Mr. Coffee ECM21 4-Shot Espresso Machine and 8-Cup Coffeemaker Combo, Black

It does what I got it for. Just wish it had a timer so we could wake to the smell of fresh brewed coffee.

So far i have yet to use the espresso and steamer. But i've made many cups of coffee, and it is a bit slow, which is fine, i just adjust my timetable a bit. The biggest problem is the carafe leaks. Everytime i pour it no matter how i adjust how i pour it leaks. I have to wipe the counter and my mug everytime. They really need to adjust the make of the carafe. Other than that, it's very compact and nice to look at. The coffee is good, and it has a lot of nice features. I did think from the specs that it came with a permanent removable FILTER. But that's not the case, it just has a removable filter BASKET. You still need to put filters in. I really wanted one with a removable filter, i hate dealing with paper filters. I've been looking around for a mesh removable filter but mr. coffee only sells one for 10-12 cup machines. I will try a generic one and see how that works.

This coffee maker produces a pungent plastic smell that wafted all over the kitchen and living room. I think this may be because Mr Coffee is made of a soft plastic. The good news is though that amazon took it back without problems and refunded the money. I got a delonghi alicia cordless espresso maker instead and love that one.

Having used this machine almost daily for over a month now (usually the espresso functionality), I have definitely found gotten a feel for this machine.

Despite the number of con's below, they are all pretty minor...

CON'S:
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- Coffee maker is slow compared to my last coffee maker (Hamilton Beach "Graves" edition). I would estimate it takes about 10 minutes to brew a full 8-cups.
- The coffee karaff requires you to pour your coffee very slow (my girlfriend prefers to dump coffee into her cup quickly).
- There is no program function for the coffee maker: its either on or off.
- Every once in awhile, the steam function doesn't work. One day, despite daily cleanings, it must have been clogged and it sprayed out quickly upon unclogging.
- Espresso functionality doesn't allow for making more than one batch within a few minutes (that is, without the risk of steaming your hands).

The biggest drawback in my house has been the lack of a timer setting. We would prefer to set the coffee to start in the morning and wake to the smell of coffee, but that's a no-go with this machine.

With that said...

PRO's:
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- GREAT espresso! (Some visiting friends told me they liked my mocha's better than those from coffee shops)
- Steam function works great if you have enough water in the reservoir.
- Very simple controls...I had no trouble making my first espresso
- Phenomenal value for the money.
- Removable water reservoir for the coffee, which makes filling it very easy.

I would definitely recommend this machine to anyone interested in a cheap, simple but very effective espresso machine. If you're looking for a great COFFEE maker, you might look elsewhere.

This makes a good cup 'o Joe. However, if you are as foggy in the morning as I am, coffee prep is a bit involved. It has a receptacle for water fill, but it is difficult to remove and reposition back into place in the apparatus, so my bright idea was to just fill the receptacle using the carafe....however, the lid of the carafe does not stay up so you have to attend to this while filling--additionally, like most every carafe in every coffee maker I've ever owned, it does not pour coffee cleanly into mugs (goes all over counter--someone please invent a pour-easy carafe!!) Also, like the water receptacle, the coffee grounds holder has to fit in just so.....I owned a Krups cafe duomo prior to this, and the coffee prep was much simpler--no snapping into place of multiple baskets, receptacles, etc etc......
I've yet to try the espresso part (uh-oh!!)so can't comment on this yet--on the plus side, it is an attractive coffee maker w/a good company rep at a good price. If you are a bit OCD and don't need quick and dirty coffee prep in the a.m., this is a good machine for you......