9/30/2011

Ilsa Stainless Steel Stovetop Espresso Makers Review

Ilsa Stainless Steel Stovetop Espresso Makers
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i own a bialetti 1 cup stovetop espresso maker. i use it for traveling and in my van. it is made of aluminum however, and i wanted a stainless steel maker to take to thailand. the three cup Ilsa was the right size, but for some reason it was priced far higher than either the two cup or the four cup unit - but i bought it anyway because it was the size i wanted. the maker is well made. the hinge on the lid is a little loose and sloppy, but it doesn't interfere with the function. the grounds don't get all worked into the threads of the boiler and top, like they tend to do on the bialetti. being stainless steel, the maker cleans better than the aluminum units. The Ilsa has a stainless steel handle that won't burn if the flame from the stove is too high on the handle side. the plastic handle on my bialetti is schorched and flaking. the Ilsa seems to tolerate finely ground coffee better than the bialetti. if you put espresso grind coffee in the bialetti, it clogs and over-pressures. the Ilsa will push the waer through. the Ilsa comes with a little "reducer" screen, for making using a lesser amount of coffee grounds, but i never use it.

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9/29/2011

Aerolatte 1 Stainless-Steel Deluxe Edition Frother with Stand, Chrome Review

Aerolatte 1 Stainless-Steel Deluxe Edition Frother with Stand, Chrome
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I must admit, when I first heard of these immersion frothers, I was very skeptical. I had tried many frothers, cappuccino machines with built in frothers (work great first 2 times, then they always clog) and plunger frothers (can you say carpal tunnel syndrome??) etc. After much time AND much effort, there was very little reward, almost no froth and much frustration, not to mention cleanup. I tried the plunger types repeatedly to the point where I was sure I'd have blisters. Did I mention having to disassemble & clean all the frother parts after? :o)
So began my quest for an easy, effective way to obtain cappuccino style froth for my morning java. I searched java junkie message boards and decided to give the Aerolatte a try. I couldn't have been more amazed and pleased.
This little gadget runs on 2 AA batteries (included) and comes with a metal counter stand so it's easily accessible. I unboxed it and gave it a whirl, seemed sturdy and surprisingly fast. Now for the coffee test. Hmmm. So I brewed a pot (french press) of strong coffee and poured a little half & half in my mug and let 'er rip. All I can say is AWESOME!! I was totally shocked at how quick and easy the Aerolatte whipped it into froth. Seriously, comparable to the froth from Starbucks. I couldn't believe it.
The instructions recommend skim or low fat milk, which also frothed up just as thick and rich. Wow!!!! When you are finished, run the unit under under the faucet or in a cup of water to clean. Incredibly cool that you create the froth right in your coffee mug. Simple as that, no extra equipment to clean.
Be brave, experiment a little. I prefer heating my mug with sugar & half & half in the microwave for 30 seconds, froth for about 30 seconds & pour in coffee. Voila Coffee house quality cappuccino and no pots or tubes to clean. Pretty spectacular!
Details: Gotta admit, the stand that arrived with mine is cool to look at, very high-tech, but poorly designed & a tad annoying as you need 2 hands to remove the frother or put it back in. Ok, but not ideal. Luckily, Aerolatte must have realized this, as they have since redesigned the stand & replaced with an even cooler (hopefully more functional) design.
The battery life is excellent (at least 4 weeks of daily use), however I would recommend investing in rechargeable batteries and charger, as the unit is much more efficient and faster with strong batteries.
My first Aerolatte burned out after a little over a year of heavy usage. I loved it so much I purchased another. The price is reasonable as my unit was packaged with the unit, stand and matching shaker for toppings (cinnamon, cocoa, etc)
Highly recommended. You will not be disappointed! Bravo Aerolatte

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The original steam free milk frother from Aerolatte is now available in an attractive and durable stainless steel casing. The Aerolatte comes complete with a stainless steel stand to display next to your home coffee maker.Working directly in the mug or glass, the stylish Aerolatte milk frother takes just 20 seconds to turn a small amount of hot or cold milk into the perfect froth for cappuccinos, caffe lattes, mochas and specialty coffees as well as hot chocolates, malts and milk shakes. Two AA batteries are included. Experience Aerolatte!

