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

I love this coffee/espresso maker. It does not take up much space, it is fast, and it makes very good coffee/espresso. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is cause any time I make a latte or something like that I have to microwave it for a minute to make it hot enough for me.

So here is the deal, this espresso machine is really great, i enjoy the dual units so i can have coffee or espresso and not have to store to units.


People are complaining because their steam wand doesnt work or only works for about 30 seconds, here is where they are messing up so LISTEN UP EVERYBODY. If you want to use the steam wand you have to up extra water in the espresso water chamber. For example say you want to make 2 shots of espresso, you have to put in the right amount of water for your 2 shots AND ABOUT THAT AMOUNT OR TWICE THAT AMOUNT FOR FOR STEAMING PURPOSES. Basically the machine needs quite a bit of extra water to use to make steam so you brew how much espresso you want. When desired amount is made turn machine to the steam option.

Now i will have to agree with others when i say that the steam want is not powerfull at all and it takes between 30sec to a minute to get your milk up to 150 to 160.

There is one aspect of this machine that i HATE, the steam wand is not far enough off of the counter or long enough got reach the bottom of any steam cup, you have to steam milk in a coffee mug because its the only thing shallow enough to do it. you can use deeper cups but you have to hang the wand off the edge of a counter so there is no table or counter under it.

in all i really enjoy the machine, it makes great espresso and great coffee and i would recommend it over individual machines.

Hope this helps

This machine has been very good so far. It just takes a little time to make the espresso and lattes. With the 4-shot espresso, I can make two-16 oz lattes with the water left in the tank for steaming two cups of milk after the espresso has brewed. It's worth getting good, fresh beans to grind for the espresso or buy freshly ground espresso beans from Starbucks or local grocery store. That makes a lot of difference in taste. As far as some people saying the lift-out water tank leaks or is awkward, I have had no problems. If you leave the lid down that covers the screw cap for the espresso tank, some condensation will collect and will run down the back of the machine when you open it after brewing espresso. If it bothers you, just leave the lid up while you brew the espresso. Not a big deal for me. The milk steamer works fantastic and gets it very hot if you steam too long. Just clean it off right away or you'll be scraping or scrubbing the steamer "arm" when it dries and leaves a "crust" of sorts. All-in-all...good buy. Get one if you aren't super picky about lattes. I think they taste as good as any Starbucks or big coffee shop lattes.

PROS:
This is perfect for the home and for those who like to have espresso once in a while. Since getting this machine we have espresso all the time now. It makes great espresso, cappucino and a smooth, rich cup of coffee.

It came with some great recipes for lattes, coffees and cappucinos, too.
you can even froth milk with the spout for cappucinos.

It has a water resevoir that comes out easily. Many times I've poured water into my old machine for 8 cups only to find I didn't have enough coffee to make and was stuck with 8 cups in the tank. If that happens now, I just take the resevoir out and empty what needs to be emptied.


CONS:
I do not like that the coffee maker is a slow brew process. just seems to take forever to brew a pot of coffee, despite how many cups you make. maybe that's the secret to a better cup of coffee, though.

I took the lid to the coffe pot off yesterday to clean it and it already broke. The pegs that stick out bent, making it impossible to set back in place correctly.

Plan on losing about a half a cup of coffee when pouring. I don't know how this managed to get through the QA/R&D process, as this should have been noticed right away. To prevent the carafe from dribbling, lean the lip of the spout right on the rim of your cup and pour slowly. This is the one thing that really irritates me about this machine. I'd like to keep the machine and replace it with another carafe.

It does not shut off automatically. I am used to my old pot shutting off and forgot to do this yesterday, which in turn, left me with burnt coffee on the bottom of my carafe.

You cannot program the machine to make a pot the night before so it's ready when you get up in the morning.

THIS UNIT WORKS GREAT BUT THE BURNER PLATE DID NOT HOLD UP WELL. THE FINISH WAS OFF OF THE BURNER IN A FEW MONTHS. THIS WAS MY SECOND ONE LIKE THIS AND I DON'T THINK I'LL BUY ANOTHER.