Capresso 116 04 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine EC100 Black and Stainless 46 oz

I had a Krups espresso machine for years -- it was a real workhorse but finally the power switch got flakey. So I started looking for another machine of the same size (many of them are just too large, regardless of features). I finally chose the Capresso and, thus far, I could not be happier. The machine has a generous water tank, is straightforward to use (although I have not used the frother as I bought a Souvia milk frother on Amazon in late 2018 and love it), and makes a great espresso for my morning latté. A nice rich flavor, excellent crema, and nice and hot. I will write an update later but my first impression is that this is a terrific value and a solid machine. UPDATE April 23, 2021 I have now used this machine at least daily for my lattés. It is just fabulous! It heats up quickly, makes fabulous rich créma without fail, has such a generous water tank, and is easy to maintain. I'm sorry I didn't make the change sooner! BTW I use a Gourmia frothing machine (on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Souvia-Automatic-Frother-Steamer-Machine/dp/B08X6D8ZR9/ref=sr_1_3?crid=DU7QOAJP2SVP&dchild=1&keywords=souvia+milk+frother&qid=1619201636&sprefix=souvia+milk+%2Caps%2C212&sr=8-3), which has only two reviews but I have had mine for 2-1/2 years and it is also fabulous. The frother allows me to froth milk while I'm brewing the espresso, and I am a happy camper! Read more

This is an easy to use machine that produces delicious espresso, lots of crema. You can use the small portafilter for a one shot espresso or for use with ESE pods (Not capsules). You also have the larger portafilter for a two shot espresso. It warms up fast. Frother works pretty well. You can easily switch from brewing to frothing (or viceversa) almost on the fly. You will need a small mug/cup as there is not much space for a standard 12 oz mug. I use a traditional Italian cappuccino mug. Had it for 2 years of daily use and still working ok. For the price, you just can’t find anything better, perhaps only if you buy an unknown Chinese brand. Of course if you want to spend a lot more, you might find a machine that’s probably more durable. Capresso is part of Jura, a high quality European (Switzerland) espresso maker, of similar quality to Italian machines. Read more

I don't normally write reviews, but feel compelled to do so with this particular product because it involves safety. We had two Capresso machines in the past and liked them. So when this new model came out, I eagerly checked out the features, read the reviews and viewed the demo video. I decided it was a good product and bought it as Valentine's Day gift to my husband. It worked well for a couple of days and the cappuccino tasted good, although we weren't crazy about a couple of things - the porta filter is only half of the size of the previous model we had; it doesn't come with a glass carafe so we had to use the one from our old machine. When I was brewing an Espresso the first weekend it arrived, I noticed that it took forever for the coffee to drip. As I was leaning in to check on it, it suddenly exploded! The porta filter flew a couple of feet away, smashing the glass carafe in the process and spilled coffee and grind all over me and the kitchen counter. Luckily I didn't get hurt! (I will upload a picture of the mess later.) I was totally shaken up by the incident. I called Capresso Customer Support, and they told me to email them the pictures and said a supervisor would get back to me. Since I bought it from Amazon.com, they told me to contact Amazon.com to return the product. So I did. The Amazon rep was super helpful, caring and gave me clear directions to return the unit free of charge for refund. Capresso finally emailed me back 5-6 days later questioning if I inserted the filter properly which I know I did. I am one of those suckers who do everything by the rules. They also asked me to send the unit in to them for investigation. By then, I have already returned the unit to Amazon.com. I forwarded them the Amazon.com return label so they could track down the unit, but they said they couldn't. That was the last I heard from them. I hope the incident will prompt them to look into potential problems with the model. In the meantime,I recommend that folks who have this model be vigilant when using the unit and don't stand too close while it is brewing. I sincerely hope this was an isolated incident and won't happen to any others. Read more

I read sooooo many reviews of home espresso machines under $150. This one seemed to get more positives than negatives, so I gave it a try. We've had it since October now and I use it almost every day. It's a little champ! It's pretty easy to use, not many moving parts. I wish that it had a button for single or double shot, but you just watch it and turn it off when the shot looks good to you. I have worked in coffee so that's not a big deal for me. Crema is fabulous. I use good espresso, that makes a difference too. The steam heats up in seconds and goes and goes. Lots of foam. I took the plastic covering off the steam want, I get smoother foam that way. Again, tiny tweaks. But you don't have to have coffee making experience to get a good drink out of this little machine. Even my husband, who also worked as a barista and is very particular, had to admit that it makes great coffee and is so easy to use. And it takes up so little counter space. Highly recommend. Read more