not remove the box from the counter. The only creama you will see is the one on the box. About taste of coffee - it smells as something just burned. Attached CD shows how to make Cappuccino, not Espresso. So much of seeing evidence of making a good Espresso.
Waste of money, shipping charges that are. The free shipping saver will be deducted as well as you have to pay to return it! What a deal!
I received this a week ago and am very happy with my coffee results. Granted I am not anal about my crema not being poofy enough and etc. I found this espresso maker will save me a lot of cash as I live in a small town with no Starbucks around and have to fork out more per cup at a so-so coffee bar in a gift shop in my town. I purchased the Krups 20oz. frothing pitcher as one reviewer suggested and the milk frothed and steamed quickly and consistently for me upon my first try. Since I don't have a decent coffee grinder to get the grind correct for this machine, I purchased a pre-ground can of Medaglia D'Oro Caffe' Espresso Coffee at my local grocery. Unfortunately, the bagged Starbucks beans are probably not too fresh in my small town grocery store and the grinding machine in the coffee aisle is not up to par and probably has coffee residue in it from 10 years ago! Anyway the pre ground Medaglia turned out great for my taste and I used my espresso to make a pretty smooth tasting Cafe Mocha with my freshly steamed milk. I also found this machine easy to clean which is one of the things I hate about using these types of gadgets. I rinsed out the filter, rinsed off the easily removable grate, and used a wet paper towel to wipe off the frothing nozzle and the drop or two of coffee that dribbled below the grate. No weird nooks and crannies to clean! The directions say that you can also put the parts in the upper tier of your dishwasher as well. My unit came with a short DVD (not VHS as some people had received) and it was easy to follow. I highly recommend this for those that love to wake with a strong cup of decent espresso but are space-confined or budget constrained.
Honestly speaking, the quality of the espresso's not bad, and I'm pretty happy with the frother/steamer. I'm unsure of its durability since I've only had it for 2 weeks. However, this isn't exactly my best investment around the kitchen, because... WHERE IS MY CREMA??? Don't be fooled by the instructional video or the box, your Mini-S is NOT gonna give u a nice layer of foam as do those William Sonoma machine. I wouldn't expect as much for a $60 machine, but I'm extremely dissatisfied cuz of the dillusion Capresso gave its customers... (just look at that picture! it has a thick layer of crema in it!) I have no idea how they make that cup of coffee in the tape, but I only get half-hearted crema once in every 5 tries.
Through the years I have owned several Espresso/Cappuccino makers, this one is by far the best. It makes a great cup of Espresso. The frother is far enough away from the machine that it is easily used and froths the Milk very well.
I don't care what anyone thinks. This maker is GREAT! It is very simple and small but makes up a large batch of espresso. I know coffee and I know gadgets and this is a good buy.
I depended so much on the reviews before I got my machine that I felt an obligation to return the favor!
It took a little practice to get used to this machine, but once I did, it has been a breeze to use. I've been using it for a couple of months and have taken lately to making iced lattes every morning for my trip to work. This has saved me BOATLOADS of money that would have gone to Starbucks.
I'm not a coffee connoisseur, but I imagine if you are, you're probably not buying a $60 espresso machine. With that in mind, if you use good quality fresh grounds, this makes a mighty tasty espresso, latte, or whatever you fancy.
PLUSES:
Very small - takes up hardly any counter space!
Comes with a really helpful video, assuming you still have a VHS around to watch it on!
Really easy to use. I was a little intimidated at first having never used an espresso machine before, but once I got the hang of it, I could do it in my sleep.
Folks say it's noisy, but no noisier than a Starbucks - have you been in one of those places? I don't mind this thing at all in comparison.
MINUSES:
Though the brewing doesn't take long, you can't leave the machine while it's making the espresso. I've made the mistake of getting distracted a couple of times, and the overheated/burned coffee starts to come out before I catch it and ruins the whole batch.
And yeah, it's plastic and looks/feels a little flimsy, but it works well. If you can't get past the thing being plastic, then you'll need to pay for something a little fancier. But I'm not sure you'll get a better espresso out of it.
