Krups FND111 Allegro Espresso Maker, Black & Silver
This died just after performing the initial rinsing, as instructed in the pamphlet.
Stopped working and doesn't do a thing when the knob is turned. And finding a phone number for Amazon's CS is near impossible on this site!
That said, I must repeat it - DON'T EVER BUY THIS MACHINE! Krups' quality has certainly decreased over the years and this one is no exception. We have had two of their coffee pots which both exploded all over the kitchen, grounds, hot water, etc. and this one didn't fair any better. Go for a better brand than Krups - ours stopped working the third time we used it and it wound up in the trash can. We just gave up. JC Penney makes a good one! Don't waste your time or money on this one - go to a quality store and take your time and purchase a good one that will last longer than three tries This machine just died, no warning, nothing, then spewed hot milk all over the kitchen. Unfortunately, it happened during a formal party. How embarassing! I sincerely do not recommend this product!
I recieved this machine for Christmas. It works wonderfully, but you MUST read all instructions before use. It makes hot, hot drinks, and the foam is lucious.
I had this machine for about a week before returning it - it was easy to use, and made ok tasting lattes, but nothing got hot. The espresso was quite warm, but I couldn't get the milk warmer than lukewarm using the steam function. I'm upgrading to a better model.
I received this machine for Christmas. I have used it 'numerous' times and to great success. I have certainly used it more than 25 times since Christmas, Yes!!!, I am a coffee power drinker. For the money it is a great little machine! You will have to subscribe to cleaning the milk steamer . . . but this would be true for any machine . . . no matter what the cost. I had concerns about the little plastic cover for the Milk Steamer but it has turned out to work fine. If you wish to spend more then I suppose that's your right, however, why should you spend more if spending less does the same job. I will compare my latte's with any coffee lounge . . . Starbucks, Seattles Best, Pikes Perk, Diedrichs . . . etc.. I have to admit the first time I used it . . . well, it was a mess!!! I had to come up with a method. I also had to augment the setup by getting a decent little metal pitcher to steam the milk in . . . once I got that . . . Life was good!!!
I had read some opposing reviews for this machine, so I was a little uncertain how it would be. My last expresso machine was also a Krups and I had it for years without any problem.
I am very happy to say that this machine has been really good. In fact, one thing I noted is that the frothing apparatus works really well and my coffee comes out really hot. I like the separate cover for the frothing stem, it makes it very easy to clean.
I have a stainless steel frothing cup, which works really well. I scored it at a second hand store for about $3.00, which is the deal of the century. The cup makes the froth foam really well. I am very pleased with this and am planning on buying one for my daughter and son-in-law for Christmas.
This machine makes good espresso, and the steamer is a nice touch however it is too closely located to the machine so it is hard to steam your milk properly. The steamer handle also get REALLY hot and I burned myself once already. Other than that I would say the machine is worth the money I spent, I will be enjoying a cup every morning now thanks to my espresso maker!
I recently bought this machine for my honey because he started getting a taste for the coffee shop cappuccinos. This little machine was a great find. It's inexpensive and easy to use,and makes a comparable cup to those we buy out. As a novice, this is a great starter machine. Yum!
My old Krups died after valiant service, so, deprived of my elixir, I decided to try another Krups. I read a lot of froth here on the reviews for this model, and proceeded with purchase.
Naturally, something as high tech as a cappuccino maker needs to constantly evolve to keep up with the times, so the new machine seemed quite different than our old model. After painful adjustment, and a steep learning curve, we finally succeeded in making our first cup of FND111 cappuccino - it was delicious. It was on the third day of its new life that I got steamed at the soul of my new machine. As I was enjoying the brew with my wife, she fished out from here cup a piece of debris. It was the frother.
the FND111 still makes good cappuccino, but its once proud appendage that shot out the special steam is now merely the thin, ordinary appurtenance it was before.
But hey, what can one expect, it is only a coffee maker.
I have this in my dorm and absolutly love it! However, the first one that was sent to me had a malfunction, but the second one sent works great and i've enjoyed many a latte. The only critique i'd put on it is the frothing nozzle could be a little farther from the machine and also the coverslip on the nozzle makes it difficult to quickly wipe off milk on the actual metal part of the nozzle. This means that upon cleaning you will need to get a choreboy or sos pad to scrape the hardened milk off the nozzle. Other than that, the quality of this machine is great! Enjoy!
So I didn't buy this on amazon but at Crate and Barrel instead where you can return the product should anything go wrong.
That being said, my husband has enjoyed latte's 5-7 times a week now for over a month and the machine works great each time. The one thing you just have to make sure you do is release the pressure in the machine after you've let the machine cool down for some time. If you don't I think the seal would have issues.
Also, the milk steamer should be cleaned periodically with hot water or else you get junk built up on it.
Anyway, it's a great little machine and I love it.
My mother has had this same model for the past 6 years or so (uses it about 2 times a day every single day) and loves it, never any problems. So I bought one for myself after getting sick of spending a grand fortune everyday for my Starbucks lattes...and I love it!
It is small which I needed since I have limited counter space, and my lattes tastes just as good as the ones I used to buy at Starbucks.
I recently bought this machine for my honey because he started getting a taste for the coffee shop cappuccinos. This little machine was a great find. It's inexpensive and easy to use,and makes a comparable cup to those we buy out. As a novice, this is a great starter machine. Yum!
We had to shop for a new coffeemaker when our Cuisinart machine broke down and it proved to be very challenging to get their customer support to respond about it. So we made it our task to find a new machine. We ran into this beauty that brews espressos, for only $50. Being a Venezuelan coffee lover, having an espresso machine sounded appealing to me, and the price was also catchy. So we went ahead and got it. It's now been almost two months since we started using it on a daily basis and it continues to perform optimally.
I take off one star because it certainly feels a bit "bland" (the handles and most of it are made of plastic). So I wouldn't be surprised if, sooner or later, something broke with it. But at least I will not have forked over $100 for a coffee-making device at that point! :)
Short and Sweet...the thing about home espresso makers is that they can be great if you are willing to spend the money. This item works okay if you want to make Lattes, but not much else. I have an old Krups Duomo (i.e. 1/2 espresso and 1/2 coffee) and while the coffee side of things are pretty dismal, the espresso side is by far the best low-cost espresso maker on the market. This one not so much. If you just want to have a latte now and then, this is a solid purchase. If you are into espresso, look elsewhere and spend the money. Then again, if you are into espresso, you probably know that already.
We bought this espresso machine because we had owned the previous Krups model and it was great - served us well for over 5 years, being used daily. So it was a no-brainer to get another Krups when the time came. But this one doesn't compare! It leaks from every seam, sprays steam all over the place, the indicator light has already burned out (after 2 months), and because of the intense leakage it sits in its own pool of water. That seems dangerous to me. We are getting ready to chuck this and go to a different brand.
I am a traveling consultant and coffee addict that ended up on a project in one of these areas in the US that SB did not conquer yet. The closest coffee shop serving decent espresso style coffee is more than an hour away. Driven by withdrawals the 3rd week into my project, I decided to get my own little espresso maker just for the duration of the project. I had it shipped directly to my customer about 6 weeks ago and used it probably a dozen times since.
All I can say: was I surprised about the performance of this machine!
I only drink lattes and had my difficulties to get decent milk froth in the past with different, much pricier machines. The Krups FND111 produces better foam than the $900 La Pavoni Europiccola Professional that we brought from Italy and use at home!!! Of course it does not have a lot of bells and whistles and it is kind of annoying that you can't remove the steaming nozzle (which will clog if you don't clean it thoroughly after each use) but in my opinion you can't beat the value that you get for the buck! Even though I still don't own it long enough to comment on quality and durability of this machine, I still give it five stars.
This is a nice affordable little expresso machine that's perfect for a household with about 1-2 coffee drinkers. It's easier then you think if you just read the instructions and take your time. And the heat/taste/aroma all depends on how fine the grind of the beans is, the quality of the beans, the purity of the water you put in it, and whether or not you keep it real clean and make sure everything is tight before you start it up. Also the standard for pressure on a machine is 9 bars and this unit produces at 4-4.5 bars.
If you're not a carnosaure of espresso I would recommend this unit as long as people remember that they should use filtered water in the unit, only put freshly ground beans into it, and get a metal container to froth milk seperately. (It causes much less of a mess) Keep her clean and don't drop her and if you get one with no defects that works for a while be happy about it.
For those of you that are obsessed like I have become. And you eat the little piece of dark chokolate with your little cup of espresso at least once a day. And you can catch every little nuance of every little fraction of a taste in every drop. Then I recommend spending big bucks on an italian model because otherwise you don't do yourself justice and you shouldn't be trusting some college student to do it right anyway.
In the end. This little Krups takes up very little room and is not really that confusing considering there is a simple dial on it that shows "a cup", "an off sign", "steam being forced into the bottom of a cup". Even an illiterate idiot could operate this thing coupled with just a tiny bit of logic. And the frothing arm is annoying at first until you learn to just tilt the frothing container properly.
This was our first Espresso machine and we've used it every day to make Cappuccino. Very easy to use (read instructions first) and maintain. Good value for the money and doesn't force you to buy the Pods. I was skeptical at first due to the low cost but after extensive use I have no reservations recommending it.
