Krups - Refurbished Pump Espresso Machine - Black/Stainless-Steel

You get what you pay for when it comes to espresso machines. Don't think for a second that you will get SB$ quality drinks from a machine of this price (or one under $500). The machines in the coffee houses run 1000's of dollars and the quality of their results show. That being said, this machine does do a good job for the price. The one I got was a refurbished model at more than 75% off the full the retail price. Outside of a few minor cosmetic flaws, it works and looks great. It can take a while to find the proper grind of beans to make this work right. If you go to SB$ and ask for the beans to be ground for an espresso machine it will come out too fine and clog the machine. But it does make good espresso and hot too, when ground and tamped properly, you get that nice crema on top. The units only flaw is the steamer. The output is weak and as a result can take up to two minutes to get the milk steamed to a 170f and it is difficult to get good foam results all the time. All in all, you get what you pay for and for this price, it was well worth it.

This is a very good machine that creates a thick crema. It heats up quickly and makes 1 or 2 shots in 20seconds. I like that the metal filters are stored in the lid to the water compartment. No chance of losing them. The ESE pod holder works very well with Illy and other brands, using ground coffee does seem to produce better espresso though, and the ESE pods are slower to brew. The only complaint I have so far is that it is extremely difficult to turn the knob to the brew position, it's like you are manually starting a car, moving some huge mechanical component inside. Overall this is a great looking machine that works very well. It's not quite as good as a saeco, but it's significantly better than most entry level pumps. The only problem I had with the refurb model is that I received 2 of the 2-cup filters and no 1-cup filter, but a quick email to krups and they sent me a 1-cup filter no charge. Thanks!

This machine is a must have! If you have never used a espresso machine I highly recommend reading the instructions than rereading them again. Also I advise using coffee filters. (I use my percolator filters cut them in a rectangle, place in E.S.E pod with half dangling over. Put in a measure scoop of freshly ground coffee, fold the remaining filter over and press down...place in machine.) Make sure you do not grind the coffee to fine but if you do this filter will avoid any problems. A clogged pod could cause a mess. This machine makes the perfect cup of coffee with perfect froth. Ready to go in about the same time as a regular coffee maker. Times are tough we have had to do without of a lot of things...Even a cup of coffee. With a little practice not only can you get your espresso back. You can make it better than any cup of coffee you have bought!! If you work in an office, machine is perfect!! Because mine is going morning noon night. This machine is meant for heavy use. Would I recommend this to a friend? Do not have to just give them a cup. Than once they realize for about the cost of 10 cups of fancy brand caffine..they could have a machine that made the best cup of coffee they ever had!!!

This is my second espresso machine (first refurb) and I really like it. It is fast and easy to use. Compared with equally priced machines (steam) this pump machine blows them out of the water. My espresso, cappuccino, and lattes are superior to SB and don't cost $5 each. Buy yourself a compact milk caraffe for steaming and you're set.

I have owned this same model before and it cost $200 new 12 years ago. I lost that one through a divorce. When I saw this advertised for such a low price, I just had to get it, even though it was reburbished. The next model up from this that looks almost exactly the same goes for $299. I was very suprised to find that this was a brand new unit. There was absolutely no sign that this had ever been used even once. This is everything I expected, and makes expresso/latte as good as Starbucks. The only item I had to buy was a stainless steel frothing pitcher. Luckily, the local Bed Bath and Beyond had a large supply of 20 oz Krups stainless steel pitchers. The ONLY thing I can say negative about the unit is that the water pump is a little noisy, but not too bothersome. I would recommend this to anyone that wants a quality expresso machine that doesn't take up a lot of room on the counter.

I purchased one of these for a friend of mine as a birthday present, she'd been a barrista at a local coffee bar and really enjoyed it. Its a great machine, pulls fantastic espresso shots with good crema and color. 32oz reservoir is nice if you have friends over and are making multiple drinks. Just a couple issues, but they definitely don't kill the deal: >When brewing espresso, a little water will occasionally run out of the filter basket (but I can't really complain for the price and considering the pressure is 15bar (about 218psi)... exerting about 500lb on the filter basket). >When switching from steaming to other functions, the machine vents steam from seemingly every square inch. It condenses a little water here and there but not much to wipe up. Definitely recommended for those who want professional results from a home espresso machine.

I Love Refurbished Product opportunties. Working in retail I know that refurbed usually means quality tested and repacked, because the first owner found the product too complex for them too operate. The unit works great and I finally got the Latte budget under control!

I'm not sure what the factory thought they were refurbishing, but we returned the first one that did not work at all beyond making a raucus noise, and ordered another. The pump did not work on that one either. After a month of waiting, returning, ordering etc we're angry and still waiting for a good espresso machine. The price is great if the thing would actually work, but who wants to order 6 different ones until maybe one does work?