How loud is the machine? I currently have a BARISTA ATHENA (no longer available) which I bought for christmas 2002 when I was working at STARBUCK'S, great machine have had to replace pump once but still makes great Caramel Macchiotos. Down side is that...
155052
Only noise it makes is when it froths the milk. But I do feel like it's not that bad to be honest. I've had espresso makers that have been much louder! They're all going to make noise but this one is by far the best machine I've ever owned. It does everything and quickly too! :-D
1874935
I used decalcification tablets (forgot the name) to decalcify the unit. I had to do this whenever the flow of coffee starts dwindling. In fact I got a bunch of these tablets at one time, but I dumped the machine because of constant problems with it. I probably still have the tablets some where. The espresso was good from the machine but way too much trouble. Now I use just instant coffee and I am happy. The espresso machine makes sense if you are a heavy coffee drinker or you have a number of people in your household that drink espresso. Good Luck.
628384
Great machine, does not make reg.coffee , mine is 2wks.old having a problem with the froth part, hope they fix it
1628309
hello from Java Exotic Imports! This low cost espresso machine does a pretty good job. Check you water bin and make sure it is FULLY seated. There is a valve below the bin and the bin must go into that valve. We have noticed on occasions where the bin does not make full contact. Try dropping the water bin hard into the valve to be sure it is seated properly. If you can hear the pump running, it sounds like a seating or priming issue. Try priming again to be sure there is no air in the lines. Hope this helps!
900636
I see that others have already answered, but I did want to put in my opinion, for what it's worth! I love this machine. I have a Keurig at work and we have one that sits in the garage, unused. I like full bodied coffee and I feel the Keurig, for me, doesn't fit the bill. It's fine for that second cup when I get to work, but the Verismo makes espresso and regular coffee, depending on the pods. It makes coffee that tastes as good, or better, than my very expensive Saeco espresso machine. I know Keurig is all the thing now, but I feel the coffee can be weak and tasteless. Just my opinion! I've had my Verismo for a year now and I still sing its praises!
2182278
It can be a bit of a jolt to learn that espresso machines are about half the cost of great espresso. I use this Gaggia Classic. My Rancillio grinder cost more. Think it through, there are many bean types and freshness varies. Both effect grind. If you buy truely fresh roasted beans they should be ground slightly coarser, still quite fine, for first 4 or 5 days. Then less fresh they dry out a little and need slightly finer grind to control 22sec brew time. Store whole beans in really air tight containers, non refrigerated. The "art" of great espresso is how you grind it. That takes long experience. If you get a truely fresh roast and grind just right you cup will fill with 50% golden foam and it will taste a little sweeter. I still need a little sugar but never milk or foam. Starbucks has an advantage with their always fresh roasts. By the time you can "pull" a good single shot 2oz espresso you might agree with me, LOL. They still give me trouble........... Happy Trails
769369
I just got a B40 for Xmas. The "slight vibration" as Keurig calls it, when it starts up in the morning and in between cups is very loud to say the least. It sounds like one of those air tools used at the tire store. I live in an apartment and the manager left me a noise warning under the door today, telling me several of my neighbors have complained about the loud noise at 6:30AM. If I receive two more warnings, I can be evicted with out notice. So it looks like my Keurig is going back. :( I really wish Keurig would offer a solution.
1446821
Have same issue. No suggestions. Doesn't seem to have any bearing on the quality of the mix.. I use it for latte's only. Makes a great Latte with Trader Joe's Dark Coffee Mix. The biggest problem I have is with vibration. If I do not hold on to the carafe, it will move away from the down spouts missing the carafe.
1137833
Great machine, but you get what you pay for, not a commercial unit. I think if you took good care of it, de scaled frequently, you could easily pump out 20-30 espressos a day. But how long would the pump last? I'd be impressed if you could go 5 years without service. We use ours a lot (for a home), at least five shots most days, and it's been in the shop a couple times. We were not taking very good care of it then though.
241728
Hello, I'm sorry I can't help, we bought two expresso machines at the same time and decided to keep Brewille Barista Express instead of Philips Saeco. I would probably contact a dealer and ask them.
2233528
Thanks JJLet me know how you like the A10.Now the question is, how are you grinding your beans? I have a Baratza Vario and I am also very happy with it. Occasionally grinds will stick in the basket due to static, but overall pretty rock solid. They have the new Vario that doses by weight; wish I had it. When I use my Chemex or Hario pour overs, I weigh out the beans and water. If you haven't tried a pour over, it's an inexpensive investment which brews excellent coffee.Happy brewing my friend...
1644177
I went to Melitta today and ordered two replacement carafes today for $9.99 each. I was thrilled! Here is the link.https://shop.melitta.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=30+644B
1571773
Thanks for the insight... I'm frothing before pulling the esspresso now. I'm still very happy with the machine.
563820
I've been using Starbucks bagged Espresso. I have them grind it. I've had mine for about 6 weeks and sometimes it would struggle to push the espresso out or leak water out the side..and considering it was a new machine I was upset. I asked the girl at Starbucks and she told me to try a coarser grind. So instead of the 3 that Starbucks normally grinds it at...I asked them to grind it at a 3 1/2 and I took it home to try it and it was PERFECT! Poured at a decent rate, had good crema, and NO leaking water out the sides ;) <3 Hope that helps!
1727198
Theodore, I'm just like you, after a great espresso with thick crema. How did it work out for you? Thanks, Don
1876770
I think the machine is just noisy... If the coffee is not coming out that easily.. Try unscrewing the strainer in the espresso cup and cleaning out the tiny hole in it... Also, perhaps you're packing the espresso too tightly?
2275648
The pressure pump makes a little noise for a minute or less, a little less noise than a 12 volt tire pump. I don't think it's excessive. You could probably shield the sound and it makes great coffee with the LaVazza Grand Crema ESE pods, worth it.