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9/28/2011

Medelco 12 Cup Glass Eurostyle Universal Replacement Carafe - White Review

Medelco 12 Cup Glass Eurostyle Universal Replacement Carafe - White
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Purchased this to replace a broken carafe on an otherwise perfectly good Krups 121. The online description said it fits most Krups. Unfortunately, it doesn't fit in the 121. I thought perhaps the plastic lid wasn't fitting well so I tried to remove it from the carafe - something I would have to do to wash it anyway. It snapped (broke) on the first try.

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9/27/2011

Espresso Coffee Maker Review

Espresso Coffee Maker
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I've owned a few stovetop espresso makers over the years, and this is my favorite so far - cool comfortable rubber handles, the stainless steel will not corrode over time like another one I bought (which was beautiful but made of brass and eventually rusted). Looks handsome, works properly, and is easy to clean. Also doesn't use an internal rubber seal like the others I've had, which is great because a rubber seal can become a mess and I had one melt on me. I guess this one is precision-made well enough that it doesn't require one, because it works perfectly with no mess or splattering.
I didn't have the explosion experience that other commenter mentioned - if that happened, very likely you need to poke a pin through the steam escape valve in the bottom canister or run the device with just water to clean it out. If that bottom valve is blocked it'll make a mess of any stovetop maker. You may also just have a faulty item.
Full disclosure: I only paid $20 for this at Macy's (they have some great deals in the basement, especially over the holidays), but I would pay $50 for it. At that price I might start looking at espresso/cappuccino machines instead, but for a stovetop maker this one hits the bulls-eye.
Go for it!

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9/26/2011

Replacement Gaskets & Screen for 9 Cup Moka Express Review

Replacement Gaskets and Screen for 9 Cup Moka Express
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I got two gaskets and they are great for the price. Seem to last longer and hold up better than the gasket that came with the original product.

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9/25/2011

WMF Kult 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso Review

WMF Kult 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso
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We have bought and used at least 20 different stove top espresso makers and this is by far the best! It produces a rich, dark coffee. It is easy to clean and the stainless steel construction is outstanding, making it easy to tighten and loosen. Well worth the money.

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9/24/2011

Typhoon Metro Black 9-Cup Espresso Maker Review

Typhoon Metro Black 9-Cup Espresso Maker
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These binos have a LATTE going for them!!!
Exquisite long-range sight capacity with that lingering, roasty, full-flavored rush rarely associated with birdwatching. Truly a must-have device for all outdoors activities (including stalking)that may also require caffeination. I did scald myself once or twice but if you use the (suggested) titanium based retinal pre-wash you should be good to go!


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The classic espresso pot has been restyled and refreshed by Typhoon's design team who have a real passion for fashion. Available in 3 best selling sizes they are strong, sturdy and guaranteed to give years of great coffee making. Representing incredible value for money. In ever fashionable retro colourways it will complement any kitchen.

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9/23/2011

Rapid Brew Stainless Steel Stovetop Coffee Percolator, 2-6 cup Review

Rapid Brew Stainless Steel Stovetop Coffee Percolator, 2-6 cup
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A bit pricey, but worth it since it is stainless throughout. I have had the smaller (3 cup) model for several years. I have dropped and kicked it several times. It has a few dents and dings but it is still doing its job - making great coffee. I needed more joe-to-go in the morning so I got the 6 cup model. It appears to be the same quality construction as the 3 cup model. The only difference other than size is that the 6 cup has a glass bubble rather a plastic one. If a few grounds in your cup bother you - Ooh my pristine gut - use a filter with it. Ya Heard!