Things to note:
A few people have complained about the frother getting gummed up or not working, but it took me a while before I realized that it can be unscrewed and cleaned as well. If you do that often enough, you'll have no problem.
Also, always remember to depressurize it when you're done. The only time I had a malfunction with it was after I hadn't blown all the steam out - but the next time I used it, I did and haven't had a problem since.
Enjoy!
After suddenly receiving a coffee kick, I began frequenting my local Starbucks for their caffe mochas. But going there every day cost me approx. $22 per week...that was too expensive for me. So I researched different machines, and I came across this one. After reading all the comments, I decided to give the mini capresso a try, and I must say I am pleasantly suprised. The only qualms I have is that the frother makes ALOT of noise, and sometimes it sucks the liquid you are frothing up into the wand...but other than that, it turns out a decent cup of mocha every time. This machine is perfect for the casual latte drinker, but discerning espresso snobs probably wouldnt like this machine, as there is really no visible crema. But for the money, its worth it. The amount of money I paid for the machine, frothing pitcher, and storage bin for my ground starbucks espresso roast (which starbucks will do for free) would equal me going everyday to starbucks for my caffe latte for about a month. A few hints, buy the krups 20 oz frothing pitcher, and go to local kitchen store to pick up a cheap thermometer, dont bother paying 10 bucks for one on amazon b/c the shipping adds to the cost. And Ive been having great success with a medium espresso grind, just tell the barista to grind your coffee that way and you'll have decent lattes in no time.
This espesso machine is pretty good. Makes an awesome cappucino, but can tend to make a lot of noise when frothing the milk. Otherwise a good buy.
With the great expresso coffee I'm getting from this little easy-to-use machine everyday, I don't understand why you would pay hundredsssss for other machines. I love my coffee. I'ts fair to say though, that a plastic piece from the lid snapped and I must hold it when pouring the brewed coffee to keep it from falling off.
As a newbie I can only speak from my very limited experience with Espresso/Cappuccino machines. For the money, this appears to be an Excellent starter model for anyone wanting to experiment with brewing their coffee house favorites in their own home! It is easy to operate and cleans up quickly. The espresso/cappuccino/lattes' are Very Nice and compareable with many of the smaller family owned coffee houses. Don't expect that Professional cup from a $2,500.00 machine... but for $60, you get a Very Nice cup of your own favorite brew right at home. Sharp looking small machine that fits easily on your counter.
After reading reviews of some of the competitors, we went with the Mini-S by Capresso. It took us almost a week to "perfect the science", getting the timing down perfectly, exactly how much espresso we used, etc., but over 2 months later, we are loving this little machine. Still can't believe what comparable makers cost, when one of the least expensive out there works wonderfully. FYI: We dropped the glass carafe last week, and ordered a replacement online from the manufacturer quite painlessly!
User hint - regular milk will not foam, at all, ever. Fat free milk is the ticket, and half-n-half is a great twist, too! Also, avoid the hassle and just go to starbucks, buy their espresso beans, and have them grind them for you. An airtight container at home ensures you will have a premium espresso whenever you like, right in your own kitchen.
So glad we made this purchase.
This expresso maker is worth about $30. It works ok - not great.
The coffee coming out of the machine is cool at first and then it gets hot (It must be boiling at the bottom of the vessel first and forcing the cool water out of the top.) So we have resorted to heating up our cups with hot tap water. Other than this issue, the machine is fine.
We have this machine for 3 months now and are using it every single day. Get the Starbucks coffee, syrup, Carmel and you will get the same macchiato they sell for $4 at fraction of the cost.
I expected this to be just so-so. I was so wrong. This little machine produces like a pro. Takes up very little counter space and with the included video, so easy to use. Takes a little practice to get the perfect latte but compared to what you pay at Starbucks, it paid for itself in about a 10 days! Great little machine!!
If you're looking for an Expresso/Cappuccino machine for one or two people, this it! This inexpensive machine is very reliable; we've used it for three months and we're very happy with its performance. Best of all, it's simple to use yet produces a good cup every time.
