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I read all the reviews on this item and have some comments. I was concerned that I couldn't froth the milk, but it turned out perfect.beautiful foam and hot milk. I received the Krups XP4030 today from dollarssays. I am new to making my own espresso drinks and until today I have never used an espresso machine. I expected to have to make a few cups before getting it right, but my first cup turned out great. First, the price was unbelieveable. I used Starbucks espresso pods and the espresso had the perfect amount of crema.
If you read the directions, it tells you that this is common and that there is nothing wrong with the machine. It came in four days. There were many complaints about water leaking. The list price was $240.00 and I paid $89.99. I followed the directions for cleaning it and made my first espresso/latte in less than 30 minutes out of the box. I have noticed water leaking out of the machines at coffee shops so I guess it is common. So far this machine is a great buy.
I have owned this XP4030 for little over a year now and purchased it new. I have read many other reviews that complain about the same problems, so I know these machines have a design problem. You must wait until the light goes out and then start your steaming.
I thought that a new Krups of similar type would be an ideal purchase, but I was very wrong. The frothing attachment comes off too easy and also the small hole in the top of it plugs up too easy and doesn't do any frothing at all when plugged up. My previous Krups lasted 17 years and finally gave up from valve problem that parts were no longer available for.
The steam heating element cycles on and off and never gets hot enough to produce good steam. This machine has never had a good steady stream of steam. You cannot go directly from making the coffee to steaming the milk.
Currently this machine will not froth at all and puts out more hot water than steam. I would recommend that you do not purchase one of these machines, you will be very unhappy with this machine.
I rec'd this yesterday and had it up and running within 30 mins. First made espresso with some Sambuca then a Latte/cappuccino.Never used a cappuccino machine before,and after reading the reviews thought it would be difficult.READ and follow step by step instructions. I didn't have any problems.Very happy with the product.
If you try that with this machine, it burps and produces big bubbles. Straight out of the box it smells strongly of plastic. (I own a cafe with a La Marzocco Linea - a nice steel machine - so I know what a good coffee should taste like. after a few moments it slows down and returns to spitting water. If you've ever steamed milk on a real espresso machine, you know that you get the best foam by keeping the nozzle just under the surface of the milk. Who thought a soft PLASTIC FROTHER WAND was a good idea. And it makes it into your lattes.
You blast boiling water through a rubber or soft plastic wand and it's guaranteed to leach some plastic with it. Anyone who knows anything about plastics, xenoestrogens, and other endocrine disruptors will be immediately turned off by the strong plastic element to this machine. The most notable thing about this machine is its smell. Then you get these glorious moments where it actually puts out a cloud of steam. But it doesn't last. Then there's something odd shaped about the nozzle. If you just like straight espresso or a macchiato, you might be satisfied. You just have to twist the knob until it seems lined up with the icon.If you can get past all these drawbacks, it does make decent espresso.
I hoped the smell would go away, but it doesn't. Big bubbles are not what you're going for in a latte.Next, while it seemed like a sturdy machine in the store, the one I bought wasn't so. However, I was under no illusion that I was buying something comparable for home use -- I just wanted a passable latte).But even if I could get past the nasty plastic frother, there's the fact that it takes a LONG time to froth a cup of milk. First it just spits water for a while. The knob easily shifted side to side and there was no clear stop at the "heat" setting and "foam" setting. However, since it doesn't dose the water for you, you have to know when to stop it or you'll end up with a big, watery shot.
I have been using this one for years on a daily basis and it's worked extremely well. Some pre-ground espresso beans cause the machine to clog, but I would imagine that would happen with other machines as well. Using the Krups GVX2-12 Burr Grinder it makes a great espresso every time.EDIT: Machine started leaking out of the bottom. It is out of warranty :( I would now recommend the Cusinart machine that comes with a 3 year warranty instead.
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