1. what is the temperature of the espresso? 2. when using top quality beans would you get the crema on top?
766576
I measured the temperature at 160 deg.F. This is the highest brew temp that can be set in the settings. With good quality espresso beans you get about a 1/8 to 1/4 in. of crema for a double shot.
1093295
It doesn't technically make espresso, because it can't build that many bars of pressure. It basically makes something sort of between espresso and coffee, so it's kinda like a strong coffee (hence the term 'moka'). I wrote a lengthy review on this product that includes instructions and tips, but here are some highlights: What I have found to be the best way, and also what Bialetti's website recommends, is to grind your coffee a step above espresso grind (so the lower end of fine drip) and then put it on the stove at LOW heat with the lid open. That takes about 11 minutes for me, so I set a timer for ten minutes so I am sure to be back in my kitchen in time (because once it starts brewing, it brews quickly and you want to remove it from the stove in time so the gasket doesn't burn). If it takes more than 13 minutes to brew on low heat, then your grind is likely too fine and it's having trouble building enough pressure to percolate (and it will probably taste a little burnt). If it takes 7-10 minutes on low heat, your grind is not fine enough. Do leave the lid open during brewing, both so you can see when the coffee brews and to avoid it burning. Don't use high heat, because you will very likely burn your coffee and the percolation spout (I call it a coffee volcano) could spew coffee outside of the pot and onto your stove. The handle should not be getting hot during brewing. I like to use an organic medium roast coffee bean. I've brewed some good coffee with dark beans as well, but mokapot coffee is so strong to start with that I find darker roasts are a little to rich for me.
1974516
I apologize for not giving a more clear answer. I've never had coffee from a Vertuoline so I can't comment on it. But I've made close to one hundred lattes on my De'Longhi machine and have been happy with the temperature of coffee and milk with every cup. I haven't ever measured the temperature of the espresso and steamed milk made from my machine. And I don't own a thermometer to do it--or I would measure it and give you the results. But I drink several lattes each week--and sometimes each day--from Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, etc., and the temperature of the milk and espresso made by my machine seems to be the same--if not very close--to those.
1931945
I have noticed a very slight variation in temperature of the espresso. Typically it is just at a comfortable temp to drink as soon as it is drawn but sometimes it is a bit too hot.
1281502
2-4 shots, better (imo) at 4 shots because it's easier to tamp; easiest machine I've used for frothing milk. Steam is super-powerful, so respect the machine. Nozzle moves so you can position it how you like. If anything, it can boil your milk if you don't keep an eye on it. I add a little extra water for extra steam for cleanup: use a damp sponge after frothing your milk, use the scrubby side, and twist over nozzle a few times for mega-easy cleanup. I've used it tons (every day for a month) and haven't had to use needles yet to clean milk out of little holes. Amazing pressure for crema in your espresso (little brown creamy froth on top of espresso pulls). Yeah I love it.
1183111
As Zareh said, you cannot adjust temp but there is a small pin in the coffee bean hopper that you can adjust with a special "key" supplied with the unit, from coarse to medium to fine. It's a fine tuning mechanism, so I wouldn't expect a huge variety in the grind. You can adjust the amount of water however, from an espresso to a "lungo" (more like an American sized coffee) if it is the strength of the brew you want to adjust.
2257935
The finest settings works just fine for an espresso. Ground espresso I buy are a tad finer but this one also produce a very good espresso. I'd rather use this than a blade grinder.As for the comment about coffee outside of the container, I did not experience anything like that. I do not fill it up though.
19916
Our machine seems to make it hot (hot enough that I can't hold the glass cup bottom). I will say, though, that the FIRST espresso after we turn it on seems cooler than the subsequent attempts (still very warm; just not hot). I imagine there is some water in the lines that isn't heated, but I don't know that.
1966416
Get a different machine. I bought a $20 stove top unit at IKEA that makes 6 cups of espresso. It's stainless steel and wonderful. My experience with the Espressione was awful too.
1098849
This espresso machine is amazing. I read about leaks. It does not leak. Do not over fill and putmthe lid on tight. It is under pressure so if you don't do these things, wel...
1983682
Hi i have had my capreso for nine months and so far it's working perfect with no issues whatsforever grinding beans just right for a perfect espresso.i recommend this machine to everybody.. Enjoy
200557
I just buy espresso grind coffee, making sure that arabica beans are used 100%. But, I am not a coffee connoisseur by any means. You will have to wait for the machine to cool almost completely before you use it again. My biggest reason for having at least two of these.
346752
by changing the size of the grind (knob on the left inside the coffee bin) you can absolutely make it stronger. i've had hotter espresso in restaurants; but the best way to assure that it is as hot as this machine will go, is to set the temperature to high; and makes sure you keep the cups preheated on the warming tray on top of the machine...if that isn't enough...microwave the cup before you make the coffee...
636228
(edited after I timed each step) It grinds before each cup in about 5s, compacts in 4s, then brews right away in about 35s for a long coffee, espresso is faster. It's then ready for the next cup. So your friends won't have to wait long, and the first coffee will definitely be plenty hot by the time the 5th coffee is served!
89359
I wish I could give you an answer, but there are too many variables that go into the idea setting for your choice of coffee and espresso machine. While time consuming the best grind setting will take a bit of trial and error. Good luck!
233477
I have the same issue with the crema. Would also like the answer. I know it's not that my grounds are too coarse.
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!