Others say...

"Use distilled water in espresso maker"
Actually, I don't own this particular machine, but am considering purchasing it. I have two Krups machines - a combination machine, the Cafe Duomo, and an old venerable Espresso Mini that's used mostly for travel and for when we need more espresso capacity for when we have guests over. I have no complaints with either machine, and in fact would consider myself well-chuffed with both machines. I've been using distilled water to make espresso for about 20 years, and as a result, have never had to de-scale. Additionally, regarding cleaning the steam nozzle - it's best to clean it immediately after frothing - that way, the milk is still soft and easy to remove with a wet cloth. If you allow the milk to dry or to otherwise build up on the steam nozzle & tube after multiple uses, said buildup will harden and become a much more difficult proposition to remove. Regarding that "Perfect Froth Attachment" - well, my first Krups Espresso Mini, vintage early 80's, was before the PFA was introduced, so I "grew up" steaming & frothing milk sans PFA. On subsequent Krups machines that came with the PFA, I opted to remove same, as I could see what a cleaning and sanitary issue it would become. Hope this info helps!

"Good enough that we bought a second one"
When the first one died after 12 years of use, we replaced it with the same model. Very reliable, good quality and does a decent job of espresso and steamed milk although it's by no means a real professional's unit.

The one thing that has consistenly bugged me is the shape of the spout on the coffeepot. For some reason I literally cannot pour it when near full without the water or coffee sticking to the side of the pot and running down and dribbling off the bottom. So every morning I have this ritual of filling the water and then cleaning up all the water that the darned pot dribbles off the side, and then pouring coffee and cleaning coffee off the counter. I assure you all I have reasonable coordination.

But we really like the unit otherwise.

"Coffee pot good, espresso maker not good"
I love having a combination machine. However, the espresso maker really, really does not work well. When you tamp down the coffee grounds it clogs up and the water can't pass through. You end up getting about 2 drops of espresso at a time. To make one espresso drink, I have to brew it about 3 times. It's quite inconvenient. I'm just waiting for my machine to break so I can justify getting a different one!

"Decent drip, weak expresso"
I have to admit I've been using this machine for a couple of years and quite enjoyed it, although the expresso has never really been up to par with commercial expresso (and always had some grounds mixed in). And it can't really handle it if you pack the expresso grounds a little.

I recently visited a friend's house and tried their expresso machine - WOW! The difference was quite dramatic - I'm definitely chucking this baby to get a 'real' expresso machine. (I'm giving it 3 stars instead of 2 because it's a good value for folks who aren't so picky - it's always impressed visitors and made decent pseudo-expresso).

Also, you've really got to stay and watch the coffee if you want to foam your milk because it only foams for about 90 seconds. So don't turn your back to cook the rest of your wife's breakfast.


"Krups 867-42 II Caffe Bistro 10-Cup Coffee/4-Cup Espresso Maker"
I am really pleased with this machine. It makes a wonderful cup of regular coffee and using it for espresso and cappuchino is quite easy. When I opened it I was a little concerned because it looks complicated - but its not. Directions are clear. My purchase experience was great as well. I recommend it. Its a tidy package and I don't have to litter my counter tops with several coffee machines - this does it all.