Mr. Coffee ECM250 4-Cup Espresso/Cappuccino Maker
$36.96 At Amazon. Normally $39.99
I can hear the espresso purists screaming now, saying that the Mr. Coffee Espresso Maker isn’t a real espresso machine. Technically they’re right, but it does make very drinkable lattes, cappuccinos and peppermint mochas. Maybe even better than some that I’ve had in some coffee shops.
Here’s the difference between the Mr. Coffee Espresso Maker and the more expensive ones. The Mr. Coffee Espresso Maker uses steam power to brew the espresso. Higher end machines use a pump driven system. The result is that the Mr. Coffee uses less pressure to brew the espresso and brews it at a higher temperature. There is a taste difference and there’s no denying that the more expensive models can make better quality espresso.
That being said, the Mr. Coffee Espresso Maker is a solid machine and a great alternative to shelling out five dollars at Starbucks every morning.
(Mostly) Easy To Use
Fill the reservoir with water. For one espresso shot, I’ll pour four cups of water into the reservoir. That’s more than enough for the espresso and for the steam used for the frothing.
There’s enough room in the reservoir to make two espresso drinks, but if you want to make more, you’re going to have to wait in between drinks. If you try to open the screw cap to add more water before the pressure has gone down inside the reservoir, you could get burnt by the hot water that gushes out. I’ve learned this from first hand experience.
Next add the coffee grounds to the filter. Inside the filter there’s a line for one or two shots of espresso. It would’ve been great if it came with a tamper. Their instructions suggest using the coffee scoop. I suggest getting a tamper.
Insert the filter into the machine and make sure it’s turned far enough to the right for it to lock into place.
Put the glass carafe with it’s lid underneath it.
Turn it on. Make sure you turn it to the brewing position. If you turn it to the frother position, things can get messy. Another thing that I’ve learned from first hand experience.
It does take a few minutes for the water to heat up, but this gave me enough time to get the milk, and other ingredients to make the drinks.
For one espresso shot, I turn it off when the espresso has reached the two cup line.
I read some complaints about it leaking steam or even hot espresso coming out of the filter, but I haven’t had any problems with that.
I pour that into my coffee mug, rinse the glass carafe out and pour about two cups of milk into it for a latte. It would be nice if it came frothing pitcher, but since it doesn’t, the glass carafe gets double duty.
Make sure you have the frothing arm in the milk before turning it on. It can get messy if you don’t do it that way. You can guess how I figured that out.
Heat until the milk starts to get warm, then pull the frothing arm almost out of the milk to create the foam. On my list is to get a milk thermometer, but for now I just monitor the temperature by feeling the temperature of the glass.
Turn it off before pulling out the frothing arm all the way and quickly clean off before it has time to cool. The frothing arm can be difficult to clean, but it’s the only part of this machine that’s a challenge to clean.
From there, you just pour the milk in to your cup, followed by the foam.
The only real areas that need to be cleaned are the filter and the drip tray. Both are about as easy to clean as coffee maker.
Final Thoughts
The espresso is okay tasting, but the lattes and other drinks are better than I’ve had at some coffee shops. At under $40, you can make eight drinks and you’ve already saved enough to cover the price of it.
I still have dreams of a $2500 Gran Dama Super Automatic Espresso Machine, but until then this will get the job done.
If you’re looking for a Christmas gift for someone that has a beginner or medium level of interest in coffee, this would be a great present. I received this as a birthday gift this year and I can’t get enough of it. I have a very bad habit of using it just about daily to make espresso
The Good
- (Mostly) Easy To Use
- (Mostly) Easy To Clean
- Affordable
The Bad
- Not The Best Quality Espresso
- Only Can Make 1 Or 2 Drinks At A Time
- Slow
Buy The Mr. Coffee Espresso Maker
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Espresso Machines,
Mr. Coffee