No more trips to Starbucks...
Written: Jan 05 '02 (Updated Jan 17 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Easy to use. Always there when I want a latte. Great crema
Cons: A little expensive, but worth it.
The Bottom Line: If you are sick of being gouged for coffee and long lines, go for it. You won't be disappointed.
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| jacksons_mom's Full Review: Estro Barista |
We got a Delongi espresso maker for our wedding. Although it was convenient when I din't want to make the trek to Starbucks, I never felt I was getting the quality that I could get at the local Starbucks. Wanting an alternative to paying $3.00 per latte, we set out on the quest for a better machine. After reading countless reviews on many high end machines, we decide to take a chance on the Starbucks Barista while it was on sale last Chirstmas. One year later, I can say that this machine has paid for itself in the savings of making my own lattes and has performed really well.
This pump driven, steel-bodied machine really easy to use. Follow three simple steps (power on, press button to steam milk, press button to brew) and you have a perfect shot every time. Although I love a good latte, I don't exactly consider myself a connoisseur and am not willing to learn a complicated set of instructions . This is what has deterred me from purchasing other high-end machines. Although it doesn't have an automatic cut off feature, I actually like watching the espresso dispense and I can stop it when I want (Starbucks customer service recommends brewing for approx. 15 seconds). Depending on how much ground beans you put in the basket, you can brew either a single or double shot and the machine is ready to go again within a minute or so. Another thing I like is that the ground beans only need to be the same consistency that you would use with your cone type drip machine. This allows the user to still get a great shot without having to pregrind beans at the store to the ultra-fine consistency required by other machines, or buy an expensive burr grinder for home grinding (although I love my burr grinder from Starbucks).
It comes with an informative training video, user's manual, and a dual filter system (one basket for ground beans and one for the cool espresso pods from Starbucks). Starbuck's has promotions several times a year when the Baristas are one sale or you get a free grinder or espresso pods. If you keep watching the stores, you can usually pick one up on sale within a couple of months.
Regardless of what other reviews say, I find the machine easy to clean and maintain. We have been using it every day for over 1 year and have had absolutely no problems. A simple wipe now and then, and rinsing out the water tank every week is all the effort it takes.
Negatives - well, the only two things that I don't like are: it is really heavy, so if you plan on dragging it out of the cupboard for occasional use, you may want to try to find something less cumbersome. Also, it doesn't turn itself off automatically after a period of inactivity. I frequently forget and turn it off hours later. I don't know if this will shorten the life of the machine, but it sure would be nice if every time I get in the car, I don't have to think "did I turn the espresso machine off?"
I figured out that after about 100 lattes it has paid for itself. I see this as an investment that will keep paying off. Worth every penny.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
jacksons_mom
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Location: San Diego, CA
Reviews written: 4
Trusted by: 1 member
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