I got this for Christmas as I stopped buying lattes after our second child was born trying to save money. I absolutely love it! I like the size, very compact and doesn't take up a lot of room. I was aware when I asked for one that at this price range I would not be getting top of the line but I've made espresso and lattes as a job before and I think if you're comfortable making your own and don't want to fork over a lot of money, this is a good buy. You do have to be scrupulous about cleaning the steam arm which is probably true of most machines and I wish the arm stuck out just a hair bit further for easier steaming but all in all I'm pleased with it.
I have been unhappy with this machine since I bought it from Amazon in October. I wasn't willing to pay for a pump machine and my old Krups, which I'd had for 15 (yes, really!) years made pretty decent espresso. On my old machine, I could even get crema if I used the right grind of coffee and tamped it well.
This machine is nothing like my old one. A few times it's made absolutely stone cold espresso. A few times the machine spurted steam from every crevice. When it's working, it only works passably well -- no crema on my espresso and not quite enough power to ensure the milk (if I'm making a cappucino) is hot and frothy.
I'm looking for an affordable pump machine now -- I've realized my mistake.
This product was in excellant shape. It works real well, however you must be careful of the metal on the frother because it gets very hot. It's nice that all the different pieces are dish washer safe.
Last year I bought an automatic Krups espresso maker. I should have taken it back. It NEVER worked properly. The pump was totally anemic. one of the most frustrating consumer products I have ever used. I put up with it for a while, then basically I quit using the machine because it was so bad. It has sat in my kitchen unused for months. Last night I threw it out and bought the lower priced FND111. Years ago I had owned a similiar Krups unit. It served me well for many years. One of the parts got lost and I figured it was time to upgrade, so I bought the autmatic model. Now? I'm basically back where I started! This little $49 espresso maker turns out GREAT lattes and cappucinos! New users will need to experiment a little to get the hang of using it. I was lucky to have a Cuban friend of mine at work show me the ropes.
What a great way to start out on Espresso machines! I've had this for less than a month and I can make vanilla latte's as good as Starbuck's! It's easy to use, easy to clean, wonderful to have in my kitchen. Use NON fat milk for the best foaming, and enjoy!! Can't beat it for the price, and it's quality.
I'm a pretty big coffee snob, but for the price, this is a great machine. One of these days I'll be off a grad-school budget and I'll invest in a nicer one, but this one has served me almost daily for over a year, and I love it. It took me a lot of trial and error (having started off as basic coffee brewer), but I've mastered it and saved reduced my Starbucks costs. Though steam-driven machines like this one don't give you quite the flavor richness of pump-driven machines, adjusting your brewing practices can compensate for the difference:
1. If you will be brewing espresso for entertaining, you may be better off investing in a pump driven/more expensive machine that can continuously brew. However, if you only brew 1-2 drinks at a time, this machine does the trick.
2. When steaming milk, particularly milk with higher fat content or soy milk, the frother nozzle is so narrow it can EASILY get blocked by super small milk droplets that congeal when they cool (1-2 uses is all it takes). When it happens the first time, you'll be convinced, as I was, the machine broke, as the steam's just not coming out even though you hear the water boiling inside. I'm almost positive this was the glitch that some reviewers had. I've taken to briefly switching this machine to the espresso setting long enough to remove the milk from under the nozzle without spattering, then setting it back to the steam setting for 2-3 seconds to blow out any milk that would otherwise congeal. Wiping the nozzle down after use won't get the stuff out from inside (though you can unscrew the bottom part of the nozzle, soak in a cup of warm water and rinse).
3. Invest in the good beans. The stuff in the store rarely cuts it because the beans are dry and there's no telling how long they've been on the shelf. By no means use pre-ground beans designed for coffee makers since they're not ground fine enough (the finer the grounds, the richer the flavor). The only pre-packaged beans I'll buy are ones sold in coffee shops because they're better at switching out older stock. Fresh beans are even better. Stick to bold roasts if you really like the flavor of Starbucks' lattes and caps.
4. If you don't have a grinder at home, have the coffee shop grind your beans for you. You may want to buy a grinder though because freshly ground beans yield a much better flavor (grind for 20-30 seconds to ensure a very fine consistancy).
5. NEVER store your beans in the freezer. Keep them in an air-tight container at room temp. Large spaghetti sauce and/or mason jars are great for this.
6. Milk type makes a big difference. Whole milk gives absolutely the richest flavor, while skim milk gives the flattest. For the health-conscious, a happy middle is the 1-2% line (I'll be first in line at Starbucks when they give me an option other than skim or whole).
7. I typically only brew enough espresso for 1 drink at a time and have found that grinding 2 - 2.5 scoops (the scooper that comes with the machine) of fresh beans, 1.5 - 2 oz of espresso, and 8-9 oz of steamed milk yeilds a pretty Starbucks-worthy latte, especially when you experiment with flavored syrups and spices (I sometimes tap a little cinnamon or nutmeg into the grinder before grinding).
8. Be sure you descale the machine as often as the manual suggests.
This is our 2nd Krups espresso machine. The first one lasted a reasonable 3 years. This replacement was much cheaper, Krups is a good brand name, what could go wrong? Well, we've used it 3 months and I'm ready to throw it away. It barely steams anymore, won't get hot enough, and leaks all over the counter.
I'm searching for a different brand today.
So far I am very pleased but have not used the milk steamer yet
This is a great item. It is easy to use, easy to clean, and the price is very reasonable. It makes a great cup of Espresso.
A fan of Krups line, I had to return another model due to its tiny basket, but this particular java factory holds plenty of the organic brown motivation powder. It also gets that go-juice in the crafe very quickly compared to other models. However that time saving function is offset somewhat. Getting the sturdy basket and handle into position can be a little daunting, sometimes necessitating tilting the unit to see the groove for insertion. That aside, the black and silver Allegro looks great and makes a great cup a Jose! (espresso isn't really Joe I guess)
I bought this machine for the great price but I'm dissapointed with the frothing device. I burned out my older Krups from 2 years of daily use (this is the replacement model), however, the plastic frothing attachment on the steamer arm (which kept the noise down) broke on Day 3 and the steamer takes much longer to froth the milk. Next time I'll spend more money on a higher quality espresso machine. I notice one improvement from the older model, though -- the espresso actually stops pouring when you switch to steaming (the old model continued to dribble down espresso during steaming).
For the price, this machine makes decent lattes. However, espressos are not worth the effort. Furthermore, making a hot coffee with this machine is almost impossible.
Thanks DKM for your review. I thought for sure my machine was broke on only the second use. Turns out the frother was clogged just as you said.
Other than that and having only used it twice, I like this little machine so far.
I also agree with the reviewer suggesting the frother be farther from the machine. It does make it hard to use being so close.
Someday I will get a more expensive model, but for now this one makes a great latte.
After reading all the reviews, I bought this Espresso machine. The truth is that if you want true espresso don't buy a steam machine. The shots that this machine makes are not at all coffee house quality. Very disappointed and very misleading.
I really enjoy using this machine. I havent had a single problem with it at all. I do tend to agree that the milk steamer is a tad bit strong and does bubble milk everywhere if the spout isnt totally submersed. Really, I guess, the only thing it lacks from perfection is a temperature gauge and a few more controls.
I haven't had the espresso but a few days. It does work better then the Delonghi I had for many years. Especially the steamer. You have to be careful to immerse the wand completely into the liquid or it splatters, it is that strong. Which makes it work very well, you could froth mud with this machine.
I bought it for friends who come over and want a coffee, I don't have to make a whole pot this way and though I'm a tea drinker, I do enjoy an espresso from time to time. I have been using it for a low calorie dessert with decaf espresso and non-fat creamer in the evening. It's so rich it takes care of my sweet tooth problem. The coffee is strong and thick just like I had in Italy.
I'm hoping it last longer then other reviewers have noted, but so far so good. Krups has a name brand known for dependability and I bought it on that premise.
I've had this machine for a couple of months now and am happy with it. It doesn't take up much space, gets me some expresso / latte / capp..quickly. Cleans up easy.
Note that it is a cheaper expresso / steamer - it doesn't claim to be anything else. It does what it says it will do, no more, no less.
This is a good espresso maker. However, the frother is a flimsy plastic attachment that breaks very soon, and there is NO replacement available. So, say goodbye to caps.
Pros: Cheap. I cannot find anything else since when it works you get coffee, nothing outstanding about it.
Cons: milk steam is too high so you have to keep the cup up while it steams milk, unless you are using a big jar with a lot of milk in it. It brings hot water instead of steam when it starts warming up, it should have an open/close valve you can use when the machine is ready to bring out some steam instead of hot water. It can get messy. You can not regulate the amount of water that goes to the coffee or the steam that goes to the milk, it seems that the valve is just an open/close valve.
Bottom line: I wish I bought something else no matter if it is a few bucks expensier.
I was hesitant to spend my money based on the reviews here, but since there wasn't really anything else in my price range, I gave it a shot. I've had it for nearly 3 months now, and use it at least once daily to make a caffe mocha or cappuchino. I lost the plastic frother in the first few weeks but had no problem at all ordering another one from Krups (it was about a dollar). And you can use the steam attachment without or without the plastic frother.
This is a powerful machine! It has saved me lots of money since I no longer go to Starbucks at all....in fact, I prefer my made-at-home espresso over the coffee house baristas'. It makes an absolutely perfect shot of espresso and froths milk like crazy. Delicious! I can't believe something that costs so little works so well.