The machine works well as others have stated. The switch that controls the steam between the cup and steaming attachment is very good and makes it quite easy to do.
the frothing attachment gets gummed up and is tough to slide.
other than that its a very good product so far.
Although you tamp the expresso grounds into a small stainless steel filter cup with this machine, it then fits into an aluminum holding cup with the little funel at the bottom (over the glass pitcher at the top of the machine). Those who are health conscious should be concerned that acidic coffee may well leach the aluminum. For instance, aluminum concentrations are found to be higher in the brains of Alzheimer's patients and some European nations have laws against aluminum cookware. Of course, you may get as much from your under-arm deordorant. Just though you might want to know this so you can make an informed decision. I honestly don't know if other cappuccino machines use stainless all the way through or not. Guess I will have to shelf shop for a cappuccino machine since product descriptions and even instructions manuals will probably not tell you this. Maybe I will then turn around and order over the internet! I am regrettably returning my Capresso Mini-s.
I gave this as a birthday gift and have not heard whether it works well or not. But I was impressed with the fast shipping!
The Capresso mini espresso fits the bill! Simple to operate, makes great coffee and espresso. Taste just like the sidewalk cafes in France, but I can also take this coffee to-go! Highly recommended, so-far. Use the money you save to buy a good grinder.
David
After seeing pump-style machines at $300 and up, I admit I was bit skeptical about a 60 dollar machine. With the minimal counter space available in my kitchen, and Capresso's reputation for good products, I gave the Mini-S a try. After 1 view of the video, I was off and practicing my skills at crafting the perfect latte.
Let's face it - espresso purists wouldn't give this type of product a second look. But for less discerning customers who would delight at a great tasting homemade coffee drink (like me), this machine does not disappoint.
I use a stainless steel 20-ounce frothing pitcher and fill it about half way with skim milk. I steam the milk for about 15 seconds and then froth it for another 20-25. Then I fill my two mugs half way with frothed milk, fill to 3/4 full with coffee, and finish them off with a "scoop" of foam and a dash of cocoa. Delicious! Makes 2.5 cups per cycle.
Another perk of this machine is that you don't need a $100 burr grinder. Simply pickup a 20 dollar bean grinder and you're good to go.
So with all this praise, why not a 5 star rating? I suppose the plastic drip tray could have been stainless. But then it might be a $75 machine.
Bottom Line: this machine is compact and easy to operate and clean. If lattes or cappucinos are your thing, give this little guy a try. If it lasts, and I hope it does, then I'll be emailing Capresso with plenty of praise.
Enjoy.
***FOUR MONTH UPDATE***
After 4 months of use, the machine is still going strong, although I'm not getting the great frothing results that I used to. I may have to touch base with the manufacturer to see if this can be addressed via cleaning/inspection.
First of all, this tiny appliance is extremely light and hardly occupies any counter space. Very compact.
2. Hooking it up is very straightforward.
3. Brewing starts in about 30 seconds and in less than a couple of minutes, there is enough steam built up to steam the milk.
4. The tiny machine produces enough steam to really heat up the milk, without having to use the microwave. This is one thing that my other cheaper machine could never do. I always had to heat up the milk in the MW before frothing. Kudos for that.
5. I even tried using the steamed milk directly with instant coffee and it just tastes amazing. :)
My one complaint - steaming is a little noisy, as if it is going to blow up any minute. A little unnerving in a quiet house.
This device paid for itself easily in just the first week. No more $4 latte's at Starbucks.
Yes, it has a few slight drawbacks.
1. Prep takes a little time (so does waiting in line at SB's).
2. Clean up is also time consuming for just a few cups.
3. I like my drinks HOT and have to microwave them afterwards.
4. Locking/unlocking the coffee filter might be a little tough for some older folks.
Other than that, this little puppy does exactly what I wanted and expected it to do.
Why 5 stars?
