Coffee Culture

Lello 1375 Ariete Cafe Prestige Coffee Maker

Constructed of heavy-duty stainless steel and simple-to-use controls, this 950-watt espresso/cappuccino machine makes it easy to brew cafe-quality coffee drinks. The unit’s high-performance ThermoBlock 15-bar pump-driven system provides uniform and constant pump pressure to make a superior espresso with good crema and a frothy thick milk cappuccino. Its removable 2-1/4-quart water reservoir can be refilled from the top at any time during operation, and a cup-warming area allows up to nine cups to be warmed before use. Designed in sleek, attractive housing, the espresso/cappuccino maker measures 9-1/2 by 9-1/4 by 12-1/2 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star Not your mother’s expresso machine
For those buying this machine, as I did, as a step up to replace an inexpensive home type “espresso” machine without a pump, for a few dollars more, it is not really good. It is not for non-coffee-aficionados.

This machine makes better espresso, about a 3 star on that, for convenience and ease of use 1/2 star.

Don’t buy this machine if you want a quick latte, etc before leaving for work.

1. It is not “automatic” You do not put your cup under there and come back for the coffee. You must turn the steam on and then off when you think it is done. You must wait for it to heat up between processes. Now I understand why making good espresso is considered an art. Not really a negative if you are espresso savvy. I am not.

2. The water reservoir is a pain. Who wants to leave water in a plastic container over night and then use it for coffee. So to get fresh water you have to take this clumsy, cheaply made container that is too big to fit easily in the sink out of its place on the back (you have to pull out the machine to fill it), empty it and refill and replace it with some difficulty.

3. It is not exactly as described, If it were I would give it better marks. There is not lever on the handle to expell the coffee holder as described in the instructions. The coffee holder is really difficult to put into the handle thing. It says there are some slots to match up, but there are not so you are trying to press it in without spilling the ground coffee. Then afterwards you cannot just expel it, you have to put your fingers on it (hot)and pull or leverage it out. Also it says there is a pick to clean the holes and there is not.

4. It is very heavy and quite large. On the counter top, under a cabinet is not a good place to put it. Really needs it own table..

5. The special steam head for frothing is a made of a really smelly, soft rubber. Ok if you want your milk to taste like rubber. Too smelly for my kitchen, I threw it away.

I had a Braun simple inexpensive home type machine, that made pretty good latte’s, not real espresso, but ok for me. I took it with me every where. It lasted for three years being used every day. Not sure if I will keep this one. It does make better espresso. This is my first impression, the first day, I do not know if it will break in a few days, etc.

4 Stars Great Cappuccino & Customer Service Will Replace Gasket
We got the Ariete Cafe Prestige Cappuccino maker after a long series of Krupps, DeLonghi, and other Cappuccino makers failed within months (typically a sticky pressure valve leading to no pressure/taking forever). First impression: Awesome! Super strong, sweet, flavorful, good crema. But…

After a week, it would periodically leak, spray, pee, spurt, etc around the seal, especially on the 2nd shot, then after another week, at almost every use. This left a crappy, brackish shot, and a big mess in the kitchen. Figuring it was the seal/gasket, I looked online at the Amazon reviews, found the review with the problem and number (replace the gasket, call Lello at 201 939-2555). But wait….

I called them and said “I had an Ariete Cafe Prestige 1375 with a gasket problem” and in 2 seconds (no kidding), the lady told me they’d send a replacement and asked for my address. Holy crap, that’s customer service!!

So, I give it a 4, because they (Amazon or Lello) really should put a card or sticker on it that says “if you have a seal or gasket problem, call these guys for a replacement” but top kudos for hiring such great customer service. It’s a great cappuccino maker, too bad the one I got came from a run that skimped on quality for a critical component.

5 Stars Simply Amazing!!
Wow! I got this machine for two reasons. I was frustrated with the amount of money I was spending on my daily lattes. I was also frustrated with the time it took to go to the coffee shop every morning. When I got this machine both of those issues were successfully solved.

