Krups XP4050 1200-Watt 15-Bar-Pump Programmable Espresso Machine Review

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(More customer reviews)I must start with saying that this is my second XP4050 in one month, the first suffering from two problems. One problem was the same that others have mentioned here, when water stops coming out of the filter head and instead just dumps into the drip tray from an apparent overflow-type valve in the bottom of the machine. This only happened once, corrected itself, and never happened again. The second problem was that I noticed a small amount of water occasionally leaking from the buttons on the front and the stainless portion on the front of the machine would also get VERY hot. I believe these were one problem, possibly the brewing portion leaking.
I contacted Amazon online and was shocked at the ease and speed of getting a replacement model. At no charge to me, including shipping, I had a brand new XP4050 within 3 days.
The new model works perfect. I am a somewhat new espresso afficienado, having been making my own at home for only about 2 years. This is my second machine, my first being a Krups Gusto that recently died. I decided on the XP4050 after a great deal of research and comparing features versus cost. The price I got this model through Amazon was literally half what I was looking at with other brands.
As far as use of the machine, it couldn't be easier. I use mostly pods but have tried grounds with equally easy and great tasting shots. The three different filter baskets for brewing are held in the handle firmly, which was an issue in my old Krups Gusto (I accidently threw away the single shot filter basket). The frother performs very well although I have not tried the attachment for pulling the milk from a separate container. As others have said, make sure you keep an eye on your drip tray, it does tend to fill quickly. I empty mine every 4-6 shots.
Overall, even considering my initial "problem" model, I am extremely happy with the XP4050. It's a great looking, inexpensive, easy to use machine that consistently puts out quality shots of espresso. I would recommend this model to either new beginners or someone looking to step up a little.

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Beautifully designed with a stainless-steel front panel and simple-to-use controls, this 1200-watt programmable machine makes cafe-quality espresso, cappuccino, and latte. The machine comes equipped with a Thermobloc 15-bar pump system, which provides optimal temperature and pressure for extracting great-tasting espresso, while its automatic cappuccino system precisely combines the right amount of steam and air to quickly froth milk. Easy push-button programming offers the ability to customize the size and strength of espresso, as well as control the steam and hot water functions. For added convenience, the espresso machine has a filter holder with three, interchangeable, pre-measured inserts that accept ground coffee for one or two servings of espresso as well as E.S.E. pods. Other useful features include a 32-ounce removable water tank, a removable stainless-steel drip tray, and a stainless-steel warming tray that allows for preheating espresso cups. The espresso machine measures 9-1/2 by 9-2/3 by 12-1/4 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Krups XP7260 Compact Fully Automatic Espresso Machine with Auto Cappuccino Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)UPDATE - After previously giving this machine 4 stars, I am forced to reduce my rating to 1 star. It appears I've received a "lemon" as I've now had the machine break 3 times. I'm very frustrated because for all of the resasons I list below, I want to love the machine. However, during time I've had the machine, It's only briefly worked before needing to be retured for service. The machine comes with a one-year VIP service which is great since the online company I purchased it from only had a 30-day return policy. Unfortunately, in the four months I've had the machine it's been broken or out for repair for a majority of that time. Please respond to this review if you've had success getting your machine to work without sending back for repair.
Attention Buyers! - I would not buy this machine - the frustration of having it break three times is not worth your time or money. Learn from my mistake and look for a different brand and make sure to purchase from a store that has a return period of longer than 30 days.
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This was no small purchase for me. I've researched and waited for about 1 year before committing to this machine. The price dropped by about 40% from one of the Amazon online retailers and there was free shipping so I jumped at the chance. I've had the XP 7260 for about 1 week now and I mostly love this machine. When I first got the machine I spent an hour or so reviewing the instruction manual before I turned on the machine which helped me to realize a couple important tips (for most all auto-espresso machines). 1 - you have to use very cold l% or 2% milk for best froth/foam and 2 - you should use non-oily beans. Also, I expected to get coffee shop quality from the first cup of expresso but have quickly realized that I haven't learned the proportions of espresso to water (for Americano) or milk (for latte & cappucino). I wish more than two recipes were included for first time users.
Pros:
Stunning appearance
Auto frothing attachment works excellent(if you use cold 1% or 2% milk)
Great tasting coffee/espresso
Doesn't take up too much room on the counter
Cons:
The biggest CON is that there is NO pre-ground coffee funnel - I big disappointment - no decaf drinks at night.
The Amazon description mentions that this machine is compatible with ground coffee but it's NOT!
Noisy! Similar to turning on a blener full of ice. The noise is short-lived so it's bearable.
Not enough recipes for basic coffee drinks - I have yet to perfect the Americano. Web blogs are all over the place regarding recipes.
Frequently filling the water container - not a big deal but if you have cabinets above your counter you have the pull the machine out far enough to access the water container.
Espresso cups, manual frothing pitcher, and coffee not included (auto pitcher is included). Plan to spend another $50 on these items before making your first cup of espresso.
Maintenance costs could be about $100 per year for water filter replacements and cleaning tablets.
Water filter and cleaning tablets are not easily available so I will have to purchase online.
I know, this sounds like a long list. I have a feeling many other espresso machines have similar cons so I wouldn't consider any of these a deal-breaker.
Overall an excellent machine but I really wish there was a pre-ground coffee funnel so that we could enjoy decaf expresso drinks at night.