1. The price.
2. Being able to make an excellent drink whenever I want it.
3. Ease/familiarity of use after just a few tries.
4. Money saved is going to my college aged kids instead of Starbuck's corporate wallet.
5. Satisfaction of making my own hot drink and enjoying it at my leisure.
6. Did I mention price?
when i was buying this machine i was hesitant. i thought i was going to get junk for this money. to my surprise this little machine is so easy to use and it makes great espresso for my lattes and mochas .i use thermometer when steaming milk, it steams milk to 170 degrees fast with no problem.i wish i had space for a bigger pump espresso machine like francis x5, but in the meantime this little one serves my purpose in fact i will but another one to give as a gift. i am stabucks addict and for a whole week i made mochas and lattes that my husband could not tell between the ones i made and starbuck's. i am very happy with this purchase.
I bought this to break myself of going to Starbucks and because I'm cheap. This is not a state of the art, hot shot machine, but it is 1/3 the cost of anything nearly as good as far as I can tell, and I like it a lot.
To make cappuccino you follow these steps:
1. Pour water into carafe to top of metal rim, then pour it into the boiler and close the boiler tight (easy)
2. Put espresso into filter (marked for 2 or 4 cups) and then put into machine (easy)
3. Put carafe into position (only goes one way and incredibly easy)
4. Turn to cup setting and wait until it drips to steam line, meanwhile prepare 2/3 cup of milk (skim is better) (very easy)
5. Put frother into milk, turn dial from cup to steam, steam milk about 10 seconds (easy), then drop the steam cover to start frothing (very easy) and froth for another 10-20 seconds
6. Turn control back to cup and wait until enough coffee has dripped through (either you have enough or it starts steaming). (easy but it takes attention).
7. Turn machine to off, pour your coffee and steamed milk and foam into your cup. Drink (easy)
8. Let the rest of the water drip into the carafe, then let steam run out into (another) empty cup. Very easy
-- You are done --
Clean up is even easier. You can put just about everything into the dishwasher, the only tricky part is to unscrew the frother and wash it to keep it clean. Incredibly easy.
Did I mention it is easy?
The cappuccion so far is better than I was buying at Starbucks for $4.25 and as far as I can compute it, it is costing me about < $0.50 / cup using the expensive Green Mountain Espresso + skim milk. Not a bad savings.
The one thing they don't tell you is that if you are making 1 serving (2 cups), stop brewing (turn from cup to 0) at 2 cups, pour out your coffee, and then let the rest of the water pour through.
All in all, it couldn't be easier. Time from start to finish, including clean up is about 4 minutes.
==============
Here's a follow up some months later. I finally decided that the foam and espresso I was getting was not consistent enough, the parts were a bit fragile, and, most important, a steam-based machine will never quite give me what I truly want.
I decided to to step up and I bought the Starbucks Barrista (during their annual 25% off sale) and there is no comparison (in quality or in price!)
So, I'd modify my review just to say that the Capresso is great for its cost, and great for getting started, but if you want the flavor of a truly well made cappuccino you need a machine with a pump, and one with separate controls for steaming and for making the espresso.
Alright, Ive had this machine for abbout a year. I clean it all the time, and use it 1-2 times a day. Since it is steam powered, it isnt that great, but does make a good crema every 1 in 5 tries. It takes a long time to put the ground coffee in, water, etc. Also beware: if you don't de pressurise the machine, it will fill thw whole room with steam and spit hot water everywhere (from experience!!). So beware, but this machine is a perfect start for a beginner.
The steamer on this machine didn't work great from the start, and eventually stopped working altogether after about 2 months. However, I do have to compliment the customer service department at Capresso. I have spoken on the phone with the folks there multiple times and always found them helpful. Although the whole process was inconvenient from my end, the machine was replaced without difficulty. (Hopefully the new one will be OK!)
U only paid $60.....what did u expected? well...I didnt expect much from this little one machine. however, it had been 3 weekd since i received it and it worked very well!! only cost 2 mins to make one excellent coffee and beautiful foam, even less than u spend time going to coffee shop, right?
the only reason i gave it 4 stars, instead of 5 stars, is that the frother/steamer cant be adjusted. sometimes it is unconvient to use it.
anyway....coffee taste good!! compared to starbucks....haha~~
Good product - sturdy-built, nice expresso, good latte/capuchinos.