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9/22/2011

Chemex Drip Coffee Carafe - 8 Cup Review

Chemex Drip Coffee Carafe - 8 Cup
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Using a Chemex requires water to be heated in a tea kettle prior to brewing, and it requires a finer ground than what auto-drip machines ask for. After the water is brought to a boil, it's important to wait for it to cool just slightly (about 30 seconds) and then you need to wet the grounds in the filter, wait for them to drain, and then fill the pot with water. Want more than a single cup of coffee? You wait for your first pour to brew, and then fill the filter again.
Some advantages over other forms of coffee brewing:
1. Taste: I don't know how it does it, but the filter does keep your coffee from being bitter.
2. Cleanability: Users can keep all necessary components clean (anyone who's brewed water and vinegar through their coffee maker to kill off a bitter taste that wasn't there when you bought it understands this plight). Oftentimes, the most aggressive criticism of the Chemex is its ponderousness to clean because it's not possible to get your hand into the reservoir. Some people prefer to add hot water and soap and give it a good rinse, which is fine if you clean the moment you empty the pot, but if you're like me and you let the remaining sip or two sit until a nice coffee stain is on the glass, then you need some good 'ol fashion friction to get it clean. The best thing I've found: a baby bottle cleaner. It's narrow enough to get into the reservoir and the angle can be adjusted to scrap the walls, too. Brilliant!
3. Electricity Free: As long as you can boil water, you can have coffee.
4. Mud/Sludge: French press and stove-top espresso-style brewing always leaves a thick slime at the bottom of an otherwise rich cup of coffee. Don't get me wrong: I think that's good (I use a French Press when I'm in the mood), but the cone on a Chemex doesn't allow that at all.
5. Style/Size: the Chemex coffee pot is a relic (designed in the 40s) and the wood cuff with rawhide tie screams simplicity and elegance and it's a wonderful, minimalist sight on any kitchen counter (and unlike electric coffee makers, easy to move if you need the space).
Some drawbacks any purchaser should consider:
1. Time: it does take 5 - 10 minutes of labor to get the morning cup of coffee.
2. Cones: you can't run over to Wal-Mart when you use the last filter; you need to find a specialty store or go online, which means you need to plan ahead.
3. Cold Coffee: no electric hot plate (thank god) means coffee not poured and consumed immediately gets cold quickly. You can buy a wire guard and a glass lid so your Chemex can be warmed on the stovetop. I think that's more labor added to an already laborious endeavor. Just have a warmed thermos ready and use that to store any unused coffee.
4. Learning Curve: It does take some time to get the grind right, the amount right and the water level right to find a cup which caters to your tongue.
5. Cleanability: I know this is in the advantages column, as well, but it's worth mentioning that a lot of people hate cleaning these things. To submerge it does mean pulling off the wood cuff (which is a small pain) else it will get nasty over time.

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9/21/2011

GAT Carmen 10-cup Stovetop Espresso Maker Review

GAT Carmen 10-cup Stovetop Espresso Maker
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The functional and look of this product is good however the coffee made is not that up to my expectation.
I had return to the seller after two used. Mechanically is not well design, it will take some alignments every time you make coffee, the threats of the upper part and the lower part need to redesign for a better fit. The six cup filter is very flimsy. To sump it up: With the money you spend on this product, better to buy a Coucinox.

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9/20/2011

Medelco Personal Coffee Maker Review

Medelco Personal Coffee Maker
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This product is simple and produces coffee I like. No more wasting paper filters for me, or drinking nasty coffee from the company coffee pot.
I used to use a French press to make my coffee at work for that little pick-me-up. That tastes good to me, but the French press is a hassle to clean, and the glass vessel I have is very delicate-- I worry it will shatter next time I wash it. There's another reason I want to get away from the French Press: I want to buy pre-ground coffee (I'm just a casual coffee drinker, not a connoisseur) and the French press allows too much of the coffee grounds and sludge into my cup when using anything finer than coarsely ground coffee. I figured I would try this product, and get a similarly tasting cup of coffee without the sludge in my cup. Well, I'm happy with the results.
The filter prevents most of the "dust" from the store-bought pre-ground coffee from getting into my cup of coffee. Well, it allows more dust to get through than a paper filter, but it performs much better than the swissgold® KF 300 One-Cup Coffee Filter I bought from Amazon.
I should probably note that I'm generous with the amount of coffee grounds I use to brew coffee. It tastes better that way.

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9/19/2011

Aluminum 12 Cup Espresso Stovetop Coffeemaker (Domed Lid) Review

Aluminum 12 Cup Espresso Stovetop Coffeemaker (Domed Lid)
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This is the worst espresso coffee pot I have bought. It leaks, it spits. Also, after the pot has cooled down, it still is almost impossible to remove the filter to make a new pot. I would rather go without espresso than using this pot. DON'T BUY IT

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9/18/2011

Primula Aluminum 12 Cup Stovetop Espresso Coffee Maker Review

Primula Aluminum 12 Cup Stovetop Espresso Coffee Maker
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I purchased this as a gift for my mother. It arrived a few days before my trip to see her and we opened it and used it together.
From the start, there was slight leaking around the band where the top screws to the bottom portion of the coffee maker. It was not too significant but I was keeping my eyes on it.
Towards the end of the week, unbeknownst to me, mom put the components in the dishwasher and ran it. The coffee maker was ruined. All of the exterior finish washed off, leaving it a dull, pewter color. When we tried to wipe out the interior by hand, the sponge came out nearly black and continued to shed its surface material to the point that we gave up and felt it would not be safe to use.
There was absolutely no material provided with the coffee maker, either on the box or inside with regard to any instructions for care or maintenance. While I would not personally have run it through the dishwasher, the impact of doing so was significant and made the coffee maker seem to be unsafe to use further.

