Hamilton Beach 40729 Espresso/Cappuccino Maker with Pod Holder
 | Average Customer Rating: Recommend Caf quality made easy Powerful 15 bar pump No-fuss frother Easy-fill reservoir Works with pre-measured pods or ground espresso Enjoy authentic espresso and cappuccino anytime Product details and pricing info |
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90 Customer Reviews Posted
- Rarely Functional
- The machine worked well for a couple of week until it developed problems passing water through the pod, so we called the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer asked us to destroy the machine so they could send us a new one. The new machine didn't work at all. By this time I couldn't return the machine to Amazon for a refund and the manufacturer refused to refund my money.
- 2008-08-15, 0 of 0 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- Not bad for the price
- I've had this machine for over a year -- or an earlier, identical model -- and am content. It takes some research to learn to make a good cup, and you do need to have small cups and patience for the unit to heat up, but for the price, I've been satisfied.
I agree with complaints that there are not instructions on how to delime the machine; I wish there were. I've also noticed that the temperature of the espresso is not as hot as you would expect. I have had success, though, with getting an admirable crema by 1) grinding the beans fresh just before (using an ordinary blade grinder), 2) tamping them down well (unfortunately, the scoop/tamper broke, so I have to make do) and really packing them tight, 3) using fresh, filtered water, 4) not attaching the hopper to the machine until the red temperature light turns off; if I attach it while the machine is still heating, my espresso comes out flat every time, 5) I fill the hopper to the "2" marker, and only make 2-3 oz. of coffee; if you try to fill it to the "1" level, you'll be disappointed by the flat, watery results (unless maybe using the pod attachment solves that problem; don't know, as I like making double shots).
The frother is disappointing, I agree, if you want to make multiple or double servings. I have had problems with milk spewing out the hole in the side of the cover over the wand, but solve that by making sure the hole is facing down. When it DOES start to spew, the milk is usually nearly ready anyway. And to tell the truth, I'm not much of a purist: I drink a lot of iced lattes, or just heat the milk in the microwave (philistine that I am) because I want to save time.
But, all in all, the machine has lasted so far for some 20 months of daily use, and is still adequate and much cheaper than daily trips to Starbucks. - 2008-08-06, 0 of 0 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- Leaky machine
- Its hard to find things that can hold up anymore and thats frustrating. This machine worked well for 2 months and now it has a bad leak. So do I buy a new on and take the chance or buy a different machine? Thats the great debate!!!!
- 2008-07-16, 0 of 0 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- Remarkable for the money
- Picked this up after my Delonghi died. This one is superior in almost every way. The pump is stronger (much) and the steam works quicker. It makes a very smooth espresso. The Delonghi had a special system for getting a crema which worked very well - it's a bit trickier on this machine, you have to work out the correct tamping pressure (and the coffee has to be quite finely ground), but you can get a great crema once you figure it out.
- 2008-06-15, 0 of 0 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- Expected more
- Annoying that regular mug cups do not fit. My husband uses 2 espresso cups to fill up 1 mug, and complains often how the coffee is warm, not hot.
The "warmer" on top of the machine warms nothing.
Noisy machine. Our last model was quiet, which is what you want early in the morning.
At times the coffee comes out watery.
We mourn the demise of our old espresso machine. - 2008-06-01, 0 of 0 people found this review helpful, Rated:
