8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
Owned less than 24 hours and it is an absolute dream
Date of Review: Jun 13, 2003
The Bottom Line: If you want the ultimate in a super automatic espresso machine, this is the machine for you, with a great price.
First of all let me start off by saying that when you read a review that is negative it usually (not always) is the result of an impulse or big name buy w/o the consumer doing research.
It is critical when purchasing a machine as complex and expensive as an Espresso Machine. You must do your research/homework to make sure you are getting the right machine that does exactly what you want it to do.
There are a number of resources to dive into on Espresso Machine research before you buy. I recommend Epinions of course and I also found much help at whollattelove.com and coffeegeek.com as additional points of resource.
I spent at least 4 hours researching the product features I wanted and what I really wanted was to duplicate my "Starbucks" Latte.
In my efforts I learned an enormous amount about the machines and I also almost purchased the wrong machine based on the desire to have frills vs. quality beverage and steaming.
I was focused on two final machines Saeco Vienna Digital and the Capresso C1000. Both are priced within the $100 range of one another.
In my research at the sites the Capresso C1000 was hands down the better machine of not only comparable models, it was also out performing models that were costing $1000 more in price.
This machine has won many awards and has remained a top seller through today. The machine provides an excellent crema that will suit all tastes. You will often see people complaining about temperature of coffee. Here is that lack of espresso knowledge coming through in that type of review. Espresso is not meant to EVER have the temperature of drip coffee. The extreme temperature prevents crema and it looses aroma, body and flavor.
Also keep in mind that if you add steamed milk you will have a less than a super hot espresso drink.( it is not cold, just not scalding hot) There are many ways to increase the temp of the espresso and it is well explained by Capresso. Capresso even has an 800 - hot line for you to call for help setting up or brew taste needs or any type of service and ordering of toys.
Here is an important tip that was offered by another member on 6/8 as well: This machine is being discontinued based on a new facelift and brand name known as Jura. As a result the price online is anywhere from $799 - $899. I went to William Sonoma last night and I paid $599.00 for a brand new super duper espresso machine. Williams Sonoma is not giving the deal on the stores web site. It is $799 on the site.
This machine has all the key features including 1, 2 and full cup capacity brewing, Bypass Doser (allows you to add ground decaf coffee), Cosmetics are very pleasing.
The machine comes with a video, cleaning tablets (completed every 200 cups), Coffee scooper, Claris filter system (changed every 2 months for $10)
DO YOUR RESEARCH IT IS NOT THE "PLUG AND PLAY" TYPE OF MACHINE. It took me about 1.5hrs to be fully comfortable in all features. You will be happier with your purchase if you know it offers what you are asking of the machine.
