great looking machine, great tasting espresso
I almost didn't buy this machine because I was worried about some of the negative reveiws I've read about it from users. However, it was the only machine its price range that really caught our eye, so we went ahead and purchased it and have been using it for about six months. It is hands down the best machine I've ever owned. It has great features, and the espresso is the best espresso I've made at home, and better than most espresso I can buy in american coffee shops. A quick rundown of the great features.
1. It looks great. It heats up quickly, and it is very simple to use.
2. The size of the water resevoir is pretty generous. It holds enough water for about 24 shots. You can expect to get a little less if you are steaming a lot of milk, but if you are steaming at the recommended temperature, the machine is very water efficient, and you shouldn't see a dramatic drop. We use it every day to make at least two drinks (at leeast 4 shots), a lot more on...
Nice Looks - Poor Functionality
I wanted to share with others what I wish I had known before I bought this machine. If I had known these things, I wouldn't have bought it. Unfortunately, there are a lot of fake reviews out there, which I read before buying, so beware!
1.There is only one boiler for both espresso and steam. Espresso and steam require two different temperatures. To get a latte, you have to switch between temperatures, and either way the delay to make the temperature switch is unacceptable. I make my espresso first, then switch to steam, wait two to three minutes, then make the froth. Repeat this for each latte you make.
2.The water reservoir is small and requires frequent refilling. However, I use a measuring cup with a spout, to refill the water without removing the reservoir. You just pull the tank out enough to pour the water in. Then push the tank back in.
3.The porta filter comes apart. There is a basket inside the porta filter that has three little bumps. The...
Great entry-level machine if under $200 - 4.5 years of trouble free usage
The exact same Cafe Retro model used to be available under several brand names, it is currently only available from Espressione in an updated version. I bought the Villaware version in 10/2007 (VillaWare V41006 Moderno Prima 1000-Watt 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Maker). Since then I have made over 5,000 lattes with the machine (over $15,000 worth of Starbucks). My machine was made in Italy. I have had almost 4.5 years of trouble free usage. However some of the exterior surfaces under the base of the machine and the bottom of the compartment holding the side-loading water tank have become rusty due to humidity from steam while frothing and damp surfaces left after cleaning up.
Since I have had no problems for almost 4.5 years and I only paid $170 for it on sale (including shipping), I give the old Retro model 5 stars.
Recent Quality Control Problems
However all reviews for Cafe Retro machines...
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