Now I spend an average of $10 a week on coffee. A pound of espresso goes over two weeks for me. And milk goes a long way too. I am saving a lot of money very quickly considering I was spending an average of $40 a week on lattes.

This machine is a pump machine. It has a great amount of pressure. The espresso comes out perfect, with great crema!! Milk is easily steamed as well. So far I haven’t had any problems. I should also mention I worked at a coffee shop for 5 years during high school and my early days of college. I was a little hesitant to get this machine fearing the espresso would not come out well. Turns out it DOES! it tastes just as smooth and rich as it would from my local roaster.

This machine is a must for someone who is on a budget. Also, its very convenient to wake up and make your own latte. One of the best purchases of my life! =)

5 Stars A happy customer
I was looking for a espresso machine for a while. After read many good reviews about this machine. I decided to buy it. It is a solid design! I have it 2 month so far with no problem. I just ordered another one for my sister.

4 Stars Ariete Espresso Machine
This is a decent product for the price. It is easy to clean attractive and makes a decent single cup of espresso. I’ve been using it daily since I bought it. First coffee I bought for it was ground a little too fine — but when ground right, the espresso is as good as you will get in a restaraunt. I just make the espresso — don’t use the steam apparatus much, but I have tested it to froth or warm soy milk and it seems to work just fine. For $130 — I am sure it is as good as machines that cost from $200 up — they seem to be of similar construction. I like the water container on the back and how easy it is to disasseble the “head” where the water comes out for cleaning.

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Mr Coffee Steam Espresso Machine

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars Mr. Coffee Steam Expresso Machine
Very nice inexpensive machine. I am in Iraq, and it servs it purpose. It is not as good as my Krups I have at home, but for the price, it can’t be beat.

4 Stars Great value!
My old espresso machine broke, so I ordered this one as a replacement.

The carafe is designed so as not to spray espresso around (a real problem with my previous DeLonghi), and the power light is right in front, instead of on the side so it’s easy to note if we accidently leave it on. Seals are tight, handles easy to grip. A great value for the $$.

Do be aware this machine doesn’t come with a tamper (do any? I’ve seen people complain about it, but never purchased a machine that came with one), but it does come with a measuring scoop that can multitask.

5 Stars Save $ by making your lattes at home!
This espresso machine works great, and I couldn’t believe that you could get one for such a low price–I’ve seen them sold in coffee shops for hundreds of dollars! Heat the milk in the microwave for about a minute before you foam it and it won’t take as long, that way the steam just needs to foam it and doesn’t need to heat it too. And there’s lots of options for buying syrups to make flavored lattes online too–found 750mL bottles for $3.99 each.

2 Stars Fine if you like boiled milk
Mr. Coffee Steam Espresso Machine

This works fine if you like boiled milk. The steam is all or nothing, and comes on so hard it boils the milk but doesn’t froth it. Everything else is fine, but why have a cappuccino maker that won’t froth milk?

5 Stars Definitely a Keeper
Given its inexpensive price, this is just about the most efficient and easy-to-use product in its category. Though steam-driven rather than the far most expensive (and more complicated) pump-driven, this produces a fine expresso and there’s practically no maintenance required. A winner.

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CoffeeDuck the Refillable Filter Senseo Pod Coffee Machines EXCEPT HD7820 and 7832

ONLY WORKS WITH THE ORIGINAL SENSEO! CHECK BOTTOM OF YOUR SENSEO FOR MODEL #. ORIGINAL MODEL NUMBER STARTS WITH 781! (7810, 7811, etc). NOT RETURNABLE SO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ONE OF THE ORIGINAL SENSEO MODELS!
Introducing the COFFEEDUCK, a new innovation for Senseo owners (does not work with the Senseo Supreme or Senseo Deluxe). The COFFEEDUCK works with your favorite coffee. From now on YOU control the flavour, strength and amount of coffee from your Senseo. The COFFEEDUCK can also be used with one or two regular paper pods, so if you ever lose your Senseo pod holders, you can still make pod coffee! You will be amazed at the possibilities that the COFFEEDUCK has to offer. A regular cup of coffee no problem, an espresso no problem, 2 cups of coffee, you name it! Want a cup of your favorite Starbuck’s coffee? Your favorite flavored coffee? With the COFFEEDUCK you are no longer stuck paying the high price for Senseo coffee pods! (for best results use a fine grind)

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars For a really good cup of coffee
I have read many of the negative review and have to say I am confused by them. I recently purchased the CoffeeDuck. It is great. Does exactly what it is supposed to do. Here is what I have found:

1. Lets be clear, the Senseo is not an expresso machine. Nothing can be done to make it create a true expresso. Now that said, the Senseo is capable of making a really good cup of coffee.