It has a few quirks that I'm willing to live with for the price. It works best to brew the espresso first then turn it to steam to warm and froth the milk using the remainder of your water. If I let it brew the water all the way down, it leaves a nasty burnt coffee ground smell that makes everyone in my house complain. And you have to hold the cup of milk up high the whole time you're frothing, which is not comfortable for someone with carpal tunnel syndrome (like me). If you try to froth your milk first, like the instructions suggest, you have to wait and wait until it starts steaming, then it will spray a bit of hot water before it starts to steam correctly. All of the above is corrected by brewing the espresso first, then quickly switching to steaming/frothing. The metal steam attachment is easy to clean with a damp scrubber sponge, and the rest of it wipes down quickly.
Like I said, it has a few quirks that I have figured out how to get around, and overall I love, love, love my Krups Allegro. Here's my better-than-Starbucks mocha recipe: mix one shot espresso with 3 TBS Ghirardelli sweet ground chocolate (in the baking aisle at Target), add 3/4 c 2% milk, steamed and frothed. Top with whipped cream or sprinkle chocolate powder on top. Easy and delicious!
We were spending so much money at Starbucks, that we decided to get our own machine. This Krups model was our choice and we are TREMENDOUSLY happy with it. We've had it for about 2 months now with no problems.
My husband and I make two large lattes every morning and each have two on the weekends. It's very easy to use and clean. We also purchased the Krups 20 oz frothing pitcher.
We make a full pot of espresso first. Then we add a little more water to the tank to steam the milk (carefully). Pour the espresso, pour the steamed milk and we're good to go.
We have to put a mug under the frothing pitcher to get the spout into the milk, but that's really the only con. When we're done, and release the remaining steam (very important), we fill our pitcher with water, put it under the spout and let it sit while we get ready for work. It makes it so much easier to wipe the milk off of the spout. Even with cleaning, it takes about 5 minutes for the whole ritual. While it's brewing or steaming, we do other things.
As long as it's taken care of, cleaned after every use, and used carefully, this machine will do you right.
I don't know what people are complaining about here. This thing makes 4 shots at a time, has a great milk steamer, and is less than $40!
For those that don't know the secrets to steaming: Start the espresso. Let the espresso get about half-way up to the 2-cup mark on the carafe. There's usually a "steam" icon on the side where you should switch over to start steaming the milk. Switch over to "Steam". No water comes out, only steam. You have to do a little work as far as holding the frothing pitcher, and moving it up and down to catch some air to shoot into the milk along with the steam, but it's not rocket science. My 5 year old daughter helps me make my coffee every morning and steams the milk for me.
When the milk is hot enough, switch it back over to espresso, and finish making the coffee...
The real secret is removing the black plastic thingy and just steam using the pipe. Then wipe it with a sponge before the milk dries on it, and you're all set for next time.
I've bought pump machines and other steam machines, and this model (and the Bravo before it) have been the best ones for me. I make 4 quad shot lattes a day on weekdays, more on weekends. I've never had a problem with this machine...
This tiny little espresso machine makes great coffee that's strong and full of flavor. It is perfect for 2 people or for a small crowd. The frother function works very well too, though we dont use it very much. A spoonful of French roast or Verona (basically dark blends) from Starbucks or Pete's with the grind set as espresso works great for a killer cuppa coffee, I add a little chicory to make it a bit fuller. Pretty simple to use, great price and I'd recommend it to anyone.
I have had espresso machines before, the cheap models, and I got rid of them because I can't get into the boilng capsule to clean them, so I only got rid of them for higiene purposes, otherwise they where working well. This one dissapointed me since day one. Cheap material, and now with no warning, it stopped working... destination---> trash can.
Other downside is that the steamer is too short for frothing.... I take off the rubber for easier cleaning.
The other brands I had where Melitta and Mr Coffe, I am looking into a Mr coffee again.
I purchased this because, like many other reviewers, I didn't have money to spend on a really expensive model and I was tired of paying employees at Dunkin Donuts. (There is no Starbucks near where I live.) So I decided, at [...] dollars (at an odd lots store) I couldn't go wrong.
The machine works very nicely- it doesn't take up a lot of counter space, which is nice in a small kitchen. It was relatively easy to put together and figure out also. The steamer works nicely for me- it could be a little bit frothier, but it's nto bad for a home machine. You get what you pay for. Also, once heated, it is very fast. I have a nice warm latte in no time at all. An added bonus- the parts are SO easy to clean.
I think this is well worth the money.
A friend had an earlier model of this same espresso machine. I couldn't get over how easy it was for her to use, so wanted one for myself. With only one practice session, I've mastered cappucino making! This is a great little machine for very little money, making it a terrific value.
Just been using this FND111 as a replacement for a Krups 871 I've had for the last three years and I can't say I'm impressed.
The main issue with this machine is the pressure. It's insufficient to the task. I like a fine grind and usually make 2 espressos at a time; one for me and one for the my SO.
The 871 would spit out a full caraffe in about 3 minutes. The FND111 spits out about half a caraffe then seems to not be able to do the rest lending a burnt flavor to what does dribble out over the course of 5 - 8 minutes. Way, way to long.
The second issue is the on switch. It's integral to brewing or foaming meaning there's no way to release the steam without also having the boiler on. No walking away from the machine for you!
Given these two objections I'm hunting down another 871 to use for the next few years. Hope this is helpful and don't waste your cash. If I'd gotten one of these initially when I wanted to make espresso at home I'd still be going to the cafe.
If you want an inexpensive espresso maker this will work, but you get what you pay for. Its all plastic on the outside and thin guage light weight aluminium. Our old Krups had stout coffee holder and stainless milk foamer and we thought we'd get as good or better but the quality has been stepped down a notch. Too bad krups is cheapening its products.
I have two espresso makers. One very expensive in the kitchen and this little Krups in our coffee bar. This is the second little Krups I've owned. The first just died after 5 years of use so for the price it's worth every penny. I use this little one every day and without fail it makes the best latte and steams the perfect chi tea! If you entertain a lot and want to make more than two drinks, this is not the machine for you but if you just make one or two per day then you can't go wrong. The trick to this machine is to turn the steam nozzel on first and let the water run until it starts to steam, then you can start making your espresso. It makes much better froth this way. Also, the first time you use this machine you will find that the espresso basket overflows so don't pack coffee too tight the first time. Even though the instructions indicates you should not to pack the coffee, it've always packed it and it never fails me. If it starts to overflow it usually means you need to descale and you'll be fine again. Great little machine!
This machine works great, and maintenance is easy. The best way to keep the steamer nozzle clean is to hold a cup of water under it and steam for about 10 seconds right after you use it on the milk, and that is all you need to do to keep the plastic nozzle from clogging. I actually only steam soy milk because I am a dairy free vegetarian, and this machine froths the soy milk perfectly.
The seal on my unit is VERY tight. Sometimes I don't release the pressure for a few days (not recommended, but I forget), and the pressure remains very high until I open it.
The instructions say to NOT pack the grounds into the steel filter but it works better if you lightly pack it.
After reading all of the posts here, I think it's obvious that most of the complaints are due to the operators competance level, as opposed to the products performance. I think this holds true with most products.
For about 8-9 years we used the previous version of this espresso maker with no problems We used it every day, our morning coffee being 1 part espresso and 1.5 parts hot milk. When it came time to replace a carafe (I dropped one) and a new cap because the seal was starting to wear (nothing unusual considering the amount of use we had given it over the years) the price of the new parts plus shipping was half the price of a new machine so we bought the newest Krups version without looking at other models.
Sadly disappointing.
Compared to the previous version this machine is:
1) harder to fill the chamber with water, the opening being partially blocked by what appears to be a horizontal tank support, requiring the water be added rather slowly or with the use of a funnel, which is what I do at 5:30 a.m. because I am not in a slow and careful mode at that time. Not only do the metal bars make it harder to add water, but you are not able to tell how much water is in the chamber by looking down the top. I added a photo to the gallery for the machine so you can see what I am referring to. It is the equivalent of starting every day with a guaranteed minor annoyance. I have looked at a floor model in a store and it was the same;
2) the rotating knob feels like it is not going to last many years, the previous version was a toggle switch for espresso a knob for steam; here one knob does both, but it feels like it may not be as sturdy;
3) the previous version had a more narrow head with less surface area where the basket attaches; the result with this model is that when making the espresso the steam that is let off has more surface to condense on creating more moisture droplets that run down the long basket handle and onto the countertop and onto the carafe platform; there is more sponging up required with this model;
4) the machine is lighter than the previous version, and usually lighter means won't last as long.
You can certainly spend a lot more money and get a better/different machine. We bought the Krups without looking at others because we were so happy with the last one and the price of this one was in our range. We have already discussed whether to replace this one, but we can't justify spending more money to replace a machine that is working. It is annoying and disappointing, but in the final analysis it makes espresso and froths milk without costing too much money. But the next time I will definitely shop around the other brands at the same price level. Maybe they are all like this at the entry pricing level for espresso makers, I don't know but I should have checked.
This espresso machine burns coffee grind because it takes too long for pressurized water to flow through the grind. I am not sure if my particular machine is defective but it takes about 2-3 minutes for 50ml of water to flow through. The result - just one pure shot of burnt espresso! This is not even the case of what you get is what you paid for. I don't think anyone would pay $[...] something bucks for making burnt espresso. Don't waste your cash. Try something a little bit more expensive, and hopefully it will be better than this one. To be fair, the frother did seem to work fine.
