Capresso EC100 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine Review
The Capresso EC100 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine helps you make delicious drinks right in your own kitchen. Save money from going to the local café day after day and invest in this reasonably priced espresso machine, best for at home use.
Easy To Use, Delicious Drinks to Follow
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted.Filter type:Reusable
Made of durable and easy to clean stainless steel and plastic, this unit measures in at a powerful but petite 8.25 x 10.25 x 11.75 inches and only 11 pounds—perfect for storing and integrating into your kitchen. The water container holds an impressive 46 ounces and can easily be removed, refilled and clean at your leisure.
TheCapresso EC100 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machinealso includes an easily maneuverable milk frother wand and two settings for coffee or steaming—just rotate the lever and you’re ready to do either. Make two shots with different filters, or just one. With an innovative way of containing heat, this unit will reduce accidents and burns.
Features
The Capresso EC100 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine is a versatile, yet easy to use machine. With an impressive capacity water receptacle of 46 ounces, you won’t have to worry about constantly refilling.
The portafilter locks in automatically to avoid messy and dangerous mistakes and a guard to protect your thumb when removing the portafilter after the shot is pulled. Use one of two filters to make a single or double shot, and use two different settings on the steam wand for the perfect milk consistency.
Choose either “coffee” or “steam” settings for pulling your shot or steaming milk, and customize your coffee making experience based on the kind of drink you’d like. An on/off light on the front of the machine lets you know when its ready to brew.
The Capresso EC100 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker is ideal for a simple double shot of espresso or a more elaborate cappuccino or latte: its up to you. A cup warming tray both catches excess milk or grounds and is easily removed from the unit for cleaning.
Pros
- Small and compact
- Makes single or double shots with two filters
- On/Off lights
- Coffee/Steam lights
- High volume water receptacle
- Easy to clean
- Milk frother with two settings
- Stainless steel and plastic both easy to clean and internalizes heat
- Economical price
- Relatively light
- Portafilter locks itself in
- Safe and easy to use
Cons
- Very basic design
- Not as easily customizable or adjustable as some machines
- Steam powered, not electric powered—depends on preference
- Some have reported plastic taste in water
Customer Reviews
The most recent review states that “I have ad this for about a month. At first I was really unsure if I liked it”. However the go onto say that the main reason was because of the grind they were using – the local store grind being to powerful and fine which caused the machine to clog up. Since using a different grind they are more than happy and use it to make around 3-4 lattes per day – so a moderate user. They state that “this is a speedy little machine and I am one proud owner” – I guess reviews don’t come much better than that.
Another review states that “I just love, love, love this machine. I returned a Keurig and ordered this one instead and I am so happy I did”. They go on to say how it makes a perfect crema every day and that the frother isn’t needed – which is reassuring.
An older review raises a valid point regarding the quality of grind you need to use with the Capresso machine. As mentioned above some quality of grinds will cause you issues so it is important to get it right. This person recommended the Capresso burr grinder alongside the machine to make the perfect cup of espresso.
Questions and Answers You Should Know
Question: “What type of coffee and cappuccino can I use?”
Answer: You can use almost any kind of coffee with the Capresso Espresso Machine, however, a very dark roast is typically used to make an espresso. As covered above, the grind of the coffee is particularity important when using this machine and it seems a very fine ground – almost to a powder – works best. This can be achieved with the Capresso burr grinder which is sold separately.
Question: “Can I make regular coffee as well as an espresso?”
Answer: The short answer is no – this machine is mainly for espresso. However you can dilute your espresso with milk or hot water to make some amazing coffee’s or lattes.
Question: “Does this machine come with a carafe for the coffee?”
Answer: Unfortunately it does not, however for the price of the machine this is not surprising. You do not require a carafe, however if you really want one then they are sold separately.
Question: “Does Capresso Espresso Machine come with a warranty?”
Answer: Yes it does – it comes with a 1 year manufactures warranty from Jura
Summary
The Capresso EC100 Pump Espresso Machine is a very basic, no-frills machine for the espresso novice. At a relatively compact size of 6 pounds and 8.25 x 10.25 x 11.75 inches, this machine will be a welcome addition to your kitchen or morning routine.
This machine includes two filters, one for a single shot and one for a double shot. Two different lights at the front of the machine indicate on or off modes or coffee or steaming modes.
With a black plastic and stainless steel combination, this machine retains heat and reduces accidents. A large capacity water receptacle—up to 46 ounces—can be removed and refilled or cleaned. Steam milk to your desired consistency with two different settings and an easily maneuverable steam wand.
The cup-warming tray can be removed as well, for cleaning out excess milk or espresso. The Capresso EC100 Pump Espresso Machine works on a steam pump system rather than an electric system, and the shots are manually tamped.
Comparisons
The Mr. Coffee ECMP1000 Café Barist Premium Expresso/Cappuccino System is a great alternative to the Capresso EC100 Pump Espresso Machine in that it steams its own milk automatically, is a comparable size, and has an easily removable tank.
This unit is a bit heavier, but not by much, and is made of a stainless steel. This machine is also self-tamping and semi-automatic.
The De’Longhi EC155 15 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker also runs on steam and is comparable in size. This unit also has a swiveling steam wand and is made of stainless steel.
It is almost identical in size and weight, and works on a knob system rather than a button system.
Don’t forget you can check out more reviews of the best at home espresso machines in our Definitive Guide.
Verdict
The Caspresso EC100 Pump Espresso Machine is great for coffee novices—just choose one of two options on or off, coffee or steam, single or double shot, or adjust the maneuverable swiveling milk steamer at the side of the machine for your desired consistency.
As with any espresso or coffee machine, it is important to keep the Capresso EC100 Pump Espresso Machine clean in order to extend its life, which is easy to do with a detachable tray and cup warmer that can be easily washed or run through the dishwasher.
Overall the Capresso EC100 is both user-friendly and turns out a good coffee for the price.
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted.Filter type:Reusable