http://www.amazon.com/Espressione-1332-A-Espresso-Cappuccino-Anthracite/dp/B00198DCE8
1332A on amazon is reviewed at 2.7 stars. Not sure what the difference is in product but looks to be the same.
Can anyone else find reviews?
From the HD website: Craig from CA
(Verified Owner)
This machine works well. The pump is fast, and strong, and pushes out an espresso fast and hot. The only down fall is the steamer is not consistently strong. It will start strong, then fades to weak. I turn off the steamer abd wait for the indication light to turn on, and then hit the steamer again at full strength. Because of this, the steaming process takes longer than desired. For the dolor the machine is a great value though.
how many bars of pressure?
From the features:
Powerful 15 bars of pump pressure and solid metal and ABS casing
Bought 10/26/2012 from Woot and have been using it frequently since. I love espresso and I married a barista. We both love this because the quality of the shot you pull is very user controlled (which may not be what some people want). The machine is definitely not high quality (better than I expected for the price tho), but you can still pull a perfect shot if you half-way know what you’re doing, and I give it 5 stars for the price range. Granted I’ve had it <1 month, so I can’t vouch for the durability…
Edit: This is also a better price - I bought in one of the “Woot-plus” arraignments for $72+ship+tax…
Do you have to keep adding water each time you make coffee or can you fill the water tank and make as much coffee until the water runs out?
PRICE COMPARISONS
Woot Today condition new = $59.99 + $5 Shipping *****Best price I could find today
MCD condition new = $159.00 + Free Shipping
http://www.moderncoffeedesigns.com/Espressione-Cafe-Charme-Espresso-Machine-1332-B-p/1332-b.htm
ebay condition new = $154.99 + Free Shipping
http://compare.ebay.com/like/380490351829?_lwgsi=y<yp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar
Home Depot condition new = $139.99 + Free Shipping
http://www.homedepot.com/buy/espressione-cafe-charme-expresso-maker-1332-b.html
I’m tempted to get one for the price range but being hesitated by some amazon reviewers saying that it tastes like plastic.
I would suggest you get a Bialetti or other brand Moka pot, and a coffee grinder rather than a cheap espresso set up. http://www.bialetti.com/
It’s a good suggestion, but can you tell us why?
I have Ikea version of mokapot. It’s all SS and was about $20 plus milk frothing device for like $3. So you have $23 set up for espresso/latte. I didn’t like Bialetti mokapots since they are all aluminium. I know there are SS ones but they are quite expensive.
In my opinion, mokapot tastes surely different from regular drip coffee machine but it can never replace espresso machine with pump.
I really want a super automatic one but I just cna’t justify myself spending that much of money on coffee machine. For $65 I think it’s worth trying pump espresso machine with steam milk frother. Still thinking about it…
What is the difference between the A and B model of this unit? Also, other sites picture this unit with 2 cups on the tray as if it brews 2 at a time, can it also make just 1 cup?
Bialetti units do not make espresso. But for mixed drinks, they are fine, and can work with a simple blade grinder.
What geo8rge said.
Yep. A Moka machine is inexpensive and you can use an espresso grind to get nice dark coffee. Far better and easier than messing with a cheapie espresso machine. The Italians do it this way at home for a reason. If you want something out of a fancy machine, go out. Oh and I also have a capresso milk frother that is easy and devine. Goodbye Starbucks.
This isn’t true. You can use a Bialetti Moka machine with espresso grind coffee. It’s done all the time.
Never, Never, NEVER grind coffee beans with a simple blade grinder!!!
The heat from this kind of grinder will start to cook your beans THE WRONG WAY!!!
You can find a decent burr grinder to grind your beans…
OK, now to Bialetti units… it is true, they do not make a pure espresso and will never give you a “crema” - that is what the bar pressure pumps out the true espresso with a crema (layer of foam on top). But a moka pot will give you a great *near espresso drink and those without a lot of time do use them for the no fuss-ness!
Cappuccino machines, like this being sold today, is probably ok, but, needs a lot of care especially in the daily cleaning of the frothing tip IMMEDIATELY after frothing or soon you will be saying goodbye to your cappuccino abilities!
Almost forgot, TJ Maxx always have SS moka pots for a really great price.