Needless to say, I am planning to return it back.
Suited my needs for reasonable coffee and milk steamer for about 8 months. Cheapie knob for switching from coffee to steamer is a bugger. Steam is now leaking inside somewhere in steamer mode causing serious heating of the top of the unit, nasty noises, and fear of explosion. I descale it every month so I don't think I mistreated it. Did get daily use and was only $[...] but I think it should still last more than 8 months.
I had a very expensive espresso maker that sprung a leak in less than a year, so I went the cheap route.
I am extremely impressed with this little machine. It's a little more labor intensive (you have to be right there throughout the brewing and frothing process) but the froth beats my old machine, and, although the crema is not as rich, the espresso is wonderful.
I drink at least three lattes a day, and after 2 months, it paid for itself.
I love this machine, for the price. I have had this for 6 months and I still can't believe how well it froths! I do wish it had an automatic shut-off feature, as I have forgotten a few times. I always do my frothing half-way through the drip cycle. That way the steam is hot and ready to go. This does away with the messy water spurting all over the place some people have had.
I highly recommend this if you don't want to spend much and still get a quality product!
It is a good espresso maker. I don't like the way you have to twist the knob to go from "espresso" to "steam". With the prior model, you just turned on the "on" button and then used a knob purely for the steam, which only regulated the steam (the amount of steam). It did not control the power to the unit. With the new way, I have left on the unit overnight after forgetting to twist the steam/on knob back to the "off" position. In addition, the knob feels cheaper. But overall it is a good value. I like Krups.
This Krups espresso maker leaves water and steam all over the counter every time it is used. I think the "built in safety" features are to blame. The finer the grind, the more water leaked out. Keep in mind that fine grinds are recommended for espresso and cappuccino.
Using a coarse grind, which is usually only used for cowboy coffee out on the trail or French press machines, I still get quite a bit of leakage. Using finer grinds produces more and more leakage leaving only about half a carafe of extremely strong espresso which is indeed more like cowboy or french press coffees. -I enjoy cowboy coffee but would prefer espresso from my espresso machine plus I hate all the mess.
The Krups machine I had fifteen years ago worked well but this machine sucks big time. If you don't want to fork over a lot of bucks for a "real" espresso maker, try a Mr Coffee espresso machine. Mine, which I use when I travel, cost less than twenty dollars and does not leak.
In the meantime I have ordered a Lello 45900 Ariete Espresso/Cappuccino Maker to replace the Krups. -I'll keep you postsed.
Billy Baty
I bought this last winter and it works great. The only complain I have is that it is just so small. You can make only 2 cups (mugs) of latte at a time. But I only paid $40. So for the money's worth, it is a great item.
I have not had mechanical problems with this machine at all. However, I would prefer the steam maker to be more flexible. It is complicated to use it, specially because it is to close to the main body. I previously had a similar item made by Oster and it was really simple to make my capuchino coffee. Now, I just use the machine to make expresso.
The Krups FND111 is one of the lowest cost espresso makers available and does an excellent job - although I liked the design of its predecessors better. The separate setting for the foaming is a bit bothersome, but once one gets used to it - no problem. Since it is such a low cost item, I always have one "in reserve" - either to use in case of emergency or as a gift.
after the first week of use, the seal started to leak preventing it from working. don't waste your time on this one.
This is a great little coffee machine. My wife recieved this at christmas, and it works well and fast. Only thing it does not do like some other machines is steam the milk with the coffee, small sacrifice, It works out well anyway, because I preferr cooler coffee. Easy enough to set up (even if you are fubling with this at 5am on short sleep), and works quickly. Plus, feels like a pretty sturdy machine. For around 40, down from 65, pretty darn nice. Hope this works well for you.
I got this as a gift and didnt like it right away. It felt cheap, doesnt seem to have enough pressure to make espresso. Instead it appears to make just a 1/4 cup of coffee. Usually in espresso because its under pressure, you get a almost dark, baby poop brown liquid or foamy substance that comes out with the espresso. With this one it just comes out like normal coffee. The controls for steam are lame. It has an adjustment knob but the steam only goes on when its cranked all the way to high. Thats it, no medium or low steam. Because only the high steam seems to work you end up with a cup of just foam real quick. Im going back to my cheapo mr coffee espresso maker. It makes it just fine and is less than half the price of this one.
There are much better machines out there. I guess i got what i payed for, but i wish i would have just put in a few extra dollars and gotten something that actually makes a good latte.
This little espresso maker is simple to use, makes good espresso/latte, and doesn't cost much. What's not to love? I haven't had any problems with it at all after 4 months.
This is my first espresso machine, and I admit that, if I had experienced more fancy machines, I might have more complaints. Yet, considering the price, I can definitely say that this is a great purchase.
It looks and is very durable and sturdy, especially so considering that it is under $50 (even less with the amazon's $25 discount--when purchased with other stuff). It is very simple to use, and I had no problem in using it in last two months or so--everything worked well. Very happy with this purchase, I have ordered another one for my office. I decided to try a different brand just to see how other ones work--Capresso's mini-s, which is $20 more expensive than this one--and is returning that after the first use. Looked cheap, the machine was unstable, fragile, and hard to operate.
But if you make espresso for more than 2, this might not be the best choice. Steam is a bit weak, and I find that it takes a bit long to steam milk. And when I make milk hot, there are already too much foam created, so for the second cup, I had to steam again (I use 20 oz Krups mug), which is no big deal for me.
Other minor compliants are that you have to know how much water to pour in for espresso + frothing milk. A bit inconvenient, but not a big deal after a few times of usage--you will figure out. Also, layers of residue build up inside the plastic frothing bar, but it was very hard to clean it--but I guess that it is the same with other machines as well? But again, considering the price, I don't think that these are major problems at all.
All in all, a great purchase for the price. You will love it if you make espresso for one or two, and are willing to pay a little more attention to the making process with this manually operated machine.
Unless you're looking for the world's best cup of espresso, the Krups Allegro will work just fine. I've been a coffee nerd for years and for the money you can't beat this machine.
The round on/off knob is difficult to manage. It would be best if they kept it where they had it on previous models--on the bottom front--so light can be easily seen. I've left the Maker on all day and/or all night because of this poorly located feature.
I received this as a gift and have been fairly happy with it. I'd like to address a few items I read on this site. First, there are markings on the carafe to indicate the amount of water for coffee and for making steam. Second, the people getting poor results from this machine may not be using espresso-ground coffee, rather coffee for drip machines. I noticed a large improvement in my lattes when I switched from drip to espresso coffee (it is more finely ground). Third, you need to remove the plastic steam nozzle cover and clean it and the steam wand after every use, but that's fairly common for steam nozzle covers. My only gripe with the machine is that the carafe glass is relatively thin and can break easily. It fell probably four or five inches to my countertop and shattered, which my Mr. Coffee standard carafe wouldn't do just because it's thicker. Regardless, this is a great machine and, after some experimenting with ground brands and mixture ratios, can whip up a solid latte or cappuccino.
I had a Krups gusto espresso machine for 7 years. It was the best. One day, it finally quit working. I received this new Krups as a gift for Christmas. The espresso comes out burnt and has tons of grounds in it. Then steam comes out from everywhere. I almost burn myself everytime I try to turn the ridiculous knob to "steam" then water gets all over my counter top. Then after only using it about 10 times, it totally broke. I am returning it and getting something else. Don't waste your money, if you actually like lattes. Get something that makes a drink that doesn't taste like burnt.
This unit replaced a Krups Espresso maker I'd had for more than 15 years, which I only replaced because the case cracked years ago and someone finally took pity on me and got me a new one. I said I wanted just a new version of my old one, and this is it. It does exactly what it should do and does it well. The new one, so far anyway, is quicker and quieter than my old one. I like the bigger handles on the carafe and the coffee holder, and I also like better the way you select coffee steam or frothing steam.
Received this as a Christmas present, and loved this machine until it complete quit working. One day the frother wouldn't steam, and a week later, no water came through the coffee part either. I used it once a day for 1.5 months, and descaled it once. (descaling is recommend every three months for 1x daily use) I called the customer service to get an estimate on repair, and it was going to cost more than the original price! Don't bother with this one.
We had a lower-quality Mr. Coffee version of this for a few years, but it had problems and flaws right from the start. This is definitely an upgrade that was not any more expensive. It's still kind of a pain to clean the dried milk out of the steam nozzle, but no way around this, I guess.
Don't let the price fool you. I use this machine about 5 times a day and it makes such delicious espresso. I have served it to guests and they are always amazed that the espresso came out of this machine. I am not disappointed.
I ordered this machine a while ago and it simply did not work -- at all. There was a leak in one of the hoses. Returning it was not a breeze, especially since the company insisted it could not be broken. In the end they grudgingly gave me a return label. After they tested it, they agreed and sent a replacement machine. I must admit that the second machine works beautifully, but if I had to do it over, I would buy the espresso maker from a local department store where returns are easier.
If you follow the manual that comes with the unit,
this machine will make large quantities of burnt espresso.
This is because there is no temperature control on the water. When
making espresso, the water must be kept below boiling point inside the espresso holder. If it boils, nasty bitter taste is imparted and all is lost.
