PrintTo dream the impossible coffee dream...I want it all
I want to get a Coffeemaker-Espresso maker-Cappucchino maker that grinds beans and froths milk. Does anyone know of one. IF not...(say if the bean grinding doesn't exist) which triple threat do you have and like. I want to stay under 400 bucks. The milk frothing is non negotiable!
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9 Comments:
capresso makes a good quality machine that is an espresso maker with frothing wand, however it dosent make standard brewed coffee. Runs about 300 give or take. You can sometimes find some good prices for them on overstock.com.
huney_bumper at 9:37AM on 03/28/08
From what I hear, the machines that both grind and brew aren't very good. The steam from the coffee gets into the grinder and makes a big mess.
bitchincamero at 9:59AM on 03/28/08
I, too had a dream....BUT then I woke up to coffee grounds everywhere.
I agree with bitchincamero--I convinced my husband that we NEEDED a grind and brew. What a waste of money and time. Everday you have to take the entire grinding assembly apart and clean all the coffee grinds off the chutes, blades, etc. and then dry In addition to the normal cleaning of the brew basket. Also you waste a ton of coffee b/c so much is stuck to steam coated chute that not all the freshly ground coffee makes it to the brew basket. I hated it so much that I finally wrote a letter to the manufacturer and shipped the offensive machine to them.
I feel I have to say most times those ALL IN ONE contraptions are a waste of money. Also, if one part of it breaks, you're out a coffee maker and an espresso maker while it's getting fixed.
If you really want your espresso machine and steamer and coffe maker in one--sorry no grinder--Krups makes one. I considered it years ago, but decided to stick with the separate components.
wookie at 11:55AM on 03/28/08
The only cost effective grind & brew coffee maker that delivers on both convenience & quality is one of the Capresso Coffee Team models. It uses a conical burr grinder which is better for the beans than the blade grinder found in krups & Cuisinart models. Also, the grinder is segregated from the brewing part of the machine, so steam doesn't get into the mechanism....practical ramifications is that you only need to clean it weekly, rather than every time you brew a pot.
However, that only makes regular (albeit good) brewed coffee.
Another option would be the Capresso Coffee Tec. This model doesn't grind the beans, but it is one of the few available brew coffee maker that has a frothing system. You simply put the milk in a tank, and it automatically froths it. It worked pretty well & if you brew a strong coffee using espresso or french roast, it is an acceptable tradeoff of convenience for using real espresso.
If you want it all.....there are many automatic espresso models that grind, brew, froth, and even some that will dispense cafe americano....but.....the reputable models are all over $1k.
goto capresso.com as a starting point.
2qrs at 12:45PM on 03/28/08
Here's an option, in case you find a machine that you love but it doesn't come with a frother. Nespresso makes the 'Aeroccino' - a small pitcher (almost like a mini electric water kettle) that both froths and steams milk. I enjoy my aeroccino immensely and use it everyday, whether steaming milk for cafe au lait, frothing it for an espresso macchiato, or sometimes i just add some steamed milk to my morning bowl of oatmeal.
Ande at 12:57PM on 03/28/08
I don't think a grind and brew combination is a good one. We had one for years, and when we bought a burr grinder it revolutionized our coffee making in all regards - espresso, french-press, drip, etc. Check out wholelattelove.com for reviews on machines - you can also purchase refurbished ones. We love our Gaggia Baby D for espresso/capuccino drinks, which we bought refurbished.
dettling05 at 6:52PM on 03/28/08
I guess I will add my two cents here. At Christmas we were dining with friends and my husband was fascinated with the Cuisinart grind and brew coffee maker they had just purchased . (Disclaimer: I do not drink coffee, and know nothing about coffee makers!) After that, every time it was advertised on TV, he commented. SO, being the loving wife, I go out and buy him this coffee maker. In return, he appreciated the gesture and uses the coffee maker every day. It has way too many parts and sure does make a mess! (I think he grumbles under his breath) The moral of this story? Don't do it. It is a high maintenance decision!!
crazyspice at 7:06PM on 03/28/08
Not going to happen for under $400. You can get a nice espresso maker that froths milk on the side, but nothing that does all 3 things well. I once saw a machine that did all things well and it was $1500!!!! Buy yourself a good cappucino machine and spluge on a burr grinder.
Sweetie at 12:04AM on 03/29/08
I agree with Sweetie definately invest in a good Burr grinder, there is a major difference between well ground coffee and fizzeldust. and the recomendation I made for the Capresso was as an espresso machine with a frother, not for a multi purpsose thingymabob. seperate components may seem a waste of money at first but trust me, good quality is well worth the price.
huney_bumper at 8:40AM on 03/29/08