Product Description
Reproduce the exquisite taste of your favorite coffee shop drinks with this outstanding espresso maker. It includes a 15-bar Italian Thermoblock pump that forces water through the coffee to create perfect espresso shots. The froth enhancer helps makes delicious froth to top off your drink. Features stainless steel housing, a warming plate and a stainless steel espresso cup set. Model #ESP8XL. One year limited warranty.
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Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #1653 in Kitchen & Housewares
Color: Brushed Stainless
Brand: HWI
Model: ESP8XL
Dimensions: 15.00" h x 12.00" w x 12.00" l, 16.00 pounds
Features
Stainless-steel espresso machine with 15-bar Thermoblock pump
Dual-wall filter system for excellent crema; froth enhancer; cup-warming plate
Large, easy-fill 1-2/7-quart water tank; external water window indicates when tank is low
Removable drip tray and grid; stainless-steel espresso cup set and frothing jug included
Measures 9 by 9 by 12 inches; 1-year limited warranty
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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Product Description
Re-create the flavor of authentic Italian café drinks with the Café Roma espresso maker. Style-conscious coffee lovers will treasure its attractive, stainless-steel housing that conveniently sits on a countertop. Espresso enthusiasts will delight in the 15-bar Thermoblock pump which forces water through coffee grounds at the ideal pressure to create delicious, rich espresso shots. The machine also produces an abundance of crema--the light brown liquid that sits atop an espresso and characterizes a well-pulled shot--via its dual-wall filter system. Filters synchronize with heated and pressurized water to perfectly extract and caramelize coffee oils, resulting in a velvety, flavor-packed crema that will impress purists and novices alike.
The machine is simple-to-use, with a removable 1.3-quart water tank and an external water window that indicates when the tank is low. The tank is much larger than most consumer machines, so espresso enthusiasts can pull shot after shot without running low on water. As with any good espresso machine, the unit also includes a warming plate to prevent shots from prematurely cooling when poured into cups. Additional features include a froth enhancer for flavorful lattés and cappuccinos, and a removable drip tray and grid for easier cleanup. As a bonus, the machine also comes with a stainless-steel espresso cup set and a frothing jug.
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Customer Reviews
It's good once you learn its quirks
First of all this is a very nice looking machine. It is well built and has a solid feel to it. As far as I can tell it does almost everything the 800XL does for a lot less money.
But how does it make espresso and froth? Pretty good once you learn its little quirks.
First of all, don't expect this machine to be an automated espresso maker; it isn't. It also doesn't cost thousands of dollars like the automated - do everything for you machines. YOU actually have to do some work to get the best results from it and it requires constant maintenance. I learned most of what I know by reading lots of reviews from other users. Some tips are in the manual but not all of them.
First of all, this machine needs to be primed before you use it, on both the espresso and steamer settings. With my first few attempts it just didn't get things hot enough until I learned this. The steamer will eject water for the first 20 seconds or so - so you need to prime it or you will get watery froth. The metal cups need to be preheated in order to have hot espresso. I simply prime the steamer and catch the water in the cup to preheat it, then dump it out.
I have had no problems with the filters clogging up as others have complained about. I think the thing here is not to grind the coffee to fine or it will get trapped between the two metal filters. I use an automatic grinder on the "fine" setting with no issues. Just make sure it isn't powdery or you will have problems.
I have also learned to stop the espresso from brewing when it gets to about 3/4 of the way full on the metal cup. It does continue to drip for a while after you turn it to the standby position. This isn't a big deal as you will have to clean the drip tray anyway once you are done.
The grounds do come out watery in the filter after use, but this is how the machine is designed to work. Not a big deal - just a little messy. If you don't tamp down the grounds real hard it isn't as bad. I find it is also necessary to clean the filters and other parts as soon as possible after using it. I think this also prevents the clogging problems. Once again, not a big deal once you get the hang of it. I just simply rinse everything out well with hot tap water. You do get some grounds up in the top of the machine, (where the filter seats) but I just get a wet paper towel and wipe it down - that's all. If you don't, you will find dried grounds dropping onto the drip tray or into your next cup.
Actually the machine is very easy to clean and the steamer is now much improved as the rubber nozzle has been replaced by an all metal wand. You simply wipe it down and then run some steam through it before you shut it down. Piece of cake.
All in all this is a good machine for the money. It makes great espresso and I find it easy to get good froth for other drinks. At first I didn't like it and was ready to return it. I just took me some time to learn how to use it.
Take your time, don't freak out, clean it well, read some reviews, learn how to use it, and you will enjoy some good espresso Making a good cup takes some experimenting and experience to get optimal results.
As far as its durability and longevity, we will see. I do think they need to replace the plastic collar that holds the filter in place. It really should be metal and is the weakest part of the machine which also gets the most use. Others have complained that the pump burns out prematurely. Maybe this has to do with running grounds that are too fine as that would put more back pressure on the pump.
Sure, its not perfect, but what is these days? I've been able to get some good drinks from it and I still learning.
Good Machine for the Price
This is my first espresso machine, and I am pretty much satisfied with it. I did a lot of research, and for the price, I think it is a good value. It heats up fast and is extremely easy to use.
There are few issues with it: it vibrates when brewing, causing the cups to move. Sometimes they slide so much they won't be under the brew head and the coffee will drip into the drip tray and not the cups.
The most annoying issue, however, is that the steam wand pours water for about 15 seconds the first time you use it each time you turn it on. This wouldn't be such an issue except that the water doesn't go into the drip tray, it will go all over the counter. No matter which way you turn the wand, you can't make it go into the tray. I deal with this by just catching the water in a little cup and dumping it out. Once it is warmed up, it won't do it anymore; just the first time you use the steam when you turn the machine on.
Despite those issues, it is quick, easy to use, and the coffee tastes great. If you don't want to spend $500+, it is a good machine.
Money Saver
Going great so far. Paid for it's self in 1 1/2 months. I use the same blend as my espresso palace, but the homemade tastes even better. DO NOT use a very fine grind, it will clog the filter.
As with the big commercials (I had one when I owned a restaurant), keep it clean as you go.
I am very pleased and hope this helps you.