To make this machine work properly, you need to control the brewing process carefully.
Begin by buying some good espresso. Illy or Lavazza or comparable. Grind the beans to a really fine powder. A good blade grinder is perfectly adequate.
Fill the espresso holder completely, but do this in increments - pack the coffee with moderate force with your fingertips when you get half way and when it is full. I do this through a piece of paper towel. The manufacturer says not to pack the espresso. I suppose it is possible that this may destroy the machine or pose a danger of explosion, but I have done this hundreds of times with no problems. Do this at your own risk.
Add 1 cup of water to the boiler and switch on.
Ideally, the first liquid to emerge is a sticky, thick black resin. This is followed by some more watery dark coffee and crema. As soon as the exit nozzle begins to sputter (the water starts boiling inside the espresso holder), remove the receiving container and substitute it for another to collect the dregs.
You will be left with a 2-4 ounces of excellent strong espresso.
Pressure may remain in the espresso holder even after depressurizing the rest of the machine. Be very careful when detaching the holder, as hot coffee grounds may fly out at high speed even after several minutes of quiescence.
Its definitely worth the effort.
This machine gave me exactly what I wanted -- cappuccino. After this I will never have to go to an expensive coffeeshop; I can get the same results easily, and much more cheaply, in my own kitchen -- and it tastes just as good.
I love this machine, it is perfect for making 1-2 lattes every morning. I found the steam wand was a little too frothy with the plastic sleeve cover on it, so I remove it to steam the milk.
great buy, would recommend to any price sensitive expresso lover.
I purchased this espresso maker because the older version (8+ years old) finally gave out. I knew it was not a high end machine, but was disappointed that the quality of the unit is not as good as my older model.
The plastic parts are more hollow and the metal doesn't really seem very sturdy. The price was low, and it works fine. It's probably a great way to go for someone who is just starting out with making their own espresso. I, however, am saving my money for better (yes, more expensive) machine.
After reading many reviews and desperate for a decent inexpensive espresso machine, I decided to purchase this machine. Well you know the saying "you get what you pay for". And indeed I did. It is a plastic piece of junk. I have a friend who has the older model that has a coffee maker and espresso machine in one. It works great. I thought this would be identicle minus the coffee maker. WRONG! It makes weak drip coffee not espresso, you have to wait and froth milk once your coffee is finished or vise versa thus making your coffee cold. The steam doesn't even froth the milk. It has been a complete disaster so save your time and money. I bought the Krups Burr grinder to go along with it and that isn't even great. So long Krups...........I think it's time to spend the money and get the real deal.
This is a big improvement over the earlier versions. There is now a red light to warn that it is still on, and makes even better coffee. It has held up to daily use without fail for over a year. Today my Glass Carafe finally broke. I was hoping that Amazon or BBBY would have the replacement part, but I have to order it from KrupsUSA. But now what do I do for the next week while I wait for the Carafe arrival? Krups FND111 withdrawal!
Very fast compared to my Il Primo. Cosmetic flaws in the workmanship. Silver plastic trim on top looks as if it was cut with a pocket knife.
I replaced my 15 year old Krups machine (it still works well and was used a minimum of twice a day during that time) with this model and I'm pretty happy with it. I wanted a $250 pump machine but couldn't justify spending that much. The espresso comes out hot and the frother works well. I've been using the machine 2-3 times a day for two weeks now. I think the new machine is a bit quicker and easier to maintain. Be careful with the glass caraffe if you have granite or marbel counters because it breaks easily. Definitely worth $50!
I have suffered through owning two espresso machines by DeLonghi. Even though this machine costs half the price of the DeLonghi machines, it is a far better product, and most definitely a better value. It produces a decent crema, takes up little counter space, and is quite easy to operate and clean. Assuming you can't afford a much more expensive machine, this is a great way to go. The handles are made of light plastic, but they are durable enough. The steam knob / on switch seems very solid and well constructed.
I have had my Krups espresso maker for a couple years now and have enjoyed it. It makes decent espresso and I have had no problems with it at all. You have to remember to clean the frothing wand regualrly, or it won't work as well.
Does a great job actually for the low price! Will save you lots of money over going to Starbucks if you can get your technique down using this machine! I reccomend if you are thinking about getting an entry level model. I just got a gift certificate for a graduation present, so time for me to upgrade!
I liked this machine, how it functions, the way the coffee tastes, etc.
My problem is that I bought it in Jan. 2006, used it maybe three times a month and now it leaks steam from the sides when I try to make coffee after less than a year and a half.
Like someone else said, you get what you pay for.
I liked this machine, how it functions, the way the coffee tastes, etc.
My problem is that I bought it in Jan. 2006, used it maybe three times a month and now it leaks steam from the sides when I try to make coffee after less than a year and a half.
Like someone else said, you get what you pay for.
I replaced my 15 year old Krups machine (it still works well and was used a minimum of twice a day during that time) with this model and I'm pretty happy with it. I wanted a $250 pump machine but couldn't justify spending that much. The espresso comes out hot and the frother works well. I've been using the machine 2-3 times a day for two weeks now. I think the new machine is a bit quicker and easier to maintain. Be careful with the glass caraffe if you have granite or marbel counters because it breaks easily. Definitely worth $50!
I have suffered through owning two espresso machines by DeLonghi. Even though this machine costs half the price of the DeLonghi machines, it is a far better product, and most definitely a better value. It produces a decent crema, takes up little counter space, and is quite easy to operate and clean. Assuming you can't afford a much more expensive machine, this is a great way to go. The handles are made of light plastic, but they are durable enough. The steam knob / on switch seems very solid and well constructed.
I have had my Krups espresso maker for a couple years now and have enjoyed it. It makes decent espresso and I have had no problems with it at all. You have to remember to clean the frothing wand regualrly, or it won't work as well.
Does a great job actually for the low price! Will save you lots of money over going to Starbucks if you can get your technique down using this machine! I reccomend if you are thinking about getting an entry level model. I just got a gift certificate for a graduation present, so time for me to upgrade!
I love this machine, it is perfect for making 1-2 lattes every morning. I found the steam wand was a little too frothy with the plastic sleeve cover on it, so I remove it to steam the milk.
great buy, would recommend to any price sensitive expresso lover.
I purchased this espresso maker because the older version (8+ years old) finally gave out. I knew it was not a high end machine, but was disappointed that the quality of the unit is not as good as my older model.
The plastic parts are more hollow and the metal doesn't really seem very sturdy. The price was low, and it works fine. It's probably a great way to go for someone who is just starting out with making their own espresso. I, however, am saving my money for better (yes, more expensive) machine.
After reading many reviews and desperate for a decent inexpensive espresso machine, I decided to purchase this machine. Well you know the saying "you get what you pay for". And indeed I did. It is a plastic piece of junk. I have a friend who has the older model that has a coffee maker and espresso machine in one. It works great. I thought this would be identicle minus the coffee maker. WRONG! It makes weak drip coffee not espresso, you have to wait and froth milk once your coffee is finished or vise versa thus making your coffee cold. The steam doesn't even froth the milk. It has been a complete disaster so save your time and money. I bought the Krups Burr grinder to go along with it and that isn't even great. So long Krups...........I think it's time to spend the money and get the real deal.
This is a big improvement over the earlier versions. There is now a red light to warn that it is still on, and makes even better coffee. It has held up to daily use without fail for over a year. Today my Glass Carafe finally broke. I was hoping that Amazon or BBBY would have the replacement part, but I have to order it from KrupsUSA. But now what do I do for the next week while I wait for the Carafe arrival? Krups FND111 withdrawal!
Very fast compared to my Il Primo. Cosmetic flaws in the workmanship. Silver plastic trim on top looks as if it was cut with a pocket knife.
This machine gave me exactly what I wanted -- cappuccino. After this I will never have to go to an expensive coffeeshop; I can get the same results easily, and much more cheaply, in my own kitchen -- and it tastes just as good.
Received this as a Christmas present, and loved this machine until it complete quit working. One day the frother wouldn't steam, and a week later, no water came through the coffee part either. I used it once a day for 1.5 months, and descaled it once. (descaling is recommend every three months for 1x daily use) I called the customer service to get an estimate on repair, and it was going to cost more than the original price! Don't bother with this one.
We had a lower-quality Mr. Coffee version of this for a few years, but it had problems and flaws right from the start. This is definitely an upgrade that was not any more expensive. It's still kind of a pain to clean the dried milk out of the steam nozzle, but no way around this, I guess.
Don't let the price fool you. I use this machine about 5 times a day and it makes such delicious espresso. I have served it to guests and they are always amazed that the espresso came out of this machine. I am not disappointed.
I ordered this machine a while ago and it simply did not work -- at all. There was a leak in one of the hoses. Returning it was not a breeze, especially since the company insisted it could not be broken. In the end they grudgingly gave me a return label. After they tested it, they agreed and sent a replacement machine. I must admit that the second machine works beautifully, but if I had to do it over, I would buy the espresso maker from a local department store where returns are easier.
If you follow the manual that comes with the unit,
this machine will make large quantities of burnt espresso.
This is because there is no temperature control on the water. When
making espresso, the water must be kept below boiling point inside the espresso holder. If it boils, nasty bitter taste is imparted and all is lost.
To make this machine work properly, you need to control the brewing process carefully.
Begin by buying some good espresso. Illy or Lavazza or comparable. Grind the beans to a really fine powder. A good blade grinder is perfectly adequate.
