bit-tech Shopping: Krups XP 2070 Programmable Espresso Machine

• coffee grinder
• espresso/cappucino maker

Rating: 2

Time with product: 1 Year

Strengths: Looks good

Weaknesses: Severe manufacturing flaws

Summary: I bought this machine 1 1/2 yrs ago. Had to replace it 5 times before I got one that worked right. The had it for 11 months, and espresso stopped working. Sent it to be repaired under warranty. Had it for another 5 months only for it to quit working again. Krups offered to fix it again even though it was past the warranty. Guess they could't fix, sent me a new one. Had new one for 4 days, espresso side already not working. Very dissapointed in krups. Have used krups for years, done with that company.

Rating: 4

Time with product: 9 Months

Strengths: Feature packed, compact design

Weaknesses: Only 1 or 2 cups of espresso a timeNoisyPressure valve leaked in 9 months of light usageTerrible unfriendly customer service

Summary: This machine was the perfect choice for a coffee loving couple in a small condo. It had all the features you could think of , even wakes you up in the morning a a beep and a wArm frwash cup of coffee if you preset it the night before.However trouble started after 9 months of very light usage, the froather started to loose pressure and itstarted to leak water from the espresso tank, customer service was very unfriendly.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 5 Weeks

Strengths: Great espresso and coffee. Steam frother works well. Great looks and features.

Weaknesses: The coffee carafe can drip coffee down the sides if you pour too quickly.

Summary: I wanted a coffee machine that could be programmed to turn itself on, and off, in the morning and an espresso machine to make cappuccinos and Irish Coffees. With the price of "fully automatic" espresso machines on the market, which grind and then dump the beans, being so high, I began looking at "semi-automatic" units, which the XP 2070 is. Our family has been very pleased, so far (over a month), with the Krups. The powerful 15 bar pump makes a very nice espresso with a rich crema on top. It produces one or two "shots" at a time. The steaming wand froths milk very efficiently. The coffee unit will keep the coffee warm for 2 hours and then automatically shut off.If you like your drip coffee darker, there is a setting that slows up the brewing process, and there is also a memory feature that will allow you to have your espresso weaker by allowing more water to pass through the espresso grounds, giving you a slightly larger "shot" in your cup. It will remember your setting until you cancel it. We have not used either of these features, but many people will find them beneficial. Caution should be taken when pouring hot coffee from the 10 cup carafe. Pour slowly and have the lip of the carafe against the top of your cup to prevent messy spills.In the five weeks that we have been using this unit we have been thrilled. It is quiet, easy to use and easy to clean and it doesn't take up much room on the counter.