There's been some comments regarding froth generation by this unit. In fact, it's the same complaint across a large selection of similar units. In fact, I posted a 1-star myself for this froth issue but today my friend who happens to be a barrista in Italy helped me out! Here's the tutorial:
(a) Always use COLD, COLD milk - skimmed/thin milk.
(b) Hold nozzle (after a wee bit of steaming) :
- Deep inside the milk
- But NOT pointing into the center
- Cup/Utensil slightly turned towards yourself, so the nozzle blows at the bottom RIM.
- Also twist the cup/utensil a little TOWARDS the machine itself also.
(c) START the process. Almost immediately MOVE THE CUP SUCH THAT THE VERY END OF THE NOZZLE IS INSIDE THE MILK - you do this by moving the cup downwards but maintaining the tilt.
(d) At this juncture you'll see that the sound changes - as if something is being fried in a skillet - GOOD.
(e) Immediately you'll find froth build-up. NOW IT'S IMPORTANT TO KEEP THAT NOZZLE JUST INSIDE THE MILK. SO, AS FROTH BUILDS UP, YOU'LL NEED TO KEEP MOVING THE CUP DOWN!
>>> That's it!
Now, the importance of the tilt is to generate a circular motion on the milk as steam blows into it with the motion creating a movement of the milk DOWNWARDS. The reason is, a best cuppa coffe is when the bubbles are SMALL and MIXED with the milk - not the BIG bubbles just floating up and pure milk down! So, as you generate that circular motion - you constantly PUSH those BIG bubbles down INTO the milk where they dissapiate and get totally mixed with the milk.
Remember: The trick is in the tilt and the sound - watch those 2 and you have a perfect cup!
When removing the Capresso from the box, the first thought I had was that this is a cheaply made product. The machine is very light weight (because the housing is plastic). I was a little diasppointed that even the "metal looking" plate that the caraffe sits on is plastic painted to appear metal.
BUT... This machine makes great lattes! I like my lattes with low carb vanilla soy milk and sugar free french vanilla Coffeemate. It took me a few tries to perfect the amounts of each ingredient, but now I am enjoying lattes better than I got in the local coffee shops. And, I am saving a lot of money by making my own lattes. Hot or iced, they are delicious either way.
I did notice that it works better when making 2 "cups" rather than 4. I don't like my lattes too burning hot, but my mom does. When she came over last weekend, I made 4 "cups" (espresso shots) and the machine ran out of steam before getting the milk hot enough to her liking. Although, it was perfect for me.
If you are looking for an inexpensive little machine and want to save money on buying lattes in shops, this is definitely the way to go.
I've had my machine for nearly a year now, and have been able to make a pretty good cup of cappuccino every time (I use it nearly every day). It isn't a high end, expensive machine, so don't expect a crema laden expresso, but if you get the grind just right, you will get a little. I use a 100% arabica coffee, and the expresso I get is not bitter at all, and very smooth. The frother works well, too, but takes a little practice to get it just right. For a reliable machine that is affordable and makes fairly decent expresso, this one fits the bill. Even though the expresso is not what a $500.00 machine can make, I give it five stars based on what you get for the price.
I bought this for $60 in August... desperately wanting to enjoy steamers and lattes with breakfast but being a just-more-than-impoverished grad student. I've worked in coffee shops before, so know my standards.
The machine weighs disturbingly little, and is horribly uncomplex. The filter arrived with many of its holes still unopened, and I had to punch them out myself. But I have three main complaints:
1. It cannot steam and make espresso at the same time. Maybe I'm just spoiled...
2. Steaming adds a ridiculous amount of water to the milk. Right now, at the height of my steaming ability, I'm still getting about 4 oz of water added to every 8 oz of milk.
