Heaven on my kitchen counter.
Written: Jan 10 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: simple, reliable, beautiful, ergonomic, priced right (buy it on sale) portable, easy to get creative.
Cons: nothing really jumps out at me. Maybe it could use a cup warmer.
The Bottom Line: I would tell anyone who wants to make espresso at home to look into this machine. It's just so much fun!
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| willspeed's Full Review: Estro Barista |
To begin with, I worked for Starbucks when (in the old days) we had no automatic espresso machines. Shots were pulled and tamped by hand and a subtle change in the weather was instantly noticed by the dramatic change in the tamp required to pull good shots. I was quite saddened to see those machines leave and felt not a small sense of something being lost to efficiency and economics. It would seem all Baristas are now equal behind their machines. This said, I give you my review of the Starbucks Barista Home Espresso Machine.
My first experience with this machine was when my girlfriend at the time brought one to my apartment so we could enjoy the convenience of not having to run around the corner and drop ten dollars a pop. She had only recently purchased the device so I was the first person to use it. Any qualms I had about it being like my old Barista Zia were instantly relieved when I removed it from the box. The weight alone was enough to reassure me it meant business. The portafilter has a wonderful heft and feels very solid. When attaching it to the machine it fits tightly and even after serious use it remained so. My mind drifted back to my summer and fall behind the counter as I carefully measured the espresso grounds into the filter and subconsciously I counted the seconds as the carmely coffee poured into the waiting shot glass. My next experience was with the steamer wand. I have read complaints about its location, the single hole tip and its lack of a rubber cap. Rubbish I say. My only problem is finding large enough cups to hold the milk I'm frothing. I have one I use regularly and it hold two cups. I purchased the Starbucks stainless steel frothing pitcher. My favorite aspect of this is the small hole above the handle designed to hold the thermometer. It is perfection. I produce a froth/ foam as smooth as cream and strong enough to walk on. One friend said you could sculpt with it. The owner of the machine often stole this delicious confection right out of my own cup. It was very easy to master the techniques required to achieve these results every time. As for concerns about the quantity of beverages one can make at a time, I found the time between frothing and brewing allows the machine to heat enough water to be ready for the next drink. Here, the water tank capacity is really appreciated.
Within hours I was fully hooked on having the Barista in my kitchen. My friends were soon buzzing around my apartment and the aroma of coffee thick in the air. But all good things must come to an end and for three horrid days I was without my new friend. All is better now though. I was able to acquire a brand new machine of my very own. The original was the stainless steel version and I was a bit hesitant to change. However, I have found my black faced steel shelled version to be even more pleasing to look at. It feels more understated.
I had only one issue with my new machine and after looking carefully I found the source and resolved the concern. When I first fired it up and brewed my first shot, there issued forth a horrible clattering noise. I was understandably concerned. I examined every part I could and finally located the culprit. The siphon tube in the reservoir has a hard plastic tip and was resting on the plastic of the tank. The vibration of the pump caused it to rattle. A careful snip with a scissors has silenced this. My machine is a pleasure to use and maintain. I have a ritual and follow it every time I make a cup. Just as we did in the coffee shop I run the brew cycle through the empty filter to rinse it clean.
I happily report a fine espresso beverage greets my every morning when I wake up. After my shift as a paramedic ends I look forward to getting home and relaxing with a fresh cup on the patio. In fact, I usually think of nothing else on my way home.
I have taken my Barista with me on trips and it has handled the adventures in true adventurer form.
Additionally, the limitations to the types of beverages one makes are truly a matter of one's imagination. My niece prefers cold coffee drinks. I have a blender and she is delighted. I would recommend this machine to anyone who has an appreciation for coffee and doesn't need to stroke their ego with some behemoth in their kitchen. I urge owners to experiment and to then share their experiences. Isn't this what coffee is all about after all?
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
willspeed
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Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 0 members
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