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9/17/2011

Forever Espresso Miss Moka 9 Cup Espresso Maker. Review

Forever Espresso Miss Moka 9 Cup Espresso Maker.
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The handle is very loose making it very difficult to pour coffee. I don't think the item was sent to me broken, but is just a poor design. There is also no way of tightening the handle.

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9/16/2011

Bialetti Americana Stovetop Percolator, Black Review

Bialetti Americana Stovetop Percolator, Black
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I have had this product for a couple of years. The spout started to melt. I made coffee yesterday morning and when I went to pour it, the top separated from the bottom spilling hot coffee all over. Lucky thing I wasn't scalded. Not a very safe product.

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9/15/2011

Vev Vigano Vespress Inox 12-cup Coffee Pot Review

Vev Vigano Vespress Inox 12-cup Coffee Pot
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When I first bought this five years ago, it was after using aluminum macchinettas, which were somewhat fragile and much more temperamental in the quality of brew. It took me a little while to get the amount of grounds, the right grind, the right amount of heat, and amount of water figured out. Once I did, though, I seldom have had better espresso than this. Mine lasted for five years before the stem in the upper tower began to leak, but I traveled extensively and always brought this thing with me to assure that I had good coffee away from home. IT REALLY IS THAT GOOD, which is why I'm replacing it with the exact same model. You probably won't be satisfied with anything else once you taste a perfect brew from this pot.

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9/14/2011

Bodum Shin Bistro 4-Ounce Milk Frother Review

Bodum Shin Bistro 4-Ounce Milk Frother
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I have had my Bodum frother for about three years (older model than this one, black plastic top) and have had no problems with it other than my husband hitting the top rim with something and chipping the glass. I smoothed it out with an emery board nail file and it is fine, but that prompted me to look on Amazon to see if they still sold them so that I could order a backup but they are a little pricey now; I think I paid only about $10 for mine.

Many people have criticized this product because the glass broke and it seems many people are using metal spoons with it. To me it is common sense when dealing with a thin glass product such as this to use a plastic utensil if you need one. One of those long handled plastic spoons like you get at an ice cream shop work well. I usually just pour my froth out and wait a few seconds with a couple of little shakes which gets most of it out.
I always heat the milk (or half & half which I use most of the time) in the microwave first right in the beaker, then do the pumping and have had no problems doing it that way. I actually think heated milk froths better and creates a finer froth. Many people are under the false impression that heated milk won't froth but I think this is because most of the instructions on frothing are for espresso machines where it is always suggested to use very cold milk before steaming and frothing. But this is because of the heating factor with the hot steam. You have to use cold milk or you won't have enough time to froth before the milk reaches the ideal temperature. If you used preheated milk it would quickly overheat using hot steam to froth. So I think because of this many people assume that you need cold milk for any kind of frothing.
My Bodum has held up extremely well over the years that I have used it but I am careful with it and never put it in the dishwasher. I always immediately rinse both the wand and beaker, fill with a little warm water and detergent, then pump a few times to disperse the detergent. I then rinse well and air dry. I rarely take it apart to clean. Once in awhile I use a very soft brush to clean the screen.
This little frother is both convenient and stress free, no worrying about timing, or temperature, as with the espresso machine wands. You just pump for as long as you want until you're happy with the volume of your froth, which you can easily see because of the clear glass.
Laura

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Create a smooth and consistent milk foam without electricity. Bodum's Shin Bistro 5-Ounce Milk Frother is easy to use and quickly froths milk. Simply add cold non-fat milk to the fill line before setting the lid in place. Then pull and push the plunger until milk turns to a frothy foam. The volume of milk froth will approximately double. Allow the froth to sit for a minute and thicken. To heat the froth, remove the lid/plunger unit and put the carafe with frothed milk in the microwave on high for 20 seconds. Use a spoon to scoop out the frothy foam and top off favorite coffee drinks. Able to hold up to 5 ounces, the beaker is made of durable, heat-resistant borosilicate glass. All parts are dishwasher safe.

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