3. It has no warm-up switch. IE, whereas other machines you can turn on, walk away, and come back when its heated to make espresso, this one will just start pouring water though anytime it feels its hot enough. Thus, if you want to avoid accidentally ending up with 8 oz of espresso when you only wanted 1.5, you have to watch it like a hawk.
This is a $30 machine. If you can get it for that price, its worth the money. If not, go with something else.
First I have to refute one of the earlier reviews.
This machine is a boiler pot machine. Here's how it works: you put water in and it heats up the water, making steam. When you open a valve connecting the boiler pot to either the coffee basket or the steam wand, steam leaves the boiler pot through either the steam wand or the coffee basket. After you're done, you can open one of the valves (like the one to the steam wand) and let off pressure or you can leave the machine closed up. Let's say you left it closed up and didn't let the machine heat up again before trying to use it. The ideal gas law says PV=nRT, or that the pressure in the machine is directly proportional to the temperature. You've let the machine cool down. The pressure in the machine is now lower than the pressure in the room. If you open a valve now, it will suck air back into the machine. High school science.
The other reviewer is actually quite lucky that a safety mechanism on the machine prevented him from removing the lid to the boiler chamber while the machine was hot because, had he been able to, that lid would have become a projectile. He would have been hit with hot steam and a fast moving lid propelled by the pressure built up in the chamber. Wow is this person lucky he bought a machine with a safety mechanism because it saved him a trip the the emergency room.
Or lucky I understand high school science because I actually own a slightly ealier model that has no safety mechanism. I've owned it for seven years, and it has lived through multiple abusive college roommates. The carafe broke (college roommate) and the seal has coffee stains on it, but it's held up remarkably well and makes a good cup of coffee. (And I worked at a coffee shop for a year, which is where I bought this machine.)
And no you don't need to have the coffee ground at the store. You can use a regular grinder. (I duct tape mine closed for about 2 minutes.) Get some espresso ground from a store so you can compare the grinds. And regular coffee makes a slightly lighter coffee than espresso but it works so you don't need to have two different kinds of coffee in the house.
Since I really didn't invest a lot of money in this machine I wasn't expecting high end performance...just average. However; I do drink on average a couple of Cappuccino's a day so I consider that I gave this machine an average workout.
This machine did not stand up to regular use. It did produce a very nice quality cup of Espresso and after I got in the groove with the Capresso I was able to make a nice hot creamy Cappuccino.
Within the twenty days I had the Capresso, I had a couple of strange things happen with what I consider to be pressure tank related issues. First, once when I was steaming milk, I put the frothing picture under the nozzle and selected steam. The machine sucked the milk into the tank instead of injecting steam into the milk. Yes there was water in the tank when this happened. The second and fatal issue; the tank lid will no longer open to allow me to put water in. I assume this was due to a vapor lock and un-plugged the machine and turned the dial to steam to hopefully relieve the pressure. Over the course of several days I did this a few times. Finally I turned on the machine to see if there was enough water inside to create steam to hopefully release the vapor lock. No go. The cap will not budge....which has rendered my Capresso Espresso machine useless.
Moral of the story...as others have written, it is a waste of time and good money to purchase an Espresso machine without a pump. The Capresso 302 was nice while it lasted.
I don't fault the machine itself but the technology behind it.
I have had this machine for about 10 days now and it already has paid for itself with all the fine coffee drinks I have been able to make with it. It does take a little practice to get the grind and the amount of ground bean right.
The frother also took some practice but now I am able to make espresso, latte or cappucino of quality comparable to what I get in coffee shops here in Seattle.
It's easy to clean to maintain which is a huge plus.
I am very pleased with this machine -- easy to use, very effective, easy to clean, and easy to store.
After holding out for 40+ years from drinking coffee (always thought it was too bitter), I was introduced to espresso about 3 months ago. I have sampled espresso at numerous restaurants, Starbucks, etc. since then and deceided it was time to get a machine for home brewing. Most reviews and coffee web sites recommend starting at $200.00 for a good espresso machine, which is too high for my budget. I came across the mini-s on sale at Barnies, and for less than $60.00 decided to give it a try. It is very simple to use following the video instructions and produces an excellent cup of espresso. From a newbee perspective, it tastes just as good as any of the espresso I've had thus far. Gave it 5 stars - but have only had it a week.
