EmailBest Reviewed
Espresso Machines
- Best espresso machine overall Rancilio Silvia *Est. $700
- Best value espresso machine Gaggia Classic *Est. $450
- Budget espresso maker DeLonghi EC155 *Est. $85
- Steam-driven espresso machine Kalorik Espresso Maker Cafeteria Express EXP25022 *Est. $45
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- Easy to use
- Relatively compact
- Included CD-ROM
- Glass carafe is dishwasher-safe
- Can't produce true espresso
- Consistency
- Housing is mostly plastic
Experts really don't recommend steam-driven espresso machines at all. That's because they can't muster the right pressure to force water through the grounds to result in true espresso. Rather, steam-driven machines make what's more like strong coffee. That said, the Capresso 302.01 Mini is one of the best steam-powered espresso machines. It's an inexpensive way to get your coffee fix, and it allows you to practice foaming milk and tamping coffee grounds. Owners say it's easy to use and relatively compact, but connoisseurs probably won't be happy with the 302.01's inexpensive plastic housing and the quality of its coffee.
We read reviews of the Capresso 302.01 Mini at Amazon.com, where it has garnered more than 100 owner-written entries. SingleServeCoffee.com, a blog devoted to coffee machines and prepackaged coffee pods, also weighs in with a detailed review.
Our Sources
1. Amazon.com
At Amazon.com, more than 100 owners review the Capresso 302.01 Mini. The average rating is 4.5 stars out of five, an impressively high score for such an inexpensive machine. Most owners say it's easy to use and offers good value.
Review: Capresso 302.01 Mini-S 4-Cup Safety Espresso/Cappuccino Machine, Contributors to Amazon.com
SingleServeCoffee.com's Jay Brewer says that the Capresso 302.01's operation is "pretty foolproof," and the coffee tastes good. Brewer says he would use it for full-bodied coffee, however, not espresso.
Review: Capresso Mini-S Espresso/Cappuccino Machine Review, Jay Brewer, June 16, 2008
3. Cooking.com
The Capresso Mini-S earns a high average rating in just a handful of reviews posted to Cooking.com. Reviews here are brief, but reviewers are very pleased with this easy-to-use machine. One owner notes that it's really making strong coffee and not true espresso.
Review: Mini-S Espresso Machine, Contributors to Cooking.com
4. Epinions.com
A couple of reviewers give the Capresso Mini high marks, saying it's a good value for its extremely low price. One reviewer hammers it, however, saying that it makes burned-tasting espresso, something the other reviewers note happens after the first two pulls.
Review: Jura-Capresso Mini-S302 4-Cup Coffee Maker, Contributors to Epinions.com
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