Mr. Coffee ECM160 4-Cup Steam Espresso Machine, Black
by Mr. Coffee
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Category: Kitchen
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Product Summary
Manufacturer: Mr. CoffeeBrand: Mr. Coffee
Model: ECM160
Color: Black
Product features:
- Steam espresso machine brews 1 to 4 cups (20 ounces)
- Removable frothing aid; powerful milk frother for creamy cappuccinos
- Decanter with measuring marks, stay-cool handle, and drip-free pouring spout
- Cup warmer; removable drip tray; cord storage; measuring scoop included
- Measures 8 by 6-1/2 by 10-1/2 inches
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Mr. Coffee ECM160 4-Cup Steam Espresso Machine, Black
Customer Review: Don't spend a penny more, this is a wonderful espresso maker.
Summary: 5 Stars
I got this for Christmas and after using it several times a day since then, I can tell you that this is a wonderful espresso maker and there's nothing in the $100-$1000 machines I'd find worth the extra money.
Pros:
- Steam is the only way to make proper coffee or espresso. Other methods don't produce the smooth, rich taste of a real espresso. In fact, it wasn't until the 1940s that added pressure and lower temperatures were used in espresso machines; this was not done to make a better espresso, but to make it cheaper and have a larger amount of foam on top (the crema). The hot water doesn't extract the oils in the same way as steam, so if you're using hot water, you're not making a true espresso. And for those who've written reviews saying this kind of espresso machine can't make a decent crema, check out the pictures I've posted (using Lavazza Super Crema).
- Milk frother runs from the same reservoir you're making the espresso with; only one heating element, no second reservoir to fill and check, and no delay between finishing the espresso and starting the frothing.
- Everything you need is in the box. The coffee scoop has a flattened bottom for use as a tamper (not the best, see below) but it will do for a while; the other end of the coffee scoop is the wrench you'll need to removing the frothing arm for cleaning.
- Actually faster than my single-cup drip machine. If I want a 12-oz coffee with a double shot of espresso, the espresso machine, even having to make steam, finishes before the coffee maker gets done. Considering that both are starting from room-temperature water, I think this is wonderfully fast.
- The Mr. Coffee customer service is top notch. I had a problem with the decanter lid and they took care of it quickly and courteously.
- If you fill the basket to the first notch but use 4 cups (8 oz) of water, you'll get a really nice cup of what I'd call American coffee. It will still have the richness of good espresso because the steam will get all the different oils out of the grounds, but it will be less strong with no crema or aftertaste.
Cons:
- Pretty long cool-down time. The best thing to do here, if you have the time, is to wait about five minutes after you've made the espresso, turn the selector to froth and let the pressure escape for a couple seconds, then remove the reservoir top; this will let the reservoir cool down faster.
- Going anywhere over 3 shots (6 oz) will destroy the crema; there's just too much steam coming out too close to the top of the liquid for any foam to survive.
- This is related to the first two, actually putting the two together. It's hard to use this if you want to prepare espresso for a lot of people, say at a party or holiday dinner. If this really is a big concern, at this price, buy two. I'm serious...for less than the price of the fancy machines that don't do anything more than this one you can buy a couple of these to keep the drinks flowing.
Suggestions:
- Buy a good tamper, it will make a lot of difference. I use Red 49mm Espresso Tamper Stainless Steel Coffee and am very happy with the results.
- Remember to always release the pressure through the frothing arm before removing the reservoir lid. This applies even if you've steamed milk because there always seems to be a pressure difference after the machine cools down.
I just want to clear one thing up that I'm sure is just a typo on the Amazon page but some people might be unsure of. This will not make 20 ounces of coffee per use. Where the page says, "Steam espresso machine brews 1 to 4 cups (20 ounces)" it almost certainly means to say, "Steam espresso machine brews 1 to 4 cups (2.0 ounces per cup)."
Recommendation:
Buy this espresso maker.
Description of Mr. Coffee ECM160 4-Cup Steam Espresso Machine, Black
Makes delicious espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes. Powerful milk frother. 4-Cup capacity: 20-ounce. Per shot. Removable drip tray. Easy to pour decanter. Removable frothing aid. On/off indicator light.Espresso Machines
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