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Brew cafe-quality coffee drinks right at home with this easy-to-use fully automatic espresso machine. Simply add water and espresso beans, select the type of beverage and amount desired, and press the button--it takes care of the rest. The appliance grinds, brews, and tamps, then dispenses used grounds into a collection container. An oversized digital display and intuitive controls make it effortless to scroll through the on-screen menu and to follow detailed instructions for everything from set-up to brewing perfect espresso. In addition, the unit's commercial-quality built-in conical burr grinder holds up to 28 ounces of whole beans and comes calibrated to three optimal grind levels. Use the pre-ground bypass doser for pre-ground decaffeinated or flavored coffee--a handy feature when entertaining.
For added convenience, the espresso machine's innovative design combines the thermoblock brewing system and hydraulic jack into a single piece, which means an overall smaller build that takes up less space on the countertop. In fact, it's 30- to 50-percent smaller than most fully automatics available. The completely redesigned thermoblock comes cast in aluminum with stainless-steel tubing for precise control of the water and temperature and optimal heat transfer while reducing scaling and build-up of mineral deposits. Other highlights include a 64-ounce water tank, hot water on demand, and a steam function for cappuccinos and lattes. A patented auto-cappuccino system for foolproof milk frothing comes included. The 1450-watt espresso machine measures 12-1/2 by 9-1/2 by 14-1/4 inches and carries a one-year warranty.

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Krups FBC4-13 6-Slice Convection Digital Toaster Oven with Preset Cooking Functions Review

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(More customer reviews)This is my first ever online product review but I am so impressed with this product I want to share my positive experience with others.
Having owned cheaper toaster ovens over the years, I was always disappointed with the product quality, reliability and performance. While they all did an OK job of toasting a bagel or reheating a slice of pizza their use was limited, poorly constructed, flimsy and lacking features.
This time I was determined to purchase a quality high end, well constructed unit that not only offered more features but superior performance.
After much research on the web, reading customer/product reviews and doing in-store comparisions between various toaster ovens, I narrowed it down between the Krups FBC2 or FBC4 and the Cuisinart TOB-175C convection taster oven. In the end I decided to purchase and try out the Krups FBC2 toaster oven for the following reasons:
1 - The overall design, sleek appearance and most importantly, solid high quality contruction. Just compare product weight. The Krups appears to be more solid and better built, which may account for its added weight.
2 - The illuminated LCD digital controls are very intuitive and easy to use. The temperature adjusts in 25 degree increments proving to be a very fast and convenient feature. While some people might prefer 1 degree adjustments, I don't miss not being able to set it to odd settings such as 314 or 438 degress. 275, 300, 325, 350, 400, 425, 450 etc work fine for me.
3 - The offset grille provides more heating positions for more accurate heating and cooking.
4 - Even with its compact design, it has a slightly larger interior cooking area.
5 - Last and definately not least, I read only positive reviews about the quartz convection heating eliments, and having now used it, I can see why. This oven seems like it heats up almost instantanously with nice and even heat distribution. What an incredible improvement over the much cheaper units I have owned in the past.
I was so impressed with the Krups KBC2 toaster oven, I decided to return it and purchase the more expensive FBC4 model from Amazon because it offered even more features. Believe me, I am not disappointed. While the Krups FBC2 is an equally excellent product, the FBC4 also has:
1 - A stainless steel exterior finish which I really like because of its quality, appearance and durability, especially after reading reviews indicating there were issues with the Cuisinart exterior finish flaking.
2 - The convection oven feature significantly reduces cooking/reheating time.
3 - It has a Bagel toasting setting not available on the FB2 where it toasts bagels on the sliced side while only heating up the crust side. Like other units on the market, the FB2 toasts both sides. While this does a decent job of toasting bagels, the FB4 Bagel toasting feature results in a perfectly toasted bagel every time.
4 - While I have not yet used the defrost feature, I am looking forward to using it since I am not a big fan of microwaves.
In conclusion, I could not be happier with my decision to purchase a Krups toaster oven. The FB4 has definately exceeded my expectations and I look forward to using it for many years to come.


