Mr. Coffee ECMP40 Pod Pump Espresso & Cappuccino Maker
by Mr. Coffee
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List Price: Category: Kitchen See more product details |
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Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Mr. Coffee ECMP40 Pod Pump Espresso & Cappuccino Maker
Customer Review: Great Coffee - Incredible Value!
Summary: 5 Stars
I live in Washington, formerly in Seattle... so I do know my coffee. My husband and I searched all over the web trying to decide which machine to buy for my birthday. Everything I read online said make sure you get a pump-driven machine. We'd had a steam-driven Mr. Coffee prior to this (for about 8 years), and it had been decent for the era it was produced in, but it got old and our tastes outgrew it. Friends said "Don't waste your money on anything less than a Starbucks Barista" (starting at $300 each.) Having had so many good years with the other machine, we decided to try this "upgrade" anyway.
For the $60 we paid for it, this machine is incredible. I use Starbucks espresso beans, ground pretty fine, and my mochas are every bit as good (or better) than most (all but one) of the local coffee joints, and better than Starbucks, since this machine doesn't burn the coffee like they do. (And honestly, I think my mochas taste better than the ones I've had at those friends' houses, made with the "Barista.") This machine produces a great crema on the espresso, the milk frother is the best I've ever used - quick and easy and oh, so frothy... AND, unlike so many machines, it's possible (and doesn't take long) to steam milk and actually get it HOT!
If I had to mention negatives, I can only think of 2. I wish it came with a milk frothing pitcher, and, as others have mentioned, I wish it were a little taller, to fit a mug in with the drip tray in place. I use 2 shot glasses, though, and it works great for me.
Glad we chose this one.
Customer Review: The quality might surprise you
Summary: 4 Stars
After reading all the reviews I really need to throw in my 2 cents. I got my Mr Coffee essentially free with a $50 gift cert for Macys (of all places).....3 years ago. Since then I've built my wife and I my version of a wet cappaccino (sp) nearly every morning. Only complaint is that it can't handle a fine grind for a double shot...unless you prime the shot once with the pump for about 20 seconds. Then wait a few and then let
'er rip. No breakdowns and I've let it run hot for a whole day! Only problem is Karen broke the filter handle so now I am surfing to find one. My unit froths great with the rubber end I stole off my last Mr Coffee boiler unit. The plastic thing is useless. But I read here that many units die within a month. I'm shifting to Gaggia Classico and see how the other half lives! Mr Coffee will be there to bail me out should the Italian Stalion fail.
Customer Review: It's no Gaggia, but...
Summary: 3 Stars
I'm away from home and from my Gaggia espresso machine (see my review) for a few months. I didn't have another $300 to drop on a gaggia but was craving lattes, so I went to the local department store and this was the one model they had. (Yes, I'm in the semi-boonies. The nearest Starbucks is about 40 miles away.) So far, to my surprise, the Mr. Coffee ECMP40 is producing lattes that are quite drinkable. However, the espresso does seem to be poorer in quality (not as concentrated, though I *am* getting crema),and the frother less able to produce froth (I think it would be really hard to make a cappuccino with this machine). I'm using freshly ground coffee, and I think getting it ground a little more finely and tamping it well will help improve the espresso quality. When you first turn the steam valve to release steam, a bunch of hot water comes out instead, but that seems to correct itself. Then, when my milk is at about 120-140 degrees, the screeching sound becomes unbearable. I'm seriously going to wear earplugs the next time I use the thing.
All in all, a decent low-cost solution, but you get what you pay for.
Customer Review: 1.5 Years and still going strong
Summary: 5 Stars
I have to admit I'm surprised by the reviews doubting this machine's durability. I bought mine in October 2004, use it nearly every day, and haven't had a moment's trouble with it. I even sometimes take it on road trips when a Starbucks may not be convenient. I highly recommend the Starbucks espresso pods, $4.95/12 when you can find them, I usually buy them online.
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Just thought I'd follow up - it's now going on 3 years, I still use this machine *every day*, and still no trouble with it at all. It's not often a product exceeds my expectations, this is a very pleasant surprise.
Customer Review: Mr. Coffee does all right
Summary: 3 Stars
I had heard that this was the best Cappuccino machine on the market for its price range. It does fine, I guess. Technically, it does what it is supposed to do well--it brews the espresso well and quickly, and it does froth/steam the milk to a good consistency. My only complaints are that it does not come with a carafe for brewing the espresso, nor a stainless steel pitcher for frothing/steaming milk. You have to buy those separately, which is about another $30. Also, neither the espresso nor the milk ever seems to get quite hot enough.