COFFEE & COFFEE MACHINES
KLARSTEIN Espressionata Gusto – Espresso Maker, 20 Bar Pump Pressure, 1100 Watts, Makes 6 cups (0.3 gallon), Removable
$89.99
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Chapeauchat –
I have been making home espresso for too many years than I care to disclose so I am not an espresso newbie. I purchased this Klarstein after my 3rd DeLonghi espresso machine failed and decided to make a switch. I read all of the Amazon reviews, both in English and German and I’m going to clarify a few things that seem to be generally commented about, and give some observations on my own experience with the Klarstein Espressionata Gusto.“Crema is too bubbly/not smooth enough”: The quality of crema is a big deal for espresso enthusiasts. It should be caramel colored and very creamy. I agree that the Gusto produces crema with big bubbles and it is actually foamy rather than creamy. The crema produced is also extreme in that it is at least half or more of the volume in the cup which is not the end goal. I believe the crema problem is caused by too much pressure (this machine has a 20 bar pump instead of the usual 15 bars in home machines) combined with running through a pressurized filter instead of a single wall filter. So for me, the crema produced by this machine is a CON.“Espresso not hot enough”: This machine makes a plenty hot espresso. In fact, the temperature seems to be just right. I think the confusion that reviewers have had is associating the center gauge with “never reaching the hottest point” – The gauge works perfectly and as designed. When in “espresso mode” it will reach top point in the black on the dial. This brews the coffee at ideal temperature, any higher you will have burnt or bitter result. The temperature will reach the red/maximum points on the dial when in “steam” or milk frothing mode, which is as designed. If you want a hotter espresso, the recommendation is generally to heat your cup. Also, espresso should be consumed as soon as it is brewed. So, for me temperature accuracy for this machine is a PRO.“Cute retro design”: It’s cute enough but it is really all façade. Be warned, the Gusto looks beautiful in photographs but in reality, it is plastic and fairly lightweight. Also (especially for migraine sufferers) the chrome coated areas are a bit extreme, especially if you are light sensitive because it refracts light from light fixtures and sun. Overall, the quality of the machine feels chintzy, and I suspect that the finishes won’t last long if you use this piece regularly. So this for me the design is a CON but if you are looking for an affordable espresso machine to go with a certain décor than it is a PRO.Engineering/quality: I should have done my homework before purchasing. This is not made in Germany, rather it is made in China (which of course most consumer products are) and as such it feels and looks like a mass produced product. Even the drip plate is lightweight plastic. For these reasons design is a CON.Taste of espresso: I did run filtered water through and prime my machine and used it a few times times. Even if you can get through the crema foam, the taste of the espresso is on the bitter side (I use quality beans and grind at home) as compared to my previous machines AND there is a bit of a plastic tasting undertone. I am not sure if this is leaching from the portafilter or the water receptacle. I could not find anything on whether or not this machine is BPA free so it’s a concern when I taste plastic. The box has a Prop65 warning on it but from what I understand, Prop65 is too broad to narrow down if there are carcinogenic or chemicals leaching from the product or not. And, as I mentioned, the crema volume and quality is ridiculous, I doubt anybody wants a cup of bitter foam. For me the taste produced in this espresso maker is a CON.Steamer wand/milk frothing: Personally, I never use a wand so I can’t comment on quality but what I can tell you is that the wand is in the way and it does not rotate back far enough when not in use so you have to work from the left side (which for a righty is awkward). So for me, I can’t comment on the frothing quality but the wand positioning is a CON.Overall: Too many CONS to add up to a PRO. This one is going back.
Jim Hicks –
Dependable expresso maker for up to 2 shots at a time. The unit can stay ‘warmed’ up for hours and quickly make an expresso on demand. I use it to add ‘a couple of shots’ to a morning pot of coffee to drink and share with family and friends.
Andrew Boughter –
I love this machine !I used to drink 4 shots at a time with my old DeLonghi machine but this Klarstein only makes 2 cups at a time. It is smooth and delicious espresso and although the manual wasn’t in the box I viewed the instructions on the website and got it figured out. You do have to keep an eye on it so your cups don’t overflow but that’s a small price to pay for great espresso.The key is to turn it on and not hit the brew button until the needle stops rising. YAY !!!Also: I place the next cup immediately under the spout, drink the first one which gives the machine time to build up steam for the next, repeating until the liquid begins to be weak, and unsuitable. Using the standard European style espresso cups (filling each half way) I normally get the equivalent of 4 to 6 good shots before it stops producing viable results.I mix it with raw sugar and almond “milk” and after using this Klarstein machine for a couple months now I have no problem saying it makes the best, frothiest, espresso I have ever had at home. I don’t use steamed milk and the steamer wand has never been in my way.1-Yes, it does leak a bit: but it is just possible that my grinding my beans too far to powder, and then tamping it down too much, is causing the issue. It’s why I went to the 2 cup format, no waste, and your next cup is just a button push away.It’s true that it does require you to monitor it, and not walk away, but for me that is a small price to pay for great espresso.
Jen DOMINGUEZ –
I purchased this because I wanted a cool vintage espresso machine for my beautiful kitchen. It is absolutely beautiful to the eye and the coffee is good . But it is very cheap and flimsy and the filter gets clogged almost every use and then comes out super slow. I would love this machine to be made out of metal not plastic with higher quality material and a system that does not clog
clay a volz –
Been using Via Venezia machines that we find used at Goodwill. But the last one wasn’t doing it anymore and it cost about $100 to tune it up. Found this and you can not beat it for the price or even considerable more I don’t believe. This makes the best cup of coffee I’ve had EVER. It’s hot and has at least an inch of crema! The pics are just coffee NO MILK! I’ve had less foam on a cappacino!
IvanaYvonne –
I have an espresso machine-same brand-that is a few years old and works perfectly fine (great cuppa!), but recently remodeled our kitchen and it has a little 60’s vibe, so when I saw this beauty I just had to have her.This machine truly fits in so well with the new decor! Reminds me of the dials and knobs on a muscle car :)Works great-so well made. I love the new feature where you can control the steam. We’ve even gifted our older machine to a friend who always comments on it every time he visits.
Amazon Customer –
Muy buena compra y excelente producto.
Yvain Boussant –
Machine à ExpressoAu top.Depuis que je l’ai, je l’utilise tout les jours.Je recommande vraiment pour son excellent rapport qualité/prix