This machine should meet the expectations of coffee addicts on a budget. I have owned this machine for approximately eight months, while using the machine almost daily to make espresso shots and other espresso beverages.
I have found that the machine produces consistently good espresso, even when pulling all four "cups." The trick is to always fill the machine with water equivalent to the top of the band on the carafe. This information is in the instructions, but is easily overlooked. I have only been dissatisfied when I have not filled the machine all the way.
The accompanying video is a nice inclusion, but I, along with most of my friends, have ditched our VCRs some time ago. Luckily, I was not out of luck. I was pleasantly surprised that capresso.com has video instructions available for streaming.
Of course, if I should have the budget to spend ten times the price for an amazing machine I would be worrying about pump pressure and looking for perfection in not only the output product, but in the design. Yes, this machine is mostly plastic, but the important working parts are metal. I find the design attractive, and perhaps more importantly the machine is compact enough to fit well in my efficiency kitchen.
Since I received this as a Christmas gift, I have made untold numbers of double espressos and cappucinos/lattes. It's very easy to use and with the proper grind of coffee (obtained at my local Vons for $6.99/lb) you can make a delicious drink at home for a fraction of what Starbucks charges. Includes a video demonstration and couldn't be easier to use. As other reviewers have noted, you must use the proper grind or it won't turn out well. I used Safeway's whole bean grinder and chose the fine grind option (just below espresso as the Capresso manual recommends) and found it to be perfect. I like my espresso strong so I nearly fill the coffee holder up to 4 cup level when making 2 cups. My only complaint is that when steaming the milk, some of it bubbles up around the adjustment arm making it almost too hot to move when you're ready to froth. Otherwise it's perfect.
The "4-Cup" can be misleading. In terms of how much expresso you can brew at a time, the max is about 1 cup. But of course as far as serving suggestions go, you have 4 "cups."
Its very easy to use, and the espresso produced, as well as the steamer/frother, are both of a quality well worth the great price.
$59 Steam powered espresso machines are a complete waste of time... If you use this unit or anything like it -- you will be disappointed!! don't think that what comes out of this is espresso. It is built to a price point -- cheap! They left out the pump! You must have a pump to make espresso.
Or you can give this as a chessy gift to someone you dislike, OR if you get one -- save it for a RE-GIFT!!
OH, and don't even start about 'pod' machines! Overpriced, STALE coffee. GAAACCKKK!
First of all if you try to make 4 cups at a time it does not produce crema. After approximately 10 uses the knob broke.
I read everyone else's reviews, got excited about my little espresso machine, received it, watched the little video, etc... and now i'm very disappointed.
First off, the espresso is NOT frothy. I do not think the machine gets to a high enough temperature, but i was willing to let that go... since it was only $59.99. I was going to keep it, but then, less than a week into use (one cup a day), the rubber ring in the water resevoir came off... and when brewed the next cup, it did not provide a sufficient seal... and now it's kaput!
Now I have to go through the hassle of returning and researching another coffee maker! So, please save your time and money and look elsewhere is my advice... it sounds like the machine is decent if you get lucky, but the consistency of the quality is poor.
I bought a Mini-S Espresso machine in August. I was well on the road to being fully satisfied with device--until it broke about ten days later. Due to the apparent cheapo plastic construction of the switch, I cannot endorse the long-term value in this machine. I give it five stars for quality espresso, but only one star for durability, resulting in an average of three stars.
My brother, who says he has made about 3,000 cups of espresso with various machines (one a day over about ten years) advised me to buy a model like this. If you pay more, he said you are really paying for styling and a few handy features. We looked at one other more expensive Capresso model, but I didn't really one to spend too much. I paid $64 for mine.
Having never made any latte's before at home, so I didn't know what to expect from this model. I have drunk many latte's from various coffee shops in A