Fill the espresso holder completely, but do this in increments - pack the coffee with moderate force with your fingertips when you get half way and when it is full. I do this through a piece of paper towel. The manufacturer says not to pack the espresso. I suppose it is possible that this may destroy the machine or pose a danger of explosion, but I have done this hundreds of times with no problems. Do this at your own risk.
Add 1 cup of water to the boiler and switch on.
Ideally, the first liquid to emerge is a sticky, thick black resin. This is followed by some more watery dark coffee and crema. As soon as the exit nozzle begins to sputter (the water starts boiling inside the espresso holder), remove the receiving container and substitute it for another to collect the dregs.
You will be left with a 2-4 ounces of excellent strong espresso.
Pressure may remain in the espresso holder even after depressurizing the rest of the machine. Be very careful when detaching the holder, as hot coffee grounds may fly out at high speed even after several minutes of quiescence.
Its definitely worth the effort.
It is a good espresso maker. I don't like the way you have to twist the knob to go from "espresso" to "steam". With the prior model, you just turned on the "on" button and then used a knob purely for the steam, which only regulated the steam (the amount of steam). It did not control the power to the unit. With the new way, I have left on the unit overnight after forgetting to twist the steam/on knob back to the "off" position. In addition, the knob feels cheaper. But overall it is a good value. I like Krups.
This Krups espresso maker leaves water and steam all over the counter every time it is used. I think the "built in safety" features are to blame. The finer the grind, the more water leaked out. Keep in mind that fine grinds are recommended for espresso and cappuccino.
Using a coarse grind, which is usually only used for cowboy coffee out on the trail or French press machines, I still get quite a bit of leakage. Using finer grinds produces more and more leakage leaving only about half a carafe of extremely strong espresso which is indeed more like cowboy or french press coffees. -I enjoy cowboy coffee but would prefer espresso from my espresso machine plus I hate all the mess.
The Krups machine I had fifteen years ago worked well but this machine sucks big time. If you don't want to fork over a lot of bucks for a "real" espresso maker, try a Mr Coffee espresso machine. Mine, which I use when I travel, cost less than twenty dollars and does not leak.
In the meantime I have ordered a Lello 45900 Ariete Espresso/Cappuccino Maker to replace the Krups. -I'll keep you postsed.
Billy Baty
Suited my needs for reasonable coffee and milk steamer for about 8 months. Cheapie knob for switching from coffee to steamer is a bugger. Steam is now leaking inside somewhere in steamer mode causing serious heating of the top of the unit, nasty noises, and fear of explosion. I descale it every month so I don't think I mistreated it. Did get daily use and was only $[...] but I think it should still last more than 8 months.
I had a very expensive espresso maker that sprung a leak in less than a year, so I went the cheap route.
I am extremely impressed with this little machine. It's a little more labor intensive (you have to be right there throughout the brewing and frothing process) but the froth beats my old machine, and, although the crema is not as rich, the espresso is wonderful.
I drink at least three lattes a day, and after 2 months, it paid for itself.
This espresso machine burns coffee grind because it takes too long for pressurized water to flow through the grind. I am not sure if my particular machine is defective but it takes about 2-3 minutes for 50ml of water to flow through. The result - just one pure shot of burnt espresso! This is not even the case of what you get is what you paid for. I don't think anyone would pay $[...] something bucks for making burnt espresso. Don't waste your cash. Try something a little bit more expensive, and hopefully it will be better than this one. To be fair, the frother did seem to work fine.
Needless to say, I am planning to return it back.
For about 8-9 years we used the previous version of this espresso maker with no problems We used it every day, our morning coffee being 1 part espresso and 1.5 parts hot milk. When it came time to replace a carafe (I dropped one) and a new cap because the seal was starting to wear (nothing unusual considering the amount of use we had given it over the years) the price of the new parts plus shipping was half the price of a new machine so we bought the newest Krups version without looking at other models.
Sadly disappointing.
Compared to the previous version this machine is:
1) harder to fill the chamber with water, the opening being partially blocked by what appears to be a horizontal tank support, requiring the water be added rather slowly or with the use of a funnel, which is what I do at 5:30 a.m. because I am not in a slow and careful mode at that time. Not only do the metal bars make it harder to add water, but you are not able to tell how much water is in the chamber by looking down the top. I added a photo to the gallery for the machine so you can see what I am referring to. It is the equivalent of starting every day with a guaranteed minor annoyance. I have looked at a floor model in a store and it was the same;
2) the rotating knob feels like it is not going to last many years, the previous version was a toggle switch for espresso a knob for steam; here one knob does both, but it feels like it may not be as sturdy;
3) the previous version had a more narrow head with less surface area where the basket attaches; the result with this model is that when making the espresso the steam that is let off has more surface to condense on creating more moisture droplets that run down the long basket handle and onto the countertop and onto the carafe platform; there is more sponging up required with this model;
4) the machine is lighter than the previous version, and usually lighter means won't last as long.
You can certainly spend a lot more money and get a better/different machine. We bought the Krups without looking at others because we were so happy with the last one and the price of this one was in our range. We have already discussed whether to replace this one, but we can't justify spending more money to replace a machine that is working. It is annoying and disappointing, but in the final analysis it makes espresso and froths milk without costing too much money. But the next time I will definitely shop around the other brands at the same price level. Maybe they are all like this at the entry pricing level for espresso makers, I don't know but I should have checked.
I have two espresso makers. One very expensive in the kitchen and this little Krups in our coffee bar. This is the second little Krups I've owned. The first just died after 5 years of use so for the price it's worth every penny. I use this little one every day and without fail it makes the best latte and steams the perfect chi tea! If you entertain a lot and want to make more than two drinks, this is not the machine for you but if you just make one or two per day then you can't go wrong. The trick to this machine is to turn the steam nozzel on first and let the water run until it starts to steam, then you can start making your espresso. It makes much better froth this way. Also, the first time you use this machine you will find that the espresso basket overflows so don't pack coffee too tight the first time. Even though the instructions indicates you should not to pack the coffee, it've always packed it and it never fails me. If it starts to overflow it usually means you need to descale and you'll be fine again. Great little machine!
If you want an inexpensive espresso maker this will work, but you get what you pay for. Its all plastic on the outside and thin guage light weight aluminium. Our old Krups had stout coffee holder and stainless milk foamer and we thought we'd get as good or better but the quality has been stepped down a notch. Too bad krups is cheapening its products.
This machine works great, and maintenance is easy. The best way to keep the steamer nozzle clean is to hold a cup of water under it and steam for about 10 seconds right after you use it on the milk, and that is all you need to do to keep the plastic nozzle from clogging. I actually only steam soy milk because I am a dairy free vegetarian, and this machine froths the soy milk perfectly.
The seal on my unit is VERY tight. Sometimes I don't release the pressure for a few days (not recommended, but I forget), and the pressure remains very high until I open it.
The instructions say to NOT pack the grounds into the steel filter but it works better if you lightly pack it.
After reading all of the posts here, I think it's obvious that most of the complaints are due to the operators competance level, as opposed to the products performance. I think this holds true with most products.
Just been using this FND111 as a replacement for a Krups 871 I've had for the last three years and I can't say I'm impressed.
The main issue with this machine is the pressure. It's insufficient to the task. I like a fine grind and usually make 2 espressos at a time; one for me and one for the my SO.
The 871 would spit out a full caraffe in about 3 minutes. The FND111 spits out about half a caraffe then seems to not be able to do the rest lending a burnt flavor to what does dribble out over the course of 5 - 8 minutes. Way, way to long.
The second issue is the on switch. It's integral to brewing or foaming meaning there's no way to release the steam without also having the boiler on. No walking away from the machine for you!
Given these two objections I'm hunting down another 871 to use for the next few years. Hope this is helpful and don't waste your cash. If I'd gotten one of these initially when I wanted to make espresso at home I'd still be going to the cafe.
A friend had an earlier model of this same espresso machine. I couldn't get over how easy it was for her to use, so wanted one for myself. With only one practice session, I've mastered cappucino making! This is a great little machine for very little money, making it a terrific value.
I purchased this because, like many other reviewers, I didn't have money to spend on a really expensive model and I was tired of paying employees at Dunkin Donuts. (There is no Starbucks near where I live.) So I decided, at [...] dollars (at an odd lots store) I couldn't go wrong.
The machine works very nicely- it doesn't take up a lot of counter space, which is nice in a small kitchen. It was relatively easy to put together and figure out also. The steamer works nicely for me- it could be a little bit frothier, but it's nto bad for a home machine. You get what you pay for. Also, once heated, it is very fast. I have a nice warm latte in no time at all. An added bonus- the parts are SO easy to clean.
I think this is well worth the money.
I have had espresso machines before, the cheap models, and I got rid of them because I can't get into the boilng capsule to clean them, so I only got rid of them for higiene purposes, otherwise they where working well. This one dissapointed me since day one. Cheap material, and now with no warning, it stopped working... destination---> trash can.
Other downside is that the steamer is too short for frothing.... I take off the rubber for easier cleaning.
The other brands I had where Melitta and Mr Coffe, I am looking into a Mr coffee again.
