| Inspired by experts and demanding consumers with uncompromising standards of performance and quality, krups products have been built with these three key attributes in mind: passion, precision and perfection. Krups' xp1020 steam espresso machine provides professional results in a compact design. At just 11 inches tall, this espresso machine works in any kitchen space. The large capacity carafe holds up to 4 cups of espresso, and the steam wand is user friendly- thanks to an oversized dial. Removable drip tray allows easy clean up, stainless steel accents compliment any decor. |
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 This is not a bad machine |
| Review Date: March 8, 2010 |
| Reviewer: M. Sun, |
Do not understand why this item has so many bad reviews. It is not a bad machine!
My last expresso machine was also a Krups steam powered. Lasted for 13 years until it fell apart last week (the prssure valve inside broke). For my replacement machine, I was looking at fully automatic ones (Magnifica, $900), pump based (like cuisineart em-200, $200), and steam powered (like this item, $50). After reading all the review and knowing how pump based machine works, I decided not to go for them. The main reasons are they require a lot of maintenance and they can break down easily. I just do not want high pressure stuff in my house. If it breaks down, it may take a month or two to fix it. After warranty is over, it is more expensive to fix than buying a new one. I basically want a reliable espresso machine which can last 10 years with very little mainenance.
I typically makes a few shots in the morning as soon as I get up. I just do not see how pump based or full automatic machine can save me time. They require preheat which can take 1-5 minutes. For steam based ones, I just load up the coffee and water and wait. Both would give me pretty good espresso after 5-7 minutes.
As far as flavor goes, I do not really feel any difference between my cheap machine and starbucks/peet's coffee, given using the same coffee. I think good espresso got more to do with type of coffee then the machine. Started drinking espresso drinks heavily in college in 80s, I think I am pretty picky on coffee.
I saw a local store carries this item at $49. I decided to give it a try since they have pretty liberal return policy. It turns out to be a pretty good machine, better than my old Krups and with high pressure.
The good:
(1) Pretty good looking among entry machines, although the price is $10 more than ugly ones.
(2) Makes good espresso drinks quickly
The not so good:
(1) The knob takes time to get used to. The knob has three seetings: off, steam and espresso. It is pretty easy for people to turn on steam when they want espresso, a potentially dangerous situation. Krups should have separate power button instead.
(2) The power cord is kind of short, 6 inch shorter than my old one.
(3) It is pretty hard to heat up the milk straight from the frig. You more likely to have a bunch of cold foams. The better way is to heat up the mil in microwave and then use the steam to make foam.
Overall, I recommend it as an entry machine. |
Awesome easy to use and makes great espresso
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| Review Date: June 27, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Theron J. Knapp, trumbull, ct USA |
| If you follow the directions, this is an easy to use and durable espresso maker. I have used it daily for a year now and it still looks like new and makes great espresso and latte's. |
I don't understand the large number of poor reviews
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| Review Date: May 23, 2010 |
| Reviewer: L. Moore, |
| I have used this machine to make espresso every day for about two weeks, now. I have had none of the complaints I've read about from the low-star reviews. The espresso is easy to make and is ready to drink in under 3-minutes, once you've turned-on the machine. I have no issues with "blowing-up" or excess steam. I only pour in the amount of water I need to do the job. Follow the written instructions and you'll be very happy with this machine. I haven't yet used the milk foamer/steamer, but look forward to trying it out. |
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