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Attractively designed in chrome with black accents, this six-slice toaster oven offers a large 0.59 cubic-foot capacity and convection baking, which circulates heated air around food for faster, more even cooking. Its patented quartz cycling technology alternates 1600 watts of power to each set of 3-quartz heating elements (one above and one below) to produce maximum radiant heat. In addition, the unit's highly polished stainless-steel reflective crumb tray directs heat to all interior corners for optimal results.
Ultra-precise temperature controls in 25-degree increments range from 150- to 450-degrees F, and for simple one-step cooking, the toaster oven provides six preset cooking functions--pastry, bagels, brownies, cookies, thick pizza, and thin pizza. The unit's defrost function uses the convection fan only to gently and evenly defrost food without producing hot spots. For toasting, it has nine levels as well as browning with a countdown timer.
Other useful details include an illuminated LCD control panel with easy-to-use controls and high-quality soft-touch buttons, a digital clock that displays when the cooking functions are not in use, and a 90-minute digital timer with auto shut-off after elapsed time. Accessories include a non-stick bake pan, broil tray, and thermal-resistant tongs for safe removal of hot pans or food. The durable, non-stick interior cleans up in a snap, and two rack positions offer added versatility. The toaster oven measures 20-1/2 by 14-3/4 by 10-3/8 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Krups XP7225 Compact Fully Automatic Espresso Machine Review

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(More customer reviews)We bought this machine from Williams-Sonoma and liked it so much that we stuck with the coffee through four separate units, each of which failed within three weeks for a different reason. My wife and I each drink 2-3 shots of espresso per day, for a total of 6-8 cycles of the machine (including self rinsing): this is within their warranty rate of 10 cycles per day. We use non-greasy beans and reverse-osmosis water, both of which are recommended by the manufacturer. At first I thought we just got unlucky -- every factory makes a few lemons -- but after four machines and four independent failure modes I'm convinced they're just poorly built.
For coffee : 4-5 stars. When they work, these machines are just adjustable enough for us - you can adjust the grind, the water temperature, and the water volume independently to "sight in" your ideal shot. For reliability: -4 stars. I would give this product just a single star, but the titanium fronted one comes with a terrific milk-frothing assembly that makes great, silky foam every time. That alone is worth a second star.
Machine #1: worked for three weeks, then mysteriously failed with an error code "DE" on the screen. Krups support was baffled.
Machine #2: worked for 1.5 weeks, then the burr grinder broke - motor would turn but wouldn't grind coffee.
Machine #3: DOA - on initial plug-in, entered an infinite loop of "calibrating machine" cycles. (I think an internal sensor was jammed).
Machine #4: worked for 3 weeks, then mysteriously started spewing acrid, electrical-insulator smoke.
I suggest a Delonghi Magnifica - they can be found for under $1k and are actually designed to be maintainable - or a semi-auto with built-in burr grinder (Breville makes one).

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Brew cafe-quality coffee drinks right at home with this easy-to-use fully automatic espresso machine. Simply add water and espresso beans, select the type of beverage and amount desired, and press the button--it takes care of the rest. The appliance grinds, brews, and tamps, then dispenses used grounds into a collection container. An oversized digital display and intuitive controls make it effortless to scroll through the on-screen menu and to follow detailed instructions for everything from set-up to brewing perfect espresso. In addition, the unit's commercial-quality built-in conical burr grinder holds up to 28 ounces of whole beans and comes calibrated to three optimal grind levels. Use the pre-ground bypass doser for pre-ground decaffeinated or flavored coffee--a handy feature when entertaining.
For added convenience, the espresso machine's innovative design combines the thermoblock brewing system and hydraulic jack into a single piece, which means an overall smaller build that takes up less space on the countertop. In fact, it's 30- to 50-percent smaller than most fully automatics available. The completely redesigned thermoblock comes cast in aluminum with stainless-steel tubing for precise control of the water and temperature and optimal heat transfer while reducing scaling and build-up of mineral deposits. Other highlights include a 64-ounce water tank, hot water on demand, and a steam function for cappuccinos and lattes. The 1450-watt espresso machine measures 12-1/2 by 9-1/2 by 14-1/4 inches and carries a one-year warranty.

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Krups XP1020 750-Watt Steam Espresso Machine with 4-Cup Glass Carafe Review

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(More customer reviews)I just got one of these for Christmas to replace a similar unit I used for years. The first time I tried it, it spewed water and coffee grounds all over. It practically blew up! I reduced the amount of coffee (a good Italian espresso, pre-ground fine), and the same thing happened. According to the trouble-shooting guide, the grind was too fine. I tried a coarse grind with no blowups, but the coffee was wimpy. Apparently, this espresso machine wasn't meant to make espresso coffee. This never happened with my previous unit. Pass this one up. It is simply a piece of junk.

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Inspired by experts and demanding consumers with uncompromising standards of performance and quality, krups products have been built with these three key attributes in mind: passion, precision and perfection. Krups' xp1020 steam espresso machine provides professional results in a compact design. At just 11 inches tall, this espresso machine works in any kitchen space. The large capacity carafe holds up to 4 cups of espresso, and the steam wand is user friendly- thanks to an oversized dial. Removable drip tray allows easy clean up, stainless steel accents compliment any decor.

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