This tiny little espresso machine makes great coffee that's strong and full of flavor. It is perfect for 2 people or for a small crowd. The frother function works very well too, though we dont use it very much. A spoonful of French roast or Verona (basically dark blends) from Starbucks or Pete's with the grind set as espresso works great for a killer cuppa coffee, I add a little chicory to make it a bit fuller. Pretty simple to use, great price and I'd recommend it to anyone.
I don't know what people are complaining about here. This thing makes 4 shots at a time, has a great milk steamer, and is less than $40!
For those that don't know the secrets to steaming: Start the espresso. Let the espresso get about half-way up to the 2-cup mark on the carafe. There's usually a "steam" icon on the side where you should switch over to start steaming the milk. Switch over to "Steam". No water comes out, only steam. You have to do a little work as far as holding the frothing pitcher, and moving it up and down to catch some air to shoot into the milk along with the steam, but it's not rocket science. My 5 year old daughter helps me make my coffee every morning and steams the milk for me.
When the milk is hot enough, switch it back over to espresso, and finish making the coffee...
The real secret is removing the black plastic thingy and just steam using the pipe. Then wipe it with a sponge before the milk dries on it, and you're all set for next time.
I've bought pump machines and other steam machines, and this model (and the Bravo before it) have been the best ones for me. I make 4 quad shot lattes a day on weekdays, more on weekends. I've never had a problem with this machine...
I really enjoy using this machine. I havent had a single problem with it at all. I do tend to agree that the milk steamer is a tad bit strong and does bubble milk everywhere if the spout isnt totally submersed. Really, I guess, the only thing it lacks from perfection is a temperature gauge and a few more controls.
I haven't had the espresso but a few days. It does work better then the Delonghi I had for many years. Especially the steamer. You have to be careful to immerse the wand completely into the liquid or it splatters, it is that strong. Which makes it work very well, you could froth mud with this machine.
I bought it for friends who come over and want a coffee, I don't have to make a whole pot this way and though I'm a tea drinker, I do enjoy an espresso from time to time. I have been using it for a low calorie dessert with decaf espresso and non-fat creamer in the evening. It's so rich it takes care of my sweet tooth problem. The coffee is strong and thick just like I had in Italy.
I'm hoping it last longer then other reviewers have noted, but so far so good. Krups has a name brand known for dependability and I bought it on that premise.
After reading all the reviews, I bought this Espresso machine. The truth is that if you want true espresso don't buy a steam machine. The shots that this machine makes are not at all coffee house quality. Very disappointed and very misleading.
This is our 2nd Krups espresso machine. The first one lasted a reasonable 3 years. This replacement was much cheaper, Krups is a good brand name, what could go wrong? Well, we've used it 3 months and I'm ready to throw it away. It barely steams anymore, won't get hot enough, and leaks all over the counter.
I'm searching for a different brand today.
So far I am very pleased but have not used the milk steamer yet
This is a great item. It is easy to use, easy to clean, and the price is very reasonable. It makes a great cup of Espresso.
A fan of Krups line, I had to return another model due to its tiny basket, but this particular java factory holds plenty of the organic brown motivation powder. It also gets that go-juice in the crafe very quickly compared to other models. However that time saving function is offset somewhat. Getting the sturdy basket and handle into position can be a little daunting, sometimes necessitating tilting the unit to see the groove for insertion. That aside, the black and silver Allegro looks great and makes a great cup a Jose! (espresso isn't really Joe I guess)
I bought this machine for the great price but I'm dissapointed with the frothing device. I burned out my older Krups from 2 years of daily use (this is the replacement model), however, the plastic frothing attachment on the steamer arm (which kept the noise down) broke on Day 3 and the steamer takes much longer to froth the milk. Next time I'll spend more money on a higher quality espresso machine. I notice one improvement from the older model, though -- the espresso actually stops pouring when you switch to steaming (the old model continued to dribble down espresso during steaming).
For the price, this machine makes decent lattes. However, espressos are not worth the effort. Furthermore, making a hot coffee with this machine is almost impossible.
Thanks DKM for your review. I thought for sure my machine was broke on only the second use. Turns out the frother was clogged just as you said.
Other than that and having only used it twice, I like this little machine so far.
I also agree with the reviewer suggesting the frother be farther from the machine. It does make it hard to use being so close.
Someday I will get a more expensive model, but for now this one makes a great latte.
What a great way to start out on Espresso machines! I've had this for less than a month and I can make vanilla latte's as good as Starbuck's! It's easy to use, easy to clean, wonderful to have in my kitchen. Use NON fat milk for the best foaming, and enjoy!! Can't beat it for the price, and it's quality.
I'm a pretty big coffee snob, but for the price, this is a great machine. One of these days I'll be off a grad-school budget and I'll invest in a nicer one, but this one has served me almost daily for over a year, and I love it. It took me a lot of trial and error (having started off as basic coffee brewer), but I've mastered it and saved reduced my Starbucks costs. Though steam-driven machines like this one don't give you quite the flavor richness of pump-driven machines, adjusting your brewing practices can compensate for the difference:
1. If you will be brewing espresso for entertaining, you may be better off investing in a pump driven/more expensive machine that can continuously brew. However, if you only brew 1-2 drinks at a time, this machine does the trick.
2. When steaming milk, particularly milk with higher fat content or soy milk, the frother nozzle is so narrow it can EASILY get blocked by super small milk droplets that congeal when they cool (1-2 uses is all it takes). When it happens the first time, you'll be convinced, as I was, the machine broke, as the steam's just not coming out even though you hear the water boiling inside. I'm almost positive this was the glitch that some reviewers had. I've taken to briefly switching this machine to the espresso setting long enough to remove the milk from under the nozzle without spattering, then setting it back to the steam setting for 2-3 seconds to blow out any milk that would otherwise congeal. Wiping the nozzle down after use won't get the stuff out from inside (though you can unscrew the bottom part of the nozzle, soak in a cup of warm water and rinse).
3. Invest in the good beans. The stuff in the store rarely cuts it because the beans are dry and there's no telling how long they've been on the shelf. By no means use pre-ground beans designed for coffee makers since they're not ground fine enough (the finer the grounds, the richer the flavor). The only pre-packaged beans I'll buy are ones sold in coffee shops because they're better at switching out older stock. Fresh beans are even better. Stick to bold roasts if you really like the flavor of Starbucks' lattes and caps.
4. If you don't have a grinder at home, have the coffee shop grind your beans for you. You may want to buy a grinder though because freshly ground beans yield a much better flavor (grind for 20-30 seconds to ensure a very fine consistancy).
5. NEVER store your beans in the freezer. Keep them in an air-tight container at room temp. Large spaghetti sauce and/or mason jars are great for this.
6. Milk type makes a big difference. Whole milk gives absolutely the richest flavor, while skim milk gives the flattest. For the health-conscious, a happy middle is the 1-2% line (I'll be first in line at Starbucks when they give me an option other than skim or whole).
7. I typically only brew enough espresso for 1 drink at a time and have found that grinding 2 - 2.5 scoops (the scooper that comes with the machine) of fresh beans, 1.5 - 2 oz of espresso, and 8-9 oz of steamed milk yeilds a pretty Starbucks-worthy latte, especially when you experiment with flavored syrups and spices (I sometimes tap a little cinnamon or nutmeg into the grinder before grinding).
8. Be sure you descale the machine as often as the manual suggests.
Last year I bought an automatic Krups espresso maker. I should have taken it back. It NEVER worked properly. The pump was totally anemic. one of the most frustrating consumer products I have ever used. I put up with it for a while, then basically I quit using the machine because it was so bad. It has sat in my kitchen unused for months. Last night I threw it out and bought the lower priced FND111. Years ago I had owned a similiar Krups unit. It served me well for many years. One of the parts got lost and I figured it was time to upgrade, so I bought the autmatic model. Now? I'm basically back where I started! This little $49 espresso maker turns out GREAT lattes and cappucinos! New users will need to experiment a little to get the hang of using it. I was lucky to have a Cuban friend of mine at work show me the ropes.
Short and Sweet...the thing about home espresso makers is that they can be great if you are willing to spend the money. This item works okay if you want to make Lattes, but not much else. I have an old Krups Duomo (i.e. 1/2 espresso and 1/2 coffee) and while the coffee side of things are pretty dismal, the espresso side is by far the best low-cost espresso maker on the market. This one not so much. If you just want to have a latte now and then, this is a solid purchase. If you are into espresso, look elsewhere and spend the money. Then again, if you are into espresso, you probably know that already.
We bought this espresso machine because we had owned the previous Krups model and it was great - served us well for over 5 years, being used daily. So it was a no-brainer to get another Krups when the time came. But this one doesn't compare! It leaks from every seam, sprays steam all over the place, the indicator light has already burned out (after 2 months), and because of the intense leakage it sits in its own pool of water. That seems dangerous to me. We are getting ready to chuck this and go to a different brand.
I am a traveling consultant and coffee addict that ended up on a project in one of these areas in the US that SB did not conquer yet. The closest coffee shop serving decent espresso style coffee is more than an hour away. Driven by withdrawals the 3rd week into my project, I decided to get my own little espresso maker just for the duration of the project. I had it shipped directly to my customer about 6 weeks ago and used it probably a dozen times since.
All I can say: was I surprised about the performance of this machine!