2, When using the Duck you must use expresso grind coffee. Anything coarser will may not yield satisfactory results. I use “danesi” decaffinated expresso coffee. Comes in a round tin much like the “Lily” coffee. It is a very fine grind.

3. I fill my Duck with a scoop which is precisely 29.6 cc of coffee. This is slightly more than two typical coffee single cup coffee measuring cups.

4. I use the top of the Duck as a tamp to flatten and tamp the coffee. I take care to make sure that there are no coffee grounds around the rim of the Duck, but this is not critical as long as one is not overly messy. I place the top onto the grounds then put the Duck into my Senseo.

5. I then use the 2 cup setting on my Senseo to brew the coffee. (Note: if I want to approximate expresso I use the single cup setting on my Senseo with slightly less coffee in the Duck.

The above procedure provides a really tasty, full bodied cup of coffee, consistently. The coffee also has the same foam topping as would be had using the Senseo pods.

All in all, I found this product to be excellent in doing that which it was intended to do when used properly and with the proper coffee grind. I highly recommend this product.

3 Stars high quality item, but makes weak coffee
I understand to get the strongest coffee, you use an espresso coffee, but the product states you can use any of your favorite coffees so that’s what I’m basing this review on. For the test, I used Dunkin Donuts Extra Bold coffee.

From the pictures, the coffee duck doesn’t look lengthy at all. Once you see it in person it’s a different story. The handle doesn’t need to be that long imo. It doesn’t get in the way, but it looks rather silly.

I filled the coffee duck to the top with Dunkin Donuts coffee and pressed the double cup button. It looked good coming out, but the taste wasn’t what I expected.

As far as cleaning goes, it’s rather messy. It can’t compare to dumping coffee pods.

For the price I paid for the Coffee Duck (sixteen dollars), it’s not worth it for me. Maybe it makes an excellent cup of tea? That will be my next test.

5 Stars IT WORKS
I had a senseo coffee machine for over a year. I hated it and never used it because all the pods I bought didn’t fit (although the websites say it would)or the the coffee was so weak it resembled yellow cat urine. I finally decided to get the coffee duck because I was tired of making a pot of coffee for one cup. When you buy the coffee duck, make sure you read the instructions and put only espresso ground coffee in it. If not, you’ll get weak yellow colored coffee. I use Caffe Kimbo gold medal or Lavazza espresso. When you fill the coffee duck, make sure you leave 4-5mm space on the top and even it out. No need to tamp it down. I prefer the European style stronger coffee, not the weak diner/pancake house type. I press the single cup and then fill the coffee duck again and press the single cup again. Use a knock box to keep all the coffee grounds from dripping all over the kitchen floor. I found that there’s no need to rinse the coffee duck inbetween making my serving of coffee. I just wipe clean the edges after knocking out as much wet espresso ground that I can. When I’m done, then I rinse and dry the coffee duck. Now I use this everyday. Now how do I get rid of all those coffee pods in my basement?….

5 Stars Works great
The CoffeeDuck is exactly what I was looking for. I’m getting great results with just about any coffee I’ve tried. All are regular grind, no fancy expresso stuff. Definitely a money saver over buying expensive pods.

5 Stars Works as it Should!
Purchased a Senseo as a gift for my husband, who is a coffee lover, but who I also knew wouldn’t always be apt to purchase the pods to have on hand. I thought this would be great to go with it so that he could use it with whatever coffee he chooses, at the quality that he prefers, and at any time he wishes. I just hoped that it would work well for him – and sure enough he loves it! Almost never have any of the Senseo pods on hand – as predicted – so this has been used often and is a great value! (Especially compared to the price of pods.) Plus allows more variety when you can use coffee you prefer, which also gives different options to guests. Would definitely recommend.