I only drink lattes and had my difficulties to get decent milk froth in the past with different, much pricier machines. The Krups FND111 produces better foam than the $900 La Pavoni Europiccola Professional that we brought from Italy and use at home!!! Of course it does not have a lot of bells and whistles and it is kind of annoying that you can't remove the steaming nozzle (which will clog if you don't clean it thoroughly after each use) but in my opinion you can't beat the value that you get for the buck! Even though I still don't own it long enough to comment on quality and durability of this machine, I still give it five stars.
This product was in excellant shape. It works real well, however you must be careful of the metal on the frother because it gets very hot. It's nice that all the different pieces are dish washer safe.
I have been unhappy with this machine since I bought it from Amazon in October. I wasn't willing to pay for a pump machine and my old Krups, which I'd had for 15 (yes, really!) years made pretty decent espresso. On my old machine, I could even get crema if I used the right grind of coffee and tamped it well.
This machine is nothing like my old one. A few times it's made absolutely stone cold espresso. A few times the machine spurted steam from every crevice. When it's working, it only works passably well -- no crema on my espresso and not quite enough power to ensure the milk (if I'm making a cappucino) is hot and frothy.
I'm looking for an affordable pump machine now -- I've realized my mistake.
I got this for Christmas as I stopped buying lattes after our second child was born trying to save money. I absolutely love it! I like the size, very compact and doesn't take up a lot of room. I was aware when I asked for one that at this price range I would not be getting top of the line but I've made espresso and lattes as a job before and I think if you're comfortable making your own and don't want to fork over a lot of money, this is a good buy. You do have to be scrupulous about cleaning the steam arm which is probably true of most machines and I wish the arm stuck out just a hair bit further for easier steaming but all in all I'm pleased with it.
This was our first Espresso machine and we've used it every day to make Cappuccino. Very easy to use (read instructions first) and maintain. Good value for the money and doesn't force you to buy the Pods. I was skeptical at first due to the low cost but after extensive use I have no reservations recommending it.
I'm not going to lie, if you want a perfect cup of espresso (and also able to make a perfect cup of espresso), stay away from this one. However, if you're like me and desire a good cup of latte in the morning and refuse to fork over money for over-priced coffee at your local coffee shop, this is a great deal.
I've had this thing for about 4 months now and have enjoyed a good cup of latte everyday. Sometimes, I ever find that the stuff that comes out of this thing is actually much better than a cup from Starbucks although that's probably because of the person making that cup of coffee at Starbucks.
Everything works great except for the milk steamer which requires careful cleaning after each use. Otherwise, dried milk will build up on that thing and the next thing you know, you might need frequent trips to the bathroom.
This is a nice affordable little expresso machine that's perfect for a household with about 1-2 coffee drinkers. It's easier then you think if you just read the instructions and take your time. And the heat/taste/aroma all depends on how fine the grind of the beans is, the quality of the beans, the purity of the water you put in it, and whether or not you keep it real clean and make sure everything is tight before you start it up. Also the standard for pressure on a machine is 9 bars and this unit produces at 4-4.5 bars.
If you're not a carnosaure of espresso I would recommend this unit as long as people remember that they should use filtered water in the unit, only put freshly ground beans into it, and get a metal container to froth milk seperately. (It causes much less of a mess) Keep her clean and don't drop her and if you get one with no defects that works for a while be happy about it.
For those of you that are obsessed like I have become. And you eat the little piece of dark chokolate with your little cup of espresso at least once a day. And you can catch every little nuance of every little fraction of a taste in every drop. Then I recommend spending big bucks on an italian model because otherwise you don't do yourself justice and you shouldn't be trusting some college student to do it right anyway.
In the end. This little Krups takes up very little room and is not really that confusing considering there is a simple dial on it that shows "a cup", "an off sign", "steam being forced into the bottom of a cup". Even an illiterate idiot could operate this thing coupled with just a tiny bit of logic. And the frothing arm is annoying at first until you learn to just tilt the frothing container properly.
We had to shop for a new coffeemaker when our Cuisinart machine broke down and it proved to be very challenging to get their customer support to respond about it. So we made it our task to find a new machine. We ran into this beauty that brews espressos, for only $50. Being a Venezuelan coffee lover, having an espresso machine sounded appealing to me, and the price was also catchy. So we went ahead and got it. It's now been almost two months since we started using it on a daily basis and it continues to perform optimally.
I take off one star because it certainly feels a bit "bland" (the handles and most of it are made of plastic). So I wouldn't be surprised if, sooner or later, something broke with it. But at least I will not have forked over $100 for a coffee-making device at that point! :)
So I didn't buy this on amazon but at Crate and Barrel instead where you can return the product should anything go wrong.
That being said, my husband has enjoyed latte's 5-7 times a week now for over a month and the machine works great each time. The one thing you just have to make sure you do is release the pressure in the machine after you've let the machine cool down for some time. If you don't I think the seal would have issues.
Also, the milk steamer should be cleaned periodically with hot water or else you get junk built up on it.
Anyway, it's a great little machine and I love it.
My mother has had this same model for the past 6 years or so (uses it about 2 times a day every single day) and loves it, never any problems. So I bought one for myself after getting sick of spending a grand fortune everyday for my Starbucks lattes...and I love it!
It is small which I needed since I have limited counter space, and my lattes tastes just as good as the ones I used to buy at Starbucks.
I recently bought this machine for my honey because he started getting a taste for the coffee shop cappuccinos. This little machine was a great find. It's inexpensive and easy to use,and makes a comparable cup to those we buy out. As a novice, this is a great starter machine. Yum!
My old Krups died after valiant service, so, deprived of my elixir, I decided to try another Krups. I read a lot of froth here on the reviews for this model, and proceeded with purchase.
Naturally, something as high tech as a cappuccino maker needs to constantly evolve to keep up with the times, so the new machine seemed quite different than our old model. After painful adjustment, and a steep learning curve, we finally succeeded in making our first cup of FND111 cappuccino - it was delicious. It was on the third day of its new life that I got steamed at the soul of my new machine. As I was enjoying the brew with my wife, she fished out from here cup a piece of debris. It was the frother.
the FND111 still makes good cappuccino, but its once proud appendage that shot out the special steam is now merely the thin, ordinary appurtenance it was before.
But hey, what can one expect, it is only a coffee maker.
I have this in my dorm and absolutly love it! However, the first one that was sent to me had a malfunction, but the second one sent works great and i've enjoyed many a latte. The only critique i'd put on it is the frothing nozzle could be a little farther from the machine and also the coverslip on the nozzle makes it difficult to quickly wipe off milk on the actual metal part of the nozzle. This means that upon cleaning you will need to get a choreboy or sos pad to scrape the hardened milk off the nozzle. Other than that, the quality of this machine is great! Enjoy!
I had read some opposing reviews for this machine, so I was a little uncertain how it would be. My last expresso machine was also a Krups and I had it for years without any problem.
I am very happy to say that this machine has been really good. In fact, one thing I noted is that the frothing apparatus works really well and my coffee comes out really hot. I like the separate cover for the frothing stem, it makes it very easy to clean.
I have a stainless steel frothing cup, which works really well. I scored it at a second hand store for about $3.00, which is the deal of the century. The cup makes the froth foam really well. I am very pleased with this and am planning on buying one for my daughter and son-in-law for Christmas.
This machine makes good espresso, and the steamer is a nice touch however it is too closely located to the machine so it is hard to steam your milk properly. The steamer handle also get REALLY hot and I burned myself once already. Other than that I would say the machine is worth the money I spent, I will be enjoying a cup every morning now thanks to my espresso maker!
I received this machine for Christmas. I have used it 'numerous' times and to great success. I have certainly used it more than 25 times since Christmas, Yes!!!, I am a coffee power drinker. For the money it is a great little machine! You will have to subscribe to cleaning the milk steamer . . . but this would be true for any machine . . . no matter what the cost. I had concerns about the little plastic cover for the Milk Steamer but it has turned out to work fine. If you wish to spend more then I suppose that's your right, however, why should you spend more if spending less does the same job. I will compare my latte's with any coffee lounge . . . Starbucks, Seattles Best, Pikes Perk, Diedrichs . . . etc.. I have to admit the first time I used it . . . well, it was a mess!!! I had to come up with a method. I also had to augment the setup by getting a decent little metal pitcher to steam the milk in . . . once I got that . . . Life was good!!!
I recieved this machine for Christmas. It works wonderfully, but you MUST read all instructions before use. It makes hot, hot drinks, and the foam is lucious.
I had this machine for about a week before returning it - it was easy to use, and made ok tasting lattes, but nothing got hot. The espresso was quite warm, but I couldn't get the milk warmer than lukewarm using the steam function. I'm upgrading to a better model.
That said, I must repeat it - DON'T EVER BUY THIS MACHINE! Krups' quality has certainly decreased over the years and this one is no exception. We have had two of their coffee pots which both exploded all over the kitchen, grounds, hot water, etc. and this one didn't fair any better. Go for a better brand than Krups - ours stopped working the third time we used it and it wound up in the trash can. We just gave up. JC Penney makes a good one! Don't waste your time or money on this one - go to a quality store and take your time and purchase a good one that will last longer than three tries This machine just died, no warning, nothing, then spewed hot milk all over the kitchen. Unfortunately, it happened during a formal party. How embarassing! I sincerely do not recommend this product!
This died just after performing the initial rinsing, as instructed in the pamphlet.
Stopped working and doesn't do a thing when the knob is turned. And finding a phone number for Amazon's CS is near impossible on this site!