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CCECC1812 Expresso Cappuccino Machine with Steam Frother

Experience great taste in a cup or more. Brew richly flavored expresso, or create your own favorite cappuccino delight. Steam frother. UL Listed. Number of Cups: 2; Number of Burners: NA; Warmer: NA; Width: 10 in.

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Capresso 121 01 Ultima Semi Automatic Coffee and Espresso Cappuccino Machine

The best of coffee culture in one convenient package. Eliminating all the strenuous steps of conventional espresso/cappuccino machines ? tamping, hot filters and stubborn sieves ? this all-in-one center lets you pour in the coffee, switch on the pump and enjoy! One-year warranty. Model 121.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars I love this machine
I love this machine. I read several reviews prior to buying it. Most were good. One stated that her machine wouldn’t work no matter what the grind. It clogged. I was concerned about this, but it never happened to me. My machine is not at all picky. I like that it’s semi-automatic so that I have control over how to make my coffee. It’s easy to make and easy to clean.

5 Stars Super easy Espresso drinks
This machine makes espresso drinks very easy, fast, and tasty. I have a very nice tradional espresso machine with portafilter. I can make a fantasic shot of espresso with The tradional machine but it takes me about three times longer to prepar then with the Capresso Ultima. The Capresso makes a pretty darn good shot also. Its so easy to use and it cleans up easy. It looks and feels sort of cheap with all the plasic but if it works flawlessly for a few years I can overlook the cheap plastic feel. My tradional machine wheights about 35lbs the Capresso wheights about 1/3 of that wheight. I talk about the weight a lot becous in my exprince heavy steel things tend to last longer the cheap plasic. Not to say that the Capresso Ultima is cheap, Its not. I just dont trust all the plastic. I gess that if they would have used more steel the price would have been a lot higher. At the price point it is, its very afordable for the quality of the drinks you can make with it.

5 Stars Expresso Love
If you like expresso than this machine is well worth having in your kitchen.

It is amazingly easy to use to prepare anything you would like, including expresso and cappuccino which I had found a bit intimidating/not successful with before I got this machine.

It is pretty easy to set up and get ready to make your drink, takes me a couple of minutes or so at this point, and the machine is quick and easy to maintain.

All in all one of the better items that I use often in the kitchen.

4 Stars Great Engineering. Great Espresso & Coffee!! Price can’t be Beat!
I was compelled to leave a review for the Ultima because I just have to say how pleased I am with it. This little machine is awesome! I’m a self proclaimed coffee snob and perfectionist. I reviewed several machines before settling on the Ultima. I’m definitely glad I did. Makes a great espresso with nice layer of crema. If you want a great cup of coffee it’ll do that too as you can control when to stop the pump. Prep is easy and the more comfortable you get with it the easier it gets. I recommend it 100%. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is because it’ll only take 2 scoops of coffee at a time limiting the amount of coffee you can make a time. Also not the prettiest machine but you’ll get over that as soon as you start making coffee. I had a Krups pump driven before this that cost around the same and was slicker looking but an inferior product. These are minor points though. Overall, price and quality wise it can’t be beat.

Buy/More Info

Mr Coffee Steam Espresso Machine

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars Mr. Coffee Steam Expresso Machine
Very nice inexpensive machine. I am in Iraq, and it servs it purpose. It is not as good as my Krups I have at home, but for the price, it can’t be beat.

4 Stars Great value!
My old espresso machine broke, so I ordered this one as a replacement.

The carafe is designed so as not to spray espresso around (a real problem with my previous DeLonghi), and the power light is right in front, instead of on the side so it’s easy to note if we accidently leave it on. Seals are tight, handles easy to grip. A great value for the $$.

Do be aware this machine doesn’t come with a tamper (do any? I’ve seen people complain about it, but never purchased a machine that came with one), but it does come with a measuring scoop that can multitask.

5 Stars Definitely a Keeper
Given its inexpensive price, this is just about the most efficient and easy-to-use product in its category. Though steam-driven rather than the far most expensive (and more complicated) pump-driven, this produces a fine expresso and there’s practically no maintenance required. A winner.

2 Stars Fine if you like boiled milk
Mr. Coffee Steam Espresso Machine

This works fine if you like boiled milk. The steam is all or nothing, and comes on so hard it boils the milk but doesn’t froth it. Everything else is fine, but why have a cappuccino maker that won’t froth milk?

Buy/More Info

Urnex Cleancaf Coffee Machine Cleaner and Descaler 14 CL12 3 13

Great tasting coffee at home again!When brewing takes forever and coffee tastes bitter, Cleancaf can help. Non-toxic, biodegradable and odorless Clean Caf is a quick and easy way to keep coffeemakers and espresso makers clean, fresh and odor free.Cleanca

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Works great!
This stuff works great on coffee pots! Cleans out the whole system, you wouldn’t believe the stuff it pulls up! Just be sure to run regular water through your machine several times before actually making coffee. Highly recommended, works better than vinegar!

1 Star Cleancaf Urnex Caustic And Harsh
I recently purchased a three pack of Cleancaf Urnex and I won’t be purchasing this product again. after three months of use my expresso machine I thought needed a cleaning, so I use one packet of urnex and although it did clean my machine, it left a bitter taste. even after 5 rinses. I’ll try no pulp lemon juice the next time.

5 Stars works great
Works great on both coffee makers & espresso machines. Great cleaner & doesn’t smell up the house.

5 Stars Urnex Cleancaf Coffee Machine Cleaner
Do you have an espresso machine which is slow & sluggish – not frothing milk the way it used to? Or how about a coffee maker which is making bitter coffee that doesn’t taste as good as it once did? Don’t throw those machines out! Urnex Cleancaf Cleaner really works!! I have used it on two espresso machines I thought I would have to replace and they have been reborn. I also used it on my coffee maker with excellent results. That makes this product a money saver. (And one doesn’t need to use it as often as they say. It depends on how often you use your machines, if you use filtered water, etc., but my machines are kept like new with semi-annual use.)

Buy/More Info

Urnex Cleancaf Coffee Machine Cleaner and Descaler 14 CL12 3 13

Great tasting coffee at home again!When brewing takes forever and coffee tastes bitter, Cleancaf can help. Non-toxic, biodegradable and odorless Clean Caf is a quick and easy way to keep coffeemakers and espresso makers clean, fresh and odor free.Cleanca

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star Cleancaf Urnex Caustic And Harsh
I recently purchased a three pack of Cleancaf Urnex and I won’t be purchasing this product again. after three months of use my expresso machine I thought needed a cleaning, so I use one packet of urnex and although it did clean my machine, it left a bitter taste. even after 5 rinses. I’ll try no pulp lemon juice the next time.

5 Stars Urnex Cleancaf Coffee Machine Cleaner
Do you have an espresso machine which is slow & sluggish – not frothing milk the way it used to? Or how about a coffee maker which is making bitter coffee that doesn’t taste as good as it once did? Don’t throw those machines out! Urnex Cleancaf Cleaner really works!! I have used it on two espresso machines I thought I would have to replace and they have been reborn. I also used it on my coffee maker with excellent results. That makes this product a money saver. (And one doesn’t need to use it as often as they say. It depends on how often you use your machines, if you use filtered water, etc., but my machines are kept like new with semi-annual use.)

5 Stars works great
Works great on both coffee makers & espresso machines. Great cleaner & doesn’t smell up the house.

5 Stars cut it in half
The product is just as effective (was for our situation) if you half the packet and use in two cups of water (instead of four) and run through your machine. It’s worth a try, given the expense.

5 Stars Works great!
This stuff works great on coffee pots! Cleans out the whole system, you wouldn’t believe the stuff it pulls up! Just be sure to run regular water through your machine several times before actually making coffee. Highly recommended, works better than vinegar!

Buy/More Info